Linda Chavez - Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow has been a controversial sports figure ever since he agreed to do an ad for the conservative organization Focus on the Family; the spot aired during the 2010 Super Bowl. Feminists and other groups, who feared the ad would be overtly pro-life and anti-abortion, tried to keep it from running. In the end, the message turned out to be pretty innocuous, and those who tried to censor it looked downright silly.
Now Tebow is once again a target for illiberals who find his evangelical Christianity somehow threatening and offensive. The latest episode involves a recent column for The Jewish Week that bashed Tebow for symbolizing intolerance. But it was the writer, Connecticut Rabbi Joshua Hammerman, who put his own astonishing bigotry on display. Hammerman titled his piece "My Tebow Problem," and indeed it is Hammerman's problem -- not Tebow's.
While claiming to want to root for Tebow, who has pulled off an unprecedented string of amazing consecutive fourth-quarter comebacks for his underdog team this season, Hammerman made the following prediction: "If Tebow wins the Super Bowl, against all odds, it will buoy his faithful, and emboldened faithful can do insane things, like burning mosques, bashing gays and indiscriminately banishing immigrants. While America has become more inclusive since Jerry Falwell's first political forays, a Tebow triumph could set those efforts back considerably."
Really?
And Hammerman's bigotry doesn't stop there. On his own blog, he responds to criticism from those who took offense to his original article, noting that Tebow's "entire life's work is also predicated on saving my soul for Jesus. He's not alone in this. Tebow has been affiliated with the Southern Baptists, who spend millions to convert Jews, often deceptively. I personally don't consider that exemplary behavior. Is it better than raping little boys? Absolutely. But is it admirable? I have issues with anyone determined to save my soul, be that person Christian or Jewish."
So, Southern Baptists want to trick Jews into becoming Christians? And Catholics (or is it priests only?) all want to sexually abuse children?
Apparently even Hammerman finally realized how outrageous these comments were, as he has now removed them from his own website, and The Jewish Week has taken his piece down as well. But erasing the words don't constitute an apology. And I'm not sure Hammerman is capable of understanding what he did wrong, which is the precondition for actual contrition.
Tim Tebow harms no one when he bends a knee to thank Jesus for giving him the athletic gifts that have served him so well. And he's never said anything publicly about saving anyone's soul. So how is it offensive that his piety inspires others -- even his opponents on the field -- to join him in prayer? In an era when other famous athletes are better known for sexting, criminal assault or even murder, it's a mystery why humility and faith would be viewed negatively.
True tolerance means allowing others to believe what they choose and to express those beliefs, so long as they do not interfere with the liberty of others. Tebow does not insist that his teammates join him in prayer, nor does he interfere with those who choose a different religious -- or non-religious -- expression of joy and gratitude.
But illiberals want religion out of the public square altogether. They want to reinterpret the First Amendment to deny religious freedom, not to protect it. They want to force religious people of all faiths to keep their religion in the closet, while at the same time enforcing the open acceptance -- indeed, encouragement -- of behaviors that conflict with traditional religious tenets. The illiberal religious bigots believe putting a creche on public property is unconstitutional; but displaying a crucifix in a in a tax-supported museum is just fine, just so long as it's stuck in a jar of urine.
Tim Tebow is not the problem. The real problem is our willingness to be bullied into thinking that prejudice masked as tolerance is acceptable.
Friday, December 16, 2011
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Bills Vs Titians Gameday Preview 2011
Rob Davies - The Tennessee Titans aren’t quite ready to let the Houston Texans walk off with the AFC South crown and of course, with this being professional football, that should never be allowed to happen. However, as obvious as that sounds, my point is this: the Texans are vastly superior to the Titans, but that’s when Matt Schaub is under center in Houston. They now have to choose between T. J. Yates or Jake Delhomme at quarterback while last week the Titans gained momentum after pulling out a victory against a Buccaneers team that’s played hard on the road the last two weeks.
If ever motivation was needed, Tennessee now has it as the Texans had the division all but wrapped up before Schaub was lost for the season. Last week, it could be argued that the Titans had their playoff hopes, and therefore their season, on the line with three minutes to play against Tampa. Facing fourth and goal at the 2 yard line and trailing 17-13 (making a field goal futile), Matt Hasselbeck found Damian Williams in the end zone for the score. They could’ve kicked the field goal and risked an onside kick, but I love the call made by coach Mike Munchak and it’s that one play that may yet have a say in Tennessee’s push for either a wildcard berth or even the division, should Houston really implode at quarterback.
Running back Chris Johnson, one week removed from 13 yards on 12 carries against Atlanta, ran for 190 yards on 23 carries and with stats like that it’s astonishing to think that the Titans had to leave it so late to win. Anyhow, with Johnson proving so erratic, there’s no telling which of his games he’ll bring with him so he’s impossible to trust, even when up against Buffalo’s 21st ranked run defense.
The Bills are on a horrible four game skid and any thoughts they had of the playoffs after their storming 5-2 start, that included wins against the Raiders, Patriots and Eagles, are fast disappearing and they haven’t been helped by poor quarterback play from Ryan Fitzpatrick (since signing a $59 million contract extension) and the loss of running back Fred Jackson for the season with a broken right leg. That said, they regained some pride last week in a humdinger against the Jets in New York, going down 28-24 on a Santonio Holmes touchdown with one minute to play and even then they had a chance to win it with eight seconds to play.
Second year man C. J. Spiller will once again pick up the slack in Jackson’s absence, but he gained only 55 yards on 19 carries last week so won’t inspire confidence, which means that Fitzpatrick may come close to replicating his 39 pass attempts from last Sunday. Having thrown 2 TDs and 7 INTs in his previous three outings, Fitzpatrick threw 3 TDs and zero picks last week and that was up against Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie so, despite the loss, he’ll be raring to go come Sunday.
Perhaps I’m overestimating Buffalo, but I stand wholeheartedly behind my spread and take the Bills to cover.
If ever motivation was needed, Tennessee now has it as the Texans had the division all but wrapped up before Schaub was lost for the season. Last week, it could be argued that the Titans had their playoff hopes, and therefore their season, on the line with three minutes to play against Tampa. Facing fourth and goal at the 2 yard line and trailing 17-13 (making a field goal futile), Matt Hasselbeck found Damian Williams in the end zone for the score. They could’ve kicked the field goal and risked an onside kick, but I love the call made by coach Mike Munchak and it’s that one play that may yet have a say in Tennessee’s push for either a wildcard berth or even the division, should Houston really implode at quarterback.
Running back Chris Johnson, one week removed from 13 yards on 12 carries against Atlanta, ran for 190 yards on 23 carries and with stats like that it’s astonishing to think that the Titans had to leave it so late to win. Anyhow, with Johnson proving so erratic, there’s no telling which of his games he’ll bring with him so he’s impossible to trust, even when up against Buffalo’s 21st ranked run defense.
The Bills are on a horrible four game skid and any thoughts they had of the playoffs after their storming 5-2 start, that included wins against the Raiders, Patriots and Eagles, are fast disappearing and they haven’t been helped by poor quarterback play from Ryan Fitzpatrick (since signing a $59 million contract extension) and the loss of running back Fred Jackson for the season with a broken right leg. That said, they regained some pride last week in a humdinger against the Jets in New York, going down 28-24 on a Santonio Holmes touchdown with one minute to play and even then they had a chance to win it with eight seconds to play.
Second year man C. J. Spiller will once again pick up the slack in Jackson’s absence, but he gained only 55 yards on 19 carries last week so won’t inspire confidence, which means that Fitzpatrick may come close to replicating his 39 pass attempts from last Sunday. Having thrown 2 TDs and 7 INTs in his previous three outings, Fitzpatrick threw 3 TDs and zero picks last week and that was up against Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie so, despite the loss, he’ll be raring to go come Sunday.
Perhaps I’m overestimating Buffalo, but I stand wholeheartedly behind my spread and take the Bills to cover.
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Buffalo Bills Gameday: New York Jets host Buffalo Bills
Connor Orr -THIS WEEK’S GAME REVOLVES AROUND ...
Santonio Holmes
It’s become apparent that when the Jets are rolling, so is Santonio Holmes. Last season during a four-game winning streak from Week 9 to Week 12, the receiver had one of the best stretches of his career. Five catches for 114 yards against the Detroit Lions, five for 76 and a game-winning touchdown against the Cleveland Browns, seven for 126 and two touchdowns (including the game-winner) against Houston and five for 44 and a touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals. This year, he’s caught more than four passes just twice amid a period where the Jets' offense looks like a shell of itself. In order to get back on the right foot, the Jets need to torch the Bills’ banged-up secondary and make a statement heading into the final turn. And nothing will help that more than getting Holmes — who seems to have the power to ignite and infuriate a locker room all the same — in the end zone.
THE SAVVY FAN IS WATCHING ...
Kamar Aiken
With injuries depleting the Bills receiving corps, Chan Gailey said that the speedy, sure-handed rookie out of Central Florida will see some increased time this week.
PAST MEETINGS
10. Dec. 10, 2006. Bills 31, Jets 13.
9. Sept. 30, 2007 at Buffalo. Bills 17, Jets 14.
8. Oct. 28, 2007. Bills 13, Jets 3.
7. Nov. 2, 2008 at Buffalo. Jets 26, Bills 17.
6. Dec. 14, 2008. Jets 31, Bills 27.
5. Oct. 18, 2009. Bills 16, Jets 13, OT.
4. Dec. 3, 2009 at Buffalo. Jets 19, Bills 13.
3. Oct. 3, 2010 at Buffalo. Jets 38, Bills 14.
2. Jan. 2, 2011. Jets 38, Bills 7.
1. Nov. 6, 2011 at Buffalo. Jets 27, Bills 11
Remember when ...
The Jets seemed to reinvigorate their season with an emphatic 27-11 victory over the Bills three weeks ago? Ask some Jets and they define it as the game that laid out the blueprint to defeat the Bills and contain their trio of playmakers (Steve Johnson, Ryan Fitzpatrick and Fred Jackson). It was also a game that signified, for the moment, that they had fully returned from a troublesome three-game slump earlier in the season. Since then, though, Buffalo and the Jets have both fallen on hard times, slipping into a tie for second place in the AFC East with 5-5 records. The winner now keeps thinning playoff hopes alive for another week.
Video: Previewing the Jets against the Bills, Mark Sanchez, and the need for a win Video: Previewing the Jets against the Bills, Mark Sanchez, and the need for a win New York Jets beat writer Jenny Vrentas and Conor Orr preview the Jets game against the Bills on Sunday. The pair talk about Mark Sanchez, Plaxico Burress, and the need for the team to win games. (Video by Ed Murray/The Star-Ledger) Watch video
WHAT THE BILLS DON’T WANT THE JETS TO KNOW
1. Ryan Fitzpatrick is a different man now that he’s signed that hefty contract
Before the Bills signed their quarterback Fitzpatrick to a lofty six-year, $59 million deal worth $24 million in guaranteed money, he was 4-2 with a 66 percent completion rate, a 2-to-1 TD to INT ratio and a 95 QB rating. After, he’s 1-3 with a 59 percent completion rate, a 1-to-2 TD to INT ratio and a QB rating of 65.1. Again facing the Jets secondary that bullied him for four quarters, this is certainly a bad time to be reeling in the confidence department. This is especially true since the Bills could technically cut him before the seventh day of the 2012 league year and pay him nothing but his base salary — a little more than $3 million — according to ProFootballTalk.com.
2. They’re hurting at some key positions
The sting of a 35-8 thumping at the hands of the 3-7 Dolphins was made worse for the Bills when it became apparent that running back Fred Jackson (calf), cornerback Terrence McGee (knee) and No. 2 wide receiver Donald Jones, who reaggravated an ankle injury, all sustained significant, season-threatening injuries. Buffalo was a team that made a few moves to touch up their ailing roster in the offseason, but did not foresee this. Without a strong presence at cornerback, their aggressive defense needs to play a little softer. Without another deep threat, their spread offense loses the confusion it normally causes.
3. They’re more prone to turning the ball over
Maybe it’s that more good teams appear on their schedule. Maybe their confidence has taken a nose dive. Maybe teams have finally figured out the Bills' offense. Whatever the reason, their turnovers have skyrocketed over this three-game losing streak, topping out at nine. That is the same number of turnovers as they had in the first seven games of the season and an enormous reason why the team has run into some hard times. Oh, and the Jets, despite their struggles, have been surprisingly opportunistic this season, tied for ninth in the league with 13 interceptions.
Santonio Holmes
It’s become apparent that when the Jets are rolling, so is Santonio Holmes. Last season during a four-game winning streak from Week 9 to Week 12, the receiver had one of the best stretches of his career. Five catches for 114 yards against the Detroit Lions, five for 76 and a game-winning touchdown against the Cleveland Browns, seven for 126 and two touchdowns (including the game-winner) against Houston and five for 44 and a touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals. This year, he’s caught more than four passes just twice amid a period where the Jets' offense looks like a shell of itself. In order to get back on the right foot, the Jets need to torch the Bills’ banged-up secondary and make a statement heading into the final turn. And nothing will help that more than getting Holmes — who seems to have the power to ignite and infuriate a locker room all the same — in the end zone.
THE SAVVY FAN IS WATCHING ...
Kamar Aiken
With injuries depleting the Bills receiving corps, Chan Gailey said that the speedy, sure-handed rookie out of Central Florida will see some increased time this week.
