Denver Broncos owner Pat Bowlen issued the following statement tonight:
"Numerous attempts to contact Jay Cutler in the last 10 days, both by head coach Josh McDaniels and myself, have been unsuccessful. A conversation with his agent (Bus Cook) earlier today clearly communicated and confirmed to us that Jay no longer has any desire to play for the Denver Broncos. We will begin discussions with other teams in an effort to accommodate his request to be traded."
My instant analysis of this statement is that if the Broncos trade Cutler, and I'm (still) not convinced they will, the franchise is about to be set back by about 2-3 years, which coincidentally, is the amount of time it'll take for them to add the players necessary to make the switch to a 3-4 defense.
Unfortunately for first-year head coach Josh McDaniels and first-year general manager Brian Xanders, trading Cutler gets the start of their new careers off to a horrendous start. Regardless of what the anti-Cutler/Bus Cook shills write and say, it was McDaniels and Xanders who alienated the franchise's 25-year old Pro Bowl quarterback, which got this avalanche started.
Expect the New York Jets, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Minnesota Vikings, Detroit Lions and Chicago Bears to be highly interested in acquiring Cutler, and expect another pointless column by Tom Curran in 3...2...1...
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Corey Redding Restructures Contract (UPDATE)
One of the conditions the Seattle Seahawks had before agreeing to trade linebacker Julian Peterson to the Detroit Lions for Corey Redding and a 5th round pick was Redding's willingness to restructure the 5-years and $32.225 million dollars he had remaining on the 7-year, $49 million contract he signed with the Lions in 2007.
And they've restructured the hell out of it.
According to NFLPA records, Redding is now signed through just the 2009 season, with a base salary of $2 million dollars. Redding was due to make $3.55 million dollars this season ($3.3M base salary plus a $250K workout bonus), so the Seahawks have saved an additional $1.55 million in salary cap space, bringing the net cap savings from the Peterson-for-Redding and a 5th round pick to $2.2 million dollars.
Seattle has also gotten out from under the $28.675 million dollars remaining on the back-end of Redding's deal, which was to run through 2013. (Peterson has not restructured his contract, which is scheduled to pay him $30.5 million dollars between 2009-12, since being acquired by Detroit.)
UPDATE: Mike Sando of ESPN.com has confirmed the restructure, adding that Redding will receive just the $2 million dollar base salary in 2009.
Since being acquired from Detroit, Redding has been billed as a defensive end on 1st and 2nd down, who'll slide inside to rush the passer from the defensive tackle position on passing downs. In other words, he was to be what the Seahawks had hoped Lawrence Jackson would be in his rookie season. A restructure this severe, though, combined with reports that the Seahawks had concerns about his Redding's knee, indicates that Redding is more likely to be a rotational defensive end who can spell Brandon Mebane at the three-technique, instead of the defensive line dynamo he was originally thought to be.
What it also indicates was that Julian Peterson was 100% on his way out of Seattle, deal or no deal with Detroit, and that the defensive line is still an area the Seahawks could address on April 25, or more likely, April 26.
And they've restructured the hell out of it.
According to NFLPA records, Redding is now signed through just the 2009 season, with a base salary of $2 million dollars. Redding was due to make $3.55 million dollars this season ($3.3M base salary plus a $250K workout bonus), so the Seahawks have saved an additional $1.55 million in salary cap space, bringing the net cap savings from the Peterson-for-Redding and a 5th round pick to $2.2 million dollars.
Seattle has also gotten out from under the $28.675 million dollars remaining on the back-end of Redding's deal, which was to run through 2013. (Peterson has not restructured his contract, which is scheduled to pay him $30.5 million dollars between 2009-12, since being acquired by Detroit.)
UPDATE: Mike Sando of ESPN.com has confirmed the restructure, adding that Redding will receive just the $2 million dollar base salary in 2009.
Since being acquired from Detroit, Redding has been billed as a defensive end on 1st and 2nd down, who'll slide inside to rush the passer from the defensive tackle position on passing downs. In other words, he was to be what the Seahawks had hoped Lawrence Jackson would be in his rookie season. A restructure this severe, though, combined with reports that the Seahawks had concerns about his Redding's knee, indicates that Redding is more likely to be a rotational defensive end who can spell Brandon Mebane at the three-technique, instead of the defensive line dynamo he was originally thought to be.
What it also indicates was that Julian Peterson was 100% on his way out of Seattle, deal or no deal with Detroit, and that the defensive line is still an area the Seahawks could address on April 25, or more likely, April 26.
Stafford Wows the Lions
According to Tony Pauline of Sports Illustrated, Georgia quarterback Matthew Stafford impressed Detroit Lions officials during a team-conducted private workout today in Athens, Georgia.
"The draft's top quarterback was on point with all his throws throughout the session. He threw just about 40 passes and hit on all but three of them. Stafford fired the ball downfield, hitting receivers in stride, and threw accurately through the entire session.
Overall, the Detroit brass were very complimentary about Stafford's work today. The Lions praised his overall passing mechanics and the way he threw the ball.
The draft is still more than three weeks away, but Stafford's workout today was so impressive that observers in Athens got the impression it was a "done deal" and the Lions will use the first pick to acquire Stafford."
Statistically, there's more risk involved when using a high first-round draft pick on an underclassmen quarterback, but if Stafford's the Lions' guy, he's their guy. The next step will be surrounding him with players who can make a difference.
"The draft's top quarterback was on point with all his throws throughout the session. He threw just about 40 passes and hit on all but three of them. Stafford fired the ball downfield, hitting receivers in stride, and threw accurately through the entire session.
Overall, the Detroit brass were very complimentary about Stafford's work today. The Lions praised his overall passing mechanics and the way he threw the ball.
The draft is still more than three weeks away, but Stafford's workout today was so impressive that observers in Athens got the impression it was a "done deal" and the Lions will use the first pick to acquire Stafford."
Statistically, there's more risk involved when using a high first-round draft pick on an underclassmen quarterback, but if Stafford's the Lions' guy, he's their guy. The next step will be surrounding him with players who can make a difference.
Luke McCown: "We're a young team"
Is there any chance the Tampa Bay Buccaneers blared "Love Is a Battlefield" during mini-camp this morning?
"I don't buy into the whole, "This is my team. This is that guy's team,'' Buccaneers quarterback Luke McCown said. "This is our team. We're a young team, we got young real fast. We lost a lot of key veteran guys that have been here for 14 years obviously with Derrick (Brooks), Ike (Hilliard) and Joey (Galloway), Kevin Carter -- guys who have been in the league a long time...We'r e a young team, we got young real fast and we're going to grab onto each other. It's not my team, it's not Jeff Faine's team, this is our team. We're going to get better together.''
No promises, no demands.
"I don't buy into the whole, "This is my team. This is that guy's team,'' Buccaneers quarterback Luke McCown said. "This is our team. We're a young team, we got young real fast. We lost a lot of key veteran guys that have been here for 14 years obviously with Derrick (Brooks), Ike (Hilliard) and Joey (Galloway), Kevin Carter -- guys who have been in the league a long time...We'r e a young team, we got young real fast and we're going to grab onto each other. It's not my team, it's not Jeff Faine's team, this is our team. We're going to get better together.''
No promises, no demands.
Matt Light is a Good Guy
New England Patriots left tackle Matt Light's tireless work in the community was acknowledged today, as The Light Foundation Inc. was presented with a $10,000 grant from NFL Charities today at Woonsocket (RI) Middle School.
"We're very grateful for the opportunity to apply for a grant like this," Light told reporters. "NFL Charities, they're dedicated to helping guys off the field with their charitable endeavors. That is huge. I think when you have that kind of support, it makes it so much easier for us as a foundation, to know we have an organization that stands behind us and is there to help fund some of the programs that we have in place. We're very appreciative."
NFL charities is presenting grants totaling $1 million dollars to 89 charitable player foundations during its inaugural NFL Charities Week, which runs from March 30-April 3. Other players and coaches whose foundations will receive grants include Drew Brees, Matt Birk, Derrick Brooks, Isaac Bruce, Warrick Dunn, Herm Edwards, Doug Flutie, Tony Gonzalez, Jacob Green, Trent Green, Torry and Terrence Holt, Jim Kelly, John Lynch, Peyton Manning, Dan Marino, Ryan Nece, Terrell Owens, Chad Pennington, Mike Peterson, Ben Roethlisberger, Junior Seau, Jason Taylor, Mike Utley, Kurt Warner, Brian Waters, Grant Wistrom, and Steve Young.
"We're very grateful for the opportunity to apply for a grant like this," Light told reporters. "NFL Charities, they're dedicated to helping guys off the field with their charitable endeavors. That is huge. I think when you have that kind of support, it makes it so much easier for us as a foundation, to know we have an organization that stands behind us and is there to help fund some of the programs that we have in place. We're very appreciative."
NFL charities is presenting grants totaling $1 million dollars to 89 charitable player foundations during its inaugural NFL Charities Week, which runs from March 30-April 3. Other players and coaches whose foundations will receive grants include Drew Brees, Matt Birk, Derrick Brooks, Isaac Bruce, Warrick Dunn, Herm Edwards, Doug Flutie, Tony Gonzalez, Jacob Green, Trent Green, Torry and Terrence Holt, Jim Kelly, John Lynch, Peyton Manning, Dan Marino, Ryan Nece, Terrell Owens, Chad Pennington, Mike Peterson, Ben Roethlisberger, Junior Seau, Jason Taylor, Mike Utley, Kurt Warner, Brian Waters, Grant Wistrom, and Steve Young.
Do the Lions Need a Quarterback?
James Cook of the Traverse City Record-Eagle hopes Detroit Lions general manager Martin Mayhew was paying attention during all those years serving under Matt Millen, and will follow the three rules of roster building, which according to Cook, are:
"Rule No. 1: You don't build around a quarterback. This should be evident from the Joey Harrington failure."
"Rule No. 2: Rule No. 2: Invest in the trenches."
"Rule No. 3: Rule No. 3: Don't overpay for free agents."
Rules two and three are ones that everyone can agree with, but I can't agree with Cook on rule number one. This very much is a quarterback-driven league, and when you have a chance to draft a guy who you feel can lead your franchise for the next 10-12 years, you have to make that pick.
There are risks taking a quarterback 1st overall, especially an underclassmen like both quarterbacks pegged to go highly in this year's draft, which is why you have to be 100% sure about the quarterback you're using the #1 pick investing tens of millions of dollars in. Not only that, but unlike with what Millen did after picking Joey Harrington, you have to follow that up by continuing to make good selections when surrounding your franchise quarterback with talent. Millen can never be accused on not putting a bevy of high draft choices in the huddle alongside Harrington, the problem was, for the most part, those players were horrendous flops, which in turn, made Harrington one, too.
Detroit is going to put Matthew Stafford through the paces today. They're going to do everything they can to rattle him in attempts for them to find something they can use to justify not taking him with the 1st overall pick.
But if he passes the tests, he should be their guy with the 1st overall pick.
Also, Cook's remembrance of when Peyton and Eli Manning were drafted is a bit off.
Both the Colts and Giants were coming off poor seasons and were just a year or two into changes at the head coaching position. After each team added a Manning at quarterback, the rest of the roster was subsequently overhauled. In fact, if you look at the key players on the Giants' Super Bowl XLII offense, the following players were added after, or in the same season, the team drafted Manning: Chris Snee, Shaun O'Hara, Kareem McKenzie, Kevin Boss, Plaxico Burress, Ahmad Bradshaw, Derrick Ward and Brandon Jacobs.
"Rule No. 1: You don't build around a quarterback. This should be evident from the Joey Harrington failure."
"Rule No. 2: Rule No. 2: Invest in the trenches."
"Rule No. 3: Rule No. 3: Don't overpay for free agents."
Rules two and three are ones that everyone can agree with, but I can't agree with Cook on rule number one. This very much is a quarterback-driven league, and when you have a chance to draft a guy who you feel can lead your franchise for the next 10-12 years, you have to make that pick.
