NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 7 New Articles Added 11/6/06
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Hache Man
"Seven Days Without Gambling Makes One Weak"
2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 7 New Articles Added 11/6/06
2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 7 New Articles Added 11/6/06
New Thread Since Some Had Trouble Getting Into Other One
(Just want to share some of these columns/sections on ESPN Insider for those that don't have access since it's a pay section - Hache)
2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 7 New Articles Added 11/6/06
New Thread Since Some Had Trouble Getting Into Other One
(Just want to share some of these columns/sections on ESPN Insider for those that don't have access since it's a pay section - Hache)
Hache Man
"Seven Days Without Gambling Makes One Weak"
Updated: July 6, 2006
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Unheralded Parker has high value
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By KC Joyner
ESPN Insider
Archive
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Who was the best wide receiver in the NFL last season? When I rank receivers, I am looking for pass catchers with well-rounded skill sets. I want players who are both productive and efficient, but I place more emphasis on efficiency. I use this approach because to be both highly efficient and productive, you must have a wider variety of talents.
In ranking wide receiver efficiency, I use the same three criteria I used for tight ends in last week's rankings. The first two are TYPCA (total yards per catchable attempt) and success percentage. The third metric is derived by multiplying TYPCA by the wide receiver's success percentage. This combination metric provides the best overall balance between production and efficiency and is the one I used to determine who was the most efficient wide receiver. There is a 40-catch minimum to qualify.
I'll detail the top five receivers in this category, starting from the No. 5 spot and counting up to No. 1.<OFFER>
5. Joe Jurevicius, 7.0 yards. Everyone knows Jurevicius has good hands, so it would come as no shock that he ranked No. 1 in the success percentage category according to Scientific Football 2006 (now available for preorder at www.TheFootballScientist.com).
Success percentage alone won't place a receiver high in this category, though. A receiver usually also has to have a high yards per attempt on deeper passes, which was the really surprising part of Jurevicius' statistics. He had the seventh-highest yards per attempt on deep passes (20-plus yards) and had the 13th-highest yards per attempt on medium passes (11-20 yards).
4. Eric Parker, 7.2 yards. When you play on an offense that has LaDainian Tomlinson, Antonio Gates and Keenan McCardell, it can be awfully hard to get noticed, but Parker's numbers deserve some attention.
Parker had the second-highest success percentage last year, but a large portion of that success came on vertical passes. Parker had the third-highest pass success percentage at both the medium and the deep pass levels. He also had a very high short pass success percentage, ranking seventh in that category.
3. Eddie Kennison, 7.3 yards. Kennison is proof that a receiver doesn't have to rank near the top of the league in success percentage to be listed high in this metric. Kennison ranked second in the NFL in yards per attempt despite having only the 20th-highest success percentage. Kennison was especially deadly on deep passes, gaining an eye-popping 40.8-yard average on his successful deep pass plays.
2. Santana Moss, 7.6 yards. Moss was the deadliest deep threat in the NFL by far last year, averaging an astounding 26.4 yards per deep pass attempt. What makes this number even more impressive is that Moss did this despite being the Redskins' only deep threat. Moss was also successful on 63 percent of his deep passes, so it easily can be said he was the most efficient deep threat in the NFL last year.
1. Steve Smith, 7.7 yards. Smith was a viable MVP candidate for much of the season, as he was the epitome of an efficient and productive receiver. The best illustration of this was that Smith ranked first in the league in yards per attempt at both the short and medium pass depths. It is rare to have a receiver who can be just as effective running a hitch route as a deep in route, and Smith wasn't just effective at both. He was explosive.
Here are the top five receivers in each of the metric categories:
Yards Per Attempt
1. Santana Moss -- 11.4
2. Eddie Kennison -- 10.9
3. Steve Smith -- 10.7
4. Ernest Wilford -- 10.2
5. Terry Glenn -- 9.8
Success %
1. Joe Jurevicius -- 75.6%
2. Eric Parker -- 75.3%
3. Bobby Engram -- 73.1%
4. Steve Smith -- 72.4%
T5 Derrick Mason -- 71.9%
T5 Rod Smith -- 71.9% Success % x Yards Per Attempt
1. Steve Smith -- 7.7
2. Santana Moss -- 7.6
3. Eddie Kennison -- 7.3
4. Eric Parker -- 7.2
5. Joe Jurevicius -- 7.0
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</TD><TD></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>Unheralded Parker has high value
<!-- end pagetitle --><!-- begin bylinebox -->
<!-- firstName = KC --><!-- lastName = Joyner -->
By KC Joyner
ESPN Insider
Archive
<!-- begin presby2 -->
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<!-- begin text11 div --><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD style="PADDING-TOP: 10px" vAlign=top><!-- begin leftcol --><!-- template inline -->
Who was the best wide receiver in the NFL last season? When I rank receivers, I am looking for pass catchers with well-rounded skill sets. I want players who are both productive and efficient, but I place more emphasis on efficiency. I use this approach because to be both highly efficient and productive, you must have a wider variety of talents.
In ranking wide receiver efficiency, I use the same three criteria I used for tight ends in last week's rankings. The first two are TYPCA (total yards per catchable attempt) and success percentage. The third metric is derived by multiplying TYPCA by the wide receiver's success percentage. This combination metric provides the best overall balance between production and efficiency and is the one I used to determine who was the most efficient wide receiver. There is a 40-catch minimum to qualify.
I'll detail the top five receivers in this category, starting from the No. 5 spot and counting up to No. 1.<OFFER>
5. Joe Jurevicius, 7.0 yards. Everyone knows Jurevicius has good hands, so it would come as no shock that he ranked No. 1 in the success percentage category according to Scientific Football 2006 (now available for preorder at www.TheFootballScientist.com).
Success percentage alone won't place a receiver high in this category, though. A receiver usually also has to have a high yards per attempt on deeper passes, which was the really surprising part of Jurevicius' statistics. He had the seventh-highest yards per attempt on deep passes (20-plus yards) and had the 13th-highest yards per attempt on medium passes (11-20 yards).
4. Eric Parker, 7.2 yards. When you play on an offense that has LaDainian Tomlinson, Antonio Gates and Keenan McCardell, it can be awfully hard to get noticed, but Parker's numbers deserve some attention.
Parker had the second-highest success percentage last year, but a large portion of that success came on vertical passes. Parker had the third-highest pass success percentage at both the medium and the deep pass levels. He also had a very high short pass success percentage, ranking seventh in that category.
3. Eddie Kennison, 7.3 yards. Kennison is proof that a receiver doesn't have to rank near the top of the league in success percentage to be listed high in this metric. Kennison ranked second in the NFL in yards per attempt despite having only the 20th-highest success percentage. Kennison was especially deadly on deep passes, gaining an eye-popping 40.8-yard average on his successful deep pass plays.
2. Santana Moss, 7.6 yards. Moss was the deadliest deep threat in the NFL by far last year, averaging an astounding 26.4 yards per deep pass attempt. What makes this number even more impressive is that Moss did this despite being the Redskins' only deep threat. Moss was also successful on 63 percent of his deep passes, so it easily can be said he was the most efficient deep threat in the NFL last year.
1. Steve Smith, 7.7 yards. Smith was a viable MVP candidate for much of the season, as he was the epitome of an efficient and productive receiver. The best illustration of this was that Smith ranked first in the league in yards per attempt at both the short and medium pass depths. It is rare to have a receiver who can be just as effective running a hitch route as a deep in route, and Smith wasn't just effective at both. He was explosive.
Here are the top five receivers in each of the metric categories:
Yards Per Attempt
1. Santana Moss -- 11.4
2. Eddie Kennison -- 10.9
3. Steve Smith -- 10.7
4. Ernest Wilford -- 10.2
5. Terry Glenn -- 9.8
Success %
1. Joe Jurevicius -- 75.6%
2. Eric Parker -- 75.3%
3. Bobby Engram -- 73.1%
4. Steve Smith -- 72.4%
T5 Derrick Mason -- 71.9%
T5 Rod Smith -- 71.9% Success % x Yards Per Attempt
1. Steve Smith -- 7.7
2. Santana Moss -- 7.6
3. Eddie Kennison -- 7.3
4. Eric Parker -- 7.2
5. Joe Jurevicius -- 7.0
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Hache Man
"Seven Days Without Gambling Makes One Weak"
Updated: July 6, 2006
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Unheralded Parker has high value
<!-- end pagetitle --><!-- begin bylinebox -->
<!-- firstName = KC --><!-- lastName = Joyner -->
By KC Joyner
ESPN Insider
Archive
<!-- begin presby2 -->
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Who was the best wide receiver in the NFL last season? When I rank receivers, I am looking for pass catchers with well-rounded skill sets. I want players who are both productive and efficient, but I place more emphasis on efficiency. I use this approach because to be both highly efficient and productive, you must have a wider variety of talents.
In ranking wide receiver efficiency, I use the same three criteria I used for tight ends in last week's rankings. The first two are TYPCA (total yards per catchable attempt) and success percentage. The third metric is derived by multiplying TYPCA by the wide receiver's success percentage. This combination metric provides the best overall balance between production and efficiency and is the one I used to determine who was the most efficient wide receiver. There is a 40-catch minimum to qualify.
I'll detail the top five receivers in this category, starting from the No. 5 spot and counting up to No. 1.<OFFER>
5. Joe Jurevicius, 7.0 yards. Everyone knows Jurevicius has good hands, so it would come as no shock that he ranked No. 1 in the success percentage category according to Scientific Football 2006 (now available for preorder at www.TheFootballScientist.com).
Success percentage alone won't place a receiver high in this category, though. A receiver usually also has to have a high yards per attempt on deeper passes, which was the really surprising part of Jurevicius' statistics. He had the seventh-highest yards per attempt on deep passes (20-plus yards) and had the 13th-highest yards per attempt on medium passes (11-20 yards).
4. Eric Parker, 7.2 yards. When you play on an offense that has LaDainian Tomlinson, Antonio Gates and Keenan McCardell, it can be awfully hard to get noticed, but Parker's numbers deserve some attention.
Parker had the second-highest success percentage last year, but a large portion of that success came on vertical passes. Parker had the third-highest pass success percentage at both the medium and the deep pass levels. He also had a very high short pass success percentage, ranking seventh in that category.
3. Eddie Kennison, 7.3 yards. Kennison is proof that a receiver doesn't have to rank near the top of the league in success percentage to be listed high in this metric. Kennison ranked second in the NFL in yards per attempt despite having only the 20th-highest success percentage. Kennison was especially deadly on deep passes, gaining an eye-popping 40.8-yard average on his successful deep pass plays.
2. Santana Moss, 7.6 yards. Moss was the deadliest deep threat in the NFL by far last year, averaging an astounding 26.4 yards per deep pass attempt. What makes this number even more impressive is that Moss did this despite being the Redskins' only deep threat. Moss was also successful on 63 percent of his deep passes, so it easily can be said he was the most efficient deep threat in the NFL last year.
1. Steve Smith, 7.7 yards. Smith was a viable MVP candidate for much of the season, as he was the epitome of an efficient and productive receiver. The best illustration of this was that Smith ranked first in the league in yards per attempt at both the short and medium pass depths. It is rare to have a receiver who can be just as effective running a hitch route as a deep in route, and Smith wasn't just effective at both. He was explosive.
Here are the top five receivers in each of the metric categories:
Yards Per Attempt
1. Santana Moss -- 11.4
2. Eddie Kennison -- 10.9
3. Steve Smith -- 10.7
4. Ernest Wilford -- 10.2
5. Terry Glenn -- 9.8
Success %
1. Joe Jurevicius -- 75.6%
2. Eric Parker -- 75.3%
3. Bobby Engram -- 73.1%
4. Steve Smith -- 72.4%
T5 Derrick Mason -- 71.9%
T5 Rod Smith -- 71.9% Success % x Yards Per Attempt
1. Steve Smith -- 7.7
2. Santana Moss -- 7.6
3. Eddie Kennison -- 7.3
4. Eric Parker -- 7.2
5. Joe Jurevicius -- 7.0
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD>
</TD><TD></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>Unheralded Parker has high value
<!-- end pagetitle --><!-- begin bylinebox -->
<!-- firstName = KC --><!-- lastName = Joyner -->
By KC Joyner
ESPN Insider
Archive
<!-- begin presby2 -->
<!-- end presby2 -->
<!-- end bylinebox -->
<!-- begin text11 div --><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD style="PADDING-TOP: 10px" vAlign=top><!-- begin leftcol --><!-- template inline -->
Who was the best wide receiver in the NFL last season? When I rank receivers, I am looking for pass catchers with well-rounded skill sets. I want players who are both productive and efficient, but I place more emphasis on efficiency. I use this approach because to be both highly efficient and productive, you must have a wider variety of talents.
In ranking wide receiver efficiency, I use the same three criteria I used for tight ends in last week's rankings. The first two are TYPCA (total yards per catchable attempt) and success percentage. The third metric is derived by multiplying TYPCA by the wide receiver's success percentage. This combination metric provides the best overall balance between production and efficiency and is the one I used to determine who was the most efficient wide receiver. There is a 40-catch minimum to qualify.
I'll detail the top five receivers in this category, starting from the No. 5 spot and counting up to No. 1.<OFFER>
5. Joe Jurevicius, 7.0 yards. Everyone knows Jurevicius has good hands, so it would come as no shock that he ranked No. 1 in the success percentage category according to Scientific Football 2006 (now available for preorder at www.TheFootballScientist.com).
Success percentage alone won't place a receiver high in this category, though. A receiver usually also has to have a high yards per attempt on deeper passes, which was the really surprising part of Jurevicius' statistics. He had the seventh-highest yards per attempt on deep passes (20-plus yards) and had the 13th-highest yards per attempt on medium passes (11-20 yards).
4. Eric Parker, 7.2 yards. When you play on an offense that has LaDainian Tomlinson, Antonio Gates and Keenan McCardell, it can be awfully hard to get noticed, but Parker's numbers deserve some attention.
Parker had the second-highest success percentage last year, but a large portion of that success came on vertical passes. Parker had the third-highest pass success percentage at both the medium and the deep pass levels. He also had a very high short pass success percentage, ranking seventh in that category.
3. Eddie Kennison, 7.3 yards. Kennison is proof that a receiver doesn't have to rank near the top of the league in success percentage to be listed high in this metric. Kennison ranked second in the NFL in yards per attempt despite having only the 20th-highest success percentage. Kennison was especially deadly on deep passes, gaining an eye-popping 40.8-yard average on his successful deep pass plays.
2. Santana Moss, 7.6 yards. Moss was the deadliest deep threat in the NFL by far last year, averaging an astounding 26.4 yards per deep pass attempt. What makes this number even more impressive is that Moss did this despite being the Redskins' only deep threat. Moss was also successful on 63 percent of his deep passes, so it easily can be said he was the most efficient deep threat in the NFL last year.
1. Steve Smith, 7.7 yards. Smith was a viable MVP candidate for much of the season, as he was the epitome of an efficient and productive receiver. The best illustration of this was that Smith ranked first in the league in yards per attempt at both the short and medium pass depths. It is rare to have a receiver who can be just as effective running a hitch route as a deep in route, and Smith wasn't just effective at both. He was explosive.
Here are the top five receivers in each of the metric categories:
Yards Per Attempt
1. Santana Moss -- 11.4
2. Eddie Kennison -- 10.9
3. Steve Smith -- 10.7
4. Ernest Wilford -- 10.2
5. Terry Glenn -- 9.8
Success %
1. Joe Jurevicius -- 75.6%
2. Eric Parker -- 75.3%
3. Bobby Engram -- 73.1%
4. Steve Smith -- 72.4%
T5 Derrick Mason -- 71.9%
T5 Rod Smith -- 71.9% Success % x Yards Per Attempt
1. Steve Smith -- 7.7
2. Santana Moss -- 7.6
3. Eddie Kennison -- 7.3
4. Eric Parker -- 7.2
5. Joe Jurevicius -- 7.0
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Hache Man
"Seven Days Without Gambling Makes One Weak"
<TABLE width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD>NFL Rumor Central: Lelie playing hardball
</TD><TD align=right width="30%">Other Rumors: MLB | NBA
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE class=tablehead cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3><TBODY><TR><TD align=middle>You are signed into Insider
and have access to this premium feature.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE class=tablehead cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3><TBODY><TR class=stathead><TD colSpan=3>Thursday, July 6</TD></TR><TR class=colhead><TD width=65>WHO</TD><TD>WHAT</TD><TD>THE SKINNY</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD noWrap align=middle>
Ashley Lelie
Broncos
</TD><TD>Trade
</TD><TD>Lelie playing hardball
<Jul. 6> Lelie doesn't plan to take part in Denver's mandatory three-day minicamp (July 6-8), and the wide receiver appears to be holding firm on his threat to sit out the season unless he's traded.
The Broncos shopped Lelie during April's draft but could not find a satisfactory deal. It's believed Denver is trying to secure a tight end in return for Lelie, but contrary to published reports, the team has not offered the 26-year-old to the Patriots for Daniel Graham, according to ESPN.com's Len Pasquarelli. The Broncos have made it clear to potential Lelie suitors that they want more than a late-round draft pick or a backup player for Lelie. Lelie, who is entering the final year of his contract, forfeited a $100,000 bonus by not participating in Denver's offseason conditioning program. If he follows through on his threat to sit out the season, he'll lose another $1.3 million in salary and bonuses. He also faces possible fines by the team.
</TD></TR><TR class=stathead><TD colSpan=3>Friday, June 30</TD></TR><TR class=colhead><TD width=65>WHO</TD><TD>WHAT</TD><TD>THE SKINNY</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow vAlign=top><TD noWrap align=middle>
Priest Holmes
Chiefs
</TD><TD>Return?
</TD><TD>Holmes planning to play
<Jun. 30> Holmes, who is recovering from a neck injury, reitorated his desire to play next season, the Washington Times reports.
"Why wouldn't I?" the three-time Pro Bowl pick said when asked if he wanted to keep playing. "I feel great. Medically, what I've been told is that I need to wait and not make a quick decision based on the feeling [that] I can get out there. I believe at the end of the day, it's my final decision. Will I take what [the doctors] say to heart and really think about it? I will once the time comes." The 33-year-old has been seeing spinal specialist Robert Watkins, and still hasn't been cleared for contact. Injuries kept him out of 17 of 32 games the past two seasons.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
</TD><TD align=right width="30%">Other Rumors: MLB | NBA
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE class=tablehead cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3><TBODY><TR><TD align=middle>You are signed into Insider
and have access to this premium feature.</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE class=tablehead cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3><TBODY><TR class=stathead><TD colSpan=3>Thursday, July 6</TD></TR><TR class=colhead><TD width=65>WHO</TD><TD>WHAT</TD><TD>THE SKINNY</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD noWrap align=middle>
Ashley Lelie
Broncos
</TD><TD>Trade
</TD><TD>Lelie playing hardball
<Jul. 6> Lelie doesn't plan to take part in Denver's mandatory three-day minicamp (July 6-8), and the wide receiver appears to be holding firm on his threat to sit out the season unless he's traded.
The Broncos shopped Lelie during April's draft but could not find a satisfactory deal. It's believed Denver is trying to secure a tight end in return for Lelie, but contrary to published reports, the team has not offered the 26-year-old to the Patriots for Daniel Graham, according to ESPN.com's Len Pasquarelli. The Broncos have made it clear to potential Lelie suitors that they want more than a late-round draft pick or a backup player for Lelie. Lelie, who is entering the final year of his contract, forfeited a $100,000 bonus by not participating in Denver's offseason conditioning program. If he follows through on his threat to sit out the season, he'll lose another $1.3 million in salary and bonuses. He also faces possible fines by the team.
</TD></TR><TR class=stathead><TD colSpan=3>Friday, June 30</TD></TR><TR class=colhead><TD width=65>WHO</TD><TD>WHAT</TD><TD>THE SKINNY</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow vAlign=top><TD noWrap align=middle>
Priest Holmes
Chiefs
</TD><TD>Return?
</TD><TD>Holmes planning to play
<Jun. 30> Holmes, who is recovering from a neck injury, reitorated his desire to play next season, the Washington Times reports.
"Why wouldn't I?" the three-time Pro Bowl pick said when asked if he wanted to keep playing. "I feel great. Medically, what I've been told is that I need to wait and not make a quick decision based on the feeling [that] I can get out there. I believe at the end of the day, it's my final decision. Will I take what [the doctors] say to heart and really think about it? I will once the time comes." The 33-year-old has been seeing spinal specialist Robert Watkins, and still hasn't been cleared for contact. Injuries kept him out of 17 of 32 games the past two seasons.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Hache Man
"Seven Days Without Gambling Makes One Weak"
<TABLE width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD>NFL Rumor Central: Lelie playing hardball
</TD><TD align=right width="30%">Other Rumors: MLB | NBA
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE class=tablehead cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3><TBODY><TR><TD align=middle>You are signed into Insider
and have access to this premium feature.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE class=tablehead cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3><TBODY><TR class=stathead><TD colSpan=3>Thursday, July 6</TD></TR><TR class=colhead><TD width=65>WHO</TD><TD>WHAT</TD><TD>THE SKINNY</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD noWrap align=middle>
Ashley Lelie
Broncos
</TD><TD>Trade
</TD><TD>Lelie playing hardball
<Jul. 6> Lelie doesn't plan to take part in Denver's mandatory three-day minicamp (July 6-8), and the wide receiver appears to be holding firm on his threat to sit out the season unless he's traded.
The Broncos shopped Lelie during April's draft but could not find a satisfactory deal. It's believed Denver is trying to secure a tight end in return for Lelie, but contrary to published reports, the team has not offered the 26-year-old to the Patriots for Daniel Graham, according to ESPN.com's Len Pasquarelli. The Broncos have made it clear to potential Lelie suitors that they want more than a late-round draft pick or a backup player for Lelie. Lelie, who is entering the final year of his contract, forfeited a $100,000 bonus by not participating in Denver's offseason conditioning program. If he follows through on his threat to sit out the season, he'll lose another $1.3 million in salary and bonuses. He also faces possible fines by the team.
</TD></TR><TR class=stathead><TD colSpan=3>Friday, June 30</TD></TR><TR class=colhead><TD width=65>WHO</TD><TD>WHAT</TD><TD>THE SKINNY</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow vAlign=top><TD noWrap align=middle>
Priest Holmes
Chiefs
</TD><TD>Return?
</TD><TD>Holmes planning to play
<Jun. 30> Holmes, who is recovering from a neck injury, reitorated his desire to play next season, the Washington Times reports.
"Why wouldn't I?" the three-time Pro Bowl pick said when asked if he wanted to keep playing. "I feel great. Medically, what I've been told is that I need to wait and not make a quick decision based on the feeling [that] I can get out there. I believe at the end of the day, it's my final decision. Will I take what [the doctors] say to heart and really think about it? I will once the time comes." The 33-year-old has been seeing spinal specialist Robert Watkins, and still hasn't been cleared for contact. Injuries kept him out of 17 of 32 games the past two seasons.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
</TD><TD align=right width="30%">Other Rumors: MLB | NBA
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE class=tablehead cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3><TBODY><TR><TD align=middle>You are signed into Insider
and have access to this premium feature.</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE class=tablehead cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3><TBODY><TR class=stathead><TD colSpan=3>Thursday, July 6</TD></TR><TR class=colhead><TD width=65>WHO</TD><TD>WHAT</TD><TD>THE SKINNY</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD noWrap align=middle>
Ashley Lelie
Broncos
</TD><TD>Trade
</TD><TD>Lelie playing hardball
<Jul. 6> Lelie doesn't plan to take part in Denver's mandatory three-day minicamp (July 6-8), and the wide receiver appears to be holding firm on his threat to sit out the season unless he's traded.
The Broncos shopped Lelie during April's draft but could not find a satisfactory deal. It's believed Denver is trying to secure a tight end in return for Lelie, but contrary to published reports, the team has not offered the 26-year-old to the Patriots for Daniel Graham, according to ESPN.com's Len Pasquarelli. The Broncos have made it clear to potential Lelie suitors that they want more than a late-round draft pick or a backup player for Lelie. Lelie, who is entering the final year of his contract, forfeited a $100,000 bonus by not participating in Denver's offseason conditioning program. If he follows through on his threat to sit out the season, he'll lose another $1.3 million in salary and bonuses. He also faces possible fines by the team.
</TD></TR><TR class=stathead><TD colSpan=3>Friday, June 30</TD></TR><TR class=colhead><TD width=65>WHO</TD><TD>WHAT</TD><TD>THE SKINNY</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow vAlign=top><TD noWrap align=middle>
Priest Holmes
Chiefs
</TD><TD>Return?
</TD><TD>Holmes planning to play
<Jun. 30> Holmes, who is recovering from a neck injury, reitorated his desire to play next season, the Washington Times reports.
"Why wouldn't I?" the three-time Pro Bowl pick said when asked if he wanted to keep playing. "I feel great. Medically, what I've been told is that I need to wait and not make a quick decision based on the feeling [that] I can get out there. I believe at the end of the day, it's my final decision. Will I take what [the doctors] say to heart and really think about it? I will once the time comes." The 33-year-old has been seeing spinal specialist Robert Watkins, and still hasn't been cleared for contact. Injuries kept him out of 17 of 32 games the past two seasons.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
thanks for the info Hache.
How bout just giving us your ESPN log-in and password so we can check this out anytime.....
:cheers
How bout just giving us your ESPN log-in and password so we can check this out anytime.....
:cheers
thanks for the info Hache.
How bout just giving us your ESPN log-in and password so we can check this out anytime.....
:cheers
How bout just giving us your ESPN log-in and password so we can check this out anytime.....
:cheers
Hache Man
"Seven Days Without Gambling Makes One Weak"
Updated: July 7, 2006
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</TD><TD></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Broncos seeking creative ways to pressure QBs
<!-- end pagetitle --><!-- begin bylinebox -->
<!-- firstName = Len --><!-- lastName = Pasquarelli -->
By Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com
Archive
<!-- begin presby2 -->
<!-- end presby2 -->
<!-- end bylinebox -->
<!-- begin text11 div --><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD style="PADDING-TOP: 10px" vAlign=top><!-- begin leftcol --><!-- template inline -->Despite notching 30 sacks in the final two seasons of his career at the University of Louisville, and establishing a Division I-A record with 11 forced fumbles in 2005, Elvis Dumervil spiraled into the fourth round of this year's draft before the Denver Broncos tossed the defensive end a life preserver after 125 names had been called.
The primary reasons for the tumble: Dumervil's size -- or, more aptly, the lack thereof (5 feet 11 3/8, 257 pounds) -- and a pedestrian 40-yard time nearly into the 4.6s.
But rushing the passer, for some players, is a knack, one that supersedes "measurables." And that is why one of the more notable items elicited from the Broncos' three-day minicamp this week was that Dumervil was aligned inside at tackle, not end, in some of the nickel pass-rush combinations with which defensive coordinator Larry Coyer experimented.
Andy Lyons/Getty Images
Elvis Dumervil leads the nation with 20 sacks in 2005.
Never mind that Dumervil, despite a thick physique, wasn't even considered big enough to play end, let alone tackle, by a lot of scouts who assessed him in the months before the draft. Increasingly, it seems, as teams seek new ways to create pressure strictly from the front four, speed is the premium, even at the tackle spots. And although Dumervil's stopwatch times might not be great, he possesses competitive closing speed when chasing down quarterbacks. For any defense, especially one that struggled to put quarterbacks on the ground the way the Denver unit did in 2005, that's a skill set that can't be ignored.
More teams around the league are moving ends inside on nickel downs, turning the pass rush into a track meet, one in which defenders who get out of the blocks quickly are highly valued. If the trend continues to evolve, teams might field nickel front fours that are more like relay teams.
It's not a new gimmick, of course, because almost nothing ever is in the NFL. A considerable portion of Reggie White's 198 career sacks came when he moved inside to tackle and was able to go against an overmatched guard. The New York Giants used to slide Michael Strahan inside on occasion earlier in his career. But White and Strahan (at least a few years ago, before he dropped some weight) were big men. Dumervil, by comparison, is pretty much a Munchkin.
It doesn't matter, though, if you can rush the passer.
The past several years, the Indianapolis Colts have nudged starting left end Raheem Brock to tackle in nickel situations even though he weighed just 270 pounds. This season, Brock will start at tackle even in the "base" defense, on what is one of the least bulky front four units in the league. Signed in free agency to play left end, Tony Weaver will move to tackle for the Houston Texans, in part because of the selection of Mario Williams with the top pick in the draft but also because the coaching staff seems to like the matchup possibilities that can be created inside. When he was the New Orleans head coach, Jim Haslett regularly dropped right end Darren Howard inside on nickel downs and frequently played four ends in his pass-rush front four. Expect similar alignments from the St. Louis Rams this year now that Haslett is the coordinator there. The Giants have worked this offseason on a nickel package that features four ends, in an effort to get quicker players such as Justin Tuck and rookie Mathias Kiwanuka onto the field.
The aim, especially for the Broncos, is to ramp up pressure without having to bring extra rushers.
In the AFC Championship Game loss to Pittsburgh six months ago, the Denver rush scheme was badly exposed when the Steelers consistently brought a tight end or wide receiver back in motion toward the formation, then kept that player in as an extra blocker against the blitz. Because the Broncos really had no big-time pass-rush threat -- all those former Cleveland Browns defensive line rejects, lauded for their solid play against the run in 2005, totaled 10 sacks -- they were forced to manufacture pressure. Even then, the Broncos finished with a mere 28 sacks, the NFL's fourth-lowest total.
Like the staffs of all the other franchises that didn't garner a Super Bowl ring in 2005, the Denver coaches went back to the drawing board in the offseason. Whatever changes were considered, none is probably rock-solid yet, but it's a good bet we'll see fewer blitzes in 2006 from Denver, less size up front in most nickel situations and more of pure pass-rushers like Dumervil.
Around the league
<!--------------------------START PLAYER CARD------------------><TABLE class=tableheadFixWidth cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3 width=200 align=right><TBODY><TR class=stathead><TD class=whitelink colSpan=2>Koren Robinson</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow align=right><TD align=left>
Wide Receiver
Minnesota Vikings
Profile</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow><TD align=middle><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=1 width=190 bgColor=#ffffff border=0><TBODY><TR class=stathead align=middle><TD align=middle colSpan=6>2005 SEASON STATISTICS</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND: #bcbcb4" align=right><TD width="17%">Rec</TD><TD width="17%">Yds</TD><TD width="17%">TD</TD><TD width="17%">Avg</TD><TD width="17%">Long</TD><TD width="17%">YAC</TD></TR><TR align=right bgColor=#999999><TD>22</TD><TD>347</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>15.8</TD><TD>80</TD><TD>110</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!---------------------INLINE MINI-PLAYER CARD ENDS HERE--------------------->? If the reports are true that Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Koren Robinson voluntarily checked into a South Carolina treatment clinic, as agent Alvin Keels has indicated, kudos to the Pro Bowl return specialist for taking steps to bolster his aftercare following a longtime problem with alcohol. At the Pro Bowl in January, Robinson spoke candidly, even eloquently at times, about his demons and acknowledged the need to keep confronting them and to keep girding himself with coping mechanisms. "Whatever I've done to get things turned around in my life," Robinson said at the time, "I've got to keep doing it." Hopefully, that's exactly what Robinson is doing now.
? Released by the Miami Dolphins this spring, after injuries limited him to only 15 appearances in the past two seasons combined, linebacker Junior Seau apparently wants to try to squeeze one more year out of a career that likely will land him in the Pro Football Hall of Fame one day. There have been unsubstantiated reports that Seau or his representative spoke with Oakland Raiders officials. but the consensus in most league circles is that the 12-time Pro Bowl performer stayed a year or two too long at the dance and should waltz gracefully into retirement. Seau is 37, and the 16-year veteran hasn't played a full season since 2001 and has averaged just 10.8 appearances since then. In 2004, his season was ended by a torn pectoral muscle; last year, it was an Achilles injury. But even before the injuries began to mount, Seau's game was in serious decline. Consider this: Since the beginning of the 2000 season, Seau totaled 11 sacks, four interceptions, four forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. That's just 20 big plays in 75 appearances, or one every 3.75 games. In his prime, Seau was an incredible freelancer, a defender who often played more on instinct than in the scheme but who was good enough to cover his own mistakes. But that prime seems like a long time ago, most personnel guys around the NFL agree.
? Offensive line depth in the NFL is an aim achieved by few teams. But few teams are as thin behind the starters as the Washington Redskins, and Job No. 1 in training camp for renowned offensive line coach Joe Bugel, arguably one of the best ever at that staff position, will be developing some backups. The five Washington starters -- left tackle Chris Samuels, left guard Derrick Dockery, center Casey Rabach, right guard Randy Thomas and right tackle Jon Jansen -- average 75.6 career starts. Thomas, Samuels and Jansen have more than 90 starts each, and only Rabach (39) has fewer than 40. After that, however, the depth chart gets a little murky. Arguably the top two candidates for backup tackle spots, Jim Molinaro and Tyson Walter, have started nine games between them. Walter hasn't started a game since 2002 and didn't play a snap last season. The top inside candidate, Mike Pucillo, has 18 starts. Of the 15 blockers on the current depth chart, six haven't played in an NFL game and one has appeared in just two contests. There are some promising blockers among the group of youngsters on the roster, and Bugel is going to have to develop a few of them fairly quickly.