PAST MEETINGS
10. Dec. 10, 2006. Bills 31, Jets 13.
9. Sept. 30, 2007 at Buffalo. Bills 17, Jets 14.
8. Oct. 28, 2007. Bills 13, Jets 3.
7. Nov. 2, 2008 at Buffalo. Jets 26, Bills 17.
6. Dec. 14, 2008. Jets 31, Bills 27.
5. Oct. 18, 2009. Bills 16, Jets 13, OT.
4. Dec. 3, 2009 at Buffalo. Jets 19, Bills 13.
3. Oct. 3, 2010 at Buffalo. Jets 38, Bills 14.
2. Jan. 2, 2011. Jets 38, Bills 7.
1. Nov. 6, 2011 at Buffalo. Jets 27, Bills 11
Remember when ...
The Jets seemed to reinvigorate their season with an emphatic 27-11 victory over the Bills three weeks ago? Ask some Jets and they define it as the game that laid out the blueprint to defeat the Bills and contain their trio of playmakers (Steve Johnson, Ryan Fitzpatrick and Fred Jackson). It was also a game that signified, for the moment, that they had fully returned from a troublesome three-game slump earlier in the season. Since then, though, Buffalo and the Jets have both fallen on hard times, slipping into a tie for second place in the AFC East with 5-5 records. The winner now keeps thinning playoff hopes alive for another week.
Video: Previewing the Jets against the Bills, Mark Sanchez, and the need for a win Video: Previewing the Jets against the Bills, Mark Sanchez, and the need for a win New York Jets beat writer Jenny Vrentas and Conor Orr preview the Jets game against the Bills on Sunday. The pair talk about Mark Sanchez, Plaxico Burress, and the need for the team to win games. (Video by Ed Murray/The Star-Ledger) Watch video
WHAT THE BILLS DON’T WANT THE JETS TO KNOW
1. Ryan Fitzpatrick is a different man now that he’s signed that hefty contract
Before the Bills signed their quarterback Fitzpatrick to a lofty six-year, $59 million deal worth $24 million in guaranteed money, he was 4-2 with a 66 percent completion rate, a 2-to-1 TD to INT ratio and a 95 QB rating. After, he’s 1-3 with a 59 percent completion rate, a 1-to-2 TD to INT ratio and a QB rating of 65.1. Again facing the Jets secondary that bullied him for four quarters, this is certainly a bad time to be reeling in the confidence department. This is especially true since the Bills could technically cut him before the seventh day of the 2012 league year and pay him nothing but his base salary — a little more than $3 million — according to ProFootballTalk.com.
2. They’re hurting at some key positions
The sting of a 35-8 thumping at the hands of the 3-7 Dolphins was made worse for the Bills when it became apparent that running back Fred Jackson (calf), cornerback Terrence McGee (knee) and No. 2 wide receiver Donald Jones, who reaggravated an ankle injury, all sustained significant, season-threatening injuries. Buffalo was a team that made a few moves to touch up their ailing roster in the offseason, but did not foresee this. Without a strong presence at cornerback, their aggressive defense needs to play a little softer. Without another deep threat, their spread offense loses the confusion it normally causes.
3. They’re more prone to turning the ball over
Maybe it’s that more good teams appear on their schedule. Maybe their confidence has taken a nose dive. Maybe teams have finally figured out the Bills' offense. Whatever the reason, their turnovers have skyrocketed over this three-game losing streak, topping out at nine. That is the same number of turnovers as they had in the first seven games of the season and an enormous reason why the team has run into some hard times. Oh, and the Jets, despite their struggles, have been surprisingly opportunistic this season, tied for ninth in the league with 13 interceptions.
UCLA: Rick Neuheisl Will Be Fired
UCLA football coach Rick Neuheisel is set to be fired even if the team makes the Rose Bowl, the Los Angeles Times reported late Saturday, citing sources.
Bruins athletic director Dan Guerrero will sit down with Neuheisel after their season is over — which could be as soon as next Friday, when UCLA plays Oregon in the Pac-12 Championship Game as a heavy underdog.
The only reason UCLA, which was thumped 50-0 by USC on Saturday, is the South Division representative in the title game is because the Trojans are banned from postseason play.
Before the Bruins' lopsided loss to their crosstown rivals, a source told the Times that UCLA would have to win the Pac-12 title for Neuheisel to have any chance of his retaining his job.
Neuheisel has a 21-28 record in four seasons at the helm, including 3-25 against teams that finished with a winning record.
Bruins athletic director Dan Guerrero will sit down with Neuheisel after their season is over — which could be as soon as next Friday, when UCLA plays Oregon in the Pac-12 Championship Game as a heavy underdog.
The only reason UCLA, which was thumped 50-0 by USC on Saturday, is the South Division representative in the title game is because the Trojans are banned from postseason play.
Before the Bruins' lopsided loss to their crosstown rivals, a source told the Times that UCLA would have to win the Pac-12 title for Neuheisel to have any chance of his retaining his job.
Neuheisel has a 21-28 record in four seasons at the helm, including 3-25 against teams that finished with a winning record.
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Buffalo Bills Injury List Grows Wilson, Roosvelt out Against Jets
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — Buffalo Bills starting safety George Wilson will miss Sunday’s game against the New York Jets because of a neck injury.
It’s the second straight game Wilson won’t play after sustaining his injury in Buffalo’s loss at Dallas on Nov. 13. He leads the team with four interceptions/
The Bills (5-5) will also be without receiver Naaman Roosevelt, who has a shoulder injury.
Newly acquired running back Tashard Choice practiced both Thursday and Friday, and could be active Sunday against the Jets (5-5). He was signed on Wednesday after the Bills put running back Fred Jackson on injured reserve with a broken right leg.
Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
It’s the second straight game Wilson won’t play after sustaining his injury in Buffalo’s loss at Dallas on Nov. 13. He leads the team with four interceptions/
The Bills (5-5) will also be without receiver Naaman Roosevelt, who has a shoulder injury.
Newly acquired running back Tashard Choice practiced both Thursday and Friday, and could be active Sunday against the Jets (5-5). He was signed on Wednesday after the Bills put running back Fred Jackson on injured reserve with a broken right leg.
Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
C.J. Spiller Time For Buffalo Bills
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- While Buffalo Bills fans have started to write running back C.J. Spiller off as a bust, the team’s coaching staff doesn’t believe that to be the case.
“I think we will really not know totally about C.J. until we get to the end of the season,” coach Chan Gailey said. ”I hope, but I can’t expect him to come out and rush for 140 yards or 120 yards like Fred [Jackson] was doing, but at the same time he’s certainly capable of doing that. We’ll see where this takes us.”
C.J. Spiller is expected to be the feature back in the Bills offense with Fred Jackson out for the season. (AP Photo)
Spiller’s opportunity has indeed arrived with Jackson on injured reserve. That doesn’t mean the offense will change much, though.
“You’ve got 10 other guys that have been doing things. You can’t change everything they’re doing and you don’t want to,” Gailey said. “You want to let C.J. go in and do what he does best and give him an opportunity to make plays.
The Bills will be without strong safety George Wilson for a second straight game because of a neck injury. That’s a big blow for the secondary, as Wilson was responsible for getting everyone in the backfield lined up. Just as important, he was playing at a Pro Bowl level.
With Wilson out last week, rookie fourth-round pick Da’Norris Searcy started. While Searcy did fine against the run, he was involved in a few coverage mix-ups that cost the team big yards through the air.
“I think we will really not know totally about C.J. until we get to the end of the season,” coach Chan Gailey said. ”I hope, but I can’t expect him to come out and rush for 140 yards or 120 yards like Fred [Jackson] was doing, but at the same time he’s certainly capable of doing that. We’ll see where this takes us.”
C.J. Spiller is expected to be the feature back in the Bills offense with Fred Jackson out for the season. (AP Photo)
Spiller’s opportunity has indeed arrived with Jackson on injured reserve. That doesn’t mean the offense will change much, though.
“You’ve got 10 other guys that have been doing things. You can’t change everything they’re doing and you don’t want to,” Gailey said. “You want to let C.J. go in and do what he does best and give him an opportunity to make plays.
The Bills will be without strong safety George Wilson for a second straight game because of a neck injury. That’s a big blow for the secondary, as Wilson was responsible for getting everyone in the backfield lined up. Just as important, he was playing at a Pro Bowl level.
With Wilson out last week, rookie fourth-round pick Da’Norris Searcy started. While Searcy did fine against the run, he was involved in a few coverage mix-ups that cost the team big yards through the air.
NBA Owners, Players Reach A Agreement On New Labor Deal
NEW YORK (AP)
NBA owners and players reached a tentative agreement early Saturday to end the
After a secret meeting earlier this week, the sides met for more than 15 hours Friday, working to try to save the season. This handshake deal, however, still must be ratified by both owners and players.
''We've reached a tentative understanding that is subject to a variety of approvals and very complex machinations, but we're optimistic that will all come to pass and that the NBA season will begin Dec. 25,'' Commissioner David Stern said.
The league plans a 66-game season and aims to open camps Dec. 9.
''We thought it was in both of our best interests to try to reach a resolution and save the game,'' union executive director Billy Hunter said.
The Christmas Day deadline created a sense of urgency because that schedule is traditionally a showcase for the league. This season's three-game slate was to include Miami at Dallas in an NBA finals rematch, plus MVP Derrick Rose leading Chicago into Los Angeles to face Kobe Bryant and the Lakers.
A majority on each side is needed to approve the agreement. The NBA needs votes from 15 of 29 owners. (The league owns the New Orleans Hornets.) Stern said the labor committee plans to discuss the agreement later Saturday and expects them to endorse it and recommend to the full board.
The union needs a simple majority of its 430-plus members. That process is a bit more complicated after the players dissolved the union Nov. 14. Now, they must drop their antitrust lawsuit in Minnesota and reform the union before voting on the deal.
Because the union disbanded, a new collective bargaining agreement can only be completed once the union has reformed. Drug testing and other issues still must be negotiated between the league and the players.
The settlement first was reported by CBSSports.com.
Participating in the talks for the league were Stern, deputy commissioner Adam Silver, Spurs owner Peter Holt, the chairman of the labor relations committee, and attorneys Rick Buchanan and Dan Rube. The players were represented by executive director Billy Hunter, president Derek Fisher, vice president Maurice Evans, attorney Ron Klempner and economist Kevin Murphy.
When last talks broke down, the sides were still divided over the division of revenues and certain changes sought by owners to curb spending by big-market teams that players felt would limit or restrict their options in free agency.
On Nov. 14, players rejected the owners' proposal, which included opening a 72-game schedule on Dec. 15, announcing instead they were disbanding the union, giving them a chance to win several billion dollars in triple damages in an antitrust lawsuit.
Two days later, players filed two separate antitrust lawsuits against the league in two different states. On Monday, a group of named plaintiffs including Carmelo Anthony, Steve Nash and Kevin Durant filed an amended federal lawsuit against the league in Minnesota, hoping the courts there will be as favorable to them as they have been to NFL players in the past.
Now, players will dismiss that lawsuit and get back to the business of basketball.
The previous CBA expired at the end of the day June 30. Despite a series of meetings in June, there was never much hope of a deal before that deadline, with owners wanting significant changes after saying they lost $300 million last season and hundreds of millions more in each year of the old agreement, which was ratified in 2005.
Owners wanted to keep more of the league's nearly $4 billion in basketball revenues to themselves after guaranteeing 57 percent to the players under the old deal. And they sought a system where even the smallest-market clubs could compete, believing the current system would always favor the teams who could spend the most.
Initially, the salary cap emerged as the biggest obstacle. Owners first proposed a hard cap, but players fought hard to maintain the current system that allows teams to exceed the cap through the use of various exceptions.
The league was adamant the system needed some adjustment, because the old rules gave too many advantages to teams who could afford to keep adding to their payrolls. So the league's proposals targeted the highest-spending teams, seeking to eliminate the use of the midlevel exception by teams over the luxury tax and prevent them from participating in sign-and-trade deals
NBA owners and players reached a tentative agreement early Saturday to end the
After a secret meeting earlier this week, the sides met for more than 15 hours Friday, working to try to save the season. This handshake deal, however, still must be ratified by both owners and players.
''We've reached a tentative understanding that is subject to a variety of approvals and very complex machinations, but we're optimistic that will all come to pass and that the NBA season will begin Dec. 25,'' Commissioner David Stern said.
The league plans a 66-game season and aims to open camps Dec. 9.
''We thought it was in both of our best interests to try to reach a resolution and save the game,'' union executive director Billy Hunter said.
The Christmas Day deadline created a sense of urgency because that schedule is traditionally a showcase for the league. This season's three-game slate was to include Miami at Dallas in an NBA finals rematch, plus MVP Derrick Rose leading Chicago into Los Angeles to face Kobe Bryant and the Lakers.
A majority on each side is needed to approve the agreement. The NBA needs votes from 15 of 29 owners. (The league owns the New Orleans Hornets.) Stern said the labor committee plans to discuss the agreement later Saturday and expects them to endorse it and recommend to the full board.
The union needs a simple majority of its 430-plus members. That process is a bit more complicated after the players dissolved the union Nov. 14. Now, they must drop their antitrust lawsuit in Minnesota and reform the union before voting on the deal.
