Battle Red News Wire: 3 More Years for Brice McCain

Nickel corner Brice McCain remains a Texan. McCain was part of the Texans' 2009 draft class that included Brian Cushing, Connor Barwin, Antoine Caldwell, Glover Quin, James Casey, and Troy Nolan. That brings the total number of re-signed players by the Texans to two with Andrew Gardner's re-signing last week.

In the latest of installment of #REEDWATCH, Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti was asked what his gut feeling was about Ed Reed. Bisciotti response was, "That we have him." All parties are at the NFL Owners Meeting in Phoenix, including Reed's agent David Dunn. Bisciotti's statement isn't a nail in the coffin by any means but the lingering of the proceedings seem to point towards Reed returning to Baltimore. At this point, it seems more likely that Michael Huff, Charles Woodson, or Quintin Mikell will be suiting up for the Texans at safety. Wake me up when #REEDWATCH is over.

In other Texans news, Football Outsiders marvels at J.J. Watt and reminds you how bad Bradie James was. That writer just may be onto something.

Speaking of Watt, he's throwing out the first pitch at the Houston Astros home opener on March 31st when the Astros take on new American League West Division rival Texas.

Around the League
The NFL Owners meeting has reached full stride and guess what's on the chopping block? The Pro Bowl, of course it's the Pro Bowl. The Pro Bowl has become an annual shell game. Will the game even be played? Where it will be played? And so on. The single biggest change might a fantasy draft; team captains would have to pick their teammates. This is similar to the current NHL All-Star format, and that's worked out great for the NHL, right? You guys have been watching the NHL All-Star game the last few years, right? Sure, you have.

The tradition of the Super Bowl winning team opening the NFL season may be in jeopardy. The Baltimore Orioles have a night game against the White Sox on September 5th, the scheduled date of the NFL's opening night. The Orioles and Ravens share parking lots; it would be a logistical nightmare to have both games at the same time. In the end, I'm sure Roger Goodell will get his way.

The Hall of Fame Game, on August 4th, will be played between the Dolphins and the Cowboys. The game will be held on the same weekend as the enshrinement of Larry Allen, Cris Carter, Curley Culp, Jonathan Ogden, Bill Parcells, Dave Robinson, and Warren Sapp.

The owners meetings also brought about two rules changes. A five-yard penalty will be assessed for overloading one side and pushing a teammate into the blocking line on field goal attempt. The other rule has been dubbed the "The Brian Cushing Rule". A 15-yard penalty will be given when an offensive player makes a "peel-back block". Jets lineman Matt Slauson, changing the entire complexity of the Texans defense last year, cut down Brian Cushing below the knees.

Finally - #PhillyProblems

What I learned today: You're not allowed to pump your own gas in New Jersey & it costs $5 to get back into Philly. I have much to learn...

— James Casey (@jamescasey86) March 20, 2013