There are risks taking a quarterback 1st overall, especially an underclassmen like both quarterbacks pegged to go highly in this year's draft, which is why you have to be 100% sure about the quarterback you're using the #1 pick investing tens of millions of dollars in. Not only that, but unlike with what Millen did after picking Joey Harrington, you have to follow that up by continuing to make good selections when surrounding your franchise quarterback with talent. Millen can never be accused on not putting a bevy of high draft choices in the huddle alongside Harrington, the problem was, for the most part, those players were horrendous flops, which in turn, made Harrington one, too.
Detroit is going to put Matthew Stafford through the paces today. They're going to do everything they can to rattle him in attempts for them to find something they can use to justify not taking him with the 1st overall pick.
But if he passes the tests, he should be their guy with the 1st overall pick.
Also, Cook's remembrance of when Peyton and Eli Manning were drafted is a bit off.
Both the Colts and Giants were coming off poor seasons and were just a year or two into changes at the head coaching position. After each team added a Manning at quarterback, the rest of the roster was subsequently overhauled. In fact, if you look at the key players on the Giants' Super Bowl XLII offense, the following players were added after, or in the same season, the team drafted Manning: Chris Snee, Shaun O'Hara, Kareem McKenzie, Kevin Boss, Plaxico Burress, Ahmad Bradshaw, Derrick Ward and Brandon Jacobs.
Dansby, Cardinals Continuing Negotiations
Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic updates us on the contract negotiations between the Arizona Cardinals and franchised linebacker Karlos Dansby:
"The agent for inside linebacker Karlos Dansby is expected to meet with General Manager Rod Graves later this week as the two sides try to reach agreement on a long-term deal."
Dansby played for the one-year tender last season, which had a price tag of $8.065 million dollars. This year's tag is worth $9.678 million, or 20% higher than last year's tag.
"The agent for inside linebacker Karlos Dansby is expected to meet with General Manager Rod Graves later this week as the two sides try to reach agreement on a long-term deal."
Dansby played for the one-year tender last season, which had a price tag of $8.065 million dollars. This year's tag is worth $9.678 million, or 20% higher than last year's tag.
Scout.com: Colts Waive Buster Davis
The Indianapolis Colts have waived journeyman linebacker Buster Davis, Scout.com is reporting.
Davis, a 5-9, 239-pound linebacker originally chosen in the 3rd round of the 2007 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals, was due to make $385,000 in 2009. Davis has also played for the Detroit Lions.
Davis, a 5-9, 239-pound linebacker originally chosen in the 3rd round of the 2007 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals, was due to make $385,000 in 2009. Davis has also played for the Detroit Lions.
Curran Continues to Go After Cutler
NBC Sports.com's Tom Curran continues to go after Jay Cutler. Today, he refers to Cutler's decision to stay away from the team's voluntary off-season workout program as "Wounded Feelings Strike '09" and writes the following:
"Meanwhile, you have to figure whatever support Cutler had in the locker room is dissipating quickly. He's escalated this controversy into a full-blown event from which he's been able to run away and hide while his teammates get grilled about it. To say nothing of the fact that the guy who occupies the most pivotal position on the field is blowing off workouts as a new system is installed, thereby undercutting the process and the team's chances for success in 2009."
In Curran's world, this is all Cutler's fault and as he hides, his teammates are being grilled about it. Of course, what Curran doesn't mention, because he is a credulous hack, is that during the off-season workout program, the media is not allowed inside NFL locker rooms and media participation, which most NFL players would just assume avoid to begin with, is not mandatory.
"Meanwhile, you have to figure whatever support Cutler had in the locker room is dissipating quickly. He's escalated this controversy into a full-blown event from which he's been able to run away and hide while his teammates get grilled about it. To say nothing of the fact that the guy who occupies the most pivotal position on the field is blowing off workouts as a new system is installed, thereby undercutting the process and the team's chances for success in 2009."
In Curran's world, this is all Cutler's fault and as he hides, his teammates are being grilled about it. Of course, what Curran doesn't mention, because he is a credulous hack, is that during the off-season workout program, the media is not allowed inside NFL locker rooms and media participation, which most NFL players would just assume avoid to begin with, is not mandatory.
Burress Case Adjourned Until June 15
New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress' hearing on gun charges has been pushed back until June 15.
Mike Garafolo of the Star-Ledger reports that this could allow Burress' attorney and NYC prosecutors to work out a plea deal.
"I just want to make one thing clear: There's been a lot reported in recent days. A lot's been said that I don't think is necessarily accurate," Benjamin Brafman, Burress' attorney, said during a short statement shortly after the proceedings. "As we speak, there is no agreement of any kind. We are continuing to discuss this case. We're trying our best to see if there's a way to resolve the case. Right now, we have not reached an agreement."
The Giants have a veteran mini-camp scheduled for June 16-18.
Mike Garafolo of the Star-Ledger reports that this could allow Burress' attorney and NYC prosecutors to work out a plea deal.
"I just want to make one thing clear: There's been a lot reported in recent days. A lot's been said that I don't think is necessarily accurate," Benjamin Brafman, Burress' attorney, said during a short statement shortly after the proceedings. "As we speak, there is no agreement of any kind. We are continuing to discuss this case. We're trying our best to see if there's a way to resolve the case. Right now, we have not reached an agreement."
The Giants have a veteran mini-camp scheduled for June 16-18.
Jonathan Vilma's Long Island Condo Raided by Police
Law enforcement officials raided New Orleans Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma's $900,000 Long Island condo, in a search for clues in a pair drug retaliation murders.
There's no evidence that Vilma was involved in the slayings, the New York Daily News reports, adding that a friend or relative of Vilma's who is using the condo may be connected to the double murder.
Grisly details from the article:
"On Friday, NYPD cops found the body of Sekou Sakor, 31, dumped in the Paerdegat Basin in Brooklyn. That same day they discovered the naked body of an unidentified man on 78th St. and Dumont Ave. in Queens. Both men had been shot in the head execution-style. Detectives suspect the murders were in retaliation for a drug theft."
There's no evidence that Vilma was involved in the slayings, the New York Daily News reports, adding that a friend or relative of Vilma's who is using the condo may be connected to the double murder.
Grisly details from the article:
"On Friday, NYPD cops found the body of Sekou Sakor, 31, dumped in the Paerdegat Basin in Brooklyn. That same day they discovered the naked body of an unidentified man on 78th St. and Dumont Ave. in Queens. Both men had been shot in the head execution-style. Detectives suspect the murders were in retaliation for a drug theft."
Legalizing Tampering
ProFootballTalk.com famously works itself into a lather whenever there's an appearance of tampering between NFL teams and free agents before the start of the free agent signing period. As for me, I have reached the point where I accept that it's something all NFL teams have done and only take notice when someone inadvertently lets the cat out of the bag, so to speak.
A vote at the NFL Owner's Meetings in May may legalize the tampering process, by creating a 5-to-7 day window for NFL teams to talk to, and negotiate with, the agents for prospective free agents.
"It would allow the home team to know who is talking to their player, who is interested in their player,’’ said Atlanta Falcons president Rich McKay, co-chair of the competition committee. "We think it would create a more level playing field for the home team knowing who’s out there (that’s interested in the player) and give them a chance to re-sign that player before free agency actually opens."
A vote at the NFL Owner's Meetings in May may legalize the tampering process, by creating a 5-to-7 day window for NFL teams to talk to, and negotiate with, the agents for prospective free agents.
"It would allow the home team to know who is talking to their player, who is interested in their player,’’ said Atlanta Falcons president Rich McKay, co-chair of the competition committee. "We think it would create a more level playing field for the home team knowing who’s out there (that’s interested in the player) and give them a chance to re-sign that player before free agency actually opens."
Thomas Jones Is Still M.I.A.
Jenny Vrentas of The Star-Ledger reports that running back Thomas Jones is still a no-show for the New York Jets off-season workout program, which has entered its second week.
Jones, who'll turn 31 in August, would like an increase over the $900,000 in base salary he's due to make in 2009, a season he'll have to get through healthy and be productive to reach 2010, where he's set to receive a $3 million dollar roster bonus and $2.8 million dollar base salary.
By missing these workouts, Jones is frittering away a $100K workout bonus.
Jones, who'll turn 31 in August, would like an increase over the $900,000 in base salary he's due to make in 2009, a season he'll have to get through healthy and be productive to reach 2010, where he's set to receive a $3 million dollar roster bonus and $2.8 million dollar base salary.
By missing these workouts, Jones is frittering away a $100K workout bonus.
Chicago Sun-Times Files for Bankruptcy
I know it's not directly related to the NFL, but one of the beat-writers whose hard work I've appreciated over the last few years of writing this blog has been Brad Biggs of the Chicago Sun-Times, which has filed for bankruptcy.
The Sun-Times will continue to operate its print and online editions, "while it focuses on further improving its cost structure and stabilizing operations" the press release states.
Not good, folks. Not good.
The Sun-Times will continue to operate its print and online editions, "while it focuses on further improving its cost structure and stabilizing operations" the press release states.
Not good, folks. Not good.
Around the NFL - March 31st, 2009
Your daily spin around the NFL, which includes a lot of exciting talk about the 2009 preseason schedule.
Enjoy!
The first NFL game in the Dallas Cowboys' new stadium will be an August 21 preseason game against the Tennessee Titans.
New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress' lawyer was unable to reach a plea deal for his client on Monday.
The Giants' final preseason home game at Giants Stadium will come against the New York Jets.
Paul Domowitch of the Philadelphia Daily News reports, and I hope you're sitting down, that the Philadelphia Eagles have no plans to reduce prices on tickets for preseason games.
Former Eagles safety Brian Dawkins was back in Philly on Monday.
Veteran defensive end Phillip Daniels re-signed with the Washington Redskins.
Redskins defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth's lawyer entered a not-guilty plea on his Haynesworth's behalf during an arraignment in Williamson County (TN) courthouse.
Veteran free agents Orlando Pace and Ken Lucas visited the Chicago Bears yesterday.
Rutgers defensive end Jamaal Westerman will have a pre-draft visit with the Bears today.
Today's the day the Detroit Lions will put Georgia quarterback Matthew Stafford through a private workout.
Aside from the Green Bay Packers and Aaron Rodgers, the NFC North teams have problems at quarterback, writes Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel.
Two weeks after extending Cedric Griffin's contract, the Minnesota Vikings may be looking to lock up other key players with long-term deals, including running back Adrian Peterson.
Vikings defensive end Kenechi Udeze is finishing his degree at USC and will miss the start of the team's off-season workout program.
The Atlanta Falcons will host the San Diego Chargers in a nationally-televised preseason game on August 29.
ESPN.com's Chris Mortensen reports that the Falcons and former quarterback Michael Vick have reached a settlement on the Falcons' breach-of-contract claim, and Vick will re-pay the Falcons between $3.75-$7.5 million dollars, depending on the appeal decision by the Eight Circuit Court.
The Carolina Panthers will open their 2009 preseason schedule on national television against the New York Giants.
Busy day for the New Orleans Saints, who began their off-season workout program, announced plans to hold their training camp at their training facility in Metairie, Louisiana and re-signed quarterback Joey Harrington.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Raheem Morris' first mini-camp gets underway today.
Under the watchful eye of strength coach John Lott, the bench press guy from the annual Scouting Combine, the Arizona Cardinals' off-season workout program began on Monday.
The Cardinals open the preseason against the Pittsburgh Steelers, just don't call it a rematch. Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette notes that the starters likely won't play more than a quarter in that game.
Danny O'Neil of the Seattle Times explains the Seattle Seahawks' grading scale.
At the behest of a former Times' copy editor, O'Neil refers to the Seahawks summer schedule as exhibition games.
Lindenwood University and Southern Illinois University are two options to host St. Louis Rams training camp this summer.
The San Francisco 49ers officially announced the signing of offensive tackle Marvel Smith to a heavily-incentivized two-year deal worth $10.5 million dollars.
The 49ers preseason schedule will open against former 49ers head coach Mike Nolan and the Denver Broncos.
Missouri defensive tackle Evander "Ziggy" Hood will have a pre-draft visit with the New England Patriots.
Buffalo Bills COO Russ Brandon likes the direction of the franchise, but acknowledged that the team and Pro Bowl left tackle Jason Peters are far apart in contract talks.
Omar Kelly of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel lists 10 Miami Dolphins to keep an eye on this off-season.
