Alexander Shirkey - While the Falcons have been fighting hard to keep OT Tyson Clabo in Atlanta, other teams have also shown heavy interest in him. Earlier today, Jason La Canfora reported that both the Buffalo Bills and Seattle Seahawks have inquired about his services.
However, with Adam Schefter reporting that the Seahawks have agreed to a three-year deal with former Raiders tackle/guard Robert Gallery, it seems unlikely that they will continue their pursuit of Clabo. That essentially brings it down to the Falcons and Bills battling it out to sign Clabo.
Make no mistake, keeping Clabo is and has been the team's No. 1 task this offseason. The Falcons simply cannot afford to lose him, with a lack of proven depth at the offensive tackle position.
What it will ultimately come down to is how Clabo ranks his priorities: if money is most important, then he will likely sign with the Bills who had almost $38M worth of cap space under the new CBA. However, if Clabo wants to play for a winning team, inside a nice, warm dome, he'll sign with the Falcons.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Schefter: Kevin Kolb Will Be Traded For Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie This Week
Jason B - Adam Schefter was live on ESPN this afternoon and reported that a trade between the Eagles and Cardinals for Kevin Kolb will get done by the end of the week and it will include pro bowl corner Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and a draft pick. The teams are still wrangling over whether that will be a first or second rounder or some other type of conditional pick.
It makes sense that the talks are no progressing after Matt Hasselbeck signed in Tennessee and Kyle Orton is reportedly on the verge of a move to Miami. Really, the QB market has shrunk down to Kolb as the only viable guy left and the Cardinals as the only viable destination. So, if the two sides were playing a leverage game, it's basically over. The Cardinals can't sell Marc Bulger as their starter or the likes of John Skelton either. Kolb is the only real guy left and they are desperate for a QB.
For the Eagles, the deal fills their massive hole at corner with a 25 year old former pro bowler. DRC didn't have a great year last season, but is certainly still one of the best young corners in the NFL and is signed for two more years. They have to give up a guy who is at least a valuable backup and at best a franchise QB... but with Michael Vick making the position his own last year, Kolb is expendable. Plus, there's been rumors that the Eagles have been doing their diligence on other QBs as potential backups to Vick, with the most notable being Vince Young.
It makes sense that the talks are no progressing after Matt Hasselbeck signed in Tennessee and Kyle Orton is reportedly on the verge of a move to Miami. Really, the QB market has shrunk down to Kolb as the only viable guy left and the Cardinals as the only viable destination. So, if the two sides were playing a leverage game, it's basically over. The Cardinals can't sell Marc Bulger as their starter or the likes of John Skelton either. Kolb is the only real guy left and they are desperate for a QB.
For the Eagles, the deal fills their massive hole at corner with a 25 year old former pro bowler. DRC didn't have a great year last season, but is certainly still one of the best young corners in the NFL and is signed for two more years. They have to give up a guy who is at least a valuable backup and at best a franchise QB... but with Michael Vick making the position his own last year, Kolb is expendable. Plus, there's been rumors that the Eagles have been doing their diligence on other QBs as potential backups to Vick, with the most notable being Vince Young.
Plaxico Burress to Meet With The Giants
There's a good reason why the Giants won't rule out a Plaxico reunion -- because they're meeting with him later today to discuss the possibility of a return.
That news was broken earlier tonight when a source told Daily News columnist Gary Myers that Burress, the disgraced Super Bowl hero, was on his way back to his New Jersey home in anticipation of a meeting with Giants officials.
It is believed that meeting will take place later today. However, there is some confusion about the timeline. Some have interpreted the new NFL rules to be that teams can talk to, but not visit with unrestricted free agents from other teams until Friday at 6 p.m. Others believe they would be able to meet UFAs, but not at team facilities. So it's possible the meeting won't take place until Friday.
Regardless ... Yeah, I still think it's a longshot. Burress and Tom Coughlin have a lot of smoothing over to do and I'm skeptical they'll be able to salvage enough of their relationship to work together again. Also, everyone I know who knows Burress said throughout the offseason that he knew he had to get away from New York to restart his career.
I don't know what's changed, or whether this is a serious meeting or just a courtesy. We'll find out in the coming days. But Burress at least is willing to sit down and chat -- possibly even with the coach who sometimes made him miserable. If he's willing to do that, then I suppose anything is possible. This is definitely a situation to watch in the coming days.
That news was broken earlier tonight when a source told Daily News columnist Gary Myers that Burress, the disgraced Super Bowl hero, was on his way back to his New Jersey home in anticipation of a meeting with Giants officials.
It is believed that meeting will take place later today. However, there is some confusion about the timeline. Some have interpreted the new NFL rules to be that teams can talk to, but not visit with unrestricted free agents from other teams until Friday at 6 p.m. Others believe they would be able to meet UFAs, but not at team facilities. So it's possible the meeting won't take place until Friday.
Regardless ... Yeah, I still think it's a longshot. Burress and Tom Coughlin have a lot of smoothing over to do and I'm skeptical they'll be able to salvage enough of their relationship to work together again. Also, everyone I know who knows Burress said throughout the offseason that he knew he had to get away from New York to restart his career.
I don't know what's changed, or whether this is a serious meeting or just a courtesy. We'll find out in the coming days. But Burress at least is willing to sit down and chat -- possibly even with the coach who sometimes made him miserable. If he's willing to do that, then I suppose anything is possible. This is definitely a situation to watch in the coming days.
Donovan McNabb Going To Vikings?
Donovan McNabb might finally be able to get out of Washington.
If he takes a pay cut.
Jay Glazer of FoxSports.com reports that the Vikings and Redskins have a deal in place that would allow McNabb to play in Minnesota. But he would have to come to terms on a new contract with the Vikings.
Washington (for some reason) signed McNabb to a five-year extension last season, and Minnesota apparently doesn't want him on their roster if he is carrying that contract.
So what do the Redskins get in return? A sixth-round pick in 2012 and a conditional pick in 2013. Just last year, the Eagles were able to get a second-round pick and a fourth-rounder from Washington.
Per Glazer, the Vikings would want McNabb to start as they groom first-round pick Christian Ponder.
Update: Jason La Canfora of NFL Network reports that McNabb is expected to work out a deal with the Vikings and head to Minnesota.
Meanwhile, the Cowboys have come to terms with offensive tackle Doug Free, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. The new deal is worth four years and $32M.
If he takes a pay cut.
Jay Glazer of FoxSports.com reports that the Vikings and Redskins have a deal in place that would allow McNabb to play in Minnesota. But he would have to come to terms on a new contract with the Vikings.
Washington (for some reason) signed McNabb to a five-year extension last season, and Minnesota apparently doesn't want him on their roster if he is carrying that contract.
So what do the Redskins get in return? A sixth-round pick in 2012 and a conditional pick in 2013. Just last year, the Eagles were able to get a second-round pick and a fourth-rounder from Washington.
Per Glazer, the Vikings would want McNabb to start as they groom first-round pick Christian Ponder.
Update: Jason La Canfora of NFL Network reports that McNabb is expected to work out a deal with the Vikings and head to Minnesota.
Meanwhile, the Cowboys have come to terms with offensive tackle Doug Free, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. The new deal is worth four years and $32M.
Buffalo Bills To Sign Tyler Thigpen As QB Backup
The Buffalo Bills have landed a much-needed backup for starting QB Ryan Fitzpatrick. The South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports Dolphins free agent Tyler Thigpen has agreed to terms on a three-year contract with Buffalo.
The move puts Thigpen in a very familiar system under Bills coach Chan Gailey. Thigpen found success as an NFL QB as the primary starter for the Kansas City Chiefs when Gailey was their offensive coordinator in 2008.
Thigpen lost his standing in Kansas City once the team added Matt Cassel, and in Miami he wasn't in the mix to compete with Chad Henne for the job this year.
With Fitzpatrick and Thigpen, the Bills have a decent situation under center for the short term.
The move puts Thigpen in a very familiar system under Bills coach Chan Gailey. Thigpen found success as an NFL QB as the primary starter for the Kansas City Chiefs when Gailey was their offensive coordinator in 2008.
Thigpen lost his standing in Kansas City once the team added Matt Cassel, and in Miami he wasn't in the mix to compete with Chad Henne for the job this year.
With Fitzpatrick and Thigpen, the Bills have a decent situation under center for the short term.
Former Bills LB Paul Posluszny Heading to Jacksonville Jaguars
Dan Vie Wie - According to a story on Pro Football Talk, the breaking news is that Jay Glazer has reported that Buffalo Bills free agent linebacker Paul Posluszny has agreed to a six-year contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars. The deal was agreed to on Tuesday, July 26th, the first day of free agency.
According to Jason La Canfora of NFL.com, the Bills fought hard to keep Posluszny, but the deciding factor was that Posluszny wanted to return to a 4-3 defensive scheme, which is what the Bills switched out of last year.
If anything, Bills fans were worried that Posluszny might want to reunite with his old defensive coordinator Perry Fewell, who holds a similar role with the New York Giants. The Giants are looking for a solid inside linebacker and Posluszny was a player that the Giants were targeting. But the Jaguars? Never saw that one coming.
Although there was no mention of it, Bills General Manager had mentioned prior to the 2011 NFL draft that the Bills needed to get bigger at inside linebacker. Perhaps Posluszny took that as a hint that the Bills were considering to draft a replacement for him. As it was, the Bills did draft two inside linebacker types in the draft, when they selected Kelvin Sheppard and Chris White.
However, due to the 2011 lockout, neither rookie will be in a position to step in and play right away due to the lack of OTAs and mini-camps. Both rookies still have a lot to learn before they are ready to start.
So, this means that the Bills will now have to scramble to find a replacement for Posluszny. It also means that the Bills have lost a fan-favorite player, as Bills fans related to the hard working Posluszny, who had to fight back from injury several times in his career.
This also probably spells the end for the time being of the Penn State linebacker connection, as it would not be a surprise if the Bills let fellow Nittany Lion linebacker Aaron Maybin go as well.
Buddy Nix will begin evaluating potential replacements for Posluszny, and don't be surprised if he turns to his San Diego roots to look at some of the Chargers free agents. The shame of this whole situation is that the Bills had $38 MM under the salary cap and had plenty of money to offer Posluszny. That now will still be the case for his replacement.
Who knows maybe this leads the Bills to sign another major free agent, such as a top tackle, pass rusher or tight end, based on the money they would have paid out to Posluszny. The Bills did announce the signing of ex-Miami Dolphins quarterback Tyler Thigpen, who will now serve as the backup to Ryan Fitzpatrick. Perhaps this frees up money to convince Drayton Florence to return to the Bills, who are said to be battling the New York Jets to sign Florence to a contract.
What was strange was that there was a sale on Bills jerseys today at the Bills store. They had Posluszny jerseys in the ex-Bills bin with people like Marshawn Lynch, Marcus Stroud and Trent Edwards for a discounted price. I thought it was a mistake, but now it looks like somebody might have known something in the marketing department.
This free agency period is off to an interesting start already, but losing Posluszny was never supposed to be part of the plan. Let's see if Buddy Nix can scramble as well as Ryan Fitzpatrick does on Sundays.
According to Jason La Canfora of NFL.com, the Bills fought hard to keep Posluszny, but the deciding factor was that Posluszny wanted to return to a 4-3 defensive scheme, which is what the Bills switched out of last year.
If anything, Bills fans were worried that Posluszny might want to reunite with his old defensive coordinator Perry Fewell, who holds a similar role with the New York Giants. The Giants are looking for a solid inside linebacker and Posluszny was a player that the Giants were targeting. But the Jaguars? Never saw that one coming.
Although there was no mention of it, Bills General Manager had mentioned prior to the 2011 NFL draft that the Bills needed to get bigger at inside linebacker. Perhaps Posluszny took that as a hint that the Bills were considering to draft a replacement for him. As it was, the Bills did draft two inside linebacker types in the draft, when they selected Kelvin Sheppard and Chris White.
However, due to the 2011 lockout, neither rookie will be in a position to step in and play right away due to the lack of OTAs and mini-camps. Both rookies still have a lot to learn before they are ready to start.
So, this means that the Bills will now have to scramble to find a replacement for Posluszny. It also means that the Bills have lost a fan-favorite player, as Bills fans related to the hard working Posluszny, who had to fight back from injury several times in his career.
This also probably spells the end for the time being of the Penn State linebacker connection, as it would not be a surprise if the Bills let fellow Nittany Lion linebacker Aaron Maybin go as well.
Buddy Nix will begin evaluating potential replacements for Posluszny, and don't be surprised if he turns to his San Diego roots to look at some of the Chargers free agents. The shame of this whole situation is that the Bills had $38 MM under the salary cap and had plenty of money to offer Posluszny. That now will still be the case for his replacement.
Who knows maybe this leads the Bills to sign another major free agent, such as a top tackle, pass rusher or tight end, based on the money they would have paid out to Posluszny. The Bills did announce the signing of ex-Miami Dolphins quarterback Tyler Thigpen, who will now serve as the backup to Ryan Fitzpatrick. Perhaps this frees up money to convince Drayton Florence to return to the Bills, who are said to be battling the New York Jets to sign Florence to a contract.
What was strange was that there was a sale on Bills jerseys today at the Bills store. They had Posluszny jerseys in the ex-Bills bin with people like Marshawn Lynch, Marcus Stroud and Trent Edwards for a discounted price. I thought it was a mistake, but now it looks like somebody might have known something in the marketing department.
This free agency period is off to an interesting start already, but losing Posluszny was never supposed to be part of the plan. Let's see if Buddy Nix can scramble as well as Ryan Fitzpatrick does on Sundays.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
2011 AFC East Free Agents
Buffalo Bills
Matt Williamson - 1. Add new blood: For the most part, most of the Bills’ free-agents-to-be would not be big losses. Buffalo should have plenty of money to spend once free agency does finally open. Obviously, this has been a losing franchise for some time now, and transforming the roster and changing the culture of the organization should be a very good thing. The Bills did take a fine step in the right direction in the 2011 draft, taking several prospects from big-college programs with winning histories.
2. Keep Paul Posluszny: Although inside linebackers generally are not difficult to find, Posluszny is the type of guy Buffalo needs to keep within the organization. He is productive, tough and able to lead the defense on every down. Last season wasn’t his best, but Posluszny was fantastic in 2009, and I fully expect him to get back to that form, especially playing behind what should be a vastly improved young interior defensive line.
3. Eliminate needs: I list the Bills’ three greatest needs as left tackle, outside linebacker and tight end. Rome wasn’t built in a day, but if Buffalo could knock out one or two of these needs in free agency, it would go a very long way in its rebuilding process. Jared Gaither or Doug Free could potentially fill Buffalo’s left tackle position for years to come, while Matt Light could hold down the fort and provide leadership until Chris Hairston or a future draft pick is ready. An outside linebacker such as Manny Lawson, Matt Roth or Mathias Kiwanuka could also be money very well spent to pose an edge presence opposite Arthur Moats, whom I featured in my Soon to be Stars series. Zach Miller is really the only free-agent tight end who would qualify.
Top free agents: Posluszny, Donte Whitner, Drayton Florence
Miami Dolphins
1. Add running back help: Miami used the 62nd overall pick in 2011 to select Daniel Thomas, a big, bruising runner with a lot of ability. But of course, Thomas is going to be a rookie this season, and fully counting on him to carry the load and learn the pass protections would be foolish. Miami needs a backup plan. Bringing back Ronnie Brown, or more likely, Ricky Williams, wouldn’t be a terrible situation. But just adding Brown or Williams wouldn’t be enough. Snatching up Ahmad Bradshaw or DeAngelo Williams would obviously be a huge addition and would push Thomas to backup status. Even bringing in a reliable back like Joseph Addai or Jason Snelling might do the trick as Thomas develops. Another option is to add a specialty player like Darren Sproles.
2. Find competition for Chad Henne: Personally, I am not ready to write off Henne. I believe in the approach that Miami has taken this offseason. The Dolphins have surrounded him with pieces to make his life much easier. But still, adding a veteran signal-caller seems like a must at this point. Suitable options include Marc Bulger, Donovan McNabb or even Vince Young, who is soon to be released by Tennessee. If quarterback remains a problem after this year, then Miami needs to sell the farm to draft its next franchise quarterback. But in the meantime, this would be my approach.
3. Make a splash on D: To me, the Dolphins’ three biggest needs are quarterback, running back and then free safety. Even if Miami didn’t add a defender of any sort in free agency, I would rank its 2011 defense among the best in the NFL. I am that high on this group. But what if the Dolphins could land a real talent at free safety? Imagine the possibilities. This is a deep free-agent class of safeties. I would love to see the Dolphins sign someone like Michael Huff or especially Eric Weddle. Even adding a solid player with upside like Brodney Pool would be helpful here.
Top free agents: Ronnie Brown, Ricky Williams, Tony McDaniel, Richie Incognito, Tyler Thigpen
New England Patriots
1. Lock up Logan Mankins: Because the Patriots designated Mankins their franchise player, I didn’t include him among their top free agents. But New England does have to get him locked up. Mankins might just be the best guard in all of football. With Matt Light potentially leaving town, the Patriots cannot afford additional unrest along their offensive line. Mankins would be the ideal player to line up next to Nate Solder to help the rookie’s transition to the NFL.
2. Find a pass-rusher: I see outside linebacker as New England’s greatest need, followed distantly by wide receiver and defensive end. Although I expect Jermaine Cunningham to develop quickly into a solid starter, adding one more edge player who can be disruptive on throwing downs is something that still needs to be addressed after the team curiously ignored it in the draft. The name I like best for the Patriots here is Mathias Kiwanuka, if his health checks out. He is smart, versatile and has some experience at linebacker. Two other players who fit the bill are Matt Roth and Manny Lawson.
3. Acquire a deep threat: I am not as sold as most that New England must add a wide receiver who can stretch the field. But this is a tremendous organization, and the Pats just don’t have many needs, so picking up such a luxury player could be the difference between a Super Bowl championship or another early exit in the postseason. My favorite fit for the Patriots is Braylon Edwards. Edwards is immensely talented, and if submersed in this environment with Tom Brady throwing him the ball, he could quickly rank among the top wideouts in all of football.
Top free agents: Matt Light, Gerard Warren
New York Jets
1. Make critical decisions on their own players: The Jets have a lot of free agents, and they are one of the teams in the league with the least amount of money to spend as it stands today. New York has come very close to its goal the past couple of seasons, but this free-agency period is absolutely critical to staying among the best teams in the NFL.
2. Address wide receiver: Considering who is up for free agency, wide receiver has to be the biggest worry for the Jets right now. I greatly respect Braylon Edwards’ abilities, but Santonio Holmes is just the better player right now. In fact, I see Holmes as a top-10 wide receiver. He is incredible in the clutch. Mark Sanchez needs quality options to throw to at this point of his young career. If the Jets brought back Holmes, increased TE Dustin Keller's role and also found a bargain at wide receiver late in free agency (maybe Randy Moss or Chad Ochocinco), then I think they would be OK.
3. Don’t forget about the trenches: The Jets are a physical team that is strong on both lines of scrimmage. Two of their starting offensive line spots are uncertain at this point. And although they drafted Muhammad Wilkerson and Kendrick Ellis, rookie defensive linemen rarely make a major impact -- especially in a 3-4. Shaun Ellis is probably going to be playing elsewhere, and New York doesn’t have a high-end outside linebacker. So there are concerns up front. The Jets will have to sign some cheaper veteran options -- probably to one-year contracts -- to shore things up.
Top free agents: Santonio Holmes, Braylon Edwards, Shaun Ellis, Antonio Cromartie, Brodney Pool, Brad Smith
Matt Williamson - 1. Add new blood: For the most part, most of the Bills’ free-agents-to-be would not be big losses. Buffalo should have plenty of money to spend once free agency does finally open. Obviously, this has been a losing franchise for some time now, and transforming the roster and changing the culture of the organization should be a very good thing. The Bills did take a fine step in the right direction in the 2011 draft, taking several prospects from big-college programs with winning histories.
2. Keep Paul Posluszny: Although inside linebackers generally are not difficult to find, Posluszny is the type of guy Buffalo needs to keep within the organization. He is productive, tough and able to lead the defense on every down. Last season wasn’t his best, but Posluszny was fantastic in 2009, and I fully expect him to get back to that form, especially playing behind what should be a vastly improved young interior defensive line.
3. Eliminate needs: I list the Bills’ three greatest needs as left tackle, outside linebacker and tight end. Rome wasn’t built in a day, but if Buffalo could knock out one or two of these needs in free agency, it would go a very long way in its rebuilding process. Jared Gaither or Doug Free could potentially fill Buffalo’s left tackle position for years to come, while Matt Light could hold down the fort and provide leadership until Chris Hairston or a future draft pick is ready. An outside linebacker such as Manny Lawson, Matt Roth or Mathias Kiwanuka could also be money very well spent to pose an edge presence opposite Arthur Moats, whom I featured in my Soon to be Stars series. Zach Miller is really the only free-agent tight end who would qualify.
