2006 NFL Discussion Thread
-
Lost Ghost
- Posts: 3607
- Joined: Tue Aug 02, 2005 8:37 am
Yeah....I've had many years of the Pack beating us down......so it's only fair we return the favor.
| BBcode: | |
| Hide post links |
-
trashtalkr
- Sports Guru
- Posts: 7978
- Joined: Thu Nov 18, 2004 8:20 pm
- Contact:
Rice to sign with the 49ers and then retire
"If there were no eternal consciousness in a man, if at the bottom of everything there were only a wild ferment, a power that twisting in dark passions produced everything great or inconsequential; if an unfathomable insatiable emptiness lay hid beneath everything, what would life be but despair?"
Soren Kierkegaard
Soren Kierkegaard
| BBcode: | |
| Hide post links |
-
AYHJA
- 392
- Posts: 37990
- Joined: Fri Sep 17, 2004 2:25 pm
- Location: Washington, D.C.
- Contact:
Well that's good for Jerry man, I'm glad...I do believe, if not for that really bad knee injury, he'd still be performing at a high level...
| BBcode: | |
| Hide post links |
-
Buffmaster
- Posts: 3570
- Joined: Fri May 12, 2006 11:37 am
- Location: The Alamo
Leinart looks out of practice in debut
New England 30, Arizona 3
By DAVE GOLDBERG, AP Football Writer
August 20, 2006
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) -- In the first minute of his NFL career, Matt Leinart looked like a Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback -- running a hurry-up offense that impressed even Tom Brady.
For the rest of the night, there was little for Leinart and the Cardinals to be proud about.
"To go against this team on this field and get something in my first drive: that was pretty cool," Leinart said after his debut, which featured a quick 54-yard drive that netted Arizona its only points in a 30-3 loss to the New England Patriots on Saturday.
But he spent the rest of the night resembling what he is -- a rookie with almost no real practice experience.
Five days after reporting to the Cardinals' training camp, the 2004 Heisman winner entered Arizona's exhibition game with 1:09 left in the first half. He promptly drove the Cardinals down the field to set up Neil Rackers' 48-yard field goal, scrambling for 29 yards on two runs and completing 3 of 6 passes for 20 yards on the drive
That was against a New England defense made up mostly of regulars.
The Patriots' starters should have stayed in the game. In the third quarter, he was just 1-for-5 -- a 25-yard completion to tight end Eric Edwards -- and was sacked twice by New England backups. He finished 4-of-11 for 49 yards.
It was a miserable night all around for Arizona, which last week opened its new stadium with a 21-13 win over Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh. In fact, Leinart's drive at the end of the half was the only positive.
"I don't think anyone could have expected any more," said Kurt Warner, Arizona's starter, who two years ago helped break in Eli Manning with the New York Giants. "I thought he did a great job in the 2-minute drill. He handled the situation well."
For New England, it was a workmanlike effort. Brady played most of the first half and completed 15 of 20 passes for 149 yards as the Patriots marched up and down the field but usually stalled before reaching the end zone.
Rookie Stephen Gostkowski, competing with Martin Gramatica to become the replacement for Adam Vinatieri, kicked three field goals for the Patriots (1-1). Matt Cassel, Leinart's backup at Southern Cal, threw two TD passes -- a 9-yarder to Heath Evans in the third quarter and a 5-yarder to Rich Musinski in the fourth quarter -- as both sides inserted subs liberally.
That made Leinart, who on Monday signed a six-year deal that could be worth $51 million, the major part of the show. He was the NFL's last draft choice to sign.
At first, he made it look as though his drop to 10th overall in the draft was a mistake -- at one point he was considered the top rookie coming out or at least one of the top three.
Because the Patriots had the ball on three long first-half scoring drives, Leinart didn't enter until 1:09 was left in the half.
His first NFL play was a pass in the right flat to wide-open running back J.J. Arrington that picked up 11 yards. His longest play was a 16-yard scramble up the middle that might have gained more had he not slid down at his 45. His second longest was a 13-yard run to the New England 37.
"I'm not a runner, but they were laying back and the middle was open," he said.
But in the second half, Leinart looked like a raw rookie and the Cardinals reverted to their old selves -- a franchise that has made the playoffs only once in 19 seasons in the desert. On one sack, Leinart fumbled but teammate Marcel Shipp recovered. As the game went on, he looked more and more unsure.
Leinart has a fan in Brady.
"I thought he did a great job," the two-time Super Bowl MVP said of the rookie. "He's a big strong kid. What impressed me was that he had such excellent scrambling ability. I remember when I was a rookie. There's so much to learn and he's coming in with just four days practice, which makes it doubly tough.'
Cassel, by contrast, got better as the Cardinals put in more subs. When Patriots coach Bill Belichick was asked about Leinart, he replied: "I liked the way OUR quarterback from USC played."
A seventh-round draft pick a year ago, Cassel finished 13-of-19 for 185 yards and those two touchdowns, far better than Leinart, who beat him out for the starting job at Southern Cal after Carson Palmer was the No. 1 pick by Cincinnati in the 2001 draft.
"I was happy for him," said Leinart. "We're good friends and we talked a couple of times last week. He showed he can be an NFL player."
For that 1:09, so did Leinart.
By DAVE GOLDBERG, AP Football Writer
August 20, 2006
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) -- In the first minute of his NFL career, Matt Leinart looked like a Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback -- running a hurry-up offense that impressed even Tom Brady.
For the rest of the night, there was little for Leinart and the Cardinals to be proud about.
"To go against this team on this field and get something in my first drive: that was pretty cool," Leinart said after his debut, which featured a quick 54-yard drive that netted Arizona its only points in a 30-3 loss to the New England Patriots on Saturday.
But he spent the rest of the night resembling what he is -- a rookie with almost no real practice experience.