Because the union disbanded, a new collective bargaining agreement can only be completed once the union has reformed. Drug testing and other issues still must be negotiated between the league and the players.
The settlement first was reported by CBSSports.com.
Participating in the talks for the league were Stern, deputy commissioner Adam Silver, Spurs owner Peter Holt, the chairman of the labor relations committee, and attorneys Rick Buchanan and Dan Rube. The players were represented by executive director Billy Hunter, president Derek Fisher, vice president Maurice Evans, attorney Ron Klempner and economist Kevin Murphy.
When last talks broke down, the sides were still divided over the division of revenues and certain changes sought by owners to curb spending by big-market teams that players felt would limit or restrict their options in free agency.
On Nov. 14, players rejected the owners' proposal, which included opening a 72-game schedule on Dec. 15, announcing instead they were disbanding the union, giving them a chance to win several billion dollars in triple damages in an antitrust lawsuit.
Two days later, players filed two separate antitrust lawsuits against the league in two different states. On Monday, a group of named plaintiffs including Carmelo Anthony, Steve Nash and Kevin Durant filed an amended federal lawsuit against the league in Minnesota, hoping the courts there will be as favorable to them as they have been to NFL players in the past.
Now, players will dismiss that lawsuit and get back to the business of basketball.
The previous CBA expired at the end of the day June 30. Despite a series of meetings in June, there was never much hope of a deal before that deadline, with owners wanting significant changes after saying they lost $300 million last season and hundreds of millions more in each year of the old agreement, which was ratified in 2005.
Owners wanted to keep more of the league's nearly $4 billion in basketball revenues to themselves after guaranteeing 57 percent to the players under the old deal. And they sought a system where even the smallest-market clubs could compete, believing the current system would always favor the teams who could spend the most.
Initially, the salary cap emerged as the biggest obstacle. Owners first proposed a hard cap, but players fought hard to maintain the current system that allows teams to exceed the cap through the use of various exceptions.
The league was adamant the system needed some adjustment, because the old rules gave too many advantages to teams who could afford to keep adding to their payrolls. So the league's proposals targeted the highest-spending teams, seeking to eliminate the use of the midlevel exception by teams over the luxury tax and prevent them from participating in sign-and-trade deals
Monday, September 26, 2011
Buffalo Bills And Detriot Lions Are Still Undefeated
Nando Di Fino - The 2011 NFL season was supposed to be a little goofy early on because of the lockout-induced truncated offseason. But it wasn’t supposed to be this goofy: the Buffalo Bills and Detroit Lions will enter Week 4 with a combined 6-0 record. The Bills have scored more points than any team in the league; the Lions have scored the fourth-most, while holding opponents to 15.3 points per game, the third-best in the NFL. On Sunday, both teams overcame at least 20-point deficits to pull off wins. “Welcome to the Bizarro World start to the NFL season,” Yahoo’s Dan Wetzel writes. “where old scenarios are producing new results and unexpected emotions in the most unlikely of places.”
No result seemed to fit the unpredictable theme better than Buffalo’s 34-31 victory over the Patriots, a team the Bills hadn’t beaten in 15 tries dating to 2003. Down 21-0 in the second quarter, the Bills improbably rallied, intercepting Tom Brady four times in the victory (“Four picks?” Mike Harrington of the Buffalo News writes. “Brady threw four all season in 2010 — in 492 attempts. He matched that in about 2 1/2 hours Sunday.”) Brady actually set a record in this game for accruing more passing yards over a three-game span than any quarterback in NFL history. But fans only cared about another record, this one unofficial and set by the Bills: according to the Elias Sports Bureau, no team in league history had come back from an 18-point deficit in two consecutive games. The 2011 Bills are the first, having pulled off a similar comeback in Week 2 against the Raiders.
ESPN’s Sports & Information department notes that the Bills and Lions games mark the first time since Sept. 12, 1999 that two teams overcame such big holes on the same day of the NFL season. “Why is 1999 important?” Stats & Info’s blog asks. “That was the last season that the Bills and Lions each made the playoffs.” Dean Hybl of Sports Then and Now goes back even deeper into history, comparing the 2011 Bills and Lions to their 1980 counterparts, teams that also began the seasons with winning streaks. “It is certainly too early to pencil either the Bills or Lions in the playoffs,” Hybl writes, “but with starts reminiscent of the 1980 campaign, both teams seem headed in the right direction.” The Journal’s Jason Gay takes it one step further – he’s not above (not entirely seriously) talking a Bills-Lions Super Bowl.
Sports Illustrated’s Don Banks says that however unexpected this is, the Bills shouldn’t be considered flukes. Last year, they piled up plenty of heartbreaking losses and played in three overtime games against playoff teams. Because of that experience, they were able to better handle this year’s adversity. “The Bills might have lost every one of those thrillers last year, but those games are paying dividends this time around,” Banks writes. “This season, Buffalo is mastering the art of the comeback, and it’s learning how to win the close games it once routinely lost. These Bills are mentally tougher than any recent Buffalo club.”
As for the Lions, who rallied back from being down 20 to defeat the Vikings in overtime, this 3-0 start already includes two road wins, which, according to Steve Schrader of the Detroit Free Press, is pretty significant. “The last time they had more than that was 2004,” Schrader writes, “when they had three.” And when things are going well for a team, as they currently are in Detroit, your players are allowed to take to Twitter and make light of their sub-par performances. “Only a couple catches,” receiver Nate Burleson tweeted after the win, “but my biggest play of the game was callin ‘HEADS’ in OT!”
* * *
A week after being removed from a game because of a concussion, Philadelphia quarterback Michael Vick again departed with an injury on Sunday, this time due to a broken right (non-throwing) hand in his team’s 29-16 loss to the New York Giants. Vick will see a hand specialist and have a CT scan Monday, and his status for next week against San Francisco is uncertain. After Sunday’s game Vick suggested that he wasn’t getting late hit and helmet-to-helmet penalty calls that other quarterbacks around the league were getting. He made sure to point out that he wasn’t blaming the referees, but pretty much every headline on Monday screamed that he was.
“Every time I throw the ball in all my highlights and just watching film in general, every time I throw the ball I’m on the ground, getting hit in the head and I don’t know why,” Vick told reporters. “I don’t get the 15-yard flags like everybody else does but hey — I’m not going to complain about it. I’m just making everybody aware.” Vick repeatedly assured reporters that he wasn’t ripping into officials, but did say that this was a recurring problem and he had even mentioned it to the referees in training camp when they had their meeting. Phil Sheridan of the Philadelphia Inquirer says that Vick should be blaming his offensive line and coach before the referees, while also arguing that Vick’s style of play contributes to the lack of calls. “With his ability to break tackles and run, Vick almost forces defensive players to follow through if the play is close,” Sheridan writes. “A 15-yard penalty isn’t as bad as a 30-yard run. And because Vick is capable of escaping from situations that other quarterbacks can’t, referees are hesitant to blow a play dead until they have to. The Eagles would complain about quick whistles taking potential big plays away, too.”
No result seemed to fit the unpredictable theme better than Buffalo’s 34-31 victory over the Patriots, a team the Bills hadn’t beaten in 15 tries dating to 2003. Down 21-0 in the second quarter, the Bills improbably rallied, intercepting Tom Brady four times in the victory (“Four picks?” Mike Harrington of the Buffalo News writes. “Brady threw four all season in 2010 — in 492 attempts. He matched that in about 2 1/2 hours Sunday.”) Brady actually set a record in this game for accruing more passing yards over a three-game span than any quarterback in NFL history. But fans only cared about another record, this one unofficial and set by the Bills: according to the Elias Sports Bureau, no team in league history had come back from an 18-point deficit in two consecutive games. The 2011 Bills are the first, having pulled off a similar comeback in Week 2 against the Raiders.
ESPN’s Sports & Information department notes that the Bills and Lions games mark the first time since Sept. 12, 1999 that two teams overcame such big holes on the same day of the NFL season. “Why is 1999 important?” Stats & Info’s blog asks. “That was the last season that the Bills and Lions each made the playoffs.” Dean Hybl of Sports Then and Now goes back even deeper into history, comparing the 2011 Bills and Lions to their 1980 counterparts, teams that also began the seasons with winning streaks. “It is certainly too early to pencil either the Bills or Lions in the playoffs,” Hybl writes, “but with starts reminiscent of the 1980 campaign, both teams seem headed in the right direction.” The Journal’s Jason Gay takes it one step further – he’s not above (not entirely seriously) talking a Bills-Lions Super Bowl.
Sports Illustrated’s Don Banks says that however unexpected this is, the Bills shouldn’t be considered flukes. Last year, they piled up plenty of heartbreaking losses and played in three overtime games against playoff teams. Because of that experience, they were able to better handle this year’s adversity. “The Bills might have lost every one of those thrillers last year, but those games are paying dividends this time around,” Banks writes. “This season, Buffalo is mastering the art of the comeback, and it’s learning how to win the close games it once routinely lost. These Bills are mentally tougher than any recent Buffalo club.”
As for the Lions, who rallied back from being down 20 to defeat the Vikings in overtime, this 3-0 start already includes two road wins, which, according to Steve Schrader of the Detroit Free Press, is pretty significant. “The last time they had more than that was 2004,” Schrader writes, “when they had three.” And when things are going well for a team, as they currently are in Detroit, your players are allowed to take to Twitter and make light of their sub-par performances. “Only a couple catches,” receiver Nate Burleson tweeted after the win, “but my biggest play of the game was callin ‘HEADS’ in OT!”
* * *
A week after being removed from a game because of a concussion, Philadelphia quarterback Michael Vick again departed with an injury on Sunday, this time due to a broken right (non-throwing) hand in his team’s 29-16 loss to the New York Giants. Vick will see a hand specialist and have a CT scan Monday, and his status for next week against San Francisco is uncertain. After Sunday’s game Vick suggested that he wasn’t getting late hit and helmet-to-helmet penalty calls that other quarterbacks around the league were getting. He made sure to point out that he wasn’t blaming the referees, but pretty much every headline on Monday screamed that he was.
“Every time I throw the ball in all my highlights and just watching film in general, every time I throw the ball I’m on the ground, getting hit in the head and I don’t know why,” Vick told reporters. “I don’t get the 15-yard flags like everybody else does but hey — I’m not going to complain about it. I’m just making everybody aware.” Vick repeatedly assured reporters that he wasn’t ripping into officials, but did say that this was a recurring problem and he had even mentioned it to the referees in training camp when they had their meeting. Phil Sheridan of the Philadelphia Inquirer says that Vick should be blaming his offensive line and coach before the referees, while also arguing that Vick’s style of play contributes to the lack of calls. “With his ability to break tackles and run, Vick almost forces defensive players to follow through if the play is close,” Sheridan writes. “A 15-yard penalty isn’t as bad as a 30-yard run. And because Vick is capable of escaping from situations that other quarterbacks can’t, referees are hesitant to blow a play dead until they have to. The Eagles would complain about quick whistles taking potential big plays away, too.”
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Bills vs. Patriots "Will The Bills Break There 15 Game Losing Streak"
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- There's a moment captured in NFL Films' "Bill Belichick: A Football Life" in which the Patriots squeak out a 17-10 win in Buffalo late in the 2009 season and New England's coach tells his son on the sideline, "We sweated that one out, like we always do against these guys."
It wasn't exactly the truth.
Not only have the Patriots won 15 straight regular-season meetings against the Bills -- the fourth-longest streak in NFL history -- they haven't lost in Buffalo since opening day in 2003 (Lawyer Milloy's revenge game). During those seven straight wins in Orchard Park, N.Y., the Patriots have won by an average of 23 points per game, including a 56-10 thrashing in 2007 and a 34-3 throttling last year.
But it's a new season, and it's more likely that Belichick showed his troops clips from that 2009 game than any of the 39 touchdowns or 4,105 yards that Tom Brady has thrown for in 18 career games against Buffalo (tops of any opponent he's faced).
"It doesn't get any easier for us," sighed Vince Wilfork. "We're going to have to go on the road and play some good football if we want to walk away with the W. But it's going to be tough, I guarantee you that, because this is a new Buffalo Bills team. They're 2-0. Looking at them on film, they're making big plays after big plays. They actually look pretty good. It's not smoke and mirrors with them. They're the real deal, and that's how we approach it.
"Right now, no consecutive games, how many we won against them, that doesn't have anything to do with this year. It's going to be a tough-fought football game."
There are certainly reasons for the Patriots to be wary of Buffalo. The Bills boast the league's top rushing and scoring offense through two games. After throttling Kansas City in Week 1, Buffalo clawed its way back to top Oakland, showing more resiliency than has been spotted in recent years.
Alas, New England's toughest opponent might be the injury bug. The Patriots emerged battered and bruised from last Sunday's win over the Chargers. After putting two players -- center Dan Koppen and defensive lineman Myron Pryor -- on injured reserve this week, the team's final injury report still contained 15 names, including three players who are officially out (tight end Aaron Hernandez, offensive tackle Sebastian Vollmer and defensive lineman Mike Wright) and eight who are questionable.
The injuries have forced the Patriots to scramble a bit, making a handful of roster moves in order to add depth in thinned areas (defensive line, secondary). Heck, New England isn't even certain if Zoltan Mesko (questionable, left knee) will be able to punt on Sunday, which could force some interesting fourth-down decisions.
"That's football," Belichick said with a shrug. "Every team has guys on the injury list. Every team has guys on injured reserve. You play with what you've got."