The only time the New York Jets will leave the NY area in the preseason will be a mid-August trip to Baltimore to face the Ravens on ESPN.
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer will "grab the bull by the horns" and be the team's leader, which should be easier now that his elbow is 100%.
The Cleveland Browns will host the Tennessee Titans and Detroit Lions in the preseason.
"It's a good schedule against quality teams," Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said of the team's preseason schedule.
A Monday night game against the Minnesota Vikings is the highlight of the Houston Texans' preseason, writes John McClain, who also reports that the Texans officially signed Shaun Cody and will host Cato June on Tuesday.
Former Jacksonville Jaguars offensive tackle Richard Collier offered encouragement during an appearance at a fund-raiser for a victim's rights group.
Coming off a 5-11 season, none of the Jaguars' preseason games will be shown nationally.
Coming off a 13-3 season, half of the Tennessee Titans' preseason games will be shown nationally.
For the 18th time since 1984, the Indianapolis Colts will play the Cincinnati Bengals in the preseason.
The man that doomed the Denver Broncos' playoff hopes in 2007 will make an appearance at Invesco Field on August 30. (Somewhere, Tom Curran is trying to blame that on Jay Cutler, too.)
Over 60 players were in attendance as the Kansas City Chiefs opened their off-season workout program on Monday.
San Diego Chargers wide receiver Buster Davis wants to keep his injuries in the rearview mirror.
For the fourth straight year, the Oakland Raiders' preseason schedule will finish in Seattle.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Patriots Announce All-Decade Teams
Mike Reiss of the Boston Globe reports that an assemblage of writers, broadcasters and team officials convened at Gillette Stadium to select the New England Patriots All-Decade Teams for the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s.
Here are the players who appear on more than one roster:
John Hannah, Guard - 1970s, 80s
Bruce Armstrong, Offensive tackle - 1980s, 90s
Stanley Morgan, Wide Receivers - 1970s, 80s
Steve Grogan, Quarterback - 1970s, 80s
Julius Adams, Defensive End - 1970s, 80s
Andre Tipppett, Outside Linebacker - 1980s, 90s
Steve Nelson, Inside Linebacker - 1970s, 80s
Raymond Clayborn, Cornerback - 1970s, 80s
Mosi Tatupu, Special teams - 1970s, 80s
Once this decade's team is compiled next years, you'll likely be able to add Willie McGinest (OLB, 1990s/2000s), Ty Law (CB, 1990s/2000s), Lawyer Milloy (S, 1990s/2000s) and Adam Vinatieri (K, 1990s/2000s) to the list.
Here are the players who appear on more than one roster:
John Hannah, Guard - 1970s, 80s
Bruce Armstrong, Offensive tackle - 1980s, 90s
Stanley Morgan, Wide Receivers - 1970s, 80s
Steve Grogan, Quarterback - 1970s, 80s
Julius Adams, Defensive End - 1970s, 80s
Andre Tipppett, Outside Linebacker - 1980s, 90s
Steve Nelson, Inside Linebacker - 1970s, 80s
Raymond Clayborn, Cornerback - 1970s, 80s
Mosi Tatupu, Special teams - 1970s, 80s
Once this decade's team is compiled next years, you'll likely be able to add Willie McGinest (OLB, 1990s/2000s), Ty Law (CB, 1990s/2000s), Lawyer Milloy (S, 1990s/2000s) and Adam Vinatieri (K, 1990s/2000s) to the list.
Who's the Worst Offensive Draft Pick?
The gang over at "The League" in the Washington Post discussed who the worst offensive draft pick was.
Jim McCormick went with Art Schlichter by the Baltimore Colts in 1982, while Dan Levy's choice was John Elway, also a Colts' choice in 1983. Shawn Zobel chose Tony Mandarich. Washington Post sports editor Gene Wang went with Ryan Leaf, while Doug Farrar put together an all-offense draft bust team.
Farrar's approach was interesting, so I thought I'd put one of my own together (minus the interior offensive linemen, who rarely get chosen in the 1st round):
QB - Todd Marinovich, Los Angeles Raiders - Billed as the future at the position, Marinovich's career lasted 8 games before flaming out in a blur of drugs and sexual assalt. He was even arrested during a practice during a career rivival attempt in the arena league.
RB - Blair Thomas, NY Jets - You expect more than 2,236 yards and 7 touchdowns in 6 seasons from the 2nd overall pick of the 1990 NFL Draft. Making him more of a bust is the guy chosen 15 picks later, Emmitt Smith, became the NFL's all-time leading rusher.
WR - R. Jay Soward, Jacksonville Jaguars - Oh sure, you probably look at Reggie Williams and Matt Jones as the most notable first-round busts the Jaguars have had at wide receiver. Hey, at least Williams and Jones caught an NFL pass, which is more than you can say for the 29th pick of the 2000 NFL Draft, whose career was already barreling towards "bust" status before his first training camp ended; Marcus Nash, Denver Broncos - The 30th overall pick of the 1998 NFL Draft lasted two seasons and 10 games in the NFL, finishing his career with 4 receptions for 76 yards. Amazingly, he has a pair of Super Bowls. (One with Denver, one with Baltimore)
TE - Derek Brown, New York Giants - Now, its not his fault that the Giants burned the 14th overall pick of the 1992 NFL Draft on him, but in three seasons, Brown produced just 11 receptions and quickly had the "blocking tight end" label placed on him. Brown had a journeyman career, playing for four teams from 1992-99, finishing his career with 43 receptions, 401 yards and 1 lonely touchdown.
OT - Mike Williams, Buffalo Bills - The 4th overall pick of the 2002 NFL Draft flamed out after just 51 NFL games in 3 1/2 seasons; Brian Jozwiak, Kansas City Chiefs - Chosen 7th overall in 1986, Jozwiak started just three games in a career that ended in 1988.
Jim McCormick went with Art Schlichter by the Baltimore Colts in 1982, while Dan Levy's choice was John Elway, also a Colts' choice in 1983. Shawn Zobel chose Tony Mandarich. Washington Post sports editor Gene Wang went with Ryan Leaf, while Doug Farrar put together an all-offense draft bust team.
Farrar's approach was interesting, so I thought I'd put one of my own together (minus the interior offensive linemen, who rarely get chosen in the 1st round):
QB - Todd Marinovich, Los Angeles Raiders - Billed as the future at the position, Marinovich's career lasted 8 games before flaming out in a blur of drugs and sexual assalt. He was even arrested during a practice during a career rivival attempt in the arena league.
RB - Blair Thomas, NY Jets - You expect more than 2,236 yards and 7 touchdowns in 6 seasons from the 2nd overall pick of the 1990 NFL Draft. Making him more of a bust is the guy chosen 15 picks later, Emmitt Smith, became the NFL's all-time leading rusher.
WR - R. Jay Soward, Jacksonville Jaguars - Oh sure, you probably look at Reggie Williams and Matt Jones as the most notable first-round busts the Jaguars have had at wide receiver. Hey, at least Williams and Jones caught an NFL pass, which is more than you can say for the 29th pick of the 2000 NFL Draft, whose career was already barreling towards "bust" status before his first training camp ended; Marcus Nash, Denver Broncos - The 30th overall pick of the 1998 NFL Draft lasted two seasons and 10 games in the NFL, finishing his career with 4 receptions for 76 yards. Amazingly, he has a pair of Super Bowls. (One with Denver, one with Baltimore)
TE - Derek Brown, New York Giants - Now, its not his fault that the Giants burned the 14th overall pick of the 1992 NFL Draft on him, but in three seasons, Brown produced just 11 receptions and quickly had the "blocking tight end" label placed on him. Brown had a journeyman career, playing for four teams from 1992-99, finishing his career with 43 receptions, 401 yards and 1 lonely touchdown.
OT - Mike Williams, Buffalo Bills - The 4th overall pick of the 2002 NFL Draft flamed out after just 51 NFL games in 3 1/2 seasons; Brian Jozwiak, Kansas City Chiefs - Chosen 7th overall in 1986, Jozwiak started just three games in a career that ended in 1988.
Bears Looking at Lucas, Too
From Brad Biggs of the Chicago Sun-Times comes word that the Chicago Bears brought free agent cornerback Ken Lucas in for a visit.
Biggs writes that signing Lucas could make things "very interesting" for Nathan Vasher, which I assume means he'd be on the roster bubble. I tend to doubt that the Bears could do anything with Vasher without taking a monstrous cap hit.
Biggs writes that signing Lucas could make things "very interesting" for Nathan Vasher, which I assume means he'd be on the roster bubble. I tend to doubt that the Bears could do anything with Vasher without taking a monstrous cap hit.
Saints Announce Training Camp Plans; Re-Sign Joey Harrington
The New Orleans Saints have announced plans to hold their training camp at their Metairie training facility, ending a three-year run at Milsaps College in Jackson, Mississippi.
From the team's press release:
"The New Orleans Saints announced today that the team will conduct their annual training camp at the team's year-around training facility in Metairie, La., this summer. The announcement was made by Saints Executive Vice President/General Manager Mickey Loomis."
From Saints' owner Tom Benson:
"We, as an organization, look forward to holding training camp in our-state-of-the-art training facility," said Saints Owner Tom Benson. "The fans in New Orleans and in our entire region from Baton Rouge to Lake Charles and from Biloxi to Pensacola will have the ability to come out and watch our team get ready for what will be a very exciting season. We are committed to our region and although Millsaps College was a great partner, we remain committed to doing our part to strengthen our state, our city and I believe this is another step in that direction."
From Saints' vice president/general manager Mickey Loomis:
"We first want to thank the people at Millsaps as well as our fans in Mississippi and Jackson, we had a first rate experience there. Millsaps proved to be a great location and we couldn't have been treated any better," Loomis said. "The dynamics and economics have shifted a bit and we have decided that holding training camp at our facility would provide us with enough quality fields to work on, an indoor practice facility in the case of inclement weather as well as access to the technology we have available at our headquarters in Metairie."
The Saints also re-signed quarterback Joey Harrington on Monday.
From the team's press release:
"The New Orleans Saints announced today that the team will conduct their annual training camp at the team's year-around training facility in Metairie, La., this summer. The announcement was made by Saints Executive Vice President/General Manager Mickey Loomis."
From Saints' owner Tom Benson:
"We, as an organization, look forward to holding training camp in our-state-of-the-art training facility," said Saints Owner Tom Benson. "The fans in New Orleans and in our entire region from Baton Rouge to Lake Charles and from Biloxi to Pensacola will have the ability to come out and watch our team get ready for what will be a very exciting season. We are committed to our region and although Millsaps College was a great partner, we remain committed to doing our part to strengthen our state, our city and I believe this is another step in that direction."
From Saints' vice president/general manager Mickey Loomis:
"We first want to thank the people at Millsaps as well as our fans in Mississippi and Jackson, we had a first rate experience there. Millsaps proved to be a great location and we couldn't have been treated any better," Loomis said. "The dynamics and economics have shifted a bit and we have decided that holding training camp at our facility would provide us with enough quality fields to work on, an indoor practice facility in the case of inclement weather as well as access to the technology we have available at our headquarters in Metairie."
The Saints also re-signed quarterback Joey Harrington on Monday.
Marvel Smith Says He'll Stay Healthy
San Francisco 49ers offensive tackle Marvel Smith held a conference call with San Francisco media members, and in addition to confession that he grew up a Raiders fans, said that he anticipates being healthy in 2009.
Matthew Barrows of the Sacramento Bee has more.
Matthew Barrows of the Sacramento Bee has more.
Orlando Pace to Check Out Bears
NFL.com's Steve Wyche is reporting that free agent offensive tackle Orlando Pace is going to meet with the Chicago Bears.
Pace was released by the St. Louis Rams a few weeks ago and has visited with the Baltimore Ravens, but obviously left without a contract.
Pace was released by the St. Louis Rams a few weeks ago and has visited with the Baltimore Ravens, but obviously left without a contract.
Carson Palmer Declares Himself 100%
At the start of the Cincinnati Bengals off-season workout program, quarterback Carson Palmer declared his elbow 100%.
"I'm 100 percent," Palmer said. "I've been cleared. My elbow feels great and I just have to keep going and get the small mechanical things that I normally do this time of year."