Top free agents: Posluszny, Donte Whitner, Drayton Florence
Miami Dolphins
1. Add running back help: Miami used the 62nd overall pick in 2011 to select Daniel Thomas, a big, bruising runner with a lot of ability. But of course, Thomas is going to be a rookie this season, and fully counting on him to carry the load and learn the pass protections would be foolish. Miami needs a backup plan. Bringing back Ronnie Brown, or more likely, Ricky Williams, wouldn’t be a terrible situation. But just adding Brown or Williams wouldn’t be enough. Snatching up Ahmad Bradshaw or DeAngelo Williams would obviously be a huge addition and would push Thomas to backup status. Even bringing in a reliable back like Joseph Addai or Jason Snelling might do the trick as Thomas develops. Another option is to add a specialty player like Darren Sproles.
2. Find competition for Chad Henne: Personally, I am not ready to write off Henne. I believe in the approach that Miami has taken this offseason. The Dolphins have surrounded him with pieces to make his life much easier. But still, adding a veteran signal-caller seems like a must at this point. Suitable options include Marc Bulger, Donovan McNabb or even Vince Young, who is soon to be released by Tennessee. If quarterback remains a problem after this year, then Miami needs to sell the farm to draft its next franchise quarterback. But in the meantime, this would be my approach.
3. Make a splash on D: To me, the Dolphins’ three biggest needs are quarterback, running back and then free safety. Even if Miami didn’t add a defender of any sort in free agency, I would rank its 2011 defense among the best in the NFL. I am that high on this group. But what if the Dolphins could land a real talent at free safety? Imagine the possibilities. This is a deep free-agent class of safeties. I would love to see the Dolphins sign someone like Michael Huff or especially Eric Weddle. Even adding a solid player with upside like Brodney Pool would be helpful here.
Top free agents: Ronnie Brown, Ricky Williams, Tony McDaniel, Richie Incognito, Tyler Thigpen
New England Patriots
1. Lock up Logan Mankins: Because the Patriots designated Mankins their franchise player, I didn’t include him among their top free agents. But New England does have to get him locked up. Mankins might just be the best guard in all of football. With Matt Light potentially leaving town, the Patriots cannot afford additional unrest along their offensive line. Mankins would be the ideal player to line up next to Nate Solder to help the rookie’s transition to the NFL.
2. Find a pass-rusher: I see outside linebacker as New England’s greatest need, followed distantly by wide receiver and defensive end. Although I expect Jermaine Cunningham to develop quickly into a solid starter, adding one more edge player who can be disruptive on throwing downs is something that still needs to be addressed after the team curiously ignored it in the draft. The name I like best for the Patriots here is Mathias Kiwanuka, if his health checks out. He is smart, versatile and has some experience at linebacker. Two other players who fit the bill are Matt Roth and Manny Lawson.
3. Acquire a deep threat: I am not as sold as most that New England must add a wide receiver who can stretch the field. But this is a tremendous organization, and the Pats just don’t have many needs, so picking up such a luxury player could be the difference between a Super Bowl championship or another early exit in the postseason. My favorite fit for the Patriots is Braylon Edwards. Edwards is immensely talented, and if submersed in this environment with Tom Brady throwing him the ball, he could quickly rank among the top wideouts in all of football.
Top free agents: Matt Light, Gerard Warren
New York Jets
1. Make critical decisions on their own players: The Jets have a lot of free agents, and they are one of the teams in the league with the least amount of money to spend as it stands today. New York has come very close to its goal the past couple of seasons, but this free-agency period is absolutely critical to staying among the best teams in the NFL.
2. Address wide receiver: Considering who is up for free agency, wide receiver has to be the biggest worry for the Jets right now. I greatly respect Braylon Edwards’ abilities, but Santonio Holmes is just the better player right now. In fact, I see Holmes as a top-10 wide receiver. He is incredible in the clutch. Mark Sanchez needs quality options to throw to at this point of his young career. If the Jets brought back Holmes, increased TE Dustin Keller's role and also found a bargain at wide receiver late in free agency (maybe Randy Moss or Chad Ochocinco), then I think they would be OK.
3. Don’t forget about the trenches: The Jets are a physical team that is strong on both lines of scrimmage. Two of their starting offensive line spots are uncertain at this point. And although they drafted Muhammad Wilkerson and Kendrick Ellis, rookie defensive linemen rarely make a major impact -- especially in a 3-4. Shaun Ellis is probably going to be playing elsewhere, and New York doesn’t have a high-end outside linebacker. So there are concerns up front. The Jets will have to sign some cheaper veteran options -- probably to one-year contracts -- to shore things up.
Top free agents: Santonio Holmes, Braylon Edwards, Shaun Ellis, Antonio Cromartie, Brodney Pool, Brad Smith
Buffalo Bills 2011: Top Unrestricted Free Agents
PERSONNEL PRIORITY
The Bills' top unrestricted free agents are MBL Paul Posluszny, CB Drayton Florence and SS Donte Whitner.
They are expected to work hard to retain Posluszny, whose name has been linked to the New York Giants where he would be reunited with former Bills defensive coordinator Perry Fewell. A former second round pick, Posluszny has a history of injuries but he's a good fit in Buffalo's scheme and his best football is probably ahead of him. If the team loses Posluszny, it's believed GM Buddy Nix will look west to San Diego, his former team. Kevin Burnett (28) and Brandon Siler (25) are young and affordable options.
The Bills also like Florence, a 2009 free-agent signee who has played solidly after a down year in Jacksonville. Florence, however, will test the market now that his stock is back up and Buffalo spent its second-round pick on a cornerback (Aaron Williams of Texas). The New York Jets' Antonio Cromartie is a possible Plan B.
Whitner, the eighth overall pick in the 2006 draft, has seemingly burned his bridges in Buffalo and it would be surprising if he returns. The Bills will not overpay for him and Whitner is looking to cash big under the new CBA.
The club retained veteran George Wilson and drafted North Carolina's Da'Norris Searcy in anticipation of losing Whitner. Depth is good enough at safety that the Bills won't make a big splash here.
As for pursuing other team's free agents, the Bills are looking to add a veteran backup for QB Ryan Fitzpatrick and add depth at offensive tackle.
The most popular quarterback being reported is Tyler Thigpen, who started 11 games in 2008 for coach Chan Gailey when Gailey was offensive coordinator for Kansas City Chiefs. Thigpen threw for 18 TDs for a bad Chiefs team and his mobility is appealing. Minnesota's talented but erratic Travaris Jackson is another type of player Gailey finds appealing.
Among more experienced veterans, Marc Bulger and Jake Delhomme if he's released by the Browns, are options for the Bills, who won't bring in anybody who is a real threat to Fitzpatrick.
At tackle, Buffalo's projected starters are Demetrius Bell at left tackle and Erik Pears at right. There are four backups in the fold and Buffalo isn't likely to pay big money at this pricey position. San Diego's Jeromey Clary, 27, who Nix drafted in 2006 (sixth round) is a name to watch.
With a roster of 65, Buffalo needs to add 25 players to get to the new roster limit of 90 players. Most of these will be college free agents. The team is light on quarterbacks (just two on the roster) and cornerbacks (just five).
MEDICAL WATCH
WR Roscoe Parrish, who had surgery to repair a broken wrist, has had the pins removed and should be ready to take part in all training camp activities. Parrish was enjoying his best year as a receiver under coach Chan Gailey when he was injured in Week 10.
The Bills' top unrestricted free agents are MBL Paul Posluszny, CB Drayton Florence and SS Donte Whitner.
They are expected to work hard to retain Posluszny, whose name has been linked to the New York Giants where he would be reunited with former Bills defensive coordinator Perry Fewell. A former second round pick, Posluszny has a history of injuries but he's a good fit in Buffalo's scheme and his best football is probably ahead of him. If the team loses Posluszny, it's believed GM Buddy Nix will look west to San Diego, his former team. Kevin Burnett (28) and Brandon Siler (25) are young and affordable options.
The Bills also like Florence, a 2009 free-agent signee who has played solidly after a down year in Jacksonville. Florence, however, will test the market now that his stock is back up and Buffalo spent its second-round pick on a cornerback (Aaron Williams of Texas). The New York Jets' Antonio Cromartie is a possible Plan B.
Whitner, the eighth overall pick in the 2006 draft, has seemingly burned his bridges in Buffalo and it would be surprising if he returns. The Bills will not overpay for him and Whitner is looking to cash big under the new CBA.
The club retained veteran George Wilson and drafted North Carolina's Da'Norris Searcy in anticipation of losing Whitner. Depth is good enough at safety that the Bills won't make a big splash here.
As for pursuing other team's free agents, the Bills are looking to add a veteran backup for QB Ryan Fitzpatrick and add depth at offensive tackle.
The most popular quarterback being reported is Tyler Thigpen, who started 11 games in 2008 for coach Chan Gailey when Gailey was offensive coordinator for Kansas City Chiefs. Thigpen threw for 18 TDs for a bad Chiefs team and his mobility is appealing. Minnesota's talented but erratic Travaris Jackson is another type of player Gailey finds appealing.
Among more experienced veterans, Marc Bulger and Jake Delhomme if he's released by the Browns, are options for the Bills, who won't bring in anybody who is a real threat to Fitzpatrick.
At tackle, Buffalo's projected starters are Demetrius Bell at left tackle and Erik Pears at right. There are four backups in the fold and Buffalo isn't likely to pay big money at this pricey position. San Diego's Jeromey Clary, 27, who Nix drafted in 2006 (sixth round) is a name to watch.
With a roster of 65, Buffalo needs to add 25 players to get to the new roster limit of 90 players. Most of these will be college free agents. The team is light on quarterbacks (just two on the roster) and cornerbacks (just five).
MEDICAL WATCH
WR Roscoe Parrish, who had surgery to repair a broken wrist, has had the pins removed and should be ready to take part in all training camp activities. Parrish was enjoying his best year as a receiver under coach Chan Gailey when he was injured in Week 10.
New York Giants Cut Center Shaun O' Hara
Ed Valintine - Pro Football Talk is reporting that the New York Giants will cut former Pro Bowl center Shaun O'Hara, who had served as the team's player rep during the lockout.
Combined with the news that the Giants will also be releasing veteran guard Rich Seubert, this means a stunning transformation will take place in 2011-2012 for the Giants offensive line.
WFAN's Paul Dottino reported that subtracting Seubert and O'Hara from the roster will save the Giants $5.6 million against the salary cap. They are currently reported to be $6.1 million over the $120 million cap.
O'Hara is a three-time Pro Bowl center who anchored the middle of the Giants line from 2004 through last season, when he played just six games due to foot and ankle injuries.
The Giants likely will have to be in the market for a center in the veteran free-agent market. The remaining centers on the roster are Adam Koets, who started six games a season ago, and Jim Cordle, a member of the practice squad last season.
Combined with the news that the Giants will also be releasing veteran guard Rich Seubert, this means a stunning transformation will take place in 2011-2012 for the Giants offensive line.
WFAN's Paul Dottino reported that subtracting Seubert and O'Hara from the roster will save the Giants $5.6 million against the salary cap. They are currently reported to be $6.1 million over the $120 million cap.
O'Hara is a three-time Pro Bowl center who anchored the middle of the Giants line from 2004 through last season, when he played just six games due to foot and ankle injuries.
The Giants likely will have to be in the market for a center in the veteran free-agent market. The remaining centers on the roster are Adam Koets, who started six games a season ago, and Jim Cordle, a member of the practice squad last season.
Dallas Cowboys 2011: Release Roy Williams, Marion Barber, Leonard Davis, Marc Columbo
Joe D. - total misfit from day one, Williams scored a huge payday in Dallas and never lived up to his hype, his ego or his cost to the team in money and draft picks. Good bye.
Original Post 1:00 PM
The Cowboys have cut right guard Leonard Davis and running back Marion Barber Jr. today according to ESPN.
For those of you who read my posts, the Barber cut should come as no surprise to any of you as he was overpaid and unproductive in my opinion.
Since Barber was given the opportunity for increased playing time after the team cut ties with Julius Jones, Barber’s yards per carry went into steep decline as I chronicled season after season.
As for Davis, his production tailed off last season and in his last six games he yielded no sacks and was flagged for one penalty.
Both moves should clear up some salary cap room for the Cowboys who were about $13 million dollars (ESPN estimate) over going into the new season.
Offensive lineman Marc Colombo and kicker Kris Brown have also been cut this afternoon as well.
Jerry Jones is conducting all the separation interviews himself.
Original Post 1:00 PM
The Cowboys have cut right guard Leonard Davis and running back Marion Barber Jr. today according to ESPN.
For those of you who read my posts, the Barber cut should come as no surprise to any of you as he was overpaid and unproductive in my opinion.
Since Barber was given the opportunity for increased playing time after the team cut ties with Julius Jones, Barber’s yards per carry went into steep decline as I chronicled season after season.
As for Davis, his production tailed off last season and in his last six games he yielded no sacks and was flagged for one penalty.
Both moves should clear up some salary cap room for the Cowboys who were about $13 million dollars (ESPN estimate) over going into the new season.
Offensive lineman Marc Colombo and kicker Kris Brown have also been cut this afternoon as well.
Jerry Jones is conducting all the separation interviews himself.
Monday, July 25, 2011
New York Jets 2011: Rex Ryan March Towards The Super Bowl
Christopher Nimbley - Finally the lockout is no more with some football related activities and transactions beginning as soon as tomorrow. You’re excited, your friends as well as your enemies are excited, hell who isn’t excited about the return of this country’s most beloved game?
Well the question really shouldn’t be who is excited or not, NFL fans don’t want to hear a word from anyone whose not excited after all. No the real question is who is the most excited? And you only get one guess and if you guess wrong you should be ashamed of yourself.
With the NFL lockout now officially over (FINALLY!!!), there is no man happier than Rex Ryan and he is already talking. (Jetsinsider.com Photo).
Writers everywhere are thrilled to learn that they can return to covering actual football news instead of following the NFL’s own version of Court TV (or Tru TV). Players are excited to get back with their friends and teammates and play the sport that they love, of course getting those paychecks again won’t exactly hurt their happiness levels. While the owners are off somewhere rubbing their hands together all sinister like as they softly mutter ‘excellent,’ over and over again.
All of these people are ecstatic about football being back, but with all due respect to their enthusiasm none of these people are Rex Ryan who has to be downright giddy right now.
For proof of this (not that any is needed), just take a look at what Jenny Vrentas of the Star-Ledger reported happened at an Jets organization meeting this morning.
The meeting was held for the day-to-day employees of the organization who don’t fill up the stat sheets or make the headlines, but did see their paychecks cut due to a lockout they had no say in. But just because these employees won’t be suiting up to take to the field doesn’t mean Ryan wasn’t more than happy to have a group of people to light a fire under once again.
“I challenge myself to win a Super Bowl,” Ryan told the group of employees, per Vrentas’ source, “and I challenge you, too.”
Owner Woody Johnson informed his employees that the money they lost during the lockout has been returned to them and now that the lockout is behind them its time to get back to work. Then came time for Ryan to speak and show that he hasn’t lost a step.
According to Vrentas a source inside the meeting told her, “The Giants talk about the past, Ryan told the room, but the Jets talk about what we’re going to do in the future.”
And that right there perfectly sums up exactly what Rex Ryan has meant to this, now, proud franchise. The Jets were a lost and floundering franchise before the gregarious coach took the helm and this is what is so often lost on the people who criticize the coach for his boisterous ways.
No matter how good a particular Jets team was before Ryan, they were never taken seriously because after all they were still the Jets. Somehow, someway they would find a way to let their fans down. The Jets have yet to reach the promise land under Rex, but people have never believed in the Jets as much as they do now and despite the immense amount of talent that scatters this roster, its because of the coach and his belief in himself and everyone within the organization that the Jets are looked at as an actual threat and not just the same old Jets.
According to Vrentas Ryan assured his fellow employees that the team will have the resources to sign all the players they need to finally back up his claim that the Jets will be Super Bowl Champions. Of course the responsibility of making sure those players get signed in the creative way that will be necessary to get it done will fall on GM Mike Tannenbaum’s shoulders, but maybe some of that, ‘all the players want to play for Rex’ magic will come in handy.
There is no doubt Jets fans are getting more and more excited even as they read this, but it is almost insulting to insinuate anyone is more thrilled than Ryan. Once Sunday comes and training camp is under way it will be quite interesting to see how exactly Ryan attempts to contain his excitement over having his loyal troops back ready to serve their magnanimous leader.
The lockout is over, football is back and Rex Ryan is ready which means so are the Jets. Dallas Cowboys beware, you are officially first on notice.
Well the question really shouldn’t be who is excited or not, NFL fans don’t want to hear a word from anyone whose not excited after all. No the real question is who is the most excited? And you only get one guess and if you guess wrong you should be ashamed of yourself.
With the NFL lockout now officially over (FINALLY!!!), there is no man happier than Rex Ryan and he is already talking. (Jetsinsider.com Photo).
Writers everywhere are thrilled to learn that they can return to covering actual football news instead of following the NFL’s own version of Court TV (or Tru TV). Players are excited to get back with their friends and teammates and play the sport that they love, of course getting those paychecks again won’t exactly hurt their happiness levels. While the owners are off somewhere rubbing their hands together all sinister like as they softly mutter ‘excellent,’ over and over again.
All of these people are ecstatic about football being back, but with all due respect to their enthusiasm none of these people are Rex Ryan who has to be downright giddy right now.
For proof of this (not that any is needed), just take a look at what Jenny Vrentas of the Star-Ledger reported happened at an Jets organization meeting this morning.
The meeting was held for the day-to-day employees of the organization who don’t fill up the stat sheets or make the headlines, but did see their paychecks cut due to a lockout they had no say in. But just because these employees won’t be suiting up to take to the field doesn’t mean Ryan wasn’t more than happy to have a group of people to light a fire under once again.
“I challenge myself to win a Super Bowl,” Ryan told the group of employees, per Vrentas’ source, “and I challenge you, too.”
Owner Woody Johnson informed his employees that the money they lost during the lockout has been returned to them and now that the lockout is behind them its time to get back to work. Then came time for Ryan to speak and show that he hasn’t lost a step.
According to Vrentas a source inside the meeting told her, “The Giants talk about the past, Ryan told the room, but the Jets talk about what we’re going to do in the future.”
And that right there perfectly sums up exactly what Rex Ryan has meant to this, now, proud franchise. The Jets were a lost and floundering franchise before the gregarious coach took the helm and this is what is so often lost on the people who criticize the coach for his boisterous ways.
No matter how good a particular Jets team was before Ryan, they were never taken seriously because after all they were still the Jets. Somehow, someway they would find a way to let their fans down. The Jets have yet to reach the promise land under Rex, but people have never believed in the Jets as much as they do now and despite the immense amount of talent that scatters this roster, its because of the coach and his belief in himself and everyone within the organization that the Jets are looked at as an actual threat and not just the same old Jets.
According to Vrentas Ryan assured his fellow employees that the team will have the resources to sign all the players they need to finally back up his claim that the Jets will be Super Bowl Champions. Of course the responsibility of making sure those players get signed in the creative way that will be necessary to get it done will fall on GM Mike Tannenbaum’s shoulders, but maybe some of that, ‘all the players want to play for Rex’ magic will come in handy.
There is no doubt Jets fans are getting more and more excited even as they read this, but it is almost insulting to insinuate anyone is more thrilled than Ryan. Once Sunday comes and training camp is under way it will be quite interesting to see how exactly Ryan attempts to contain his excitement over having his loyal troops back ready to serve their magnanimous leader.
The lockout is over, football is back and Rex Ryan is ready which means so are the Jets. Dallas Cowboys beware, you are officially first on notice.
2011 NFL Rankings: Saints, Pats, Packers Lead The Pack
Charean Williams - The pressure is on, I told Sean Payton last week. I correctly picked the past two Super Bowl champions. The Saints are my early favorite.
"Oh, my gosh," Payton said. "...I love knowing that somebody has picked us. I'm kind of excited."
The teams with continuity in their coaching staffs and with a veteran quarterback are the teams that have the best chance to win it all. Realistically, there probably are only eight to 10 teams with a chance to win the Super Bowl.
"I think this obviously has been a unique off-season," Payton said. "There is no doubt that those teams with the veteran leadership and with the more continuity are the ones with the early advantage. I look back and recognize the challenges we would have had had this been '06 instead of '11. So many decisions have to be made with your roster and your scheme. The challenge is for the teams that have had the turnover in their coaching position or at quarterback to try to catch up."
Here are my rankings before free agency:
1. New Orleans Saints: The Saints still have the core that won them the Super Bowl two years ago, including QB Drew Brees, and they got better in the draft with DE Cameron Jordan and RB Mark Ingram.
2. Green Bay Packers: The Packers overcame losing a league-high 91 games by starters because of injury to win the Super Bowl. RB Ryan Grant and TE Jermichael Finley are among the players who will return from the injury list to try to help the Pack repeat.