Offensively, there are fewer concerns, but the absence of Hernandez means the Patriots will likely have to make changes. After running 125 of their 151 offensive snaps with multiple tight ends, injuries -- and a lack of available tight ends -- might force the Patriots to open things up a bit. That could lead to opportunities for wide receiver Chad Ochocinco to assert himself after all the scrutiny he endured from tweeting his "awe" of the Patriots' early season efforts.
[+] EnlargeChad Ochocinco
Elsa/Getty ImagesChad Ochocinco has just three catches for 59 yards in two games.
Up front, the loss of Vollmer will press rookie Nate Solder back into a starting role. He performed admirably in Week 1 in Miami against the likes of Pro Bowler Cameron Wake, showing glimpses of why he was the 17th overall pick in the draft. The Patriots do lose the ability to utilize him as a blocking third tight end, a luxury enjoyed last week against San Diego with Vollmer able to suit up.
Defensively, it's a bit more daunting. The secondary is ailing. Rookie cornerback Ras-I Dowling (hip) and safety Patrick Chung (hand) are part of the group listed as questionable. The Patriots were forced to bring in former 49ers corner Phillip Adams as emergency depth, while Antwaun Molden, signed late in the preseason, could be thrust into a larger role than he had seen in three seasons with Houston.
The defensive line is dinged up, but that group can take some pressure off the secondary with a sustained pass rush, something that wasn't always there against San Diego. New England's defensive front will face its biggest ground challenge this week with Buffalo's rushing attack led by Fred Jackson.
Throughout the week, the Patriots showered Buffalo with praise, but Sunday's game might ultimately hinge on their own health and being able to overcome attrition.
And don't even bring up that 15-game winning streak.
"That doesn't really mean anything," Belichick told the Buffalo media on a conference call. "I mean, most of the players that played in those games will be watching them on TV, so I don't think that really matters."
Added Brady: "I'll tell you, [the streak doesn't mean] anything for this game. It doesn't matter if you have won 100 in a row. The team that is going to win this weekend is the team that plays the best. It has nothing to do with the team in '07 or the '05 game. None of that matters. The team that is going to win is the team that makes the most plays, that plays well under pressure [and] that does the right thing consistently over the course of 60 minutes.
"This is a dangerous team that is very talented and very explosive in all phases of the game. They have a great punter, great kicker; they're very good on special teams; [they have] a damn good defense and an offense that's scoring a ton of points. Certainly, we would never think that this team is not a threat."
It wasn't exactly the truth.
Not only have the Patriots won 15 straight regular-season meetings against the Bills -- the fourth-longest streak in NFL history -- they haven't lost in Buffalo since opening day in 2003 (Lawyer Milloy's revenge game). During those seven straight wins in Orchard Park, N.Y., the Patriots have won by an average of 23 points per game, including a 56-10 thrashing in 2007 and a 34-3 throttling last year.
But it's a new season, and it's more likely that Belichick showed his troops clips from that 2009 game than any of the 39 touchdowns or 4,105 yards that Tom Brady has thrown for in 18 career games against Buffalo (tops of any opponent he's faced).
"It doesn't get any easier for us," sighed Vince Wilfork. "We're going to have to go on the road and play some good football if we want to walk away with the W. But it's going to be tough, I guarantee you that, because this is a new Buffalo Bills team. They're 2-0. Looking at them on film, they're making big plays after big plays. They actually look pretty good. It's not smoke and mirrors with them. They're the real deal, and that's how we approach it.
"Right now, no consecutive games, how many we won against them, that doesn't have anything to do with this year. It's going to be a tough-fought football game."
There are certainly reasons for the Patriots to be wary of Buffalo. The Bills boast the league's top rushing and scoring offense through two games. After throttling Kansas City in Week 1, Buffalo clawed its way back to top Oakland, showing more resiliency than has been spotted in recent years.
Alas, New England's toughest opponent might be the injury bug. The Patriots emerged battered and bruised from last Sunday's win over the Chargers. After putting two players -- center Dan Koppen and defensive lineman Myron Pryor -- on injured reserve this week, the team's final injury report still contained 15 names, including three players who are officially out (tight end Aaron Hernandez, offensive tackle Sebastian Vollmer and defensive lineman Mike Wright) and eight who are questionable.
The injuries have forced the Patriots to scramble a bit, making a handful of roster moves in order to add depth in thinned areas (defensive line, secondary). Heck, New England isn't even certain if Zoltan Mesko (questionable, left knee) will be able to punt on Sunday, which could force some interesting fourth-down decisions.
"That's football," Belichick said with a shrug. "Every team has guys on the injury list. Every team has guys on injured reserve. You play with what you've got."
Offensively, there are fewer concerns, but the absence of Hernandez means the Patriots will likely have to make changes. After running 125 of their 151 offensive snaps with multiple tight ends, injuries -- and a lack of available tight ends -- might force the Patriots to open things up a bit. That could lead to opportunities for wide receiver Chad Ochocinco to assert himself after all the scrutiny he endured from tweeting his "awe" of the Patriots' early season efforts.
[+] EnlargeChad Ochocinco
Elsa/Getty ImagesChad Ochocinco has just three catches for 59 yards in two games.
Up front, the loss of Vollmer will press rookie Nate Solder back into a starting role. He performed admirably in Week 1 in Miami against the likes of Pro Bowler Cameron Wake, showing glimpses of why he was the 17th overall pick in the draft. The Patriots do lose the ability to utilize him as a blocking third tight end, a luxury enjoyed last week against San Diego with Vollmer able to suit up.
Defensively, it's a bit more daunting. The secondary is ailing. Rookie cornerback Ras-I Dowling (hip) and safety Patrick Chung (hand) are part of the group listed as questionable. The Patriots were forced to bring in former 49ers corner Phillip Adams as emergency depth, while Antwaun Molden, signed late in the preseason, could be thrust into a larger role than he had seen in three seasons with Houston.
The defensive line is dinged up, but that group can take some pressure off the secondary with a sustained pass rush, something that wasn't always there against San Diego. New England's defensive front will face its biggest ground challenge this week with Buffalo's rushing attack led by Fred Jackson.
Throughout the week, the Patriots showered Buffalo with praise, but Sunday's game might ultimately hinge on their own health and being able to overcome attrition.
And don't even bring up that 15-game winning streak.
"That doesn't really mean anything," Belichick told the Buffalo media on a conference call. "I mean, most of the players that played in those games will be watching them on TV, so I don't think that really matters."
Added Brady: "I'll tell you, [the streak doesn't mean] anything for this game. It doesn't matter if you have won 100 in a row. The team that is going to win this weekend is the team that plays the best. It has nothing to do with the team in '07 or the '05 game. None of that matters. The team that is going to win is the team that makes the most plays, that plays well under pressure [and] that does the right thing consistently over the course of 60 minutes.
"This is a dangerous team that is very talented and very explosive in all phases of the game. They have a great punter, great kicker; they're very good on special teams; [they have] a damn good defense and an offense that's scoring a ton of points. Certainly, we would never think that this team is not a threat."
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Buffalo Bills @ Kansas City Chiefs Gameday Preview Sept. 11 2011
The Buffalo Bills are hoping they have made the correct moves to revamp a defence that ranked dead last against the run in 2010.
Those moves will be put to the test in a big way this Sunday when they travel to Kansas City.
Head Coach Chan Gailey will bring his Bills into Arrowhead Stadium for a 1 p.m. ET kickoff with the Chiefs, the team that fired him before the 2009 season.
“I want to win them all,” Gailey told reporters Wednesday. “But when you’ve been somewhere and they’ve fired you? Yeah, if you said it didn’t mean a little more you’d be lying.”
The team’s off-season moves were made to beat teams like the Chiefs. Gone are former high draft picks Aaron Maybin and Paul Posluszny. In are Kirk Morrison, Nick Barnett and third-overall draft pick Marcell Dareus.
Though Bills fans haven’t had much to be excited about for the past three losing seasons in Orchard Park, the six-foot-three, 340 pound Dareus gives them hope.
Mike Mayock, the NBC College Football analyst and NFL Draft guru, rated the defensive lineman out of the University of Alabama his No. 1 defensive player in this past year’s draft class.
Dareus’s athleticism and size allow him to play anywhere on the line of the Bills 3-4 defence.
“He’s exactly what we thought we were going to get,” Gailey said. “He’s a big strong individual who plays with an edge … I think he’s going to be a very good football player for a long time in this league.”
Dareus will join with Kyle Williams and Dwan Edwards to be much more stout at the point of attack, hopefully clogging the running lanes for the Chiefs’ Jamaal Charles and Thomas Jones, who combined to rush for a league-best 2,363 yards last season.
“You have to get where you’re supposed to be, and you gotta get there fast with this guy,” Williams said about Charles. “If he gets a step, nobody’s gonna catch him.”
Charles primary concern
In his third season, Charles accumulated 1,467 yards on the ground, and another 468 through the air. He is most certainly the primary concern for the Bills defence.
They must also be conscious of the Chiefs’ passing attack, a unit led by quarterback Matt Cassel and his number-one wide out Dwayne Bowe.
The two hooked up on a franchise-record 15 touchdown passes last year, the best combination in the NFL, and added a proven receiver in Steve Breaston.
One way to disrupt the passing attack is with an effective pass rush, and that’s where the Bills’ rejuvenated Shawne Merriman expects to make an impact.
“Lights Out” went to the Pro Bowl in each of his first three years of his career, accumulating 39 1/2 sacks with the San Diego Chargers. But he suffered a season-ending knee injury early in 2008, and it has plagued him ever since.
The 27-year-old has totaled just four sacks over 18 games the past three years.
But with apparent good health and a strong pre-season under his belt, Merriman may be primed to wreak havoc on Cassel, who was rumoured to have fractured a rib in the final pre-season contest, but has said he will play regardless.
On the other side of the ball for the Bills, quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick will have to keep a keen eye on Chiefs linebacker Tamba Hali, whose 14 1/2 sacks were second in the league last year.
Many are anxious to see how two young stars develop in the new season.
Fourth-year receiver Stevie Johnson came into his own in 2010, hauling in 1,073 yards and 10 majors. Running back CJ Spiller had a quiet rookie season after getting drafted ninth overall in 2010, but appeared to make strides late in the season.
Combined with veteran Fred Jackson, the Bills may have a dynamic back field duo of their own in the making.
What to watch for on offence: Will Donald Jones be able to fill the void left by the trade of Lee Evans?
What to watch for on defence: If the front seven holds up against the Chiefs running attack, how will the secondary play when tested?
Last Meeting: Chiefs kicker Ryan Succop made a 35-yard field goal with the clock showing zeros in overtime, giving Kansas City a 13-10 win in Week 8 last year. Charles ran for 177 yards in a game that saw both Succop and Bills kicker Rian Lindell miss potential game-winning kicks in OT.
Buffalo Bills Blitz Prediction: Bills 17, Chiefs 21.
Those moves will be put to the test in a big way this Sunday when they travel to Kansas City.
Head Coach Chan Gailey will bring his Bills into Arrowhead Stadium for a 1 p.m. ET kickoff with the Chiefs, the team that fired him before the 2009 season.
“I want to win them all,” Gailey told reporters Wednesday. “But when you’ve been somewhere and they’ve fired you? Yeah, if you said it didn’t mean a little more you’d be lying.”
The team’s off-season moves were made to beat teams like the Chiefs. Gone are former high draft picks Aaron Maybin and Paul Posluszny. In are Kirk Morrison, Nick Barnett and third-overall draft pick Marcell Dareus.
Though Bills fans haven’t had much to be excited about for the past three losing seasons in Orchard Park, the six-foot-three, 340 pound Dareus gives them hope.
Mike Mayock, the NBC College Football analyst and NFL Draft guru, rated the defensive lineman out of the University of Alabama his No. 1 defensive player in this past year’s draft class.
Dareus’s athleticism and size allow him to play anywhere on the line of the Bills 3-4 defence.
“He’s exactly what we thought we were going to get,” Gailey said. “He’s a big strong individual who plays with an edge … I think he’s going to be a very good football player for a long time in this league.”
Dareus will join with Kyle Williams and Dwan Edwards to be much more stout at the point of attack, hopefully clogging the running lanes for the Chiefs’ Jamaal Charles and Thomas Jones, who combined to rush for a league-best 2,363 yards last season.
“You have to get where you’re supposed to be, and you gotta get there fast with this guy,” Williams said about Charles. “If he gets a step, nobody’s gonna catch him.”
Charles primary concern
In his third season, Charles accumulated 1,467 yards on the ground, and another 468 through the air. He is most certainly the primary concern for the Bills defence.
They must also be conscious of the Chiefs’ passing attack, a unit led by quarterback Matt Cassel and his number-one wide out Dwayne Bowe.
The two hooked up on a franchise-record 15 touchdown passes last year, the best combination in the NFL, and added a proven receiver in Steve Breaston.
One way to disrupt the passing attack is with an effective pass rush, and that’s where the Bills’ rejuvenated Shawne Merriman expects to make an impact.
“Lights Out” went to the Pro Bowl in each of his first three years of his career, accumulating 39 1/2 sacks with the San Diego Chargers. But he suffered a season-ending knee injury early in 2008, and it has plagued him ever since.
The 27-year-old has totaled just four sacks over 18 games the past three years.