<!--------------------------START PLAYER CARD------------------><TABLE class=tableheadFixWidth cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3 width=200 align=right><TBODY><TR class=stathead><TD class=whitelink colSpan=2>Dewayne White</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow align=right><TD align=left>
Defensive End
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Profile</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow><TD align=middle><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=1 width=190 bgColor=#ffffff border=0><TBODY><TR class=stathead align=middle><TD align=middle colSpan=6>2005 SEASON STATISTICS</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND: #bcbcb4" align=right><TD width="17%">Tot</TD><TD width="17%">Ast</TD><TD width="17%">Solo</TD><TD width="17%">FF</TD><TD width="17%">Sack</TD><TD width="17%">Int</TD></TR><TR align=right bgColor=#999999><TD>33</TD><TD>28</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>0</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!---------------------INLINE MINI-PLAYER CARD ENDS HERE--------------------->? In three seasons, Tampa Bay defensive end Dewayne White has started just five games, but look for his playing time to increase dramatically in 2006. The coaching staff thinks White, a second-round pick in 2003 who by all accounts had a terrific offseason, is poised for a breakthrough year. With starters Simeon Rice and Greg Spires in front of White, the coaches will have to divine a way to get him increased snaps, so he might be used more inside at tackle, where his quickness could create some interesting matchup advantages. White is a "long" athlete, a guy who plays taller then he really is, and seems to understand key nuances such as leverage and technique. He has nine sacks in fairly limited playing time in three seasons and could approach that total this year alone if the Bucs get him on the field.
? The Chicago Bears defense, which ranked second in the NFL in 2005, has a chance to be a pretty good unit for a few more years. Nine of the 11 starters are signed through 2007, and seven are under contract through 2008. The two pending unrestricted free agents for next spring are Pro Bowl weakside linebacker Lance Briggs and underrated tackle Ian Scott. Perhaps the most notable potential defection Chicago officials might have to fret about<!-- reads better here --> is that of Ron Rivera. The defensive coordinator was a candidate for three head coach openings after the 2005 season and will continue to draw notice.
? Stat of the week: The adage that teams "run to win" in the NFL might hold true, but they certainly don't run to win Super Bowl titles. Since the league adopted the 12-team playoff format in 1990, no franchise that led the NFL in rushing yards during the regular season has captured a Super Bowl championship. The Buffalo Bills, who led the NFL in rushing in 1991 and 1992, are the only rushing champions since 1990 to advance to a Super Bowl in that stretch. Three times since 1990, the NFL's top rushing team failed to even qualify for postseason play.
? The last word: "We are getting ready to install the wishbone [formation]." -- starting quarterback Billy Volek, reacting to the pronouncement by coach Jeff Fisher that the Tennessee Titans intend to be a run-first offense in 2006.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD>
</TD><TD></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>Broncos seeking creative ways to pressure QBs
<!-- end pagetitle --><!-- begin bylinebox -->
<!-- firstName = Len --><!-- lastName = Pasquarelli -->
By Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com
Archive
<!-- begin presby2 -->
<!-- end presby2 -->
<!-- end bylinebox -->
<!-- begin text11 div --><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD style="PADDING-TOP: 10px" vAlign=top><!-- begin leftcol --><!-- template inline -->Despite notching 30 sacks in the final two seasons of his career at the University of Louisville, and establishing a Division I-A record with 11 forced fumbles in 2005, Elvis Dumervil spiraled into the fourth round of this year's draft before the Denver Broncos tossed the defensive end a life preserver after 125 names had been called.
The primary reasons for the tumble: Dumervil's size -- or, more aptly, the lack thereof (5 feet 11 3/8, 257 pounds) -- and a pedestrian 40-yard time nearly into the 4.6s.
But rushing the passer, for some players, is a knack, one that supersedes "measurables." And that is why one of the more notable items elicited from the Broncos' three-day minicamp this week was that Dumervil was aligned inside at tackle, not end, in some of the nickel pass-rush combinations with which defensive coordinator Larry Coyer experimented.
Andy Lyons/Getty Images
Elvis Dumervil leads the nation with 20 sacks in 2005.
Never mind that Dumervil, despite a thick physique, wasn't even considered big enough to play end, let alone tackle, by a lot of scouts who assessed him in the months before the draft. Increasingly, it seems, as teams seek new ways to create pressure strictly from the front four, speed is the premium, even at the tackle spots. And although Dumervil's stopwatch times might not be great, he possesses competitive closing speed when chasing down quarterbacks. For any defense, especially one that struggled to put quarterbacks on the ground the way the Denver unit did in 2005, that's a skill set that can't be ignored.
More teams around the league are moving ends inside on nickel downs, turning the pass rush into a track meet, one in which defenders who get out of the blocks quickly are highly valued. If the trend continues to evolve, teams might field nickel front fours that are more like relay teams.
It's not a new gimmick, of course, because almost nothing ever is in the NFL. A considerable portion of Reggie White's 198 career sacks came when he moved inside to tackle and was able to go against an overmatched guard. The New York Giants used to slide Michael Strahan inside on occasion earlier in his career. But White and Strahan (at least a few years ago, before he dropped some weight) were big men. Dumervil, by comparison, is pretty much a Munchkin.
It doesn't matter, though, if you can rush the passer.
The past several years, the Indianapolis Colts have nudged starting left end Raheem Brock to tackle in nickel situations even though he weighed just 270 pounds. This season, Brock will start at tackle even in the "base" defense, on what is one of the least bulky front four units in the league. Signed in free agency to play left end, Tony Weaver will move to tackle for the Houston Texans, in part because of the selection of Mario Williams with the top pick in the draft but also because the coaching staff seems to like the matchup possibilities that can be created inside. When he was the New Orleans head coach, Jim Haslett regularly dropped right end Darren Howard inside on nickel downs and frequently played four ends in his pass-rush front four. Expect similar alignments from the St. Louis Rams this year now that Haslett is the coordinator there. The Giants have worked this offseason on a nickel package that features four ends, in an effort to get quicker players such as Justin Tuck and rookie Mathias Kiwanuka onto the field.
The aim, especially for the Broncos, is to ramp up pressure without having to bring extra rushers.
In the AFC Championship Game loss to Pittsburgh six months ago, the Denver rush scheme was badly exposed when the Steelers consistently brought a tight end or wide receiver back in motion toward the formation, then kept that player in as an extra blocker against the blitz. Because the Broncos really had no big-time pass-rush threat -- all those former Cleveland Browns defensive line rejects, lauded for their solid play against the run in 2005, totaled 10 sacks -- they were forced to manufacture pressure. Even then, the Broncos finished with a mere 28 sacks, the NFL's fourth-lowest total.
Like the staffs of all the other franchises that didn't garner a Super Bowl ring in 2005, the Denver coaches went back to the drawing board in the offseason. Whatever changes were considered, none is probably rock-solid yet, but it's a good bet we'll see fewer blitzes in 2006 from Denver, less size up front in most nickel situations and more of pure pass-rushers like Dumervil.
Around the league
<!--------------------------START PLAYER CARD------------------><TABLE class=tableheadFixWidth cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3 width=200 align=right><TBODY><TR class=stathead><TD class=whitelink colSpan=2>Koren Robinson</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow align=right><TD align=left>
Wide ReceiverMinnesota Vikings
Profile</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow><TD align=middle><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=1 width=190 bgColor=#ffffff border=0><TBODY><TR class=stathead align=middle><TD align=middle colSpan=6>2005 SEASON STATISTICS</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND: #bcbcb4" align=right><TD width="17%">Rec</TD><TD width="17%">Yds</TD><TD width="17%">TD</TD><TD width="17%">Avg</TD><TD width="17%">Long</TD><TD width="17%">YAC</TD></TR><TR align=right bgColor=#999999><TD>22</TD><TD>347</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>15.8</TD><TD>80</TD><TD>110</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!---------------------INLINE MINI-PLAYER CARD ENDS HERE--------------------->? If the reports are true that Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Koren Robinson voluntarily checked into a South Carolina treatment clinic, as agent Alvin Keels has indicated, kudos to the Pro Bowl return specialist for taking steps to bolster his aftercare following a longtime problem with alcohol. At the Pro Bowl in January, Robinson spoke candidly, even eloquently at times, about his demons and acknowledged the need to keep confronting them and to keep girding himself with coping mechanisms. "Whatever I've done to get things turned around in my life," Robinson said at the time, "I've got to keep doing it." Hopefully, that's exactly what Robinson is doing now.
? Released by the Miami Dolphins this spring, after injuries limited him to only 15 appearances in the past two seasons combined, linebacker Junior Seau apparently wants to try to squeeze one more year out of a career that likely will land him in the Pro Football Hall of Fame one day. There have been unsubstantiated reports that Seau or his representative spoke with Oakland Raiders officials. but the consensus in most league circles is that the 12-time Pro Bowl performer stayed a year or two too long at the dance and should waltz gracefully into retirement. Seau is 37, and the 16-year veteran hasn't played a full season since 2001 and has averaged just 10.8 appearances since then. In 2004, his season was ended by a torn pectoral muscle; last year, it was an Achilles injury. But even before the injuries began to mount, Seau's game was in serious decline. Consider this: Since the beginning of the 2000 season, Seau totaled 11 sacks, four interceptions, four forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. That's just 20 big plays in 75 appearances, or one every 3.75 games. In his prime, Seau was an incredible freelancer, a defender who often played more on instinct than in the scheme but who was good enough to cover his own mistakes. But that prime seems like a long time ago, most personnel guys around the NFL agree.
? Offensive line depth in the NFL is an aim achieved by few teams. But few teams are as thin behind the starters as the Washington Redskins, and Job No. 1 in training camp for renowned offensive line coach Joe Bugel, arguably one of the best ever at that staff position, will be developing some backups. The five Washington starters -- left tackle Chris Samuels, left guard Derrick Dockery, center Casey Rabach, right guard Randy Thomas and right tackle Jon Jansen -- average 75.6 career starts. Thomas, Samuels and Jansen have more than 90 starts each, and only Rabach (39) has fewer than 40. After that, however, the depth chart gets a little murky. Arguably the top two candidates for backup tackle spots, Jim Molinaro and Tyson Walter, have started nine games between them. Walter hasn't started a game since 2002 and didn't play a snap last season. The top inside candidate, Mike Pucillo, has 18 starts. Of the 15 blockers on the current depth chart, six haven't played in an NFL game and one has appeared in just two contests. There are some promising blockers among the group of youngsters on the roster, and Bugel is going to have to develop a few of them fairly quickly.
<!--------------------------START PLAYER CARD------------------><TABLE class=tableheadFixWidth cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3 width=200 align=right><TBODY><TR class=stathead><TD class=whitelink colSpan=2>Dewayne White</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow align=right><TD align=left>
Defensive EndTampa Bay Buccaneers
Profile</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow><TD align=middle><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=1 width=190 bgColor=#ffffff border=0><TBODY><TR class=stathead align=middle><TD align=middle colSpan=6>2005 SEASON STATISTICS</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND: #bcbcb4" align=right><TD width="17%">Tot</TD><TD width="17%">Ast</TD><TD width="17%">Solo</TD><TD width="17%">FF</TD><TD width="17%">Sack</TD><TD width="17%">Int</TD></TR><TR align=right bgColor=#999999><TD>33</TD><TD>28</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>0</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!---------------------INLINE MINI-PLAYER CARD ENDS HERE--------------------->? In three seasons, Tampa Bay defensive end Dewayne White has started just five games, but look for his playing time to increase dramatically in 2006. The coaching staff thinks White, a second-round pick in 2003 who by all accounts had a terrific offseason, is poised for a breakthrough year. With starters Simeon Rice and Greg Spires in front of White, the coaches will have to divine a way to get him increased snaps, so he might be used more inside at tackle, where his quickness could create some interesting matchup advantages. White is a "long" athlete, a guy who plays taller then he really is, and seems to understand key nuances such as leverage and technique. He has nine sacks in fairly limited playing time in three seasons and could approach that total this year alone if the Bucs get him on the field.
? The Chicago Bears defense, which ranked second in the NFL in 2005, has a chance to be a pretty good unit for a few more years. Nine of the 11 starters are signed through 2007, and seven are under contract through 2008. The two pending unrestricted free agents for next spring are Pro Bowl weakside linebacker Lance Briggs and underrated tackle Ian Scott. Perhaps the most notable potential defection Chicago officials might have to fret about<!-- reads better here --> is that of Ron Rivera. The defensive coordinator was a candidate for three head coach openings after the 2005 season and will continue to draw notice.
? Stat of the week: The adage that teams "run to win" in the NFL might hold true, but they certainly don't run to win Super Bowl titles. Since the league adopted the 12-team playoff format in 1990, no franchise that led the NFL in rushing yards during the regular season has captured a Super Bowl championship. The Buffalo Bills, who led the NFL in rushing in 1991 and 1992, are the only rushing champions since 1990 to advance to a Super Bowl in that stretch. Three times since 1990, the NFL's top rushing team failed to even qualify for postseason play.
? The last word: "We are getting ready to install the wishbone [formation]." -- starting quarterback Billy Volek, reacting to the pronouncement by coach Jeff Fisher that the Tennessee Titans intend to be a run-first offense in 2006.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Hache Man
"Seven Days Without Gambling Makes One Weak"
Updated: July 7, 2006
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD>
</TD><TD></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Broncos seeking creative ways to pressure QBs
<!-- end pagetitle --><!-- begin bylinebox -->
<!-- firstName = Len --><!-- lastName = Pasquarelli -->
By Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com
Archive
<!-- begin presby2 -->
<!-- end presby2 -->
<!-- end bylinebox -->
<!-- begin text11 div --><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD style="PADDING-TOP: 10px" vAlign=top><!-- begin leftcol --><!-- template inline -->Despite notching 30 sacks in the final two seasons of his career at the University of Louisville, and establishing a Division I-A record with 11 forced fumbles in 2005, Elvis Dumervil spiraled into the fourth round of this year's draft before the Denver Broncos tossed the defensive end a life preserver after 125 names had been called.
The primary reasons for the tumble: Dumervil's size -- or, more aptly, the lack thereof (5 feet 11 3/8, 257 pounds) -- and a pedestrian 40-yard time nearly into the 4.6s.
But rushing the passer, for some players, is a knack, one that supersedes "measurables." And that is why one of the more notable items elicited from the Broncos' three-day minicamp this week was that Dumervil was aligned inside at tackle, not end, in some of the nickel pass-rush combinations with which defensive coordinator Larry Coyer experimented.
Andy Lyons/Getty Images
Elvis Dumervil leads the nation with 20 sacks in 2005.
Never mind that Dumervil, despite a thick physique, wasn't even considered big enough to play end, let alone tackle, by a lot of scouts who assessed him in the months before the draft. Increasingly, it seems, as teams seek new ways to create pressure strictly from the front four, speed is the premium, even at the tackle spots. And although Dumervil's stopwatch times might not be great, he possesses competitive closing speed when chasing down quarterbacks. For any defense, especially one that struggled to put quarterbacks on the ground the way the Denver unit did in 2005, that's a skill set that can't be ignored.
More teams around the league are moving ends inside on nickel downs, turning the pass rush into a track meet, one in which defenders who get out of the blocks quickly are highly valued. If the trend continues to evolve, teams might field nickel front fours that are more like relay teams.
It's not a new gimmick, of course, because almost nothing ever is in the NFL. A considerable portion of Reggie White's 198 career sacks came when he moved inside to tackle and was able to go against an overmatched guard. The New York Giants used to slide Michael Strahan inside on occasion earlier in his career. But White and Strahan (at least a few years ago, before he dropped some weight) were big men. Dumervil, by comparison, is pretty much a Munchkin.
It doesn't matter, though, if you can rush the passer.
The past several years, the Indianapolis Colts have nudged starting left end Raheem Brock to tackle in nickel situations even though he weighed just 270 pounds. This season, Brock will start at tackle even in the "base" defense, on what is one of the least bulky front four units in the league. Signed in free agency to play left end, Tony Weaver will move to tackle for the Houston Texans, in part because of the selection of Mario Williams with the top pick in the draft but also because the coaching staff seems to like the matchup possibilities that can be created inside. When he was the New Orleans head coach, Jim Haslett regularly dropped right end Darren Howard inside on nickel downs and frequently played four ends in his pass-rush front four. Expect similar alignments from the St. Louis Rams this year now that Haslett is the coordinator there. The Giants have worked this offseason on a nickel package that features four ends, in an effort to get quicker players such as Justin Tuck and rookie Mathias Kiwanuka onto the field.
The aim, especially for the Broncos, is to ramp up pressure without having to bring extra rushers.
In the AFC Championship Game loss to Pittsburgh six months ago, the Denver rush scheme was badly exposed when the Steelers consistently brought a tight end or wide receiver back in motion toward the formation, then kept that player in as an extra blocker against the blitz. Because the Broncos really had no big-time pass-rush threat -- all those former Cleveland Browns defensive line rejects, lauded for their solid play against the run in 2005, totaled 10 sacks -- they were forced to manufacture pressure. Even then, the Broncos finished with a mere 28 sacks, the NFL's fourth-lowest total.
Like the staffs of all the other franchises that didn't garner a Super Bowl ring in 2005, the Denver coaches went back to the drawing board in the offseason. Whatever changes were considered, none is probably rock-solid yet, but it's a good bet we'll see fewer blitzes in 2006 from Denver, less size up front in most nickel situations and more of pure pass-rushers like Dumervil.
Around the league
<!--------------------------START PLAYER CARD------------------><TABLE class=tableheadFixWidth cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3 width=200 align=right><TBODY><TR class=stathead><TD class=whitelink colSpan=2>Koren Robinson</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow align=right><TD align=left>
Wide Receiver
Minnesota Vikings
Profile</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow><TD align=middle><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=1 width=190 bgColor=#ffffff border=0><TBODY><TR class=stathead align=middle><TD align=middle colSpan=6>2005 SEASON STATISTICS</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND: #bcbcb4" align=right><TD width="17%">Rec</TD><TD width="17%">Yds</TD><TD width="17%">TD</TD><TD width="17%">Avg</TD><TD width="17%">Long</TD><TD width="17%">YAC</TD></TR><TR align=right bgColor=#999999><TD>22</TD><TD>347</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>15.8</TD><TD>80</TD><TD>110</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!---------------------INLINE MINI-PLAYER CARD ENDS HERE--------------------->? If the reports are true that Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Koren Robinson voluntarily checked into a South Carolina treatment clinic, as agent Alvin Keels has indicated, kudos to the Pro Bowl return specialist for taking steps to bolster his aftercare following a longtime problem with alcohol. At the Pro Bowl in January, Robinson spoke candidly, even eloquently at times, about his demons and acknowledged the need to keep confronting them and to keep girding himself with coping mechanisms. "Whatever I've done to get things turned around in my life," Robinson said at the time, "I've got to keep doing it." Hopefully, that's exactly what Robinson is doing now.
? Released by the Miami Dolphins this spring, after injuries limited him to only 15 appearances in the past two seasons combined, linebacker Junior Seau apparently wants to try to squeeze one more year out of a career that likely will land him in the Pro Football Hall of Fame one day. There have been unsubstantiated reports that Seau or his representative spoke with Oakland Raiders officials. but the consensus in most league circles is that the 12-time Pro Bowl performer stayed a year or two too long at the dance and should waltz gracefully into retirement. Seau is 37, and the 16-year veteran hasn't played a full season since 2001 and has averaged just 10.8 appearances since then. In 2004, his season was ended by a torn pectoral muscle; last year, it was an Achilles injury. But even before the injuries began to mount, Seau's game was in serious decline. Consider this: Since the beginning of the 2000 season, Seau totaled 11 sacks, four interceptions, four forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. That's just 20 big plays in 75 appearances, or one every 3.75 games. In his prime, Seau was an incredible freelancer, a defender who often played more on instinct than in the scheme but who was good enough to cover his own mistakes. But that prime seems like a long time ago, most personnel guys around the NFL agree.
? Offensive line depth in the NFL is an aim achieved by few teams. But few teams are as thin behind the starters as the Washington Redskins, and Job No. 1 in training camp for renowned offensive line coach Joe Bugel, arguably one of the best ever at that staff position, will be developing some backups. The five Washington starters -- left tackle Chris Samuels, left guard Derrick Dockery, center Casey Rabach, right guard Randy Thomas and right tackle Jon Jansen -- average 75.6 career starts. Thomas, Samuels and Jansen have more than 90 starts each, and only Rabach (39) has fewer than 40. After that, however, the depth chart gets a little murky. Arguably the top two candidates for backup tackle spots, Jim Molinaro and Tyson Walter, have started nine games between them. Walter hasn't started a game since 2002 and didn't play a snap last season. The top inside candidate, Mike Pucillo, has 18 starts. Of the 15 blockers on the current depth chart, six haven't played in an NFL game and one has appeared in just two contests. There are some promising blockers among the group of youngsters on the roster, and Bugel is going to have to develop a few of them fairly quickly.
<!--------------------------START PLAYER CARD------------------><TABLE class=tableheadFixWidth cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3 width=200 align=right><TBODY><TR class=stathead><TD class=whitelink colSpan=2>Dewayne White</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow align=right><TD align=left>
Defensive End
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Profile</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow><TD align=middle><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=1 width=190 bgColor=#ffffff border=0><TBODY><TR class=stathead align=middle><TD align=middle colSpan=6>2005 SEASON STATISTICS</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND: #bcbcb4" align=right><TD width="17%">Tot</TD><TD width="17%">Ast</TD><TD width="17%">Solo</TD><TD width="17%">FF</TD><TD width="17%">Sack</TD><TD width="17%">Int</TD></TR><TR align=right bgColor=#999999><TD>33</TD><TD>28</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>0</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!---------------------INLINE MINI-PLAYER CARD ENDS HERE--------------------->? In three seasons, Tampa Bay defensive end Dewayne White has started just five games, but look for his playing time to increase dramatically in 2006. The coaching staff thinks White, a second-round pick in 2003 who by all accounts had a terrific offseason, is poised for a breakthrough year. With starters Simeon Rice and Greg Spires in front of White, the coaches will have to divine a way to get him increased snaps, so he might be used more inside at tackle, where his quickness could create some interesting matchup advantages. White is a "long" athlete, a guy who plays taller then he really is, and seems to understand key nuances such as leverage and technique. He has nine sacks in fairly limited playing time in three seasons and could approach that total this year alone if the Bucs get him on the field.
? The Chicago Bears defense, which ranked second in the NFL in 2005, has a chance to be a pretty good unit for a few more years. Nine of the 11 starters are signed through 2007, and seven are under contract through 2008. The two pending unrestricted free agents for next spring are Pro Bowl weakside linebacker Lance Briggs and underrated tackle Ian Scott. Perhaps the most notable potential defection Chicago officials might have to fret about<!-- reads better here --> is that of Ron Rivera. The defensive coordinator was a candidate for three head coach openings after the 2005 season and will continue to draw notice.
? Stat of the week: The adage that teams "run to win" in the NFL might hold true, but they certainly don't run to win Super Bowl titles. Since the league adopted the 12-team playoff format in 1990, no franchise that led the NFL in rushing yards during the regular season has captured a Super Bowl championship. The Buffalo Bills, who led the NFL in rushing in 1991 and 1992, are the only rushing champions since 1990 to advance to a Super Bowl in that stretch. Three times since 1990, the NFL's top rushing team failed to even qualify for postseason play.
? The last word: "We are getting ready to install the wishbone [formation]." -- starting quarterback Billy Volek, reacting to the pronouncement by coach Jeff Fisher that the Tennessee Titans intend to be a run-first offense in 2006.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
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</TD><TD></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>Broncos seeking creative ways to pressure QBs
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By Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com
Archive
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<!-- begin text11 div --><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD style="PADDING-TOP: 10px" vAlign=top><!-- begin leftcol --><!-- template inline -->Despite notching 30 sacks in the final two seasons of his career at the University of Louisville, and establishing a Division I-A record with 11 forced fumbles in 2005, Elvis Dumervil spiraled into the fourth round of this year's draft before the Denver Broncos tossed the defensive end a life preserver after 125 names had been called.
The primary reasons for the tumble: Dumervil's size -- or, more aptly, the lack thereof (5 feet 11 3/8, 257 pounds) -- and a pedestrian 40-yard time nearly into the 4.6s.
But rushing the passer, for some players, is a knack, one that supersedes "measurables." And that is why one of the more notable items elicited from the Broncos' three-day minicamp this week was that Dumervil was aligned inside at tackle, not end, in some of the nickel pass-rush combinations with which defensive coordinator Larry Coyer experimented.
Andy Lyons/Getty Images
Elvis Dumervil leads the nation with 20 sacks in 2005.
Never mind that Dumervil, despite a thick physique, wasn't even considered big enough to play end, let alone tackle, by a lot of scouts who assessed him in the months before the draft. Increasingly, it seems, as teams seek new ways to create pressure strictly from the front four, speed is the premium, even at the tackle spots. And although Dumervil's stopwatch times might not be great, he possesses competitive closing speed when chasing down quarterbacks. For any defense, especially one that struggled to put quarterbacks on the ground the way the Denver unit did in 2005, that's a skill set that can't be ignored.
More teams around the league are moving ends inside on nickel downs, turning the pass rush into a track meet, one in which defenders who get out of the blocks quickly are highly valued. If the trend continues to evolve, teams might field nickel front fours that are more like relay teams.
It's not a new gimmick, of course, because almost nothing ever is in the NFL. A considerable portion of Reggie White's 198 career sacks came when he moved inside to tackle and was able to go against an overmatched guard. The New York Giants used to slide Michael Strahan inside on occasion earlier in his career. But White and Strahan (at least a few years ago, before he dropped some weight) were big men. Dumervil, by comparison, is pretty much a Munchkin.
It doesn't matter, though, if you can rush the passer.
The past several years, the Indianapolis Colts have nudged starting left end Raheem Brock to tackle in nickel situations even though he weighed just 270 pounds. This season, Brock will start at tackle even in the "base" defense, on what is one of the least bulky front four units in the league. Signed in free agency to play left end, Tony Weaver will move to tackle for the Houston Texans, in part because of the selection of Mario Williams with the top pick in the draft but also because the coaching staff seems to like the matchup possibilities that can be created inside. When he was the New Orleans head coach, Jim Haslett regularly dropped right end Darren Howard inside on nickel downs and frequently played four ends in his pass-rush front four. Expect similar alignments from the St. Louis Rams this year now that Haslett is the coordinator there. The Giants have worked this offseason on a nickel package that features four ends, in an effort to get quicker players such as Justin Tuck and rookie Mathias Kiwanuka onto the field.
The aim, especially for the Broncos, is to ramp up pressure without having to bring extra rushers.
In the AFC Championship Game loss to Pittsburgh six months ago, the Denver rush scheme was badly exposed when the Steelers consistently brought a tight end or wide receiver back in motion toward the formation, then kept that player in as an extra blocker against the blitz. Because the Broncos really had no big-time pass-rush threat -- all those former Cleveland Browns defensive line rejects, lauded for their solid play against the run in 2005, totaled 10 sacks -- they were forced to manufacture pressure. Even then, the Broncos finished with a mere 28 sacks, the NFL's fourth-lowest total.
Like the staffs of all the other franchises that didn't garner a Super Bowl ring in 2005, the Denver coaches went back to the drawing board in the offseason. Whatever changes were considered, none is probably rock-solid yet, but it's a good bet we'll see fewer blitzes in 2006 from Denver, less size up front in most nickel situations and more of pure pass-rushers like Dumervil.
Around the league
<!--------------------------START PLAYER CARD------------------><TABLE class=tableheadFixWidth cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3 width=200 align=right><TBODY><TR class=stathead><TD class=whitelink colSpan=2>Koren Robinson</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow align=right><TD align=left>
Wide ReceiverMinnesota Vikings
Profile</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow><TD align=middle><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=1 width=190 bgColor=#ffffff border=0><TBODY><TR class=stathead align=middle><TD align=middle colSpan=6>2005 SEASON STATISTICS</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND: #bcbcb4" align=right><TD width="17%">Rec</TD><TD width="17%">Yds</TD><TD width="17%">TD</TD><TD width="17%">Avg</TD><TD width="17%">Long</TD><TD width="17%">YAC</TD></TR><TR align=right bgColor=#999999><TD>22</TD><TD>347</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>15.8</TD><TD>80</TD><TD>110</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!---------------------INLINE MINI-PLAYER CARD ENDS HERE--------------------->? If the reports are true that Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Koren Robinson voluntarily checked into a South Carolina treatment clinic, as agent Alvin Keels has indicated, kudos to the Pro Bowl return specialist for taking steps to bolster his aftercare following a longtime problem with alcohol. At the Pro Bowl in January, Robinson spoke candidly, even eloquently at times, about his demons and acknowledged the need to keep confronting them and to keep girding himself with coping mechanisms. "Whatever I've done to get things turned around in my life," Robinson said at the time, "I've got to keep doing it." Hopefully, that's exactly what Robinson is doing now.
? Released by the Miami Dolphins this spring, after injuries limited him to only 15 appearances in the past two seasons combined, linebacker Junior Seau apparently wants to try to squeeze one more year out of a career that likely will land him in the Pro Football Hall of Fame one day. There have been unsubstantiated reports that Seau or his representative spoke with Oakland Raiders officials. but the consensus in most league circles is that the 12-time Pro Bowl performer stayed a year or two too long at the dance and should waltz gracefully into retirement. Seau is 37, and the 16-year veteran hasn't played a full season since 2001 and has averaged just 10.8 appearances since then. In 2004, his season was ended by a torn pectoral muscle; last year, it was an Achilles injury. But even before the injuries began to mount, Seau's game was in serious decline. Consider this: Since the beginning of the 2000 season, Seau totaled 11 sacks, four interceptions, four forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. That's just 20 big plays in 75 appearances, or one every 3.75 games. In his prime, Seau was an incredible freelancer, a defender who often played more on instinct than in the scheme but who was good enough to cover his own mistakes. But that prime seems like a long time ago, most personnel guys around the NFL agree.
? Offensive line depth in the NFL is an aim achieved by few teams. But few teams are as thin behind the starters as the Washington Redskins, and Job No. 1 in training camp for renowned offensive line coach Joe Bugel, arguably one of the best ever at that staff position, will be developing some backups. The five Washington starters -- left tackle Chris Samuels, left guard Derrick Dockery, center Casey Rabach, right guard Randy Thomas and right tackle Jon Jansen -- average 75.6 career starts. Thomas, Samuels and Jansen have more than 90 starts each, and only Rabach (39) has fewer than 40. After that, however, the depth chart gets a little murky. Arguably the top two candidates for backup tackle spots, Jim Molinaro and Tyson Walter, have started nine games between them. Walter hasn't started a game since 2002 and didn't play a snap last season. The top inside candidate, Mike Pucillo, has 18 starts. Of the 15 blockers on the current depth chart, six haven't played in an NFL game and one has appeared in just two contests. There are some promising blockers among the group of youngsters on the roster, and Bugel is going to have to develop a few of them fairly quickly.
<!--------------------------START PLAYER CARD------------------><TABLE class=tableheadFixWidth cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3 width=200 align=right><TBODY><TR class=stathead><TD class=whitelink colSpan=2>Dewayne White</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow align=right><TD align=left>
Defensive EndTampa Bay Buccaneers
Profile</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow><TD align=middle><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=1 width=190 bgColor=#ffffff border=0><TBODY><TR class=stathead align=middle><TD align=middle colSpan=6>2005 SEASON STATISTICS</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND: #bcbcb4" align=right><TD width="17%">Tot</TD><TD width="17%">Ast</TD><TD width="17%">Solo</TD><TD width="17%">FF</TD><TD width="17%">Sack</TD><TD width="17%">Int</TD></TR><TR align=right bgColor=#999999><TD>33</TD><TD>28</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>0</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!---------------------INLINE MINI-PLAYER CARD ENDS HERE--------------------->? In three seasons, Tampa Bay defensive end Dewayne White has started just five games, but look for his playing time to increase dramatically in 2006. The coaching staff thinks White, a second-round pick in 2003 who by all accounts had a terrific offseason, is poised for a breakthrough year. With starters Simeon Rice and Greg Spires in front of White, the coaches will have to divine a way to get him increased snaps, so he might be used more inside at tackle, where his quickness could create some interesting matchup advantages. White is a "long" athlete, a guy who plays taller then he really is, and seems to understand key nuances such as leverage and technique. He has nine sacks in fairly limited playing time in three seasons and could approach that total this year alone if the Bucs get him on the field.
? The Chicago Bears defense, which ranked second in the NFL in 2005, has a chance to be a pretty good unit for a few more years. Nine of the 11 starters are signed through 2007, and seven are under contract through 2008. The two pending unrestricted free agents for next spring are Pro Bowl weakside linebacker Lance Briggs and underrated tackle Ian Scott. Perhaps the most notable potential defection Chicago officials might have to fret about<!-- reads better here --> is that of Ron Rivera. The defensive coordinator was a candidate for three head coach openings after the 2005 season and will continue to draw notice.
? Stat of the week: The adage that teams "run to win" in the NFL might hold true, but they certainly don't run to win Super Bowl titles. Since the league adopted the 12-team playoff format in 1990, no franchise that led the NFL in rushing yards during the regular season has captured a Super Bowl championship. The Buffalo Bills, who led the NFL in rushing in 1991 and 1992, are the only rushing champions since 1990 to advance to a Super Bowl in that stretch. Three times since 1990, the NFL's top rushing team failed to even qualify for postseason play.
? The last word: "We are getting ready to install the wishbone [formation]." -- starting quarterback Billy Volek, reacting to the pronouncement by coach Jeff Fisher that the Tennessee Titans intend to be a run-first offense in 2006.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Hache Man
"Seven Days Without Gambling Makes One Weak"
<TABLE width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD>NFL Rumor Central: Seau not ready to call it quits
</TD><TD align=right width="30%">Other Rumors: MLB | NBA
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and have access to this premium feature.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE class=tablehead cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3><TBODY><TR class=stathead><TD colSpan=3>Sunday, July 9</TD></TR><TR class=colhead><TD width=65>WHO</TD><TD>INTERESTED</TD><TD>THE SKINNY</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD noWrap align=middle>
Junior Seau
Dolphins
</TD><TD>Raiders?