3. New England Patriots: They still have Tom Brady, and now he has first-round pick OT Nate Solder to try to keep him upright in the playoffs.
4. San Diego Chargers: The Chargers ranked first in total offense and first in total defense, but their special teams kept them out of the playoffs. San Diego replaced special teams coach Steve Crosby with ex-Bucs coach Rich Bisaccia, and they loaded up with special teams players in the draft.
5. Atlanta Falcons: The Falcons went 13-3 and earned a first-round playoff bye last season, but they lost a divisional home game. They believe WR Julio Jones is the difference-maker, which is why they traded their draft for him.
6. Pittsburgh Steelers: How much damage has LB James Harrison caused to this team? Harrison and an aging team could bring down the Steelers, who are consistently in the hunt.
7. Philadelphia Eagles: Michael Vick, who had never had a better than 56.4 completion percentage, completed 62.6 percent of his passes. He threw for a career-high 3,018 yards and 21 touchdowns and made his fourth career Pro Bowl despite starting only 12 games. Can he do it again, without an off-season of work with Andy Reid and Marty Mornhinweg?
8. Baltimore Ravens: The Ravens ranked 22nd in total offense. Baltimore, which drafted WR Torrey Smith, will have to give the defense some help for the Ravens finally to get to where they want to go.
9. New York Jets: While Las Vegas has the Jets with 12-1 odds to win Super Bowl XLVI, coach Rex Ryan has them as favorites. He's no Joe Namath, but he does have the team to be right this time.
10. Houston Texans: It's playoffs or bust for Gary Kubiak, who is 37-43 in his five seasons in Houston. He is trusting in Wade Phillips, turning over the defense to the former Cowboys head coach.
11. Indianapolis Colts: Peyton Manning, at 35, isn't the quarterback he used to be. And he is coming off neck surgery. Does he have one more Super Bowl run in him?
12. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: The Bucs are building one of the best defensive lines in football, and Josh Freeman has the look of a franchise quarterback. The only drawback for the Bucs is they are in the same division as the Falcons and the Saints.
13. New York Giants: Eli Manning had a league-high 30 turnovers, which is what doomed the Giants last season. They have big questions in the offensive line and at outside linebacker heading into free agency.
14. Detroit Lions: The Lions are 48-128 since their last playoff appearance in 1999, but Jim Schwartz is building a winner in Detroit. They will have one of the best defensive lines in football, and if Matthew Stafford can stay healthy, 2011 could be the year they turn the corner.
15. Dallas Cowboys: The Cowboys could have used an off-season for new coordinator Rob Ryan to install his defense. The defense gave up a team-record 436 points last season, so there is a lot of work that needs to be done.
16. Chicago Bears: Jay Cutler helped the Bears to the NFC Championship Game, but that might be as far as he can ever take this team. He had one 300-yard passing game last season.
17. St. Louis Rams: The Rams were known as the Greatest Show on Turf when Kurt Warner was the ringmaster. After a long wait, it appears the Rams finally have found Warner's replacement in rookie of the year Sam Bradford, and thus, rediscovered their winning ways.
18. Kansas City Chiefs: The Chiefs ranked first in rushing and last in passing last season. Matt Cassel, who gets help in new WR Jon Baldwin, needs to take the next step for the Chiefs to take the next step.
19. Oakland Raiders: The Raiders changed coaches after an 8-8 season. They no longer are one of the worst teams in the NFL, but they still have a ways to go to be among the best.
20. Jacksonville Jaguars: The plan is for first-round pick Blaine Gabbert to sit behind David Garrard, but that won't help save Jack Del Rio's job.
21. Miami Dolphins: Twelve years later, the Dolphins still are looking for Dan Marino's replacement. Chad Henne, who threw 15 touchdowns and 19 interceptions last season, isn't the answer.
22. San Francisco 49ers: Jim Harbaugh took over a 1-11 Stanford team and quickly turned around the Cardinal. The 49ers will use 2011 to lay the foundation.
23. Buffalo Bills: The Bills helped their defense in the draft, and will improve a unit that ranked 25th overall, including 32nd against the run. They should win more games than they did last season, but they still need a franchise quarterback.
24. Seattle Seahawks: Matt Hasselbeck is a free agent. Charlie Whitehurst isn't going to get Seattle back to the playoffs, and neither is Matt Leinart, if the Seahawks opt to sign him.
25. Minnesota Vikings: The Brett Favre era is over. The Christian Ponder era is about to begin.
26. Denver Broncos: The Broncos ranked 32nd in total defense last season and have no idea who their starting QB is. At least they have options in Tim Tebow, Kyle Orton and Brady Quinn.
27. Arizona Cardinals: The Cardinals could trade for Kevin Kolb, which would give them a chance to win the NFC West this season.
28. Washington Redskins: The Redskins could get better in free agency. They better find a quarterback, because they aren't going to win with John Beck.
29. Cleveland Browns: Colt McCoy will be helped by the hiring of head coach Pat Shurmur, but the defense, which ranked 22nd last season, isn't likely to improve. It needed the off-season to adjust to the scheme change.
30. Cincinnati Bengals: Welcome to the NFL, Andy Dalton.
31. Carolina Panthers: Cam Newton is the future, but the present is bleak for this team.
32. Tennessee Titans: The Titans are starting over with a first-time head coach in Mike Munchak and a rookie quarterback in Jake Locker.
"Oh, my gosh," Payton said. "...I love knowing that somebody has picked us. I'm kind of excited."
The teams with continuity in their coaching staffs and with a veteran quarterback are the teams that have the best chance to win it all. Realistically, there probably are only eight to 10 teams with a chance to win the Super Bowl.
"I think this obviously has been a unique off-season," Payton said. "There is no doubt that those teams with the veteran leadership and with the more continuity are the ones with the early advantage. I look back and recognize the challenges we would have had had this been '06 instead of '11. So many decisions have to be made with your roster and your scheme. The challenge is for the teams that have had the turnover in their coaching position or at quarterback to try to catch up."
Here are my rankings before free agency:
1. New Orleans Saints: The Saints still have the core that won them the Super Bowl two years ago, including QB Drew Brees, and they got better in the draft with DE Cameron Jordan and RB Mark Ingram.
2. Green Bay Packers: The Packers overcame losing a league-high 91 games by starters because of injury to win the Super Bowl. RB Ryan Grant and TE Jermichael Finley are among the players who will return from the injury list to try to help the Pack repeat.
3. New England Patriots: They still have Tom Brady, and now he has first-round pick OT Nate Solder to try to keep him upright in the playoffs.
4. San Diego Chargers: The Chargers ranked first in total offense and first in total defense, but their special teams kept them out of the playoffs. San Diego replaced special teams coach Steve Crosby with ex-Bucs coach Rich Bisaccia, and they loaded up with special teams players in the draft.
5. Atlanta Falcons: The Falcons went 13-3 and earned a first-round playoff bye last season, but they lost a divisional home game. They believe WR Julio Jones is the difference-maker, which is why they traded their draft for him.
6. Pittsburgh Steelers: How much damage has LB James Harrison caused to this team? Harrison and an aging team could bring down the Steelers, who are consistently in the hunt.
7. Philadelphia Eagles: Michael Vick, who had never had a better than 56.4 completion percentage, completed 62.6 percent of his passes. He threw for a career-high 3,018 yards and 21 touchdowns and made his fourth career Pro Bowl despite starting only 12 games. Can he do it again, without an off-season of work with Andy Reid and Marty Mornhinweg?
8. Baltimore Ravens: The Ravens ranked 22nd in total offense. Baltimore, which drafted WR Torrey Smith, will have to give the defense some help for the Ravens finally to get to where they want to go.
9. New York Jets: While Las Vegas has the Jets with 12-1 odds to win Super Bowl XLVI, coach Rex Ryan has them as favorites. He's no Joe Namath, but he does have the team to be right this time.
10. Houston Texans: It's playoffs or bust for Gary Kubiak, who is 37-43 in his five seasons in Houston. He is trusting in Wade Phillips, turning over the defense to the former Cowboys head coach.
11. Indianapolis Colts: Peyton Manning, at 35, isn't the quarterback he used to be. And he is coming off neck surgery. Does he have one more Super Bowl run in him?
12. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: The Bucs are building one of the best defensive lines in football, and Josh Freeman has the look of a franchise quarterback. The only drawback for the Bucs is they are in the same division as the Falcons and the Saints.
13. New York Giants: Eli Manning had a league-high 30 turnovers, which is what doomed the Giants last season. They have big questions in the offensive line and at outside linebacker heading into free agency.
14. Detroit Lions: The Lions are 48-128 since their last playoff appearance in 1999, but Jim Schwartz is building a winner in Detroit. They will have one of the best defensive lines in football, and if Matthew Stafford can stay healthy, 2011 could be the year they turn the corner.
15. Dallas Cowboys: The Cowboys could have used an off-season for new coordinator Rob Ryan to install his defense. The defense gave up a team-record 436 points last season, so there is a lot of work that needs to be done.
16. Chicago Bears: Jay Cutler helped the Bears to the NFC Championship Game, but that might be as far as he can ever take this team. He had one 300-yard passing game last season.
17. St. Louis Rams: The Rams were known as the Greatest Show on Turf when Kurt Warner was the ringmaster. After a long wait, it appears the Rams finally have found Warner's replacement in rookie of the year Sam Bradford, and thus, rediscovered their winning ways.
18. Kansas City Chiefs: The Chiefs ranked first in rushing and last in passing last season. Matt Cassel, who gets help in new WR Jon Baldwin, needs to take the next step for the Chiefs to take the next step.
19. Oakland Raiders: The Raiders changed coaches after an 8-8 season. They no longer are one of the worst teams in the NFL, but they still have a ways to go to be among the best.
20. Jacksonville Jaguars: The plan is for first-round pick Blaine Gabbert to sit behind David Garrard, but that won't help save Jack Del Rio's job.
21. Miami Dolphins: Twelve years later, the Dolphins still are looking for Dan Marino's replacement. Chad Henne, who threw 15 touchdowns and 19 interceptions last season, isn't the answer.
22. San Francisco 49ers: Jim Harbaugh took over a 1-11 Stanford team and quickly turned around the Cardinal. The 49ers will use 2011 to lay the foundation.
23. Buffalo Bills: The Bills helped their defense in the draft, and will improve a unit that ranked 25th overall, including 32nd against the run. They should win more games than they did last season, but they still need a franchise quarterback.
24. Seattle Seahawks: Matt Hasselbeck is a free agent. Charlie Whitehurst isn't going to get Seattle back to the playoffs, and neither is Matt Leinart, if the Seahawks opt to sign him.
25. Minnesota Vikings: The Brett Favre era is over. The Christian Ponder era is about to begin.
26. Denver Broncos: The Broncos ranked 32nd in total defense last season and have no idea who their starting QB is. At least they have options in Tim Tebow, Kyle Orton and Brady Quinn.
27. Arizona Cardinals: The Cardinals could trade for Kevin Kolb, which would give them a chance to win the NFC West this season.
28. Washington Redskins: The Redskins could get better in free agency. They better find a quarterback, because they aren't going to win with John Beck.
29. Cleveland Browns: Colt McCoy will be helped by the hiring of head coach Pat Shurmur, but the defense, which ranked 22nd last season, isn't likely to improve. It needed the off-season to adjust to the scheme change.
30. Cincinnati Bengals: Welcome to the NFL, Andy Dalton.
31. Carolina Panthers: Cam Newton is the future, but the present is bleak for this team.
32. Tennessee Titans: The Titans are starting over with a first-time head coach in Mike Munchak and a rookie quarterback in Jake Locker.
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Buffalo Bills 2011: Free Agency Could be Boom Or Bust For Bills, NFL Teams
Mark Gaughan - Inside linebacker, cornerback and quarterback are the key positions the Buffalo Bills must address when the NFL's free-agent shopping season begins.
Free agency should begin later this week -- if the league and the players approve a new collective-bargaining agreement by Tuesday or Wednesday. Even if the final details take longer to resolve, it appears inevitable that free agency is coming soon.
The 2011 free-agency season promises to be bigger and better than ever, since about 200 players who would have been free agents under normal rules last year had to sit out the 2010 spending party. Those players, who had four and five years' experience, finally will get to cash in on free agency, whenever a new labor deal is finalized.
The Bills would like to re-sign linebacker Paul Posluszny and cornerback Drayton Florence. They must add a veteran backup quarterback to play behind starter Ryan Fitzpatrick. The most obvious suspect for that role is Tyler Thigpen, a Miami free agent who played well for Bills coach Chan Gailey when the two were in Kansas City in 2008.
Will they address any other needs? That will be fascinating to watch.
The Bills could use more security at the offensive tackle position. It's possible they could look for more insurance at safety or outside linebacker, although they have enough players under contract at both of those positions. Free-agent safety Donte Whitner appears certain to sign elsewhere after five seasons in Buffalo.
Here's a look at the pool of players set to become unrestricted free agents, with an emphasis on the Bills' areas of need:
Inside Linebacker
Posluszny is one of the top three inside linebackers available, depending on each team's evaluation. The others are Tampa Bay's Barrett Ruud and Tennessee's Stephen Tulloch. Posluszny and Tulloch are 26. Ruud is 28.
Posluszny has proved his durability, missing just six games the past three years. He has not made a lot of big plays. Would that change if he played behind a better defensive front? It would be no surprise if the Browns and Giants were very interested in him. Will the Bills pay the market value for him?
If the Bills get outbid for Posluszny, they could pursue one of three Chargers free agents at inside backer. Kevin Burnett, 28, was a part-time starter in 2009 and a full-time starter in 2010. He had six sacks for San Diego last year. Brandon Siler, a seventh-round pick of the Chargers' in 2007, has made 12 starts over the past two years and is only 25. Stephen Cooper, 32, is a solid player when healthy but probably is older than the Bills want. He had two sprained knees last year.
Cornerback
Florence, 30, is coming off two solid years in Buffalo that saw him start 29 games. He had three interceptions last season. He's smart and has good size. He also knows this is likely his last good chance to get a big contract.
The cornerback crop in free agency is strong, which could help the Bills' bid to keep Florence. He probably ranks from seventh to 10th on most teams' lists. Oakland's Nnamdi Asomugha, Cincinnati's Johnathan Joseph, the Jets' Antonio Cromartie, Atlanta's Brent Grimes and Pittsburgh's Ike Taylor top the list. Baltimore's Chris Carr (26), Oakland's Stanford Routt (28) and Carolina's Richard Marshall (26) are among the other able starters available. Will the Bills go after one if they don't retain Florence?
Chicago special teams ace Corey Graham, the Buffalo native, is a free agent looking for more of a chance to play in the secondary. There's a slew of journeymen on the market.
Buffalo has talent at cornerback but only five players are in the fold. Terrence McGee and Leodis McKelvin return. Reggie Corner is a proven nickel corner. The Bills drafted Aaron Williams of Texas 34th overall. He might push for a starting job. They used a seventh-round pick on Richmond's Justin Rodgers, who has better skills than his draft standing suggests. Look for Buffalo to add at least five corners to the roster, one way or another.
Quarterback
The Bills need a competent veteran who can keep the offense from collapsing if Fitzpatrick were to get hurt and be out of the lineup for a month. Thigpen, 27, may fit the profile. He started 11 games for Gailey in '08 with a bad Chiefs team and went 1-10. But he had 18 TDs and 12 interceptions and he's mobile, an attribute Gailey likes.
One of the better young QBs available will be Tarvaris Jackson, 27, who went 10-11 in five years with Minnesota. He's mobile, and he's a 58.4 percent passer who fits a West Coast system. He can be erratic.
Other younger QBs who will be modestly priced include San Francisco's Troy Smith, Carolina's Matt Moore, Cleveland's Seneca Wallace, Oakland's Bruce Gradkowski and Kansas City's Brodie Croyle, who also played for Gailey in '08.
Some higher-profile QBs will be available, but the Bills won't be looking for someone to be a big threat to Fitzpatrick.
Tennessee is expected to release Vince Young, who will get a lot of attention. Young, 28, is 30-18 as a starter but his questionable study habits wouldn't seem like a good fit for Gailey. Donovan McNabb, 34, also is expected to be released by Washington. Older free agents also include Seattle's Matt Hasselbeck and Baltimore's Marc Bulger. Philadelphia's Kevin Kolb and Denver's Kyle Orton could be traded.
Tackle
The Bills have Demetrius Bell at left tackle. The prospective starter at right tackle is Erik Pears, who started the 2006 and '07 seasons in Denver, sat out '08 due to injury and started five games the past two seasons. He was signed by the Bills on Dec. 14. Behind him are Ed Wang, a fifth-round pick last year; rookie fourth-round pick Chris Hairston from Clemson; Mansfield Wrotto, a veteran swingman at guard and tackle; and Cordaro Howard, who started four games as an undrafted rookie in 2010.
What if Bell got hurt for even a month? It could mean big trouble.
But the Bills like Pears. There's a fair chance they think they have enough options to resist making a major move at tackle, one of the most expensive positions in the game.
Lining up for huge free-agent deals are Atlanta right tackle Tyson Clabo and Dallas left tackle Doug Free. Baltimore's Jared Gaither, 25, is a left tackle angling for big money, but he missed all of 2010 with a back injury. Pittsburgh's Willie Colon, 30, is a capable right tackle who missed all of 2010 with an Achilles injury. Baltimore's Marshal Yanda, 26, is a good right tackle but his best spot may be guard. New Orleans' Jermon Bushrod, 27, started the last two years in front of the nearly unsackable Drew Brees.
A lower-profile starter is San Diego right tackle Jeromey Clary, 27, who Bills General Manager Buddy Nix drafted as a sixth-rounder in '06. He played every snap last year. Looking further down the price list, Jets backup Wayne Hunter, 29, is a pretty good blocker. New York may try hard to keep him because starting RT Damien Woody, 33, is coming off an Achilles injury. Former starting RT Ryan Harris, who fell out of favor with Josh McDaniels in Denver, could be a value signing. He's a better pass blocker than run blocker and fits a zone-blocking style.
Safety
Whitner, who completely cleaned out his locker the day after the Bills' season ended, is part of a strong class of free-agent safeties. (The undrafted class is pretty good, too.) The top strong safeties include New Orleans' Roman Harper, Baltimore's Dawan Landry, Philadelphia's Quintin Mikell, Cleveland's Abram Elam and Chicago's Danieal Manning.
San Diego Pro Bowler Eric Weddle and Oakland's Michael Huff are the top free safeties.
The Bills are set at free safety with Jairus Byrd. They signed strong safety George Wilson to a new deal and drafted strong safety Da'Norris Searcy in the fourth round. He has better coverage skills than an average strong safety. Special teams ace Jon Corto and in-the-box safety Bryan Scott are back. That wouldn't seem to leave room for a major signing at safety
Free agency should begin later this week -- if the league and the players approve a new collective-bargaining agreement by Tuesday or Wednesday. Even if the final details take longer to resolve, it appears inevitable that free agency is coming soon.
The 2011 free-agency season promises to be bigger and better than ever, since about 200 players who would have been free agents under normal rules last year had to sit out the 2010 spending party. Those players, who had four and five years' experience, finally will get to cash in on free agency, whenever a new labor deal is finalized.
The Bills would like to re-sign linebacker Paul Posluszny and cornerback Drayton Florence. They must add a veteran backup quarterback to play behind starter Ryan Fitzpatrick. The most obvious suspect for that role is Tyler Thigpen, a Miami free agent who played well for Bills coach Chan Gailey when the two were in Kansas City in 2008.
Will they address any other needs? That will be fascinating to watch.
The Bills could use more security at the offensive tackle position. It's possible they could look for more insurance at safety or outside linebacker, although they have enough players under contract at both of those positions. Free-agent safety Donte Whitner appears certain to sign elsewhere after five seasons in Buffalo.
Here's a look at the pool of players set to become unrestricted free agents, with an emphasis on the Bills' areas of need:
Inside Linebacker
Posluszny is one of the top three inside linebackers available, depending on each team's evaluation. The others are Tampa Bay's Barrett Ruud and Tennessee's Stephen Tulloch. Posluszny and Tulloch are 26. Ruud is 28.
Posluszny has proved his durability, missing just six games the past three years. He has not made a lot of big plays. Would that change if he played behind a better defensive front? It would be no surprise if the Browns and Giants were very interested in him. Will the Bills pay the market value for him?
If the Bills get outbid for Posluszny, they could pursue one of three Chargers free agents at inside backer. Kevin Burnett, 28, was a part-time starter in 2009 and a full-time starter in 2010. He had six sacks for San Diego last year. Brandon Siler, a seventh-round pick of the Chargers' in 2007, has made 12 starts over the past two years and is only 25. Stephen Cooper, 32, is a solid player when healthy but probably is older than the Bills want. He had two sprained knees last year.
Cornerback
Florence, 30, is coming off two solid years in Buffalo that saw him start 29 games. He had three interceptions last season. He's smart and has good size. He also knows this is likely his last good chance to get a big contract.