Five days after reporting to the Cardinals' training camp, the 2004 Heisman winner entered Arizona's exhibition game with 1:09 left in the first half. He promptly drove the Cardinals down the field to set up Neil Rackers' 48-yard field goal, scrambling for 29 yards on two runs and completing 3 of 6 passes for 20 yards on the drive
That was against a New England defense made up mostly of regulars.
The Patriots' starters should have stayed in the game. In the third quarter, he was just 1-for-5 -- a 25-yard completion to tight end Eric Edwards -- and was sacked twice by New England backups. He finished 4-of-11 for 49 yards.
It was a miserable night all around for Arizona, which last week opened its new stadium with a 21-13 win over Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh. In fact, Leinart's drive at the end of the half was the only positive.
"I don't think anyone could have expected any more," said Kurt Warner, Arizona's starter, who two years ago helped break in Eli Manning with the New York Giants. "I thought he did a great job in the 2-minute drill. He handled the situation well."
For New England, it was a workmanlike effort. Brady played most of the first half and completed 15 of 20 passes for 149 yards as the Patriots marched up and down the field but usually stalled before reaching the end zone.
Rookie Stephen Gostkowski, competing with Martin Gramatica to become the replacement for Adam Vinatieri, kicked three field goals for the Patriots (1-1). Matt Cassel, Leinart's backup at Southern Cal, threw two TD passes -- a 9-yarder to Heath Evans in the third quarter and a 5-yarder to Rich Musinski in the fourth quarter -- as both sides inserted subs liberally.
That made Leinart, who on Monday signed a six-year deal that could be worth $51 million, the major part of the show. He was the NFL's last draft choice to sign.
At first, he made it look as though his drop to 10th overall in the draft was a mistake -- at one point he was considered the top rookie coming out or at least one of the top three.
Because the Patriots had the ball on three long first-half scoring drives, Leinart didn't enter until 1:09 was left in the half.
His first NFL play was a pass in the right flat to wide-open running back J.J. Arrington that picked up 11 yards. His longest play was a 16-yard scramble up the middle that might have gained more had he not slid down at his 45. His second longest was a 13-yard run to the New England 37.
"I'm not a runner, but they were laying back and the middle was open," he said.
But in the second half, Leinart looked like a raw rookie and the Cardinals reverted to their old selves -- a franchise that has made the playoffs only once in 19 seasons in the desert. On one sack, Leinart fumbled but teammate Marcel Shipp recovered. As the game went on, he looked more and more unsure.
Leinart has a fan in Brady.
"I thought he did a great job," the two-time Super Bowl MVP said of the rookie. "He's a big strong kid. What impressed me was that he had such excellent scrambling ability. I remember when I was a rookie. There's so much to learn and he's coming in with just four days practice, which makes it doubly tough.'
Cassel, by contrast, got better as the Cardinals put in more subs. When Patriots coach Bill Belichick was asked about Leinart, he replied: "I liked the way OUR quarterback from USC played."
A seventh-round draft pick a year ago, Cassel finished 13-of-19 for 185 yards and those two touchdowns, far better than Leinart, who beat him out for the starting job at Southern Cal after Carson Palmer was the No. 1 pick by Cincinnati in the 2001 draft.
"I was happy for him," said Leinart. "We're good friends and we talked a couple of times last week. He showed he can be an NFL player."
For that 1:09, so did Leinart.
Big Red died 23 NOV 2001
You owe your success to your first wife. You owe your second wife to your success---Sean Connery
You owe your success to your first wife. You owe your second wife to your success---Sean Connery
| BBcode: | |
| Hide post links |
-
Buffmaster
- Posts: 3570
- Joined: Fri May 12, 2006 11:37 am
- Location: The Alamo
Inside Dish: Raiders unimpressed with Brooks, Walter
Raiders receivers privately are grumbling about the team's quarterback situation. Free-agent pickup Aaron Brooks and second-year pro Andrew Walter have not impressed the men they are throwing to. The receivers have taken issue with Brooks' accuracy and believe he is not an upgrade over Kerry Collins, who manned the position last season. . . .
QB Daunte Culpepper still has some things to prove on the field, but he has emerged as a bona fide leader for the Dolphins' offense. Culpepper, who has impressed teammates with his presence in the huddle, routinely is the first player to line up for a drill. He also is among the first to finish postpractice conditioning sprints. Plus, he dashes from one drill to the next, which has inspired teammates to do the same. The new game in Dolphins camp is to beat Culpepper to the next drill. . . .
Many teams are in the market for running backs, and two clubs getting plenty of phone calls are the Ravens and Falcons. The Ravens have a surplus with Jamal Lewis, Mike Anderson and the rejuvenated Musa Smith, who has drawn interest. The Falcons are in a similar situation with Warrick Dunn, rookie Jerious Norwood and T.J. Duckett, who is coveted. Neither the Ravens nor the Falcons will deal unless they are overcompensated. One back who probably will be traded -- again -- is Lee Suggs of the Browns. After being dealt to the Jets and sent back to the Browns because he failed his physical, Suggs needs a fresh start. . . .
The Browns are happy with the transition first-round pick Kamerion Wimbley is making. A defensive end at Florida State, Wimbley is being asked to play outside linebacker in the Browns' 3-4. Wimbley's instincts and body control are excellent, and he's a quick learner. He has impressed coaches particularly when he has been assigned to cover TE Kellen Winslow one-on-one. The word is it has not been a mismatch. The team expects Wimbley to be a starter by opening day. . . .
Panthers MLB Dan Morgan has missed 25 games because of injuries in his five seasons, so he's willing to try just about anything to stay healthy -- including investing in a hyperbaric chamber. Morgan has been spending 45 minutes a day in the chamber and says it has made a difference. He says he feels more fresh and less sore than he has in other camps. The device was recommended to Morgan by Dolphins LB Zach Thomas. . . .