</TD><TD>Seau not ready to call it quits
<Jul. 8> Released by the Miami Dolphins this spring, after injuries limited him to only 15 appearances in the past two seasons combined, Seau apparently wants to try to squeeze one more year out of a career that likely will land him in the Pro Football Hall of Fame one day, ESPN.com's Len Pasquarelli reports. There have been unsubstantiated reports that Seau or his representative spoke with Oakland Raiders officials.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
</TD><TD align=right width="30%">Other Rumors: MLB | NBA
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE class=tablehead cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3><TBODY><TR><TD align=middle>You are signed into Insider
and have access to this premium feature.</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE class=tablehead cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3><TBODY><TR class=stathead><TD colSpan=3>Sunday, July 9</TD></TR><TR class=colhead><TD width=65>WHO</TD><TD>INTERESTED</TD><TD>THE SKINNY</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD noWrap align=middle>
Junior Seau
Dolphins
</TD><TD>Raiders?
</TD><TD>Seau not ready to call it quits
<Jul. 8> Released by the Miami Dolphins this spring, after injuries limited him to only 15 appearances in the past two seasons combined, Seau apparently wants to try to squeeze one more year out of a career that likely will land him in the Pro Football Hall of Fame one day, ESPN.com's Len Pasquarelli reports. There have been unsubstantiated reports that Seau or his representative spoke with Oakland Raiders officials.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Hache Man
"Seven Days Without Gambling Makes One Weak"
<TABLE width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD>NFL Rumor Central: Seau not ready to call it quits
</TD><TD align=right width="30%">Other Rumors: MLB | NBA
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE class=tablehead cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3><TBODY><TR><TD align=middle>You are signed into Insider
and have access to this premium feature.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE class=tablehead cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3><TBODY><TR class=stathead><TD colSpan=3>Sunday, July 9</TD></TR><TR class=colhead><TD width=65>WHO</TD><TD>INTERESTED</TD><TD>THE SKINNY</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD noWrap align=middle>
Junior Seau
Dolphins
</TD><TD>Raiders?
</TD><TD>Seau not ready to call it quits
<Jul. 8> Released by the Miami Dolphins this spring, after injuries limited him to only 15 appearances in the past two seasons combined, Seau apparently wants to try to squeeze one more year out of a career that likely will land him in the Pro Football Hall of Fame one day, ESPN.com's Len Pasquarelli reports. There have been unsubstantiated reports that Seau or his representative spoke with Oakland Raiders officials.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
</TD><TD align=right width="30%">Other Rumors: MLB | NBA
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE class=tablehead cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3><TBODY><TR><TD align=middle>You are signed into Insider
and have access to this premium feature.</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE class=tablehead cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3><TBODY><TR class=stathead><TD colSpan=3>Sunday, July 9</TD></TR><TR class=colhead><TD width=65>WHO</TD><TD>INTERESTED</TD><TD>THE SKINNY</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD noWrap align=middle>
Junior Seau
Dolphins
</TD><TD>Raiders?
</TD><TD>Seau not ready to call it quits
<Jul. 8> Released by the Miami Dolphins this spring, after injuries limited him to only 15 appearances in the past two seasons combined, Seau apparently wants to try to squeeze one more year out of a career that likely will land him in the Pro Football Hall of Fame one day, ESPN.com's Len Pasquarelli reports. There have been unsubstantiated reports that Seau or his representative spoke with Oakland Raiders officials.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Hache Man
"Seven Days Without Gambling Makes One Weak"
Updated: July 10, 2006
Whispers from around the NFL
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Pro Football Weekly
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? RB Willis McGahee wouldn't reveal his weight, but he looked noticeably slimmer and more toned at the Bills' June minicamp than he was at the end of last season. Word is McGahee believes that carrying less weight will bring back some of the explosiveness he lacked last season.
? Sources close to the Raiders indicate that WR Jerry Porter isn't the happiest camper with the way new head coach Art Shell has pushed for more discipline. Sources cite the sometimes tenuous relationship Porter had with Jon Gruden, who, like Shell, was more heavy-handed than Bill Callahan or Norv Turner. The Raiders have dangled Porter as trade bait in the past, so it wouldn't come as a complete surprise for Oakland to shop him if things don't go well early on.
? Sources say Broncos QB Jake Plummer has been sharp throughout summer workouts and appears to be as confident as ever despite Jay Cutler looking over his shoulder. Though the real bullets have yet to start flying, we're hearing that Cutler looks like the real deal to this point.
? Our sources in New Orleans tell us that newly acquired WR Bethel Johnson and underachieving third-year WR Devery Henderson will compete in training camp for the No. 3 WR role behind Joe Horn and Donte' Stallworth. We hear that the loser of the competition likely will be traded or released because the Saints are only going to keep one deep threat on the roster.
<!--------------------------START PLAYER CARD------------------><TABLE class=tableheadFixWidth cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3 width=200 align=right><TBODY><TR class=stathead><TD class=whitelink colSpan=2>Fred Taylor</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow align=right><TD align=left>
Running back
Jacksonville Jaguars
Profile</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow><TD align=middle><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=1 width=190 bgColor=#ffffff border=0><TBODY><TR class=stathead align=middle><TD align=middle colSpan=5>2005 SEASON STATISTICS</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND: #bcbcb4" align=right><TD width="17%">Att</TD><TD width="17%">Yds</TD><TD width="17%">Avg</TD><TD width="17%">Long</TD><TD width="17%">TD</TD></TR><TR align=right bgColor=#999999><TD>194</TD><TD>787</TD><TD>4.1</TD><TD>71</TD><TD>3</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!---------------------INLINE MINI-PLAYER CARD ENDS HERE--------------------->
? Jaguars RB Fred Taylor has somewhat smoothed over his disagreement with team management by keeping his word to participate in mandatory workouts. He chose to skip the offseason conditioning program to work out on his own in South Florida against the advice of head coach Jack Del Rio. Taylor has been injured in training camp two of the past three years, and the Jaguars wanted to keep a close watch on the training habits of their offensive cornerstone. In 2005, Taylor failed to rush for 800 yards for the first time in any season in which he had 10 starts, and he had just one carry of more than 20 yards.
? Vikings C Matt Birk is right on schedule in his recovery from hip surgery that cost him the 2005 season. Birk did participate in the offseason program without recurrence of pain or discomfort in his hip or abdomen. The team expects him to further solidify a new-look offensive line charged with paving the way for the Vikings' new ball-control West Coast offense.
? Sources in Jacksonville say the 2006 season is extremely critical for QB Byron Leftwich, who'll be in line for a new contract in the next two years. Leftwich has missed seven of the last 24 regular-season games because of injuries and could take the blame if the passing game falters without Jimmy Smith. Leftwich consistently missed the mark at a recent minicamp but said he wasn't worried about his accuracy or timing with his new starting receivers, Matt Jones and Reggie Williams.
? Despite signing free agent Nick Greisen and drafting Clint Ingram to replace OLB Akin Ayodele, we're told the Jaguars will open training camp with Pat Thomas as the first-string strongside linebacker.
? Several players with ties to Lions offensive coordinator Mike Martz are moving their way up the depth chart. ORT Rex Tucker supplanted last year's starter (Kelly Butler) in minicamp, and RB Arlen Harris, a solid receiver with good speed, has ascended to No. 2 behind starter Kevin Jones. A third ex-Ram, WR Mike Furrey, remains very much in the mix for a reserve WR spot.
? The Colts closed their "summer school" practices to the media for the first time in years, leading to rumor and debate about what kind of experiments the team might have tried with the doors closed. One that might be revisited is moving CB Marlin Jackson to free safety. If FS Mike Doss falters, or a third cornerback emerges behind Nick Harper and Jason David, Jackson could get the call inside.
? Don't expect the Colts to be as reliant on the running game early this season as they were last year. Without Edgerrin James, offensive coordinator Tom Moore will anchor the team with a spread formation, using multiple receivers to protect Peyton Manning and create wide running lanes for RBs Joseph Addai and Dominic Rhodes.
<!--------------------------START PLAYER CARD------------------><TABLE class=tableheadFixWidth cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3 width=200 align=right><TBODY><TR class=stathead><TD class=whitelink colSpan=2>Mewelde Moore</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow align=right><TD align=left>
Running back
Minnesota Vikings
Profile</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow><TD align=middle><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=1 width=190 bgColor=#ffffff border=0><TBODY><TR class=stathead align=middle><TD align=middle colSpan=5>2005 SEASON STATISTICS</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND: #bcbcb4" align=right><TD width="17%">Att</TD><TD width="17%">Yds</TD><TD width="17%">Avg</TD><TD width="17%">Long</TD><TD width="17%">TD</TD></TR><TR align=right bgColor=#999999><TD>155</TD><TD>662</TD><TD>4.3</TD><TD>33</TD><TD>1</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!---------------------INLINE MINI-PLAYER CARD ENDS HERE--------------------->
? The door isn't wide open for Vikings RB Ciatrick Fason to steal work from Mewelde Moore as the backup to Chester Taylor, but Moore hasn't slammed it shut to date. Still bothered by a wrist injury, Moore must answer the same question he faced from the Mike Tice regime: Can he stay healthy? He appeared to be coming around at the most recent minicamp. If Moore doesn't stay healthy, Fason is one of several backs head coach Brad Childress said he's confident will pick up the slack.
? We're told the Bears don't expect much of a QB controversy between Rex Grossman and Brian Griese. Grossman has the full backing of the coaching staff, but his injury history necessitated the Griese signing.
? With Jets C Trey Teague on crutches with a reported ankle injury, rookie C Nick Mangold has been inserted into the starting lineup. Word is, Teague may be out for a significant amount of time.
? Word from South Florida is that the Dolphins are satisfied, for the time being, with their current crop of nose tackles and will only look to add a player like veteran free agent Dan Wilkinson later in training camp if rookie Fred Evans, second-year player Manny Wright and aging veteran Keith Traylor aren't getting the job done.
? Word out of Atlanta is the Falcons no longer plan to trade backup RB T.J. Duckett before training camp begins. But we hear if rookie Jerious Norwood has an outstanding camp, he could take carries away from Duckett and even starter Warrick Dunn, and in the process, put Duckett back on the trading block.
? Our Falcons sources tell us starting DE Patrick Kerney, FB Justin Griffith and backup WLB Demorrio Williams should be receiving contract extensions in the next few months. All three players are in the final year of their current deals.
? We're told there is still no progress on a potential contract extension for Buccaneers CB Ronde Barber. Barber, who is entering the final year of his contract, has said he would like to have a new deal in place by the start of training camp, but we hear GM Bruce Allen won't even return his agent's phone calls.
? Panthers offensive coordinator Dan Henning told PFW why Carolina was so aggressive in signing former Titans C Justin Hartwig to replace veteran Jeff Mitchell: "Justin Hartwig is a younger, stronger guy than we've had there. ? We felt like we needed to get better. Back 10-11 years ago, the philosophy emerged that when you need a player at a specific position, you get one in free agency and don't wait for the crapshoot of the draft and then wait for the maturity of a player you don't know about until you are into the season. We take that approach."
? The Saints have reshuffled the deck at safety, and we hear last season's Week 1 starters -- FS Dwight Smith and SS Jay Bellamy -- will both enter training camp working with the second unit. FS Josh Bullocks, who started 13 games as a rookie last year in place of an injured Bellamy, and free-agent acquisition Omar Stoutmire are penciled in as the starters. We also hear Smith, who was on the trading block earlier in the offseason, is no longer being shopped around because the new coaching staff has been impressed with how he handled his demotion.
? With 2005 third-round draft pick Richie Incognito looking impressive in the Rams' last full-squad minicamp and '05 fourth-round pick Claude Terrell still looking chunkier than the Rams would like, we hear Incognito could have a decent shot at replacing Terrell as the team's starting left guard. After missing his rookie season with a kneecap injury, Incognito's mobility and strength drew high marks at the last minicamp, but the fact the Nebraska product hasn't played an actual game since the fall of '03 is a bit worrisome.
<!--------------------------START PLAYER CARD------------------><TABLE class=tableheadFixWidth cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3 width=200 align=right><TBODY><TR class=stathead><TD class=whitelink colSpan=2>Jerametrius Butler</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow align=right><TD align=left>
Cornerback
St. Louis Rams
Profile</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow><TD align=middle><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=1 width=190 bgColor=#ffffff border=0><TBODY><TR class=stathead align=middle><TD align=middle colSpan=6>2005 SEASON STATISTICS</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND: #bcbcb4" align=right><TD width="17%">Tot</TD><TD width="17%">Solo</TD><TD width="17%">Ast</TD><TD width="17%">Sack</TD><TD width="17%">FF</TD><TD width="17%">Int</TD></TR><TR align=right bgColor=#999999><TD>78</TD><TD>75</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>5</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!---------------------INLINE MINI-PLAYER CARD ENDS HERE--------------------->
? The hamstring that Rams CB Jerametrius Butler tweaked a couple of weeks before the team's last minicamp could be considered a significant setback, especially taking into account how much 2006 first-round pick Tye Hill appeared to improve from the previous minicamp. Conversely, we hear CB Travis Fisher, who, like Butler, was plagued by injuries last season, looked very good in the last minicamp.
? Although new Rams VP of player personnel Tony Softli will oversee both the Rams' pro and college scouting departments, which will be headed by holdovers Charley Armey and Lawrence McCutcheon, respectively, we're told the former head of college scouting for the Panthers still must answer to both head coach Scott Linehan and president of football operations Jay Zygmunt. In addition, the new setup is definitely a demotion for Armey, who just turned 67 and wasn't interested in setting up shop elsewhere at this stage in his career.
? The Cardinals still have some interest in free-agent CB Ty Law, but after spending a fortune on RB Edgerrin James earlier this offseason, it would have to be at a price that's likely to be significantly less than what Law continues to be after.
? Keep a close eye on Cardinals second-year S Aaron Francisco, who we hear has put on decent weight and is being groomed to replace current FS Robert Griffith as early as next season. Our sources tell us the Cardinals believe they can probably get by with the aging Griffith in a starting role for one more season.
? We hear the Niners have been impressed enough with free-agent addition Walt Harris to consider him the starting left corner over Mike Rumph heading into training camp. The Niners also consider FS Mike Adams to be much improved from last year and no longer think of him as a backup playing a starter's role.
? Word is, the Niners were upset that backup QB Cody Pickett decided not to play in NFL Europe this season. There's talk of moving the athletic Pickett to the team's motion-fullback position, which could enable him to salvage a roster spot.
? Our Seahawks sources tell us the team was impressed with the way 2005 first-round pick Chris Spencer, who up to now has been backing up veteran Robbie Tobeck at center, performed when pressed into duty at right guard in the last minicamp. On the downside, the team is somewhat worried about the condition of top OLG candidate Floyd "Pork Chop" Womack, who was bothered during the minicamp by sore triceps.
? The Raiders would love to add a running back for depth behind LaMont Jordan and may look to the early round of training-camp cuts for just such a candidate. Justin Fargas, No. 2 on the depth chart, is considered little more than a special-teams guy, and part-time FB Zack Crockett, while reliable in the past, is not someone you want to hand your offense over to.
? Word out of Oakland is that the development of rookie LBs Thomas Howard and Darnell Bing could ultimately determine how many three- or four-LB looks the Raiders use this season. The Raiders are believed to be at least mildly interested in the services of Junior Seau because they'd like to add a veteran presence defensively.
? The player who most took advantage of Chiefs DE Eric Hicks being limited in minicamps while recovering from shoulder surgery was first-round pick Tamba Hali, who displayed a quick first step and the ability to sense throwing lanes and knock down passes at the line of scrimmage.
? At first glance, the inexperienced Ronnie Cruz stepping in at fullback for the departed Tony Richardson would seem to be an issue in Kansas City, but it should be noted that Richardson's role had diminished with age and the Chiefs have utilized more two-TE, single-back sets recently.
? Massive TE Brandon Manumaleuna may have been acquired by the Chargers more for blocking purposes, but it's his soft hands that have caught the eye of new QB Philip Rivers and the coaching staff.
? Ravens QB Steve McNair showed consistent improvement throughout his first minicamp in Baltimore. The way we hear it, McNair and WR Derrick Mason picked up right where they left off from their time together in Tennessee, and their exceptional chemistry was apparent.
? A source familiar with the Steelers' decision-making process says character is weighed heavily in the draft process, which makes WR Santonio Holmes' recent off-field problems that much more surprising. The way we hear it, there is concern that Holmes might have trouble maintaining focus, given his offseason and that he'll soon be signing his rookie contract.
? Some Texans observers don't share the team's optimism about RB Domanick Davis being ready for the start of training camp as he recovers from the effects of knee surgery.
? Of the Browns' rookies, there's a feeling RB Jerome Harrison is most ready to contribute, likely on third downs.
? Expect the Browns to split out TE Kellen Winslow at wide receiver at times, particularly if Braylon Edwards misses the start of the season.
? Don't count out Erik Meyer, an undrafted free agent, in the competition to be Cincinnati's No. 3 quarterback. Word is that Meyer has caught the eye of QBs coach Ken Zampese.
? Though Titans WR Bobby Wade struggled famously as a punt returner in Chicago with the swirling winds in Soldier Field, he might start the season with that duty. Though the WR position is crowded in Tennessee, expect Wade to make the roster -- the coaches appear to like him a great deal.
? It appears the Titans are slipping out of the Ty Law running, but that doesn't mean they aren't looking for a cornerback. If a veteran comes available before or during training camp, don't be surprised if they make a big push.
? New Redskins offensive coordinator Al Saunders gushed about backup RB Ladell Betts in the team's final minicamp, and Saunders pledges to find more ways to get both Betts and Clinton Portis on the field at the same time. Expect Betts to be used more as a receiver and keep his job as kick returner.
? Though he was beaten out for the Rams' VP of player personnel job by Tony Softli, Cowboys chief college scout Tom Ciskowski is considered a rising star and legitimate GM candidate in the near future.
? Eagles RB Correll Buckhalter, who is coming off his third season-ending knee injury in five years, likely won't be ready for the start of camp and faces long odds to make the roster despite being a personal favorite of the coaching staff.
? There's a chance that both Rob Johnson and Jared Lorenzen could beat out Tim Hasselbeck for the Giants' backup QB job. Johnson must prove he has shed the rust from a two-year layoff, but Lorenzen has impressed the staff with his throwing this offseason. ? With the Cowboys phasing the fullback out of the offense, Lousaka Polite -- who got most of the work there last season -- is fighting for his roster life. He has been working at running back and tight end, but both positions are crowded.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Whispers from around the NFL
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Pro Football Weekly
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? RB Willis McGahee wouldn't reveal his weight, but he looked noticeably slimmer and more toned at the Bills' June minicamp than he was at the end of last season. Word is McGahee believes that carrying less weight will bring back some of the explosiveness he lacked last season.
? Sources close to the Raiders indicate that WR Jerry Porter isn't the happiest camper with the way new head coach Art Shell has pushed for more discipline. Sources cite the sometimes tenuous relationship Porter had with Jon Gruden, who, like Shell, was more heavy-handed than Bill Callahan or Norv Turner. The Raiders have dangled Porter as trade bait in the past, so it wouldn't come as a complete surprise for Oakland to shop him if things don't go well early on.
? Sources say Broncos QB Jake Plummer has been sharp throughout summer workouts and appears to be as confident as ever despite Jay Cutler looking over his shoulder. Though the real bullets have yet to start flying, we're hearing that Cutler looks like the real deal to this point.
? Our sources in New Orleans tell us that newly acquired WR Bethel Johnson and underachieving third-year WR Devery Henderson will compete in training camp for the No. 3 WR role behind Joe Horn and Donte' Stallworth. We hear that the loser of the competition likely will be traded or released because the Saints are only going to keep one deep threat on the roster.
<!--------------------------START PLAYER CARD------------------><TABLE class=tableheadFixWidth cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3 width=200 align=right><TBODY><TR class=stathead><TD class=whitelink colSpan=2>Fred Taylor</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow align=right><TD align=left>
Running backJacksonville Jaguars
Profile</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow><TD align=middle><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=1 width=190 bgColor=#ffffff border=0><TBODY><TR class=stathead align=middle><TD align=middle colSpan=5>2005 SEASON STATISTICS</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND: #bcbcb4" align=right><TD width="17%">Att</TD><TD width="17%">Yds</TD><TD width="17%">Avg</TD><TD width="17%">Long</TD><TD width="17%">TD</TD></TR><TR align=right bgColor=#999999><TD>194</TD><TD>787</TD><TD>4.1</TD><TD>71</TD><TD>3</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!---------------------INLINE MINI-PLAYER CARD ENDS HERE--------------------->
? Jaguars RB Fred Taylor has somewhat smoothed over his disagreement with team management by keeping his word to participate in mandatory workouts. He chose to skip the offseason conditioning program to work out on his own in South Florida against the advice of head coach Jack Del Rio. Taylor has been injured in training camp two of the past three years, and the Jaguars wanted to keep a close watch on the training habits of their offensive cornerstone. In 2005, Taylor failed to rush for 800 yards for the first time in any season in which he had 10 starts, and he had just one carry of more than 20 yards.
? Vikings C Matt Birk is right on schedule in his recovery from hip surgery that cost him the 2005 season. Birk did participate in the offseason program without recurrence of pain or discomfort in his hip or abdomen. The team expects him to further solidify a new-look offensive line charged with paving the way for the Vikings' new ball-control West Coast offense.
? Sources in Jacksonville say the 2006 season is extremely critical for QB Byron Leftwich, who'll be in line for a new contract in the next two years. Leftwich has missed seven of the last 24 regular-season games because of injuries and could take the blame if the passing game falters without Jimmy Smith. Leftwich consistently missed the mark at a recent minicamp but said he wasn't worried about his accuracy or timing with his new starting receivers, Matt Jones and Reggie Williams.
? Despite signing free agent Nick Greisen and drafting Clint Ingram to replace OLB Akin Ayodele, we're told the Jaguars will open training camp with Pat Thomas as the first-string strongside linebacker.
? Several players with ties to Lions offensive coordinator Mike Martz are moving their way up the depth chart. ORT Rex Tucker supplanted last year's starter (Kelly Butler) in minicamp, and RB Arlen Harris, a solid receiver with good speed, has ascended to No. 2 behind starter Kevin Jones. A third ex-Ram, WR Mike Furrey, remains very much in the mix for a reserve WR spot.
? The Colts closed their "summer school" practices to the media for the first time in years, leading to rumor and debate about what kind of experiments the team might have tried with the doors closed. One that might be revisited is moving CB Marlin Jackson to free safety. If FS Mike Doss falters, or a third cornerback emerges behind Nick Harper and Jason David, Jackson could get the call inside.
? Don't expect the Colts to be as reliant on the running game early this season as they were last year. Without Edgerrin James, offensive coordinator Tom Moore will anchor the team with a spread formation, using multiple receivers to protect Peyton Manning and create wide running lanes for RBs Joseph Addai and Dominic Rhodes.
<!--------------------------START PLAYER CARD------------------><TABLE class=tableheadFixWidth cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3 width=200 align=right><TBODY><TR class=stathead><TD class=whitelink colSpan=2>Mewelde Moore</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow align=right><TD align=left>
Running backMinnesota Vikings
Profile</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow><TD align=middle><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=1 width=190 bgColor=#ffffff border=0><TBODY><TR class=stathead align=middle><TD align=middle colSpan=5>2005 SEASON STATISTICS</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND: #bcbcb4" align=right><TD width="17%">Att</TD><TD width="17%">Yds</TD><TD width="17%">Avg</TD><TD width="17%">Long</TD><TD width="17%">TD</TD></TR><TR align=right bgColor=#999999><TD>155</TD><TD>662</TD><TD>4.3</TD><TD>33</TD><TD>1</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!---------------------INLINE MINI-PLAYER CARD ENDS HERE--------------------->
? The door isn't wide open for Vikings RB Ciatrick Fason to steal work from Mewelde Moore as the backup to Chester Taylor, but Moore hasn't slammed it shut to date. Still bothered by a wrist injury, Moore must answer the same question he faced from the Mike Tice regime: Can he stay healthy? He appeared to be coming around at the most recent minicamp. If Moore doesn't stay healthy, Fason is one of several backs head coach Brad Childress said he's confident will pick up the slack.
? We're told the Bears don't expect much of a QB controversy between Rex Grossman and Brian Griese. Grossman has the full backing of the coaching staff, but his injury history necessitated the Griese signing.
? With Jets C Trey Teague on crutches with a reported ankle injury, rookie C Nick Mangold has been inserted into the starting lineup. Word is, Teague may be out for a significant amount of time.
? Word from South Florida is that the Dolphins are satisfied, for the time being, with their current crop of nose tackles and will only look to add a player like veteran free agent Dan Wilkinson later in training camp if rookie Fred Evans, second-year player Manny Wright and aging veteran Keith Traylor aren't getting the job done.
? Word out of Atlanta is the Falcons no longer plan to trade backup RB T.J. Duckett before training camp begins. But we hear if rookie Jerious Norwood has an outstanding camp, he could take carries away from Duckett and even starter Warrick Dunn, and in the process, put Duckett back on the trading block.
? Our Falcons sources tell us starting DE Patrick Kerney, FB Justin Griffith and backup WLB Demorrio Williams should be receiving contract extensions in the next few months. All three players are in the final year of their current deals.
? We're told there is still no progress on a potential contract extension for Buccaneers CB Ronde Barber. Barber, who is entering the final year of his contract, has said he would like to have a new deal in place by the start of training camp, but we hear GM Bruce Allen won't even return his agent's phone calls.
? Panthers offensive coordinator Dan Henning told PFW why Carolina was so aggressive in signing former Titans C Justin Hartwig to replace veteran Jeff Mitchell: "Justin Hartwig is a younger, stronger guy than we've had there. ? We felt like we needed to get better. Back 10-11 years ago, the philosophy emerged that when you need a player at a specific position, you get one in free agency and don't wait for the crapshoot of the draft and then wait for the maturity of a player you don't know about until you are into the season. We take that approach."
? The Saints have reshuffled the deck at safety, and we hear last season's Week 1 starters -- FS Dwight Smith and SS Jay Bellamy -- will both enter training camp working with the second unit. FS Josh Bullocks, who started 13 games as a rookie last year in place of an injured Bellamy, and free-agent acquisition Omar Stoutmire are penciled in as the starters. We also hear Smith, who was on the trading block earlier in the offseason, is no longer being shopped around because the new coaching staff has been impressed with how he handled his demotion.
? With 2005 third-round draft pick Richie Incognito looking impressive in the Rams' last full-squad minicamp and '05 fourth-round pick Claude Terrell still looking chunkier than the Rams would like, we hear Incognito could have a decent shot at replacing Terrell as the team's starting left guard. After missing his rookie season with a kneecap injury, Incognito's mobility and strength drew high marks at the last minicamp, but the fact the Nebraska product hasn't played an actual game since the fall of '03 is a bit worrisome.
<!--------------------------START PLAYER CARD------------------><TABLE class=tableheadFixWidth cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3 width=200 align=right><TBODY><TR class=stathead><TD class=whitelink colSpan=2>Jerametrius Butler</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow align=right><TD align=left>
CornerbackSt. Louis Rams
Profile</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow><TD align=middle><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=1 width=190 bgColor=#ffffff border=0><TBODY><TR class=stathead align=middle><TD align=middle colSpan=6>2005 SEASON STATISTICS</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND: #bcbcb4" align=right><TD width="17%">Tot</TD><TD width="17%">Solo</TD><TD width="17%">Ast</TD><TD width="17%">Sack</TD><TD width="17%">FF</TD><TD width="17%">Int</TD></TR><TR align=right bgColor=#999999><TD>78</TD><TD>75</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>5</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!---------------------INLINE MINI-PLAYER CARD ENDS HERE--------------------->
? The hamstring that Rams CB Jerametrius Butler tweaked a couple of weeks before the team's last minicamp could be considered a significant setback, especially taking into account how much 2006 first-round pick Tye Hill appeared to improve from the previous minicamp. Conversely, we hear CB Travis Fisher, who, like Butler, was plagued by injuries last season, looked very good in the last minicamp.
? Although new Rams VP of player personnel Tony Softli will oversee both the Rams' pro and college scouting departments, which will be headed by holdovers Charley Armey and Lawrence McCutcheon, respectively, we're told the former head of college scouting for the Panthers still must answer to both head coach Scott Linehan and president of football operations Jay Zygmunt. In addition, the new setup is definitely a demotion for Armey, who just turned 67 and wasn't interested in setting up shop elsewhere at this stage in his career.
? The Cardinals still have some interest in free-agent CB Ty Law, but after spending a fortune on RB Edgerrin James earlier this offseason, it would have to be at a price that's likely to be significantly less than what Law continues to be after.
? Keep a close eye on Cardinals second-year S Aaron Francisco, who we hear has put on decent weight and is being groomed to replace current FS Robert Griffith as early as next season. Our sources tell us the Cardinals believe they can probably get by with the aging Griffith in a starting role for one more season.
? We hear the Niners have been impressed enough with free-agent addition Walt Harris to consider him the starting left corner over Mike Rumph heading into training camp. The Niners also consider FS Mike Adams to be much improved from last year and no longer think of him as a backup playing a starter's role.
? Word is, the Niners were upset that backup QB Cody Pickett decided not to play in NFL Europe this season. There's talk of moving the athletic Pickett to the team's motion-fullback position, which could enable him to salvage a roster spot.
? Our Seahawks sources tell us the team was impressed with the way 2005 first-round pick Chris Spencer, who up to now has been backing up veteran Robbie Tobeck at center, performed when pressed into duty at right guard in the last minicamp. On the downside, the team is somewhat worried about the condition of top OLG candidate Floyd "Pork Chop" Womack, who was bothered during the minicamp by sore triceps.
? The Raiders would love to add a running back for depth behind LaMont Jordan and may look to the early round of training-camp cuts for just such a candidate. Justin Fargas, No. 2 on the depth chart, is considered little more than a special-teams guy, and part-time FB Zack Crockett, while reliable in the past, is not someone you want to hand your offense over to.
? Word out of Oakland is that the development of rookie LBs Thomas Howard and Darnell Bing could ultimately determine how many three- or four-LB looks the Raiders use this season. The Raiders are believed to be at least mildly interested in the services of Junior Seau because they'd like to add a veteran presence defensively.
? The player who most took advantage of Chiefs DE Eric Hicks being limited in minicamps while recovering from shoulder surgery was first-round pick Tamba Hali, who displayed a quick first step and the ability to sense throwing lanes and knock down passes at the line of scrimmage.
? At first glance, the inexperienced Ronnie Cruz stepping in at fullback for the departed Tony Richardson would seem to be an issue in Kansas City, but it should be noted that Richardson's role had diminished with age and the Chiefs have utilized more two-TE, single-back sets recently.
? Massive TE Brandon Manumaleuna may have been acquired by the Chargers more for blocking purposes, but it's his soft hands that have caught the eye of new QB Philip Rivers and the coaching staff.
? Ravens QB Steve McNair showed consistent improvement throughout his first minicamp in Baltimore. The way we hear it, McNair and WR Derrick Mason picked up right where they left off from their time together in Tennessee, and their exceptional chemistry was apparent.
? A source familiar with the Steelers' decision-making process says character is weighed heavily in the draft process, which makes WR Santonio Holmes' recent off-field problems that much more surprising. The way we hear it, there is concern that Holmes might have trouble maintaining focus, given his offseason and that he'll soon be signing his rookie contract.
? Some Texans observers don't share the team's optimism about RB Domanick Davis being ready for the start of training camp as he recovers from the effects of knee surgery.
? Of the Browns' rookies, there's a feeling RB Jerome Harrison is most ready to contribute, likely on third downs.
? Expect the Browns to split out TE Kellen Winslow at wide receiver at times, particularly if Braylon Edwards misses the start of the season.
? Don't count out Erik Meyer, an undrafted free agent, in the competition to be Cincinnati's No. 3 quarterback. Word is that Meyer has caught the eye of QBs coach Ken Zampese.
? Though Titans WR Bobby Wade struggled famously as a punt returner in Chicago with the swirling winds in Soldier Field, he might start the season with that duty. Though the WR position is crowded in Tennessee, expect Wade to make the roster -- the coaches appear to like him a great deal.
? It appears the Titans are slipping out of the Ty Law running, but that doesn't mean they aren't looking for a cornerback. If a veteran comes available before or during training camp, don't be surprised if they make a big push.
? New Redskins offensive coordinator Al Saunders gushed about backup RB Ladell Betts in the team's final minicamp, and Saunders pledges to find more ways to get both Betts and Clinton Portis on the field at the same time. Expect Betts to be used more as a receiver and keep his job as kick returner.
? Though he was beaten out for the Rams' VP of player personnel job by Tony Softli, Cowboys chief college scout Tom Ciskowski is considered a rising star and legitimate GM candidate in the near future.
? Eagles RB Correll Buckhalter, who is coming off his third season-ending knee injury in five years, likely won't be ready for the start of camp and faces long odds to make the roster despite being a personal favorite of the coaching staff.
? There's a chance that both Rob Johnson and Jared Lorenzen could beat out Tim Hasselbeck for the Giants' backup QB job. Johnson must prove he has shed the rust from a two-year layoff, but Lorenzen has impressed the staff with his throwing this offseason. ? With the Cowboys phasing the fullback out of the offense, Lousaka Polite -- who got most of the work there last season -- is fighting for his roster life. He has been working at running back and tight end, but both positions are crowded.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Hache Man
"Seven Days Without Gambling Makes One Weak"
Updated: July 10, 2006
Whispers from around the NFL
<!-- end pagetitle --><!-- begin bylinebox -->
Pro Football Weekly
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? RB Willis McGahee wouldn't reveal his weight, but he looked noticeably slimmer and more toned at the Bills' June minicamp than he was at the end of last season. Word is McGahee believes that carrying less weight will bring back some of the explosiveness he lacked last season.