But with apparent good health and a strong pre-season under his belt, Merriman may be primed to wreak havoc on Cassel, who was rumoured to have fractured a rib in the final pre-season contest, but has said he will play regardless.
On the other side of the ball for the Bills, quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick will have to keep a keen eye on Chiefs linebacker Tamba Hali, whose 14 1/2 sacks were second in the league last year.
Many are anxious to see how two young stars develop in the new season.
Fourth-year receiver Stevie Johnson came into his own in 2010, hauling in 1,073 yards and 10 majors. Running back CJ Spiller had a quiet rookie season after getting drafted ninth overall in 2010, but appeared to make strides late in the season.
Combined with veteran Fred Jackson, the Bills may have a dynamic back field duo of their own in the making.
What to watch for on offence: Will Donald Jones be able to fill the void left by the trade of Lee Evans?
What to watch for on defence: If the front seven holds up against the Chiefs running attack, how will the secondary play when tested?
Last Meeting: Chiefs kicker Ryan Succop made a 35-yard field goal with the clock showing zeros in overtime, giving Kansas City a 13-10 win in Week 8 last year. Charles ran for 177 yards in a game that saw both Succop and Bills kicker Rian Lindell miss potential game-winning kicks in OT.
Buffalo Bills Blitz Prediction: Bills 17, Chiefs 21.
Buffalo Bills @ Kansas City Chiefs Free Pick Sunday Sept 11, 2011
Buffalo Bills @ Kansas City Chiefs NFL Free Pick: This game has really jumped around. I believe it opened at -7 then went down as far as -5, maybe even 4.5 – I got it when it was -5 at each book that I follow, and I thought that was really right on the money. The Buffalo Bills couldn’t really stop any kind of rushing attack last season and the Chiefs just ran the ball on anybody and everybody they lined up against on Sunday. Jamaal Charles had an amazing season, averaging over 6 yards per rush and breaking big play after big play.
But has their been some sense of “fat and happy-ness” going on with the Chiefs? Nobody expected them to do anything last year and suddenly they’re in the playoffs. It didn’t go so well from there, but regardless, making it to the playoffs is definitely success. This preseason, they’ve been playing like a team that already won, and therefore they’ve been garbage. They were so bad that their head coach played them the entire 4th preseason game, a contest where most starters hardly play, if at all.
The Bills may not have a chance to win 10 games this season, but they’ve been fighters for a while now. Still, I went with the Chiefs because of their impressive home field advantage, and their solid running game against a bad run defense. But I’m far from cashing this check before I watch the entire game.
But has their been some sense of “fat and happy-ness” going on with the Chiefs? Nobody expected them to do anything last year and suddenly they’re in the playoffs. It didn’t go so well from there, but regardless, making it to the playoffs is definitely success. This preseason, they’ve been playing like a team that already won, and therefore they’ve been garbage. They were so bad that their head coach played them the entire 4th preseason game, a contest where most starters hardly play, if at all.
The Bills may not have a chance to win 10 games this season, but they’ve been fighters for a while now. Still, I went with the Chiefs because of their impressive home field advantage, and their solid running game against a bad run defense. But I’m far from cashing this check before I watch the entire game.
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Buffalo Bills Cut down to 53 Man Roster, Roosevelt And Jasper Could Be On Practice Squad
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) - The lack of experienced depth along the Buffalo Bills offensive line grew even thinner after veteran center Geoff Hangartner was among the team's cuts in establishing its 53-player roster Saturday.
Hangartner was among 22 players released four days after telling The Associated Press he had assurances from the Bills' coaching staff that he would make the team. He's a six-year NFL veteran who had lost his starting job at center to Eric Wood this offseason.
Coach Chan Gailey said he never provided Hangartner any assurances.
"I've never said that," Gailey said.
Hangartner wasn't available for comment. His agent, Eric Metz, declined comment except to say, "After 27 years of this, it's all about actions, not words."
The move was considered a surprise, especially after both Gailey and general manager Buddy Nix expressed concern about the line's lack of experience during training camp.
Hangartner was the Bills' most experienced and highest paid lineman. He was scheduled to make $2.55 million this year, and $5.35 million in base salary over the final two years of his contract.
The Bills open at Kansas City on Sept. 11. They went 1-3 in the preseason in which their Ryan Fitzpatrick-led offense was inconsistent. And they're coming off a 4-12 finish last year.
"Each individual decision is on its own merits," Gailey said. He added that the moves were made based on "knowledge, insight and opinion and what we feel is best for the opportunity to beat Kansas City and for the future of our football team."
Buffalo also cut three more offensive linemen, second-year tackle Cordaro Howard, third-year guard Mansfield Wrotto and rookie center Michael Switzer. Second-year tackle Ed Wang (shoulder) was one of four players placed on the waived injured list.
Those moves leave the team with three tackles, including rookie fourth-round pick Chris Hairston, who is currently serving as the lone backup. Starting guard Andy Levitre also has experience playing the position.
Wang made headlines in becoming the first player with direct Chinese ancestry to be selected in the NFL draft last year, when the Bills chose him in the fifth round out of Virginia Tech. He missed much of last season with a thumb injury, and was then sidelined for part of training camp last month with a shoulder injury.
Third-year safety Jon Corto (shoulder) was also waived/injured, while running back Bruce Hall was placed on injured reserve.
Receiver Craig Davis failed to make the best out of his second chance. A first-round pick in 2007, Davis had four unproductive seasons before being released by the San Diego Chargers this year and signing with the Bills early last month.
Davis was beaten out by Ruvell Martin, a fifth-year player who had signed with the Bills 10 days earlier.
"First of all, he did a great job of picking up the offense quickly," Gailey said of Martin. "And he played well on special teams. It was a good combination to have coming in on short notice."
Cornerback Reggie Corner, a 2008 fourth-round draft pick, was among the players cut. His departure leaves the Bills with five cornerbacks, including two rookies: second-round pick Aaron Williams and seventh-rounder Justin Rogers.
Also cut was rookie defensive tackle Michael Jasper. At 6-foot-4 and 383 pounds, Jasper was considered a project after being selected with the second of the team's two seventh-round picks out of Bethel University.
Gailey described Jasper as "a viable candidate" to be placed on the Bills' practice squad should he go unclaimed on waivers.
Second-year tight end Shawn Nelson was also cut in a move that didn't come as a surprise. He's been hampered by an assortment of injuries and opened last season missing the first four games while serving an NFL-imposed suspension for violating the league's substance abuse policy. He appeared in only five games last season before being placed on the reserve/injured non-football injury list as a result of migraines.
A fourth-round pick out of Southern Mississippi, Nelson then missed most of training camp last month with a leg injury.
Two rookie undrafted free agents made the roster: linebacker Robert Eddins (Ball State) and tight end Zack Pianalto (North Carolina). Eddins had a solid training camp, while Gailey said Pianalto showed enough potential despite being slowed by a hamstring injury.
Hangartner was among 22 players released four days after telling The Associated Press he had assurances from the Bills' coaching staff that he would make the team. He's a six-year NFL veteran who had lost his starting job at center to Eric Wood this offseason.
Coach Chan Gailey said he never provided Hangartner any assurances.
"I've never said that," Gailey said.
Hangartner wasn't available for comment. His agent, Eric Metz, declined comment except to say, "After 27 years of this, it's all about actions, not words."
The move was considered a surprise, especially after both Gailey and general manager Buddy Nix expressed concern about the line's lack of experience during training camp.
Hangartner was the Bills' most experienced and highest paid lineman. He was scheduled to make $2.55 million this year, and $5.35 million in base salary over the final two years of his contract.
The Bills open at Kansas City on Sept. 11. They went 1-3 in the preseason in which their Ryan Fitzpatrick-led offense was inconsistent. And they're coming off a 4-12 finish last year.
"Each individual decision is on its own merits," Gailey said. He added that the moves were made based on "knowledge, insight and opinion and what we feel is best for the opportunity to beat Kansas City and for the future of our football team."
Buffalo also cut three more offensive linemen, second-year tackle Cordaro Howard, third-year guard Mansfield Wrotto and rookie center Michael Switzer. Second-year tackle Ed Wang (shoulder) was one of four players placed on the waived injured list.
Those moves leave the team with three tackles, including rookie fourth-round pick Chris Hairston, who is currently serving as the lone backup. Starting guard Andy Levitre also has experience playing the position.
Wang made headlines in becoming the first player with direct Chinese ancestry to be selected in the NFL draft last year, when the Bills chose him in the fifth round out of Virginia Tech. He missed much of last season with a thumb injury, and was then sidelined for part of training camp last month with a shoulder injury.
Third-year safety Jon Corto (shoulder) was also waived/injured, while running back Bruce Hall was placed on injured reserve.
Receiver Craig Davis failed to make the best out of his second chance. A first-round pick in 2007, Davis had four unproductive seasons before being released by the San Diego Chargers this year and signing with the Bills early last month.
Davis was beaten out by Ruvell Martin, a fifth-year player who had signed with the Bills 10 days earlier.
"First of all, he did a great job of picking up the offense quickly," Gailey said of Martin. "And he played well on special teams. It was a good combination to have coming in on short notice."
Cornerback Reggie Corner, a 2008 fourth-round draft pick, was among the players cut. His departure leaves the Bills with five cornerbacks, including two rookies: second-round pick Aaron Williams and seventh-rounder Justin Rogers.
Also cut was rookie defensive tackle Michael Jasper. At 6-foot-4 and 383 pounds, Jasper was considered a project after being selected with the second of the team's two seventh-round picks out of Bethel University.
Gailey described Jasper as "a viable candidate" to be placed on the Bills' practice squad should he go unclaimed on waivers.
Second-year tight end Shawn Nelson was also cut in a move that didn't come as a surprise. He's been hampered by an assortment of injuries and opened last season missing the first four games while serving an NFL-imposed suspension for violating the league's substance abuse policy. He appeared in only five games last season before being placed on the reserve/injured non-football injury list as a result of migraines.
A fourth-round pick out of Southern Mississippi, Nelson then missed most of training camp last month with a leg injury.
Two rookie undrafted free agents made the roster: linebacker Robert Eddins (Ball State) and tight end Zack Pianalto (North Carolina). Eddins had a solid training camp, while Gailey said Pianalto showed enough potential despite being slowed by a hamstring injury.
Friday, September 2, 2011
Syracuse Orangmen beat Wake Forset OT 36-29, Chew Catches TD
SYRACUSE, N.Y. (AP) — Van Chew made a diving 4-yard touchdown catch in the left flat at the goal line on the first series of overtime, and Syracuse rallied past Wake Forest 36-29 on Thursday night in the season-opener for both teams.
The Demon Deacons got the ball one last time, but the Syracuse defense held for one of the few times on the night and forced a fourth-down incompletion from the 19 from Ted Stachitas to Chris Givens in the right corner of the end zone.
Kevyn Scott appeared to secure the victory for Syracuse when he made a diving interception over the middle at the Wake Forest 32 with just over 5 minutes remaining and the game tied at 29-all. But Ross Krautman, who had made a school-record 16 straight field goals, had his 32-yard attempt blocked by Kyle Wilber with just under 3 minutes to go in regulation.
It was a breakthrough of sorts for the Orange. Syracuse's last win over a Football Bowl Subdivision team in the Carrier Dome was a 31-13 upset of Rutgers in November 2009. Syracuse was 0-4 last season against FBS teams in the Dome and hasn't had a winning season overall at home since it went 4-1 in 2004.
Wake Forest, which lost starting quarterback Tanner Price to an injury early in the fourth quarter, couldn't mount a threat behind backup Ted Stachitas. Price was 18 of 31 for 289 yards and three touchdowns.
The Orange had rallied furiously after trailing 29-14 early in the fourth quarter.
After Jimmy Newman's 40-yard field goal gave Wake Forest a 15-point lead with 11:02 left, Syracuse's Antwon Bailey scored on a 53-yard run around the left side and quarterback Ryan Nassib hit fullback Adam Harris for a 2-yard score with 8:26 left.
Price hit Chris Givens on scores of 60 and 22 yards, and had a pretty 16-yarder on a third-and-goal play to Michael Camapanaro.
The defense was supposed to be the weak link for the Orange with a veteran offense returning. It was until the end, and so was the offense until it finally got untracked late against Wake's 3-4 spread.
Nassib was 12 of 20 for 85 yards passing through three quarters and finished 20 of 28 for 178 for the Orange.
The Syracuse defense, which lost its heart with the graduation of linebackers Derrell Smith and Doug Hogue, missed too many tackles and never mounted any kind of pressure on Price, and he repeatedly made them pay. Price had 12 completions of 13 yards or more.
Free safety Phillip Thomas was burned twice by Givens on long passes. Givens hauled in a 37-yard pass in the first quarter to help set up Jimmy Newman's 38-yard field goal, his 13th straight conversion. Givens then blew past Thomas again on the right side and caught a 60-yard touchdown on the first play from scrimmage after Syracuse had scored its first touchdown.
The Orange offense finally got going when Nassib hit tight end Nick Provo over the middle at the Wake Forest 15. Provo broke a tackle by linebacker Riley Haynes and rumbled into the end zone for a 7-6 lead with 9:29 left in the first half.
The Demon Deacons scored again on their final possession of the first half when the Orange were unable to stop a third-and-goal play from the 16 and just over 2 minutes to play.