Deion Sanders dropped by Falcons camp last week and left quite an impression on CB DeAngelo Hall. It seems Hall doesn't listen to a lot of people, but he was all ears with Sanders. Hall fancies himself as the next Deion, and he was jacked up about the chance to get technique tips from Sanders. Hall has been having an outstanding camp--the coaching staff even has installed numerous offensive packages for him, stealing a page from the old Deion book. . . .
Chargers QB Philip Rivers fine-tuned his mechanics in the offseason under the direction of quarterbacks coach John Ramsdell, who helped develop QBs Kurt Warner and Marc Bulger with the Rams. Rivers is holding the ball higher and tighter to his chest for a more compact release. He also is concentrating on taking smaller "hitches." That is, he is taking smaller steps forward in the pocket after he drops back.
QB Daunte Culpepper still has some things to prove on the field, but he has emerged as a bona fide leader for the Dolphins' offense. Culpepper, who has impressed teammates with his presence in the huddle, routinely is the first player to line up for a drill. He also is among the first to finish postpractice conditioning sprints. Plus, he dashes from one drill to the next, which has inspired teammates to do the same. The new game in Dolphins camp is to beat Culpepper to the next drill. . . .
Many teams are in the market for running backs, and two clubs getting plenty of phone calls are the Ravens and Falcons. The Ravens have a surplus with Jamal Lewis, Mike Anderson and the rejuvenated Musa Smith, who has drawn interest. The Falcons are in a similar situation with Warrick Dunn, rookie Jerious Norwood and T.J. Duckett, who is coveted. Neither the Ravens nor the Falcons will deal unless they are overcompensated. One back who probably will be traded -- again -- is Lee Suggs of the Browns. After being dealt to the Jets and sent back to the Browns because he failed his physical, Suggs needs a fresh start. . . .
The Browns are happy with the transition first-round pick Kamerion Wimbley is making. A defensive end at Florida State, Wimbley is being asked to play outside linebacker in the Browns' 3-4. Wimbley's instincts and body control are excellent, and he's a quick learner. He has impressed coaches particularly when he has been assigned to cover TE Kellen Winslow one-on-one. The word is it has not been a mismatch. The team expects Wimbley to be a starter by opening day. . . .
Panthers MLB Dan Morgan has missed 25 games because of injuries in his five seasons, so he's willing to try just about anything to stay healthy -- including investing in a hyperbaric chamber. Morgan has been spending 45 minutes a day in the chamber and says it has made a difference. He says he feels more fresh and less sore than he has in other camps. The device was recommended to Morgan by Dolphins LB Zach Thomas. . . .
Deion Sanders dropped by Falcons camp last week and left quite an impression on CB DeAngelo Hall. It seems Hall doesn't listen to a lot of people, but he was all ears with Sanders. Hall fancies himself as the next Deion, and he was jacked up about the chance to get technique tips from Sanders. Hall has been having an outstanding camp--the coaching staff even has installed numerous offensive packages for him, stealing a page from the old Deion book. . . .
Chargers QB Philip Rivers fine-tuned his mechanics in the offseason under the direction of quarterbacks coach John Ramsdell, who helped develop QBs Kurt Warner and Marc Bulger with the Rams. Rivers is holding the ball higher and tighter to his chest for a more compact release. He also is concentrating on taking smaller "hitches." That is, he is taking smaller steps forward in the pocket after he drops back.
Big Red died 23 NOV 2001
You owe your success to your first wife. You owe your second wife to your success---Sean Connery
You owe your success to your first wife. You owe your second wife to your success---Sean Connery
| BBcode: | |
| Hide post links |
-
Buffmaster
- Posts: 3570
- Joined: Fri May 12, 2006 11:37 am
- Location: The Alamo
Chargers observations
SAN DIEGO †™‚¢‚¢¢¢¬…¡‚¬‚¢¢¢‚¬Å¡‚¬¦¢
‚¬Å“ Don't be terribly concerned about Philip Rivers being overwhelmed as he takes the San Diego Chargers' starting quarterback job from the departed Drew Brees.
He is about as unflappable as they get, and coach Marty Schottenheimer has confidence in Rivers' ability to lead.
"He has taken over the huddle just like anytime he has been out there from the time he got here," Schottenheimer said. "He's a very direct young man who understands what he needs to get accomplished."
The bigger issue is whether Rivers has enough arm strength to keep defenses from cheating to stop running back LaDainian Tomlinson. Not that Brees had a rifle, but Rivers' odd release has caused people to wonder.
So far, Rivers has quelled most of the concerns with excellent accuracy and anticipation on passes to the outside. However, the tougher throw for Rivers has always been the deeper passes to the sideline where he often crow-hops before unleashing the ball.
If the Chargers are going to make that work for him, the protection in front of Rivers better be excellent.
Speaking of protection, left tackle is going to be a huge concern.
Seven-year veteran Leander Jordan, who is really better suited for a guard spot, is running with the first team for now. Jordan is a good worker, but he simply lacks the quickness to be great at the position on every down. That means that the Chargers may have to push rookie Marcus McNeil a little faster into the starting lineup.
At 6-foot-7 and 337 pounds, McNeil has the prototypical body for the job. But McNeil, who played at Auburn, doesn't have a lot of experience in NFL protection schemes. The Chargers are a little fortunate in this regard because they don't face a lot of the great pure speed rushers in the game this season. But nothing rattles a quarterback faster than getting hit from the blind side.
Not that the Chargers needed a lot more help in their front seven, but rookie Tim Dobbins, a fifth-round pick from Iowa State, appears to be a great find for them. The 6-foot-1, 247-pound Dobbins has been exceptional on special teams and has dominated the second- and third-string players he has faced in practice and in the exhibition season. He eventually could take over an inside starting job.