The cornerback crop in free agency is strong, which could help the Bills' bid to keep Florence. He probably ranks from seventh to 10th on most teams' lists. Oakland's Nnamdi Asomugha, Cincinnati's Johnathan Joseph, the Jets' Antonio Cromartie, Atlanta's Brent Grimes and Pittsburgh's Ike Taylor top the list. Baltimore's Chris Carr (26), Oakland's Stanford Routt (28) and Carolina's Richard Marshall (26) are among the other able starters available. Will the Bills go after one if they don't retain Florence?
Chicago special teams ace Corey Graham, the Buffalo native, is a free agent looking for more of a chance to play in the secondary. There's a slew of journeymen on the market.
Buffalo has talent at cornerback but only five players are in the fold. Terrence McGee and Leodis McKelvin return. Reggie Corner is a proven nickel corner. The Bills drafted Aaron Williams of Texas 34th overall. He might push for a starting job. They used a seventh-round pick on Richmond's Justin Rodgers, who has better skills than his draft standing suggests. Look for Buffalo to add at least five corners to the roster, one way or another.
Quarterback
The Bills need a competent veteran who can keep the offense from collapsing if Fitzpatrick were to get hurt and be out of the lineup for a month. Thigpen, 27, may fit the profile. He started 11 games for Gailey in '08 with a bad Chiefs team and went 1-10. But he had 18 TDs and 12 interceptions and he's mobile, an attribute Gailey likes.
One of the better young QBs available will be Tarvaris Jackson, 27, who went 10-11 in five years with Minnesota. He's mobile, and he's a 58.4 percent passer who fits a West Coast system. He can be erratic.
Other younger QBs who will be modestly priced include San Francisco's Troy Smith, Carolina's Matt Moore, Cleveland's Seneca Wallace, Oakland's Bruce Gradkowski and Kansas City's Brodie Croyle, who also played for Gailey in '08.
Some higher-profile QBs will be available, but the Bills won't be looking for someone to be a big threat to Fitzpatrick.
Tennessee is expected to release Vince Young, who will get a lot of attention. Young, 28, is 30-18 as a starter but his questionable study habits wouldn't seem like a good fit for Gailey. Donovan McNabb, 34, also is expected to be released by Washington. Older free agents also include Seattle's Matt Hasselbeck and Baltimore's Marc Bulger. Philadelphia's Kevin Kolb and Denver's Kyle Orton could be traded.
Tackle
The Bills have Demetrius Bell at left tackle. The prospective starter at right tackle is Erik Pears, who started the 2006 and '07 seasons in Denver, sat out '08 due to injury and started five games the past two seasons. He was signed by the Bills on Dec. 14. Behind him are Ed Wang, a fifth-round pick last year; rookie fourth-round pick Chris Hairston from Clemson; Mansfield Wrotto, a veteran swingman at guard and tackle; and Cordaro Howard, who started four games as an undrafted rookie in 2010.
What if Bell got hurt for even a month? It could mean big trouble.
But the Bills like Pears. There's a fair chance they think they have enough options to resist making a major move at tackle, one of the most expensive positions in the game.
Lining up for huge free-agent deals are Atlanta right tackle Tyson Clabo and Dallas left tackle Doug Free. Baltimore's Jared Gaither, 25, is a left tackle angling for big money, but he missed all of 2010 with a back injury. Pittsburgh's Willie Colon, 30, is a capable right tackle who missed all of 2010 with an Achilles injury. Baltimore's Marshal Yanda, 26, is a good right tackle but his best spot may be guard. New Orleans' Jermon Bushrod, 27, started the last two years in front of the nearly unsackable Drew Brees.
A lower-profile starter is San Diego right tackle Jeromey Clary, 27, who Bills General Manager Buddy Nix drafted as a sixth-rounder in '06. He played every snap last year. Looking further down the price list, Jets backup Wayne Hunter, 29, is a pretty good blocker. New York may try hard to keep him because starting RT Damien Woody, 33, is coming off an Achilles injury. Former starting RT Ryan Harris, who fell out of favor with Josh McDaniels in Denver, could be a value signing. He's a better pass blocker than run blocker and fits a zone-blocking style.
Safety
Whitner, who completely cleaned out his locker the day after the Bills' season ended, is part of a strong class of free-agent safeties. (The undrafted class is pretty good, too.) The top strong safeties include New Orleans' Roman Harper, Baltimore's Dawan Landry, Philadelphia's Quintin Mikell, Cleveland's Abram Elam and Chicago's Danieal Manning.
San Diego Pro Bowler Eric Weddle and Oakland's Michael Huff are the top free safeties.
The Bills are set at free safety with Jairus Byrd. They signed strong safety George Wilson to a new deal and drafted strong safety Da'Norris Searcy in the fourth round. He has better coverage skills than an average strong safety. Special teams ace Jon Corto and in-the-box safety Bryan Scott are back. That wouldn't seem to leave room for a major signing at safety
Thursday, July 21, 2011
10 Quick And Early 2011 NFL Perdictions
NFL MANIC 123 - 1. You're right about that, Vick seemed to revert back to danger-addict last season when his first look wasn't there.
2. I think everyone has more or less agreed that this is the case with Tebow, though it's likely he'll start there. The question is whether he'll be any good? How far can desire, work ethic and running ability take your passing game?
3. The Texans always seem to find a dramatic way to not win. You just can't bet against Peyton, even with a bum neck.
4. The NFC North seems to be a place where most people think the Pack will win it, the Lions will place and the Bears might show. I think the Bears will have a drop-off kind of season and have all kinds of internal strife.
5. I think Bush will probably land elsewhere, actually. Too many teams want a third down spark with big-play special teams ability. Not sure how many would pay for it...
6. McNabb will be ineffective. Don't sleep on Kolb, though. if his mechanics are sound, he has the potential to be deadly, and if he ends up in Arizona, Fitz has made worse QBs look good. Plus, Kolb has a history of following a bad year with a great year... check out this article....http://tinyurl.com/3ovdczk
7. I think Matt Ryan might have a down year. Crazy, right? With all those weapons? But he got bailed out a lot last season. Just look at a string of boneheaded decisions in the divisional loss to the Packers. Matty Ice isn't quite elite. And you have to wonder about the Falcons D. I'll take the newly fortified-with-ingram Saints.
8. Less than two games? Cam Newton's smile alone guarantees double that.
9. Think the Jets are also in store for a down year. Look for the Pats defense to actually step up and matter this season.
10. The Chargers are likely going to lose a few key players this season and you can't expect the defense to hum like last season without Ron Rivera. It's way to early to say, but my dark horse? The Cowboys.
2. I think everyone has more or less agreed that this is the case with Tebow, though it's likely he'll start there. The question is whether he'll be any good? How far can desire, work ethic and running ability take your passing game?
3. The Texans always seem to find a dramatic way to not win. You just can't bet against Peyton, even with a bum neck.
4. The NFC North seems to be a place where most people think the Pack will win it, the Lions will place and the Bears might show. I think the Bears will have a drop-off kind of season and have all kinds of internal strife.
5. I think Bush will probably land elsewhere, actually. Too many teams want a third down spark with big-play special teams ability. Not sure how many would pay for it...
6. McNabb will be ineffective. Don't sleep on Kolb, though. if his mechanics are sound, he has the potential to be deadly, and if he ends up in Arizona, Fitz has made worse QBs look good. Plus, Kolb has a history of following a bad year with a great year... check out this article....http://tinyurl.com/3ovdczk
7. I think Matt Ryan might have a down year. Crazy, right? With all those weapons? But he got bailed out a lot last season. Just look at a string of boneheaded decisions in the divisional loss to the Packers. Matty Ice isn't quite elite. And you have to wonder about the Falcons D. I'll take the newly fortified-with-ingram Saints.
8. Less than two games? Cam Newton's smile alone guarantees double that.
9. Think the Jets are also in store for a down year. Look for the Pats defense to actually step up and matter this season.
10. The Chargers are likely going to lose a few key players this season and you can't expect the defense to hum like last season without Ron Rivera. It's way to early to say, but my dark horse? The Cowboys.
Dallas Cowboys 2011: Free Agency Cold Pose Challenges for Cowboys New Rob Ryan Defense
Rainer Sabin - Before the terms of the proposed collective bargaining agreement were negotiated, the Cowboys' management could fall asleep at night, knowing that the team's stock of serviceable defensive ends was sufficient.
Aware that Marcus Spears would soon test the open market as an unrestricted free agent, they had offered Stephen Bowen and Jason Hatcher second-round tenders worth $1.9 million in March. The position seemed secure, especially after Spears tore a calf muscle last November and Bowen performed well after replacing him in the starting lineup.
But the rules have changed since the lockout went into effect March 12. In the coming days both Hatcher and Bowen could join Spears on the open market and the Cowboys' tenders could be nullified. That's because players with expiring contracts and four years of service would be allowed to sign with any team in the league.
For the Cowboys, it's a potentially troublesome development. With Spears, Bowen and Hatcher free to go elsewhere, the Cowboys could have a shortage of defensive ends. Igor Olshansky is the only major contributor who is under contract while reserves Clifton Geathers and Sean Lissemore played a total of 12 snap last year.
Exacerbating the problem is the fact that it's almost a certainty Spears, who has never produced more than 2.5 sacks in a single season, will be gone. He recently told the website, Blogging with the Boys, that he didn't participate in the player-run practices organized by Tony Romo in part because he didn't know if the Cowboys would continue to be his employer. So, it stands to reason the Cowboys will likely concentrate their efforts on re-signing Bowen, who collected 22 tackles and 1.5 sacks last season.
Bowen, who has risen through the ranks since signing with the team as an undrafted free agent in 2006, was rated as one of the NFL's best 3-4 defensive ends last season by Pro Football Focus and is expected to be coveted by other teams.
But unlike Spears, Bowen appears more committed to staying in Dallas.
This offseason, he has been working out at a shuttered Hummer dealership in Grapevine, where outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware has created a makeshift gym that has attracted many of Bowen's teammates, including Hatcher, Anthony Spencer and Victor Butler. As they have lifted weights and maintained their fitness, Bowen and the other Cowboys players have also invested time learning new defensive coordinator Rob Ryan's system.
That's a positive sign for the Cowboys' brass, which will be able to sleep easier at night if they can keep Bowen in Dallas.
Aware that Marcus Spears would soon test the open market as an unrestricted free agent, they had offered Stephen Bowen and Jason Hatcher second-round tenders worth $1.9 million in March. The position seemed secure, especially after Spears tore a calf muscle last November and Bowen performed well after replacing him in the starting lineup.
But the rules have changed since the lockout went into effect March 12. In the coming days both Hatcher and Bowen could join Spears on the open market and the Cowboys' tenders could be nullified. That's because players with expiring contracts and four years of service would be allowed to sign with any team in the league.
For the Cowboys, it's a potentially troublesome development. With Spears, Bowen and Hatcher free to go elsewhere, the Cowboys could have a shortage of defensive ends. Igor Olshansky is the only major contributor who is under contract while reserves Clifton Geathers and Sean Lissemore played a total of 12 snap last year.
Exacerbating the problem is the fact that it's almost a certainty Spears, who has never produced more than 2.5 sacks in a single season, will be gone. He recently told the website, Blogging with the Boys, that he didn't participate in the player-run practices organized by Tony Romo in part because he didn't know if the Cowboys would continue to be his employer. So, it stands to reason the Cowboys will likely concentrate their efforts on re-signing Bowen, who collected 22 tackles and 1.5 sacks last season.
Bowen, who has risen through the ranks since signing with the team as an undrafted free agent in 2006, was rated as one of the NFL's best 3-4 defensive ends last season by Pro Football Focus and is expected to be coveted by other teams.
But unlike Spears, Bowen appears more committed to staying in Dallas.
This offseason, he has been working out at a shuttered Hummer dealership in Grapevine, where outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware has created a makeshift gym that has attracted many of Bowen's teammates, including Hatcher, Anthony Spencer and Victor Butler. As they have lifted weights and maintained their fitness, Bowen and the other Cowboys players have also invested time learning new defensive coordinator Rob Ryan's system.
That's a positive sign for the Cowboys' brass, which will be able to sleep easier at night if they can keep Bowen in Dallas.
New York Jets 2011: 5 Five Reasons I Like Marc Sanchez (While Hating The Rex Ryan Jets)
Bent On - While Bassett’s away communing with nature or whatever in Wyoming, we’ve asked some of the best writers on the web to step in and show TJB readers what real writing is about. Today’s guest post is from Jerod Morris of Midwest Sports Fans. Apparently, he’s a Miami Dolphins fan. Boooooo! (Just kidding. He’s one of the good ones.) Thanks, Jerod! Take it away…
Salutations, loyal chanters of J-E-T-S. I come to you today risking life and limb by contributing this blog post, but my respect for Brian and the great site he has built here trumps the fear I have for my own life that grows with successive keystroke.
You see, I’m a Dolphins fan, always have been, thanks to my mom. She grew up in Miami, had season tickets to the ’72 undefeated season, and counts Mercury Morris as her favorite athlete of all-time. She also loathes the Jets with every fiber of her being, as do my other Miami-based Dolphins-loving family members.
So, needless to say, if they knew that I was contributing to a Jets blog (let alone THE Jets Blog), there would likely be a family intervention almost immediately. If they knew that the tenor of my post was going to be mostly positive, they might either disown me or just put me out of my perceived misery right then and there.
But alas, here I am, with an admission that I may not be proud of, but that is true nonetheless: I like Mark Sanchez.
And for the remainder of my precious time here with you, I am going to list out the reasons why I have come to like the quarterback for the team I hate the most.
1. He has a great attitude.
This is easily the most important reason why I like Mark Sanchez. In fact, “like” might be the wrong term. I respect Mark Sanchez; and I respect him because he is upstanding, he takes responsibility, and he says and does the things a leader should do even if he isn’t quite ready to live up to them all yet.
There is no shame in “faking it ’til you make it”; in fact, it’s a strategy for personal and professional growth that many people believe in. Mark Sanchez was thrust, quite unprepared, into being the starting QB for a Super Bowl caliber team. He may not have been ready, but he never shied away from the pressure, the limelight, or the accountability that came with the position. In the process, he damn near got the Jets to two Super Bowls anyway, in spite of his inexperience and inaccuracy.
The jury is still out on Sanchez the passer, and whether he can play the game at an elite level, but I’m convinced of one thing: he can play the part. And when it comes to quarterbacking, that is much more important than people often want to admit.
2. He seems like a genuinely good dude.
Professional football is filled with amoral, anti-social jackwagons. Names like Ben Roethlisberger, Pacman Jones, Leonard Little, and Kenny Britt come to mind just in a split second of thought. Unfortunately, certain traits that may make someone a great football player may not make that person an upstanding member of society.
This is not the case for Mark Sanchez.
I wrote about this last January when the Jets were preparing for the AFC Title Game after I first heard the story of Sanchez and Aiden Binkley, the young boy with cancer whose second wish — after the continued health of his brothers — was to meet Sanchez. I’m sure I do not need to rehash the details of said story here, but there is one detail that spoke volumes to me about Mark Sanchez, the guy:
They became texting buddies and, one day, Sanchez surprised Aiden’s parents by asking, “Can I come over?” When Sanchez arrived, the boy was sleeping. Sanchez sat at Aiden’s feet, waiting until he woke up.
“He opened his eyes and there was Mark, sitting on the couch,” Lisa said. “He was so sweet.”
Sanchez really seems like one of the “good guys” in the NFL. It’s hard not to root for a guy, no matter team he plays for, who really seems to appreciate his enviable place in this world and at the same time uses it to make others’ lives better. There isn’t much more “good” you can do than help fill the last three weeks of a dying boy’s life with smiles.
3. He’s there for his friends.
Did you know that Sanchez and the other former U.S.C. quarterbacks (I believe there is now at least one on every NFL team) have a little club called “The Brojans” that they all belong to? Seriously. And when Matt Leinart needed help, who do you think was called on to intervene? That’s right: the Sanchize.
The full story is here: The Divergent Paths of Matt Cassel and Matt Leinart.
(Note: Clearly I am joking about “The Brojans” thing, but I do hope you enjoy the photo story and don’t mind me weaving it in. The highlight, after all, is definitely the ridiculous pictures of Sanchez, which is why I’m including it.)
4. The poise.
During Sanchez’s first two years in the NFL, I have greatly enjoyed the fun that Deadspin has had with the plethora of media references to the young QB’s poise. Here is an example, titled “The Lost Poise”, that tracks media members discussing young Mark and his poise.
5. Mark Sanchez’s greatest comparable may end up being Trent Dilfer.
Whoa!
An article filled with laudatory sentence after laudatory sentence about Mark Sanchez, and then, BAM, I have to go step into the hornet’s nest with a pejorative comparison like this. I just couldn’t leave well enough alone while in enemy territory could I?
I suppose if I am going to be candid and effusive in praising what I like about Sanchez, I must also be candid in assessing my thoughts on what is actually the most important element of this whole discussion: Sanchez the QB. Clearly, if I am comparing him to the underwhelming Dilfer, I’m not all that impressed.
(And if you’re wondering how that fits into a post purporting to be “Five Reasons I Like Mark Sanchez” just remember the sunshiny rooting perspective I am writing this from…)
A few stats, for grins and giggles:
Through two seasons, Sanchez’s QB rating is 70.2; that was Dilfer’s career QB rating exactly.
Through two seasons, Sanchez’s completion percentage is 54.4; Dilfer’s was 55.5 for his career.
Through two seasons, Sanchez’s TD:INT ratio is 29:33; Dilfer’s career ratio was 113:129, which is roughly equivalent.
Through two seasons, Sanchez’s yards per attempt is 6.6; Dilfer’s was 6.5.
See where I’m going with this? There are other similarities, but I’m sure you believe me by now.
Caveat: Sanchez only played one year of college football and made a nice statistical jump from his rookie to his sophomore year; so he will improve. I don’t doubt that, and quite likely his career numbers will be better than Dilfer’s when all is said and done. But will Sanchez get to the Peyton/Brady level? No. Will he get to the Brees/Rodgers/Roethlisberger level? I don’t think so. Will he even get to the Rivers/Ryan level? Personally, I doubt it. And there are plenty of other guys I’d rather have, guys like Sam Bradford, Tony Romo, Josh Freeman, etc.
But hey, don’t forget that I’m just a frustrated Dolphins fan who spends most of my football time lamenting the turd sandwich we have slated to be under center; so you can – and I’m sure will – take my assessment of Sanchez the QB with a gargantuan grain of salt and maybe a sour grape or two.
Besides, there is one thing we all know about Trent Dilfer: he won a Super Bowl, and he did so leading a pedestrian offense (to be kind) that was carried by an out-of-this-world defense. The model in New York is not exactly the same as this, but it’s not totally different either.
The question is and will always be for Sanchez: when those AFC Title Games come, and the elite QBs are under center on the opposite sideline, can Sanchez rise to the occasion and be good enough to lead his team to the next step? We know he has the attitude, we know he has the character, and we sure as hell know he has the poise; does he have the eyes, the mind, and the arm?
An 0-2 record in AFC Title Games would, on the surface, seem to suggest no; but a 4:1 TD:INT ratio and a 95+ QB rating in those two games would seem to suggest yes. As a quarterback though, it’s always that first stat that will matter the most.
As Mark Sanchez enters his third season, we’re going to start seeing much more of what the peak Mark Sanchez will look like. Right now I like him, even as a Dolphins fan, for the reasons enumerated above. But if he takes the next step, and delivers to the Jets what no one has since Namath, I’ll have to start hating him.
Forgive me for closing this way, but…stay likable Mark Sanchez.
Salutations, loyal chanters of J-E-T-S. I come to you today risking life and limb by contributing this blog post, but my respect for Brian and the great site he has built here trumps the fear I have for my own life that grows with successive keystroke.
You see, I’m a Dolphins fan, always have been, thanks to my mom. She grew up in Miami, had season tickets to the ’72 undefeated season, and counts Mercury Morris as her favorite athlete of all-time. She also loathes the Jets with every fiber of her being, as do my other Miami-based Dolphins-loving family members.
So, needless to say, if they knew that I was contributing to a Jets blog (let alone THE Jets Blog), there would likely be a family intervention almost immediately. If they knew that the tenor of my post was going to be mostly positive, they might either disown me or just put me out of my perceived misery right then and there.
But alas, here I am, with an admission that I may not be proud of, but that is true nonetheless: I like Mark Sanchez.
And for the remainder of my precious time here with you, I am going to list out the reasons why I have come to like the quarterback for the team I hate the most.
1. He has a great attitude.
This is easily the most important reason why I like Mark Sanchez. In fact, “like” might be the wrong term. I respect Mark Sanchez; and I respect him because he is upstanding, he takes responsibility, and he says and does the things a leader should do even if he isn’t quite ready to live up to them all yet.
There is no shame in “faking it ’til you make it”; in fact, it’s a strategy for personal and professional growth that many people believe in. Mark Sanchez was thrust, quite unprepared, into being the starting QB for a Super Bowl caliber team. He may not have been ready, but he never shied away from the pressure, the limelight, or the accountability that came with the position. In the process, he damn near got the Jets to two Super Bowls anyway, in spite of his inexperience and inaccuracy.