Palmer played in just four games in 2008, throwing for 731 yards, 3 touchdowns, 4 interceptions and posted a 69.0 passer rating as the Bengals went 0-4 in his starts.
"I'm 100 percent," Palmer said. "I've been cleared. My elbow feels great and I just have to keep going and get the small mechanical things that I normally do this time of year."
Palmer played in just four games in 2008, throwing for 731 yards, 3 touchdowns, 4 interceptions and posted a 69.0 passer rating as the Bengals went 0-4 in his starts.
Phillip Daniels Agrees to One-Year Deal With Redskins
Veteran defensive end Phillip Daniels has agreed to a one-year deal for the veteran minimum to return to the Washington Redskins for the 2009 season.
"I'm coming back, I just talked to all the guys," Daniels said by telephone after a training session in Chicago. "I'll probably end up signing today or tomorrow, but I'm definitely coming back."
Daniels, 36, tore his ACL on the first day of 2008 training camp, prompting the Redskins to trade for Jason Taylor. In 12 NFL seasons, including four with the Redskins, Daniels has 59 sacks.
"I'm coming back, I just talked to all the guys," Daniels said by telephone after a training session in Chicago. "I'll probably end up signing today or tomorrow, but I'm definitely coming back."
Daniels, 36, tore his ACL on the first day of 2008 training camp, prompting the Redskins to trade for Jason Taylor. In 12 NFL seasons, including four with the Redskins, Daniels has 59 sacks.
NFL Announces 2009 Preseason Schedule
Here's the full NFL's full 2009 preseason schedule:
Hall of Fame Game
Buffalo Bills at Tennessee Titans in Canton, OH (NBC)
Week 1: August 13-17
Aug. 13 - Arizona Cardinals at Pittsburgh Steelers (ESPN)
Aug. 17 - Carolina Panthers at New York Giants (ESPN)
Dates/Times To Be Determined
Atlanta Falcons at Detroit Lions
Chicago Bears at Buffalo Bills
Cincinnati Bengals at New Orleans Saints
Cleveland Browns at Green Bay Packers
Dallas Cowboys at Oakland Raiders
Denver Broncos at San Francisco 49ers
Houston Texans at Kansas City Chiefs
Jacksonville Jaguars at Miami Dolphins
Minnesota Vikings at Indianapolis Colts
New England Patriots at Philadelphia Eagles
St. Louis Rams at New York Jets
Seattle Seahawks at San Diego Chargers
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Tennessee Titans
Washington Redskins at Baltimore Ravens
Week 2: August 20-24
August 20 - Philadelphia Eagles at Indianapolis Colts (FOX)
August 21 - Tennessee Titans at Dallas Cowboys (FOX)
August 24 - New York Jets at Baltimore Ravens (ESPN)
Dates/Times To Be Determined
Atlanta Falcons at St. Louis Rams
Buffalo Bills at Green Bay Packers
Carolina Panthers at Miami Dolphins
Cincinnati Bengals at New England Patriots
Denver Broncos at Seattle Seahawks
Detroit Lions at Cleveland Browns
Kansas City Chiefs at Minnesota Vikings
New Orleans Saints at Houston Texans
New York Giants at Chicago Bears
Oakland Raiders at San Francisco 49ers
Pittsburgh Steelers at Washington Redskins
San Diego Chargers at Arizona Cardinals
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Jacksonville Jaguars
Week 3: August 27-31
August 27 - Miami Dolphins at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (FOX)
August 28 - New England Patriots at Washington Redskins (CBS)
August 29 - San Diego Chargers at Atlanta Falcons (CBS)
August 30 - Chicago Bears at Denver Broncos (NBC)
August 31 - Minnesota Vikings at Houston Texans (ESPN)
Dates/Times To Be Determined
Baltimore Ravens at Carolina Panthers
Buffalo Bills at Pittsburgh Steelers
Green Bay Packers at Arizona Cardinals
Indianapolis Colts at Detroit Lions
Jacksonville Jaguars at Philadelphia Eagles
New Orleans Saints at Oakland Raiders
New York Jets at New York Giants
St. Louis Rams at Cincinnati Bengals
San Francisco 49ers at Dallas Cowboys
Seattle Seahawks at Kansas City Chiefs
Tennessee Titans at Cleveland Browns
Week 4: September 3-4
Arizona Cardinals at Denver Broncos
Baltimore Ravens at Atlanta Falcons
Cleveland Browns at Chicago Bears
Dallas Cowboys at Minnesota Vikings
Detroit Lions at Buffalo Bills
Green Bay Packers at Tennessee Titans
Houston Texans at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Indianapolis Colts at Cincinnati Bengals
Kansas City Chiefs at St. Louis Rams
Miami Dolphins at New Orleans Saints
New York Giants at New England Patriots
Oakland Raiders at Seattle Seahawks
Philadelphia Eagles at New York Jets
Pittsburgh Steelers at Carolina Panthers
San Francisco 49ers at San Diego Chargers
Washington Redskins at Jacksonville Jaguars
San Francisco 49ers at San Diego Chargers
Washington Redskins at Jacksonville Jaguars
Hall of Fame Game
Buffalo Bills at Tennessee Titans in Canton, OH (NBC)
Week 1: August 13-17
Aug. 13 - Arizona Cardinals at Pittsburgh Steelers (ESPN)
Aug. 17 - Carolina Panthers at New York Giants (ESPN)
Dates/Times To Be Determined
Atlanta Falcons at Detroit Lions
Chicago Bears at Buffalo Bills
Cincinnati Bengals at New Orleans Saints
Cleveland Browns at Green Bay Packers
Dallas Cowboys at Oakland Raiders
Denver Broncos at San Francisco 49ers
Houston Texans at Kansas City Chiefs
Jacksonville Jaguars at Miami Dolphins
Minnesota Vikings at Indianapolis Colts
New England Patriots at Philadelphia Eagles
St. Louis Rams at New York Jets
Seattle Seahawks at San Diego Chargers
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Tennessee Titans
Washington Redskins at Baltimore Ravens
Week 2: August 20-24
August 20 - Philadelphia Eagles at Indianapolis Colts (FOX)
August 21 - Tennessee Titans at Dallas Cowboys (FOX)
August 24 - New York Jets at Baltimore Ravens (ESPN)
Dates/Times To Be Determined
Atlanta Falcons at St. Louis Rams
Buffalo Bills at Green Bay Packers
Carolina Panthers at Miami Dolphins
Cincinnati Bengals at New England Patriots
Denver Broncos at Seattle Seahawks
Detroit Lions at Cleveland Browns
Kansas City Chiefs at Minnesota Vikings
New Orleans Saints at Houston Texans
New York Giants at Chicago Bears
Oakland Raiders at San Francisco 49ers
Pittsburgh Steelers at Washington Redskins
San Diego Chargers at Arizona Cardinals
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Jacksonville Jaguars
Week 3: August 27-31
August 27 - Miami Dolphins at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (FOX)
August 28 - New England Patriots at Washington Redskins (CBS)
August 29 - San Diego Chargers at Atlanta Falcons (CBS)
August 30 - Chicago Bears at Denver Broncos (NBC)
August 31 - Minnesota Vikings at Houston Texans (ESPN)
Dates/Times To Be Determined
Baltimore Ravens at Carolina Panthers
Buffalo Bills at Pittsburgh Steelers
Green Bay Packers at Arizona Cardinals
Indianapolis Colts at Detroit Lions
Jacksonville Jaguars at Philadelphia Eagles
New Orleans Saints at Oakland Raiders
New York Jets at New York Giants
St. Louis Rams at Cincinnati Bengals
San Francisco 49ers at Dallas Cowboys
Seattle Seahawks at Kansas City Chiefs
Tennessee Titans at Cleveland Browns
Week 4: September 3-4
Arizona Cardinals at Denver Broncos
Baltimore Ravens at Atlanta Falcons
Cleveland Browns at Chicago Bears
Dallas Cowboys at Minnesota Vikings
Detroit Lions at Buffalo Bills
Green Bay Packers at Tennessee Titans
Houston Texans at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Indianapolis Colts at Cincinnati Bengals
Kansas City Chiefs at St. Louis Rams
Miami Dolphins at New Orleans Saints
New York Giants at New England Patriots
Oakland Raiders at Seattle Seahawks
Philadelphia Eagles at New York Jets
Pittsburgh Steelers at Carolina Panthers
San Francisco 49ers at San Diego Chargers
Washington Redskins at Jacksonville Jaguars
San Francisco 49ers at San Diego Chargers
Washington Redskins at Jacksonville Jaguars
Wes Welker Would Welcome Jason Taylor to New England
New England Patriots wide receiver Wes Welker would welcome former Miami Dolphins teammates Jason Taylor to Foxborough.
"I'm kind of nudging him a little bit (toward the Patriots)," Welker told the Palm Beach Post, "but at the same time, he's got to do what's best for him and his family."
As I mentioned last week, a healthy, motivated Taylor would be a good get for the Patriots. He could play opposite Adalius Thomas, and help a Patriots' pass rush that had just 31 quarterback sacks in 2008, down from the 47 that helped New England in their undefeated 2007 regular season.
"I'm kind of nudging him a little bit (toward the Patriots)," Welker told the Palm Beach Post, "but at the same time, he's got to do what's best for him and his family."
As I mentioned last week, a healthy, motivated Taylor would be a good get for the Patriots. He could play opposite Adalius Thomas, and help a Patriots' pass rush that had just 31 quarterback sacks in 2008, down from the 47 that helped New England in their undefeated 2007 regular season.
Moats Accepts Officer's Apology
Houston Texans running back Ryan Moats and his wife Tamishia have accepted the apology of Dallas police officer Ryan Powell.
"Well, first of all I accept his apology, and I hope it's sincere -- a sincere apology," Moats said on ABC's "Good Morning America" on Monday. "I've kind of left it up to my wife because I love Jo, my mother-in-law. ... She was just like my mom.
"And so I wanted to leave that up to [Tamishia] if she wanted to hear that from him."
Tamishia Moats would like a personal apology from Powell, which she says she'd accept.
"When you're in a situation like that you really don't think about how dangerous it is because honestly he could have shot me," she said. "I mean, he pointed the gun at me and basically said, you know, don't take another step, don't move, get back over here.
"Actually, it would be comforting if we heard an apology directly from him," Tamishia Moats said.
"We definitely would accept his apology because, you know, he's a human being so we would, definitely."
"Well, first of all I accept his apology, and I hope it's sincere -- a sincere apology," Moats said on ABC's "Good Morning America" on Monday. "I've kind of left it up to my wife because I love Jo, my mother-in-law. ... She was just like my mom.
"And so I wanted to leave that up to [Tamishia] if she wanted to hear that from him."
Tamishia Moats would like a personal apology from Powell, which she says she'd accept.
"When you're in a situation like that you really don't think about how dangerous it is because honestly he could have shot me," she said. "I mean, he pointed the gun at me and basically said, you know, don't take another step, don't move, get back over here.
"Actually, it would be comforting if we heard an apology directly from him," Tamishia Moats said.
"We definitely would accept his apology because, you know, he's a human being so we would, definitely."
Around the NFL - March 30th, 2009
Here's your morning spin around the NFL:
After Lou Saban passed away Sunday morning, the Buffalo Bills released the following statement. Patriots owner Robert Kraft released the follow statement about the passing of Saban, who was the first head coach in that franchise's history.
During Mike Klis of the Denver Post's article on Saban, who was the first "name" head coach in Denver Broncos history, there's a statement from Broncos' owner Pat Bowlen.
Saban was "a builder of men", former Bills cornerback Booker Edgerson said.
Patriots running back Fred Taylor will wear #21, his college number.
Free agent defensive end Jason Taylor said he "absolutely" would return to the Miami Dolphins.
The Cincinnati Bengals' off-season workouts get underway today at Paul Brown Stadium.
North Carolina State running back Andre Brown will visit with the Baltimore Ravens, reports Aaron Wilson of the County Carroll Times.
Tennessee Titans head coach Jeff Fisher says quarterback Vince Young is going to have to earn his job back.
Twenty-five years ago today, Mayflower moving fans rolled into Indianapolis from Baltimore.
Childs Walker of the Baltimore Sun suggests that Bob Irsay did everyone in Baltimore a favor by moving the Colts to Indianapolis.