Price ignored the bad snap on the previous play that had resulted in a 13-yard loss and hit Camapanaro in the right corner of the end zone behind a stumbling strong safety Shamarko Thomas, and Wake Forest went to the locker room with a 20-7 lead.
In the first half, Syracuse gained just 52 yards on 22 plays offensively, and its defense was torched for 258 yards on 45 plays
Syracuse closed to 20-14 on Bailey's 1-yard run with 5:33 left in the third. The Orange capitalized on a roughing-the-passer penalty against linebacker Joey Ehrmann on a third-down incompletion from the Wake Forest 11. Ehrmann's father probably had a nice view of the infraction — he played for Syracuse in the early 1970s and was signing books on Wednesday night at a local theater.
Undaunted, after converting a fourth-and-1, Price hit Campanaro over the middle for 18 yards. Givens then scored on a 22-yard catch-and-run on the next play, easily breaking a weak tackle attempt by Kevyn Scott in the left flat and scampering untouched down the sideline for a 26-14 lead with 20 seconds left in the third.
With eight returning starters on offense and a quarterback with one year as the starter under his belt for the Orange, that side of the ball was being counted on. Instead it sputtered mightily, gaining minus-5 yards in the opening quarter and did not get its initial first down until 11 minutes remained in the first half.
The Orange also were hampered by their enthusiasm, getting called for five penalties in the first quarter alone. A terrific punt by Shane Raupers was nullified when Dorian Graham slammed Campanaro a split second before he touched the ball. That gave the Deacons the ball near midfield and Newman kicked a 37-yard field goal early in the second for a 6-0 lead.
Syracuse finished last season by gaining nearly 500 yards offensively in a 36-34 victory over Kansas State in the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium. The team trotted the trophy out at halftime, but on this night that triumph seemed a distant memory until the frantic finish.
The Demon Deacons got the ball one last time, but the Syracuse defense held for one of the few times on the night and forced a fourth-down incompletion from the 19 from Ted Stachitas to Chris Givens in the right corner of the end zone.
Kevyn Scott appeared to secure the victory for Syracuse when he made a diving interception over the middle at the Wake Forest 32 with just over 5 minutes remaining and the game tied at 29-all. But Ross Krautman, who had made a school-record 16 straight field goals, had his 32-yard attempt blocked by Kyle Wilber with just under 3 minutes to go in regulation.
It was a breakthrough of sorts for the Orange. Syracuse's last win over a Football Bowl Subdivision team in the Carrier Dome was a 31-13 upset of Rutgers in November 2009. Syracuse was 0-4 last season against FBS teams in the Dome and hasn't had a winning season overall at home since it went 4-1 in 2004.
Wake Forest, which lost starting quarterback Tanner Price to an injury early in the fourth quarter, couldn't mount a threat behind backup Ted Stachitas. Price was 18 of 31 for 289 yards and three touchdowns.
The Orange had rallied furiously after trailing 29-14 early in the fourth quarter.
After Jimmy Newman's 40-yard field goal gave Wake Forest a 15-point lead with 11:02 left, Syracuse's Antwon Bailey scored on a 53-yard run around the left side and quarterback Ryan Nassib hit fullback Adam Harris for a 2-yard score with 8:26 left.
Price hit Chris Givens on scores of 60 and 22 yards, and had a pretty 16-yarder on a third-and-goal play to Michael Camapanaro.
The defense was supposed to be the weak link for the Orange with a veteran offense returning. It was until the end, and so was the offense until it finally got untracked late against Wake's 3-4 spread.
Nassib was 12 of 20 for 85 yards passing through three quarters and finished 20 of 28 for 178 for the Orange.
The Syracuse defense, which lost its heart with the graduation of linebackers Derrell Smith and Doug Hogue, missed too many tackles and never mounted any kind of pressure on Price, and he repeatedly made them pay. Price had 12 completions of 13 yards or more.
Free safety Phillip Thomas was burned twice by Givens on long passes. Givens hauled in a 37-yard pass in the first quarter to help set up Jimmy Newman's 38-yard field goal, his 13th straight conversion. Givens then blew past Thomas again on the right side and caught a 60-yard touchdown on the first play from scrimmage after Syracuse had scored its first touchdown.
The Orange offense finally got going when Nassib hit tight end Nick Provo over the middle at the Wake Forest 15. Provo broke a tackle by linebacker Riley Haynes and rumbled into the end zone for a 7-6 lead with 9:29 left in the first half.
The Demon Deacons scored again on their final possession of the first half when the Orange were unable to stop a third-and-goal play from the 16 and just over 2 minutes to play.
Price ignored the bad snap on the previous play that had resulted in a 13-yard loss and hit Camapanaro in the right corner of the end zone behind a stumbling strong safety Shamarko Thomas, and Wake Forest went to the locker room with a 20-7 lead.
In the first half, Syracuse gained just 52 yards on 22 plays offensively, and its defense was torched for 258 yards on 45 plays
Syracuse closed to 20-14 on Bailey's 1-yard run with 5:33 left in the third. The Orange capitalized on a roughing-the-passer penalty against linebacker Joey Ehrmann on a third-down incompletion from the Wake Forest 11. Ehrmann's father probably had a nice view of the infraction — he played for Syracuse in the early 1970s and was signing books on Wednesday night at a local theater.
Undaunted, after converting a fourth-and-1, Price hit Campanaro over the middle for 18 yards. Givens then scored on a 22-yard catch-and-run on the next play, easily breaking a weak tackle attempt by Kevyn Scott in the left flat and scampering untouched down the sideline for a 26-14 lead with 20 seconds left in the third.
With eight returning starters on offense and a quarterback with one year as the starter under his belt for the Orange, that side of the ball was being counted on. Instead it sputtered mightily, gaining minus-5 yards in the opening quarter and did not get its initial first down until 11 minutes remained in the first half.
The Orange also were hampered by their enthusiasm, getting called for five penalties in the first quarter alone. A terrific punt by Shane Raupers was nullified when Dorian Graham slammed Campanaro a split second before he touched the ball. That gave the Deacons the ball near midfield and Newman kicked a 37-yard field goal early in the second for a 6-0 lead.
Syracuse finished last season by gaining nearly 500 yards offensively in a 36-34 victory over Kansas State in the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium. The team trotted the trophy out at halftime, but on this night that triumph seemed a distant memory until the frantic finish.
Detroit Lions Run Over Buffalo Bills 16-6
ORCHARD PARK -- Jerome Harrison ran for 72 yards and set up a pair of scores in helping the Detroit Lions complete a perfect preseason with a 16-6 victory over the Buffalo Bills on Thursday night.
Harrison's 47-yard run led to Maurice Stovall's 16-yard touchdown catch from Shaun Hill. And his 17-yard run set up Jason Hanson's 44-yard field goal that put the Lions up 10-0 late in the first half. The Lions went 4-0 in the preseason for the first time since 2008, though that's not a reason to get excited. Detroit then proceeded to become the first NFL team to lose all 16 regular-season games.
The Bills (1-3) got a solid outing from linebacker Shawne Merriman, who had three tackles in his first game since missing the past two with a groin injury.
Merriman burst into the backfield to pull down Best from behind for a 1-yard loss on the Lions first series. On the next series, Merriman ran down Brown from behind to trip him up and limit him to a 10-yard gain on third-and-12.
Bruce Hall scored on a 1-yard plunge late in the fourth quarter, but the Bills failed on a 2-point conversion.
Titans: Tennessee and Chris Johnson have agreed to terms on a four-year contract extension ending the three-time Pro Bowl running back's holdout. Johnson has led the NFL in yards rushing the past three seasons and refused to report to the camp without a new deal. Now he will be under contract for the next six years through 2016, and the revised deal is worth $53.5 million with $30 million guaranteed, according to a person familiar with the contract.
Jaguars: Running back Fred Taylor is retiring from the NFL after 13 seasons and nearly 12,000 yards. Taylor will sign a one-day contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars on Friday so he can retire with the team that drafted him ninth overall in 1998. The former Florida star spent 11 seasons in Jacksonville and remains the franchise's leading rusher with 11,271 yards.
Falcons: Atlanta beefed up its secondary depth by signing cornerback Kelvin Hayden and confirming ar deal with safety James Sanders. Hayden spent the last six years with Indianapolis before being cut in a salary cap move. Sanders started 49 games for New England over the last six years.
Harrison's 47-yard run led to Maurice Stovall's 16-yard touchdown catch from Shaun Hill. And his 17-yard run set up Jason Hanson's 44-yard field goal that put the Lions up 10-0 late in the first half. The Lions went 4-0 in the preseason for the first time since 2008, though that's not a reason to get excited. Detroit then proceeded to become the first NFL team to lose all 16 regular-season games.
The Bills (1-3) got a solid outing from linebacker Shawne Merriman, who had three tackles in his first game since missing the past two with a groin injury.
Merriman burst into the backfield to pull down Best from behind for a 1-yard loss on the Lions first series. On the next series, Merriman ran down Brown from behind to trip him up and limit him to a 10-yard gain on third-and-12.
Bruce Hall scored on a 1-yard plunge late in the fourth quarter, but the Bills failed on a 2-point conversion.
Titans: Tennessee and Chris Johnson have agreed to terms on a four-year contract extension ending the three-time Pro Bowl running back's holdout. Johnson has led the NFL in yards rushing the past three seasons and refused to report to the camp without a new deal. Now he will be under contract for the next six years through 2016, and the revised deal is worth $53.5 million with $30 million guaranteed, according to a person familiar with the contract.
Jaguars: Running back Fred Taylor is retiring from the NFL after 13 seasons and nearly 12,000 yards. Taylor will sign a one-day contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars on Friday so he can retire with the team that drafted him ninth overall in 1998. The former Florida star spent 11 seasons in Jacksonville and remains the franchise's leading rusher with 11,271 yards.
Falcons: Atlanta beefed up its secondary depth by signing cornerback Kelvin Hayden and confirming ar deal with safety James Sanders. Hayden spent the last six years with Indianapolis before being cut in a salary cap move. Sanders started 49 games for New England over the last six years.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Syracuse vs. Wake Forset: Gametime Edition
Andrea Adelson - Nobody put much stock in a rebound from Syracuse last season, mostly because the program had been down for so long. The last bowl game came in 2004; the last bowl win in 2001.
But the Orange were one of the surprise teams of the 2010 season, making it back to a bowl game in Year 2 under coach Doug Marrone. As difficult as it was to turn around a losing program, perhaps an even bigger challenge awaits in Year 3: maintaining that momentum and moving forward.
William Perlman/The Star-Ledger/US PresswireLast season, Doug Marrone led Syracuse to its first bowl win since 2001.
Coaches always talk about the difficulty in sustaining success because so much is required of both players and coaches. All of a sudden, expectations are ratcheted up and everybody expects more wins and championships to follow. Syracuse was picked to finish fourth in the Big East preseason media poll, a clear indication of the respect that was earned with a 8-5 campaign in 2010.
So how do the Orange keep the momentum going that they built last season?
"We really don't talk a lot about last year," Marrone said. "But I do understand the question about what we're trying to do. Our goal is to be able to compete for a Big East championship. We've talked about that with our players. We want to be a consistent football team and one year doesn’t make you consistent. We haven't produced back-to-back winning seasons since 2001 or back-to-back bowl games since 1999. We haven't won a season opener two years in a row since 2000. There's a lot of things in terms of history because recently we have not been a good football team. This is what we're trying to change."
There was a time, of course, when Syracuse was a very good football team that competed for Big East championships. Marrone has his team pointed back in that direction. The offense has solid players in Antwon Bailey, Ryan Nassib, Van Chew, Alec Lemon and the entire offensive line. The defense is new this season, with six new starters, including both cornerbacks, both defensive tackles and true freshman Dyshawn Davis at linebacker.
Because of the youth, much of camp was spent teaching.
"When nobody’s looking is when you win games," defensive coordinator Scott Shafer said. "We watch video together and talk about what’s good, bad, unacceptable, acceptable and teach the kids what we’re looking for and the next day try to make real small improvements. If we can keep chipping away, we can be a competitive defense and give our offense a chance to get some drives and do things."
The opener provides a big test Thursday night. Wake Forest may have had a losing season last year, but it was not too long ago that the Demon Deacons were playing in the Orange Bowl as ACC champs. Syracuse does not have a great record against the ACC, going 1-12 against teams from that league since 1996. The strength of Wake Forest is in the backfield, where Josh Harris led the team with 720 yards rushing last season. He averaged 5.7 yards a carry -- the third-highest average in school history.
Syracuse has four new starters among its front seven and a new middle linebacker in Marquis Spruill, who started last season on the outside. So Wake most likely will try to pound Harris to perhaps expose some weaknesses in the Syracuse front. If Syracuse can contain him, the Orange will increase its chances of starting the season with another confidence-boosting win.
"It's not just the season opener," Marrone said. "It's every single game we play until we start winning and becoming consistent, history will be against us. Everyone says you want to get off to a fast start. You do because every game is meaningful. For us, every game's a dogfight."
But the Orange were one of the surprise teams of the 2010 season, making it back to a bowl game in Year 2 under coach Doug Marrone. As difficult as it was to turn around a losing program, perhaps an even bigger challenge awaits in Year 3: maintaining that momentum and moving forward.
William Perlman/The Star-Ledger/US PresswireLast season, Doug Marrone led Syracuse to its first bowl win since 2001.