The jury is still out on Sanchez the passer, and whether he can play the game at an elite level, but I’m convinced of one thing: he can play the part. And when it comes to quarterbacking, that is much more important than people often want to admit.
2. He seems like a genuinely good dude.
Professional football is filled with amoral, anti-social jackwagons. Names like Ben Roethlisberger, Pacman Jones, Leonard Little, and Kenny Britt come to mind just in a split second of thought. Unfortunately, certain traits that may make someone a great football player may not make that person an upstanding member of society.
This is not the case for Mark Sanchez.
I wrote about this last January when the Jets were preparing for the AFC Title Game after I first heard the story of Sanchez and Aiden Binkley, the young boy with cancer whose second wish — after the continued health of his brothers — was to meet Sanchez. I’m sure I do not need to rehash the details of said story here, but there is one detail that spoke volumes to me about Mark Sanchez, the guy:
They became texting buddies and, one day, Sanchez surprised Aiden’s parents by asking, “Can I come over?” When Sanchez arrived, the boy was sleeping. Sanchez sat at Aiden’s feet, waiting until he woke up.
“He opened his eyes and there was Mark, sitting on the couch,” Lisa said. “He was so sweet.”
Sanchez really seems like one of the “good guys” in the NFL. It’s hard not to root for a guy, no matter team he plays for, who really seems to appreciate his enviable place in this world and at the same time uses it to make others’ lives better. There isn’t much more “good” you can do than help fill the last three weeks of a dying boy’s life with smiles.
3. He’s there for his friends.
Did you know that Sanchez and the other former U.S.C. quarterbacks (I believe there is now at least one on every NFL team) have a little club called “The Brojans” that they all belong to? Seriously. And when Matt Leinart needed help, who do you think was called on to intervene? That’s right: the Sanchize.
The full story is here: The Divergent Paths of Matt Cassel and Matt Leinart.
(Note: Clearly I am joking about “The Brojans” thing, but I do hope you enjoy the photo story and don’t mind me weaving it in. The highlight, after all, is definitely the ridiculous pictures of Sanchez, which is why I’m including it.)
4. The poise.
During Sanchez’s first two years in the NFL, I have greatly enjoyed the fun that Deadspin has had with the plethora of media references to the young QB’s poise. Here is an example, titled “The Lost Poise”, that tracks media members discussing young Mark and his poise.
5. Mark Sanchez’s greatest comparable may end up being Trent Dilfer.
Whoa!
An article filled with laudatory sentence after laudatory sentence about Mark Sanchez, and then, BAM, I have to go step into the hornet’s nest with a pejorative comparison like this. I just couldn’t leave well enough alone while in enemy territory could I?
I suppose if I am going to be candid and effusive in praising what I like about Sanchez, I must also be candid in assessing my thoughts on what is actually the most important element of this whole discussion: Sanchez the QB. Clearly, if I am comparing him to the underwhelming Dilfer, I’m not all that impressed.
(And if you’re wondering how that fits into a post purporting to be “Five Reasons I Like Mark Sanchez” just remember the sunshiny rooting perspective I am writing this from…)
A few stats, for grins and giggles:
Through two seasons, Sanchez’s QB rating is 70.2; that was Dilfer’s career QB rating exactly.
Through two seasons, Sanchez’s completion percentage is 54.4; Dilfer’s was 55.5 for his career.
Through two seasons, Sanchez’s TD:INT ratio is 29:33; Dilfer’s career ratio was 113:129, which is roughly equivalent.
Through two seasons, Sanchez’s yards per attempt is 6.6; Dilfer’s was 6.5.
See where I’m going with this? There are other similarities, but I’m sure you believe me by now.
Caveat: Sanchez only played one year of college football and made a nice statistical jump from his rookie to his sophomore year; so he will improve. I don’t doubt that, and quite likely his career numbers will be better than Dilfer’s when all is said and done. But will Sanchez get to the Peyton/Brady level? No. Will he get to the Brees/Rodgers/Roethlisberger level? I don’t think so. Will he even get to the Rivers/Ryan level? Personally, I doubt it. And there are plenty of other guys I’d rather have, guys like Sam Bradford, Tony Romo, Josh Freeman, etc.
But hey, don’t forget that I’m just a frustrated Dolphins fan who spends most of my football time lamenting the turd sandwich we have slated to be under center; so you can – and I’m sure will – take my assessment of Sanchez the QB with a gargantuan grain of salt and maybe a sour grape or two.
Besides, there is one thing we all know about Trent Dilfer: he won a Super Bowl, and he did so leading a pedestrian offense (to be kind) that was carried by an out-of-this-world defense. The model in New York is not exactly the same as this, but it’s not totally different either.
The question is and will always be for Sanchez: when those AFC Title Games come, and the elite QBs are under center on the opposite sideline, can Sanchez rise to the occasion and be good enough to lead his team to the next step? We know he has the attitude, we know he has the character, and we sure as hell know he has the poise; does he have the eyes, the mind, and the arm?
An 0-2 record in AFC Title Games would, on the surface, seem to suggest no; but a 4:1 TD:INT ratio and a 95+ QB rating in those two games would seem to suggest yes. As a quarterback though, it’s always that first stat that will matter the most.
As Mark Sanchez enters his third season, we’re going to start seeing much more of what the peak Mark Sanchez will look like. Right now I like him, even as a Dolphins fan, for the reasons enumerated above. But if he takes the next step, and delivers to the Jets what no one has since Namath, I’ll have to start hating him.
Forgive me for closing this way, but…stay likable Mark Sanchez.
NFL 2011: Top Ten NFL Salary Cap Casualties Bush,Clements
John Clayton - Getting under the salary cap wasn't much of a problem for NFL teams before the uncapped year of 2010.
The cap was going up $7 million a year. Many teams stayed to their budgets and had excess cap room. At the end of the 2009 season, 32 teams had $163 million of unused cap space.
Once the collective bargaining agreement is signed and the league is up and operating, teams have to return to the days of getting under the cap. The 2011 cap is going to be at $120 million, and there figure to be several cap casualties, particularly because the 2009 cap was at $128 million.
Let's review 10 players of interest.
1. New Orleans Saints RB Reggie Bush: The Saints want to keep him. Bush says he wants to stay. The numbers just don't work. Bush is scheduled to make $11.8 million this year and has a bloated $16 million cap number. The Saints have $11.7 million of cap room. Something has to give. They also have 26 unrestricted free agents. Cutting or trading him would free up $12.5 million. Sure, Bush could restructure, but would he do that knowing that teams such as Philadelphia, St. Louis and Tampa Bay might be willing to give him a nice long-term deal? Probably not.
Cap situations*
Team Status
Arizona $37.3 million under
Atlanta $13.9 million under
Baltimore $5.33 million under
Buffalo $35.9 million under
Carolina $30.6 million under
Chicago $37. million under
Cincinnati $35.9 million under
Cleveland $33.3 million under
Dallas $18.9 million over
Denver $1 million under
Detroit $16.6 million under
Green Bay $62,600 under
Houston $7.6 million under
Indianapolis $2.7 million over
Jacksonville $31.4 million under
Kansas City $34.3 million under
Miami $13.6 million under
Minnesota $5.1 million over
New England $7.57 million under
New Orleans $11.7 million under
N.Y. Giants $11.3 million over
N.Y. Jets $1.2 million over
Oakland $10 million over
Philadelphia $13 million under
Pittsburgh $10 million over
San Diego $19.4 million under
San Francisco $18.9 million under
Seattle $39 million under
St. Louis $35.6 million under
Tampa Bay $59.2 million under
Tennessee $10.3 million under
Washington $10.6 million under
*Does not include restricted free-agent tenders.
2. Minnesota Vikings WR Bernard Berrian: The Vikings grabbed him from the Chicago Bears at a $7 million-a-year price, but younger receivers such as Percy Harvin and Sidney Rice moved ahead of Berrian. He has a $6.258 million cap number. Cutting him saves the team $3.7 million, and the Vikings are more than $5 million over the cap. His chances of staying may be helped if Rice leaves, but Berrian still might have to restructure to stay.
3. San Francisco 49ers CB Nate Clements: This one is interesting. He's the league's first $10 million-a-year cornerback. He has struggled in the past couple of years, and now he has a $17.36 million cap number. There are some people in San Francisco who believe the 49ers might consider signing Nnamdi Asomugha. Releasing Clements frees up $14 million. If he stays, he'll have to take a pay cut.
4. Green Bay Packers LB Nick Barnett: Barnett has been hoping for a trade and he should get one. He has a $6.9 million cap number, and releasing or trading him would save the Packers a much-needed $4.2 million. The Packers also would free up $4.581 million if they release tackle Mark Tauscher.
5. Tennessee Titans QB Vince Young: Young isn't a cap casualty. He's a casualty of his spats with former Titans coach Jeff Fisher. The organization convinced owner Bud Adams to let the quarterback go. Freeing Young would clear up close to $12.8 million of cap room.
6. Baltimore Ravens RB Willis McGahee: The trade for McGahee didn't work out. What worked out was drafting Ray Rice and finding out he was a stud. McGahee has an $8.5 million cap number. Releasing or trading him frees up only $2.5 million, but the Ravens need all the cap dollars they can get to stay in the Super Bowl race.
7. Arizona Cardinals LB Joey Porter: The one-year experiment with Porter wasn't a success. The whole defense had a bad year. The Cardinals don't need cap room, but this looks like a relationship ready to split. He would save the team $4.66 million if he's cut.
8. Washington Redskins DT Albert Haynesworth: It's hard to believe the Redskins can save cap room by releasing or trading him after he signed a $100 million contract a couple of seasons ago. But they can save $3.4 million. Owner Daniel Snyder gave him a $21 million bonus last year to free up cap room for this season.
9. Cincinnati Bengals DE Antwan Odom: The last thing Bengals owner Mike Brown needs is more cap room. If Carson Palmer and Chad Ochocinco aren't on the roster, the payroll goes to $60 million, and Brown will be forced to spend $46.8 million just to reach the league's new cash floor. Odom showed flashes of being a great pass-rusher, but he struggled with injuries. He has a $6.3 million cap number and would save the team $2.9 million of cap room.
10. New York Giants G Shawn Andrews: The Giants gambled that Andrews could be a fix for the O-line, but unless he gives back a lot of money, he won't be a Giant. His cap number is $7.5 million and the Giants are more than $11 million over the cap. Releasing him frees up $7.333 million.
The cap was going up $7 million a year. Many teams stayed to their budgets and had excess cap room. At the end of the 2009 season, 32 teams had $163 million of unused cap space.
Once the collective bargaining agreement is signed and the league is up and operating, teams have to return to the days of getting under the cap. The 2011 cap is going to be at $120 million, and there figure to be several cap casualties, particularly because the 2009 cap was at $128 million.
Let's review 10 players of interest.
1. New Orleans Saints RB Reggie Bush: The Saints want to keep him. Bush says he wants to stay. The numbers just don't work. Bush is scheduled to make $11.8 million this year and has a bloated $16 million cap number. The Saints have $11.7 million of cap room. Something has to give. They also have 26 unrestricted free agents. Cutting or trading him would free up $12.5 million. Sure, Bush could restructure, but would he do that knowing that teams such as Philadelphia, St. Louis and Tampa Bay might be willing to give him a nice long-term deal? Probably not.
Cap situations*
Team Status
Arizona $37.3 million under
Atlanta $13.9 million under
Baltimore $5.33 million under
Buffalo $35.9 million under
Carolina $30.6 million under
Chicago $37. million under
Cincinnati $35.9 million under
Cleveland $33.3 million under
Dallas $18.9 million over
Denver $1 million under
Detroit $16.6 million under
Green Bay $62,600 under
Houston $7.6 million under
Indianapolis $2.7 million over
Jacksonville $31.4 million under
Kansas City $34.3 million under
Miami $13.6 million under
Minnesota $5.1 million over
New England $7.57 million under
New Orleans $11.7 million under
N.Y. Giants $11.3 million over
N.Y. Jets $1.2 million over
Oakland $10 million over
Philadelphia $13 million under
Pittsburgh $10 million over
San Diego $19.4 million under
San Francisco $18.9 million under
Seattle $39 million under
St. Louis $35.6 million under
Tampa Bay $59.2 million under
Tennessee $10.3 million under
Washington $10.6 million under
*Does not include restricted free-agent tenders.
2. Minnesota Vikings WR Bernard Berrian: The Vikings grabbed him from the Chicago Bears at a $7 million-a-year price, but younger receivers such as Percy Harvin and Sidney Rice moved ahead of Berrian. He has a $6.258 million cap number. Cutting him saves the team $3.7 million, and the Vikings are more than $5 million over the cap. His chances of staying may be helped if Rice leaves, but Berrian still might have to restructure to stay.
3. San Francisco 49ers CB Nate Clements: This one is interesting. He's the league's first $10 million-a-year cornerback. He has struggled in the past couple of years, and now he has a $17.36 million cap number. There are some people in San Francisco who believe the 49ers might consider signing Nnamdi Asomugha. Releasing Clements frees up $14 million. If he stays, he'll have to take a pay cut.
4. Green Bay Packers LB Nick Barnett: Barnett has been hoping for a trade and he should get one. He has a $6.9 million cap number, and releasing or trading him would save the Packers a much-needed $4.2 million. The Packers also would free up $4.581 million if they release tackle Mark Tauscher.
5. Tennessee Titans QB Vince Young: Young isn't a cap casualty. He's a casualty of his spats with former Titans coach Jeff Fisher. The organization convinced owner Bud Adams to let the quarterback go. Freeing Young would clear up close to $12.8 million of cap room.
6. Baltimore Ravens RB Willis McGahee: The trade for McGahee didn't work out. What worked out was drafting Ray Rice and finding out he was a stud. McGahee has an $8.5 million cap number. Releasing or trading him frees up only $2.5 million, but the Ravens need all the cap dollars they can get to stay in the Super Bowl race.
7. Arizona Cardinals LB Joey Porter: The one-year experiment with Porter wasn't a success. The whole defense had a bad year. The Cardinals don't need cap room, but this looks like a relationship ready to split. He would save the team $4.66 million if he's cut.
8. Washington Redskins DT Albert Haynesworth: It's hard to believe the Redskins can save cap room by releasing or trading him after he signed a $100 million contract a couple of seasons ago. But they can save $3.4 million. Owner Daniel Snyder gave him a $21 million bonus last year to free up cap room for this season.
9. Cincinnati Bengals DE Antwan Odom: The last thing Bengals owner Mike Brown needs is more cap room. If Carson Palmer and Chad Ochocinco aren't on the roster, the payroll goes to $60 million, and Brown will be forced to spend $46.8 million just to reach the league's new cash floor. Odom showed flashes of being a great pass-rusher, but he struggled with injuries. He has a $6.3 million cap number and would save the team $2.9 million of cap room.
10. New York Giants G Shawn Andrews: The Giants gambled that Andrews could be a fix for the O-line, but unless he gives back a lot of money, he won't be a Giant. His cap number is $7.5 million and the Giants are more than $11 million over the cap. Releasing him frees up $7.333 million.
Monday, July 18, 2011
Buffalo Bills: Ryan Fitzpatrick Out to Prove That He Is A Franchise QB
Mark Ludwiczak - There was something different about Ryan Fitzpatrick when the Bills convened for a series of informal workouts at the end of May.
Yes, his infamous beard -- which led to the endearing nickname the "Amish Rifle" -- was a little less scraggly. He appeared to be noticeably stronger after hitting the weights hard in his Arizona hometown.
Fitzpatrick was the ringleader who rounded up more than 30 teammates for workouts in May. (US Presswire)
Fitzpatrick was the ringleader who rounded up more than 30 teammates for workouts in May. (US Presswire)
But above all else, it was crystal clear that the usually reserved Fitzpatrick is willing and ready to take the next step as the unquestioned leader of the Buffalo Bills.
"This year it's his show and he knows that," wide receiver David Nelson said. "There's definitely a different feeling from him ... you can see a little different [spring] in his step."
After so many others have come up short, Fitzpatrick is trying to do the seemingly impossible and become the Bills' long-term answer at quarterback -- their first since Hall of Famer Jim Kelly retired in 1997.
He might be the most unlikely candidate yet.
Fitzpatrick was handed the starting job in a Hail Mary attempt by new coach Chan Gailey two weeks into the 2010 season, after the Trent Edwards era mercifully and abruptly came to an end.
Then, a funny thing happened: The journeyman backup didn't look like a backup any more. Fitzpatrick became the latest reclamation project for Gailey, who has a history of getting more out of less at quarterback (Jay Fiedler, Mike Tomczak, Kordell Stewart and Tyler Thigpen all had their best years under Gailey's watch). His gunslinger approach was a fresh departure from that of Edwards, whose propensity to check the ball down was cringe-worthy.
Fitzpatrick finished with 3,000 yards passing, becoming the first Bills QB to reach the mark since J.P. Losman in 2006. He threw 23 touchdowns, the most by a Bill since Drew Bledsoe (24) in 2002. Including his final three starts from 2009, Fitzpatrick tossed a touchdown pass in 15 consecutive games -- the longest streak by a Bills quarterback since Kelly, back in 1986-87.
Not all was perfect; the Bills finished 4-12 and 25th in the league in total offense. There were some ill-timed interceptions that hurt the team in critical moments. But Fitzpatrick had clearly given his team some life, injecting a healthy dose of adrenaline into a passing game that had previously bottomed out.
Buffalo's offense, win or lose, was entertaining for the first time in years.
"We meshed well together towards the end of the season," Nelson said. "The offense continued to grow and that's what you want, you want your offense to get better every week and I think we did it last year."
That left the Bills with an interesting decision to make in April. With their highest draft pick since 1985 (when Buffalo chose Bruce Smith first overall), the Bills were in prime position to take a potential franchise quarterback.
Instead, they passed on a QB at No. 3, opting not to pick a quarterback in the entire draft -- leaving Fitzpatrick as the unchallenged starter moving forward.
"We've said all along how we feel about Fitz," said general manager Buddy Nix, who spoke highly of the quarterback throughout the spring.
After briefly celebrating the draft victory, Fitzpatrick quickly adjusted to his new role.
"People always say, 'I'm going to train and practice like I'm the starter,' but I promise there's a difference," he said. "It gives you that much more incentive to work hard, you've got a lot of guys counting on you. You have to become a leader of the guys to get them together. It's a big change but it's something that I love."
Fitzpatrick actually got a head start on his new leadership role shortly before the draft, when he invited some teammates out to Arizona for a passing camp. Seven other players showed up, with several even staying at Fitzpatrick's home.
His efforts didn't go unnoticed.
"He had the guys out in Arizona working out, no one knows that," veteran linebacker Reggie Torbor said. "But he doesn't care because he doesn't do it to get on ESPN or TV. He did it because he knows that he has a job to do. There are leaders here, but he is the quarterback and there's something to be said about that. ... When things get rough, even the leaders look at Fitz. That's where he is now and I think he's accepted that role; he's embraced it. We believe in him."
Fitzpatrick took it one step further in May, helping to organize a series of workouts in Elma, N.Y., a suburb east of Buffalo. More than 30 members of the Bills participated, with the quarterback calling most of the shots on offense with no coaches on hand. In recent weeks, Fitzpatrick has returned to Buffalo to continue lifting weights and working out with teammates.
His work has caught the eye of the man whose shoes he is hoping to fill. Fitzpatrick has spent several weeks tutoring Jim Kelly's nephew Chad, who recently committed to play college football at Clemson.
"I totally agree with sticking with Fitzpatrick," Jim Kelly said. "I am just so impressed with the knowledge he has of the offense, how he goes about with his leadership ... just watching how he communicates with the receivers and how they listen to every single word that comes out of his mouth, whether it's Lee Evans or whoever the case may be, the guys are really paying attention to what he's saying.
"You can see it. I've always been told about his leadership ability, but never really had seen it. Just listening to how he goes about running the practice with the receivers. ... I can relate to it being a quarterback and how he goes about it. It's exactly the same way."
Being a leader is one thing. Performing on the field is another. For everything Fitzpatrick has shown in the past year, it could all go out the window if he reverts back to his pre-2010 form. Is he a late bloomer, a la Jake Delhomme, Kurt Warner or Rich Gannon, who is just beginning to hit his stride? Or is he a flash in the pan who just happened to get hot when the right opportunity presented itself?
Only time will tell. But make no mistake about it -- the Bills have become his team, and he's going to have every opportunity to control his own destiny.
He wouldn't have it any other way.
"Yeah, I love it," Fitzpatrick said. "That's why I play quarterback."
Yes, his infamous beard -- which led to the endearing nickname the "Amish Rifle" -- was a little less scraggly. He appeared to be noticeably stronger after hitting the weights hard in his Arizona hometown.