By already missing 10% of the off-season workout program, Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler has forfeited $100,000.
The San Diego Chargers' off-season workout program will begin today, but linebacker Shawne Merriman won't be there.
New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress will serve time in prison under a plea deal.
UCONN running back Andre Brown has a visit lined up with the Philadelphia Eagles.
As the Detroit Lions prepare to head to Georgia to work out quarterback Matthew Stafford, Nicholas Cotsonika of the Detroit Free Press refers to how the Atlanta Falcons worked out Matt Ryan during a similar workout last year to show his readers what the Lions are looking for.
Over 300 auditioned to be a Tampa Bay Buccaneers cheerleader this past weekend, and yes, there's a photo gallery.
After Lou Saban passed away Sunday morning, the Buffalo Bills released the following statement. Patriots owner Robert Kraft released the follow statement about the passing of Saban, who was the first head coach in that franchise's history.
During Mike Klis of the Denver Post's article on Saban, who was the first "name" head coach in Denver Broncos history, there's a statement from Broncos' owner Pat Bowlen.
Saban was "a builder of men", former Bills cornerback Booker Edgerson said.
Patriots running back Fred Taylor will wear #21, his college number.
Free agent defensive end Jason Taylor said he "absolutely" would return to the Miami Dolphins.
The Cincinnati Bengals' off-season workouts get underway today at Paul Brown Stadium.
North Carolina State running back Andre Brown will visit with the Baltimore Ravens, reports Aaron Wilson of the County Carroll Times.
Tennessee Titans head coach Jeff Fisher says quarterback Vince Young is going to have to earn his job back.
Twenty-five years ago today, Mayflower moving fans rolled into Indianapolis from Baltimore.
Childs Walker of the Baltimore Sun suggests that Bob Irsay did everyone in Baltimore a favor by moving the Colts to Indianapolis.
By already missing 10% of the off-season workout program, Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler has forfeited $100,000.
The San Diego Chargers' off-season workout program will begin today, but linebacker Shawne Merriman won't be there.
New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress will serve time in prison under a plea deal.
UCONN running back Andre Brown has a visit lined up with the Philadelphia Eagles.
As the Detroit Lions prepare to head to Georgia to work out quarterback Matthew Stafford, Nicholas Cotsonika of the Detroit Free Press refers to how the Atlanta Falcons worked out Matt Ryan during a similar workout last year to show his readers what the Lions are looking for.
Over 300 auditioned to be a Tampa Bay Buccaneers cheerleader this past weekend, and yes, there's a photo gallery.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
RIP: Lou Saban (1921-2009)
Former NFL and college head coach Lou Saban passed away at 4am on Sunday.
Saban played football for Indiana University and professionally for the Cleveland Browns before embarking on a coaching career that included college stops at Case, Northwestern, Western Illinois, Miami, Army and Central Florida, and in Boston, Buffalo and Denver in the American Football League and National Football League.
Saban was the first head coach in Boston Patriots history and second head coach in Buffalo Bills history. As part of the 50th anniversary of the AFL, those two franchises will face one another on Monday Night Football on Kickoff Weekend in 2009.
Saban was 87 years old at the time of his death.
Saban played football for Indiana University and professionally for the Cleveland Browns before embarking on a coaching career that included college stops at Case, Northwestern, Western Illinois, Miami, Army and Central Florida, and in Boston, Buffalo and Denver in the American Football League and National Football League.
Saban was the first head coach in Boston Patriots history and second head coach in Buffalo Bills history. As part of the 50th anniversary of the AFL, those two franchises will face one another on Monday Night Football on Kickoff Weekend in 2009.
Saban was 87 years old at the time of his death.
Texans Running Back to Appear on Good Morning America
Houston Texans running back Ryan Moats and his wife Tamisha will appear on ABC's Good Morning America tomorrow morning.
It will be their first national interview since the ugly incident where Moats was pulled over and detained by Dallas police officer Robert Powell in the emergency room parking lot at Baylor Regional Medical Center, in which Tamisha Moats' mother was dying after battling breast cancer.
ABC's Robin Roberts will conduct the interview.
It will be their first national interview since the ugly incident where Moats was pulled over and detained by Dallas police officer Robert Powell in the emergency room parking lot at Baylor Regional Medical Center, in which Tamisha Moats' mother was dying after battling breast cancer.
ABC's Robin Roberts will conduct the interview.
Vikings' Ray Edwards: "Protect Everybody"
Minnesota Vikings defensive end Ray Edwards spoke with Judd Zulgad, and in addition to discussing his other ventures, expressed his disdain for the new rules the NFL passed last week.
Players must, and as they've always done, will adjust to the new NFL rules, but players like Edwards are justified when they ask where the line gets drawn.
This is a quarterback-driven league, so I do understand the NFL's desire to protect those who play the league's most important position. These new rules, however, appear to go a bit too far.
“If you’re going to protect somebody, protect everybody. Don’t just protect one person," Edwards said.
Players must, and as they've always done, will adjust to the new NFL rules, but players like Edwards are justified when they ask where the line gets drawn.
“This means the offensive linemen is going to fall on top of you and maybe crack your rib because they want to keep playing,” Edwards said. “So are you going to tell them, ‘Once the defensive end falls on the ground you have to stop and try to block somebody else?’ That’s not going to happen. You can watch any film. Once you fall on the ground they try to fall on top of you.”
This is a quarterback-driven league, so I do understand the NFL's desire to protect those who play the league's most important position. These new rules, however, appear to go a bit too far.
Tom Curran Attacks Stephen A. Smith
NBC Sports.com's Tom Curran went on the offensive, assailing ESPN.com's Stephen A. Smith over comments Mr. Quite Frankly made regarding the election of DeMaurice Smith as the executive director of the NFLPA.
Curran writes:
The most ironic part of that passage is Curran lambasting Stephen A. Smith and ESPN (two institutions I have zero use for, by the way) for ignoring a perception, not a fact. Because the fact is that when the late Gene Upshaw was running the show at the NFLPA, many players, both current and former, felt as though they didn't have a voice at the negotiating table, and that Upshaw didn't do enough on certain issues.
Smith, as much as it pains me to write this, is dead on about that, and Curran even acknowledges it.
Curran asserts that the players' concerns should be mitigated by how much the salary cap has risen since the current CBA was ratified in 2006, and he's right that the salary cap has sky-rocketed.
But what Curran fails to mention (because he is credulous hack) is that the salary cap is not a fixed number. It is based on the percentage of Projected League Revenues, minus league-wide benefits, divided by 32. In non-legalese, that means the players receive a percentage of the total amount of revenue the league expects to make, minus benefits, divided by the 32 NFL teams.
So while the salary cap has risen to a number so high (or lofty, if you're Peter King), the 2009 figure is merely representative of 57.5% of the total revenue the NFL, i.e. owners, expects to generate.
The "strides" Stephen A. Smith thinks DeMaurice Smith can make is in regards to the amount of a contract that's guaranteed and, more importantly, addressing the health needs of former players, which were two important issues players felt Upshaw ignored.
Tom Curran fails to see this, which is why, quite frankly, Tom Curran is a joke.
Curran writes:
"If it were still 2005, Stephen A. would be correct. But it's not. And ignoring - or being oblivious to - the fact that Upshaw beat the retiring Tagliabue about the head and neck in the most recent CBA negotiations is inexcusable for a columnist in a national magazine (and for whichever editor didn't catch it).
There's a work stoppage on the horizon because the NFL owners - who have been accustomed to having an extreme upper hand - are getting soaked by salaries and peeing away millions on first-round picks who never rise past the level of scrub.
In 2005, the NFL's salary cap was $85 million. This year's cap? It's $127 million. A cool $42 million spread through a roster means - theoretically - close to a million extra per player. Top 5 picks now make so much in guaranteed money (approaching $30 million) teams can't give their slots away."
The most ironic part of that passage is Curran lambasting Stephen A. Smith and ESPN (two institutions I have zero use for, by the way) for ignoring a perception, not a fact. Because the fact is that when the late Gene Upshaw was running the show at the NFLPA, many players, both current and former, felt as though they didn't have a voice at the negotiating table, and that Upshaw didn't do enough on certain issues.
Smith, as much as it pains me to write this, is dead on about that, and Curran even acknowledges it.
Curran asserts that the players' concerns should be mitigated by how much the salary cap has risen since the current CBA was ratified in 2006, and he's right that the salary cap has sky-rocketed.
But what Curran fails to mention (because he is credulous hack) is that the salary cap is not a fixed number. It is based on the percentage of Projected League Revenues, minus league-wide benefits, divided by 32. In non-legalese, that means the players receive a percentage of the total amount of revenue the league expects to make, minus benefits, divided by the 32 NFL teams.
So while the salary cap has risen to a number so high (or lofty, if you're Peter King), the 2009 figure is merely representative of 57.5% of the total revenue the NFL, i.e. owners, expects to generate.
The "strides" Stephen A. Smith thinks DeMaurice Smith can make is in regards to the amount of a contract that's guaranteed and, more importantly, addressing the health needs of former players, which were two important issues players felt Upshaw ignored.
Tom Curran fails to see this, which is why, quite frankly, Tom Curran is a joke.
Around the NFL - March 29th, 2009
Thank you, Scottie Reynolds, for ruining my bracket last night with a shot that'll be replayed over and over and over again.
NFL News and Notes
Mark Gaughan of the Buffalo News runs down the ballot for the Buffalo Bills' 50th anniversary team.
Illinois cornerback Vontae Davis had a private workout with the Miami Dolphins and took in some tennis as a guest of Venus and Serena Williams.
Dolphins wide receiver Brandon London is going to play Mel Kiper's critical comments regarding Dolphins' receivers during the team group's first meeting.
Former New York Jets defensive end Ron Faurot, the 15th overall pick of the 1984 NFL Draft, doesn't think it's fair that he's known as one of the biggest draft busts in team history.
Will Chad Johnson show for the Cincinnati Bengals off-season workout program, which gets underway on Monday, ask Joe Reedy of the Cincinnati Enquirer.
Terry Pluto of the Cleveland Plain-Dealer looks at the overwhelming evidence that points to Brady Quinn starting the season as the Cleveland Browns' quarterback.
The Baltimore Ravens are keeping an eye on St. Paul's College cornerback Greg Toler.
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau will receive the Dapper Dan Lifetime Achievement Award this week.
Indianapolis Colts head coach Jim Caldwell has come a long way since being fired by Wake Forest in 2000.
The Denver Broncos figure to pay a lot of attention to the front seven in the upcoming draft.
Mike Klis of the Denver Post likes that the NFL's new rule against using the wedge on kick returns.
The Kansas City Chiefs are hoping the Detroit Lions choose Matthew Stafford with the 1st overall pick.
Dallas Cowboys linebacker Zach Thomas says his wife was mistreated by the same police officer who detained Houston Texans running back Ryan Moats.
The Cowboys are only team in the NFL without a defensive coordinator.
New York Giants exclusive rights free agent running back Danny Ware signed his one-year tender.
Over 400 auditioned to be a Philadelphia Eagle cheerleader at Lincoln Financial Field on Saturday.
The Chicago Bears don't need Michael Vick, writes David Haugh of the Chicago Tribune.
Green Bay Packers head coach Mike McCarthy believes his offensive line is ready to take the next step.
Former Minnesota Vikings and current St. Louis Rams offensive line coach Steve Loney believes Sage Rosenfels will be a good fit for the Vikings.
Shackled by the cap room they have devoted to Julius Peppers, Carolina Panthers are sifting through the free agent bargain bin to fill holes on their roster.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Raheem Morris likes Kansas State quarterback Josh Freeman.
Washington State wide receiver Brandon Gibson held a rainy workout for scouts at Chief Sealth High School in Seattle on Saturday, writes Eric Williams of the Tacoma News Tribune.
St. Louis Rams owner Chip Rosenbloom sat down for an interview with Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
The San Francisco 49ers will unveil their new uniforms during a draft party on April 25.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
"I'm going to work again"
That's a quote from former Seattle Seahawks and Green Bay Packers head coach Mike Holmgren, appearing in a column by Jim Moore on seattlepi.com.
It'll be weird not seeing Holmgren on an NFL sideline this season, but I do think he'll keep himself visible and will interview for jobs next January.