? Sources close to the Raiders indicate that WR Jerry Porter isn't the happiest camper with the way new head coach Art Shell has pushed for more discipline. Sources cite the sometimes tenuous relationship Porter had with Jon Gruden, who, like Shell, was more heavy-handed than Bill Callahan or Norv Turner. The Raiders have dangled Porter as trade bait in the past, so it wouldn't come as a complete surprise for Oakland to shop him if things don't go well early on.
? Sources say Broncos QB Jake Plummer has been sharp throughout summer workouts and appears to be as confident as ever despite Jay Cutler looking over his shoulder. Though the real bullets have yet to start flying, we're hearing that Cutler looks like the real deal to this point.
? Our sources in New Orleans tell us that newly acquired WR Bethel Johnson and underachieving third-year WR Devery Henderson will compete in training camp for the No. 3 WR role behind Joe Horn and Donte' Stallworth. We hear that the loser of the competition likely will be traded or released because the Saints are only going to keep one deep threat on the roster.
<!--------------------------START PLAYER CARD------------------><TABLE class=tableheadFixWidth cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3 width=200 align=right><TBODY><TR class=stathead><TD class=whitelink colSpan=2>Fred Taylor</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow align=right><TD align=left>
Running back
Jacksonville Jaguars
Profile</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow><TD align=middle><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=1 width=190 bgColor=#ffffff border=0><TBODY><TR class=stathead align=middle><TD align=middle colSpan=5>2005 SEASON STATISTICS</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND: #bcbcb4" align=right><TD width="17%">Att</TD><TD width="17%">Yds</TD><TD width="17%">Avg</TD><TD width="17%">Long</TD><TD width="17%">TD</TD></TR><TR align=right bgColor=#999999><TD>194</TD><TD>787</TD><TD>4.1</TD><TD>71</TD><TD>3</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!---------------------INLINE MINI-PLAYER CARD ENDS HERE--------------------->
? Jaguars RB Fred Taylor has somewhat smoothed over his disagreement with team management by keeping his word to participate in mandatory workouts. He chose to skip the offseason conditioning program to work out on his own in South Florida against the advice of head coach Jack Del Rio. Taylor has been injured in training camp two of the past three years, and the Jaguars wanted to keep a close watch on the training habits of their offensive cornerstone. In 2005, Taylor failed to rush for 800 yards for the first time in any season in which he had 10 starts, and he had just one carry of more than 20 yards.
? Vikings C Matt Birk is right on schedule in his recovery from hip surgery that cost him the 2005 season. Birk did participate in the offseason program without recurrence of pain or discomfort in his hip or abdomen. The team expects him to further solidify a new-look offensive line charged with paving the way for the Vikings' new ball-control West Coast offense.
? Sources in Jacksonville say the 2006 season is extremely critical for QB Byron Leftwich, who'll be in line for a new contract in the next two years. Leftwich has missed seven of the last 24 regular-season games because of injuries and could take the blame if the passing game falters without Jimmy Smith. Leftwich consistently missed the mark at a recent minicamp but said he wasn't worried about his accuracy or timing with his new starting receivers, Matt Jones and Reggie Williams.
? Despite signing free agent Nick Greisen and drafting Clint Ingram to replace OLB Akin Ayodele, we're told the Jaguars will open training camp with Pat Thomas as the first-string strongside linebacker.
? Several players with ties to Lions offensive coordinator Mike Martz are moving their way up the depth chart. ORT Rex Tucker supplanted last year's starter (Kelly Butler) in minicamp, and RB Arlen Harris, a solid receiver with good speed, has ascended to No. 2 behind starter Kevin Jones. A third ex-Ram, WR Mike Furrey, remains very much in the mix for a reserve WR spot.
? The Colts closed their "summer school" practices to the media for the first time in years, leading to rumor and debate about what kind of experiments the team might have tried with the doors closed. One that might be revisited is moving CB Marlin Jackson to free safety. If FS Mike Doss falters, or a third cornerback emerges behind Nick Harper and Jason David, Jackson could get the call inside.
? Don't expect the Colts to be as reliant on the running game early this season as they were last year. Without Edgerrin James, offensive coordinator Tom Moore will anchor the team with a spread formation, using multiple receivers to protect Peyton Manning and create wide running lanes for RBs Joseph Addai and Dominic Rhodes.
<!--------------------------START PLAYER CARD------------------><TABLE class=tableheadFixWidth cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3 width=200 align=right><TBODY><TR class=stathead><TD class=whitelink colSpan=2>Mewelde Moore</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow align=right><TD align=left>
Running back
Minnesota Vikings
Profile</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow><TD align=middle><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=1 width=190 bgColor=#ffffff border=0><TBODY><TR class=stathead align=middle><TD align=middle colSpan=5>2005 SEASON STATISTICS</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND: #bcbcb4" align=right><TD width="17%">Att</TD><TD width="17%">Yds</TD><TD width="17%">Avg</TD><TD width="17%">Long</TD><TD width="17%">TD</TD></TR><TR align=right bgColor=#999999><TD>155</TD><TD>662</TD><TD>4.3</TD><TD>33</TD><TD>1</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!---------------------INLINE MINI-PLAYER CARD ENDS HERE--------------------->
? The door isn't wide open for Vikings RB Ciatrick Fason to steal work from Mewelde Moore as the backup to Chester Taylor, but Moore hasn't slammed it shut to date. Still bothered by a wrist injury, Moore must answer the same question he faced from the Mike Tice regime: Can he stay healthy? He appeared to be coming around at the most recent minicamp. If Moore doesn't stay healthy, Fason is one of several backs head coach Brad Childress said he's confident will pick up the slack.
? We're told the Bears don't expect much of a QB controversy between Rex Grossman and Brian Griese. Grossman has the full backing of the coaching staff, but his injury history necessitated the Griese signing.
? With Jets C Trey Teague on crutches with a reported ankle injury, rookie C Nick Mangold has been inserted into the starting lineup. Word is, Teague may be out for a significant amount of time.
? Word from South Florida is that the Dolphins are satisfied, for the time being, with their current crop of nose tackles and will only look to add a player like veteran free agent Dan Wilkinson later in training camp if rookie Fred Evans, second-year player Manny Wright and aging veteran Keith Traylor aren't getting the job done.
? Word out of Atlanta is the Falcons no longer plan to trade backup RB T.J. Duckett before training camp begins. But we hear if rookie Jerious Norwood has an outstanding camp, he could take carries away from Duckett and even starter Warrick Dunn, and in the process, put Duckett back on the trading block.
? Our Falcons sources tell us starting DE Patrick Kerney, FB Justin Griffith and backup WLB Demorrio Williams should be receiving contract extensions in the next few months. All three players are in the final year of their current deals.
? We're told there is still no progress on a potential contract extension for Buccaneers CB Ronde Barber. Barber, who is entering the final year of his contract, has said he would like to have a new deal in place by the start of training camp, but we hear GM Bruce Allen won't even return his agent's phone calls.
? Panthers offensive coordinator Dan Henning told PFW why Carolina was so aggressive in signing former Titans C Justin Hartwig to replace veteran Jeff Mitchell: "Justin Hartwig is a younger, stronger guy than we've had there. ? We felt like we needed to get better. Back 10-11 years ago, the philosophy emerged that when you need a player at a specific position, you get one in free agency and don't wait for the crapshoot of the draft and then wait for the maturity of a player you don't know about until you are into the season. We take that approach."
? The Saints have reshuffled the deck at safety, and we hear last season's Week 1 starters -- FS Dwight Smith and SS Jay Bellamy -- will both enter training camp working with the second unit. FS Josh Bullocks, who started 13 games as a rookie last year in place of an injured Bellamy, and free-agent acquisition Omar Stoutmire are penciled in as the starters. We also hear Smith, who was on the trading block earlier in the offseason, is no longer being shopped around because the new coaching staff has been impressed with how he handled his demotion.
? With 2005 third-round draft pick Richie Incognito looking impressive in the Rams' last full-squad minicamp and '05 fourth-round pick Claude Terrell still looking chunkier than the Rams would like, we hear Incognito could have a decent shot at replacing Terrell as the team's starting left guard. After missing his rookie season with a kneecap injury, Incognito's mobility and strength drew high marks at the last minicamp, but the fact the Nebraska product hasn't played an actual game since the fall of '03 is a bit worrisome.
<!--------------------------START PLAYER CARD------------------><TABLE class=tableheadFixWidth cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3 width=200 align=right><TBODY><TR class=stathead><TD class=whitelink colSpan=2>Jerametrius Butler</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow align=right><TD align=left>
Cornerback
St. Louis Rams
Profile</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow><TD align=middle><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=1 width=190 bgColor=#ffffff border=0><TBODY><TR class=stathead align=middle><TD align=middle colSpan=6>2005 SEASON STATISTICS</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND: #bcbcb4" align=right><TD width="17%">Tot</TD><TD width="17%">Solo</TD><TD width="17%">Ast</TD><TD width="17%">Sack</TD><TD width="17%">FF</TD><TD width="17%">Int</TD></TR><TR align=right bgColor=#999999><TD>78</TD><TD>75</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>5</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!---------------------INLINE MINI-PLAYER CARD ENDS HERE--------------------->
? The hamstring that Rams CB Jerametrius Butler tweaked a couple of weeks before the team's last minicamp could be considered a significant setback, especially taking into account how much 2006 first-round pick Tye Hill appeared to improve from the previous minicamp. Conversely, we hear CB Travis Fisher, who, like Butler, was plagued by injuries last season, looked very good in the last minicamp.
? Although new Rams VP of player personnel Tony Softli will oversee both the Rams' pro and college scouting departments, which will be headed by holdovers Charley Armey and Lawrence McCutcheon, respectively, we're told the former head of college scouting for the Panthers still must answer to both head coach Scott Linehan and president of football operations Jay Zygmunt. In addition, the new setup is definitely a demotion for Armey, who just turned 67 and wasn't interested in setting up shop elsewhere at this stage in his career.
? The Cardinals still have some interest in free-agent CB Ty Law, but after spending a fortune on RB Edgerrin James earlier this offseason, it would have to be at a price that's likely to be significantly less than what Law continues to be after.
? Keep a close eye on Cardinals second-year S Aaron Francisco, who we hear has put on decent weight and is being groomed to replace current FS Robert Griffith as early as next season. Our sources tell us the Cardinals believe they can probably get by with the aging Griffith in a starting role for one more season.
? We hear the Niners have been impressed enough with free-agent addition Walt Harris to consider him the starting left corner over Mike Rumph heading into training camp. The Niners also consider FS Mike Adams to be much improved from last year and no longer think of him as a backup playing a starter's role.
? Word is, the Niners were upset that backup QB Cody Pickett decided not to play in NFL Europe this season. There's talk of moving the athletic Pickett to the team's motion-fullback position, which could enable him to salvage a roster spot.
? Our Seahawks sources tell us the team was impressed with the way 2005 first-round pick Chris Spencer, who up to now has been backing up veteran Robbie Tobeck at center, performed when pressed into duty at right guard in the last minicamp. On the downside, the team is somewhat worried about the condition of top OLG candidate Floyd "Pork Chop" Womack, who was bothered during the minicamp by sore triceps.
? The Raiders would love to add a running back for depth behind LaMont Jordan and may look to the early round of training-camp cuts for just such a candidate. Justin Fargas, No. 2 on the depth chart, is considered little more than a special-teams guy, and part-time FB Zack Crockett, while reliable in the past, is not someone you want to hand your offense over to.
? Word out of Oakland is that the development of rookie LBs Thomas Howard and Darnell Bing could ultimately determine how many three- or four-LB looks the Raiders use this season. The Raiders are believed to be at least mildly interested in the services of Junior Seau because they'd like to add a veteran presence defensively.
? The player who most took advantage of Chiefs DE Eric Hicks being limited in minicamps while recovering from shoulder surgery was first-round pick Tamba Hali, who displayed a quick first step and the ability to sense throwing lanes and knock down passes at the line of scrimmage.
? At first glance, the inexperienced Ronnie Cruz stepping in at fullback for the departed Tony Richardson would seem to be an issue in Kansas City, but it should be noted that Richardson's role had diminished with age and the Chiefs have utilized more two-TE, single-back sets recently.
? Massive TE Brandon Manumaleuna may have been acquired by the Chargers more for blocking purposes, but it's his soft hands that have caught the eye of new QB Philip Rivers and the coaching staff.
? Ravens QB Steve McNair showed consistent improvement throughout his first minicamp in Baltimore. The way we hear it, McNair and WR Derrick Mason picked up right where they left off from their time together in Tennessee, and their exceptional chemistry was apparent.
? A source familiar with the Steelers' decision-making process says character is weighed heavily in the draft process, which makes WR Santonio Holmes' recent off-field problems that much more surprising. The way we hear it, there is concern that Holmes might have trouble maintaining focus, given his offseason and that he'll soon be signing his rookie contract.
? Some Texans observers don't share the team's optimism about RB Domanick Davis being ready for the start of training camp as he recovers from the effects of knee surgery.
? Of the Browns' rookies, there's a feeling RB Jerome Harrison is most ready to contribute, likely on third downs.
? Expect the Browns to split out TE Kellen Winslow at wide receiver at times, particularly if Braylon Edwards misses the start of the season.
? Don't count out Erik Meyer, an undrafted free agent, in the competition to be Cincinnati's No. 3 quarterback. Word is that Meyer has caught the eye of QBs coach Ken Zampese.
? Though Titans WR Bobby Wade struggled famously as a punt returner in Chicago with the swirling winds in Soldier Field, he might start the season with that duty. Though the WR position is crowded in Tennessee, expect Wade to make the roster -- the coaches appear to like him a great deal.
? It appears the Titans are slipping out of the Ty Law running, but that doesn't mean they aren't looking for a cornerback. If a veteran comes available before or during training camp, don't be surprised if they make a big push.
? New Redskins offensive coordinator Al Saunders gushed about backup RB Ladell Betts in the team's final minicamp, and Saunders pledges to find more ways to get both Betts and Clinton Portis on the field at the same time. Expect Betts to be used more as a receiver and keep his job as kick returner.
? Though he was beaten out for the Rams' VP of player personnel job by Tony Softli, Cowboys chief college scout Tom Ciskowski is considered a rising star and legitimate GM candidate in the near future.
? Eagles RB Correll Buckhalter, who is coming off his third season-ending knee injury in five years, likely won't be ready for the start of camp and faces long odds to make the roster despite being a personal favorite of the coaching staff.
? There's a chance that both Rob Johnson and Jared Lorenzen could beat out Tim Hasselbeck for the Giants' backup QB job. Johnson must prove he has shed the rust from a two-year layoff, but Lorenzen has impressed the staff with his throwing this offseason. ? With the Cowboys phasing the fullback out of the offense, Lousaka Polite -- who got most of the work there last season -- is fighting for his roster life. He has been working at running back and tight end, but both positions are crowded.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Whispers from around the NFL
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Pro Football Weekly
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? RB Willis McGahee wouldn't reveal his weight, but he looked noticeably slimmer and more toned at the Bills' June minicamp than he was at the end of last season. Word is McGahee believes that carrying less weight will bring back some of the explosiveness he lacked last season.
? Sources close to the Raiders indicate that WR Jerry Porter isn't the happiest camper with the way new head coach Art Shell has pushed for more discipline. Sources cite the sometimes tenuous relationship Porter had with Jon Gruden, who, like Shell, was more heavy-handed than Bill Callahan or Norv Turner. The Raiders have dangled Porter as trade bait in the past, so it wouldn't come as a complete surprise for Oakland to shop him if things don't go well early on.
? Sources say Broncos QB Jake Plummer has been sharp throughout summer workouts and appears to be as confident as ever despite Jay Cutler looking over his shoulder. Though the real bullets have yet to start flying, we're hearing that Cutler looks like the real deal to this point.
? Our sources in New Orleans tell us that newly acquired WR Bethel Johnson and underachieving third-year WR Devery Henderson will compete in training camp for the No. 3 WR role behind Joe Horn and Donte' Stallworth. We hear that the loser of the competition likely will be traded or released because the Saints are only going to keep one deep threat on the roster.
<!--------------------------START PLAYER CARD------------------><TABLE class=tableheadFixWidth cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3 width=200 align=right><TBODY><TR class=stathead><TD class=whitelink colSpan=2>Fred Taylor</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow align=right><TD align=left>
Running backJacksonville Jaguars
Profile</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow><TD align=middle><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=1 width=190 bgColor=#ffffff border=0><TBODY><TR class=stathead align=middle><TD align=middle colSpan=5>2005 SEASON STATISTICS</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND: #bcbcb4" align=right><TD width="17%">Att</TD><TD width="17%">Yds</TD><TD width="17%">Avg</TD><TD width="17%">Long</TD><TD width="17%">TD</TD></TR><TR align=right bgColor=#999999><TD>194</TD><TD>787</TD><TD>4.1</TD><TD>71</TD><TD>3</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!---------------------INLINE MINI-PLAYER CARD ENDS HERE--------------------->
? Jaguars RB Fred Taylor has somewhat smoothed over his disagreement with team management by keeping his word to participate in mandatory workouts. He chose to skip the offseason conditioning program to work out on his own in South Florida against the advice of head coach Jack Del Rio. Taylor has been injured in training camp two of the past three years, and the Jaguars wanted to keep a close watch on the training habits of their offensive cornerstone. In 2005, Taylor failed to rush for 800 yards for the first time in any season in which he had 10 starts, and he had just one carry of more than 20 yards.
? Vikings C Matt Birk is right on schedule in his recovery from hip surgery that cost him the 2005 season. Birk did participate in the offseason program without recurrence of pain or discomfort in his hip or abdomen. The team expects him to further solidify a new-look offensive line charged with paving the way for the Vikings' new ball-control West Coast offense.
? Sources in Jacksonville say the 2006 season is extremely critical for QB Byron Leftwich, who'll be in line for a new contract in the next two years. Leftwich has missed seven of the last 24 regular-season games because of injuries and could take the blame if the passing game falters without Jimmy Smith. Leftwich consistently missed the mark at a recent minicamp but said he wasn't worried about his accuracy or timing with his new starting receivers, Matt Jones and Reggie Williams.
? Despite signing free agent Nick Greisen and drafting Clint Ingram to replace OLB Akin Ayodele, we're told the Jaguars will open training camp with Pat Thomas as the first-string strongside linebacker.
? Several players with ties to Lions offensive coordinator Mike Martz are moving their way up the depth chart. ORT Rex Tucker supplanted last year's starter (Kelly Butler) in minicamp, and RB Arlen Harris, a solid receiver with good speed, has ascended to No. 2 behind starter Kevin Jones. A third ex-Ram, WR Mike Furrey, remains very much in the mix for a reserve WR spot.
? The Colts closed their "summer school" practices to the media for the first time in years, leading to rumor and debate about what kind of experiments the team might have tried with the doors closed. One that might be revisited is moving CB Marlin Jackson to free safety. If FS Mike Doss falters, or a third cornerback emerges behind Nick Harper and Jason David, Jackson could get the call inside.
? Don't expect the Colts to be as reliant on the running game early this season as they were last year. Without Edgerrin James, offensive coordinator Tom Moore will anchor the team with a spread formation, using multiple receivers to protect Peyton Manning and create wide running lanes for RBs Joseph Addai and Dominic Rhodes.
<!--------------------------START PLAYER CARD------------------><TABLE class=tableheadFixWidth cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3 width=200 align=right><TBODY><TR class=stathead><TD class=whitelink colSpan=2>Mewelde Moore</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow align=right><TD align=left>
Running backMinnesota Vikings
Profile</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow><TD align=middle><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=1 width=190 bgColor=#ffffff border=0><TBODY><TR class=stathead align=middle><TD align=middle colSpan=5>2005 SEASON STATISTICS</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND: #bcbcb4" align=right><TD width="17%">Att</TD><TD width="17%">Yds</TD><TD width="17%">Avg</TD><TD width="17%">Long</TD><TD width="17%">TD</TD></TR><TR align=right bgColor=#999999><TD>155</TD><TD>662</TD><TD>4.3</TD><TD>33</TD><TD>1</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!---------------------INLINE MINI-PLAYER CARD ENDS HERE--------------------->
? The door isn't wide open for Vikings RB Ciatrick Fason to steal work from Mewelde Moore as the backup to Chester Taylor, but Moore hasn't slammed it shut to date. Still bothered by a wrist injury, Moore must answer the same question he faced from the Mike Tice regime: Can he stay healthy? He appeared to be coming around at the most recent minicamp. If Moore doesn't stay healthy, Fason is one of several backs head coach Brad Childress said he's confident will pick up the slack.
? We're told the Bears don't expect much of a QB controversy between Rex Grossman and Brian Griese. Grossman has the full backing of the coaching staff, but his injury history necessitated the Griese signing.
? With Jets C Trey Teague on crutches with a reported ankle injury, rookie C Nick Mangold has been inserted into the starting lineup. Word is, Teague may be out for a significant amount of time.
? Word from South Florida is that the Dolphins are satisfied, for the time being, with their current crop of nose tackles and will only look to add a player like veteran free agent Dan Wilkinson later in training camp if rookie Fred Evans, second-year player Manny Wright and aging veteran Keith Traylor aren't getting the job done.
? Word out of Atlanta is the Falcons no longer plan to trade backup RB T.J. Duckett before training camp begins. But we hear if rookie Jerious Norwood has an outstanding camp, he could take carries away from Duckett and even starter Warrick Dunn, and in the process, put Duckett back on the trading block.
? Our Falcons sources tell us starting DE Patrick Kerney, FB Justin Griffith and backup WLB Demorrio Williams should be receiving contract extensions in the next few months. All three players are in the final year of their current deals.
? We're told there is still no progress on a potential contract extension for Buccaneers CB Ronde Barber. Barber, who is entering the final year of his contract, has said he would like to have a new deal in place by the start of training camp, but we hear GM Bruce Allen won't even return his agent's phone calls.
? Panthers offensive coordinator Dan Henning told PFW why Carolina was so aggressive in signing former Titans C Justin Hartwig to replace veteran Jeff Mitchell: "Justin Hartwig is a younger, stronger guy than we've had there. ? We felt like we needed to get better. Back 10-11 years ago, the philosophy emerged that when you need a player at a specific position, you get one in free agency and don't wait for the crapshoot of the draft and then wait for the maturity of a player you don't know about until you are into the season. We take that approach."
? The Saints have reshuffled the deck at safety, and we hear last season's Week 1 starters -- FS Dwight Smith and SS Jay Bellamy -- will both enter training camp working with the second unit. FS Josh Bullocks, who started 13 games as a rookie last year in place of an injured Bellamy, and free-agent acquisition Omar Stoutmire are penciled in as the starters. We also hear Smith, who was on the trading block earlier in the offseason, is no longer being shopped around because the new coaching staff has been impressed with how he handled his demotion.
? With 2005 third-round draft pick Richie Incognito looking impressive in the Rams' last full-squad minicamp and '05 fourth-round pick Claude Terrell still looking chunkier than the Rams would like, we hear Incognito could have a decent shot at replacing Terrell as the team's starting left guard. After missing his rookie season with a kneecap injury, Incognito's mobility and strength drew high marks at the last minicamp, but the fact the Nebraska product hasn't played an actual game since the fall of '03 is a bit worrisome.
<!--------------------------START PLAYER CARD------------------><TABLE class=tableheadFixWidth cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3 width=200 align=right><TBODY><TR class=stathead><TD class=whitelink colSpan=2>Jerametrius Butler</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow align=right><TD align=left>
CornerbackSt. Louis Rams
Profile</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow><TD align=middle><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=1 width=190 bgColor=#ffffff border=0><TBODY><TR class=stathead align=middle><TD align=middle colSpan=6>2005 SEASON STATISTICS</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND: #bcbcb4" align=right><TD width="17%">Tot</TD><TD width="17%">Solo</TD><TD width="17%">Ast</TD><TD width="17%">Sack</TD><TD width="17%">FF</TD><TD width="17%">Int</TD></TR><TR align=right bgColor=#999999><TD>78</TD><TD>75</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>5</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!---------------------INLINE MINI-PLAYER CARD ENDS HERE--------------------->
? The hamstring that Rams CB Jerametrius Butler tweaked a couple of weeks before the team's last minicamp could be considered a significant setback, especially taking into account how much 2006 first-round pick Tye Hill appeared to improve from the previous minicamp. Conversely, we hear CB Travis Fisher, who, like Butler, was plagued by injuries last season, looked very good in the last minicamp.
? Although new Rams VP of player personnel Tony Softli will oversee both the Rams' pro and college scouting departments, which will be headed by holdovers Charley Armey and Lawrence McCutcheon, respectively, we're told the former head of college scouting for the Panthers still must answer to both head coach Scott Linehan and president of football operations Jay Zygmunt. In addition, the new setup is definitely a demotion for Armey, who just turned 67 and wasn't interested in setting up shop elsewhere at this stage in his career.
? The Cardinals still have some interest in free-agent CB Ty Law, but after spending a fortune on RB Edgerrin James earlier this offseason, it would have to be at a price that's likely to be significantly less than what Law continues to be after.
? Keep a close eye on Cardinals second-year S Aaron Francisco, who we hear has put on decent weight and is being groomed to replace current FS Robert Griffith as early as next season. Our sources tell us the Cardinals believe they can probably get by with the aging Griffith in a starting role for one more season.
? We hear the Niners have been impressed enough with free-agent addition Walt Harris to consider him the starting left corner over Mike Rumph heading into training camp. The Niners also consider FS Mike Adams to be much improved from last year and no longer think of him as a backup playing a starter's role.
? Word is, the Niners were upset that backup QB Cody Pickett decided not to play in NFL Europe this season. There's talk of moving the athletic Pickett to the team's motion-fullback position, which could enable him to salvage a roster spot.
? Our Seahawks sources tell us the team was impressed with the way 2005 first-round pick Chris Spencer, who up to now has been backing up veteran Robbie Tobeck at center, performed when pressed into duty at right guard in the last minicamp. On the downside, the team is somewhat worried about the condition of top OLG candidate Floyd "Pork Chop" Womack, who was bothered during the minicamp by sore triceps.
? The Raiders would love to add a running back for depth behind LaMont Jordan and may look to the early round of training-camp cuts for just such a candidate. Justin Fargas, No. 2 on the depth chart, is considered little more than a special-teams guy, and part-time FB Zack Crockett, while reliable in the past, is not someone you want to hand your offense over to.
? Word out of Oakland is that the development of rookie LBs Thomas Howard and Darnell Bing could ultimately determine how many three- or four-LB looks the Raiders use this season. The Raiders are believed to be at least mildly interested in the services of Junior Seau because they'd like to add a veteran presence defensively.
? The player who most took advantage of Chiefs DE Eric Hicks being limited in minicamps while recovering from shoulder surgery was first-round pick Tamba Hali, who displayed a quick first step and the ability to sense throwing lanes and knock down passes at the line of scrimmage.
? At first glance, the inexperienced Ronnie Cruz stepping in at fullback for the departed Tony Richardson would seem to be an issue in Kansas City, but it should be noted that Richardson's role had diminished with age and the Chiefs have utilized more two-TE, single-back sets recently.
? Massive TE Brandon Manumaleuna may have been acquired by the Chargers more for blocking purposes, but it's his soft hands that have caught the eye of new QB Philip Rivers and the coaching staff.
? Ravens QB Steve McNair showed consistent improvement throughout his first minicamp in Baltimore. The way we hear it, McNair and WR Derrick Mason picked up right where they left off from their time together in Tennessee, and their exceptional chemistry was apparent.
? A source familiar with the Steelers' decision-making process says character is weighed heavily in the draft process, which makes WR Santonio Holmes' recent off-field problems that much more surprising. The way we hear it, there is concern that Holmes might have trouble maintaining focus, given his offseason and that he'll soon be signing his rookie contract.
? Some Texans observers don't share the team's optimism about RB Domanick Davis being ready for the start of training camp as he recovers from the effects of knee surgery.
? Of the Browns' rookies, there's a feeling RB Jerome Harrison is most ready to contribute, likely on third downs.
? Expect the Browns to split out TE Kellen Winslow at wide receiver at times, particularly if Braylon Edwards misses the start of the season.
? Don't count out Erik Meyer, an undrafted free agent, in the competition to be Cincinnati's No. 3 quarterback. Word is that Meyer has caught the eye of QBs coach Ken Zampese.
? Though Titans WR Bobby Wade struggled famously as a punt returner in Chicago with the swirling winds in Soldier Field, he might start the season with that duty. Though the WR position is crowded in Tennessee, expect Wade to make the roster -- the coaches appear to like him a great deal.
? It appears the Titans are slipping out of the Ty Law running, but that doesn't mean they aren't looking for a cornerback. If a veteran comes available before or during training camp, don't be surprised if they make a big push.
? New Redskins offensive coordinator Al Saunders gushed about backup RB Ladell Betts in the team's final minicamp, and Saunders pledges to find more ways to get both Betts and Clinton Portis on the field at the same time. Expect Betts to be used more as a receiver and keep his job as kick returner.
? Though he was beaten out for the Rams' VP of player personnel job by Tony Softli, Cowboys chief college scout Tom Ciskowski is considered a rising star and legitimate GM candidate in the near future.
? Eagles RB Correll Buckhalter, who is coming off his third season-ending knee injury in five years, likely won't be ready for the start of camp and faces long odds to make the roster despite being a personal favorite of the coaching staff.
? There's a chance that both Rob Johnson and Jared Lorenzen could beat out Tim Hasselbeck for the Giants' backup QB job. Johnson must prove he has shed the rust from a two-year layoff, but Lorenzen has impressed the staff with his throwing this offseason. ? With the Cowboys phasing the fullback out of the offense, Lousaka Polite -- who got most of the work there last season -- is fighting for his roster life. He has been working at running back and tight end, but both positions are crowded.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Hache Man
"Seven Days Without Gambling Makes One Weak"
<TABLE width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD>NFL Rumor Central: Suitors balking at Law's price
</TD><TD align=right width="30%">Other Rumors: MLB | NBA
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE class=tablehead cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3><TBODY><TR><TD align=middle>You are signed into Insider
and have access to this premium feature.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE class=tablehead cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3><TBODY><TR class=stathead><TD colSpan=3>Monday, July 10</TD></TR><TR class=colhead><TD width=65>WHO</TD><TD>INTERESTED</TD><TD>THE SKINNY</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD noWrap align=middle>
Ty Law
Jets
</TD><TD>Cardinals
Patriots
Chiefs
Titans?
Seahawks?
</TD><TD>Suitors balking at Law's price
<Jul. 10> The Cardinals still have interest in Law, but after spending a fortune on RB Edgerrin James this offseason, it would have to be at a price that's significantly less than what Law continues to be after, Pro Football Weekly is hearing.
Just like the Cardinals, the Patriots and Chiefs appear to be waiting for the cornerback's price tag (believed to be $10 million in guaranteed money) to come down before making a serious bid for his services. Law has undergone a physical with the Patriots and has also visited Tennessee and Seattle.
</TD></TR><TR class=colhead><TD width=65>WHO</TD><TD>INTERESTED</TD><TD>THE SKINNY</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow vAlign=top><TD noWrap align=middle>
T.J. Duckett
Falcons
</TD><TD>Steelers?
</TD><TD>Duckett off the market?
<Jul. 10> According to Pro Football Weekly, the Falcons no longer plan to trade Duckett before training camp begins. However, if rookie Jerious Norwood has an outstanding camp, Atlanta might consider Duckett expendable and be inclined to put the five-year veteran back on the trading block. The Steelers were among the teams that made an offer for Duckett this offseason. Pittsburgh drafted Virginia Tech running back Cedric Humes in the seventh round, but is believed to be interested in adding a short-yardage back to complement Willie Parker.
</TD></TR><TR class=colhead><TD width=65>WHO</TD><TD>WHAT</TD><TD>THE SKINNY</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD noWrap align=middle>
Oakland
</TD><TD>Running back
</TD><TD>Raiders seeking RB help
<Jul. 10> The Raiders would love to add a running back for depth behind LaMont Jordan and might look to the early round of training-camp cuts for just such a candidate, according to Pro Football Weekly. Justin Fargas, No. 2 on the depth chart, is considered little more than a special-teams guy, and part-time FB Zack Crockett, although reliable in the past, is not someone capable of carrying a sizable load.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
</TD><TD align=right width="30%">Other Rumors: MLB | NBA
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE class=tablehead cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3><TBODY><TR><TD align=middle>You are signed into Insider
and have access to this premium feature.</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE class=tablehead cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3><TBODY><TR class=stathead><TD colSpan=3>Monday, July 10</TD></TR><TR class=colhead><TD width=65>WHO</TD><TD>INTERESTED</TD><TD>THE SKINNY</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD noWrap align=middle>
Ty Law
Jets
</TD><TD>Cardinals
Patriots
Chiefs
Titans?
Seahawks?
</TD><TD>Suitors balking at Law's price
<Jul. 10> The Cardinals still have interest in Law, but after spending a fortune on RB Edgerrin James this offseason, it would have to be at a price that's significantly less than what Law continues to be after, Pro Football Weekly is hearing.
Just like the Cardinals, the Patriots and Chiefs appear to be waiting for the cornerback's price tag (believed to be $10 million in guaranteed money) to come down before making a serious bid for his services. Law has undergone a physical with the Patriots and has also visited Tennessee and Seattle.