Despite losing Brees in free agency and trading promising backup Cleo Lemon to Miami last season, the Chargers may have found another good youngster at quarterback in third-round pick Charlie Whitehurst. The 6-foot-5 Whitehurst has the size and arm strength to be a quality player. Moreover, the son of former NFL quarterback David Whitehurst exudes confidence beyond his years.
Jason Cole is a national NFL writer for Yahoo! Sports.
‚¬Å“ Don't be terribly concerned about Philip Rivers being overwhelmed as he takes the San Diego Chargers' starting quarterback job from the departed Drew Brees.
He is about as unflappable as they get, and coach Marty Schottenheimer has confidence in Rivers' ability to lead.
"He has taken over the huddle just like anytime he has been out there from the time he got here," Schottenheimer said. "He's a very direct young man who understands what he needs to get accomplished."
The bigger issue is whether Rivers has enough arm strength to keep defenses from cheating to stop running back LaDainian Tomlinson. Not that Brees had a rifle, but Rivers' odd release has caused people to wonder.
So far, Rivers has quelled most of the concerns with excellent accuracy and anticipation on passes to the outside. However, the tougher throw for Rivers has always been the deeper passes to the sideline where he often crow-hops before unleashing the ball.
If the Chargers are going to make that work for him, the protection in front of Rivers better be excellent.
Speaking of protection, left tackle is going to be a huge concern.
Seven-year veteran Leander Jordan, who is really better suited for a guard spot, is running with the first team for now. Jordan is a good worker, but he simply lacks the quickness to be great at the position on every down. That means that the Chargers may have to push rookie Marcus McNeil a little faster into the starting lineup.
At 6-foot-7 and 337 pounds, McNeil has the prototypical body for the job. But McNeil, who played at Auburn, doesn't have a lot of experience in NFL protection schemes. The Chargers are a little fortunate in this regard because they don't face a lot of the great pure speed rushers in the game this season. But nothing rattles a quarterback faster than getting hit from the blind side.
Not that the Chargers needed a lot more help in their front seven, but rookie Tim Dobbins, a fifth-round pick from Iowa State, appears to be a great find for them. The 6-foot-1, 247-pound Dobbins has been exceptional on special teams and has dominated the second- and third-string players he has faced in practice and in the exhibition season. He eventually could take over an inside starting job.
Despite losing Brees in free agency and trading promising backup Cleo Lemon to Miami last season, the Chargers may have found another good youngster at quarterback in third-round pick Charlie Whitehurst. The 6-foot-5 Whitehurst has the size and arm strength to be a quality player. Moreover, the son of former NFL quarterback David Whitehurst exudes confidence beyond his years.
Jason Cole is a national NFL writer for Yahoo! Sports.
Big Red died 23 NOV 2001
You owe your success to your first wife. You owe your second wife to your success---Sean Connery
You owe your success to your first wife. You owe your second wife to your success---Sean Connery
| BBcode: | |
| Hide post links |
-
Buffmaster
- Posts: 3570
- Joined: Fri May 12, 2006 11:37 am
- Location: The Alamo
New NFL thread for the 2006 season
Tuesday, August 22, 2006 |
The three-team trade that sent Ashley Lelie to Atlanta late Tuesday might have been one of the most difficult to put together in the past couple of years.
The Broncos wanted a good first-day draft choice or a running back, but they weren't completely thrilled with the teams that might have been able to help them out at running back. In addition, during trade talks, Broncos coach Mike Shanahan fell in love with undrafted free agent Mike Bell, who's been named Denver's starting running back. To make things work, a three-way deal had to be put together, and injuries determined how it would be shaped.
First, the Falcons lost wide receiver Brian Finneran for the season, leaving them without a third receiver. Coach Jim Mora told front-office officials over the weekend that he wanted a third receiver and wanted one soon. The Falcons for weeks had been shopping running back T.J. Duckett, and the Redskins became interested after Clinton Portis dislocated his shoulder. Though Portis is supposed to be ready for the start of the regular season, the Redskins picked up Duckett as insurance. The Redskins gave up the equivalent of a high third-round choice in order to get Duckett, who will be involved in the offense as a big back.
It's a trade that made everybody happy.
Meantime, the Falcons now have three well-respected, highly rated receivers for Michael Vick -- Lelie, Michael Jenkins and Roddy White. Each is tall, fast, and can break runs after the catch. What will be interesting to see is how they work with Vick. The quarterback has always been more comfortable throwing to tight end Alge Crumpler and Finneran, but with Finneran out for the season, a strong No. 2 option will have to emerge.
And having Duckett off the trade market has a subtle impact on the rest of the league. If the Steelers decide Duce Staley isn't the answer as a big back, now the Steelers can't get Duckett to help them out. The Eagles also are calling around for big backs and have looked at Stephen Davis. Now, they can't get Duckett.
Benson's backfield, but don't write off Jones: The Bears' backfield situation is becoming one of the most intriguing in the league. Lovie Smith wants Cedric Benson to start, and eventually that will happen. Benson's shoulder injury obviously was a major setback, and the plan is for Benson to practice this week and next and maybe play in the preseason finale against the Browns on Aug. 31. However, Thomas Jones is healthy coming off his pre-camp hamstring injury and should be able to play this week. If Jones has a good game against the Cardinals on Friday, he might earn the chance to be the starter for the season opener against Green Bay. Jones has a lot of veteran Bears rooting for him because of his success last season in helping to win the NFC North. It was strange that a few players turned in Benson for leaving the field early last Friday against the Chargers even though he wasn't in uniform; he was just frustrated he wasn't able to play. In the end, Benson will get more of the carries than Jones, but anyone who wrote off Jones in the competition in wrong. He has a lot of friends and getting healthy faster than Benson may be his biggest aide.
