Houston Texans Newswire: Memorial Day Edition

As it is Memorial Day, we as a nation look back and thank those who have made the ultimate sacrifice to protect American liberty. Here are a few stories that show Memorial Day's many faces. James Dao went to Dover Air Force; he presents the story of the men and women that prepare the fallen for their return home. The Washington Post's Marc Lancaster tells us the story of Keith Birlem. After a short time with the Redskins, Birlem left to join the Air Force during World War II. Birlem, a flying fortress commander, was killed in action.

Houston Texans News

McNair Digs Deep for Oklahoma.

The Texans Owner donated $100,000 to the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma Disaster Relief Fund. The fund will help support the people in-and-around Moore, Oklahoma, that was devastated by a two-mile-wide Category 5 tornado.

"We were very concerned about what's happened up there," McNair said. "It's total devastation. The group that we've dedicated these funds to, they go in and they have mobile kitchens; they go in and provide meals, water, bedding and all kinds of everyday kind of support that you need.

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Let the Battle Begin at Wide Receiver.

The Texans have injected youth into their receiving core over the past two seasons. The question is now, is this young talent worth the trouble? Keshawn Martin and Lestar Jean will have to show more then just flashes of competency to be part of the team's future plans. For now, they are ahead of the curve compared to DeAndre Hopkins. I wouldn't expect that to last very long.

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Around the League

The Bears Finally Did What?

The Bears are retiring Mike Ditka's number this season, December 9th against the Cowboys. That isn't a typo. Mike Ditka was the first tight end to be elected to the National Football Hall of Fame and head coach of the Super Bowl XX winning Bears. Chicago hasn't retired his number yet. I guess it's better late then never.

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Stafford Happy with Line.

If I were to ask for your opinion of Lions' offensive line, what would you say? Most likely answer would be, "I don't know anything about them." Well, Detroit wasn't that bad in 2012; they were in the top 10 in sacks allowed (29). just behind the Texans (28). This offseason, the Lions lost both starting tackles and their right guard. Matt Stafford's response to this changing of the guard -

"I don't expect a big change," Stafford said, via MLive.com. "I don't expect any kind of a drop-off. I think we're extremely talented up front."

Lions will be able to slip in a first round pick Riley Reiff into one of those open slots. I wonder how long Stafford will sing the same tone from his back as three fresh faces attempt to gel on the offensive line.

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"The Ravens Are Dumb" - Joe Linta

The agent for Joe Flacco called both the Ravens and his client "dumb" for not coming to a deal before the start of last season. He cited possible injury on Joe's part and a small monetary difference in contract talks with Ravens before the 2012 season as the reasons for his statement.

"I've never in my life seen a dumber move. I guess people can say, ‘Well, Joe was dumb, too.' It could have been (dumb), God forbid, if he got hurt. But $1 million to Steve Bisciotti six years from now? That's like 100 bucks for you or me today," Linta said.

I wonder who will be the "dumb" one as the Ravens watch Flacco play out the rest of his $120.6 million contract.