</TD></TR><TR class=colhead><TD width=65>WHO</TD><TD>INTERESTED</TD><TD>THE SKINNY</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow vAlign=top><TD noWrap align=middle>
T.J. Duckett
Falcons
</TD><TD>Steelers?
</TD><TD>Duckett off the market?
<Jul. 10> According to Pro Football Weekly, the Falcons no longer plan to trade Duckett before training camp begins. However, if rookie Jerious Norwood has an outstanding camp, Atlanta might consider Duckett expendable and be inclined to put the five-year veteran back on the trading block. The Steelers were among the teams that made an offer for Duckett this offseason. Pittsburgh drafted Virginia Tech running back Cedric Humes in the seventh round, but is believed to be interested in adding a short-yardage back to complement Willie Parker.
</TD></TR><TR class=colhead><TD width=65>WHO</TD><TD>WHAT</TD><TD>THE SKINNY</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD noWrap align=middle>
Oakland
</TD><TD>Running back
</TD><TD>Raiders seeking RB help
<Jul. 10> The Raiders would love to add a running back for depth behind LaMont Jordan and might look to the early round of training-camp cuts for just such a candidate, according to Pro Football Weekly. Justin Fargas, No. 2 on the depth chart, is considered little more than a special-teams guy, and part-time FB Zack Crockett, although reliable in the past, is not someone capable of carrying a sizable load.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Hache Man
"Seven Days Without Gambling Makes One Weak"
<TABLE width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD>NFL Rumor Central: Suitors balking at Law's price
</TD><TD align=right width="30%">Other Rumors: MLB | NBA
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE class=tablehead cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3><TBODY><TR><TD align=middle>You are signed into Insider
and have access to this premium feature.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE class=tablehead cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3><TBODY><TR class=stathead><TD colSpan=3>Monday, July 10</TD></TR><TR class=colhead><TD width=65>WHO</TD><TD>INTERESTED</TD><TD>THE SKINNY</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD noWrap align=middle>
Ty Law
Jets
</TD><TD>Cardinals
Patriots
Chiefs
Titans?
Seahawks?
</TD><TD>Suitors balking at Law's price
<Jul. 10> The Cardinals still have interest in Law, but after spending a fortune on RB Edgerrin James this offseason, it would have to be at a price that's significantly less than what Law continues to be after, Pro Football Weekly is hearing.
Just like the Cardinals, the Patriots and Chiefs appear to be waiting for the cornerback's price tag (believed to be $10 million in guaranteed money) to come down before making a serious bid for his services. Law has undergone a physical with the Patriots and has also visited Tennessee and Seattle.
</TD></TR><TR class=colhead><TD width=65>WHO</TD><TD>INTERESTED</TD><TD>THE SKINNY</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow vAlign=top><TD noWrap align=middle>
T.J. Duckett
Falcons
</TD><TD>Steelers?
</TD><TD>Duckett off the market?
<Jul. 10> According to Pro Football Weekly, the Falcons no longer plan to trade Duckett before training camp begins. However, if rookie Jerious Norwood has an outstanding camp, Atlanta might consider Duckett expendable and be inclined to put the five-year veteran back on the trading block. The Steelers were among the teams that made an offer for Duckett this offseason. Pittsburgh drafted Virginia Tech running back Cedric Humes in the seventh round, but is believed to be interested in adding a short-yardage back to complement Willie Parker.
</TD></TR><TR class=colhead><TD width=65>WHO</TD><TD>WHAT</TD><TD>THE SKINNY</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD noWrap align=middle>
Oakland
</TD><TD>Running back
</TD><TD>Raiders seeking RB help
<Jul. 10> The Raiders would love to add a running back for depth behind LaMont Jordan and might look to the early round of training-camp cuts for just such a candidate, according to Pro Football Weekly. Justin Fargas, No. 2 on the depth chart, is considered little more than a special-teams guy, and part-time FB Zack Crockett, although reliable in the past, is not someone capable of carrying a sizable load.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
</TD><TD align=right width="30%">Other Rumors: MLB | NBA
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE class=tablehead cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3><TBODY><TR><TD align=middle>You are signed into Insider
and have access to this premium feature.</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE class=tablehead cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3><TBODY><TR class=stathead><TD colSpan=3>Monday, July 10</TD></TR><TR class=colhead><TD width=65>WHO</TD><TD>INTERESTED</TD><TD>THE SKINNY</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD noWrap align=middle>
Ty Law
Jets
</TD><TD>Cardinals
Patriots
Chiefs
Titans?
Seahawks?
</TD><TD>Suitors balking at Law's price
<Jul. 10> The Cardinals still have interest in Law, but after spending a fortune on RB Edgerrin James this offseason, it would have to be at a price that's significantly less than what Law continues to be after, Pro Football Weekly is hearing.
Just like the Cardinals, the Patriots and Chiefs appear to be waiting for the cornerback's price tag (believed to be $10 million in guaranteed money) to come down before making a serious bid for his services. Law has undergone a physical with the Patriots and has also visited Tennessee and Seattle.
</TD></TR><TR class=colhead><TD width=65>WHO</TD><TD>INTERESTED</TD><TD>THE SKINNY</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow vAlign=top><TD noWrap align=middle>
T.J. Duckett
Falcons
</TD><TD>Steelers?
</TD><TD>Duckett off the market?
<Jul. 10> According to Pro Football Weekly, the Falcons no longer plan to trade Duckett before training camp begins. However, if rookie Jerious Norwood has an outstanding camp, Atlanta might consider Duckett expendable and be inclined to put the five-year veteran back on the trading block. The Steelers were among the teams that made an offer for Duckett this offseason. Pittsburgh drafted Virginia Tech running back Cedric Humes in the seventh round, but is believed to be interested in adding a short-yardage back to complement Willie Parker.
</TD></TR><TR class=colhead><TD width=65>WHO</TD><TD>WHAT</TD><TD>THE SKINNY</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD noWrap align=middle>
Oakland
</TD><TD>Running back
</TD><TD>Raiders seeking RB help
<Jul. 10> The Raiders would love to add a running back for depth behind LaMont Jordan and might look to the early round of training-camp cuts for just such a candidate, according to Pro Football Weekly. Justin Fargas, No. 2 on the depth chart, is considered little more than a special-teams guy, and part-time FB Zack Crockett, although reliable in the past, is not someone capable of carrying a sizable load.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Hache Man
"Seven Days Without Gambling Makes One Weak"
<TABLE width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD>NFL Rumor Central: Faulk decision looming
</TD><TD align=right width="30%">Other Rumors: MLB | NBA
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE class=tablehead cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3><TBODY><TR><TD align=middle>You are signed into Insider
and have access to this premium feature.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE class=tablehead cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3><TBODY><TR class=stathead><TD colSpan=3>Tuesday, July 11</TD></TR><TR class=colhead><TD width=65>WHO</TD><TD>WHAT</TD><TD>THE SKINNY</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD noWrap align=middle>
Marshall Faulk
Rams
</TD><TD>Retirement
</TD><TD>Faulk decision looming
<Jul. 11> Faulk is contemplating retirment due to problems with both knees. According to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, the 33-year-old will make a decision in the next week to 10 days regarding his future.
"He's going to be evaluated again, and that's when the decision will be made," Faulk's agent, Rocky Arceneaux, said Monday.
Faulk missed both veterans minicamps in the spring, as well as organized team activities. While retirement is a possibility, Faulk also has talked about doing television work for a year then trying to come back in 2007.
"He's been in California attempting to rehab," Arceneaux said. "He's been running and things like that. If the doctor feels like he has to have more surgery, that's the big question. (Faulk is) trying to give it as much time as he can." The team opens training camp July 27, which head coach Scott Linehan indicated last month would serve as an unofficial deadline for determining Faulk's status.
</TD></TR><TR class=colhead><TD width=65>WHO</TD><TD>WHAT</TD><TD>THE SKINNY</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow vAlign=top><TD noWrap align=middle>
Priest Holmes
Chiefs
</TD><TD>Return?
</TD><TD>Holmes' future still unclear
<Jul. 11> While Holmes has expressed his desire to play in 2006, his personal trainer, Bremond McClinton, said Monday that Holmes' status is still in limbo, the Kansas City Star reports. The 32-year-old suffered head and neck trauma after a helmet-to-helmet collision Oct. 30 in San Diego.
Holmes said he'd leave it in his doctors' hands to decide whether and when he'd play. He told the San Antonio Express-News that Los Angeles-based spinal surgeon Robert Watkins has warned him about the long-term effects of reinjury and that he's taking it seriously. "It's not what it will do to me today," Holmes said. "It's what it will do when I'm 40 or 50."
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
</TD><TD align=right width="30%">Other Rumors: MLB | NBA
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE class=tablehead cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3><TBODY><TR><TD align=middle>You are signed into Insider
and have access to this premium feature.</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE class=tablehead cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3><TBODY><TR class=stathead><TD colSpan=3>Tuesday, July 11</TD></TR><TR class=colhead><TD width=65>WHO</TD><TD>WHAT</TD><TD>THE SKINNY</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD noWrap align=middle>
Marshall Faulk
Rams
</TD><TD>Retirement
</TD><TD>Faulk decision looming
<Jul. 11> Faulk is contemplating retirment due to problems with both knees. According to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, the 33-year-old will make a decision in the next week to 10 days regarding his future.
"He's going to be evaluated again, and that's when the decision will be made," Faulk's agent, Rocky Arceneaux, said Monday.
Faulk missed both veterans minicamps in the spring, as well as organized team activities. While retirement is a possibility, Faulk also has talked about doing television work for a year then trying to come back in 2007.
"He's been in California attempting to rehab," Arceneaux said. "He's been running and things like that. If the doctor feels like he has to have more surgery, that's the big question. (Faulk is) trying to give it as much time as he can." The team opens training camp July 27, which head coach Scott Linehan indicated last month would serve as an unofficial deadline for determining Faulk's status.
</TD></TR><TR class=colhead><TD width=65>WHO</TD><TD>WHAT</TD><TD>THE SKINNY</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow vAlign=top><TD noWrap align=middle>
Priest Holmes
Chiefs
</TD><TD>Return?
</TD><TD>Holmes' future still unclear
<Jul. 11> While Holmes has expressed his desire to play in 2006, his personal trainer, Bremond McClinton, said Monday that Holmes' status is still in limbo, the Kansas City Star reports. The 32-year-old suffered head and neck trauma after a helmet-to-helmet collision Oct. 30 in San Diego.
Holmes said he'd leave it in his doctors' hands to decide whether and when he'd play. He told the San Antonio Express-News that Los Angeles-based spinal surgeon Robert Watkins has warned him about the long-term effects of reinjury and that he's taking it seriously. "It's not what it will do to me today," Holmes said. "It's what it will do when I'm 40 or 50."
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Hache Man
"Seven Days Without Gambling Makes One Weak"
<TABLE width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD>NFL Rumor Central: Faulk decision looming
</TD><TD align=right width="30%">Other Rumors: MLB | NBA
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE class=tablehead cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3><TBODY><TR><TD align=middle>You are signed into Insider
and have access to this premium feature.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE class=tablehead cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3><TBODY><TR class=stathead><TD colSpan=3>Tuesday, July 11</TD></TR><TR class=colhead><TD width=65>WHO</TD><TD>WHAT</TD><TD>THE SKINNY</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD noWrap align=middle>
Marshall Faulk
Rams
</TD><TD>Retirement
</TD><TD>Faulk decision looming
<Jul. 11> Faulk is contemplating retirment due to problems with both knees. According to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, the 33-year-old will make a decision in the next week to 10 days regarding his future.
"He's going to be evaluated again, and that's when the decision will be made," Faulk's agent, Rocky Arceneaux, said Monday.
Faulk missed both veterans minicamps in the spring, as well as organized team activities. While retirement is a possibility, Faulk also has talked about doing television work for a year then trying to come back in 2007.
"He's been in California attempting to rehab," Arceneaux said. "He's been running and things like that. If the doctor feels like he has to have more surgery, that's the big question. (Faulk is) trying to give it as much time as he can." The team opens training camp July 27, which head coach Scott Linehan indicated last month would serve as an unofficial deadline for determining Faulk's status.
</TD></TR><TR class=colhead><TD width=65>WHO</TD><TD>WHAT</TD><TD>THE SKINNY</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow vAlign=top><TD noWrap align=middle>
Priest Holmes
Chiefs
</TD><TD>Return?
</TD><TD>Holmes' future still unclear
<Jul. 11> While Holmes has expressed his desire to play in 2006, his personal trainer, Bremond McClinton, said Monday that Holmes' status is still in limbo, the Kansas City Star reports. The 32-year-old suffered head and neck trauma after a helmet-to-helmet collision Oct. 30 in San Diego.
Holmes said he'd leave it in his doctors' hands to decide whether and when he'd play. He told the San Antonio Express-News that Los Angeles-based spinal surgeon Robert Watkins has warned him about the long-term effects of reinjury and that he's taking it seriously. "It's not what it will do to me today," Holmes said. "It's what it will do when I'm 40 or 50."
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
</TD><TD align=right width="30%">Other Rumors: MLB | NBA
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE class=tablehead cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3><TBODY><TR><TD align=middle>You are signed into Insider
and have access to this premium feature.</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE class=tablehead cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3><TBODY><TR class=stathead><TD colSpan=3>Tuesday, July 11</TD></TR><TR class=colhead><TD width=65>WHO</TD><TD>WHAT</TD><TD>THE SKINNY</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD noWrap align=middle>
Marshall Faulk
Rams
</TD><TD>Retirement
</TD><TD>Faulk decision looming
<Jul. 11> Faulk is contemplating retirment due to problems with both knees. According to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, the 33-year-old will make a decision in the next week to 10 days regarding his future.
"He's going to be evaluated again, and that's when the decision will be made," Faulk's agent, Rocky Arceneaux, said Monday.
Faulk missed both veterans minicamps in the spring, as well as organized team activities. While retirement is a possibility, Faulk also has talked about doing television work for a year then trying to come back in 2007.
"He's been in California attempting to rehab," Arceneaux said. "He's been running and things like that. If the doctor feels like he has to have more surgery, that's the big question. (Faulk is) trying to give it as much time as he can." The team opens training camp July 27, which head coach Scott Linehan indicated last month would serve as an unofficial deadline for determining Faulk's status.
</TD></TR><TR class=colhead><TD width=65>WHO</TD><TD>WHAT</TD><TD>THE SKINNY</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow vAlign=top><TD noWrap align=middle>
Priest Holmes
Chiefs
</TD><TD>Return?
</TD><TD>Holmes' future still unclear
<Jul. 11> While Holmes has expressed his desire to play in 2006, his personal trainer, Bremond McClinton, said Monday that Holmes' status is still in limbo, the Kansas City Star reports. The 32-year-old suffered head and neck trauma after a helmet-to-helmet collision Oct. 30 in San Diego.
Holmes said he'd leave it in his doctors' hands to decide whether and when he'd play. He told the San Antonio Express-News that Los Angeles-based spinal surgeon Robert Watkins has warned him about the long-term effects of reinjury and that he's taking it seriously. "It's not what it will do to me today," Holmes said. "It's what it will do when I'm 40 or 50."
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Hache Man
"Seven Days Without Gambling Makes One Weak"
Updated: July 12, 2006
Quarterbacks on the mend
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<!-- firstName = Gary --><!-- lastName = Horton -->
By Gary Horton
Scouts Inc.
Archive
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NFL coaches and players are now in the midst of well-deserved vacations, but teams start reporting to training camp in less than two weeks. Let's look at 10 intriguing story lines for the upcoming season.
1. Super Bowl rematch?
The Steelers and Seahawks were clearly the top two teams in the NFL at the end of the 2005 season, and both expect the same kind of success in 2006. Pittsburgh is an organization that hates distractions, and it has had more than its share this offseason.
The motorcycle accident involving quarterback Ben Roethlisberger in June could have been a lot worse, but it threw a huge scare into everybody in the organization. Roethlisberger still could have an uneven preseason with some lingering effects from the crash.
The Steelers lost three significant players -- wide receiver Antwaan Randle El, safety Chris Hope and defensive end Kimo von Oelhoffen -- to free agency, along with the retirement of running back Jerome Bettis. In addition, the Steelers' first-round draft pick, wide receiver Santonio Holmes, has endured some off-the-field problems in the last two months. The Steelers have more question marks than they would like, especially in what is shaping up to be a very competitive division.
Seattle had its own free-agency defections, losing wide receiver Joe Jurevicius, free safety Marquand Manuel and most importantly, left guard Steve Hutchinson. However, the Seahawks did avoid disaster by re-signing running back Shaun Alexander to a new long-term contract, and they added solid free agents in wide receiver Nate Burleson and outside linebacker Julian Peterson.
If Alexander doesn't turn into a soft player, now that he has his big payday, and if the new pieces of the puzzle jell quickly, this is a team that expects to get back to the Super Bowl. Seattle's road to Miami may be less bumpy than Pittsburgh's. A rematch is a definite possibility. 2. Will ailing quarterbacks be ready?
AP
The Bengals need a healthy Carson Palmer next season.
An astounding number of teams have placed their hopes in 2006 on the recovery of their starting quarterbacks. Roethlisberger, Daunte Culpepper (Miami), Carson Palmer (Cincinnati), Drew Brees (New Orleans), Donovan McNabb (Philadelphia) and Chad Pennington (New York Jets) all are question marks for the start of the season.
The most important news in July and August may be the daily medical reports that come out of training camp. With depth at the QB position in the NFL at an all-time low and an alarming lack of quality backups, these players need to be ready.
3. Keyshawn and T.O. intertwined?
Two of the most prolific receivers in the NFL, who also can make headlines with their outlandish behavior, will be in the spotlight in 2006. Keyshawn Johnson was quietly run out of Dallas and replaced by the volatile Terrell Owens. Johnson will now try to prove in Carolina that the Cowboys made a mistake.
Both are big, physical receivers. The one huge difference is that Owens still has some deep speed and a big-play element, while Johnson is now strictly a possession receiver. This is probably the last stop for both of these players, and watching them accept their roles this fall will be interesting, to say the least.
Carolina has a big-play deep threat in Steve Smith, and the Panthers will expect Johnson to take away double teams and do the dirty work over the middle. Will he become frustrated if Jake Delhomme continues to force the ball to Smith, or will Delhomme realize Johnson is a big target who can make this pass offense more consistent?
In Dallas, Owens should really help Terry Glenn get less double coverage, but the Cowboys want to utilize tight end Jason Witten and rookie TE Anthony Fasano, who both catch the ball well over the middle. When you factor in that Dallas ran the ball 521 times in 2005, it is fair to wonder where the catches for Owens will come from. With marginal offensive line protection, Drew Bledsoe was sacked 49 times a year ago, so how long will it take for Owens to implode if he is not getting the ball?
4. Is Atlanta heading in the right direction?
The success of this franchise continues to fall on the shoulders and feet of the talented, but inconsistent Michael Vick. The coaching staff says he wants to return to his scrambling style of play and it is fair to wonder whether he will ever be a dependable QB. When Vick struggles, he tends to question the offensive philosophy and the coaching staff, making it a tough situation for head coach Jim Mora.
Owner Arthur Blank has given this organization everything it needs to be successful, and his patience may be running thin. With all the questions on offense, this is also a Falcons defense that went from elite status in 2004 to the bottom third in the league in 2005, and the unit seemed to be playing with no confidence. This team needs to get off to a quick start in September, or the players might tune out Mora.
5. How big is the Edge factor in Arizona?
One of the biggest moves this offseason was running back Edgerrin James' leaving Indianapolis to join perennial loser Arizona. The Cardinals are hoping James will revitalize a running game that finished dead last in the NFL a year ago, and an offense that produced only two rushing TDs in 2005. Head coach Dennis Green will utilize a lot of three-receiver sets, designed to spread the field and soften up defenses against the run, but James' success will depend on how the offensive line plays.
The bad news is the Cardinals did not dramatically upgrade their offensive line in the offseason, but they did hire a new offensive line coach in Steve Loney. This is a franchise starved for success. With a new sold-out stadium, there may be more optimism in Arizona than in any other NFL city heading into training camp.
6. Does Carolina deserve respect?
This team always seems to sneak up on us because it is not flashy. Although the Panthers posted a solid 11-5 record last year and played in the NFC Championship Game in Seattle, the organization realized it had some work to do to reach the next level.
The success of the Panthers is based on running the ball and stopping the run. Unfortunately, the Panthers did neither effectively last season. As a result, they upgraded on both sides of the ball in free agency and will return to their formula for success in 2006.
Last year, Smith was the entire offensive show for Carolina, but now he has Johnson to take pressure and double-team coverages away from him, so this should be a much-improved passing game. A big key for Carolina will be how Johnson and Smith coexist. This is a team with great chemistry, a strong locker room and a stable coaching staff. If Johnson is not a disruption and the new players jell, this is a championship team.
7. Where are the veteran quarterbacks?
An unusual amount of teams will be pinning their hopes on young signal callers -- J.P. Losman (Buffalo), Philip Rivers (San Diego), Charlie Frye (Cleveland), Alex Smith (San Francisco), Rex Grossman (Chicago), and Billy Volek (Tennessee) are all talented guys under tremendous pressure.
Most NFL coaches will tell you the ability to be strong mentally and handle the emotional roller-coaster of the position is key to the success of NFL quarterbacks. It will be interesting to see which of these youngsters succeeds.
8. Can the Minnesota Vikings turn things around?
The Vikings cannot wait to start training camp and put a miserable 2005 season behind them. New head coach Brad Childress has promised to improve discipline from a year ago and get this talented roster to achieve its full potential. Owner Zygi Wilf opened up his checkbook and let the organization spend $31.5 million in free agency.
The new players -- left guard Steve Hutchinson, running back Chester Taylor, fullback Tony Richardson, linebacker Ben Leber, defensive back Tank Williams and guard Artis Hicks -- are certainly upgrades, but will they jell early? Will the players respond to Childress' philosophy? If quarterback Brad Johnson stays healthy, this could be a playoff team. They will be a very interesting team to watch in the preseason. 9. Has New England's window closed?
The Patriots might finally be losing some of their magic.
Bill Belichick has done a great job in New England of keeping his roster stocked with quality role players and not allowing free agency losses to tear his team apart. However, this offseason has not been kind to the Pats and the team may have a big mountain to climb in 2006. Losing linebacker Willie McGinest, placekicker Adam Vinatieri, offensive tackle Tom Ashworth and wide receiver David Givens is bad enough, but they did nothing to replace them.
This is an aging roster with several players coming off injuries. The margin for error is less than it's been for a long time. Although the Bills and Jets still appear to be mediocre, the Dolphins have a legitimate chance to replace New England at the top of the AFC East. You can never count out Belichick and Tom Brady, but a demanding early schedule will really test their resolve.
10. Can kickers make a difference?
Typically, kickers don't receive much attention heading into training camp, but three veteran kickers have switched teams, affecting six organizations.
Vinatieri's move from New England to Indianapolis will not only strengthen the Colts, but also dramatically weaken the Pats. He will have a great year kicking indoors for the high-scoring Colts, while the Pats have no kicker on their current roster they can trust in a close game. The arrival of Mike Vanderjagt in Dallas doesn't hurt Indianapolis, but gives Dallas consistency in the kicking game. Vanderjagt could easily be the difference between an 8-8 and 10-6 record. Also, Ryan Longwell traded the cold weather and tough kicking conditions in Green Bay for the cozy Metrodome in Minneapolis. He will not only upgrade the Vikings, he also leaves the Packers with no dependable kicker. Indianapolis, Dallas and Minnesota all expect big production from their new kickers.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Quarterbacks on the mend
<!-- end pagetitle --><!-- begin bylinebox -->
<!-- firstName = Gary --><!-- lastName = Horton -->
By Gary Horton
Scouts Inc.
Archive
<!-- begin presby2 -->
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<!-- end bylinebox -->
<!-- begin text11 div --><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD style="PADDING-TOP: 10px" vAlign=top><!-- begin leftcol --><!-- template inline -->
NFL coaches and players are now in the midst of well-deserved vacations, but teams start reporting to training camp in less than two weeks. Let's look at 10 intriguing story lines for the upcoming season.
1. Super Bowl rematch?
The Steelers and Seahawks were clearly the top two teams in the NFL at the end of the 2005 season, and both expect the same kind of success in 2006. Pittsburgh is an organization that hates distractions, and it has had more than its share this offseason.
The motorcycle accident involving quarterback Ben Roethlisberger in June could have been a lot worse, but it threw a huge scare into everybody in the organization. Roethlisberger still could have an uneven preseason with some lingering effects from the crash.
The Steelers lost three significant players -- wide receiver Antwaan Randle El, safety Chris Hope and defensive end Kimo von Oelhoffen -- to free agency, along with the retirement of running back Jerome Bettis. In addition, the Steelers' first-round draft pick, wide receiver Santonio Holmes, has endured some off-the-field problems in the last two months. The Steelers have more question marks than they would like, especially in what is shaping up to be a very competitive division.
Seattle had its own free-agency defections, losing wide receiver Joe Jurevicius, free safety Marquand Manuel and most importantly, left guard Steve Hutchinson. However, the Seahawks did avoid disaster by re-signing running back Shaun Alexander to a new long-term contract, and they added solid free agents in wide receiver Nate Burleson and outside linebacker Julian Peterson.
If Alexander doesn't turn into a soft player, now that he has his big payday, and if the new pieces of the puzzle jell quickly, this is a team that expects to get back to the Super Bowl. Seattle's road to Miami may be less bumpy than Pittsburgh's. A rematch is a definite possibility. 2. Will ailing quarterbacks be ready?
AP
The Bengals need a healthy Carson Palmer next season.
An astounding number of teams have placed their hopes in 2006 on the recovery of their starting quarterbacks. Roethlisberger, Daunte Culpepper (Miami), Carson Palmer (Cincinnati), Drew Brees (New Orleans), Donovan McNabb (Philadelphia) and Chad Pennington (New York Jets) all are question marks for the start of the season.
The most important news in July and August may be the daily medical reports that come out of training camp. With depth at the QB position in the NFL at an all-time low and an alarming lack of quality backups, these players need to be ready.
3. Keyshawn and T.O. intertwined?
Two of the most prolific receivers in the NFL, who also can make headlines with their outlandish behavior, will be in the spotlight in 2006. Keyshawn Johnson was quietly run out of Dallas and replaced by the volatile Terrell Owens. Johnson will now try to prove in Carolina that the Cowboys made a mistake.
Both are big, physical receivers. The one huge difference is that Owens still has some deep speed and a big-play element, while Johnson is now strictly a possession receiver. This is probably the last stop for both of these players, and watching them accept their roles this fall will be interesting, to say the least.
Carolina has a big-play deep threat in Steve Smith, and the Panthers will expect Johnson to take away double teams and do the dirty work over the middle. Will he become frustrated if Jake Delhomme continues to force the ball to Smith, or will Delhomme realize Johnson is a big target who can make this pass offense more consistent?
In Dallas, Owens should really help Terry Glenn get less double coverage, but the Cowboys want to utilize tight end Jason Witten and rookie TE Anthony Fasano, who both catch the ball well over the middle. When you factor in that Dallas ran the ball 521 times in 2005, it is fair to wonder where the catches for Owens will come from. With marginal offensive line protection, Drew Bledsoe was sacked 49 times a year ago, so how long will it take for Owens to implode if he is not getting the ball?
4. Is Atlanta heading in the right direction?
The success of this franchise continues to fall on the shoulders and feet of the talented, but inconsistent Michael Vick. The coaching staff says he wants to return to his scrambling style of play and it is fair to wonder whether he will ever be a dependable QB. When Vick struggles, he tends to question the offensive philosophy and the coaching staff, making it a tough situation for head coach Jim Mora.
Owner Arthur Blank has given this organization everything it needs to be successful, and his patience may be running thin. With all the questions on offense, this is also a Falcons defense that went from elite status in 2004 to the bottom third in the league in 2005, and the unit seemed to be playing with no confidence. This team needs to get off to a quick start in September, or the players might tune out Mora.
5. How big is the Edge factor in Arizona?
One of the biggest moves this offseason was running back Edgerrin James' leaving Indianapolis to join perennial loser Arizona. The Cardinals are hoping James will revitalize a running game that finished dead last in the NFL a year ago, and an offense that produced only two rushing TDs in 2005. Head coach Dennis Green will utilize a lot of three-receiver sets, designed to spread the field and soften up defenses against the run, but James' success will depend on how the offensive line plays.
The bad news is the Cardinals did not dramatically upgrade their offensive line in the offseason, but they did hire a new offensive line coach in Steve Loney. This is a franchise starved for success. With a new sold-out stadium, there may be more optimism in Arizona than in any other NFL city heading into training camp.
6. Does Carolina deserve respect?
This team always seems to sneak up on us because it is not flashy. Although the Panthers posted a solid 11-5 record last year and played in the NFC Championship Game in Seattle, the organization realized it had some work to do to reach the next level.
The success of the Panthers is based on running the ball and stopping the run. Unfortunately, the Panthers did neither effectively last season. As a result, they upgraded on both sides of the ball in free agency and will return to their formula for success in 2006.
Last year, Smith was the entire offensive show for Carolina, but now he has Johnson to take pressure and double-team coverages away from him, so this should be a much-improved passing game. A big key for Carolina will be how Johnson and Smith coexist. This is a team with great chemistry, a strong locker room and a stable coaching staff. If Johnson is not a disruption and the new players jell, this is a championship team.
7. Where are the veteran quarterbacks?
An unusual amount of teams will be pinning their hopes on young signal callers -- J.P. Losman (Buffalo), Philip Rivers (San Diego), Charlie Frye (Cleveland), Alex Smith (San Francisco), Rex Grossman (Chicago), and Billy Volek (Tennessee) are all talented guys under tremendous pressure.
Most NFL coaches will tell you the ability to be strong mentally and handle the emotional roller-coaster of the position is key to the success of NFL quarterbacks. It will be interesting to see which of these youngsters succeeds.
8. Can the Minnesota Vikings turn things around?
The Vikings cannot wait to start training camp and put a miserable 2005 season behind them. New head coach Brad Childress has promised to improve discipline from a year ago and get this talented roster to achieve its full potential. Owner Zygi Wilf opened up his checkbook and let the organization spend $31.5 million in free agency.
The new players -- left guard Steve Hutchinson, running back Chester Taylor, fullback Tony Richardson, linebacker Ben Leber, defensive back Tank Williams and guard Artis Hicks -- are certainly upgrades, but will they jell early? Will the players respond to Childress' philosophy? If quarterback Brad Johnson stays healthy, this could be a playoff team. They will be a very interesting team to watch in the preseason. 9. Has New England's window closed?
The Patriots might finally be losing some of their magic.
Bill Belichick has done a great job in New England of keeping his roster stocked with quality role players and not allowing free agency losses to tear his team apart. However, this offseason has not been kind to the Pats and the team may have a big mountain to climb in 2006. Losing linebacker Willie McGinest, placekicker Adam Vinatieri, offensive tackle Tom Ashworth and wide receiver David Givens is bad enough, but they did nothing to replace them.
This is an aging roster with several players coming off injuries. The margin for error is less than it's been for a long time. Although the Bills and Jets still appear to be mediocre, the Dolphins have a legitimate chance to replace New England at the top of the AFC East. You can never count out Belichick and Tom Brady, but a demanding early schedule will really test their resolve.
10. Can kickers make a difference?
Typically, kickers don't receive much attention heading into training camp, but three veteran kickers have switched teams, affecting six organizations.
Vinatieri's move from New England to Indianapolis will not only strengthen the Colts, but also dramatically weaken the Pats. He will have a great year kicking indoors for the high-scoring Colts, while the Pats have no kicker on their current roster they can trust in a close game. The arrival of Mike Vanderjagt in Dallas doesn't hurt Indianapolis, but gives Dallas consistency in the kicking game. Vanderjagt could easily be the difference between an 8-8 and 10-6 record. Also, Ryan Longwell traded the cold weather and tough kicking conditions in Green Bay for the cozy Metrodome in Minneapolis. He will not only upgrade the Vikings, he also leaves the Packers with no dependable kicker. Indianapolis, Dallas and Minnesota all expect big production from their new kickers.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Hache Man
"Seven Days Without Gambling Makes One Weak"
Updated: July 12, 2006
Quarterbacks on the mend
<!-- end pagetitle --><!-- begin bylinebox -->
<!-- firstName = Gary --><!-- lastName = Horton -->
By Gary Horton
Scouts Inc.
Archive
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NFL coaches and players are now in the midst of well-deserved vacations, but teams start reporting to training camp in less than two weeks. Let's look at 10 intriguing story lines for the upcoming season.
1. Super Bowl rematch?
The Steelers and Seahawks were clearly the top two teams in the NFL at the end of the 2005 season, and both expect the same kind of success in 2006. Pittsburgh is an organization that hates distractions, and it has had more than its share this offseason.
The motorcycle accident involving quarterback Ben Roethlisberger in June could have been a lot worse, but it threw a huge scare into everybody in the organization. Roethlisberger still could have an uneven preseason with some lingering effects from the crash.
The Steelers lost three significant players -- wide receiver Antwaan Randle El, safety Chris Hope and defensive end Kimo von Oelhoffen -- to free agency, along with the retirement of running back Jerome Bettis. In addition, the Steelers' first-round draft pick, wide receiver Santonio Holmes, has endured some off-the-field problems in the last two months. The Steelers have more question marks than they would like, especially in what is shaping up to be a very competitive division.
Seattle had its own free-agency defections, losing wide receiver Joe Jurevicius, free safety Marquand Manuel and most importantly, left guard Steve Hutchinson. However, the Seahawks did avoid disaster by re-signing running back Shaun Alexander to a new long-term contract, and they added solid free agents in wide receiver Nate Burleson and outside linebacker Julian Peterson.