Raiders prepping alternative to Porter: Jerry Porter remains in Art Shell's doghouse, but the team is no closer to trading him. The Raiders and Al Davis put a high premium on Porter's skills, but he and Shell clearly aren't going to give him up for little value. It may take a first- or second-round draft choice to get Porter and that might not happen. While Porter works as a backup, the Raiders are giving Doug Gabriel every chance to win the starting job.
T.O.'s list of needs: Terrell Owens is not scheduled to have an MRI on his ailing hamstring, but Cowboys owner Jerry Jones wouldn't rule out the possibility of Owens getting it checked. The Cowboys want Owens to practice this week and maybe play against the 49ers on Saturday. With Owens not likely to play the final preseason game, he needs a game to test his timing with Drew Bledsoe, who looked great throwing to Terry Glenn on Monday night. It was interesting to hear Jones tell ESPN's Monday Night Football crew that Owens needed a kick in the rear to get him on the field.
Standout Cardinal still on shelf: The Cardinals remain concerned about Karlos Dansby and how he continues to let injuries prevent him from practicing or playing. First, it was thumb and hand problems. Now, he has a bad toe injury. The Cardinals are concerned because Dansby is their best linebacker and one of their best defensive players. They like how converted defensive end Calvin Pace has played in place of Dansby, but not having Dansby really thins out their linebacking corps.
Palmer looks ready to play: Carson Palmer remains on schedule to play next Monday against the Packers. He's practicing, and he's insistent that he will play as long as he doesn't have a setback on his knee or some swelling. Palmer looks good moving around, and even those observing barely notice a limp on a knee that was reconstructed eight months ago.
The three-team trade that sent Ashley Lelie to Atlanta late Tuesday might have been one of the most difficult to put together in the past couple of years.
The Broncos wanted a good first-day draft choice or a running back, but they weren't completely thrilled with the teams that might have been able to help them out at running back. In addition, during trade talks, Broncos coach Mike Shanahan fell in love with undrafted free agent Mike Bell, who's been named Denver's starting running back. To make things work, a three-way deal had to be put together, and injuries determined how it would be shaped.
First, the Falcons lost wide receiver Brian Finneran for the season, leaving them without a third receiver. Coach Jim Mora told front-office officials over the weekend that he wanted a third receiver and wanted one soon. The Falcons for weeks had been shopping running back T.J. Duckett, and the Redskins became interested after Clinton Portis dislocated his shoulder. Though Portis is supposed to be ready for the start of the regular season, the Redskins picked up Duckett as insurance. The Redskins gave up the equivalent of a high third-round choice in order to get Duckett, who will be involved in the offense as a big back.
It's a trade that made everybody happy.
Meantime, the Falcons now have three well-respected, highly rated receivers for Michael Vick -- Lelie, Michael Jenkins and Roddy White. Each is tall, fast, and can break runs after the catch. What will be interesting to see is how they work with Vick. The quarterback has always been more comfortable throwing to tight end Alge Crumpler and Finneran, but with Finneran out for the season, a strong No. 2 option will have to emerge.
And having Duckett off the trade market has a subtle impact on the rest of the league. If the Steelers decide Duce Staley isn't the answer as a big back, now the Steelers can't get Duckett to help them out. The Eagles also are calling around for big backs and have looked at Stephen Davis. Now, they can't get Duckett.
Benson's backfield, but don't write off Jones: The Bears' backfield situation is becoming one of the most intriguing in the league. Lovie Smith wants Cedric Benson to start, and eventually that will happen. Benson's shoulder injury obviously was a major setback, and the plan is for Benson to practice this week and next and maybe play in the preseason finale against the Browns on Aug. 31. However, Thomas Jones is healthy coming off his pre-camp hamstring injury and should be able to play this week. If Jones has a good game against the Cardinals on Friday, he might earn the chance to be the starter for the season opener against Green Bay. Jones has a lot of veteran Bears rooting for him because of his success last season in helping to win the NFC North. It was strange that a few players turned in Benson for leaving the field early last Friday against the Chargers even though he wasn't in uniform; he was just frustrated he wasn't able to play. In the end, Benson will get more of the carries than Jones, but anyone who wrote off Jones in the competition in wrong. He has a lot of friends and getting healthy faster than Benson may be his biggest aide.
Raiders prepping alternative to Porter: Jerry Porter remains in Art Shell's doghouse, but the team is no closer to trading him. The Raiders and Al Davis put a high premium on Porter's skills, but he and Shell clearly aren't going to give him up for little value. It may take a first- or second-round draft choice to get Porter and that might not happen. While Porter works as a backup, the Raiders are giving Doug Gabriel every chance to win the starting job.
T.O.'s list of needs: Terrell Owens is not scheduled to have an MRI on his ailing hamstring, but Cowboys owner Jerry Jones wouldn't rule out the possibility of Owens getting it checked. The Cowboys want Owens to practice this week and maybe play against the 49ers on Saturday. With Owens not likely to play the final preseason game, he needs a game to test his timing with Drew Bledsoe, who looked great throwing to Terry Glenn on Monday night. It was interesting to hear Jones tell ESPN's Monday Night Football crew that Owens needed a kick in the rear to get him on the field.
Standout Cardinal still on shelf: The Cardinals remain concerned about Karlos Dansby and how he continues to let injuries prevent him from practicing or playing. First, it was thumb and hand problems. Now, he has a bad toe injury. The Cardinals are concerned because Dansby is their best linebacker and one of their best defensive players. They like how converted defensive end Calvin Pace has played in place of Dansby, but not having Dansby really thins out their linebacking corps.