Fitzpatrick was the ringleader who rounded up more than 30 teammates for workouts in May. (US Presswire)
Fitzpatrick was the ringleader who rounded up more than 30 teammates for workouts in May. (US Presswire)
But above all else, it was crystal clear that the usually reserved Fitzpatrick is willing and ready to take the next step as the unquestioned leader of the Buffalo Bills.
"This year it's his show and he knows that," wide receiver David Nelson said. "There's definitely a different feeling from him ... you can see a little different [spring] in his step."
After so many others have come up short, Fitzpatrick is trying to do the seemingly impossible and become the Bills' long-term answer at quarterback -- their first since Hall of Famer Jim Kelly retired in 1997.
He might be the most unlikely candidate yet.
Fitzpatrick was handed the starting job in a Hail Mary attempt by new coach Chan Gailey two weeks into the 2010 season, after the Trent Edwards era mercifully and abruptly came to an end.
Then, a funny thing happened: The journeyman backup didn't look like a backup any more. Fitzpatrick became the latest reclamation project for Gailey, who has a history of getting more out of less at quarterback (Jay Fiedler, Mike Tomczak, Kordell Stewart and Tyler Thigpen all had their best years under Gailey's watch). His gunslinger approach was a fresh departure from that of Edwards, whose propensity to check the ball down was cringe-worthy.
Fitzpatrick finished with 3,000 yards passing, becoming the first Bills QB to reach the mark since J.P. Losman in 2006. He threw 23 touchdowns, the most by a Bill since Drew Bledsoe (24) in 2002. Including his final three starts from 2009, Fitzpatrick tossed a touchdown pass in 15 consecutive games -- the longest streak by a Bills quarterback since Kelly, back in 1986-87.
Not all was perfect; the Bills finished 4-12 and 25th in the league in total offense. There were some ill-timed interceptions that hurt the team in critical moments. But Fitzpatrick had clearly given his team some life, injecting a healthy dose of adrenaline into a passing game that had previously bottomed out.
Buffalo's offense, win or lose, was entertaining for the first time in years.
"We meshed well together towards the end of the season," Nelson said. "The offense continued to grow and that's what you want, you want your offense to get better every week and I think we did it last year."
That left the Bills with an interesting decision to make in April. With their highest draft pick since 1985 (when Buffalo chose Bruce Smith first overall), the Bills were in prime position to take a potential franchise quarterback.
Instead, they passed on a QB at No. 3, opting not to pick a quarterback in the entire draft -- leaving Fitzpatrick as the unchallenged starter moving forward.
"We've said all along how we feel about Fitz," said general manager Buddy Nix, who spoke highly of the quarterback throughout the spring.
After briefly celebrating the draft victory, Fitzpatrick quickly adjusted to his new role.
"People always say, 'I'm going to train and practice like I'm the starter,' but I promise there's a difference," he said. "It gives you that much more incentive to work hard, you've got a lot of guys counting on you. You have to become a leader of the guys to get them together. It's a big change but it's something that I love."
Fitzpatrick actually got a head start on his new leadership role shortly before the draft, when he invited some teammates out to Arizona for a passing camp. Seven other players showed up, with several even staying at Fitzpatrick's home.
His efforts didn't go unnoticed.
"He had the guys out in Arizona working out, no one knows that," veteran linebacker Reggie Torbor said. "But he doesn't care because he doesn't do it to get on ESPN or TV. He did it because he knows that he has a job to do. There are leaders here, but he is the quarterback and there's something to be said about that. ... When things get rough, even the leaders look at Fitz. That's where he is now and I think he's accepted that role; he's embraced it. We believe in him."
Fitzpatrick took it one step further in May, helping to organize a series of workouts in Elma, N.Y., a suburb east of Buffalo. More than 30 members of the Bills participated, with the quarterback calling most of the shots on offense with no coaches on hand. In recent weeks, Fitzpatrick has returned to Buffalo to continue lifting weights and working out with teammates.
His work has caught the eye of the man whose shoes he is hoping to fill. Fitzpatrick has spent several weeks tutoring Jim Kelly's nephew Chad, who recently committed to play college football at Clemson.
"I totally agree with sticking with Fitzpatrick," Jim Kelly said. "I am just so impressed with the knowledge he has of the offense, how he goes about with his leadership ... just watching how he communicates with the receivers and how they listen to every single word that comes out of his mouth, whether it's Lee Evans or whoever the case may be, the guys are really paying attention to what he's saying.
"You can see it. I've always been told about his leadership ability, but never really had seen it. Just listening to how he goes about running the practice with the receivers. ... I can relate to it being a quarterback and how he goes about it. It's exactly the same way."
Being a leader is one thing. Performing on the field is another. For everything Fitzpatrick has shown in the past year, it could all go out the window if he reverts back to his pre-2010 form. Is he a late bloomer, a la Jake Delhomme, Kurt Warner or Rich Gannon, who is just beginning to hit his stride? Or is he a flash in the pan who just happened to get hot when the right opportunity presented itself?
Only time will tell. But make no mistake about it -- the Bills have become his team, and he's going to have every opportunity to control his own destiny.
He wouldn't have it any other way.
"Yeah, I love it," Fitzpatrick said. "That's why I play quarterback."
$20 Million To Spend For Philly Eagles
The Eagles will have "a little less" than $20 million to spend in free agency if estimates of the new salary cap figure in the NFL collective bargaining agreement are correct, a league source said.
Various reports have the cap set at $120 million. The Eagles have roughly $100 million in salaries, including the approximate $16 million quarterback Michael Vick is owed under the franchise tag, that would count against their cap number.
That figure could increase depending upon whether the Eagles signed any of their own free agents before the league year started, and will decrease several million after they sign their draft picks. The new year is expected to begin a week following an agreement. If owners and players were to OK a deal on Thursday -- as many expect -- free agency would start on July 28.
The Eagles have said repeatedly that they have an aggressive plan for free agency. If estimates are on the mark coach Andy Reid and general manager Howie Roseman should have enough leeway to fill holes at cornerback and on the defensive line. The Eagles could also potentially be in need of a backup quarterback and backup running back if Kevin Kolb was to be dealt and Jerome Harrison was to leave via free agency.
If reports are true, Harrison will be an unrestricted free agent, along with several other Eagles will more than four years of service and less than six. Linebacker Stewart Bradley, punter Sav Rocca and Harrison are likely the only players that would have been restricted under last year's rules that the Eagles are to consider keeping for next season.
The Eagles will have the opportunity to sign their own free agents before the league year commences. Colleague Jonathan Tamari does a fine job indentifying the Eagles' potential targets once free agency begins here. At cornerback, Nnamdi Asomugha, Johnathan Joseph, Ike Taylor and Carlos Rogers could be available. At defensive end, Ray Edwards, Charles Johnson and Jason Babin are attractive options. The defensive tackle free agent field isn't as sexy.
The Eagles also have to take into consideration possible extensions for players like Vick or wide receiver DeSean Jackson when formulating how to use their cap space.
Various reports have the cap set at $120 million. The Eagles have roughly $100 million in salaries, including the approximate $16 million quarterback Michael Vick is owed under the franchise tag, that would count against their cap number.
That figure could increase depending upon whether the Eagles signed any of their own free agents before the league year started, and will decrease several million after they sign their draft picks. The new year is expected to begin a week following an agreement. If owners and players were to OK a deal on Thursday -- as many expect -- free agency would start on July 28.
The Eagles have said repeatedly that they have an aggressive plan for free agency. If estimates are on the mark coach Andy Reid and general manager Howie Roseman should have enough leeway to fill holes at cornerback and on the defensive line. The Eagles could also potentially be in need of a backup quarterback and backup running back if Kevin Kolb was to be dealt and Jerome Harrison was to leave via free agency.
If reports are true, Harrison will be an unrestricted free agent, along with several other Eagles will more than four years of service and less than six. Linebacker Stewart Bradley, punter Sav Rocca and Harrison are likely the only players that would have been restricted under last year's rules that the Eagles are to consider keeping for next season.
The Eagles will have the opportunity to sign their own free agents before the league year commences. Colleague Jonathan Tamari does a fine job indentifying the Eagles' potential targets once free agency begins here. At cornerback, Nnamdi Asomugha, Johnathan Joseph, Ike Taylor and Carlos Rogers could be available. At defensive end, Ray Edwards, Charles Johnson and Jason Babin are attractive options. The defensive tackle free agent field isn't as sexy.
The Eagles also have to take into consideration possible extensions for players like Vick or wide receiver DeSean Jackson when formulating how to use their cap space.
New York Jets: Kyle Wilson, Antonio Cromartie Or Both?
When the Jets took Boise State corner back Kyle Wilson with their 2010 first round pick, most people saw it as an insurance policy for the recently acquired Antonio Cromartie. With Cromartie, the Jets figured they could ease Wilson into the rotation while trying to learn the intricacies of Rex Ryan’s defensive scheme. However, due to the prolonged nature of Darrelle Revis’ hold-out, Wilson was thrust into the starting role opposite Cromartie as Revis worked through injuries and lack of off-season preparation. Revis started the opener against the Ravens but went down with a hamstring injury in the second quarter of the Patriots game the following week. Wilson stepped in for Revis in the second half and was very effective in shutting down Wes Welker en route to a 28-14 win.
Revis would miss the next two games, while Cromartie elevated his game showing flashes of his circa 2007 Chargers Pro Bowl form. Wilson on the other hand looked very much like a rookie and was soon supplanted by Drew Coleman as the interim starter and later as the starting nickel back. The rookie soon became buried in the depth chart, barely seeing the field, Mike Westhoff couldn’t even find him a consistent role on special teams. Wilson’s struggles were made-up for by Cromartie’s consistently solid play opposite Revis, although he did show some weakness in press coverage.
So Here’s The Issue:
The Jets relinquished a second round pick in exchange for Cromartie and he proved to be worth his price and then some. However, he is one of the Jets’ many key free agents. Given his relative youth, proven ability to be a shut-down corner, and his added value as a dangerous return man, Cromartie figures to command a significant amount of money on the free agent market. We all know that there is no such thing as loyalty in the National Football League and given Cromartie’s much publicized child support/naming issues he will almost certainly take the money and run to the highest bidder. If you need proof, just look at this past season where the Jets needed to front Cromartie half a million dollars in order for him to meet his child support obligations.
On the other hand, the Jets spent a first round draft-pick on Wilson in hopes that he would become another shut-down corner opposite Mr. “Revis Christ.” The Jets cornerback depth in 2010 allowed Wilson to sit back and learn, but he is no longer a rookie and it is time to put his feet to the fire and find out if the Jets have what they thought they were getting when they drafted him. Wilson is also under contract and would provide a cheaper alternative to Cromartie, which could free up money for the team to re-sign both their star wide receivers, Braylon Edwards and Santonio Holmes. The Jets can’t be too deliberate with Wilson or else they run the risk of having another Vernon Gholston-esque situation on their hands.
What It Comes Down To:
Rex loves having quality depth at corner back, especially with his creative blitz packages and the lack of a conventional pass-rush. Cromartie is a proven but potentially expensive commodity and his already been worth what they gave up for him but Wilson has huge potential and was regarded by many “experts” to be the best corner in his draft class. Ideally, the Jets would like to keep Cromartie but they will have to decide whether he is as easy to replace as a Holmes or an Edwards. Quality corners are hard to come by, but receivers are a dime a dozen and if the braintrust of Tannenbaum, Bradway, Clinkscales thinks the same way, Edwards could become the odd man out.
The wild card in this equation has to be nickel back Drew Coleman, who had a break-out season and is also a free agent. If the Jets think highly enough of Coleman, they could let Cromartie walk and throw Wilson to the wolves with Coleman as the proverbial insurance policy. It should be interesting to see how the Jets decide to divide up the contract money among their numerous free agents when free agency returns hopefully within the next week or so.
Revis would miss the next two games, while Cromartie elevated his game showing flashes of his circa 2007 Chargers Pro Bowl form. Wilson on the other hand looked very much like a rookie and was soon supplanted by Drew Coleman as the interim starter and later as the starting nickel back. The rookie soon became buried in the depth chart, barely seeing the field, Mike Westhoff couldn’t even find him a consistent role on special teams. Wilson’s struggles were made-up for by Cromartie’s consistently solid play opposite Revis, although he did show some weakness in press coverage.
So Here’s The Issue:
The Jets relinquished a second round pick in exchange for Cromartie and he proved to be worth his price and then some. However, he is one of the Jets’ many key free agents. Given his relative youth, proven ability to be a shut-down corner, and his added value as a dangerous return man, Cromartie figures to command a significant amount of money on the free agent market. We all know that there is no such thing as loyalty in the National Football League and given Cromartie’s much publicized child support/naming issues he will almost certainly take the money and run to the highest bidder. If you need proof, just look at this past season where the Jets needed to front Cromartie half a million dollars in order for him to meet his child support obligations.
On the other hand, the Jets spent a first round draft-pick on Wilson in hopes that he would become another shut-down corner opposite Mr. “Revis Christ.” The Jets cornerback depth in 2010 allowed Wilson to sit back and learn, but he is no longer a rookie and it is time to put his feet to the fire and find out if the Jets have what they thought they were getting when they drafted him. Wilson is also under contract and would provide a cheaper alternative to Cromartie, which could free up money for the team to re-sign both their star wide receivers, Braylon Edwards and Santonio Holmes. The Jets can’t be too deliberate with Wilson or else they run the risk of having another Vernon Gholston-esque situation on their hands.
What It Comes Down To:
Rex loves having quality depth at corner back, especially with his creative blitz packages and the lack of a conventional pass-rush. Cromartie is a proven but potentially expensive commodity and his already been worth what they gave up for him but Wilson has huge potential and was regarded by many “experts” to be the best corner in his draft class. Ideally, the Jets would like to keep Cromartie but they will have to decide whether he is as easy to replace as a Holmes or an Edwards. Quality corners are hard to come by, but receivers are a dime a dozen and if the braintrust of Tannenbaum, Bradway, Clinkscales thinks the same way, Edwards could become the odd man out.
The wild card in this equation has to be nickel back Drew Coleman, who had a break-out season and is also a free agent. If the Jets think highly enough of Coleman, they could let Cromartie walk and throw Wilson to the wolves with Coleman as the proverbial insurance policy. It should be interesting to see how the Jets decide to divide up the contract money among their numerous free agents when free agency returns hopefully within the next week or so.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
SEC Football: 2011 Coaches Peseason All-SEC Football Team
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Alabama had a league-high seven representatives on the first-team of the 2011 All-Southeastern Conference Coaches' Football Team, while Arkansas had a league-high 14 total selections, the league office announced on Thursday.
Georgia had six players on the first team, which was second, while South Carolina had four players and Arkansas had three. Kentucky was the only other school to have multiple members on the first-team with two.
Nine of the 12 SEC schools had a member on the first-team All-SEC squad. Each SEC school had at least one student-athlete on either the first, second or third-team.
Alabama followed Arkansas in total selections with 13, while Georgia was third with nine selections among all three teams. Every team had at least two selections on the combined three units.
There are six first-team pre-season selections that were on last year's first-team coaches All-SEC post-season team. Those include: WR Alshon Jeffery (South Carolina), RB Marcus Lattimore (South Carolina), LB Danny Trevathan (Kentucky), DB Mark Barron (Alabama), DB Stephon Gilmore (South Carolina) and PK Blair Walsh (Georgia).
The All-SEC first-team squad had 14 seniors and 12 underclassmen, including 10 juniors and two sophomores. The second-team had 16 seniors, seven juniors and five sophomores. The third-team had nine seniors, 11 juniors and eight sophomores.
This marks the eighth straight year of the SEC Coaches Pre-Season All-SEC Team. The team is announced each year in advance of the SEC Football Media Days. This year, the event will be held next Wednesday through Friday at the Wynfrey Hotel in Hoover, Ala.
The 2011 SEC Coaches Pre-Season All-SEC Football Team is listed below.
2011 SEC COACHES PRE-SEASON ALL-SEC TEAM
OFFENSE
First-Team Offense
Pos. Name, Team Ht. Wt. Class Hometown
TE Orson Charles, Georgia 6-3 241 Jr. Tampa, Fla.
OL Cordy Glenn, Georgia 6-5 348 Sr. Riverdale, Ga.
OL Barrett Jones, Alabama 6-5 311 Jr. Memphis, Tenn.
OL Bradley Sowell, Ole Miss 6-7 315 Sr. Hernando, Miss.
OL Larry Warford, Kentucky 6-3 340 Jr. Richmond, Ky.
C William Vlachos, Alabama 6-1 294 Sr. Mountain Brook, Ala.
WR Greg Childs, Arkansas 6-3 217 Sr. Warren, Ark.
WR Alshon Jeffery, South Carolina 6-4 233 Jr. St. Matthews, S.C.
QB Aaron Murray, Georgia 6-1 211 So. Tampa, Fla.
RB Marcus Lattimore, South Carolina 6-0 231 So. Duncan, S.C.
RB Trent Richardson, Alabama 5-11 224 Jr. Pensacola, Fla.
Second-Team Offense
Pos. Name, Team Ht. Wt. Class Hometown
TE Brandon Barden, Vanderbilt 6-5 245 Sr. Lincolnton, Ga.
OL Alvin Bailey, Arkansas 6-5 319 So. Broken Arrow, Okla.
OL D.J. Fluker, Alabama 6-6 335 So. Foley, Ala.
OL Brandon Mosley, Auburn 6-6 306 Sr. Jefferson, Ga.
OL Rokevious Watkins, South Carolina 6-4 334 Sr. Fairburn, Ga.
C Ben Jones, Georgia 6-3 316 Sr. Centreville, Ala.
WR Joe Adams, Arkansas 5-11 190 Sr. Little Rock, Ark.
WR Rueben Randle, LSU 6-4 210 Jr. Bastrop, La.
QB Stephen Garcia, South Carolina 6-2 230 Sr. Lutz, Fla.
RB Knile Davis, Arkansas 6-0 230 Jr. Missouri City, Texas
*RB Jeff Demps, Florida 5-8 190 Sr. Winter Garden, Fla.
*RB Mike Dyer, Auburn 5-9 206 So. Little Rock, Ark.
Third-Team Offense
Pos. Name, Team Ht. Wt. Class Hometown
TE Philip Lutzenkirchen, Auburn 6-4 253 Jr. Marietta, Ga.
OL Grant Cook, Arkansas 6-4 318 Sr. Jonesboro, Ark.
OL Alex Hurst, LSU 6-6 329 Jr. Bartlett, Tenn.
OL Bobby Massie, Ole Miss 6-6 325 Jr. Lynchburg, Va.
OL Kyle Nunn, South Carolina 6-5 296 Sr. Sumter, S.C.
C Travis Swanson, Arkansas 6-5 305 So. Kingwood, Texas
*WR Emory Blake, Auburn 6-1 197 Jr. Austin, Texas
*WR Marquis Maze, Alabama 5-10 180 Sr. Birmingham, Ala.
*WR Jarius Wright, Arkansas 5-10 180 Sr. Warren, Ark.
QB Chris Relf, Mississippi State 6-4 245 Sr. Montgomery, Ala.
RB Vick Ballard, Mississippi State 5-11 220 Sr. Pascagoula, Miss.
RB Onterrio McCalebb, Auburn 5-10 172 Jr. Fort Meade, Fla.
DEFENSE
First-Team Defense
Pos. Name, Team Ht. Wt. Class Hometown
DL Jake Bequette, Arkansas 6-5 271 Sr. Little Rock, Ark.
DL Josh Chapman, Alabama 6-1 310 Sr. Hoover, Ala.
DL Malik Jackson, Tennessee 6-5 270 Sr. Northridge, Calif.
DL Devin Taylor, South Carolina 6-7 248 Jr. Beaufort, S.C.
LB Dont'a Hightower, Alabama 6-4 260 Jr. Lewisburg, Tenn.
LB Chris Marve, Vanderbilt 6-0 235 Sr. Memphis, Tenn.
LB Danny Trevathan, Kentucky 6-1 230 Sr. Leesburg, Fla.
DB Mark Barron, Alabama 6-2 218 Sr. Mobile, Ala.
DB Stephon Gilmore, South Carolina 6-1 194 Jr. Rock Hill, S.C.
DB Robert Lester, Alabama 6-2 210 Jr. Foley, Ala.
DB Morris Claiborne, LSU 6-0 177 Jr. Shreveport, La.
Second-Team Defense
Pos. Name, Team Ht. Wt. Class Hometown
DL Melvin Ingram, South Carolina 6-2 271 Sr. Hamlet, N.C.
DL DeAngelo Tyson, Georgia 6-2 306 Sr. Statesboro, Ga.
DL Kentrell Lockett, Ole Miss 6-5 248 Sr. Hahnville, La.
*DL Fletcher Cox, Mississippi State 6-4 295 Jr. Yazoo City, Miss.
*DL Barkevious Mingo, LSU 6-5 240 So. West Monroe, La.
LB Ryan Baker, LSU 6-0 227 Sr. Grand Ridge, Fla.
LB Jerry Franklin, Arkansas 6-1 245 Sr. Marion, Ark.