If Alexander doesn't turn into a soft player, now that he has his big payday, and if the new pieces of the puzzle jell quickly, this is a team that expects to get back to the Super Bowl. Seattle's road to Miami may be less bumpy than Pittsburgh's. A rematch is a definite possibility. 2. Will ailing quarterbacks be ready?
AP
The Bengals need a healthy Carson Palmer next season.
An astounding number of teams have placed their hopes in 2006 on the recovery of their starting quarterbacks. Roethlisberger, Daunte Culpepper (Miami), Carson Palmer (Cincinnati), Drew Brees (New Orleans), Donovan McNabb (Philadelphia) and Chad Pennington (New York Jets) all are question marks for the start of the season.
The most important news in July and August may be the daily medical reports that come out of training camp. With depth at the QB position in the NFL at an all-time low and an alarming lack of quality backups, these players need to be ready.
3. Keyshawn and T.O. intertwined?
Two of the most prolific receivers in the NFL, who also can make headlines with their outlandish behavior, will be in the spotlight in 2006. Keyshawn Johnson was quietly run out of Dallas and replaced by the volatile Terrell Owens. Johnson will now try to prove in Carolina that the Cowboys made a mistake.
Both are big, physical receivers. The one huge difference is that Owens still has some deep speed and a big-play element, while Johnson is now strictly a possession receiver. This is probably the last stop for both of these players, and watching them accept their roles this fall will be interesting, to say the least.
Carolina has a big-play deep threat in Steve Smith, and the Panthers will expect Johnson to take away double teams and do the dirty work over the middle. Will he become frustrated if Jake Delhomme continues to force the ball to Smith, or will Delhomme realize Johnson is a big target who can make this pass offense more consistent?
In Dallas, Owens should really help Terry Glenn get less double coverage, but the Cowboys want to utilize tight end Jason Witten and rookie TE Anthony Fasano, who both catch the ball well over the middle. When you factor in that Dallas ran the ball 521 times in 2005, it is fair to wonder where the catches for Owens will come from. With marginal offensive line protection, Drew Bledsoe was sacked 49 times a year ago, so how long will it take for Owens to implode if he is not getting the ball?
4. Is Atlanta heading in the right direction?
The success of this franchise continues to fall on the shoulders and feet of the talented, but inconsistent Michael Vick. The coaching staff says he wants to return to his scrambling style of play and it is fair to wonder whether he will ever be a dependable QB. When Vick struggles, he tends to question the offensive philosophy and the coaching staff, making it a tough situation for head coach Jim Mora.
Owner Arthur Blank has given this organization everything it needs to be successful, and his patience may be running thin. With all the questions on offense, this is also a Falcons defense that went from elite status in 2004 to the bottom third in the league in 2005, and the unit seemed to be playing with no confidence. This team needs to get off to a quick start in September, or the players might tune out Mora.
5. How big is the Edge factor in Arizona?
One of the biggest moves this offseason was running back Edgerrin James' leaving Indianapolis to join perennial loser Arizona. The Cardinals are hoping James will revitalize a running game that finished dead last in the NFL a year ago, and an offense that produced only two rushing TDs in 2005. Head coach Dennis Green will utilize a lot of three-receiver sets, designed to spread the field and soften up defenses against the run, but James' success will depend on how the offensive line plays.
The bad news is the Cardinals did not dramatically upgrade their offensive line in the offseason, but they did hire a new offensive line coach in Steve Loney. This is a franchise starved for success. With a new sold-out stadium, there may be more optimism in Arizona than in any other NFL city heading into training camp.
6. Does Carolina deserve respect?
This team always seems to sneak up on us because it is not flashy. Although the Panthers posted a solid 11-5 record last year and played in the NFC Championship Game in Seattle, the organization realized it had some work to do to reach the next level.
The success of the Panthers is based on running the ball and stopping the run. Unfortunately, the Panthers did neither effectively last season. As a result, they upgraded on both sides of the ball in free agency and will return to their formula for success in 2006.
Last year, Smith was the entire offensive show for Carolina, but now he has Johnson to take pressure and double-team coverages away from him, so this should be a much-improved passing game. A big key for Carolina will be how Johnson and Smith coexist. This is a team with great chemistry, a strong locker room and a stable coaching staff. If Johnson is not a disruption and the new players jell, this is a championship team.
7. Where are the veteran quarterbacks?
An unusual amount of teams will be pinning their hopes on young signal callers -- J.P. Losman (Buffalo), Philip Rivers (San Diego), Charlie Frye (Cleveland), Alex Smith (San Francisco), Rex Grossman (Chicago), and Billy Volek (Tennessee) are all talented guys under tremendous pressure.
Most NFL coaches will tell you the ability to be strong mentally and handle the emotional roller-coaster of the position is key to the success of NFL quarterbacks. It will be interesting to see which of these youngsters succeeds.
8. Can the Minnesota Vikings turn things around?
The Vikings cannot wait to start training camp and put a miserable 2005 season behind them. New head coach Brad Childress has promised to improve discipline from a year ago and get this talented roster to achieve its full potential. Owner Zygi Wilf opened up his checkbook and let the organization spend $31.5 million in free agency.
The new players -- left guard Steve Hutchinson, running back Chester Taylor, fullback Tony Richardson, linebacker Ben Leber, defensive back Tank Williams and guard Artis Hicks -- are certainly upgrades, but will they jell early? Will the players respond to Childress' philosophy? If quarterback Brad Johnson stays healthy, this could be a playoff team. They will be a very interesting team to watch in the preseason. 9. Has New England's window closed?
The Patriots might finally be losing some of their magic.
Bill Belichick has done a great job in New England of keeping his roster stocked with quality role players and not allowing free agency losses to tear his team apart. However, this offseason has not been kind to the Pats and the team may have a big mountain to climb in 2006. Losing linebacker Willie McGinest, placekicker Adam Vinatieri, offensive tackle Tom Ashworth and wide receiver David Givens is bad enough, but they did nothing to replace them.
This is an aging roster with several players coming off injuries. The margin for error is less than it's been for a long time. Although the Bills and Jets still appear to be mediocre, the Dolphins have a legitimate chance to replace New England at the top of the AFC East. You can never count out Belichick and Tom Brady, but a demanding early schedule will really test their resolve.
10. Can kickers make a difference?
Typically, kickers don't receive much attention heading into training camp, but three veteran kickers have switched teams, affecting six organizations.
Vinatieri's move from New England to Indianapolis will not only strengthen the Colts, but also dramatically weaken the Pats. He will have a great year kicking indoors for the high-scoring Colts, while the Pats have no kicker on their current roster they can trust in a close game. The arrival of Mike Vanderjagt in Dallas doesn't hurt Indianapolis, but gives Dallas consistency in the kicking game. Vanderjagt could easily be the difference between an 8-8 and 10-6 record. Also, Ryan Longwell traded the cold weather and tough kicking conditions in Green Bay for the cozy Metrodome in Minneapolis. He will not only upgrade the Vikings, he also leaves the Packers with no dependable kicker. Indianapolis, Dallas and Minnesota all expect big production from their new kickers.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Quarterbacks on the mend
<!-- end pagetitle --><!-- begin bylinebox -->
<!-- firstName = Gary --><!-- lastName = Horton -->
By Gary Horton
Scouts Inc.
Archive
<!-- begin presby2 -->
<!-- end presby2 -->
<!-- end bylinebox -->
<!-- begin text11 div --><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD style="PADDING-TOP: 10px" vAlign=top><!-- begin leftcol --><!-- template inline -->
NFL coaches and players are now in the midst of well-deserved vacations, but teams start reporting to training camp in less than two weeks. Let's look at 10 intriguing story lines for the upcoming season.
1. Super Bowl rematch?
The Steelers and Seahawks were clearly the top two teams in the NFL at the end of the 2005 season, and both expect the same kind of success in 2006. Pittsburgh is an organization that hates distractions, and it has had more than its share this offseason.
The motorcycle accident involving quarterback Ben Roethlisberger in June could have been a lot worse, but it threw a huge scare into everybody in the organization. Roethlisberger still could have an uneven preseason with some lingering effects from the crash.
The Steelers lost three significant players -- wide receiver Antwaan Randle El, safety Chris Hope and defensive end Kimo von Oelhoffen -- to free agency, along with the retirement of running back Jerome Bettis. In addition, the Steelers' first-round draft pick, wide receiver Santonio Holmes, has endured some off-the-field problems in the last two months. The Steelers have more question marks than they would like, especially in what is shaping up to be a very competitive division.
Seattle had its own free-agency defections, losing wide receiver Joe Jurevicius, free safety Marquand Manuel and most importantly, left guard Steve Hutchinson. However, the Seahawks did avoid disaster by re-signing running back Shaun Alexander to a new long-term contract, and they added solid free agents in wide receiver Nate Burleson and outside linebacker Julian Peterson.
If Alexander doesn't turn into a soft player, now that he has his big payday, and if the new pieces of the puzzle jell quickly, this is a team that expects to get back to the Super Bowl. Seattle's road to Miami may be less bumpy than Pittsburgh's. A rematch is a definite possibility. 2. Will ailing quarterbacks be ready?
AP
The Bengals need a healthy Carson Palmer next season.
An astounding number of teams have placed their hopes in 2006 on the recovery of their starting quarterbacks. Roethlisberger, Daunte Culpepper (Miami), Carson Palmer (Cincinnati), Drew Brees (New Orleans), Donovan McNabb (Philadelphia) and Chad Pennington (New York Jets) all are question marks for the start of the season.
The most important news in July and August may be the daily medical reports that come out of training camp. With depth at the QB position in the NFL at an all-time low and an alarming lack of quality backups, these players need to be ready.
3. Keyshawn and T.O. intertwined?
Two of the most prolific receivers in the NFL, who also can make headlines with their outlandish behavior, will be in the spotlight in 2006. Keyshawn Johnson was quietly run out of Dallas and replaced by the volatile Terrell Owens. Johnson will now try to prove in Carolina that the Cowboys made a mistake.
Both are big, physical receivers. The one huge difference is that Owens still has some deep speed and a big-play element, while Johnson is now strictly a possession receiver. This is probably the last stop for both of these players, and watching them accept their roles this fall will be interesting, to say the least.
Carolina has a big-play deep threat in Steve Smith, and the Panthers will expect Johnson to take away double teams and do the dirty work over the middle. Will he become frustrated if Jake Delhomme continues to force the ball to Smith, or will Delhomme realize Johnson is a big target who can make this pass offense more consistent?
In Dallas, Owens should really help Terry Glenn get less double coverage, but the Cowboys want to utilize tight end Jason Witten and rookie TE Anthony Fasano, who both catch the ball well over the middle. When you factor in that Dallas ran the ball 521 times in 2005, it is fair to wonder where the catches for Owens will come from. With marginal offensive line protection, Drew Bledsoe was sacked 49 times a year ago, so how long will it take for Owens to implode if he is not getting the ball?
4. Is Atlanta heading in the right direction?
The success of this franchise continues to fall on the shoulders and feet of the talented, but inconsistent Michael Vick. The coaching staff says he wants to return to his scrambling style of play and it is fair to wonder whether he will ever be a dependable QB. When Vick struggles, he tends to question the offensive philosophy and the coaching staff, making it a tough situation for head coach Jim Mora.
Owner Arthur Blank has given this organization everything it needs to be successful, and his patience may be running thin. With all the questions on offense, this is also a Falcons defense that went from elite status in 2004 to the bottom third in the league in 2005, and the unit seemed to be playing with no confidence. This team needs to get off to a quick start in September, or the players might tune out Mora.
5. How big is the Edge factor in Arizona?
One of the biggest moves this offseason was running back Edgerrin James' leaving Indianapolis to join perennial loser Arizona. The Cardinals are hoping James will revitalize a running game that finished dead last in the NFL a year ago, and an offense that produced only two rushing TDs in 2005. Head coach Dennis Green will utilize a lot of three-receiver sets, designed to spread the field and soften up defenses against the run, but James' success will depend on how the offensive line plays.
The bad news is the Cardinals did not dramatically upgrade their offensive line in the offseason, but they did hire a new offensive line coach in Steve Loney. This is a franchise starved for success. With a new sold-out stadium, there may be more optimism in Arizona than in any other NFL city heading into training camp.
6. Does Carolina deserve respect?
This team always seems to sneak up on us because it is not flashy. Although the Panthers posted a solid 11-5 record last year and played in the NFC Championship Game in Seattle, the organization realized it had some work to do to reach the next level.
The success of the Panthers is based on running the ball and stopping the run. Unfortunately, the Panthers did neither effectively last season. As a result, they upgraded on both sides of the ball in free agency and will return to their formula for success in 2006.
Last year, Smith was the entire offensive show for Carolina, but now he has Johnson to take pressure and double-team coverages away from him, so this should be a much-improved passing game. A big key for Carolina will be how Johnson and Smith coexist. This is a team with great chemistry, a strong locker room and a stable coaching staff. If Johnson is not a disruption and the new players jell, this is a championship team.
7. Where are the veteran quarterbacks?
An unusual amount of teams will be pinning their hopes on young signal callers -- J.P. Losman (Buffalo), Philip Rivers (San Diego), Charlie Frye (Cleveland), Alex Smith (San Francisco), Rex Grossman (Chicago), and Billy Volek (Tennessee) are all talented guys under tremendous pressure.
Most NFL coaches will tell you the ability to be strong mentally and handle the emotional roller-coaster of the position is key to the success of NFL quarterbacks. It will be interesting to see which of these youngsters succeeds.
8. Can the Minnesota Vikings turn things around?
The Vikings cannot wait to start training camp and put a miserable 2005 season behind them. New head coach Brad Childress has promised to improve discipline from a year ago and get this talented roster to achieve its full potential. Owner Zygi Wilf opened up his checkbook and let the organization spend $31.5 million in free agency.
The new players -- left guard Steve Hutchinson, running back Chester Taylor, fullback Tony Richardson, linebacker Ben Leber, defensive back Tank Williams and guard Artis Hicks -- are certainly upgrades, but will they jell early? Will the players respond to Childress' philosophy? If quarterback Brad Johnson stays healthy, this could be a playoff team. They will be a very interesting team to watch in the preseason. 9. Has New England's window closed?
The Patriots might finally be losing some of their magic.
Bill Belichick has done a great job in New England of keeping his roster stocked with quality role players and not allowing free agency losses to tear his team apart. However, this offseason has not been kind to the Pats and the team may have a big mountain to climb in 2006. Losing linebacker Willie McGinest, placekicker Adam Vinatieri, offensive tackle Tom Ashworth and wide receiver David Givens is bad enough, but they did nothing to replace them.
This is an aging roster with several players coming off injuries. The margin for error is less than it's been for a long time. Although the Bills and Jets still appear to be mediocre, the Dolphins have a legitimate chance to replace New England at the top of the AFC East. You can never count out Belichick and Tom Brady, but a demanding early schedule will really test their resolve.
10. Can kickers make a difference?
Typically, kickers don't receive much attention heading into training camp, but three veteran kickers have switched teams, affecting six organizations.
Vinatieri's move from New England to Indianapolis will not only strengthen the Colts, but also dramatically weaken the Pats. He will have a great year kicking indoors for the high-scoring Colts, while the Pats have no kicker on their current roster they can trust in a close game. The arrival of Mike Vanderjagt in Dallas doesn't hurt Indianapolis, but gives Dallas consistency in the kicking game. Vanderjagt could easily be the difference between an 8-8 and 10-6 record. Also, Ryan Longwell traded the cold weather and tough kicking conditions in Green Bay for the cozy Metrodome in Minneapolis. He will not only upgrade the Vikings, he also leaves the Packers with no dependable kicker. Indianapolis, Dallas and Minnesota all expect big production from their new kickers.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Hache Man
"Seven Days Without Gambling Makes One Weak"
Thomas dealing with family ties
posted: Wednesday, July 12, 2006 | Feedback | Print Entry
filed under: Zach Thomas
When the news came the other day -- lousy news that would hurt any family -- I realized who is going to have the toughest job this season. He's going to have to lead through pain. He's going to have to lead in a presumably uncomfortable position. He's used to leading -- he's unquestionably led his team's defense for a decade -- but not under these circumstances.
Indeed, it might be a long year for one Zach Thomas.
How hard will it be? This week, news broke that Thomas' sister, Katina, filed for divorce from Thomas' teammate and good friend, defensive end Jason Taylor. She's also seeking primary custody of the couple's three kids, all ages three or under. In a statement, Jason Taylor said, "Katina and I love each other very much and with our focus being on our children, we would like to keep this as a personal matter. We appreciate everyone's respect for our privacy."
Everyone knows how tight Thomas and Jason Taylor have been. They've led a Dolphins defense through both division-winning and playoff-free years. Both will be considered for the Hall of Fame one day. When Taylor started dating Katina, they became a family of three. In 1999, Taylor told the Miami Herald about his love for Katina.
"The most awkward thing is looking at him and knowing they're related," Taylor said of Zach and Katina. "He clearly got the short end of the beauty stick in the family. At first, it was strange. You kind of watch yourself if women come up and talk to you when you're around him, wondering what he might think, but we've all gotten used to it. We all hang out a lot together now. He introduced her to me after a game last season, you know? I knew she was fine right away, and he was all for it. He was the one who kept calling me and hooking her up with me. I had no intention of having a girlfriend, but when something that cool comes along you don't let it go."
Now, Katina reportedly claims in court documents that their five-year marriage is "irretrievably broken."
A source close to the Taylors told the Palm Beach Post's Greg A. Bedard that reconciliation isn't out of the question. Even so, a possible divorce has to put Thomas in an awkward position, which makes me feel for the guy. If things go to court, if things get ugly, how will he handle it, having a sister and a teammate battling?
Thomas is turning 33 this September and is a consummate pro. He's always handled good times and bad times with complete class. And he's probably had some time to prepare for this, given that Katina originally filed the petition for divorce on Jan. 12, before withdrawing it two months later, according to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
Given that the Dolphins are a media favorite to bump the Pats aside in the AFC East, and with a winning team the spotlight will be on the Dolphins all year, I wish Thomas luck.
Random stuff
? With Cowboys fans vibrating in anticipation of the new season, the Dallas Morning News seems to have a mailbag every day. Today's topic? What the Tuna digs in Tony Romo.
? Niners safety Tony Parrish is hoping his next season is more like three years ago when he had nine picks. Daniel Brown of the Mercury News tells how Parrish has been training himself to do it.
? Terry Frei's take on Todd Sauerbrun? He's a rockhead. What's very interesting to me is that if Sauerbrun isn't a Bronco this year, Jason Elam will assume punting duties. Yes, the kicker. He's entering his 14th year in the league, which is rare enough for a kicker, and he's adding a job. Right after Adam Vinatieri gets in the Hall, Elam should follow.
? If you're a Vikings fan, you'll have a tougher time getting an autograph at training camp.
? Eli Manning is hurting from his teammates' refusal to work out in New York with him, says Troy Aikman in today's New York Post.
"It takes a lot of time and a lot of repetition, and they're not getting that kind of time," says Aikman, "and maybe that lends itself a little bit to some of the inaccuracies that Eli had last year."
? I discovered this morning that I have one thing in common with former Giant receiver Phil McConkey: We share the same dentist.
? Got a lot of email from You Readers while I vacationed in Alaska last week regarding Bruce Feldman's boasting of being a better dresser than me. I mean, I could see Bruce being picked as a better dresser than me if the judges were the Miami and USC strength coaches. But by a sane, reasonable eye? No way.
posted: Wednesday, July 12, 2006 | Feedback | Print Entry
filed under: Zach Thomas
When the news came the other day -- lousy news that would hurt any family -- I realized who is going to have the toughest job this season. He's going to have to lead through pain. He's going to have to lead in a presumably uncomfortable position. He's used to leading -- he's unquestionably led his team's defense for a decade -- but not under these circumstances.
Indeed, it might be a long year for one Zach Thomas.
How hard will it be? This week, news broke that Thomas' sister, Katina, filed for divorce from Thomas' teammate and good friend, defensive end Jason Taylor. She's also seeking primary custody of the couple's three kids, all ages three or under. In a statement, Jason Taylor said, "Katina and I love each other very much and with our focus being on our children, we would like to keep this as a personal matter. We appreciate everyone's respect for our privacy."
Everyone knows how tight Thomas and Jason Taylor have been. They've led a Dolphins defense through both division-winning and playoff-free years. Both will be considered for the Hall of Fame one day. When Taylor started dating Katina, they became a family of three. In 1999, Taylor told the Miami Herald about his love for Katina.
"The most awkward thing is looking at him and knowing they're related," Taylor said of Zach and Katina. "He clearly got the short end of the beauty stick in the family. At first, it was strange. You kind of watch yourself if women come up and talk to you when you're around him, wondering what he might think, but we've all gotten used to it. We all hang out a lot together now. He introduced her to me after a game last season, you know? I knew she was fine right away, and he was all for it. He was the one who kept calling me and hooking her up with me. I had no intention of having a girlfriend, but when something that cool comes along you don't let it go."
Now, Katina reportedly claims in court documents that their five-year marriage is "irretrievably broken."
A source close to the Taylors told the Palm Beach Post's Greg A. Bedard that reconciliation isn't out of the question. Even so, a possible divorce has to put Thomas in an awkward position, which makes me feel for the guy. If things go to court, if things get ugly, how will he handle it, having a sister and a teammate battling?
Thomas is turning 33 this September and is a consummate pro. He's always handled good times and bad times with complete class. And he's probably had some time to prepare for this, given that Katina originally filed the petition for divorce on Jan. 12, before withdrawing it two months later, according to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
Given that the Dolphins are a media favorite to bump the Pats aside in the AFC East, and with a winning team the spotlight will be on the Dolphins all year, I wish Thomas luck.
Random stuff
? With Cowboys fans vibrating in anticipation of the new season, the Dallas Morning News seems to have a mailbag every day. Today's topic? What the Tuna digs in Tony Romo.
? Niners safety Tony Parrish is hoping his next season is more like three years ago when he had nine picks. Daniel Brown of the Mercury News tells how Parrish has been training himself to do it.
? Terry Frei's take on Todd Sauerbrun? He's a rockhead. What's very interesting to me is that if Sauerbrun isn't a Bronco this year, Jason Elam will assume punting duties. Yes, the kicker. He's entering his 14th year in the league, which is rare enough for a kicker, and he's adding a job. Right after Adam Vinatieri gets in the Hall, Elam should follow.
? If you're a Vikings fan, you'll have a tougher time getting an autograph at training camp.
? Eli Manning is hurting from his teammates' refusal to work out in New York with him, says Troy Aikman in today's New York Post.
"It takes a lot of time and a lot of repetition, and they're not getting that kind of time," says Aikman, "and maybe that lends itself a little bit to some of the inaccuracies that Eli had last year."
? I discovered this morning that I have one thing in common with former Giant receiver Phil McConkey: We share the same dentist.
? Got a lot of email from You Readers while I vacationed in Alaska last week regarding Bruce Feldman's boasting of being a better dresser than me. I mean, I could see Bruce being picked as a better dresser than me if the judges were the Miami and USC strength coaches. But by a sane, reasonable eye? No way.
Hache Man
"Seven Days Without Gambling Makes One Weak"
Thomas dealing with family ties
posted: Wednesday, July 12, 2006 | Feedback | Print Entry
filed under: Zach Thomas
When the news came the other day -- lousy news that would hurt any family -- I realized who is going to have the toughest job this season. He's going to have to lead through pain. He's going to have to lead in a presumably uncomfortable position. He's used to leading -- he's unquestionably led his team's defense for a decade -- but not under these circumstances.
Indeed, it might be a long year for one Zach Thomas.
How hard will it be? This week, news broke that Thomas' sister, Katina, filed for divorce from Thomas' teammate and good friend, defensive end Jason Taylor. She's also seeking primary custody of the couple's three kids, all ages three or under. In a statement, Jason Taylor said, "Katina and I love each other very much and with our focus being on our children, we would like to keep this as a personal matter. We appreciate everyone's respect for our privacy."
Everyone knows how tight Thomas and Jason Taylor have been. They've led a Dolphins defense through both division-winning and playoff-free years. Both will be considered for the Hall of Fame one day. When Taylor started dating Katina, they became a family of three. In 1999, Taylor told the Miami Herald about his love for Katina.
"The most awkward thing is looking at him and knowing they're related," Taylor said of Zach and Katina. "He clearly got the short end of the beauty stick in the family. At first, it was strange. You kind of watch yourself if women come up and talk to you when you're around him, wondering what he might think, but we've all gotten used to it. We all hang out a lot together now. He introduced her to me after a game last season, you know? I knew she was fine right away, and he was all for it. He was the one who kept calling me and hooking her up with me. I had no intention of having a girlfriend, but when something that cool comes along you don't let it go."
Now, Katina reportedly claims in court documents that their five-year marriage is "irretrievably broken."
A source close to the Taylors told the Palm Beach Post's Greg A. Bedard that reconciliation isn't out of the question. Even so, a possible divorce has to put Thomas in an awkward position, which makes me feel for the guy. If things go to court, if things get ugly, how will he handle it, having a sister and a teammate battling?
Thomas is turning 33 this September and is a consummate pro. He's always handled good times and bad times with complete class. And he's probably had some time to prepare for this, given that Katina originally filed the petition for divorce on Jan. 12, before withdrawing it two months later, according to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
Given that the Dolphins are a media favorite to bump the Pats aside in the AFC East, and with a winning team the spotlight will be on the Dolphins all year, I wish Thomas luck.
Random stuff
? With Cowboys fans vibrating in anticipation of the new season, the Dallas Morning News seems to have a mailbag every day. Today's topic? What the Tuna digs in Tony Romo.
? Niners safety Tony Parrish is hoping his next season is more like three years ago when he had nine picks. Daniel Brown of the Mercury News tells how Parrish has been training himself to do it.
? Terry Frei's take on Todd Sauerbrun? He's a rockhead. What's very interesting to me is that if Sauerbrun isn't a Bronco this year, Jason Elam will assume punting duties. Yes, the kicker. He's entering his 14th year in the league, which is rare enough for a kicker, and he's adding a job. Right after Adam Vinatieri gets in the Hall, Elam should follow.
? If you're a Vikings fan, you'll have a tougher time getting an autograph at training camp.
? Eli Manning is hurting from his teammates' refusal to work out in New York with him, says Troy Aikman in today's New York Post.
"It takes a lot of time and a lot of repetition, and they're not getting that kind of time," says Aikman, "and maybe that lends itself a little bit to some of the inaccuracies that Eli had last year."
? I discovered this morning that I have one thing in common with former Giant receiver Phil McConkey: We share the same dentist.
? Got a lot of email from You Readers while I vacationed in Alaska last week regarding Bruce Feldman's boasting of being a better dresser than me. I mean, I could see Bruce being picked as a better dresser than me if the judges were the Miami and USC strength coaches. But by a sane, reasonable eye? No way.
posted: Wednesday, July 12, 2006 | Feedback | Print Entry
filed under: Zach Thomas
When the news came the other day -- lousy news that would hurt any family -- I realized who is going to have the toughest job this season. He's going to have to lead through pain. He's going to have to lead in a presumably uncomfortable position. He's used to leading -- he's unquestionably led his team's defense for a decade -- but not under these circumstances.
Indeed, it might be a long year for one Zach Thomas.
How hard will it be? This week, news broke that Thomas' sister, Katina, filed for divorce from Thomas' teammate and good friend, defensive end Jason Taylor. She's also seeking primary custody of the couple's three kids, all ages three or under. In a statement, Jason Taylor said, "Katina and I love each other very much and with our focus being on our children, we would like to keep this as a personal matter. We appreciate everyone's respect for our privacy."
Everyone knows how tight Thomas and Jason Taylor have been. They've led a Dolphins defense through both division-winning and playoff-free years. Both will be considered for the Hall of Fame one day. When Taylor started dating Katina, they became a family of three. In 1999, Taylor told the Miami Herald about his love for Katina.
"The most awkward thing is looking at him and knowing they're related," Taylor said of Zach and Katina. "He clearly got the short end of the beauty stick in the family. At first, it was strange. You kind of watch yourself if women come up and talk to you when you're around him, wondering what he might think, but we've all gotten used to it. We all hang out a lot together now. He introduced her to me after a game last season, you know? I knew she was fine right away, and he was all for it. He was the one who kept calling me and hooking her up with me. I had no intention of having a girlfriend, but when something that cool comes along you don't let it go."
Now, Katina reportedly claims in court documents that their five-year marriage is "irretrievably broken."
A source close to the Taylors told the Palm Beach Post's Greg A. Bedard that reconciliation isn't out of the question. Even so, a possible divorce has to put Thomas in an awkward position, which makes me feel for the guy. If things go to court, if things get ugly, how will he handle it, having a sister and a teammate battling?
Thomas is turning 33 this September and is a consummate pro. He's always handled good times and bad times with complete class. And he's probably had some time to prepare for this, given that Katina originally filed the petition for divorce on Jan. 12, before withdrawing it two months later, according to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
Given that the Dolphins are a media favorite to bump the Pats aside in the AFC East, and with a winning team the spotlight will be on the Dolphins all year, I wish Thomas luck.
Random stuff
? With Cowboys fans vibrating in anticipation of the new season, the Dallas Morning News seems to have a mailbag every day. Today's topic? What the Tuna digs in Tony Romo.
? Niners safety Tony Parrish is hoping his next season is more like three years ago when he had nine picks. Daniel Brown of the Mercury News tells how Parrish has been training himself to do it.
? Terry Frei's take on Todd Sauerbrun? He's a rockhead. What's very interesting to me is that if Sauerbrun isn't a Bronco this year, Jason Elam will assume punting duties. Yes, the kicker. He's entering his 14th year in the league, which is rare enough for a kicker, and he's adding a job. Right after Adam Vinatieri gets in the Hall, Elam should follow.
? If you're a Vikings fan, you'll have a tougher time getting an autograph at training camp.
? Eli Manning is hurting from his teammates' refusal to work out in New York with him, says Troy Aikman in today's New York Post.
"It takes a lot of time and a lot of repetition, and they're not getting that kind of time," says Aikman, "and maybe that lends itself a little bit to some of the inaccuracies that Eli had last year."
? I discovered this morning that I have one thing in common with former Giant receiver Phil McConkey: We share the same dentist.
? Got a lot of email from You Readers while I vacationed in Alaska last week regarding Bruce Feldman's boasting of being a better dresser than me. I mean, I could see Bruce being picked as a better dresser than me if the judges were the Miami and USC strength coaches. But by a sane, reasonable eye? No way.
Hache Man
"Seven Days Without Gambling Makes One Weak"
<TABLE width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD>NFL Rumor Central: Law playing it cool
</TD><TD align=right width="30%">Other Rumors: MLB | NBA
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE class=tablehead cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3><TBODY><TR><TD align=middle>You are signed into Insider
and have access to this premium feature.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE class=tablehead cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3><TBODY><TR class=stathead><TD colSpan=3>Wednesday, July 12</TD></TR><TR class=colhead><TD width=65>WHO</TD><TD>INTERESTED</TD><TD>THE SKINNY</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD noWrap align=middle>
Ty Law
Jets
</TD><TD>Chiefs
Patriots
Cardinals?
Seahawks?
</TD><TD>Law playing it cool
<Jul. 12> Law isn't sweating the fact that he still hasn't found a home for 2006. The free-agent cornerback is training with famed track coach Bob Kersee and waiting patiently for the right offer to roll in.
The Patriots and Chiefs remain the favorites to land Law; Arizona and Seattle are also believed to be in the mix.
"I'd love to have the opportunity to play for [Kansas City], especially going up there and being reunited with Herm Edwards, because we have some unfinished business," Law told The Kansas City Star. "If we get together again, fine. But at the same time, we both know this is a business, and all fairy tales don't come true. It's not out of the question that I can return back to New England because I didn't leave on bad terms. It was business. Me and coach [Bill] Belichick, contrary to what everyone might believe, we're fine." Law told the paper there's a chance he might not sign by the start of training camp. The 32-year-old is looking for a deal on par with the league's elite corners and wants to go to a team that has a legitimate chance to reach the Super Bowl.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
</TD><TD align=right width="30%">Other Rumors: MLB | NBA
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE class=tablehead cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3><TBODY><TR><TD align=middle>You are signed into Insider
and have access to this premium feature.</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE class=tablehead cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3><TBODY><TR class=stathead><TD colSpan=3>Wednesday, July 12</TD></TR><TR class=colhead><TD width=65>WHO</TD><TD>INTERESTED</TD><TD>THE SKINNY</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD noWrap align=middle>
Ty Law
Jets
</TD><TD>Chiefs
Patriots
Cardinals?
Seahawks?
</TD><TD>Law playing it cool
<Jul. 12> Law isn't sweating the fact that he still hasn't found a home for 2006. The free-agent cornerback is training with famed track coach Bob Kersee and waiting patiently for the right offer to roll in.
The Patriots and Chiefs remain the favorites to land Law; Arizona and Seattle are also believed to be in the mix.
"I'd love to have the opportunity to play for [Kansas City], especially going up there and being reunited with Herm Edwards, because we have some unfinished business," Law told The Kansas City Star. "If we get together again, fine. But at the same time, we both know this is a business, and all fairy tales don't come true. It's not out of the question that I can return back to New England because I didn't leave on bad terms. It was business. Me and coach [Bill] Belichick, contrary to what everyone might believe, we're fine." Law told the paper there's a chance he might not sign by the start of training camp. The 32-year-old is looking for a deal on par with the league's elite corners and wants to go to a team that has a legitimate chance to reach the Super Bowl.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Hache Man
"Seven Days Without Gambling Makes One Weak"
<TABLE width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD>NFL Rumor Central: Law playing it cool
</TD><TD align=right width="30%">Other Rumors: MLB | NBA
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE class=tablehead cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3><TBODY><TR><TD align=middle>You are signed into Insider
and have access to this premium feature.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE class=tablehead cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3><TBODY><TR class=stathead><TD colSpan=3>Wednesday, July 12</TD></TR><TR class=colhead><TD width=65>WHO</TD><TD>INTERESTED</TD><TD>THE SKINNY</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD noWrap align=middle>
Ty Law
Jets
</TD><TD>Chiefs
Patriots
Cardinals?
