Ching!

In the past few years, there have been two underlying stories out of the Heartland and the Pacific Northwest. As Peyton Manning developed into the top quarterback in the league and Marvin Harrison was hailed as the anti-T.O., Edgerrin James has been quietly stellar. Last season, James rushed for the most unheralded 1548 yards in NFL history, freezing defenses in the process of many of Manning's playaction TDs during his record-setting season. In 2001, James' success was curtailed by a season-ending knee injury in Kansas City, six games into the campaign. Yet, as the focus was shifted to Harrison and Manning, he came back strong the following season despite several injuries to his ankles, knees, ribs and hamstrings to start 14 games and compile 1,343 yards from scrimmage. The question of keeping the NFL's newest triplets came after these two seasons as many began to wonder if Jim Irsay could re-sign all three. No one was quite sure if James would be that explosive back that he was the first rookie RB since Eric Dickerson to win the rushing title back in 1999. To make a long biopic short, James signed a one-year tender prior to the start of the 2005 season, but Edge has opened to the thought of free agency, even once hinting at returning to his Miami roots.

Meanwhile, there's Shaun Alexander, the former Alabama Crimson Tide running back who has been the touchdown machine in Seattle. After supplanting Ricky Watters for the starting nod during the 2000 season, Alexander has been one of the league leaders in rushing, total yardage and the fantasy favorite with a gazillion multi-TD games for the past four+ years. One of the more consistent players in the league, his ability has allowed the development of Matt Hasselbeck into a solid QB and opened the field for their wide receivers. Though he has not had the injuriy history similar to that of his closest peer, Priest Holmes, he's been begging for that payday. Two consecutive years, two consecutive one-year tenders. Sure, there's a lot of good faith involved despite the holdouts, but with coach Mike Holmgren's future in the air and pressing defensive needs, the 27-year old's window of opportunity seems to be winding down.

Looking at these two players, two questions:

1. Why is the financial campaign for Alexander greater than that for James in the national media?
2. What has been holding both teams back from signing them long-term?

In answering the first, it just might be turning the channel at the wrong moment or noticing that Seattle seems to be on Sunday night every two-three weeks, but hasn't been Edge been every bit the dominating RB as Shaun? That's for debate, which in itself can turn out to be a wash. Manning's play fakes wouldn't work if he had Obafemi Ayanbadejo scaring defensive fronts. Seattle would have never contended for the NFC West if it wasn't for Alexander's goal-line punches. So why do analysts point out Alexander's contractual woes during the season much more? Because touchdowns are sexy, even if they comes against the likes of the Arizona Cardinals. Because Hasselbeck didn't throw for 49 TDs last season. Because Seattle has been "primed" for the Super Bowl for two years. Sounds silly considering that right now, James played for the league's last remaining unbeaten team.

In the case of both RBs, it makes no sense that neither are locked for long-term deals, even as they may be reaching their peaks. Much of the argument points to the duration of those who play the position. With the exception of the fullback, no other player on the team endures more punishment (see Oilers great Earl Campbell), but their compensation doesn't acknowledge that. Meanwhile, in fairness or not, the quarterback is the one making the major money to be the face of the franchise and the leader of the team. Yet, there are many teams in the league who prove to be successful without the most dynamic signal-caller. There are teams such as Jacksonville, Pittsburgh and Tampa Bay that have shown to win games without throwing for 300 yards. And as those darling Eagles have shown, it takes more than an elite receiver and top-notch QB to move an offense. So the excuses have come. Comments Alexander made last season when he lost the rushing title to the Jets' Curtis Martin has been quirped as reasons why. Irsay linked the contracts of James and Harrison to the once-potential stadium deal that the Colts signed with Indianapolis and Indiana state officials earlier this fall (reminiscent of the Marlins keeping Mike Lowell this past year or the Phillies signing Jim Thome three years back based on new stadiums). So what if Peyton signed a seven year-$99 million deal last March... While it is a fact that the economics of the NFL are much different than those of all other sports, the league nor teams truly reflect this "socialism" that it is accused of when it comes to retaining and caring for its talent.

Similary, despite his down year, Jamal Lewis is hoping to remain a Raven for life at season's end. There's Travis Henry sitting on the pine in Tennessee after sitting on the pine in Buffalo. And it's hard not to forget the Steelers three-headed attack or Denver's shared backfield after this year. Plus, the Eagles still need a running game. This upcoming offseason in the NFL will be intriguing as many teams will chomp at the bit to sign these guys. You would hope that Indianapolis and Seattle would finally step their games up. Yet, stranger things have happened.

hey, at least someone loves Shaun.

Say What?!?!: I must say that so far, I have been impressed by one of the Knicks rookies - Channing Frye. While entering the season, his status on the team long-term was uncertain, Frye has showed a nice offensive touch and knack for rebounding. Sure, fouls hurt any player, especially rookies playing against savvier and bigger pro players. Yet, the kid can play. Even if he won't be considered for ROY honors, don't be surprised his he kicks into the starting lineup for the Knicks... and stays there for a hot minute.