LB Courtney Upshaw, Alabama 6-2 265 Sr. Eufala, Ala.
DB Brandon Boykin, Georgia 5-10 183 Sr. Fayetteville, Ga.
DB Casey Hayward, Vanderbilt 5-11 188 Sr. Perry, Ga.
DB Tyrann Mathieu, LSU 5-9 180 So. New Orleans, La.
DB Tramain Thomas, Arkansas 6-0 198 Sr. Winnie, Texas
Third-Team Defense
Pos. Name, Team Ht. Wt. Class Hometown
DL Corey Lemonier, Auburn 6-4 229 So. Hialeah, Fla.
DL Sam Montgomery, LSU 6-4 250 So. Greenwood, S.C.
DL Travian Robertson, South Carolina 6-4 298 Sr. Laurinburg, N.C.
DL Tenarius Wright, Arkansas 6-2 252 Jr. Memphis, Tenn.
LB Jon Bostic, Florida 6-1 238 Jr. Wellington, Fla.
LB Jelani Jenkins, Florida 6-1 223 So. Olney, Md.
LB C.J. Mosley, Alabama 6-2 234 So. Theodore, Ala.
DB Johnthan Banks, Mississippi State 6-2 185 Jr. Maben, Miss.
DB Dre' Kirkpatrick, Alabama 6-3 192 Jr. Gadsden, Ala.
DB Neiko Thorpe, Auburn 6-2 185 Sr. Tucker, Ga.
DB Prentiss Waggner, Tennessee 6-2 181 Jr. Clinton, La.
SPECIALISTS
First-Team Specialists
Pos. Name, Team Ht. Wt. Class Hometown
PK Blair Walsh, Georgia 5-10 192 Sr. Boca Raton, Fla.
P Drew Butler, Georgia 6-2 214 Sr. Duluth, Ga.
RS Brandon Boykin, Georgia 5-10 183 Sr. Fayetteville, Ga.
AP Joe Adams, Arkansas 5-11 190 Sr. Little Rock, Ark.
Second-Team Specialists
Pos. Name, Team Ht. Wt. Class Hometown
PK Caleb Sturgis, Florida 5-10 192 Jr. St. Augustine, Fla.
P Tyler Campbell, Ole Miss 6-2 227 Jr. Little Rock, Ark.
RS Warren Norman, Vanderbilt 5-10 195 Jr. Stone Mountain, Ga.
AP Trent Richardson, Alabama 5-11 224 Jr. Pensacola, Fla.
Third-Team Specialists
Pos. Name, Team Ht. Wt. Class Hometown
PK Zach Hocker, Arkansas 6-0 180 So. Russellville, Ark.
*P Dylan Breeding, Arkansas 6-1 211 Jr. Hoover, Ala.
*P Ryan Tydlacka, Kentucky 6-1 185 Sr. Louisville, Ky.
RS Andre DeBose, Florida 5-11 180 So. Sanford, Fla.
AP Trey Burton, Florida 6-2 222 So. Venice, Fla.
Georgia had six players on the first team, which was second, while South Carolina had four players and Arkansas had three. Kentucky was the only other school to have multiple members on the first-team with two.
Nine of the 12 SEC schools had a member on the first-team All-SEC squad. Each SEC school had at least one student-athlete on either the first, second or third-team.
Alabama followed Arkansas in total selections with 13, while Georgia was third with nine selections among all three teams. Every team had at least two selections on the combined three units.
There are six first-team pre-season selections that were on last year's first-team coaches All-SEC post-season team. Those include: WR Alshon Jeffery (South Carolina), RB Marcus Lattimore (South Carolina), LB Danny Trevathan (Kentucky), DB Mark Barron (Alabama), DB Stephon Gilmore (South Carolina) and PK Blair Walsh (Georgia).
The All-SEC first-team squad had 14 seniors and 12 underclassmen, including 10 juniors and two sophomores. The second-team had 16 seniors, seven juniors and five sophomores. The third-team had nine seniors, 11 juniors and eight sophomores.
This marks the eighth straight year of the SEC Coaches Pre-Season All-SEC Team. The team is announced each year in advance of the SEC Football Media Days. This year, the event will be held next Wednesday through Friday at the Wynfrey Hotel in Hoover, Ala.
The 2011 SEC Coaches Pre-Season All-SEC Football Team is listed below.
2011 SEC COACHES PRE-SEASON ALL-SEC TEAM
OFFENSE
First-Team Offense
Pos. Name, Team Ht. Wt. Class Hometown
TE Orson Charles, Georgia 6-3 241 Jr. Tampa, Fla.
OL Cordy Glenn, Georgia 6-5 348 Sr. Riverdale, Ga.
OL Barrett Jones, Alabama 6-5 311 Jr. Memphis, Tenn.
OL Bradley Sowell, Ole Miss 6-7 315 Sr. Hernando, Miss.
OL Larry Warford, Kentucky 6-3 340 Jr. Richmond, Ky.
C William Vlachos, Alabama 6-1 294 Sr. Mountain Brook, Ala.
WR Greg Childs, Arkansas 6-3 217 Sr. Warren, Ark.
WR Alshon Jeffery, South Carolina 6-4 233 Jr. St. Matthews, S.C.
QB Aaron Murray, Georgia 6-1 211 So. Tampa, Fla.
RB Marcus Lattimore, South Carolina 6-0 231 So. Duncan, S.C.
RB Trent Richardson, Alabama 5-11 224 Jr. Pensacola, Fla.
Second-Team Offense
Pos. Name, Team Ht. Wt. Class Hometown
TE Brandon Barden, Vanderbilt 6-5 245 Sr. Lincolnton, Ga.
OL Alvin Bailey, Arkansas 6-5 319 So. Broken Arrow, Okla.
OL D.J. Fluker, Alabama 6-6 335 So. Foley, Ala.
OL Brandon Mosley, Auburn 6-6 306 Sr. Jefferson, Ga.
OL Rokevious Watkins, South Carolina 6-4 334 Sr. Fairburn, Ga.
C Ben Jones, Georgia 6-3 316 Sr. Centreville, Ala.
WR Joe Adams, Arkansas 5-11 190 Sr. Little Rock, Ark.
WR Rueben Randle, LSU 6-4 210 Jr. Bastrop, La.
QB Stephen Garcia, South Carolina 6-2 230 Sr. Lutz, Fla.
RB Knile Davis, Arkansas 6-0 230 Jr. Missouri City, Texas
*RB Jeff Demps, Florida 5-8 190 Sr. Winter Garden, Fla.
*RB Mike Dyer, Auburn 5-9 206 So. Little Rock, Ark.
Third-Team Offense
Pos. Name, Team Ht. Wt. Class Hometown
TE Philip Lutzenkirchen, Auburn 6-4 253 Jr. Marietta, Ga.
OL Grant Cook, Arkansas 6-4 318 Sr. Jonesboro, Ark.
OL Alex Hurst, LSU 6-6 329 Jr. Bartlett, Tenn.
OL Bobby Massie, Ole Miss 6-6 325 Jr. Lynchburg, Va.
OL Kyle Nunn, South Carolina 6-5 296 Sr. Sumter, S.C.
C Travis Swanson, Arkansas 6-5 305 So. Kingwood, Texas
*WR Emory Blake, Auburn 6-1 197 Jr. Austin, Texas
*WR Marquis Maze, Alabama 5-10 180 Sr. Birmingham, Ala.
*WR Jarius Wright, Arkansas 5-10 180 Sr. Warren, Ark.
QB Chris Relf, Mississippi State 6-4 245 Sr. Montgomery, Ala.
RB Vick Ballard, Mississippi State 5-11 220 Sr. Pascagoula, Miss.
RB Onterrio McCalebb, Auburn 5-10 172 Jr. Fort Meade, Fla.
DEFENSE
First-Team Defense
Pos. Name, Team Ht. Wt. Class Hometown
DL Jake Bequette, Arkansas 6-5 271 Sr. Little Rock, Ark.
DL Josh Chapman, Alabama 6-1 310 Sr. Hoover, Ala.
DL Malik Jackson, Tennessee 6-5 270 Sr. Northridge, Calif.
DL Devin Taylor, South Carolina 6-7 248 Jr. Beaufort, S.C.
LB Dont'a Hightower, Alabama 6-4 260 Jr. Lewisburg, Tenn.
LB Chris Marve, Vanderbilt 6-0 235 Sr. Memphis, Tenn.
LB Danny Trevathan, Kentucky 6-1 230 Sr. Leesburg, Fla.
DB Mark Barron, Alabama 6-2 218 Sr. Mobile, Ala.
DB Stephon Gilmore, South Carolina 6-1 194 Jr. Rock Hill, S.C.
DB Robert Lester, Alabama 6-2 210 Jr. Foley, Ala.
DB Morris Claiborne, LSU 6-0 177 Jr. Shreveport, La.
Second-Team Defense
Pos. Name, Team Ht. Wt. Class Hometown
DL Melvin Ingram, South Carolina 6-2 271 Sr. Hamlet, N.C.
DL DeAngelo Tyson, Georgia 6-2 306 Sr. Statesboro, Ga.
DL Kentrell Lockett, Ole Miss 6-5 248 Sr. Hahnville, La.
*DL Fletcher Cox, Mississippi State 6-4 295 Jr. Yazoo City, Miss.
*DL Barkevious Mingo, LSU 6-5 240 So. West Monroe, La.
LB Ryan Baker, LSU 6-0 227 Sr. Grand Ridge, Fla.
LB Jerry Franklin, Arkansas 6-1 245 Sr. Marion, Ark.
LB Courtney Upshaw, Alabama 6-2 265 Sr. Eufala, Ala.
DB Brandon Boykin, Georgia 5-10 183 Sr. Fayetteville, Ga.
DB Casey Hayward, Vanderbilt 5-11 188 Sr. Perry, Ga.
DB Tyrann Mathieu, LSU 5-9 180 So. New Orleans, La.
DB Tramain Thomas, Arkansas 6-0 198 Sr. Winnie, Texas
Third-Team Defense
Pos. Name, Team Ht. Wt. Class Hometown
DL Corey Lemonier, Auburn 6-4 229 So. Hialeah, Fla.
DL Sam Montgomery, LSU 6-4 250 So. Greenwood, S.C.
DL Travian Robertson, South Carolina 6-4 298 Sr. Laurinburg, N.C.
DL Tenarius Wright, Arkansas 6-2 252 Jr. Memphis, Tenn.
LB Jon Bostic, Florida 6-1 238 Jr. Wellington, Fla.
LB Jelani Jenkins, Florida 6-1 223 So. Olney, Md.
LB C.J. Mosley, Alabama 6-2 234 So. Theodore, Ala.
DB Johnthan Banks, Mississippi State 6-2 185 Jr. Maben, Miss.
DB Dre' Kirkpatrick, Alabama 6-3 192 Jr. Gadsden, Ala.
DB Neiko Thorpe, Auburn 6-2 185 Sr. Tucker, Ga.
DB Prentiss Waggner, Tennessee 6-2 181 Jr. Clinton, La.
SPECIALISTS
First-Team Specialists
Pos. Name, Team Ht. Wt. Class Hometown
PK Blair Walsh, Georgia 5-10 192 Sr. Boca Raton, Fla.
P Drew Butler, Georgia 6-2 214 Sr. Duluth, Ga.
RS Brandon Boykin, Georgia 5-10 183 Sr. Fayetteville, Ga.
AP Joe Adams, Arkansas 5-11 190 Sr. Little Rock, Ark.
Second-Team Specialists
Pos. Name, Team Ht. Wt. Class Hometown
PK Caleb Sturgis, Florida 5-10 192 Jr. St. Augustine, Fla.
P Tyler Campbell, Ole Miss 6-2 227 Jr. Little Rock, Ark.
RS Warren Norman, Vanderbilt 5-10 195 Jr. Stone Mountain, Ga.
AP Trent Richardson, Alabama 5-11 224 Jr. Pensacola, Fla.
Third-Team Specialists
Pos. Name, Team Ht. Wt. Class Hometown
PK Zach Hocker, Arkansas 6-0 180 So. Russellville, Ark.
*P Dylan Breeding, Arkansas 6-1 211 Jr. Hoover, Ala.
*P Ryan Tydlacka, Kentucky 6-1 185 Sr. Louisville, Ky.
RS Andre DeBose, Florida 5-11 180 So. Sanford, Fla.
AP Trey Burton, Florida 6-2 222 So. Venice, Fla.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Potential N.Y. Giants Free-Agent Target: Rocky McIntosh, OLB, Redskins
Ed Valentine - Let's look within the NFC East today for a player who might fit at a position of need for the New York Giants. Rocky McIntosh is a five-year veteran who seems miscast as an inside linebacker in Washington's 3-4. Most analysts see him as a better fit on the outside in a 4-3.
Kevin Ewoldt of SB Nation's Redskins website, Hogs Haven, had this to say about McIntosh:
Rocky McIntosh is a fantastic team player who just shows up to work and plays hard. That was very evident when the Redskins did not give him a long-term contract after the 2009 season, which he was upset about as it dragged on, but he still showed up to workouts. Rocky has attended most of the player-led workouts this off-season as his future is again in question.
Rocky did not have a good season last year. He missed tackles and seemed to be out of place in the new 3-4 defense. He is not all that great in coverage, but he is great at everything in between the tackles and in short yardage-type plays. I'd be surprised if the Redskins re-sign him, but he should be able to step in and contribute wherever he does play.
Star-divide
Could McIntosh be the strong side linebacker the Giants seem to need, with Keith Bulluck unlikely to return and Clint Sintim still not having grabbed the job? Prior to switching inside in the Redskins' 3-4, McIntosh made his living playing on the weak side -- where Michael Boley currently resides for the Giants. Regardless, McIntosh might be an upgrade for Perry Fewell's defense -- on either side of middle linebacker Jonathan Goff.
Here is the scouting report from McIntosh's SB Nation player page:
Assets -- Highly athletic, runs very well, hits hard, and tackles soundly. Very productive overall. Has the tools to excel in coverage and is improving in that area. Flaws -- Has had multiple knee injuries. Not as aggressive as he could be.
McIntosh's PFF scores from 2008 and 2009 are not impressive, -13.4 in '08 and -2.4 in '09. I am throwing out 2010 because McIntosh was not playing outside, where the Giants would utilize him. You wonder how much those numbers were affected by the fact that Washington was mediocre to awful during those two seasons.
One more thing to consider. Long-time friend Rick Snider, currently a columnist for the DC Examiner, calls McIntosh a "strange cat" who "doesn't talk to the media much."
I don't know if his personality should or should not be an issue. Then again, the Giants already have plenty of guys who talk too much -- so a quiet guy might be just fine.
Your thoughts?
Kevin Ewoldt of SB Nation's Redskins website, Hogs Haven, had this to say about McIntosh:
Rocky McIntosh is a fantastic team player who just shows up to work and plays hard. That was very evident when the Redskins did not give him a long-term contract after the 2009 season, which he was upset about as it dragged on, but he still showed up to workouts. Rocky has attended most of the player-led workouts this off-season as his future is again in question.
Rocky did not have a good season last year. He missed tackles and seemed to be out of place in the new 3-4 defense. He is not all that great in coverage, but he is great at everything in between the tackles and in short yardage-type plays. I'd be surprised if the Redskins re-sign him, but he should be able to step in and contribute wherever he does play.
Star-divide
Could McIntosh be the strong side linebacker the Giants seem to need, with Keith Bulluck unlikely to return and Clint Sintim still not having grabbed the job? Prior to switching inside in the Redskins' 3-4, McIntosh made his living playing on the weak side -- where Michael Boley currently resides for the Giants. Regardless, McIntosh might be an upgrade for Perry Fewell's defense -- on either side of middle linebacker Jonathan Goff.
Here is the scouting report from McIntosh's SB Nation player page:
Assets -- Highly athletic, runs very well, hits hard, and tackles soundly. Very productive overall. Has the tools to excel in coverage and is improving in that area. Flaws -- Has had multiple knee injuries. Not as aggressive as he could be.
McIntosh's PFF scores from 2008 and 2009 are not impressive, -13.4 in '08 and -2.4 in '09. I am throwing out 2010 because McIntosh was not playing outside, where the Giants would utilize him. You wonder how much those numbers were affected by the fact that Washington was mediocre to awful during those two seasons.
One more thing to consider. Long-time friend Rick Snider, currently a columnist for the DC Examiner, calls McIntosh a "strange cat" who "doesn't talk to the media much."
I don't know if his personality should or should not be an issue. Then again, the Giants already have plenty of guys who talk too much -- so a quiet guy might be just fine.
Your thoughts?
Report: Michael Vick On The Cusp Of $1.55M Endorsement deal
Michael Vick is close to signing a 3-year, $1.55 million endorsement deal with MusclePharm, according to a report.
NFL.com, citing a source with knowledge of the situation, reported that the Eagles quarterback has agreed to the deal.
However, Joseph Lawanson, director of team development for MusclePharm, which manufactures nutritional supplements and other workout-related products, said that while Vick is under consideration, a deal has not yet been reached.
Still, the website said a deal could be announced shortly.
Vick lost all of his endorsement deals after spending 19 months in federal prison in 2009 for his role in a dogfighting ring.
Earlier this month, he signed a deal with Nike, a sign that major players may be ready to forgive and forget.
"We don't have any problem considering him at all," Lawanson told NFL.com. "And for us to consider him, we're confident that he has rehabilitated himself."
According to the website, Vick's deal with MusclePharm would be for 2 years guaranteed, with an option for a third. He would also receive bonuses if he makes the Pro Bowl or if the Eagles make the playoffs and Super Bowl.
According to the source, Vick's Pro Bowl and postseason bonuses would begin at $25,000.
The website reported that Vick would have a social media responsibility with the company, and his interaction with its executives would help determine whether or not the third year is picked up.
Vick would also reportedly receive $100,000 in company stock per year, and base compensation would be $200,000 in the first 2 years and $250,000 in the third.
Vick signed the Eagles franchise tender before the NFL lockout began - ensuring him of a $16 million contract this season - and may seek a longer deal once the labor dispute ends.
NFL.com, citing a source with knowledge of the situation, reported that the Eagles quarterback has agreed to the deal.
However, Joseph Lawanson, director of team development for MusclePharm, which manufactures nutritional supplements and other workout-related products, said that while Vick is under consideration, a deal has not yet been reached.
Still, the website said a deal could be announced shortly.
Vick lost all of his endorsement deals after spending 19 months in federal prison in 2009 for his role in a dogfighting ring.
Earlier this month, he signed a deal with Nike, a sign that major players may be ready to forgive and forget.
"We don't have any problem considering him at all," Lawanson told NFL.com. "And for us to consider him, we're confident that he has rehabilitated himself."
According to the website, Vick's deal with MusclePharm would be for 2 years guaranteed, with an option for a third. He would also receive bonuses if he makes the Pro Bowl or if the Eagles make the playoffs and Super Bowl.
According to the source, Vick's Pro Bowl and postseason bonuses would begin at $25,000.
The website reported that Vick would have a social media responsibility with the company, and his interaction with its executives would help determine whether or not the third year is picked up.
Vick would also reportedly receive $100,000 in company stock per year, and base compensation would be $200,000 in the first 2 years and $250,000 in the third.
Vick signed the Eagles franchise tender before the NFL lockout began - ensuring him of a $16 million contract this season - and may seek a longer deal once the labor dispute ends.
Joe Bannner: Eagles Will Try To Hold Camp At Lehigh
The Eagles are determined to hold training camp at Lehigh and would not cancel until “the very last minute” team president Joe Banner said Wednesday.
An NFL labor deal would have to come soon to preserve the Eagles’ ability to use their traditional training ground, “but we’re going to hold until the very last minute because for us it’s an important part to our whole approach to things.”
Coach Andy Reid believes in the team bonding that comes from a hard camp in the Bethlehem hills, away from normal life for his players and coaches. The team – and many fans -- love the fan participation: practices can draw thousands of spectators and autograph seekers, some of whom might not otherwise get the chance to see the Eagles in person.
“For us, it’s a priority, so if there’s any way to do it, we definitely will,” Banner said.
If the Eagles had to stay home this year, they would practice at the NovaCare Complex on Pattison Street, but fans would not be allowed to attend because of an agreement between the team and its neighbors not to hold fan events at the team facilities.
Other teams, including the rival Giants, have already pulled the plug on their traditional training camp sites.
“We’re holding out as long as we possibly can,” before a decision would be made to cancel, Banner said. He did not cite a drop-dead date, but it looks increasingly like the concern might be moot.
After a morning in which the NFL and players both released statements indicating that a labor deal may be near, the Eagles may not need to hold out much longer.
“We have a lot of faith in the people working on this and are confident they understand the urgency and are hopeful they find a way to work things out,” Banner said.
An NFL labor deal would have to come soon to preserve the Eagles’ ability to use their traditional training ground, “but we’re going to hold until the very last minute because for us it’s an important part to our whole approach to things.”