Seahawks?
</TD><TD>Law playing it cool
<Jul. 12> Law isn't sweating the fact that he still hasn't found a home for 2006. The free-agent cornerback is training with famed track coach Bob Kersee and waiting patiently for the right offer to roll in.
The Patriots and Chiefs remain the favorites to land Law; Arizona and Seattle are also believed to be in the mix.
"I'd love to have the opportunity to play for [Kansas City], especially going up there and being reunited with Herm Edwards, because we have some unfinished business," Law told The Kansas City Star. "If we get together again, fine. But at the same time, we both know this is a business, and all fairy tales don't come true. It's not out of the question that I can return back to New England because I didn't leave on bad terms. It was business. Me and coach [Bill] Belichick, contrary to what everyone might believe, we're fine." Law told the paper there's a chance he might not sign by the start of training camp. The 32-year-old is looking for a deal on par with the league's elite corners and wants to go to a team that has a legitimate chance to reach the Super Bowl.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
</TD><TD align=right width="30%">Other Rumors: MLB | NBA
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE class=tablehead cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3><TBODY><TR><TD align=middle>You are signed into Insider
and have access to this premium feature.</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE class=tablehead cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3><TBODY><TR class=stathead><TD colSpan=3>Wednesday, July 12</TD></TR><TR class=colhead><TD width=65>WHO</TD><TD>INTERESTED</TD><TD>THE SKINNY</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD noWrap align=middle>
Ty Law
Jets
</TD><TD>Chiefs
Patriots
Cardinals?
Seahawks?
</TD><TD>Law playing it cool
<Jul. 12> Law isn't sweating the fact that he still hasn't found a home for 2006. The free-agent cornerback is training with famed track coach Bob Kersee and waiting patiently for the right offer to roll in.
The Patriots and Chiefs remain the favorites to land Law; Arizona and Seattle are also believed to be in the mix.
"I'd love to have the opportunity to play for [Kansas City], especially going up there and being reunited with Herm Edwards, because we have some unfinished business," Law told The Kansas City Star. "If we get together again, fine. But at the same time, we both know this is a business, and all fairy tales don't come true. It's not out of the question that I can return back to New England because I didn't leave on bad terms. It was business. Me and coach [Bill] Belichick, contrary to what everyone might believe, we're fine." Law told the paper there's a chance he might not sign by the start of training camp. The 32-year-old is looking for a deal on par with the league's elite corners and wants to go to a team that has a legitimate chance to reach the Super Bowl.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Hache Man
"Seven Days Without Gambling Makes One Weak"
Updated: July 12, 2006
Team strong at DE, RB but lacks championship feel
<!-- end pagetitle --><!-- begin bylinebox -->
<!-- firstName = Jeremy --><!-- lastName = Green -->
By Jeremy Green
Scouts Inc.
Archive
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<!-- begin text11 div --><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD style="PADDING-TOP: 10px" vAlign=top><!-- begin leftcol --><!-- template inline -->With the structure of the NFL's salary cap, it is impossible to build a football team that consists of superstar players at every position. There are no New York Yankees in the NFL game. And even if you could build that team, it would be interesting to see how all those egos would mesh on one 53-man roster.
When my cohorts at ESPN.com told me that John Clayton was putting together an NFL "Dream Team," it really piqued my interest. Would he just take the best players that fit from a salary standpoint, or would he build his team with continuity and chemistry in mind?
Let's break down his roster and see if this really is "The Best Team Money Can Buy."
Any time you build a team, you have to start with the QB position. This is the guy you are going to build your entire offense around. This is your franchise player -- a guy who for years to come will be able to put your team on his back and carry it.
That being said, it is hard to agree with the selection of Peyton Manning as Clayton's QB. Sure, the numbers are great, but where are the championship rings? While Manning is very good under pressure and can be clutch at times, it is hard to fathom passing up Tom Brady, who may eventually go down as the best big-game QB in NFL history. While Brady's cap number for 2006 is $5 million more than Manning's, Brady's overall deal is not as lucrative and he has three more Super Bowl rings.
In terms of reserves, Matt Schaub is a solid backup who has played well with limited opportunities and Andrew Walter is unproven but has a lot of upside.
<!--------------------------START PLAYER CARD------------------><TABLE class=tableheadFixWidth cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3 width=200 align=right><TBODY><TR class=stathead><TD class=whitelink colSpan=2>LaDainian Tomlinson</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow align=right><TD align=left>
Running Back
San Diego Chargers
Profile</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow><TD align=middle><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=1 width=190 bgColor=#ffffff border=0><TBODY><TR class=stathead align=middle><TD align=middle colSpan=6>2005 SEASON STATISTICS</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND: #bcbcb4" align=right><TD width="17%">Rush</TD><TD width="17%">Yds</TD><TD width="17%">TD</TD><TD width="17%">Rec</TD><TD width="17%">Yds</TD><TD width="17%">TD</TD></TR><TR align=right bgColor=#999999><TD>339</TD><TD>1462</TD><TD>18</TD><TD>51</TD><TD>370</TD><TD>2</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!---------------------INLINE MINI-PLAYER CARD ENDS HERE--------------------->It has been said many times that you need an effective running game to win in late January. Well, there is no better pure RB in the NFL than LaDainian Tomlinson. When you talk about Tomlinson, you are talking about a guy with the total package. Sure, you could make a case for Larry Johnson or 2005 MVP Shaun Alexander, but neither of those guys is as skilled in the passing game as L.T. Tomlinson also produces behind a very mediocre offensive line, so just imagine what he could do behind this group.
Marion Barber and LenDale White are solid backups who can come off the bench and provide a spark. Barber proved in 2006 that if the starter goes down, he is more than capable of carrying the load. In White's case, he is a rookie who needs a little direction. I can't imagine a better teammate and role model than Tomlinson, who is one of the hardest-working players in the NFL at his position.
Also in this group, Darren Sproles would be the fourth RB and he is one of the better special teams players in the NFL.
With Manning at the controls, you need a solid group of WRs. I find it interesting that neither Marvin Harrison nor Reggie Wayne made the cut. When building this team, you have to take the salaries of the players and make them fit, but I wonder how comfortable Manning would be without at least one of his favorite targets.
However, it would be tough to go wrong with this starting trio. You have speed with Steve Smith and Santana Moss, and excellent size with Chad Johnson. One issue though: There surely aren't enough passes that can be thrown to keep this group satisfied. Smith has yet to warm to Keyshawn Johnson, so I am not sure how he would react to having to share the ball with far better players in Chad Johnson and Moss.
If this group can mesh, it would without question form the best trio of receivers the NFL has ever seen on the field at one time.
With so much money invested in the "Big 3" receivers, this is a group with very little depth. Roscoe Parrish is young and unproven, Dante Hall is more of a return man, and while David Tyree is one of the best coverage special teams players in the NFL, he offers very little as an offensive threat.
Speaking of playmakers, you need to look no further than Antonio Gates at the TE position. With Tony Gonzalez starting to show his age, there is no more versatile player as a TE than Gates. You can move him all over the field and create tons of mismatches. It should also be noted that Manning loves to use the TE, so in this offense, you could only expect Gates' numbers to improve.
<!--------------------------START PLAYER CARD------------------><TABLE class=tableheadFixWidth cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3 width=200 align=right><TBODY><TR class=stathead><TD class=whitelink colSpan=2>Chris Cooley</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow align=right><TD align=left>
Tight End
Washington Redskins
Profile</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow><TD align=middle><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=1 width=190 bgColor=#ffffff border=0><TBODY><TR class=stathead align=middle><TD align=middle colSpan=6>2005 SEASON STATISTICS</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND: #bcbcb4" align=right><TD width="17%">Rec</TD><TD width="17%">Yds</TD><TD width="17%">TD</TD><TD width="17%">Avg</TD><TD width="17%">Long</TD><TD width="17%">YAC</TD></TR><TR align=right bgColor=#999999><TD>71</TD><TD>774</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>10.9</TD><TD>32</TD><TD>483</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!---------------------INLINE MINI-PLAYER CARD ENDS HERE--------------------->Chris Cooley is a No. 1, but would obviously be a No. 2 with Gates on the same roster. Cooley is a versatile H-back type who can play many roles. He is a good blocker from the backfield and a guy who can make plays at all levels in the passing game.
Leonard Pope is a young developmental TE who has excellent size. At close to 6-foot-8, he is a guy who will eventually become a big factor in the red zone.
This is a solid TE group, but it should be noted that it is not a great blocking unit, so don't expect this offense to be able to run the ball down its opponents' throat to close out a football game.
Any solid NFL team has to be very good up front. This group of offensive linemen would fall into that category. The starting unit of LT Walter Jones, LG Eric Steinbach, C Jeff Saturday, RG Chris Snee and RT Jammal Brown provides a nice mix of size, athleticism and strength.
Jones is arguably the best LOT in the NFL, and Steinbach and Saturday are both top-five players at their positions. Both are extremely tough and smart. The right side of the line with Snee and Brown is not quite as experienced, but they are young players on the rise.
In terms of depth, this unit is solid. Michael Roos is a young player who can back up at ROT and play inside at OG. McNeil can back up at LOT. Spencer can play all three interior offensive line spots. However, Richie Incognito is a bit of mystery. Sure, the salary fits and he has some talent to work with, but he is also a player with some character issues going back to his college days. The offensive line is the most tight-knit group on any NFL team, so there would be some concern that Incognito would be a cancer to this unit.
I don't know that I am big believer, but it has been said many times that defense wins championships. To play effectively on defense, it has to start up front with the big fellas.
Clayton's defensive line is definitely a tale of two groups. On one hand, you have the defensive end position, featuring some excellent players and high motors in Dwight Freeney, Shawne Merriman, Mario Williams and Jared Allen. These are four upfield attacking-type DEs with nonstop motors who can get pressure on the QB.
The defensive tackles, on the other hand, are essentially the opposite. Tommie Harris is an upfield player who can attack gaps and make plays. After him, though, the rest of the group is a little questionable. Albert Haynesworth, Darnell Dockett and Vince Wilfork all have a ton of talent, but to this point have been nothing more than "flash" players. All three have the talent to dominate on a weekly basis, yet you rarely see it when you put on the tape. The last backup DT, Dusty Dvoracek, is a talented rookie, but had some off-the-field issues in college.
Over time it has been proven that to build a great LB group you need to mix a little finesse with power. This group of LBs fits that bill. Denver's D.J. Williams is one of the most underrated LBs in the NFL. He is a very good athlete who shows excellent sideline-to-sideline speed and range.
Moving over to the middle, there is no better bang for your buck than Lofa Tatupu. He is going into his second year and is one of the smartest MLBs in the NFL. He is a guy who will be able to get this entire defense lined up and you can bet there will be very few mental errors on that side of the ball.
On the weak side is Chicago's Lance Briggs. Even though he does not get a ton of headlines because he plays next to Brian Urlacher, he is one of the best WLBs in the NFL. He fits the bill in terms of price right now, but you can bet in 2007 (he's scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent after this season), that his salary cap number will skyrocket.
<!--------------------------START PLAYER CARD------------------><TABLE class=tableheadFixWidth cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3 width=200 align=right><TBODY><TR class=stathead><TD class=whitelink colSpan=2>Karlos Dansby</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow align=right><TD align=left>
Linebacker
Arizona Cardinals
Profile</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow><TD align=middle><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=1 width=190 bgColor=#ffffff border=0><TBODY><TR class=stathead align=middle><TD align=middle colSpan=6>2005 SEASON STATISTICS</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND: #bcbcb4" align=right><TD width="17%">Tot</TD><TD width="17%">Ast</TD><TD width="17%">Solo</TD><TD width="17%">FF</TD><TD width="17%">Sack</TD><TD width="17%">Int</TD></TR><TR align=right bgColor=#999999><TD>87</TD><TD>69</TD><TD>18</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>3</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!---------------------INLINE MINI-PLAYER CARD ENDS HERE--------------------->In addition to a strong starting cast, the unit also has solid depth. Arizona's Karlos Dansby is a No. 1 LB on most teams but with this group, he is a player who can fill a multitude of roles within the sub packages. The best thing he does is bring pressure via the blitz, so you know he is a guy who will get pressure on the QB. He is an excellent athlete who can get into passing lanes and is extremely disruptive versus the run and pass.
Fifth and sixth LBs Larry Izzo and Barrett Ruud are two players who can make a lot of plays on special teams.
The NFL has become a passing league; it is tough to win on a regular basis if you can't pressure the passer. The majority of pressure will come from the defensive line and the linebackers, but it never hurts to have a safety who can bring heat too. When you talk about getting pressure from the secondary, you have to talk about Pittsburgh SS Troy Polamalu. He is the most versatile safety in the NFL. He can play close to the line of scrimmage and in the deep halves and thirds of the field.
In the Colts' scheme, Bob Sanders plays close to the line. With this unit, he becomes a player who can roam and play in space. He is a player who shows excellent range. He has very good ball skills and is a playmaker.
In terms of bang for your buck, you will not find two better cornerbacks than DeAngelo Hall and Marcus Trufant. They excel in man coverage and are considered two of the better young shut-down type cornerbacks in the NFL.
Even though Charles Tillman and Corey Webster have started games in their careers, the most intriguing backup player in the secondary is Seattle's Jordan Babineaux. He does not see a great deal of playing time, but makes the most of his opportunities. He is a ball hawk and can take reps at both the cornerback and safety spots.
It is hard to win championships without a solid kicking game. Oakland punter Shane Lechler has a big-time leg. What makes him a special player, though, is that he also knows how to pooch punt and keep an opponent backed up.
Adam Vinatieri is one of the best clutch kickers in NFL history. He has three Super Bowl rings and played a large part in all of those big games. He is the best kicker in the NFL and will pay huge dividends for the Colts in 2006.
Like any roster, it is tough to describe what "The Best Team Money Can Buy" should look like. Sure, you need talent, but finding winners and the right chemistry is just as important.
While this roster is extremely talent laden, the one thing overall that it misses is that championship feel. Of the 53 players, there are only four (Vinatieri, Izzo, Wilfork and Polamalu) with championship experience. It's hard to win championships with guys who have never been there.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Team strong at DE, RB but lacks championship feel
<!-- end pagetitle --><!-- begin bylinebox -->
<!-- firstName = Jeremy --><!-- lastName = Green -->
By Jeremy Green
Scouts Inc.
Archive
<!-- begin presby2 -->
<!-- end presby2 -->
<!-- end bylinebox -->
<!-- begin text11 div --><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD style="PADDING-TOP: 10px" vAlign=top><!-- begin leftcol --><!-- template inline -->With the structure of the NFL's salary cap, it is impossible to build a football team that consists of superstar players at every position. There are no New York Yankees in the NFL game. And even if you could build that team, it would be interesting to see how all those egos would mesh on one 53-man roster.
When my cohorts at ESPN.com told me that John Clayton was putting together an NFL "Dream Team," it really piqued my interest. Would he just take the best players that fit from a salary standpoint, or would he build his team with continuity and chemistry in mind?
Let's break down his roster and see if this really is "The Best Team Money Can Buy."
Any time you build a team, you have to start with the QB position. This is the guy you are going to build your entire offense around. This is your franchise player -- a guy who for years to come will be able to put your team on his back and carry it.
That being said, it is hard to agree with the selection of Peyton Manning as Clayton's QB. Sure, the numbers are great, but where are the championship rings? While Manning is very good under pressure and can be clutch at times, it is hard to fathom passing up Tom Brady, who may eventually go down as the best big-game QB in NFL history. While Brady's cap number for 2006 is $5 million more than Manning's, Brady's overall deal is not as lucrative and he has three more Super Bowl rings.
In terms of reserves, Matt Schaub is a solid backup who has played well with limited opportunities and Andrew Walter is unproven but has a lot of upside.
<!--------------------------START PLAYER CARD------------------><TABLE class=tableheadFixWidth cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3 width=200 align=right><TBODY><TR class=stathead><TD class=whitelink colSpan=2>LaDainian Tomlinson</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow align=right><TD align=left>
Running BackSan Diego Chargers
Profile</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow><TD align=middle><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=1 width=190 bgColor=#ffffff border=0><TBODY><TR class=stathead align=middle><TD align=middle colSpan=6>2005 SEASON STATISTICS</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND: #bcbcb4" align=right><TD width="17%">Rush</TD><TD width="17%">Yds</TD><TD width="17%">TD</TD><TD width="17%">Rec</TD><TD width="17%">Yds</TD><TD width="17%">TD</TD></TR><TR align=right bgColor=#999999><TD>339</TD><TD>1462</TD><TD>18</TD><TD>51</TD><TD>370</TD><TD>2</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!---------------------INLINE MINI-PLAYER CARD ENDS HERE--------------------->It has been said many times that you need an effective running game to win in late January. Well, there is no better pure RB in the NFL than LaDainian Tomlinson. When you talk about Tomlinson, you are talking about a guy with the total package. Sure, you could make a case for Larry Johnson or 2005 MVP Shaun Alexander, but neither of those guys is as skilled in the passing game as L.T. Tomlinson also produces behind a very mediocre offensive line, so just imagine what he could do behind this group.
Marion Barber and LenDale White are solid backups who can come off the bench and provide a spark. Barber proved in 2006 that if the starter goes down, he is more than capable of carrying the load. In White's case, he is a rookie who needs a little direction. I can't imagine a better teammate and role model than Tomlinson, who is one of the hardest-working players in the NFL at his position.
Also in this group, Darren Sproles would be the fourth RB and he is one of the better special teams players in the NFL.
With Manning at the controls, you need a solid group of WRs. I find it interesting that neither Marvin Harrison nor Reggie Wayne made the cut. When building this team, you have to take the salaries of the players and make them fit, but I wonder how comfortable Manning would be without at least one of his favorite targets.
However, it would be tough to go wrong with this starting trio. You have speed with Steve Smith and Santana Moss, and excellent size with Chad Johnson. One issue though: There surely aren't enough passes that can be thrown to keep this group satisfied. Smith has yet to warm to Keyshawn Johnson, so I am not sure how he would react to having to share the ball with far better players in Chad Johnson and Moss.
If this group can mesh, it would without question form the best trio of receivers the NFL has ever seen on the field at one time.
With so much money invested in the "Big 3" receivers, this is a group with very little depth. Roscoe Parrish is young and unproven, Dante Hall is more of a return man, and while David Tyree is one of the best coverage special teams players in the NFL, he offers very little as an offensive threat.
Speaking of playmakers, you need to look no further than Antonio Gates at the TE position. With Tony Gonzalez starting to show his age, there is no more versatile player as a TE than Gates. You can move him all over the field and create tons of mismatches. It should also be noted that Manning loves to use the TE, so in this offense, you could only expect Gates' numbers to improve.
<!--------------------------START PLAYER CARD------------------><TABLE class=tableheadFixWidth cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3 width=200 align=right><TBODY><TR class=stathead><TD class=whitelink colSpan=2>Chris Cooley</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow align=right><TD align=left>
Tight EndWashington Redskins
Profile</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow><TD align=middle><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=1 width=190 bgColor=#ffffff border=0><TBODY><TR class=stathead align=middle><TD align=middle colSpan=6>2005 SEASON STATISTICS</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND: #bcbcb4" align=right><TD width="17%">Rec</TD><TD width="17%">Yds</TD><TD width="17%">TD</TD><TD width="17%">Avg</TD><TD width="17%">Long</TD><TD width="17%">YAC</TD></TR><TR align=right bgColor=#999999><TD>71</TD><TD>774</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>10.9</TD><TD>32</TD><TD>483</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!---------------------INLINE MINI-PLAYER CARD ENDS HERE--------------------->Chris Cooley is a No. 1, but would obviously be a No. 2 with Gates on the same roster. Cooley is a versatile H-back type who can play many roles. He is a good blocker from the backfield and a guy who can make plays at all levels in the passing game.
Leonard Pope is a young developmental TE who has excellent size. At close to 6-foot-8, he is a guy who will eventually become a big factor in the red zone.
This is a solid TE group, but it should be noted that it is not a great blocking unit, so don't expect this offense to be able to run the ball down its opponents' throat to close out a football game.
Any solid NFL team has to be very good up front. This group of offensive linemen would fall into that category. The starting unit of LT Walter Jones, LG Eric Steinbach, C Jeff Saturday, RG Chris Snee and RT Jammal Brown provides a nice mix of size, athleticism and strength.
Jones is arguably the best LOT in the NFL, and Steinbach and Saturday are both top-five players at their positions. Both are extremely tough and smart. The right side of the line with Snee and Brown is not quite as experienced, but they are young players on the rise.
In terms of depth, this unit is solid. Michael Roos is a young player who can back up at ROT and play inside at OG. McNeil can back up at LOT. Spencer can play all three interior offensive line spots. However, Richie Incognito is a bit of mystery. Sure, the salary fits and he has some talent to work with, but he is also a player with some character issues going back to his college days. The offensive line is the most tight-knit group on any NFL team, so there would be some concern that Incognito would be a cancer to this unit.
I don't know that I am big believer, but it has been said many times that defense wins championships. To play effectively on defense, it has to start up front with the big fellas.
Clayton's defensive line is definitely a tale of two groups. On one hand, you have the defensive end position, featuring some excellent players and high motors in Dwight Freeney, Shawne Merriman, Mario Williams and Jared Allen. These are four upfield attacking-type DEs with nonstop motors who can get pressure on the QB.
The defensive tackles, on the other hand, are essentially the opposite. Tommie Harris is an upfield player who can attack gaps and make plays. After him, though, the rest of the group is a little questionable. Albert Haynesworth, Darnell Dockett and Vince Wilfork all have a ton of talent, but to this point have been nothing more than "flash" players. All three have the talent to dominate on a weekly basis, yet you rarely see it when you put on the tape. The last backup DT, Dusty Dvoracek, is a talented rookie, but had some off-the-field issues in college.
Over time it has been proven that to build a great LB group you need to mix a little finesse with power. This group of LBs fits that bill. Denver's D.J. Williams is one of the most underrated LBs in the NFL. He is a very good athlete who shows excellent sideline-to-sideline speed and range.
Moving over to the middle, there is no better bang for your buck than Lofa Tatupu. He is going into his second year and is one of the smartest MLBs in the NFL. He is a guy who will be able to get this entire defense lined up and you can bet there will be very few mental errors on that side of the ball.
On the weak side is Chicago's Lance Briggs. Even though he does not get a ton of headlines because he plays next to Brian Urlacher, he is one of the best WLBs in the NFL. He fits the bill in terms of price right now, but you can bet in 2007 (he's scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent after this season), that his salary cap number will skyrocket.
<!--------------------------START PLAYER CARD------------------><TABLE class=tableheadFixWidth cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3 width=200 align=right><TBODY><TR class=stathead><TD class=whitelink colSpan=2>Karlos Dansby</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow align=right><TD align=left>
LinebackerArizona Cardinals
Profile</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow><TD align=middle><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=1 width=190 bgColor=#ffffff border=0><TBODY><TR class=stathead align=middle><TD align=middle colSpan=6>2005 SEASON STATISTICS</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND: #bcbcb4" align=right><TD width="17%">Tot</TD><TD width="17%">Ast</TD><TD width="17%">Solo</TD><TD width="17%">FF</TD><TD width="17%">Sack</TD><TD width="17%">Int</TD></TR><TR align=right bgColor=#999999><TD>87</TD><TD>69</TD><TD>18</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>3</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!---------------------INLINE MINI-PLAYER CARD ENDS HERE--------------------->In addition to a strong starting cast, the unit also has solid depth. Arizona's Karlos Dansby is a No. 1 LB on most teams but with this group, he is a player who can fill a multitude of roles within the sub packages. The best thing he does is bring pressure via the blitz, so you know he is a guy who will get pressure on the QB. He is an excellent athlete who can get into passing lanes and is extremely disruptive versus the run and pass.
Fifth and sixth LBs Larry Izzo and Barrett Ruud are two players who can make a lot of plays on special teams.
The NFL has become a passing league; it is tough to win on a regular basis if you can't pressure the passer. The majority of pressure will come from the defensive line and the linebackers, but it never hurts to have a safety who can bring heat too. When you talk about getting pressure from the secondary, you have to talk about Pittsburgh SS Troy Polamalu. He is the most versatile safety in the NFL. He can play close to the line of scrimmage and in the deep halves and thirds of the field.
In the Colts' scheme, Bob Sanders plays close to the line. With this unit, he becomes a player who can roam and play in space. He is a player who shows excellent range. He has very good ball skills and is a playmaker.
In terms of bang for your buck, you will not find two better cornerbacks than DeAngelo Hall and Marcus Trufant. They excel in man coverage and are considered two of the better young shut-down type cornerbacks in the NFL.
Even though Charles Tillman and Corey Webster have started games in their careers, the most intriguing backup player in the secondary is Seattle's Jordan Babineaux. He does not see a great deal of playing time, but makes the most of his opportunities. He is a ball hawk and can take reps at both the cornerback and safety spots.
It is hard to win championships without a solid kicking game. Oakland punter Shane Lechler has a big-time leg. What makes him a special player, though, is that he also knows how to pooch punt and keep an opponent backed up.
Adam Vinatieri is one of the best clutch kickers in NFL history. He has three Super Bowl rings and played a large part in all of those big games. He is the best kicker in the NFL and will pay huge dividends for the Colts in 2006.
Like any roster, it is tough to describe what "The Best Team Money Can Buy" should look like. Sure, you need talent, but finding winners and the right chemistry is just as important.
While this roster is extremely talent laden, the one thing overall that it misses is that championship feel. Of the 53 players, there are only four (Vinatieri, Izzo, Wilfork and Polamalu) with championship experience. It's hard to win championships with guys who have never been there.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Hache Man
"Seven Days Without Gambling Makes One Weak"
Updated: July 12, 2006
Team strong at DE, RB but lacks championship feel
<!-- end pagetitle --><!-- begin bylinebox -->
<!-- firstName = Jeremy --><!-- lastName = Green -->
By Jeremy Green
Scouts Inc.
Archive
<!-- begin presby2 -->
<!-- end presby2 -->
<!-- end bylinebox -->
<!-- begin text11 div --><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD style="PADDING-TOP: 10px" vAlign=top><!-- begin leftcol --><!-- template inline -->With the structure of the NFL's salary cap, it is impossible to build a football team that consists of superstar players at every position. There are no New York Yankees in the NFL game. And even if you could build that team, it would be interesting to see how all those egos would mesh on one 53-man roster.
When my cohorts at ESPN.com told me that John Clayton was putting together an NFL "Dream Team," it really piqued my interest. Would he just take the best players that fit from a salary standpoint, or would he build his team with continuity and chemistry in mind?
Let's break down his roster and see if this really is "The Best Team Money Can Buy."
Any time you build a team, you have to start with the QB position. This is the guy you are going to build your entire offense around. This is your franchise player -- a guy who for years to come will be able to put your team on his back and carry it.
That being said, it is hard to agree with the selection of Peyton Manning as Clayton's QB. Sure, the numbers are great, but where are the championship rings? While Manning is very good under pressure and can be clutch at times, it is hard to fathom passing up Tom Brady, who may eventually go down as the best big-game QB in NFL history. While Brady's cap number for 2006 is $5 million more than Manning's, Brady's overall deal is not as lucrative and he has three more Super Bowl rings.
In terms of reserves, Matt Schaub is a solid backup who has played well with limited opportunities and Andrew Walter is unproven but has a lot of upside.
<!--------------------------START PLAYER CARD------------------><TABLE class=tableheadFixWidth cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3 width=200 align=right><TBODY><TR class=stathead><TD class=whitelink colSpan=2>LaDainian Tomlinson</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow align=right><TD align=left>
Running Back
San Diego Chargers
Profile</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow><TD align=middle><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=1 width=190 bgColor=#ffffff border=0><TBODY><TR class=stathead align=middle><TD align=middle colSpan=6>2005 SEASON STATISTICS</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND: #bcbcb4" align=right><TD width="17%">Rush</TD><TD width="17%">Yds</TD><TD width="17%">TD</TD><TD width="17%">Rec</TD><TD width="17%">Yds</TD><TD width="17%">TD</TD></TR><TR align=right bgColor=#999999><TD>339</TD><TD>1462</TD><TD>18</TD><TD>51</TD><TD>370</TD><TD>2</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!---------------------INLINE MINI-PLAYER CARD ENDS HERE--------------------->It has been said many times that you need an effective running game to win in late January. Well, there is no better pure RB in the NFL than LaDainian Tomlinson. When you talk about Tomlinson, you are talking about a guy with the total package. Sure, you could make a case for Larry Johnson or 2005 MVP Shaun Alexander, but neither of those guys is as skilled in the passing game as L.T. Tomlinson also produces behind a very mediocre offensive line, so just imagine what he could do behind this group.
Marion Barber and LenDale White are solid backups who can come off the bench and provide a spark. Barber proved in 2006 that if the starter goes down, he is more than capable of carrying the load. In White's case, he is a rookie who needs a little direction. I can't imagine a better teammate and role model than Tomlinson, who is one of the hardest-working players in the NFL at his position.
Also in this group, Darren Sproles would be the fourth RB and he is one of the better special teams players in the NFL.
With Manning at the controls, you need a solid group of WRs. I find it interesting that neither Marvin Harrison nor Reggie Wayne made the cut. When building this team, you have to take the salaries of the players and make them fit, but I wonder how comfortable Manning would be without at least one of his favorite targets.
However, it would be tough to go wrong with this starting trio. You have speed with Steve Smith and Santana Moss, and excellent size with Chad Johnson. One issue though: There surely aren't enough passes that can be thrown to keep this group satisfied. Smith has yet to warm to Keyshawn Johnson, so I am not sure how he would react to having to share the ball with far better players in Chad Johnson and Moss.
If this group can mesh, it would without question form the best trio of receivers the NFL has ever seen on the field at one time.
With so much money invested in the "Big 3" receivers, this is a group with very little depth. Roscoe Parrish is young and unproven, Dante Hall is more of a return man, and while David Tyree is one of the best coverage special teams players in the NFL, he offers very little as an offensive threat.
Speaking of playmakers, you need to look no further than Antonio Gates at the TE position. With Tony Gonzalez starting to show his age, there is no more versatile player as a TE than Gates. You can move him all over the field and create tons of mismatches. It should also be noted that Manning loves to use the TE, so in this offense, you could only expect Gates' numbers to improve.
<!--------------------------START PLAYER CARD------------------><TABLE class=tableheadFixWidth cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3 width=200 align=right><TBODY><TR class=stathead><TD class=whitelink colSpan=2>Chris Cooley</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow align=right><TD align=left>
Tight End
Washington Redskins
Profile</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow><TD align=middle><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=1 width=190 bgColor=#ffffff border=0><TBODY><TR class=stathead align=middle><TD align=middle colSpan=6>2005 SEASON STATISTICS</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND: #bcbcb4" align=right><TD width="17%">Rec</TD><TD width="17%">Yds</TD><TD width="17%">TD</TD><TD width="17%">Avg</TD><TD width="17%">Long</TD><TD width="17%">YAC</TD></TR><TR align=right bgColor=#999999><TD>71</TD><TD>774</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>10.9</TD><TD>32</TD><TD>483</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!---------------------INLINE MINI-PLAYER CARD ENDS HERE--------------------->Chris Cooley is a No. 1, but would obviously be a No. 2 with Gates on the same roster. Cooley is a versatile H-back type who can play many roles. He is a good blocker from the backfield and a guy who can make plays at all levels in the passing game.
Leonard Pope is a young developmental TE who has excellent size. At close to 6-foot-8, he is a guy who will eventually become a big factor in the red zone.
This is a solid TE group, but it should be noted that it is not a great blocking unit, so don't expect this offense to be able to run the ball down its opponents' throat to close out a football game.
Any solid NFL team has to be very good up front. This group of offensive linemen would fall into that category. The starting unit of LT Walter Jones, LG Eric Steinbach, C Jeff Saturday, RG Chris Snee and RT Jammal Brown provides a nice mix of size, athleticism and strength.
Jones is arguably the best LOT in the NFL, and Steinbach and Saturday are both top-five players at their positions. Both are extremely tough and smart. The right side of the line with Snee and Brown is not quite as experienced, but they are young players on the rise.
In terms of depth, this unit is solid. Michael Roos is a young player who can back up at ROT and play inside at OG. McNeil can back up at LOT. Spencer can play all three interior offensive line spots. However, Richie Incognito is a bit of mystery. Sure, the salary fits and he has some talent to work with, but he is also a player with some character issues going back to his college days. The offensive line is the most tight-knit group on any NFL team, so there would be some concern that Incognito would be a cancer to this unit.
I don't know that I am big believer, but it has been said many times that defense wins championships. To play effectively on defense, it has to start up front with the big fellas.
Clayton's defensive line is definitely a tale of two groups. On one hand, you have the defensive end position, featuring some excellent players and high motors in Dwight Freeney, Shawne Merriman, Mario Williams and Jared Allen. These are four upfield attacking-type DEs with nonstop motors who can get pressure on the QB.
The defensive tackles, on the other hand, are essentially the opposite. Tommie Harris is an upfield player who can attack gaps and make plays. After him, though, the rest of the group is a little questionable. Albert Haynesworth, Darnell Dockett and Vince Wilfork all have a ton of talent, but to this point have been nothing more than "flash" players. All three have the talent to dominate on a weekly basis, yet you rarely see it when you put on the tape. The last backup DT, Dusty Dvoracek, is a talented rookie, but had some off-the-field issues in college.