Coaches always talk about the difficulty in sustaining success because so much is required of both players and coaches. All of a sudden, expectations are ratcheted up and everybody expects more wins and championships to follow. Syracuse was picked to finish fourth in the Big East preseason media poll, a clear indication of the respect that was earned with a 8-5 campaign in 2010.
So how do the Orange keep the momentum going that they built last season?
"We really don't talk a lot about last year," Marrone said. "But I do understand the question about what we're trying to do. Our goal is to be able to compete for a Big East championship. We've talked about that with our players. We want to be a consistent football team and one year doesn’t make you consistent. We haven't produced back-to-back winning seasons since 2001 or back-to-back bowl games since 1999. We haven't won a season opener two years in a row since 2000. There's a lot of things in terms of history because recently we have not been a good football team. This is what we're trying to change."
There was a time, of course, when Syracuse was a very good football team that competed for Big East championships. Marrone has his team pointed back in that direction. The offense has solid players in Antwon Bailey, Ryan Nassib, Van Chew, Alec Lemon and the entire offensive line. The defense is new this season, with six new starters, including both cornerbacks, both defensive tackles and true freshman Dyshawn Davis at linebacker.
Because of the youth, much of camp was spent teaching.
"When nobody’s looking is when you win games," defensive coordinator Scott Shafer said. "We watch video together and talk about what’s good, bad, unacceptable, acceptable and teach the kids what we’re looking for and the next day try to make real small improvements. If we can keep chipping away, we can be a competitive defense and give our offense a chance to get some drives and do things."
The opener provides a big test Thursday night. Wake Forest may have had a losing season last year, but it was not too long ago that the Demon Deacons were playing in the Orange Bowl as ACC champs. Syracuse does not have a great record against the ACC, going 1-12 against teams from that league since 1996. The strength of Wake Forest is in the backfield, where Josh Harris led the team with 720 yards rushing last season. He averaged 5.7 yards a carry -- the third-highest average in school history.
Syracuse has four new starters among its front seven and a new middle linebacker in Marquis Spruill, who started last season on the outside. So Wake most likely will try to pound Harris to perhaps expose some weaknesses in the Syracuse front. If Syracuse can contain him, the Orange will increase its chances of starting the season with another confidence-boosting win.
"It's not just the season opener," Marrone said. "It's every single game we play until we start winning and becoming consistent, history will be against us. Everyone says you want to get off to a fast start. You do because every game is meaningful. For us, every game's a dogfight."
Buffalo Bills News And News And Notes Aug 30, 2011
Sports Exchange - The Bills got an early jump on trimming their roster to 80 players by Tuesday's deadline, releasing six players Sunday. Cut were DB Rajric Coleman, RB Anthony Elzy, P Reid Forrest, WR Paul Hubbard, CB Loyce Means and OL Isaiah Thompson. Hubbard caught the game-tying TD pass and 2-point conversion catch against Jacksonville Saturday to send the game into overtime. Elzy carried seven times for 26 yards. Buffalo's roster stands at 81.
PLAYER NOTES
--RB Fred Jackson, who raised an issue about not starting a week earlier against Denver, was the starter against Jacksonville in Saturday's preseason game and solidified his standing as the team's No. 1 back with a 30-yard reception and nine carries for 33 yards.
--LB Shawn Merriman missed his second consecutive game to allow his sore groin/leg to heal. He's not expected to play in Buffalo's final tuneup game Thursday against Detroit, either, and is shooting for the team's regular-season opener Sept. 11 at Kansas City.
--LB Kelvin Sheppard, a third-round pick out of LSU the team envisioned challenging for a starting job as a rookie, missed his third straight preseason game with a hamstring injury. Sheppard has likely missed too much time to be a factor this season and could wind up on IR.
--SS Da'Norris Searcy likely assured his roster spot with an interception, forced fumble, and five total tackles in Saturday's preseason game against Jacksonville.
--LT Demetrius Bell started at left tackle in Saturday's preseason game against Jacksonville, but gave way to Andy Levitre midway through the second quarter. The coaching staff is deciding between the two for their starter. Levitre would start at left guard if he doesn't take Bell's job.
--WR Craig Davis dressed but didn't play against the Jaguars, hurting his chances of making the final roster.
--WR Ruvell Martin, who signed earlier in the week, caught one pass for nine yards in Saturday's preseason game in Jacksonville. Martin, who has appeared in 56 NFL games with four teams, provides some practice depth at a position hard hit by injuries.
--LB Kirk Morrison was signed to take the place of Reggie Torbor, who went on season-ending injured reserve with a shoulder injury. Morrison, who played last year for Jacksonville after five very good seasons with Oakland, saw playing time Saturday against his old team. In 95 NFL starts, he has 763 career tackles with 7 interceptions and eases Torbor's loss in terms of experience and proven depth.
--DB Domonic Cook, a rookie out of the University of Buffalo who was placed on IR on Aug. 5 with a knee injury, reached an injury settlement with the club and was released.
PLAYER NOTES
--RB Fred Jackson, who raised an issue about not starting a week earlier against Denver, was the starter against Jacksonville in Saturday's preseason game and solidified his standing as the team's No. 1 back with a 30-yard reception and nine carries for 33 yards.
--LB Shawn Merriman missed his second consecutive game to allow his sore groin/leg to heal. He's not expected to play in Buffalo's final tuneup game Thursday against Detroit, either, and is shooting for the team's regular-season opener Sept. 11 at Kansas City.
--LB Kelvin Sheppard, a third-round pick out of LSU the team envisioned challenging for a starting job as a rookie, missed his third straight preseason game with a hamstring injury. Sheppard has likely missed too much time to be a factor this season and could wind up on IR.
--SS Da'Norris Searcy likely assured his roster spot with an interception, forced fumble, and five total tackles in Saturday's preseason game against Jacksonville.
--LT Demetrius Bell started at left tackle in Saturday's preseason game against Jacksonville, but gave way to Andy Levitre midway through the second quarter. The coaching staff is deciding between the two for their starter. Levitre would start at left guard if he doesn't take Bell's job.
--WR Craig Davis dressed but didn't play against the Jaguars, hurting his chances of making the final roster.
--WR Ruvell Martin, who signed earlier in the week, caught one pass for nine yards in Saturday's preseason game in Jacksonville. Martin, who has appeared in 56 NFL games with four teams, provides some practice depth at a position hard hit by injuries.
--LB Kirk Morrison was signed to take the place of Reggie Torbor, who went on season-ending injured reserve with a shoulder injury. Morrison, who played last year for Jacksonville after five very good seasons with Oakland, saw playing time Saturday against his old team. In 95 NFL starts, he has 763 career tackles with 7 interceptions and eases Torbor's loss in terms of experience and proven depth.
--DB Domonic Cook, a rookie out of the University of Buffalo who was placed on IR on Aug. 5 with a knee injury, reached an injury settlement with the club and was released.
Friday, August 12, 2011
Lee Evans Trade Not Popular In The Buffalo Bills Locker Room
MattRichWarren - When the Buffalo Bills dealt WR Lee Evans to the Baltimore Ravens this afternoon, the biggest hole in their team might not be on the field. If the immediate reaction of some Bills players is any indication, Evans may be missed more in the locker room and as a team leader than as a pass catcher.
Cornerback Drayton Florence has made the most pointed barbs at the Bills front office even insinuating he wou;dn't have re-signed with the team had he known this would happen.
"Wtf," began Florence on Twitter. "If I knew that was gonna happen .............??"
In a series of eight messages in five minutes, Florence continued to call out the team he recently chose to sign a contract with: "Are we trying to win now or later?"
"Sad day for the Bills"
"Why so stupid?" Star-divide
Florence concluded his remarks with an articulated reasoning behind his previous messgaes.
"I'm not mad at the trade," said the cornerback, "I'm mad because this will change how defenses play us now."
Evans' offensive teammates had nothing but positives to say. Not for the trade, but for the player.
"Man wanna say thanks to the homie Lee Evans for everything he did while here as a buffalo bill," added running back C.J. Spiller. "Great player but a greater person."
"Thank you Lee Evans for everything you've done for me & my career," voiced fellow receiver David Nelson. "You're one of the best & it's been a privilege to play alongside you."
Even some former Bills got into the act as Andre Reed and Darryl Talley, both active Tweeters, supported Evans in his new home.
"Disappointed that the Bills have traded Lee Evans to the Ravens," said Reed. "Great player, but even a better person.Thanks for reppin 83 Lee!!!!!!!! He should flourish and gel with Anquan Boldin manning the middle of the field. Do your thing homie."
"Best of luck to Lee Evans in Baltimore," said Talley. "Great athlete. Class act. I participated in his charity event in E Cleveland. He's doing good things."
It remains to be seen who will fill Evans' void on offense but who will fill his role as team captain and who will replace his presence in the locker room? We will no doubt hear from more Bills players and front office folks as this day wears on. Keep it locked to Buffalo Rumblings for more reactions.
Cornerback Drayton Florence has made the most pointed barbs at the Bills front office even insinuating he wou;dn't have re-signed with the team had he known this would happen.
"Wtf," began Florence on Twitter. "If I knew that was gonna happen .............??"
In a series of eight messages in five minutes, Florence continued to call out the team he recently chose to sign a contract with: "Are we trying to win now or later?"
"Sad day for the Bills"
"Why so stupid?" Star-divide
Florence concluded his remarks with an articulated reasoning behind his previous messgaes.
"I'm not mad at the trade," said the cornerback, "I'm mad because this will change how defenses play us now."
Evans' offensive teammates had nothing but positives to say. Not for the trade, but for the player.
"Man wanna say thanks to the homie Lee Evans for everything he did while here as a buffalo bill," added running back C.J. Spiller. "Great player but a greater person."
"Thank you Lee Evans for everything you've done for me & my career," voiced fellow receiver David Nelson. "You're one of the best & it's been a privilege to play alongside you."
Even some former Bills got into the act as Andre Reed and Darryl Talley, both active Tweeters, supported Evans in his new home.
"Disappointed that the Bills have traded Lee Evans to the Ravens," said Reed. "Great player, but even a better person.Thanks for reppin 83 Lee!!!!!!!! He should flourish and gel with Anquan Boldin manning the middle of the field. Do your thing homie."
"Best of luck to Lee Evans in Baltimore," said Talley. "Great athlete. Class act. I participated in his charity event in E Cleveland. He's doing good things."
It remains to be seen who will fill Evans' void on offense but who will fill his role as team captain and who will replace his presence in the locker room? We will no doubt hear from more Bills players and front office folks as this day wears on. Keep it locked to Buffalo Rumblings for more reactions.
Buffalo Bills Trade Lee Evans To Ravens Fourth Round Draft Pick
After saying goodbye to WRs Derrick Mason, T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Donte' Stallworth and TE Todd Heap this offseason, the Ravens imported more experience at the position Friday, acquiring Lee Evans from the Bills.
He offered an upfront view of his talents last October, burning the Ravens for 105 yards (on six catches) and three TDs in Baltimore.
Evans had spent his entire seven-year career in Buffalo after being a first-round pick in 2004. He has two 1,000-yard receiving seasons to his credit but comes off his least productive campaign in 2010 (37 rec., 578 yards, 4 TDs). He also missed action for the first time in the NFL, going on IR with three games to go after suffering an ankle injury.
But Evans could be just what the doctor ordered in Baltimore. He's a deep threat (career average of 15.7 yards per reception) that should provide a nice complement to bruising WR Anquan Boldin, RB Ray Rice and a young group of tight ends. QB Joe Flacco really had no one to stretch the field last year with speedy Stallworth seeing very limited action.
Evans' departure leaves Stevie Johnson as the clear-cut No. 1 wideout in Buffalo and opens up a starting spot for Marcus Easley, David Nelson, Roscoe Parrish or Brad Smith
He offered an upfront view of his talents last October, burning the Ravens for 105 yards (on six catches) and three TDs in Baltimore.
Evans had spent his entire seven-year career in Buffalo after being a first-round pick in 2004. He has two 1,000-yard receiving seasons to his credit but comes off his least productive campaign in 2010 (37 rec., 578 yards, 4 TDs). He also missed action for the first time in the NFL, going on IR with three games to go after suffering an ankle injury.
But Evans could be just what the doctor ordered in Baltimore. He's a deep threat (career average of 15.7 yards per reception) that should provide a nice complement to bruising WR Anquan Boldin, RB Ray Rice and a young group of tight ends. QB Joe Flacco really had no one to stretch the field last year with speedy Stallworth seeing very limited action.
Evans' departure leaves Stevie Johnson as the clear-cut No. 1 wideout in Buffalo and opens up a starting spot for Marcus Easley, David Nelson, Roscoe Parrish or Brad Smith
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Chan Galley Will Be The Buffalo Bills Offense Coordinator
PITTSFORD, N.Y. -- When he was first hired, Bills coach Chan Gailey said he would eventually hand the play-calling duties off to offensive coordinator Curtis Modkins.
Don’t look for that to happen this season, though.
Gailey confirmed this week that he’ll again call plays this season.
Right guard battle: With Eric Wood shifting to center, there’s a hole on the Buffalo Bills’ offensive line at right guard. Kraig Urbik hopes to be the one to step into that spot.
Urbik, who was claimed off waivers from Pittsburgh last season, is held in high regard by the team. Bills GM Buddy Nix said last season that Wood, left guard Andy Levitre and Urbik were the team’s top-three ranked guards in the 2009 draft class. They’re all in starting roles now, but Urbik will have to work hard to keep his.