Palmer looks ready to play: Carson Palmer remains on schedule to play next Monday against the Packers. He's practicing, and he's insistent that he will play as long as he doesn't have a setback on his knee or some swelling. Palmer looks good moving around, and even those observing barely notice a limp on a knee that was reconstructed eight months ago.
Big Red died 23 NOV 2001
You owe your success to your first wife. You owe your second wife to your success---Sean Connery
You owe your success to your first wife. You owe your second wife to your success---Sean Connery
| BBcode: | |
| Hide post links |
-
Buffmaster
- Posts: 3570
- Joined: Fri May 12, 2006 11:37 am
- Location: The Alamo
Barlow the latest 49er to be traded
The 49ers' trade of Kevan Barlow came down mid-morning Sunday, hours before the team's preseason game against the Raiders. Barlow was scheduled to get 10-12 touches in the Raiders game. The 49ers rejected the first couple of offers from the Jets on Sunday morning, but the Jets called back and offered the pure fourth-round choice without an upgrade. With the Jets in rebuilding mode, their fourth-round pick could be among the top picks in the round, making it almost like a low third-rounder. Coach Mike Nolan thought that running back was one of the deepest positions on the 49ers. He likes Frank Gore as the starter and has confidence in Maurice Hicks as the backup. What has surprised him is the running ability of former Penn State quarterback Michael Robinson, a big back who has impressed Nolan in some short-yardage and third-down situations.
In the past 14 months, the 49ers have traded away nine players, mainly former draft choices of former general manager Terry Donahue. Barlow is just the lastest. They've traded away quarterbacks Tim Rattay, Ken Dorsey and Cody Pickett, defensive end John Engelberger, wide receivers Brandon Lloyd and Rashaun Woods, cornerback Mike Rumph and linebacker Jamie Winborn. The 49ers made significant upgrades with the acquisitions of cornerback Sammy Davis and quarterback Trent Dilfer. They are also stockpiling draft choices for next year that can be used to upgrade the defense.
Robinson done for season? The feeling I get out of the Vikings is that wide receiver Koren Robinson won't be playing for them this year because of his recent driving incident, which reportedly involved alcohol. The team won't comment and it shouldn't because a lot of things are going on in Robinson's life. The Vikings won't make any rash decision. First, they will wait to see if the NFL determines that he violated anything within the substance abuse policy. Robinson already has been hit with a four-game suspension and could be facing a one-year suspension. Robinson also has problems in Seattle, where a judge could rule that Robinson violated probation, thereby activating a 364-day jail sentence. Once Robinson gets through that -- if he can get through that -- the team has to decide whether to take him back or not, and it doesn't appear the Vikings will bring him back.
Card sharp: It's no surprise that Brandon Gorin was traded by the New England Patriots. He had lost his starting job at right tackle, and he was certainly someone the Cowboys were looking at when they dispatched a scout to Patriots practices recently. For the Cardinals, it was a brilliant move. Right tackle Oliver Ross has a bad knee. His backup is Fred Wakefield, a converted defensive tackle. At the cost of a seventh-round choice that could upgrade to a sixth, this was a good move for the Cardinals at a reasonable price. The Patriots have picked up two low draft choices in the trades of Gorin and Ross Tucker, a center who will probably start for the Browns.
Jennings the next Johnson? Santonio Holmes looks like the real deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers, but Greg Jennings of the Packers is clearly the best rookie receiver I've seen this preseason. He's a smooth route-runner who catches the ball with his hands like Chad Johnson. Jennings is so good that he could challenge Robert Ferguson for a starting job, but if he doesn't start, he will be in the three-receiver set.
Defensive decision for Saints: Following their preseason game against the Cowboys, the Saints will have to assess their linebacking corps and determine if they want to make a trade for Chargers linebacker Donnie Edwards. The Saints are interested and he would be a good fit. Edwards can reunite with Joe Vitt, who coached him in Kansas City. With Anthony Simmons deciding not to play at his one-year, $1.5 million contract and his history of injuries, New Orleans has one of the thinnest linebacking corps in the league.
In the past 14 months, the 49ers have traded away nine players, mainly former draft choices of former general manager Terry Donahue. Barlow is just the lastest. They've traded away quarterbacks Tim Rattay, Ken Dorsey and Cody Pickett, defensive end John Engelberger, wide receivers Brandon Lloyd and Rashaun Woods, cornerback Mike Rumph and linebacker Jamie Winborn. The 49ers made significant upgrades with the acquisitions of cornerback Sammy Davis and quarterback Trent Dilfer. They are also stockpiling draft choices for next year that can be used to upgrade the defense.
Robinson done for season? The feeling I get out of the Vikings is that wide receiver Koren Robinson won't be playing for them this year because of his recent driving incident, which reportedly involved alcohol. The team won't comment and it shouldn't because a lot of things are going on in Robinson's life. The Vikings won't make any rash decision. First, they will wait to see if the NFL determines that he violated anything within the substance abuse policy. Robinson already has been hit with a four-game suspension and could be facing a one-year suspension. Robinson also has problems in Seattle, where a judge could rule that Robinson violated probation, thereby activating a 364-day jail sentence. Once Robinson gets through that -- if he can get through that -- the team has to decide whether to take him back or not, and it doesn't appear the Vikings will bring him back.
Card sharp: It's no surprise that Brandon Gorin was traded by the New England Patriots. He had lost his starting job at right tackle, and he was certainly someone the Cowboys were looking at when they dispatched a scout to Patriots practices recently. For the Cardinals, it was a brilliant move. Right tackle Oliver Ross has a bad knee. His backup is Fred Wakefield, a converted defensive tackle. At the cost of a seventh-round choice that could upgrade to a sixth, this was a good move for the Cardinals at a reasonable price. The Patriots have picked up two low draft choices in the trades of Gorin and Ross Tucker, a center who will probably start for the Browns.