"Ya know, for 35 years I could tell you pretty much what I'll be doing next Thursday at 1:30, or the next month, where I'll be," Holmgren said. "Now I have no real structure."
It'll be weird not seeing Holmgren on an NFL sideline this season, but I do think he'll keep himself visible and will interview for jobs next January.
T.O. Accuses Jerry Jones of Reneging on Contract
In an interview with Rogers Sportsnet, Buffalo Bills wide receiver Terrell Owens accuses Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones of reneging on a personal commitment to keep him.
"You hear all the speculation, and you talk to the owner of the team, and he reassures you, you're not going anywhere and then, out of left-field … you get blindsided," Owens said.
Anyone who saw the press conference announcing Owens' four-year contract extension with Dallas last summer knows that Jones wanted Owens to finish with the Cowboys. But anyone who followed the NFL is also aware that Owens became a problem within the locker room, taking shots at Tony Romo, Jason Witten and offensive coordinator Jason Garrett.
"I know wholeheartedly he (Jones) wanted me there," Owens said. "There were some people I know who got in his ear that pressured him to make that decision. For that, it's sad. You let two or three people conspire to get me out of the situation."
It's strangely comforting that, even at age 35, Owens refuses to see how he might possibly be at fault for being on his fourth NFL team since 2003.
NFL News and Notes
All three of the top safeties available in this year's draft will visit with the New England Patriots.
Patriots head coach Robert Kraft would endorse the signing of Jason Taylor.
Former Buffalo Bills and current Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Angelo Crowell finds it hard to believe that Terrell Owens signed with the Bills.
Success starts up front for the Miami Dolphins, writes Michael Cunningham.
Dolphins guard Donald Thomas never wants to hear the name "Lisfranc" again.
Rich Cimini of the New York Daily News believes that Cornell and SUNY-Cortland are the leading candidates to host the New York Jets' training camp this summer.
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Jerome Simpson has been working with the same man who helped Chad Johnson into a Pro Bowl receiver, writes Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com.
Miami police are still waiting for toxicology results on Cleveland Browns wide receiver Donte Stallworth.
North Carolina wide receiver Hakeem Nicks will visit the Baltimore Ravens, reports Aaron Wilson of the Carroll County Times.
The police officer who detained Houston Texans running back Ryan Moats apologized on Friday.
A judge has delayed, by two weeks, the trial for the man charged with the attempted murder of former Jacksonville Jaguar offensive tackle Richard Collier.
Kansas City Chiefs running back Larry Johnson plead guilty to two counts of disturbing the peace on Friday.
Johnson's future with the Chiefs may hinge upon a grievance hearing next Wednesday regarding a $3.75 million dollar payout.
Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune still has the San Diego Chargers selecting Ohio State running back Chris Wells in the 1st round.
Improper anchoring caused the boat accident that took the life of Oakland Raiders linebacker Marquis Cooper.
Philadelphia Eagles fullback Leonard Weaver is trying to clear the air.
Defensive end Phillip Daniels is set to re-sign with the Washington Redskins, reports David Elfin of the Washington Times.
In year one of their switch from a 4-3 to a 3-4 defense, Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator Dom Capers will be fitting the scheme to the players, an approach that will change as Ted Thompson acquires players in following years.
The Minnesota Vikings matched the one-year, $1.4 million dollar tender offer fullback Naufahu Tahi signed with the Cincinnati Bengals.
D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Consitution has the Atlanta Falcons choosing USC linebacker Clay Matthews with the 24th pick in his mock draft, which fits with the Falcons plans on rebuilding the defense in this draft.
After 13 months away from the NFL, defensive end Rod Coleman has signed with the New Orleans Saints.
The list of players coming in for pre-draft workouts show what positions the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are looking to improve, writes Rick Stroud.
The San Francisco 49ers swapped right tackles on Friday, signing free agent Marvel Smith after releasing the oft-injured Jonas Jennings.
Pro Days News and Notes
15 NFL teams were in DeKalb to check out Northern Illinois defensive end Larry English's workout, which didn't disappoint.
Those 15 teams were: Baltimore, Pittsburgh, Houston, Indianapolis, Jacksonville, Buffalo, Carolina, Denver, Chicago, Detroit, Green Bay, Atlanta, New Orleans, Tampa Bay, and San Francisco. The New York Giants will visit with English next week.
English volunteered his Wonderlic score on Friday, which I'd want to get out there, too, if I were him.
Friday, March 27, 2009
"Someone Agree With Me! Someone Agrees With Me!"
NBC Sports.com's Tom Curran is giddy with excitement that someone in the NFL agrees with him about Jay Cutler.
"Ya know that creeping belief that Jay Cutler is either: A) a thumbsucker, B) a punk or C) a young man out of touch with the fact that being able to throw a football hard and fast entitles him to act like his crap don't stink?
It keeps getting reinforced. "
You found one guy, Tom, and even he added "It's a team game and if he came in and helped us win, of course we would get along."
Ya know that creeping feeling you get when you see a picture of Tom Curran, and think: A) 'Hey, that's the obnoxious douchebag who was in front of me in line at Dunkin' Donuts!', or B) A visceral reaction to what you pretty much tell is an annoying Boston accent or C) 'So that's what a credulous hack looks like!'?
It just keeps getting reinforced.
I don't want to pick on Rhodes, because he's been a good player on a crappy team. Hey, looky there, I found something he and Jay Cutler have in common!
But am I the only one who finds it highly ironic that Rhodes, a safety on a defense that choked mightily down the stretch, losing four out of their last five to fail to make the playoffs, including one game where Cutler CARVED UP the very secondary Rhodes plays on, is even commenting at all on Cutler's inability to lead his team to the playoffs?
When Kellen Clemens, Brett Ratliff and Erik Ainge are your options at this point, a young, strong-armed, loudmouth quarterback who throws for 4,500 yards, goes to Pro Bowls and can get in his opponents' heads should look mighty appealing.
"Ya know that creeping belief that Jay Cutler is either: A) a thumbsucker, B) a punk or C) a young man out of touch with the fact that being able to throw a football hard and fast entitles him to act like his crap don't stink?
It keeps getting reinforced. "
You found one guy, Tom, and even he added "It's a team game and if he came in and helped us win, of course we would get along."
Ya know that creeping feeling you get when you see a picture of Tom Curran, and think: A) 'Hey, that's the obnoxious douchebag who was in front of me in line at Dunkin' Donuts!', or B) A visceral reaction to what you pretty much tell is an annoying Boston accent or C) 'So that's what a credulous hack looks like!'?
It just keeps getting reinforced.
I don't want to pick on Rhodes, because he's been a good player on a crappy team. Hey, looky there, I found something he and Jay Cutler have in common!
But am I the only one who finds it highly ironic that Rhodes, a safety on a defense that choked mightily down the stretch, losing four out of their last five to fail to make the playoffs, including one game where Cutler CARVED UP the very secondary Rhodes plays on, is even commenting at all on Cutler's inability to lead his team to the playoffs?
When Kellen Clemens, Brett Ratliff and Erik Ainge are your options at this point, a young, strong-armed, loudmouth quarterback who throws for 4,500 yards, goes to Pro Bowls and can get in his opponents' heads should look mighty appealing.
Picture of the Day - March 27th
Former San Francisco 49ers offensive tackle Jonas Jennings, being restrained by then teammate Larry Allen during a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on September 23, 2007.
Again, if you've got an image you'd like to see as the "Mac's Football Blog - Picture of the Day", click the e-mail link above and send it on in.
Again, if you've got an image you'd like to see as the "Mac's Football Blog - Picture of the Day", click the e-mail link above and send it on in.
49ers Sign Marvel Smith
Another inevitable move by the San Francisco 49ers, who have signed veteran free agent tackle Marvel Smith to a two-year deal, which could be worth as much as $10.5 million dollars.
"I am blessed with the opportunity the Niners have given me to come back home and play," said Smith, an Oakland native.
Smith will compete for the starting right tackle job, but his best attribute might be the flexibility he gives them in next month's NFL Draft as drafting a right tackle is no longer a dire need.
"I am blessed with the opportunity the Niners have given me to come back home and play," said Smith, an Oakland native.
Smith will compete for the starting right tackle job, but his best attribute might be the flexibility he gives them in next month's NFL Draft as drafting a right tackle is no longer a dire need.
Vick on America's Team?
Tim MacMahon of the Dallas Morning News wouldn't bet on it, but he reserves the right to change his mind.
Six weeks ago, I penned an article for FalconInsider.com, where I assessed Michael Vick's trade value. The conclusion I came to was that he has none, but I listed the teams that could sign Vick and accommodate the accompanying shitstorm that signing will him undoubtedly bring.
Dallas was one of those four teams. The others were Chicago, Miami and New York Jets.
"There is no way the Cowboys would assume Vick's monster contract that he signed with the Falcons. So, unless Vick would be willing to re-do the contract as part of the trade, forget about a trade with the Falcons. If he's released, Vick would have to accept that he wouldn't have a shot to unseat Tony Romo as the franchise QB if he wanted to come to Valley Ranch."
Six weeks ago, I penned an article for FalconInsider.com, where I assessed Michael Vick's trade value. The conclusion I came to was that he has none, but I listed the teams that could sign Vick and accommodate the accompanying shitstorm that signing will him undoubtedly bring.
Dallas was one of those four teams. The others were Chicago, Miami and New York Jets.
49ers (Finally) Release Jonas Jennings
It was inevitable that I would post this item this off-season, I just didn't think it would take until nearly April to do so.
The San Francisco 49ers have finally put an end to the Jonas Jennings Era, releasing the oft-injured offensive tackle this afternoon.
As Matthew Barrows notes, Jennings "missed 41 of 64 potential starts" during his four years with the 49ers, hardly living up to the 7-year, $36.1 million dollar contract he signed in 2005. Jennings will still count for $4.784 million dollars in "dead money" on the 49ers' salary cap, but releasing him does clear $1.708 million dollars of cap room.
Jennings is now a free agent, and as funny as this may sound to 49ers' fans, the 31-year old tackle could very well be in an NFL training camp in August.
The San Francisco 49ers have finally put an end to the Jonas Jennings Era, releasing the oft-injured offensive tackle this afternoon.
As Matthew Barrows notes, Jennings "missed 41 of 64 potential starts" during his four years with the 49ers, hardly living up to the 7-year, $36.1 million dollar contract he signed in 2005. Jennings will still count for $4.784 million dollars in "dead money" on the 49ers' salary cap, but releasing him does clear $1.708 million dollars of cap room.
Jennings is now a free agent, and as funny as this may sound to 49ers' fans, the 31-year old tackle could very well be in an NFL training camp in August.
Vikings To Match Tahi Offer
The Minnesota Vikings will match the one-year, $1.4 million dollar restricted free agent tender offer the Cincinnati Bengals signed fullback Naufahu Tahi to last Friday.
Tahi, 27, had been tendered on the lowest possible level ($1.01M) before the start of free agency, and after losing out in the Leonard Weaver sweepstakes, decided Tahi was worth the additional $390,000.
As for the Bengals, they're reportedly very interested in Tahi's cousin, BYU fullback Fui Vakapuna, who'll they be hosting before the NFL Draft on April 25.
Tahi, 27, had been tendered on the lowest possible level ($1.01M) before the start of free agency, and after losing out in the Leonard Weaver sweepstakes, decided Tahi was worth the additional $390,000.
As for the Bengals, they're reportedly very interested in Tahi's cousin, BYU fullback Fui Vakapuna, who'll they be hosting before the NFL Draft on April 25.
Cole: Jason Taylor Chooses the Patriots
According to Jason Cole of Yahoo!Sports, free agent defensive end Jason Taylor's top choice of teams to play for in 2009 would be the New England Patriots.
Injuries limited Taylor to a career-low 8 starts, and just 3.5 sacks, but a healthy, motivated Taylor on a Patriots' defense appears to be a match made in heaven. More so than any other team, the Patriots' willingness to sign players other teams have relegated to the "P.O.P" league (Past Our Prime), and squeezing the last very last drops of quality football these players have left in them, really is something to behold.