Coach Andy Reid believes in the team bonding that comes from a hard camp in the Bethlehem hills, away from normal life for his players and coaches. The team – and many fans -- love the fan participation: practices can draw thousands of spectators and autograph seekers, some of whom might not otherwise get the chance to see the Eagles in person.
“For us, it’s a priority, so if there’s any way to do it, we definitely will,” Banner said.
If the Eagles had to stay home this year, they would practice at the NovaCare Complex on Pattison Street, but fans would not be allowed to attend because of an agreement between the team and its neighbors not to hold fan events at the team facilities.
Other teams, including the rival Giants, have already pulled the plug on their traditional training camp sites.
“We’re holding out as long as we possibly can,” before a decision would be made to cancel, Banner said. He did not cite a drop-dead date, but it looks increasingly like the concern might be moot.
After a morning in which the NFL and players both released statements indicating that a labor deal may be near, the Eagles may not need to hold out much longer.
“We have a lot of faith in the people working on this and are confident they understand the urgency and are hopeful they find a way to work things out,” Banner said.
Dallas Cowboys Dez Braynt : I am 10 Pounds Lighter And A Little Faster
Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant was a guest on The Ben and Skin Show on KESN-FM 103.3 on Wednesday. Some excerpts:
What are your morning workouts like?
I had backed off, because I had assumed the lockout ... would be over. I didn't want to do too much, and get tired and get tired of working out, so I just tried to chill. But there ain't no telling when the lockout's going to be over. So. I'm going to get back to where I was. I'm going to head out to Oklahoma for the rest of the week and go back up to my school and finish training.
Has a doctor cleared you?
I haven't been cleared yet. But I'm pretty sure whenever they send me out for that test, they will clear me.
Did you have fun at the celebrity baseball game last weekend?
I got to swing the baseball bat the day before batting at batting practice. That was the funnest part to me because I never really did baseball. I felt like if I focused on it a little more, I could play on the Rangers.
Where are you in terms of your health and shape compared to last year?
Of course, I feel like I'm in way better shape than I was last year. I don't know if you can see it, but I'm 10 pounds lighter than last year. I feel like I can move a little quicker now than last year. I'm back to that size I was at Oklahoma State.
What are your morning workouts like?
I had backed off, because I had assumed the lockout ... would be over. I didn't want to do too much, and get tired and get tired of working out, so I just tried to chill. But there ain't no telling when the lockout's going to be over. So. I'm going to get back to where I was. I'm going to head out to Oklahoma for the rest of the week and go back up to my school and finish training.
Has a doctor cleared you?
I haven't been cleared yet. But I'm pretty sure whenever they send me out for that test, they will clear me.
Did you have fun at the celebrity baseball game last weekend?
I got to swing the baseball bat the day before batting at batting practice. That was the funnest part to me because I never really did baseball. I felt like if I focused on it a little more, I could play on the Rangers.
Where are you in terms of your health and shape compared to last year?
Of course, I feel like I'm in way better shape than I was last year. I don't know if you can see it, but I'm 10 pounds lighter than last year. I feel like I can move a little quicker now than last year. I'm back to that size I was at Oklahoma State.
Steelers LB Harrision To Magazine: Roger Goodell A 'Devil"
NEW YORK — Heavily fined Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison calls NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell a "crook" and a "devil," among other insults, in a magazine article.
The 2008 AP Defensive Player of the Year hasn't been shy about ripping the league after he was docked $100,000 for illegal hits last season. In the August issue of Men's Journal, his rants against Goodell reach another level of wrath.
"If that man was on fire and I had to piss to put him out, I wouldn't do it," Harrison told the magazine. "I hate him and will never respect him."
His other descriptions of the commissioner include an anti-gay slur, "stupid," "puppet" and "dictator."
If the Steelers had defeated the Green Bay Packers in the Super Bowl, Harrison said, he would have whispered in Goodell's ear during the trophy ceremony: "Why don't you quit and do something else, like start your own league in flag football?"
Harrison also criticizes other NFL execs, Patriots-turned-commentators Rodney Harrison and Tedy Bruschi ("clowns"), Houston's Brian Cushing ("juiced out of his mind") - and even teammates Rashard Mendenhall and Ben Roethlisberger for their performances in the Super Bowl loss.
Harrison calls the running back a "fumble machine" for his fourth-quarter turnover. Mendenhall said on Twitter on Wednesday he didn't have a problem with what Harrison said "because I know him." But he also included a link to his stats from last season, which show he didn't have a pattern of fumbling.
Of the quarterback's two interceptions, Harrison says: "Hey, at least throw a pick on their side of the field instead of asking the D to bail you out again. Or hand the ball off and stop trying to act like Peyton Manning. You ain't that and you know it, man; you just get paid like he does."
Steelers President Art Rooney II said in a statement that he hadn't seen the article or talked to Harrison.
"We will discuss the situation at the appropriate time, when permitted once the labor situation is resolved," he said.
Harrison also questions whether a black player is punished more for a hard hit on a white player than the opposite. Beyond the insults, Harrison makes some serious points about what he believes are the league's misguided attempts to increase safety.
He explains how non-guaranteed contracts make players more likely to hit high, because in the short term, a torn knee ligament is more costly than a concussion.
Harrison suggests the real way to prevent head injuries is to shorten the season to 14 games, start offseason workouts later and trim the length of training camp so "we're not bangin' heads so much in August; that's where the brain trauma comes from."
The 2008 AP Defensive Player of the Year hasn't been shy about ripping the league after he was docked $100,000 for illegal hits last season. In the August issue of Men's Journal, his rants against Goodell reach another level of wrath.
"If that man was on fire and I had to piss to put him out, I wouldn't do it," Harrison told the magazine. "I hate him and will never respect him."
His other descriptions of the commissioner include an anti-gay slur, "stupid," "puppet" and "dictator."
If the Steelers had defeated the Green Bay Packers in the Super Bowl, Harrison said, he would have whispered in Goodell's ear during the trophy ceremony: "Why don't you quit and do something else, like start your own league in flag football?"
Harrison also criticizes other NFL execs, Patriots-turned-commentators Rodney Harrison and Tedy Bruschi ("clowns"), Houston's Brian Cushing ("juiced out of his mind") - and even teammates Rashard Mendenhall and Ben Roethlisberger for their performances in the Super Bowl loss.
Harrison calls the running back a "fumble machine" for his fourth-quarter turnover. Mendenhall said on Twitter on Wednesday he didn't have a problem with what Harrison said "because I know him." But he also included a link to his stats from last season, which show he didn't have a pattern of fumbling.
Of the quarterback's two interceptions, Harrison says: "Hey, at least throw a pick on their side of the field instead of asking the D to bail you out again. Or hand the ball off and stop trying to act like Peyton Manning. You ain't that and you know it, man; you just get paid like he does."
Steelers President Art Rooney II said in a statement that he hadn't seen the article or talked to Harrison.
"We will discuss the situation at the appropriate time, when permitted once the labor situation is resolved," he said.
Harrison also questions whether a black player is punished more for a hard hit on a white player than the opposite. Beyond the insults, Harrison makes some serious points about what he believes are the league's misguided attempts to increase safety.
He explains how non-guaranteed contracts make players more likely to hit high, because in the short term, a torn knee ligament is more costly than a concussion.
Harrison suggests the real way to prevent head injuries is to shorten the season to 14 games, start offseason workouts later and trim the length of training camp so "we're not bangin' heads so much in August; that's where the brain trauma comes from."
Monday, July 11, 2011
USC Top Recruiting School, SEC Dominates Recuriting Past Decade
As part of their celebration of “Rivals at 10″, Rivals.com has compiled a list of the top schools in the recruiting game over the past decade.
And, in what should come as no surprise at all, a plethora of schools from the SEC litter the Top 25 list, while a Left Coast school is the paper recruiting champion.
Thanks in large part to four No. 1 recruiting classes during that span, USC sits atop Rivals’ Top 25 rankings for individual schools from 2002-11. Perhaps more impressive than the top classes is the Trojans’ “worst” recruiting showing: 13th in 2002, the year after Pete Carroll‘s first full season at the Los Angeles school. All told, those recruiting class rankings translated into on-field success for Carroll’s program as the Trojans compiled the third-best winning percentage in the country during the past decade.
Interestingly, the next two schools in the rankings — Georgia at No. 2, Florida at No. 3 — tied for 10th in the country in winning percentage. Florida, however, has two national titles during that span while Georgia has none, which could explain in part why Mark Richt‘s backside may be inching closer to the proverbial hot seat.
Others, however, fared far “worse” record-wise when compared to their recruiting rankings than did the cocktail partygoers.
Florida State is arguably the most striking example, finishing No. 6 in the recruiting rankings but just 36th in winning percentage. Other examples of the “coaching matters” principle include Notre Dame (14th in rankings, 46th in winning percentage), South Carolina (15th, 55th), Texas A&M (16th, 59th), UCLA (T17th, 61st), Ole Miss (21st, 70th) and North Carolina (23rd, 80th).
On the flip side, there were other schools that made more than most out of the on-paper rankings, especially Boise State and TCU.
The Broncos had the highest winning percentage of any Div. 1-A school the past decade, but just the 76th-best recruiting ranking. The Horned Frogs weren’t far behind their (for now) Mountain West Conference colleague with the fifth-best winning percentage while compiling an overall No. 61 in recruiting rankings.
Inside the Top 25, Virginia Tech had the 25th-best recruiting effort over the past 10 years but managed to finish eighth in winning percentage. Ohio State was 12th in recruiting but No. 2 overall in percentage of wins.
There were just three of the 12 SEC schools that did not make the Top 25, with Georgia, Florida, South Carolina and Ole Miss being joined by LSU (4th), Auburn (8th), Tennessee (T9th), Alabama (13th) and Arkansas (24th).
Here’s Rivals’ complete Top 10 list, but you can view the entire Top 25 by clicking HERE:
1. USC (nine Top 10 classes)
2. Georgia (10)
3. Florida (six)
4. LSU (seven)
5. Texas (seven)
6. Florida State (eight)
7. Oklahoma (seven)
8. Auburn (six)
T9. Michigan (four)
T9. Tennessee (five)
And, in what should come as no surprise at all, a plethora of schools from the SEC litter the Top 25 list, while a Left Coast school is the paper recruiting champion.
Thanks in large part to four No. 1 recruiting classes during that span, USC sits atop Rivals’ Top 25 rankings for individual schools from 2002-11. Perhaps more impressive than the top classes is the Trojans’ “worst” recruiting showing: 13th in 2002, the year after Pete Carroll‘s first full season at the Los Angeles school. All told, those recruiting class rankings translated into on-field success for Carroll’s program as the Trojans compiled the third-best winning percentage in the country during the past decade.
Interestingly, the next two schools in the rankings — Georgia at No. 2, Florida at No. 3 — tied for 10th in the country in winning percentage. Florida, however, has two national titles during that span while Georgia has none, which could explain in part why Mark Richt‘s backside may be inching closer to the proverbial hot seat.
Others, however, fared far “worse” record-wise when compared to their recruiting rankings than did the cocktail partygoers.
Florida State is arguably the most striking example, finishing No. 6 in the recruiting rankings but just 36th in winning percentage. Other examples of the “coaching matters” principle include Notre Dame (14th in rankings, 46th in winning percentage), South Carolina (15th, 55th), Texas A&M (16th, 59th), UCLA (T17th, 61st), Ole Miss (21st, 70th) and North Carolina (23rd, 80th).
On the flip side, there were other schools that made more than most out of the on-paper rankings, especially Boise State and TCU.
The Broncos had the highest winning percentage of any Div. 1-A school the past decade, but just the 76th-best recruiting ranking. The Horned Frogs weren’t far behind their (for now) Mountain West Conference colleague with the fifth-best winning percentage while compiling an overall No. 61 in recruiting rankings.
Inside the Top 25, Virginia Tech had the 25th-best recruiting effort over the past 10 years but managed to finish eighth in winning percentage. Ohio State was 12th in recruiting but No. 2 overall in percentage of wins.
There were just three of the 12 SEC schools that did not make the Top 25, with Georgia, Florida, South Carolina and Ole Miss being joined by LSU (4th), Auburn (8th), Tennessee (T9th), Alabama (13th) and Arkansas (24th).
Here’s Rivals’ complete Top 10 list, but you can view the entire Top 25 by clicking HERE:
1. USC (nine Top 10 classes)
2. Georgia (10)
3. Florida (six)
4. LSU (seven)
5. Texas (seven)
6. Florida State (eight)
7. Oklahoma (seven)
8. Auburn (six)
T9. Michigan (four)
T9. Tennessee (five)
Georgia RB Caleb King Enters NFL Supplemental Draft
In their press release confirming reports that Caleb King would be academically ineligible for the 2011 season, Georgia noted that the running back “indicated he will consider the options available to him before making a decision on his future plans.”
Apparently, one of those options is not transferring to another school to continue his collegiate football career.
According to Seth Emerson of the Macon Telegraph, and citing a source close to the player, King has decided to enter the NFL’s supplemental draft. Emerson writes that an official announcement of King’s decision could be coming soon.
King, who would’ve been a senior this season, would join former Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor in the supplemental draft, the date of which has yet to be determined by the NFL.
King finished second on the Bulldogs in rushing in each of the past three seasons, but, even without the academic hiccup, would’ve been looking at playing second fiddle — like he did with Knowshon Moreno in 2008 and Washaun Ealey the next two years — to touted five-star 2011 recruit Isaiah Crowell.
In 2007, King was a four-star member of UGA’s recruiting class out of Norcross, Ga., and the No. 8 RB in the country that year.
Apparently, one of those options is not transferring to another school to continue his collegiate football career.
According to Seth Emerson of the Macon Telegraph, and citing a source close to the player, King has decided to enter the NFL’s supplemental draft. Emerson writes that an official announcement of King’s decision could be coming soon.
King, who would’ve been a senior this season, would join former Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor in the supplemental draft, the date of which has yet to be determined by the NFL.
King finished second on the Bulldogs in rushing in each of the past three seasons, but, even without the academic hiccup, would’ve been looking at playing second fiddle — like he did with Knowshon Moreno in 2008 and Washaun Ealey the next two years — to touted five-star 2011 recruit Isaiah Crowell.
In 2007, King was a four-star member of UGA’s recruiting class out of Norcross, Ga., and the No. 8 RB in the country that year.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Alabama Losses Running Back Dee Hart To ACL Injury
This time, Alabama wasn’t so lucky. And now the depth chart at tailback is beginning to become a concern.
Freshman tailback Dee Hart had knee surgery Thursday morning, effectively ending his chances at playing this fall. Hart’s injury, coupled with the transfers of Corey Grant (Auburn) and Demetrius Goode (North Alabama) leaves the Tide with just three scholarship tailbacks.
The depth behind starting RB Trent Richardson, above, is getting thin following the injury to Dee Hart. (AP Photo)
And All-American candidate Trent Richardson escaped injury last week in a hit-and-run accident. The foundation of Saban’s teams at Alabama has been a punishing running game with deep backfield. There was Glen Coffee and Mark Ingram in 2008; and Ingram and Trent Richardson in 2009-10.
Both Ingram and Richardson played significantly as freshmen, and Hart was expected to follow the line of first-year players under Saban to make an impact in the running game. As important, Hart—who Saban raved about in the spring—was being groomed to return punts and was being compared to former Tide star returner Javier Arenas.
Don’t underestimate the loss of Hart, or the critical need for backup tailback Eddie Lacy and Jalston Fowler to give Richardson a quality breather. More than anything, Alabama can’t afford another injury at the position.
Freshman tailback Dee Hart had knee surgery Thursday morning, effectively ending his chances at playing this fall. Hart’s injury, coupled with the transfers of Corey Grant (Auburn) and Demetrius Goode (North Alabama) leaves the Tide with just three scholarship tailbacks.
The depth behind starting RB Trent Richardson, above, is getting thin following the injury to Dee Hart. (AP Photo)
And All-American candidate Trent Richardson escaped injury last week in a hit-and-run accident. The foundation of Saban’s teams at Alabama has been a punishing running game with deep backfield. There was Glen Coffee and Mark Ingram in 2008; and Ingram and Trent Richardson in 2009-10.
Both Ingram and Richardson played significantly as freshmen, and Hart was expected to follow the line of first-year players under Saban to make an impact in the running game. As important, Hart—who Saban raved about in the spring—was being groomed to return punts and was being compared to former Tide star returner Javier Arenas.
Don’t underestimate the loss of Hart, or the critical need for backup tailback Eddie Lacy and Jalston Fowler to give Richardson a quality breather. More than anything, Alabama can’t afford another injury at the position.
Russell Wilson Could Be A Upgrade For Wisconsin Football
Yyduffy - Russell Wilson chose Wisconsin over Auburn and many have viewed this as a sea-change for the Badgers vaulting them into BIG title contention next season and potentially more. However, it’s not a given Wilson will improve the Badgers greatly and they were already presumptive favorites to appear in the title game.
Wilson is a tremendous athlete. That does not make him a tremendous quarterback. He regressed significantly last season, dropping out of the Top 60 in both passer rating and yards per attempt. Good defenses (UCF, Va. Tech, UNC, Maryland) and even a not so good one (East Carolina) controlled him and forced him into performances ranging from below average to abysmal. External factors may have diminished his numbers, but those numbers showed an average ACC quarterback.
Wisconsin will be a radical adjustment for him. There’s the new teammates, a new system and new opponents to digest without spring practice. He will also be asked to be far more conservative and efficient. At N.C. State Wilson was the offense. He often threw 40-50 times per game and took chances to make plays. Wisconsin throws about half as often. Scott Tolzien threw more than 25 times just once (26 vs. Iowa).
Looking at efficiency numbers, Wilson completed 68 percent of his passes twice. Tolzien completed 68 percent of his passes 11 times and 75 percent or better eight times. Wilson averaged 6.8 yards per attempt (tied for 68th nationally). Tolzien averaged 9.2 yards (5th nationally). Wilson threw 14 interceptions (among the nation’s worst). Tolzien threw just six (among the nation’s best).
Tolzien was limited, but he was the ideal quarterback for Wisconsin. He was asked to make throws he can make. He made them virtually every time. Even assuming a seamless transition, Wilson won’t be that efficient. A casual observer would argue that Wilson can make up for some of that with his big play potential. Those statistically inclined might point out it was Tolzien who threw a better deep ball.
Wilson probably will be an upgrade over someone without experience, but he may not be altering any foundations. He won’t need to, because Wisconsin was a presumptive favorite without him. The Big Ten is a mess, especially the Leaders division.
Ohio State should be banned from postseason play. That leaves Indiana, Illinois, Purdue and Penn State to challenge them in that division. Wisconsin misses Iowa, Michigan and Northwestern on the schedule. Their two big road games, Ohio State (scandal fallout) and Michigan State (being Michigan State), could easily not be so big.
Barring disaster, it’s hard to see a scenario where the Badgers don’t play in the BIG title game. Unless Taylor Martinez stays healthy the entire season, it’s hard to see another team beating them.
Wilson is a tremendous athlete. That does not make him a tremendous quarterback. He regressed significantly last season, dropping out of the Top 60 in both passer rating and yards per attempt. Good defenses (UCF, Va. Tech, UNC, Maryland) and even a not so good one (East Carolina) controlled him and forced him into performances ranging from below average to abysmal. External factors may have diminished his numbers, but those numbers showed an average ACC quarterback.
Wisconsin will be a radical adjustment for him. There’s the new teammates, a new system and new opponents to digest without spring practice. He will also be asked to be far more conservative and efficient. At N.C. State Wilson was the offense. He often threw 40-50 times per game and took chances to make plays. Wisconsin throws about half as often. Scott Tolzien threw more than 25 times just once (26 vs. Iowa).
Looking at efficiency numbers, Wilson completed 68 percent of his passes twice. Tolzien completed 68 percent of his passes 11 times and 75 percent or better eight times. Wilson averaged 6.8 yards per attempt (tied for 68th nationally). Tolzien averaged 9.2 yards (5th nationally). Wilson threw 14 interceptions (among the nation’s worst). Tolzien threw just six (among the nation’s best).
Tolzien was limited, but he was the ideal quarterback for Wisconsin. He was asked to make throws he can make. He made them virtually every time. Even assuming a seamless transition, Wilson won’t be that efficient. A casual observer would argue that Wilson can make up for some of that with his big play potential. Those statistically inclined might point out it was Tolzien who threw a better deep ball.
Wilson probably will be an upgrade over someone without experience, but he may not be altering any foundations. He won’t need to, because Wisconsin was a presumptive favorite without him. The Big Ten is a mess, especially the Leaders division.
Ohio State should be banned from postseason play. That leaves Indiana, Illinois, Purdue and Penn State to challenge them in that division. Wisconsin misses Iowa, Michigan and Northwestern on the schedule. Their two big road games, Ohio State (scandal fallout) and Michigan State (being Michigan State), could easily not be so big.
Barring disaster, it’s hard to see a scenario where the Badgers don’t play in the BIG title game. Unless Taylor Martinez stays healthy the entire season, it’s hard to see another team beating them.
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