Jennings the next Johnson? Santonio Holmes looks like the real deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers, but Greg Jennings of the Packers is clearly the best rookie receiver I've seen this preseason. He's a smooth route-runner who catches the ball with his hands like Chad Johnson. Jennings is so good that he could challenge Robert Ferguson for a starting job, but if he doesn't start, he will be in the three-receiver set.
Defensive decision for Saints: Following their preseason game against the Cowboys, the Saints will have to assess their linebacking corps and determine if they want to make a trade for Chargers linebacker Donnie Edwards. The Saints are interested and he would be a good fit. Edwards can reunite with Joe Vitt, who coached him in Kansas City. With Anthony Simmons deciding not to play at his one-year, $1.5 million contract and his history of injuries, New Orleans has one of the thinnest linebacking corps in the league.
Big Red died 23 NOV 2001
You owe your success to your first wife. You owe your second wife to your success---Sean Connery
You owe your success to your first wife. You owe your second wife to your success---Sean Connery
| BBcode: | |
| Hide post links |
-
Buffmaster
- Posts: 3570
- Joined: Fri May 12, 2006 11:37 am
- Location: The Alamo
Falcons add bulk, line up deal with DT Jackson
ATLANTA -- Having taken care of their most pressing offensive need, with the three-team trade that landed them disgruntled Denver Broncos wide receiver Ashley Lelie on Tuesday night, the Atlanta Falcons a few hours later addressed one of their biggest defensive shortcomings.
And in a big way.
The Falcons late Tuesday reached agreement in principle with unrestricted free agent defensive tackle Grady Jackson on a three-year contract. Jackson, 33, is scheduled to arrive at the Falcons' complex on Wednesday for a physical examination. If there are no problems, the giant-sized tackle will sign the deal and immediately add much-needed bulk and a top-shelf run-stuffer to the undersized Atlanta defensive front.
Financial details were not immediately available. But earlier in the day, Jackson's agent, Angelo Wright, told ESPN.com that he was seeking a contract similar to the three-year, $6.5 million deal that free agent defensive tackle Dan Wilkinson signed with the Miami Dolphins last week. That contract will pay Wilkinson $1.3 million to $1.5 million in 2006 between bonuses and base salary.
If he is in even decent physical condition, Jackson could vie for the starting job at nose tackle on a unit that struggled to stop the run in 2005, when the Falcons statistically rated 26th in rushing yards surrendered. The Falcons had problems versus the run in their first two preseason games as well, and it was obvious that Atlanta needed to add some bulk to its interior.
In addition to Jackson, the Falcons in recent days discussed the possibility of signing free agent defensive tackle Brentson Buckner, released by the Carolina Panthers this spring.
Jackson met with Atlanta officials earlier in the free agent period, but the team backed off signing him when a physical examination indicated a possible heart problem. Subsequent examinations by an independent physician and by the medical staffs of other franchises interested in Jackson showed no problems.
The nine-year veteran, who has often fought the battle of the bulge in the past, apparently has his weight under control as well. Sources said that when Jackson auditioned for the New York Jets and the New York Giants last week, he checked in at a manageable 359 pounds, considerably less than he weighed only a couple months ago.
Jackson, who played for Green Bay the past three years, is coming off one of the most productive seasons of his nine-year league tenure, having started all 16 games for the Packers in 2005, when he registered a career-best 72 tackles. Despite his performance, the Packers made little effort to re-sign Jackson once he entered the unrestricted free-agent market.
The deal with the Falcons, if it is consummated, will reunite him with defensive coordinator Ed Donatell, who held the same position in Green Bay during part of Jackson's tenure there.
Even at this late stage of his career, Jackson remains an interior defender capable of clogging things up in the middle and of playing effectively against the run. He often commands double-team blocking because of his size and strength, and that allows teammates to flow more readily to the ball. His stamina appeared to be much improved in 2005, and his 16 starts were his most since the 2001 season.
Earlier in his career, Jackson also provided some inside push in pass-rush situations, but he hasn't played on third down the last several seasons and has just two sacks in the past two campaigns.
In 123 games, including 80 starts, Jackson has recorded 431 tackles, 32†™¢¢¬…¡¢‚¬Å¡‚½ sacks, nine forced fumbles, seven recoveries and 24 passes defensed.
Jackson began his career with the Oakland Raiders in 1997, when they made him a sixth-round draft pick from Knoxville College. He has served stints in Oakland (1997-2001), New Orleans (2002) and Green Bay (2003-05).
The Falcons have one of the most effective "under" tackles in the league, in Rod Coleman, but have had problems this summer filling the nose tackle spot. Former starter Chad Lavalais has fallen out of favor with the Atlanta coaches and his roster spot could be in jeopardy. While the staff likes youngster Darrell Shropshire, and feels Antwan Lake and rookie Tommy Jackson have promise, too, Jackson is a proven commodity and a clear upgrade.
And in a big way.
The Falcons late Tuesday reached agreement in principle with unrestricted free agent defensive tackle Grady Jackson on a three-year contract. Jackson, 33, is scheduled to arrive at the Falcons' complex on Wednesday for a physical examination. If there are no problems, the giant-sized tackle will sign the deal and immediately add much-needed bulk and a top-shelf run-stuffer to the undersized Atlanta defensive front.
Financial details were not immediately available. But earlier in the day, Jackson's agent, Angelo Wright, told ESPN.com that he was seeking a contract similar to the three-year, $6.5 million deal that free agent defensive tackle Dan Wilkinson signed with the Miami Dolphins last week. That contract will pay Wilkinson $1.3 million to $1.5 million in 2006 between bonuses and base salary.