"However, Taylor sees his best opportunity to a win a title with the Patriots. In addition, New England coach Bill Belichick has developed a reputation of taking care of veteran players and not wearing them out. Taylor, who spent the first 11 years of his career with the Dolphins before being traded to the Redskins in July, can play both defensive end in a 4-3 scheme and linebacker in a 3-4, giving Belichick flexibility."
Injuries limited Taylor to a career-low 8 starts, and just 3.5 sacks, but a healthy, motivated Taylor on a Patriots' defense appears to be a match made in heaven. More so than any other team, the Patriots' willingness to sign players other teams have relegated to the "P.O.P" league (Past Our Prime), and squeezing the last very last drops of quality football these players have left in them, really is something to behold.
The Full Dashboard Camera Video
Courtesty of Shutdown Corner, here's the full dashboard camera video, split into two, 8+ minute parts.
Word of warning, it's as ugly as it is been reported to be.
It's jarring to watch this video, knowing that inside that building, a family member of the detained men was dying.
I really don't want to make any broad assertions about law enforcement officials, because I know, trust and respect the bravery 99.99% of public safety display on a daily basis. But its the .01% of their ranks that make you realize that however far you think we've come as a nation, we still have quite a ways to go.
My prayers are with the family of Jonetta Collinsworth.
Word of warning, it's as ugly as it is been reported to be.
It's jarring to watch this video, knowing that inside that building, a family member of the detained men was dying.
I really don't want to make any broad assertions about law enforcement officials, because I know, trust and respect the bravery 99.99% of public safety display on a daily basis. But its the .01% of their ranks that make you realize that however far you think we've come as a nation, we still have quite a ways to go.
My prayers are with the family of Jonetta Collinsworth.
2008 NFL Performance-Based Pay Overview
One question I've been asked a lot this week is who benefits the most from the NFL's performance-based pay program, and one look at the Top 10 list should answer that question:
Offensive linemen and defensive backs with low base salaries and signing bonus proration, who play a lot of snaps on their respective sides of the ball and are on several of their team's special teams units. Offensive linemen and defensive backs comprise 34.2% of players who received a check, but they took in 41.6% of the money distributed.
Here's a breakdown by position:
Offensive linemen: $18.3M
Linebackers: $15.6M
Safeties: $13.2M
Cornerbacks: $11.7M
Wide receivers: $10.4M
Running backs: $8.9M
Defensive ends: $8.3M
Tight ends: $7.2M
Defensive tackles: $6.1M
Specialists (K, P, LS): $2.2M
Quarterbacks: $1.9M
Don't let where the tight ends rank on that list fool you. Most backup tight ends make NFL rosters because of their blocking ability, which in turn, makes them invaluable to NFL special teams units. Tight end was the second least-populated position in this program for 2008, so naturally, the per player average at that position is higher. The tight ends averaged $65K apiece, ranking second behind only the safeties ($78K) in that department.
Some other performance based-pay notes that only I might find interesting:
- New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady's season ended early in the 2nd quarter of the season-opener, but he still received a check from this program for $121.
Separating Brady's various signing bonus proration, Brady's football salary was in the $8 million dollar range. Now, instead of receiving that over 17 paychecks during the course of the regular season, imagine if you will, that Brady received that over a 52-week period consisting of 40 hour work weeks.
Brady's per week salary would be $153,846.15, meaning he'd earn $3,846.15 per hour, or $64.10 per minute, which mean his bonus check for $121 represents 1 minute and 53 seconds of work. To a person earning $50,000 per year, the equivalent bonus check would be worth 77 cents.
- Journeyman tight end Sean Ryan played in 8 games for the Miami Dolphins, New Orleans Saints and San Francisco 49ers, made 3 receptions for 15 yards, but pocketed an additional $44K from this program.
- Wide receiver Keary Colbert also played for three teams in 2008, but logged enough playing time to earn over $30K bonuses from each of Seattle and Detroit's allottment of funds. He also got $411 from the Denver Broncos.
- The "80% Club", consisting of players who logged 80% of potential snaps for his team, include: Charles Godfrey (FS, Carolina), Leon Hall (CB, Cincinnati), Jacques Reeves (CB, Houston), Eric Weddle (FS, San Diego), Brian Russell (FS, Seattle), Eric Wright (CB, Cleveland) and Michael Griffin (FS, Tennessee).
- The travel bug didn't prevent Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Dhani Jones from posting an impressive 79.8% playing time percentage, the highest among linebackers.
NFL News and Notes
University of Cincinnati Swiss army knife Connor Barwin will hold a private workout with the New England Patriots in Foxborough next Monday.
Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald has part two of an interview with Miami Dolphins head coach Tony Sparano.
New York Jets running back Leon Washington is in the final year of his rookie contract, and would like a new contract from the team. He's set to make $535K, but unless the NFL and players reach a new CBA, he doesn't have enough accrued seasons to be a free agent in 2010.
Louisville center Eric Wood, a Cincinnati native, could be the Cincinnati Bengals' center of the future, writes Carlos Holmes.
Cleveland-area prospects Brian Hoyer (QB, Michigan State), Mike Massey (TE, Michigan), and Alex Boone (OT, Ohio State) will work out for the Cleveland Browns on April 14.
Baltimore Ravens nose tackle Kelly Gregg has completely recovered from a 2008 knee injury that threatened his career.
Dallas Police Chief David Kunkel apologized to the family of Houston Texans running back Ryan Moats over an incident on March 17 outside a hospital emergency room.
The Jacksonville Jaguars' courtship of Torry Holt began on Thursday, writes Vito Stellino.
Terry McCormick of the Nashville City Paper writes that the Tennessee Titans are also interested in adding Holt.
Oakland Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell is in Alameda for the team's voluntary off-season workout program.
The Raiders added three assistants to the coaching staff.
Dallas Cowboys head coach Wade Phillips has no credibility, writes Jean-Jacques Taylor of the Dallas Morning News.
Hall of Fame Cowboys quarterback Troy Aikman is now a limited owner of the San Diego Padres.
New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress' lawyer, Benjamin Brafman, is trying to get his charges reduced, reports Mike Garafolo of The Star-Ledger.
Les Bowen of the Philadelphia Daily News doesn't trust Shawn Andrews or Todd Herremans to protect Donovan McNabb's blindside.
Washington Redskins wide receiver Devin Thomas knows he's got to step up in his second season.
The Chicago Bears will take a closer look at Murray State linebacker Nathan Williams.
Detroit Lions head coach Jim Schwartz knows the Lions need a lot more talent, but he also believes that talent isn't everything.
Free agent offensive lineman Duke Preston has signed with the Green Bay Packers.
D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution looks at the road ahead for Michael Vick.
The New Orleans Saints swapped double K's for double P's on Thursday, signing Pierson Prioleau before releasing Kevin Kaesviharn.
Eric Williams of the Tacoma News Tribune reports that Seattle Seahawks linebackers coach Zerick Rollins worked out Wake Forest linebacker Aaron Curry in Winston-Salem, NC on Thursday.
The St. Louis Rams personnel department has turned their focus to the draft.
Jay Cutler Trade Zone
Sid Hartman doesn't think the Minnesota Vikings have the juice to trade for Cutler without a third team getting involved.
Jets quarterback Kellen Clemens is ignoring the Cutler talk, while his teammate Kerry Rhodes isn't a fan of Cutler.
Rick Morrissey of the Chicago Tribune joins the Credulous Hack Club, referring to Cutler's "17-20" record as a starter and calls the 25-year old Pro Bowl quarterback a "quitter".
Pro Day News and Notes
Parrish Alford of the Daily Journal recaps Ole Miss' Pro Day.
Mississippi wide receiver Mike Wallace's draft stock is rising, writes David Brandt.
20 NFL teams were at Louisville's Pro Day, which featured Louisville center Eric Wood.
Rice's James Casey did a little bit of everything during his Pro Day, including throwing some passes.
Today's notable workout: Northern Illinois
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Saints Release Kaesviharn
Hours after signing free agent safety Pierson Prioleau, the Saints have released Kevin Kaesviharn.
Signed in 2007, Kaesviharn started 14 games over the last two years and had two years remaining on his contract. By releasing Kaesviharn, the Saints cleared about $800K in cap room.
Signed in 2007, Kaesviharn started 14 games over the last two years and had two years remaining on his contract. By releasing Kaesviharn, the Saints cleared about $800K in cap room.
Prioleau Continues to Follow Gregg Williams
As first reported by Adam Caplan of Scout.com, the New Orleans Saints have signed veteran safety Pierson Prioleau, reuniting him with defensive coordinator Gregg Williams, who Prioleau has played for in stops in Buffalo, Washington, and Jacksonville.
"I don't know if it's him liking me or me liking him more," Prioleau said of Williams.
Prioleau likely won't unseat Roman Harper or Darren Sharper for one the starting jobs in the back-end of the Saints' secondary, but he will be a leader on special teams and provide depth.
"I don't know if it's him liking me or me liking him more," Prioleau said of Williams.
Prioleau likely won't unseat Roman Harper or Darren Sharper for one the starting jobs in the back-end of the Saints' secondary, but he will be a leader on special teams and provide depth.
He Drew His Gun
The sad story involving a Dallas police officer detaining Houston Texans running back Ryan Moats in a hospital parking lot while his mother in-law was dying has somehow managed to get worse.
"It all started in the early morning hours of March 17. With his wife and another woman in the car, Ryan Moats — a running back for the Houston Texans — sped his car toward Baylor Regional Medical Center of Plano. But when the Moats arrived at the emergency room parking lot, they were stopped by Officer Robert Powell, who reportedly drew his service revolver on the concerned family members."
Oh, but it gets even worse, as the dashboard camera captured this exchange between Moats and the police officer.
"It all started in the early morning hours of March 17. With his wife and another woman in the car, Ryan Moats — a running back for the Houston Texans — sped his car toward Baylor Regional Medical Center of Plano. But when the Moats arrived at the emergency room parking lot, they were stopped by Officer Robert Powell, who reportedly drew his service revolver on the concerned family members."
Oh, but it gets even worse, as the dashboard camera captured this exchange between Moats and the police officer.
MOATS: "I've got seconds before she's gone, man."
POWELL: "Listen: If I can't verify you have insurance..."
MOATS: "My mother-in-law is dying!"
POWELL: "Listen to me."
MOATS: "Right now, you're wasting my time."
You're a police officer, in a hospital parking lot and there are four, grief-stricken individuals attempting to enter the hospital.
And you're talking about insurance?Giants Announce All Non-Club PSL's Are Sold Out
The Star-Ledger reports that the New York Giants have sold all their personal seat licenses for non-club seats.
PSL's are still available in the club areas, which are: The Coach's Club, Mezzanine Clubs A & B. Over 70,000 PSL's have been sold thus far.
"Approximately 90 percent of our current season ticket accounts have purchased tickets in the new building, which again demonstrates that Giants fans are the most loyal in professional sports. We thank them for their support," Giants owner John Mara announced in the team's press release.
The remaining PSL's will be made available to the 93,000 names on the season-ticket wait list.
PSL's are still available in the club areas, which are: The Coach's Club, Mezzanine Clubs A & B. Over 70,000 PSL's have been sold thus far.
"Approximately 90 percent of our current season ticket accounts have purchased tickets in the new building, which again demonstrates that Giants fans are the most loyal in professional sports. We thank them for their support," Giants owner John Mara announced in the team's press release.
The remaining PSL's will be made available to the 93,000 names on the season-ticket wait list.
Picture of the Day - March 26th
Towards the end of each day, I'll be posting a football/NFL-related picture of the day. Feel free to e-mail me your favorites. (E-mail link above)
Alabama offensive tackle Andre Smith running the 40 during his Pro Day.
Alabama offensive tackle Andre Smith running the 40 during his Pro Day.
Kiper, McShay Continue Public Feud
ESPN draft experts Mel Kiper, Jr. and Todd McShay continued their public dispute today, and YES!, it is as boring and annoying as the headline suggests.
Look, let's face it: The only reason why Mel Kiper is getting so hot n' heavy about Matthew Stafford is because a long time ago, he predicted that Stafford would one day be the #1 pick in the NFL Draft.
Now that Stafford is one of the handful of guys who could go with the top overall pick, Kiper is doing everything he can on ESPN's airwaves and websites to make himself appear to be the Nostradamus that he isn't.