Chad Rinehart, another waiver addition last season, figures to push him hard for a starting job, with Mansfield Wrotto also in the mix. All three linemen are versatile, as Urbik has played some center and Wrotto and Rinehart tackle.
Urbik, 6-foot-5 and 333 pounds, has impressed the Bills with his work ethic, often staying after practice to get extra instruction from offensive line coach Joe D’Alessandris.
Don’t look for that to happen this season, though.
Gailey confirmed this week that he’ll again call plays this season.
Right guard battle: With Eric Wood shifting to center, there’s a hole on the Buffalo Bills’ offensive line at right guard. Kraig Urbik hopes to be the one to step into that spot.
Urbik, who was claimed off waivers from Pittsburgh last season, is held in high regard by the team. Bills GM Buddy Nix said last season that Wood, left guard Andy Levitre and Urbik were the team’s top-three ranked guards in the 2009 draft class. They’re all in starting roles now, but Urbik will have to work hard to keep his.
Chad Rinehart, another waiver addition last season, figures to push him hard for a starting job, with Mansfield Wrotto also in the mix. All three linemen are versatile, as Urbik has played some center and Wrotto and Rinehart tackle.
Urbik, 6-foot-5 and 333 pounds, has impressed the Bills with his work ethic, often staying after practice to get extra instruction from offensive line coach Joe D’Alessandris.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
What The Buffalo Bills Got For $42 Million
Mark Gaughan - What can you get for $42 million in shopping on the NFL's free agent market? That total has been relevant for the Buffalo Bills in the NFL's shopping season to date. The Jacksonville Jaguars signed Bills free-agent Paul Posluszny for $42 million on a six-year deal. ... The Bills' signings of free agents Drayton Florence, Brad Smith and Nick Barnett also added up to a combined $42 million. Florence signed for $15 million over three years. Smith signed for $15 million over four years. Barnett signed for $12 million over three years. Which team got more value? We'll know for sure in three years.
Buffalo Bills: Shawn Merriam 'Lights Out" In Training Camp
PITTSFORD —Among the many weaknesses on the Buffalo Bills, linebacker would rank as one of the biggest.
There is a chance, if two free agent pick-ups return to their old form, linebacker could actually be a position of strength in 2011.
Nick Barnett and Shawne Merriman are two of the more intriguing Bills this season. As opposed to filling in holes with fringe players on the cheap, the Bills went out and found two legitimate NFL players at a bargain rate because of injuries.
It’s asking a lot for Barnett and Merriman to return to the form of their younger days, but even a solid, 16-game season from one or both of them could go a long way in improving one of the league’s worst defenses.
The Bills were dead last against the run in 2010 and hardly ever put real pressure on quarterbacks.
First-round draft pick Marcell Dareus was selected to be a disruptive force on the line, but the Bills need impact players at linebacker.
A lack of playmakers on defense — at all positions — has been the biggest shortcoming on a porous Bills’ defense.
Formerly one of the league’s most dominant defensive forces, Merriman has only played 18 total games the last three seasons. Merriman had 39.5 sacks — 17 in 2006 — through his first three NFL seasons before injuries and a league substance abuse suspension derailed his career.
“In the 3-4 scheme, you need good outside linebackers,” said Barnett. “We had Clay (Matthews) in Green Bay and Shawne Merriman is every bit as good, if not better, than Clay. I’m not bashing on Clay, but Shawne is a great player.”
The Bills signed Merriman late last season, but an injury early in his first practice with the team ended his season before it began.
Meanwhile, Barnett — a member of the reigning Super Bowl champion Green Bay Packers — missed significant time in two of the last three seasons and is coming off a wrist injury in 2010. Before the injuries, however, Barnett averaged just under 120 tackles a seasons and has 15.5 sacks and nine interceptions.
“Just having (Barnett) here gives a guy like me and the rest of the Bills a chance to get together,” said Merriman.
If Barnett and Merriman become playmakers, the Bills will not have to rely on the likes of Chris Kelsay, Andra Davis, and Reggie Torbor as more than just depth and reserves.
Add promising second-year player Arthur Moats and rookie Kelvin Sheppard to the mix and the linebackers should be a critical position to watch throughout the season.
It’s asking a lot for both — or even one — of those players to return to their old form, but strength up the middle and a relentless pass rush should never be minimized as being the difference on an NFL defense.
Clock ticking on Maybin?
Aaron Maybin needs to prove himself very quickly — the understatement of training camp. Maybin struggled to get on the field in 2010, and has not distinguished himself yet early in camp so far. The Bills drafted Maybin to be a speed rusher and he has been a ghost on the field — when he’s actually called on to be out there. Head coach Chan Gailey and general manager Buddy Nix did not draft Maybin and have no loyalty to him. Barring a stunning turn in his play over the next couple of weeks and Maybin could be searching for a new team.
Crossing the Moats
The Bills have made some small, but interesting moves in free agency so far. One decision has many — myself included — scratching their heads. Arthur Moats was one of the few bright spots on a bad defense last season. Moats caused havoc as a pass rusher and the idea of him doing that for a full season had to be exciting for Bills fans. Now, the team has decided to move him back inside? It’s a curious move since he had success there last year and now the Bills added Barnett to be the replacement for Paul Posluszny in the middle. Moats should stay on the outside and run wild.
Spiller’s new look
C.J. Spiller got his number back. Spiller and cornerback Leodis McKelvin flipped numbers, so the Bills’ 2010 first-round pick can have the number he worse at Clemson. Spiller is now No. 28, while McKelvin will wear 21 this season. New number or old, Spiller is another player that has pressure to finally make an impact this season. There is not as much pressure on Spiller as Maybin, but he has a special skill set that was rarely seen during his rookie season. It’s time the Bills unleased their weapon and get some production.
Chan’s new toy
Say what you will about Chan Gailey, but the man can coach offense. The Bills went 4-12 in Gailey’s first season, but they were pretty darn exciting many Sundays. Unlike the Dick Jauron Buffalo Bills that could put you to sleep when they ran their offense, Gailey’s Bills could score points and were often creatively doing so. It makes sense Brad Smith — the former do a little of everything guy for the New York Jets — would be a player made for Gailey’s offensive mind. Smith played quarterback in college, but has served as mostly a wide receiver, kick returner, and Wild cat quarterback during his NFL career. Smith will likely do the same for the Bills, but adds an element to the offense Gailey is sure to utilize often.
There is a chance, if two free agent pick-ups return to their old form, linebacker could actually be a position of strength in 2011.
Nick Barnett and Shawne Merriman are two of the more intriguing Bills this season. As opposed to filling in holes with fringe players on the cheap, the Bills went out and found two legitimate NFL players at a bargain rate because of injuries.
It’s asking a lot for Barnett and Merriman to return to the form of their younger days, but even a solid, 16-game season from one or both of them could go a long way in improving one of the league’s worst defenses.
The Bills were dead last against the run in 2010 and hardly ever put real pressure on quarterbacks.
First-round draft pick Marcell Dareus was selected to be a disruptive force on the line, but the Bills need impact players at linebacker.
A lack of playmakers on defense — at all positions — has been the biggest shortcoming on a porous Bills’ defense.
Formerly one of the league’s most dominant defensive forces, Merriman has only played 18 total games the last three seasons. Merriman had 39.5 sacks — 17 in 2006 — through his first three NFL seasons before injuries and a league substance abuse suspension derailed his career.
“In the 3-4 scheme, you need good outside linebackers,” said Barnett. “We had Clay (Matthews) in Green Bay and Shawne Merriman is every bit as good, if not better, than Clay. I’m not bashing on Clay, but Shawne is a great player.”
The Bills signed Merriman late last season, but an injury early in his first practice with the team ended his season before it began.
Meanwhile, Barnett — a member of the reigning Super Bowl champion Green Bay Packers — missed significant time in two of the last three seasons and is coming off a wrist injury in 2010. Before the injuries, however, Barnett averaged just under 120 tackles a seasons and has 15.5 sacks and nine interceptions.
“Just having (Barnett) here gives a guy like me and the rest of the Bills a chance to get together,” said Merriman.
If Barnett and Merriman become playmakers, the Bills will not have to rely on the likes of Chris Kelsay, Andra Davis, and Reggie Torbor as more than just depth and reserves.
Add promising second-year player Arthur Moats and rookie Kelvin Sheppard to the mix and the linebackers should be a critical position to watch throughout the season.
It’s asking a lot for both — or even one — of those players to return to their old form, but strength up the middle and a relentless pass rush should never be minimized as being the difference on an NFL defense.
Clock ticking on Maybin?
Aaron Maybin needs to prove himself very quickly — the understatement of training camp. Maybin struggled to get on the field in 2010, and has not distinguished himself yet early in camp so far. The Bills drafted Maybin to be a speed rusher and he has been a ghost on the field — when he’s actually called on to be out there. Head coach Chan Gailey and general manager Buddy Nix did not draft Maybin and have no loyalty to him. Barring a stunning turn in his play over the next couple of weeks and Maybin could be searching for a new team.
Crossing the Moats
The Bills have made some small, but interesting moves in free agency so far. One decision has many — myself included — scratching their heads. Arthur Moats was one of the few bright spots on a bad defense last season. Moats caused havoc as a pass rusher and the idea of him doing that for a full season had to be exciting for Bills fans. Now, the team has decided to move him back inside? It’s a curious move since he had success there last year and now the Bills added Barnett to be the replacement for Paul Posluszny in the middle. Moats should stay on the outside and run wild.
Spiller’s new look
C.J. Spiller got his number back. Spiller and cornerback Leodis McKelvin flipped numbers, so the Bills’ 2010 first-round pick can have the number he worse at Clemson. Spiller is now No. 28, while McKelvin will wear 21 this season. New number or old, Spiller is another player that has pressure to finally make an impact this season. There is not as much pressure on Spiller as Maybin, but he has a special skill set that was rarely seen during his rookie season. It’s time the Bills unleased their weapon and get some production.
Chan’s new toy
Say what you will about Chan Gailey, but the man can coach offense. The Bills went 4-12 in Gailey’s first season, but they were pretty darn exciting many Sundays. Unlike the Dick Jauron Buffalo Bills that could put you to sleep when they ran their offense, Gailey’s Bills could score points and were often creatively doing so. It makes sense Brad Smith — the former do a little of everything guy for the New York Jets — would be a player made for Gailey’s offensive mind. Smith played quarterback in college, but has served as mostly a wide receiver, kick returner, and Wild cat quarterback during his NFL career. Smith will likely do the same for the Bills, but adds an element to the offense Gailey is sure to utilize often.
Two Ga.High School Football Players Die
A 16-year-old Georgia high schooler was found dead at a football camp in Florida's Columbia County on Tuesday, WJXT-TV reported.
TRAGIC SPORTS DEATHS
Sports has lost many athletes way too soon. We list a few.
Hours later, another 16-year-old Georgia high schooler died in an Atlanta hospital a week after being admitted suffering what doctors believe was heat exhaustion, WSB-TV reported.
Donteria Searcy was found unresponsive in his cabin about 11:15 a.m. local time Tuesday, after Fitzgerald (Ga.) High School's football team had finished a morning workout at Florida's O'Leno State Park, where it is holding a summer training camp.
Searcy was taken to a nearby hospital, but attempts to resuscitate him were unsuccessful.
An autopsy will be carried out to determine the cause of death, but police do not suspect foul play.
In Atlanta, Locust Grove High School's Forrest Jones died about 9:30 p.m. local time Tuesday. He was admitted to a hospital on July 25 after collapsing following an optional team workout.
Jones' uncle told WSB-TV that doctors believed his death was caused by a heat stroke or heat exhaustion.
The two Georgia students' deaths came just a few days after a rising high school football player collapsed and died after practice in Darlington, SC.
Tyquan Xavier Brantley, 14, was walking off the field with his Lamar High School team Saturday when he collapsed. He was taken to a nearby hospital and was pronounced dead about 7 p.m. local time.
TRAGIC SPORTS DEATHS
Sports has lost many athletes way too soon. We list a few.
Hours later, another 16-year-old Georgia high schooler died in an Atlanta hospital a week after being admitted suffering what doctors believe was heat exhaustion, WSB-TV reported.
Donteria Searcy was found unresponsive in his cabin about 11:15 a.m. local time Tuesday, after Fitzgerald (Ga.) High School's football team had finished a morning workout at Florida's O'Leno State Park, where it is holding a summer training camp.
Searcy was taken to a nearby hospital, but attempts to resuscitate him were unsuccessful.
An autopsy will be carried out to determine the cause of death, but police do not suspect foul play.
In Atlanta, Locust Grove High School's Forrest Jones died about 9:30 p.m. local time Tuesday. He was admitted to a hospital on July 25 after collapsing following an optional team workout.
Jones' uncle told WSB-TV that doctors believed his death was caused by a heat stroke or heat exhaustion.
The two Georgia students' deaths came just a few days after a rising high school football player collapsed and died after practice in Darlington, SC.
Tyquan Xavier Brantley, 14, was walking off the field with his Lamar High School team Saturday when he collapsed. He was taken to a nearby hospital and was pronounced dead about 7 p.m. local time.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
NFL Free Agency 2011: Buffalo Bills Target Tyson Clabo Of Falcons
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.
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.
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.
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