If he is in even decent physical condition, Jackson could vie for the starting job at nose tackle on a unit that struggled to stop the run in 2005, when the Falcons statistically rated 26th in rushing yards surrendered. The Falcons had problems versus the run in their first two preseason games as well, and it was obvious that Atlanta needed to add some bulk to its interior.
In addition to Jackson, the Falcons in recent days discussed the possibility of signing free agent defensive tackle Brentson Buckner, released by the Carolina Panthers this spring.
Jackson met with Atlanta officials earlier in the free agent period, but the team backed off signing him when a physical examination indicated a possible heart problem. Subsequent examinations by an independent physician and by the medical staffs of other franchises interested in Jackson showed no problems.
The nine-year veteran, who has often fought the battle of the bulge in the past, apparently has his weight under control as well. Sources said that when Jackson auditioned for the New York Jets and the New York Giants last week, he checked in at a manageable 359 pounds, considerably less than he weighed only a couple months ago.
Jackson, who played for Green Bay the past three years, is coming off one of the most productive seasons of his nine-year league tenure, having started all 16 games for the Packers in 2005, when he registered a career-best 72 tackles. Despite his performance, the Packers made little effort to re-sign Jackson once he entered the unrestricted free-agent market.
The deal with the Falcons, if it is consummated, will reunite him with defensive coordinator Ed Donatell, who held the same position in Green Bay during part of Jackson's tenure there.
Even at this late stage of his career, Jackson remains an interior defender capable of clogging things up in the middle and of playing effectively against the run. He often commands double-team blocking because of his size and strength, and that allows teammates to flow more readily to the ball. His stamina appeared to be much improved in 2005, and his 16 starts were his most since the 2001 season.
Earlier in his career, Jackson also provided some inside push in pass-rush situations, but he hasn't played on third down the last several seasons and has just two sacks in the past two campaigns.
In 123 games, including 80 starts, Jackson has recorded 431 tackles, 32†™¢¢¬…¡¢‚¬Å¡‚½ sacks, nine forced fumbles, seven recoveries and 24 passes defensed.
Jackson began his career with the Oakland Raiders in 1997, when they made him a sixth-round draft pick from Knoxville College. He has served stints in Oakland (1997-2001), New Orleans (2002) and Green Bay (2003-05).
The Falcons have one of the most effective "under" tackles in the league, in Rod Coleman, but have had problems this summer filling the nose tackle spot. Former starter Chad Lavalais has fallen out of favor with the Atlanta coaches and his roster spot could be in jeopardy. While the staff likes youngster Darrell Shropshire, and feels Antwan Lake and rookie Tommy Jackson have promise, too, Jackson is a proven commodity and a clear upgrade.
Big Red died 23 NOV 2001
You owe your success to your first wife. You owe your second wife to your success---Sean Connery
You owe your success to your first wife. You owe your second wife to your success---Sean Connery
| BBcode: | |
| Hide post links |
-
ruffriders23
- Posts: 2113
- Joined: Fri Aug 18, 2006 1:49 am
- Location: Rio Rancho, NM
- Contact:
That Lelie trade did little to help his value. Denver did unbelievably well to get this much for one year of Lelie, who is expected to be Atlanta's third receiver. Lelie will cut into Michael Jenkins and Roddy White's value, especially White because of a similar skill set.
As for the Bears backfield, that is a RBBC if I'ev ever saw one. The vets want Jones, the coaches want benson... tug-o-war time fellas.
Does anyone outside of the Raiders even still want Porter? I put him on my "Do Not Draft" list for fantasy, and I have a feeling that many other GM's in the NFL have done the same for their trade list. Porter is a potential laden guy that never panned out.
The soap-opera that is Terrell Owens surfaces again. The guy had an MRI for the second time and I don't think he is going to be 100% this season. Everyone has their own take on the T.O. situation, so I'll just leave it at that. Owens is questionable for the remainder of the preseason. I would drop him down to 35 on my fantasy WR Cheat Sheet until he proves he is 100% healthy.
The Cardinals are a team that is still a year or 2 away. They ahve the best 1-2 tandem at WR, an aging Edge James, and a very good rookie QB that worked himself out of possible playing time by holding out. I'd watch them in 2 years if they can keep the team in tact.
Carson Palmer is back. Big Ben Roethlisberger is back. Both will be fine and both are in line for very good seasons. I picked Palmer in all of my leagues so far because his value dropped due to the injury. I just hope the NFL defenses do the same and rate him down a bit.
As for the Bears backfield, that is a RBBC if I'ev ever saw one. The vets want Jones, the coaches want benson... tug-o-war time fellas.
Does anyone outside of the Raiders even still want Porter? I put him on my "Do Not Draft" list for fantasy, and I have a feeling that many other GM's in the NFL have done the same for their trade list. Porter is a potential laden guy that never panned out.
The soap-opera that is Terrell Owens surfaces again. The guy had an MRI for the second time and I don't think he is going to be 100% this season. Everyone has their own take on the T.O. situation, so I'll just leave it at that. Owens is questionable for the remainder of the preseason. I would drop him down to 35 on my fantasy WR Cheat Sheet until he proves he is 100% healthy.
The Cardinals are a team that is still a year or 2 away. They ahve the best 1-2 tandem at WR, an aging Edge James, and a very good rookie QB that worked himself out of possible playing time by holding out. I'd watch them in 2 years if they can keep the team in tact.
Carson Palmer is back. Big Ben Roethlisberger is back. Both will be fine and both are in line for very good seasons. I picked Palmer in all of my leagues so far because his value dropped due to the injury. I just hope the NFL defenses do the same and rate him down a bit.
My http://www.ronmexico.com disguise name is Franc Martinique.
| BBcode: | |
| Hide post links |