Speaking of guys like Kiper and McShay, I'll be unveiling the 2.0 version of my mock draft on Saturday, which will include the first two rounds. In a few weeks, I'll unveil another full 7-round mock draft, which by the end of the weekend, will have as about as many accurate predictions as Kiper's and McShay's will.
Look, let's face it: The only reason why Mel Kiper is getting so hot n' heavy about Matthew Stafford is because a long time ago, he predicted that Stafford would one day be the #1 pick in the NFL Draft.
Now that Stafford is one of the handful of guys who could go with the top overall pick, Kiper is doing everything he can on ESPN's airwaves and websites to make himself appear to be the Nostradamus that he isn't.
Speaking of guys like Kiper and McShay, I'll be unveiling the 2.0 version of my mock draft on Saturday, which will include the first two rounds. In a few weeks, I'll unveil another full 7-round mock draft, which by the end of the weekend, will have as about as many accurate predictions as Kiper's and McShay's will.
Giants Owner Opposes Increase to NFL Schedule
Gary Myers of the New York Daily News reports that New York Giants owner John Mara opposes the expansion of the NFL schedule to 17 or 18 games, but says the Giants "are the only ones" who like things the way they are.
I believe Mara is right, both in his opposition to an 18-game schedule and that the NFL doing so is inevitable. Here's why I'm opposed to the idea of expanding the NFL schedule:
1. It devalues the regular season games. One of the beautiful things about the 16-game NFL season is that every game is important. If your team starts off 0-2, the odds of you making the playoffs plummet. Once you start adding games to the schedule, its easier to overcome early-season losses.
2. Player health. It's hard enough for an NFL player to get through a 16-game season without getting injured, lengthening the regular season will just compound that.
Combine points 1 and 2 for moment. Team A is going on the road to play Team B without its starting left tackle in a non-conference game in early September. Team B has a 20-sack, All-Pro outside linebacker. Does the head coach of Team A play his superstar quarterback and risk him getting injured, or does he acknowledge the longer season ahead, play the backup and hope for the best, knowing he still has 15-16 games left to play?
"I think we're heading in that direction," he said. "I just think it's tough on the players' health that late in the season. We have a tough enough time getting through practice and getting through the game with your roster intact. Now we are going to be adding more games. So, we have to do something with the roster size. It's coming at some point."
I believe Mara is right, both in his opposition to an 18-game schedule and that the NFL doing so is inevitable. Here's why I'm opposed to the idea of expanding the NFL schedule:
1. It devalues the regular season games. One of the beautiful things about the 16-game NFL season is that every game is important. If your team starts off 0-2, the odds of you making the playoffs plummet. Once you start adding games to the schedule, its easier to overcome early-season losses.
2. Player health. It's hard enough for an NFL player to get through a 16-game season without getting injured, lengthening the regular season will just compound that.
Combine points 1 and 2 for moment. Team A is going on the road to play Team B without its starting left tackle in a non-conference game in early September. Team B has a 20-sack, All-Pro outside linebacker. Does the head coach of Team A play his superstar quarterback and risk him getting injured, or does he acknowledge the longer season ahead, play the backup and hope for the best, knowing he still has 15-16 games left to play?
"Cliche-ish"
Jim Thomas has the transcript of St. Louis Rams head coach Steve Spagnuolo's meeting with reports yesterday at the NFL Owner's Meeting.
Spagnuolo on what will define his Rams' teams:
Spagnulolo also discussed Chris Long, the Rams' offensive line and Will Witherspoon's move to outside linebacker. It appears as though nobody asked him about the Rams' quarterback situation, which if you read my morning post on Wednesday, I feel is a position the Rams should consider addressing with the 2nd overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft.
Spagnuolo on what will define his Rams' teams:
“Well, I don’t know that I’m going to label it. It still goes back to _ it’s cliché-ish _ but people working together and working hard. That’s the only way to succeed in this league, I believe. I don’t think it’s about fancy schemes or fancy words, creative this and creative that. It’s still comes back to your basic fundamental football. That’s what I believe.”
Spagnulolo also discussed Chris Long, the Rams' offensive line and Will Witherspoon's move to outside linebacker. It appears as though nobody asked him about the Rams' quarterback situation, which if you read my morning post on Wednesday, I feel is a position the Rams should consider addressing with the 2nd overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft.
USA Today: NFL Considers Putting Sponsors Logos on Practice Jerseys
Veteran NFL scribe Jim Corbett of the USA Today is reporting that the NFL is considering putting sponsors logos on NFL practice jerseys.
"It would be similar to logos worn on pro soccer jerseys," Dallas Cowboys executive vice-president Stephen Jones said.
Baltimore Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti goes into greater detail.
"We're talking about something unobtrusive that when the guys are being interviewed, people can can see the sponsor logo on their jerseys," Bisciotti said. "But it's no bigger or more obtrusive than the patches worn for the Super Bowl logo."
Mini-camps and training camps receive a great deal of media coverage, so it's no surprise that NFL teams are working on a way to monetize them.
Plus, this is an effective form of advertising. Whenever a head coach is being interviewed, he does so in front of a backdrop with a corporate logo on it. Because of this, I know that the Seahawks are inexplicably connected with Oberto beef jerky.
So I say go ahead and splash a corporate logo or two on an otherwise bland practice jersey.
A fair trade-off proposal for the NFL owners, though: If you're going to sign sponsorship deals for things like mini-camps and training camps, can you rescind the demands for team employees to take unpaid, two-week furloughs during the off-season?
Cool?
Thanks.
"It would be similar to logos worn on pro soccer jerseys," Dallas Cowboys executive vice-president Stephen Jones said.
Baltimore Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti goes into greater detail.
"We're talking about something unobtrusive that when the guys are being interviewed, people can can see the sponsor logo on their jerseys," Bisciotti said. "But it's no bigger or more obtrusive than the patches worn for the Super Bowl logo."
Mini-camps and training camps receive a great deal of media coverage, so it's no surprise that NFL teams are working on a way to monetize them.
Plus, this is an effective form of advertising. Whenever a head coach is being interviewed, he does so in front of a backdrop with a corporate logo on it. Because of this, I know that the Seahawks are inexplicably connected with Oberto beef jerky.
So I say go ahead and splash a corporate logo or two on an otherwise bland practice jersey.
A fair trade-off proposal for the NFL owners, though: If you're going to sign sponsorship deals for things like mini-camps and training camps, can you rescind the demands for team employees to take unpaid, two-week furloughs during the off-season?
Cool?
Thanks.
Words Fail
While trying to get his wife, his wife's grandfather and aunt to his dying mother in-law's side at Baylor Regional Medical Center in Plano, Texas, Houston Texans running back Ryan Moats did what anyone else in that situation would do.
He waited until no traffic was coming before running a red light.
This caught the attention of Dallas police officer Robert Powell, and well, words fail to describe what happened next.
Powell caught up to the vehicle in the emergency room parking lot, and attempted to detain everyone inside the vehicle. Moat's wife and her aunt ignored Powell's calls for them to stay, and rushed to Jonetta Collinsworth's side.
Moats and Collinsworth's father stayed behind as Powell lectured Moats, slowly writing him a ticket while threatening him with arrest, a dashboard camera capturing the ugly incident, all 13 minutes of it, in its entirety.
Hospital security and nursing staff implored the officer to allow the two men inside to be at the woman's bedside as she passed.
"There were some things that were said that were disturbing, to say the least," said Lt. Andy Harvey, a police spokesman.
Unfortunately, because of Powell's behavior, Moats' father in-law was in a hospital parking lot when his 45-year old daughter died.
Shameful.
He waited until no traffic was coming before running a red light.
This caught the attention of Dallas police officer Robert Powell, and well, words fail to describe what happened next.
Powell caught up to the vehicle in the emergency room parking lot, and attempted to detain everyone inside the vehicle. Moat's wife and her aunt ignored Powell's calls for them to stay, and rushed to Jonetta Collinsworth's side.
Moats and Collinsworth's father stayed behind as Powell lectured Moats, slowly writing him a ticket while threatening him with arrest, a dashboard camera capturing the ugly incident, all 13 minutes of it, in its entirety.
Hospital security and nursing staff implored the officer to allow the two men inside to be at the woman's bedside as she passed.
"There were some things that were said that were disturbing, to say the least," said Lt. Andy Harvey, a police spokesman.
Unfortunately, because of Powell's behavior, Moats' father in-law was in a hospital parking lot when his 45-year old daughter died.
Shameful.
West Coast Teams Will Continue to Get Early Wake-Up Calls
After easing the travel requirements for East Coast and Midwest-based NFL teams, who have unfairly, yet bravely, traveled to the West Coast to play more than one football game in a season, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has decided against helping West Coast-based NFL teams by ensuring they don't play games at 1pm ET.
"We have not seen specific information to show us there is an advantage," Goodell said, with the advantage being East Coast and Midwest-based teams playing 1pm ET games against teams from the West Coast.
Just so we're clear:
A team like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will no longer be forced to travel to both Seattle and San Francisco in the same season, but San Francisco and Seattle will still have to travel to Tampa Bay and Atlanta in the same season, in games that will likely start at 10am Pacific.
There are teams on the East Coast that, over an entire season, won't travel as much as Seattle, San Francisco, Oakland and San Diego will travel in a single road trip, but the NFL is making things easier on them?
Yeah, that's fair.
"We have not seen specific information to show us there is an advantage," Goodell said, with the advantage being East Coast and Midwest-based teams playing 1pm ET games against teams from the West Coast.
Just so we're clear:
A team like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will no longer be forced to travel to both Seattle and San Francisco in the same season, but San Francisco and Seattle will still have to travel to Tampa Bay and Atlanta in the same season, in games that will likely start at 10am Pacific.
There are teams on the East Coast that, over an entire season, won't travel as much as Seattle, San Francisco, Oakland and San Diego will travel in a single road trip, but the NFL is making things easier on them?
Yeah, that's fair.
Torry Holt to Visit the Jaguars
Future Hall of Fame wide receiver Torry Holt, currently a free agent, will visit with the Jacksonville Jaguars on Thursday.
Jacksonville will be the first team that Holt meets with since he was released by the St. Louis Rams on March 13.
Jacksonville will be the first team that Holt meets with since he was released by the St. Louis Rams on March 13.
Vick Facing Additional Charges
For a brief moment yesterday, it appeared as though Michael Vick would be released from federal prison into either a halfway home in his native Virginia or under house arrest.
Unfortunately for Vick, that wasn't the case.
Vick was in transit from Leavenworth prison in Kansas, though, as he's slated to be in Virginia to appear at a bankruptcy hearing next week.
On Wednesday, the U.S. Department of Labor filed complaints alleging that Vick spent $1.3 million in pension plan funds for his own benefit, including paying restitution in his dogfighting conspiracy case.
Vick's plan to re-pay his creditors hinges largely on his ability to resume his lucrative NFL career.
However, his reinstatement to the National Football League is far from guaranteed, and now that he's facing additional charges that NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has to take into consideration, it will be harder for Vick to be reinstated.
One option for Vick is the United Football League, which begins play this October.
Unfortunately for Vick, that wasn't the case.
Vick was in transit from Leavenworth prison in Kansas, though, as he's slated to be in Virginia to appear at a bankruptcy hearing next week.
On Wednesday, the U.S. Department of Labor filed complaints alleging that Vick spent $1.3 million in pension plan funds for his own benefit, including paying restitution in his dogfighting conspiracy case.
The Labor Department said Vick made a series of prohibited transfers from a pension plan sponsored by MV7, a celebrity marketing company owned by the former Atlanta Falcons quarterback. The department alleges that Vick violated his duties as trustee of a pension plan that covered nine current or former MV7 employees.
"This action sends a message that the Labor Department will not tolerate the misuse of plan money and will take whatever steps necessary to recover the assets owed to eligible workers," Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis said in a prepared statement.
Vick's plan to re-pay his creditors hinges largely on his ability to resume his lucrative NFL career.
However, his reinstatement to the National Football League is far from guaranteed, and now that he's facing additional charges that NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has to take into consideration, it will be harder for Vick to be reinstated.
One option for Vick is the United Football League, which begins play this October.
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