Over time it has been proven that to build a great LB group you need to mix a little finesse with power. This group of LBs fits that bill. Denver's D.J. Williams is one of the most underrated LBs in the NFL. He is a very good athlete who shows excellent sideline-to-sideline speed and range.
Moving over to the middle, there is no better bang for your buck than Lofa Tatupu. He is going into his second year and is one of the smartest MLBs in the NFL. He is a guy who will be able to get this entire defense lined up and you can bet there will be very few mental errors on that side of the ball.
On the weak side is Chicago's Lance Briggs. Even though he does not get a ton of headlines because he plays next to Brian Urlacher, he is one of the best WLBs in the NFL. He fits the bill in terms of price right now, but you can bet in 2007 (he's scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent after this season), that his salary cap number will skyrocket.
<!--------------------------START PLAYER CARD------------------><TABLE class=tableheadFixWidth cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3 width=200 align=right><TBODY><TR class=stathead><TD class=whitelink colSpan=2>Karlos Dansby</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow align=right><TD align=left>
Linebacker
Arizona Cardinals
Profile</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow><TD align=middle><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=1 width=190 bgColor=#ffffff border=0><TBODY><TR class=stathead align=middle><TD align=middle colSpan=6>2005 SEASON STATISTICS</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND: #bcbcb4" align=right><TD width="17%">Tot</TD><TD width="17%">Ast</TD><TD width="17%">Solo</TD><TD width="17%">FF</TD><TD width="17%">Sack</TD><TD width="17%">Int</TD></TR><TR align=right bgColor=#999999><TD>87</TD><TD>69</TD><TD>18</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>3</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!---------------------INLINE MINI-PLAYER CARD ENDS HERE--------------------->In addition to a strong starting cast, the unit also has solid depth. Arizona's Karlos Dansby is a No. 1 LB on most teams but with this group, he is a player who can fill a multitude of roles within the sub packages. The best thing he does is bring pressure via the blitz, so you know he is a guy who will get pressure on the QB. He is an excellent athlete who can get into passing lanes and is extremely disruptive versus the run and pass.
Fifth and sixth LBs Larry Izzo and Barrett Ruud are two players who can make a lot of plays on special teams.
The NFL has become a passing league; it is tough to win on a regular basis if you can't pressure the passer. The majority of pressure will come from the defensive line and the linebackers, but it never hurts to have a safety who can bring heat too. When you talk about getting pressure from the secondary, you have to talk about Pittsburgh SS Troy Polamalu. He is the most versatile safety in the NFL. He can play close to the line of scrimmage and in the deep halves and thirds of the field.
In the Colts' scheme, Bob Sanders plays close to the line. With this unit, he becomes a player who can roam and play in space. He is a player who shows excellent range. He has very good ball skills and is a playmaker.
In terms of bang for your buck, you will not find two better cornerbacks than DeAngelo Hall and Marcus Trufant. They excel in man coverage and are considered two of the better young shut-down type cornerbacks in the NFL.
Even though Charles Tillman and Corey Webster have started games in their careers, the most intriguing backup player in the secondary is Seattle's Jordan Babineaux. He does not see a great deal of playing time, but makes the most of his opportunities. He is a ball hawk and can take reps at both the cornerback and safety spots.
It is hard to win championships without a solid kicking game. Oakland punter Shane Lechler has a big-time leg. What makes him a special player, though, is that he also knows how to pooch punt and keep an opponent backed up.
Adam Vinatieri is one of the best clutch kickers in NFL history. He has three Super Bowl rings and played a large part in all of those big games. He is the best kicker in the NFL and will pay huge dividends for the Colts in 2006.
Like any roster, it is tough to describe what "The Best Team Money Can Buy" should look like. Sure, you need talent, but finding winners and the right chemistry is just as important.
While this roster is extremely talent laden, the one thing overall that it misses is that championship feel. Of the 53 players, there are only four (Vinatieri, Izzo, Wilfork and Polamalu) with championship experience. It's hard to win championships with guys who have never been there.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Team strong at DE, RB but lacks championship feel
<!-- end pagetitle --><!-- begin bylinebox -->
<!-- firstName = Jeremy --><!-- lastName = Green -->
By Jeremy Green
Scouts Inc.
Archive
<!-- begin presby2 -->
<!-- end presby2 -->
<!-- end bylinebox -->
<!-- begin text11 div --><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD style="PADDING-TOP: 10px" vAlign=top><!-- begin leftcol --><!-- template inline -->With the structure of the NFL's salary cap, it is impossible to build a football team that consists of superstar players at every position. There are no New York Yankees in the NFL game. And even if you could build that team, it would be interesting to see how all those egos would mesh on one 53-man roster.
When my cohorts at ESPN.com told me that John Clayton was putting together an NFL "Dream Team," it really piqued my interest. Would he just take the best players that fit from a salary standpoint, or would he build his team with continuity and chemistry in mind?
Let's break down his roster and see if this really is "The Best Team Money Can Buy."
Any time you build a team, you have to start with the QB position. This is the guy you are going to build your entire offense around. This is your franchise player -- a guy who for years to come will be able to put your team on his back and carry it.
That being said, it is hard to agree with the selection of Peyton Manning as Clayton's QB. Sure, the numbers are great, but where are the championship rings? While Manning is very good under pressure and can be clutch at times, it is hard to fathom passing up Tom Brady, who may eventually go down as the best big-game QB in NFL history. While Brady's cap number for 2006 is $5 million more than Manning's, Brady's overall deal is not as lucrative and he has three more Super Bowl rings.
In terms of reserves, Matt Schaub is a solid backup who has played well with limited opportunities and Andrew Walter is unproven but has a lot of upside.
<!--------------------------START PLAYER CARD------------------><TABLE class=tableheadFixWidth cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3 width=200 align=right><TBODY><TR class=stathead><TD class=whitelink colSpan=2>LaDainian Tomlinson</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow align=right><TD align=left>
Running BackSan Diego Chargers
Profile</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow><TD align=middle><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=1 width=190 bgColor=#ffffff border=0><TBODY><TR class=stathead align=middle><TD align=middle colSpan=6>2005 SEASON STATISTICS</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND: #bcbcb4" align=right><TD width="17%">Rush</TD><TD width="17%">Yds</TD><TD width="17%">TD</TD><TD width="17%">Rec</TD><TD width="17%">Yds</TD><TD width="17%">TD</TD></TR><TR align=right bgColor=#999999><TD>339</TD><TD>1462</TD><TD>18</TD><TD>51</TD><TD>370</TD><TD>2</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!---------------------INLINE MINI-PLAYER CARD ENDS HERE--------------------->It has been said many times that you need an effective running game to win in late January. Well, there is no better pure RB in the NFL than LaDainian Tomlinson. When you talk about Tomlinson, you are talking about a guy with the total package. Sure, you could make a case for Larry Johnson or 2005 MVP Shaun Alexander, but neither of those guys is as skilled in the passing game as L.T. Tomlinson also produces behind a very mediocre offensive line, so just imagine what he could do behind this group.
Marion Barber and LenDale White are solid backups who can come off the bench and provide a spark. Barber proved in 2006 that if the starter goes down, he is more than capable of carrying the load. In White's case, he is a rookie who needs a little direction. I can't imagine a better teammate and role model than Tomlinson, who is one of the hardest-working players in the NFL at his position.
Also in this group, Darren Sproles would be the fourth RB and he is one of the better special teams players in the NFL.
With Manning at the controls, you need a solid group of WRs. I find it interesting that neither Marvin Harrison nor Reggie Wayne made the cut. When building this team, you have to take the salaries of the players and make them fit, but I wonder how comfortable Manning would be without at least one of his favorite targets.
However, it would be tough to go wrong with this starting trio. You have speed with Steve Smith and Santana Moss, and excellent size with Chad Johnson. One issue though: There surely aren't enough passes that can be thrown to keep this group satisfied. Smith has yet to warm to Keyshawn Johnson, so I am not sure how he would react to having to share the ball with far better players in Chad Johnson and Moss.
If this group can mesh, it would without question form the best trio of receivers the NFL has ever seen on the field at one time.
With so much money invested in the "Big 3" receivers, this is a group with very little depth. Roscoe Parrish is young and unproven, Dante Hall is more of a return man, and while David Tyree is one of the best coverage special teams players in the NFL, he offers very little as an offensive threat.
Speaking of playmakers, you need to look no further than Antonio Gates at the TE position. With Tony Gonzalez starting to show his age, there is no more versatile player as a TE than Gates. You can move him all over the field and create tons of mismatches. It should also be noted that Manning loves to use the TE, so in this offense, you could only expect Gates' numbers to improve.
<!--------------------------START PLAYER CARD------------------><TABLE class=tableheadFixWidth cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3 width=200 align=right><TBODY><TR class=stathead><TD class=whitelink colSpan=2>Chris Cooley</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow align=right><TD align=left>
Tight EndWashington Redskins
Profile</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow><TD align=middle><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=1 width=190 bgColor=#ffffff border=0><TBODY><TR class=stathead align=middle><TD align=middle colSpan=6>2005 SEASON STATISTICS</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND: #bcbcb4" align=right><TD width="17%">Rec</TD><TD width="17%">Yds</TD><TD width="17%">TD</TD><TD width="17%">Avg</TD><TD width="17%">Long</TD><TD width="17%">YAC</TD></TR><TR align=right bgColor=#999999><TD>71</TD><TD>774</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>10.9</TD><TD>32</TD><TD>483</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!---------------------INLINE MINI-PLAYER CARD ENDS HERE--------------------->Chris Cooley is a No. 1, but would obviously be a No. 2 with Gates on the same roster. Cooley is a versatile H-back type who can play many roles. He is a good blocker from the backfield and a guy who can make plays at all levels in the passing game.
Leonard Pope is a young developmental TE who has excellent size. At close to 6-foot-8, he is a guy who will eventually become a big factor in the red zone.
This is a solid TE group, but it should be noted that it is not a great blocking unit, so don't expect this offense to be able to run the ball down its opponents' throat to close out a football game.
Any solid NFL team has to be very good up front. This group of offensive linemen would fall into that category. The starting unit of LT Walter Jones, LG Eric Steinbach, C Jeff Saturday, RG Chris Snee and RT Jammal Brown provides a nice mix of size, athleticism and strength.
Jones is arguably the best LOT in the NFL, and Steinbach and Saturday are both top-five players at their positions. Both are extremely tough and smart. The right side of the line with Snee and Brown is not quite as experienced, but they are young players on the rise.
In terms of depth, this unit is solid. Michael Roos is a young player who can back up at ROT and play inside at OG. McNeil can back up at LOT. Spencer can play all three interior offensive line spots. However, Richie Incognito is a bit of mystery. Sure, the salary fits and he has some talent to work with, but he is also a player with some character issues going back to his college days. The offensive line is the most tight-knit group on any NFL team, so there would be some concern that Incognito would be a cancer to this unit.
I don't know that I am big believer, but it has been said many times that defense wins championships. To play effectively on defense, it has to start up front with the big fellas.
Clayton's defensive line is definitely a tale of two groups. On one hand, you have the defensive end position, featuring some excellent players and high motors in Dwight Freeney, Shawne Merriman, Mario Williams and Jared Allen. These are four upfield attacking-type DEs with nonstop motors who can get pressure on the QB.
The defensive tackles, on the other hand, are essentially the opposite. Tommie Harris is an upfield player who can attack gaps and make plays. After him, though, the rest of the group is a little questionable. Albert Haynesworth, Darnell Dockett and Vince Wilfork all have a ton of talent, but to this point have been nothing more than "flash" players. All three have the talent to dominate on a weekly basis, yet you rarely see it when you put on the tape. The last backup DT, Dusty Dvoracek, is a talented rookie, but had some off-the-field issues in college.
Over time it has been proven that to build a great LB group you need to mix a little finesse with power. This group of LBs fits that bill. Denver's D.J. Williams is one of the most underrated LBs in the NFL. He is a very good athlete who shows excellent sideline-to-sideline speed and range.
Moving over to the middle, there is no better bang for your buck than Lofa Tatupu. He is going into his second year and is one of the smartest MLBs in the NFL. He is a guy who will be able to get this entire defense lined up and you can bet there will be very few mental errors on that side of the ball.
On the weak side is Chicago's Lance Briggs. Even though he does not get a ton of headlines because he plays next to Brian Urlacher, he is one of the best WLBs in the NFL. He fits the bill in terms of price right now, but you can bet in 2007 (he's scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent after this season), that his salary cap number will skyrocket.
<!--------------------------START PLAYER CARD------------------><TABLE class=tableheadFixWidth cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3 width=200 align=right><TBODY><TR class=stathead><TD class=whitelink colSpan=2>Karlos Dansby</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow align=right><TD align=left>
LinebackerArizona Cardinals
Profile</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow><TD align=middle><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=1 width=190 bgColor=#ffffff border=0><TBODY><TR class=stathead align=middle><TD align=middle colSpan=6>2005 SEASON STATISTICS</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND: #bcbcb4" align=right><TD width="17%">Tot</TD><TD width="17%">Ast</TD><TD width="17%">Solo</TD><TD width="17%">FF</TD><TD width="17%">Sack</TD><TD width="17%">Int</TD></TR><TR align=right bgColor=#999999><TD>87</TD><TD>69</TD><TD>18</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>3</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!---------------------INLINE MINI-PLAYER CARD ENDS HERE--------------------->In addition to a strong starting cast, the unit also has solid depth. Arizona's Karlos Dansby is a No. 1 LB on most teams but with this group, he is a player who can fill a multitude of roles within the sub packages. The best thing he does is bring pressure via the blitz, so you know he is a guy who will get pressure on the QB. He is an excellent athlete who can get into passing lanes and is extremely disruptive versus the run and pass.
Fifth and sixth LBs Larry Izzo and Barrett Ruud are two players who can make a lot of plays on special teams.
The NFL has become a passing league; it is tough to win on a regular basis if you can't pressure the passer. The majority of pressure will come from the defensive line and the linebackers, but it never hurts to have a safety who can bring heat too. When you talk about getting pressure from the secondary, you have to talk about Pittsburgh SS Troy Polamalu. He is the most versatile safety in the NFL. He can play close to the line of scrimmage and in the deep halves and thirds of the field.
In the Colts' scheme, Bob Sanders plays close to the line. With this unit, he becomes a player who can roam and play in space. He is a player who shows excellent range. He has very good ball skills and is a playmaker.
In terms of bang for your buck, you will not find two better cornerbacks than DeAngelo Hall and Marcus Trufant. They excel in man coverage and are considered two of the better young shut-down type cornerbacks in the NFL.
Even though Charles Tillman and Corey Webster have started games in their careers, the most intriguing backup player in the secondary is Seattle's Jordan Babineaux. He does not see a great deal of playing time, but makes the most of his opportunities. He is a ball hawk and can take reps at both the cornerback and safety spots.
It is hard to win championships without a solid kicking game. Oakland punter Shane Lechler has a big-time leg. What makes him a special player, though, is that he also knows how to pooch punt and keep an opponent backed up.
Adam Vinatieri is one of the best clutch kickers in NFL history. He has three Super Bowl rings and played a large part in all of those big games. He is the best kicker in the NFL and will pay huge dividends for the Colts in 2006.
Like any roster, it is tough to describe what "The Best Team Money Can Buy" should look like. Sure, you need talent, but finding winners and the right chemistry is just as important.
While this roster is extremely talent laden, the one thing overall that it misses is that championship feel. Of the 53 players, there are only four (Vinatieri, Izzo, Wilfork and Polamalu) with championship experience. It's hard to win championships with guys who have never been there.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Hache Man
"Seven Days Without Gambling Makes One Weak"
Updated: July 13, 2006
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Griese excels long and short
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By KC Joyner
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Who was the NFL's most accurate passer in 2005? Whenever I bring up the issue of a quarterback's accuracy, I invariably receive a lot of feedback from readers wanting me to clarify what I mean.
An accurate pass can be described simply as a pass thrown within the receiver's catching frame -- the area where the receiver can reach out and get his hands on the ball. If the ball arrives within this frame, it is ruled an accurate pass. Otherwise, it is ruled an inaccurate pass.
Another question I am frequently asked is how do I account for passes thrown well over the head of a receiver, as well as passes thrown away or knocked down. I use a similar line of thinking to the catchable pass idea proposed in the TYPCA metric.
Any pass knocked down or thrown away is removed from the accuracy percentage calculations altogether. I also remove passes attempted when the quarterback is hit just as he throws the ball.
I do count intentional overthrows on deep passes as pass attempts, but they do not count as inaccurate passes. It is a subjective metric, but I use these rules to clarify the metric as much as possible.
I use a percentage basis to rank the quarterbacks, with the lowest inaccuracy percentage being the best. The following is a breakdown of the top five quarterbacks in this metric:
T4. Mark Brunell. Brunell's high accuracy percentage is even more impressive because he was very accurate at all depth levels. Brunell had the eighth-best deep pass accuracy percentage and also ranked in the top five in both the short- and medium-depth levels.
AP Photo/Elaine Thompson
Matt Hasselbeck piloted the NFL's highest-scoring offense.
T4. Matt Hasselbeck. Hasselbeck had the same accuracy percentage as Brunell, but arrived at that number in a completely different way. Hasselbeck's medium and deep pass accuracy rates were average, but his short pass accuracy (91 percent) was phenomenal. The Seahawks' offensive improvement last year was mostly attributed to more consistent play from the receivers, but the quarterback certainly did his part.
T2. Brian Griese. Griese's accuracy metrics were unusual. He had the second-best short pass accuracy percentage, which is something you would expect from a quarterback in a Jon Gruden offense (Griese has since moved on to Chicago).
However, extremely accurate short-pass quarterbacks typically are not as accurate on deeper routes. Such was the case with Griese on medium passes, for which his percentage was merely average. But the odd part was that Griese ranked first in deep pass accuracy percentage. Even keeping in mind that he played in only six games last year, that is quite an accomplishment.
T2. Carson Palmer. Palmer's metrics indicate his passes get better the deeper he throws them. He ranked a mere 12th in short pass accuracy, but made up for it by placing in the top three in both medium and deep pass accuracy.
1. Marc Bulger. What makes this finding most amazing to me is that Bulger played in an offense that was one of the most vertically inclined in the entire league. Bulger had the fourth-highest percentage of deep passes and the sixth-highest percentage of medium passes, yet was still able to approach the 90 percent mark in the accuracy metric.
Bulger had the highest medium pass accuracy percentage, the third-best deep pass percentage, and the seventh-best short pass percentage. He is almost never mentioned as one of the top five quarterbacks in the NFL, but these metrics offer very convincing proof he belongs in that discussion.
As for where some of the other big-name quarterbacks ended up, here are the top 15 quarterbacks in this category: 1. Marc Bulger -- 10.2
2. Carson Palmer -- 11.2
2. Brian Griese -- 11.2
4. Matt Hasselbeck -- 11.8
4. Mark Brunell -- 11.8
6. Kelly Holcomb -- 12.3
7. Brad Johnson -- 12.5
8. Peyton Manning -- 12.6
9. Byron Leftwich -- 13.2
10. Drew Brees -- 13.8
11. Aaron Brooks -- 13.9
12. David Carr -- 14.0
13. Anthony Wright -- 14.4
14. Chris Simms -- 14.6
15. Steve McNair -- 15.0
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</TD><TD></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>Griese excels long and short
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By KC Joyner
ESPN Insider
Archive
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Who was the NFL's most accurate passer in 2005? Whenever I bring up the issue of a quarterback's accuracy, I invariably receive a lot of feedback from readers wanting me to clarify what I mean.
An accurate pass can be described simply as a pass thrown within the receiver's catching frame -- the area where the receiver can reach out and get his hands on the ball. If the ball arrives within this frame, it is ruled an accurate pass. Otherwise, it is ruled an inaccurate pass.
Another question I am frequently asked is how do I account for passes thrown well over the head of a receiver, as well as passes thrown away or knocked down. I use a similar line of thinking to the catchable pass idea proposed in the TYPCA metric.
Any pass knocked down or thrown away is removed from the accuracy percentage calculations altogether. I also remove passes attempted when the quarterback is hit just as he throws the ball.
I do count intentional overthrows on deep passes as pass attempts, but they do not count as inaccurate passes. It is a subjective metric, but I use these rules to clarify the metric as much as possible.
I use a percentage basis to rank the quarterbacks, with the lowest inaccuracy percentage being the best. The following is a breakdown of the top five quarterbacks in this metric:
T4. Mark Brunell. Brunell's high accuracy percentage is even more impressive because he was very accurate at all depth levels. Brunell had the eighth-best deep pass accuracy percentage and also ranked in the top five in both the short- and medium-depth levels.
AP Photo/Elaine Thompson
Matt Hasselbeck piloted the NFL's highest-scoring offense.
T4. Matt Hasselbeck. Hasselbeck had the same accuracy percentage as Brunell, but arrived at that number in a completely different way. Hasselbeck's medium and deep pass accuracy rates were average, but his short pass accuracy (91 percent) was phenomenal. The Seahawks' offensive improvement last year was mostly attributed to more consistent play from the receivers, but the quarterback certainly did his part.
T2. Brian Griese. Griese's accuracy metrics were unusual. He had the second-best short pass accuracy percentage, which is something you would expect from a quarterback in a Jon Gruden offense (Griese has since moved on to Chicago).
However, extremely accurate short-pass quarterbacks typically are not as accurate on deeper routes. Such was the case with Griese on medium passes, for which his percentage was merely average. But the odd part was that Griese ranked first in deep pass accuracy percentage. Even keeping in mind that he played in only six games last year, that is quite an accomplishment.
T2. Carson Palmer. Palmer's metrics indicate his passes get better the deeper he throws them. He ranked a mere 12th in short pass accuracy, but made up for it by placing in the top three in both medium and deep pass accuracy.
1. Marc Bulger. What makes this finding most amazing to me is that Bulger played in an offense that was one of the most vertically inclined in the entire league. Bulger had the fourth-highest percentage of deep passes and the sixth-highest percentage of medium passes, yet was still able to approach the 90 percent mark in the accuracy metric.
Bulger had the highest medium pass accuracy percentage, the third-best deep pass percentage, and the seventh-best short pass percentage. He is almost never mentioned as one of the top five quarterbacks in the NFL, but these metrics offer very convincing proof he belongs in that discussion.
As for where some of the other big-name quarterbacks ended up, here are the top 15 quarterbacks in this category: 1. Marc Bulger -- 10.2
2. Carson Palmer -- 11.2
2. Brian Griese -- 11.2
4. Matt Hasselbeck -- 11.8
4. Mark Brunell -- 11.8
6. Kelly Holcomb -- 12.3
7. Brad Johnson -- 12.5
8. Peyton Manning -- 12.6
9. Byron Leftwich -- 13.2
10. Drew Brees -- 13.8
11. Aaron Brooks -- 13.9
12. David Carr -- 14.0
13. Anthony Wright -- 14.4
14. Chris Simms -- 14.6
15. Steve McNair -- 15.0
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Hache Man
"Seven Days Without Gambling Makes One Weak"
Updated: July 13, 2006
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Griese excels long and short
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By KC Joyner
ESPN Insider
Archive
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Who was the NFL's most accurate passer in 2005? Whenever I bring up the issue of a quarterback's accuracy, I invariably receive a lot of feedback from readers wanting me to clarify what I mean.
An accurate pass can be described simply as a pass thrown within the receiver's catching frame -- the area where the receiver can reach out and get his hands on the ball. If the ball arrives within this frame, it is ruled an accurate pass. Otherwise, it is ruled an inaccurate pass.
Another question I am frequently asked is how do I account for passes thrown well over the head of a receiver, as well as passes thrown away or knocked down. I use a similar line of thinking to the catchable pass idea proposed in the TYPCA metric.
Any pass knocked down or thrown away is removed from the accuracy percentage calculations altogether. I also remove passes attempted when the quarterback is hit just as he throws the ball.
I do count intentional overthrows on deep passes as pass attempts, but they do not count as inaccurate passes. It is a subjective metric, but I use these rules to clarify the metric as much as possible.
I use a percentage basis to rank the quarterbacks, with the lowest inaccuracy percentage being the best. The following is a breakdown of the top five quarterbacks in this metric:
T4. Mark Brunell. Brunell's high accuracy percentage is even more impressive because he was very accurate at all depth levels. Brunell had the eighth-best deep pass accuracy percentage and also ranked in the top five in both the short- and medium-depth levels.
AP Photo/Elaine Thompson
Matt Hasselbeck piloted the NFL's highest-scoring offense.
T4. Matt Hasselbeck. Hasselbeck had the same accuracy percentage as Brunell, but arrived at that number in a completely different way. Hasselbeck's medium and deep pass accuracy rates were average, but his short pass accuracy (91 percent) was phenomenal. The Seahawks' offensive improvement last year was mostly attributed to more consistent play from the receivers, but the quarterback certainly did his part.
T2. Brian Griese. Griese's accuracy metrics were unusual. He had the second-best short pass accuracy percentage, which is something you would expect from a quarterback in a Jon Gruden offense (Griese has since moved on to Chicago).
However, extremely accurate short-pass quarterbacks typically are not as accurate on deeper routes. Such was the case with Griese on medium passes, for which his percentage was merely average. But the odd part was that Griese ranked first in deep pass accuracy percentage. Even keeping in mind that he played in only six games last year, that is quite an accomplishment.
T2. Carson Palmer. Palmer's metrics indicate his passes get better the deeper he throws them. He ranked a mere 12th in short pass accuracy, but made up for it by placing in the top three in both medium and deep pass accuracy.
1. Marc Bulger. What makes this finding most amazing to me is that Bulger played in an offense that was one of the most vertically inclined in the entire league. Bulger had the fourth-highest percentage of deep passes and the sixth-highest percentage of medium passes, yet was still able to approach the 90 percent mark in the accuracy metric.
Bulger had the highest medium pass accuracy percentage, the third-best deep pass percentage, and the seventh-best short pass percentage. He is almost never mentioned as one of the top five quarterbacks in the NFL, but these metrics offer very convincing proof he belongs in that discussion.
As for where some of the other big-name quarterbacks ended up, here are the top 15 quarterbacks in this category: 1. Marc Bulger -- 10.2
2. Carson Palmer -- 11.2
2. Brian Griese -- 11.2
4. Matt Hasselbeck -- 11.8
4. Mark Brunell -- 11.8
6. Kelly Holcomb -- 12.3
7. Brad Johnson -- 12.5
8. Peyton Manning -- 12.6
9. Byron Leftwich -- 13.2
10. Drew Brees -- 13.8
11. Aaron Brooks -- 13.9
12. David Carr -- 14.0
13. Anthony Wright -- 14.4
14. Chris Simms -- 14.6
15. Steve McNair -- 15.0
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD>
</TD><TD></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>Griese excels long and short
<!-- end pagetitle --><!-- begin bylinebox -->
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By KC Joyner
ESPN Insider
Archive
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Who was the NFL's most accurate passer in 2005? Whenever I bring up the issue of a quarterback's accuracy, I invariably receive a lot of feedback from readers wanting me to clarify what I mean.
An accurate pass can be described simply as a pass thrown within the receiver's catching frame -- the area where the receiver can reach out and get his hands on the ball. If the ball arrives within this frame, it is ruled an accurate pass. Otherwise, it is ruled an inaccurate pass.
Another question I am frequently asked is how do I account for passes thrown well over the head of a receiver, as well as passes thrown away or knocked down. I use a similar line of thinking to the catchable pass idea proposed in the TYPCA metric.
Any pass knocked down or thrown away is removed from the accuracy percentage calculations altogether. I also remove passes attempted when the quarterback is hit just as he throws the ball.
I do count intentional overthrows on deep passes as pass attempts, but they do not count as inaccurate passes. It is a subjective metric, but I use these rules to clarify the metric as much as possible.
I use a percentage basis to rank the quarterbacks, with the lowest inaccuracy percentage being the best. The following is a breakdown of the top five quarterbacks in this metric:
T4. Mark Brunell. Brunell's high accuracy percentage is even more impressive because he was very accurate at all depth levels. Brunell had the eighth-best deep pass accuracy percentage and also ranked in the top five in both the short- and medium-depth levels.
AP Photo/Elaine Thompson
Matt Hasselbeck piloted the NFL's highest-scoring offense.
T4. Matt Hasselbeck. Hasselbeck had the same accuracy percentage as Brunell, but arrived at that number in a completely different way. Hasselbeck's medium and deep pass accuracy rates were average, but his short pass accuracy (91 percent) was phenomenal. The Seahawks' offensive improvement last year was mostly attributed to more consistent play from the receivers, but the quarterback certainly did his part.
T2. Brian Griese. Griese's accuracy metrics were unusual. He had the second-best short pass accuracy percentage, which is something you would expect from a quarterback in a Jon Gruden offense (Griese has since moved on to Chicago).
However, extremely accurate short-pass quarterbacks typically are not as accurate on deeper routes. Such was the case with Griese on medium passes, for which his percentage was merely average. But the odd part was that Griese ranked first in deep pass accuracy percentage. Even keeping in mind that he played in only six games last year, that is quite an accomplishment.
T2. Carson Palmer. Palmer's metrics indicate his passes get better the deeper he throws them. He ranked a mere 12th in short pass accuracy, but made up for it by placing in the top three in both medium and deep pass accuracy.
1. Marc Bulger. What makes this finding most amazing to me is that Bulger played in an offense that was one of the most vertically inclined in the entire league. Bulger had the fourth-highest percentage of deep passes and the sixth-highest percentage of medium passes, yet was still able to approach the 90 percent mark in the accuracy metric.
Bulger had the highest medium pass accuracy percentage, the third-best deep pass percentage, and the seventh-best short pass percentage. He is almost never mentioned as one of the top five quarterbacks in the NFL, but these metrics offer very convincing proof he belongs in that discussion.
As for where some of the other big-name quarterbacks ended up, here are the top 15 quarterbacks in this category: 1. Marc Bulger -- 10.2
2. Carson Palmer -- 11.2
2. Brian Griese -- 11.2
4. Matt Hasselbeck -- 11.8
4. Mark Brunell -- 11.8
6. Kelly Holcomb -- 12.3
7. Brad Johnson -- 12.5
8. Peyton Manning -- 12.6
9. Byron Leftwich -- 13.2
10. Drew Brees -- 13.8
11. Aaron Brooks -- 13.9
12. David Carr -- 14.0
13. Anthony Wright -- 14.4
14. Chris Simms -- 14.6
15. Steve McNair -- 15.0
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Hache Man
"Seven Days Without Gambling Makes One Weak"
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</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE class=tablehead cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3><TBODY><TR class=stathead><TD colSpan=3>Thursday, July 13</TD></TR><TR class=colhead><TD width=65>WHO</TD><TD>INTERESTED</TD><TD>THE SKINNY</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD noWrap align=middle>
Ty Law
Jets
</TD><TD>Chiefs
Patriots
Cardinals?
Seahawks?
</TD><TD>Law playing it cool
<Jul. 13> Law isn't sweating the fact that he still hasn't found a home for 2006. The free-agent cornerback is training with famed track coach Bob Kersee and waiting patiently for the right offer to roll in.
The Chiefs and Patriots appear to be Law's main suitors, but Kansas City GM Carl Peterson hasn't changed his stance regarding the cornerback's financial demands (believed to be $10 million in guaranteed money).
"We have an interest in Ty Law," Peterson told The Kansas City Star. "But obviously, it has to be based upon economics.
"To this point, we certainly haven't been able to get together with his representatives on a contract, and we also note that no one else has, either. Sometimes patience is difficult, but it is also a pragmatic thing to do." Law told the paper there's a chance he might not sign by the start of training camp. The 32-year-old is looking for a deal on par with the league's elite corners and wants to go to a team that has a legitimate chance to reach the Super Bowl.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
</TD><TD align=right width="30%">Other Rumors: MLB | NBA
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE class=tablehead cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3><TBODY><TR><TD align=middle>You are signed into Insider
and have access to this premium feature.</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE class=tablehead cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3><TBODY><TR class=stathead><TD colSpan=3>Thursday, July 13</TD></TR><TR class=colhead><TD width=65>WHO</TD><TD>INTERESTED</TD><TD>THE SKINNY</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD noWrap align=middle>
Ty Law
Jets
</TD><TD>Chiefs
Patriots
Cardinals?
Seahawks?
</TD><TD>Law playing it cool
<Jul. 13> Law isn't sweating the fact that he still hasn't found a home for 2006. The free-agent cornerback is training with famed track coach Bob Kersee and waiting patiently for the right offer to roll in.
The Chiefs and Patriots appear to be Law's main suitors, but Kansas City GM Carl Peterson hasn't changed his stance regarding the cornerback's financial demands (believed to be $10 million in guaranteed money).
"We have an interest in Ty Law," Peterson told The Kansas City Star. "But obviously, it has to be based upon economics.
"To this point, we certainly haven't been able to get together with his representatives on a contract, and we also note that no one else has, either. Sometimes patience is difficult, but it is also a pragmatic thing to do." Law told the paper there's a chance he might not sign by the start of training camp. The 32-year-old is looking for a deal on par with the league's elite corners and wants to go to a team that has a legitimate chance to reach the Super Bowl.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Hache Man
"Seven Days Without Gambling Makes One Weak"
<TABLE width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD>NFL Rumor Central: Law playing it cool
</TD><TD align=right width="30%">Other Rumors: MLB | NBA
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE class=tablehead cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3><TBODY><TR><TD align=middle>You are signed into Insider
and have access to this premium feature.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE class=tablehead cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3><TBODY><TR class=stathead><TD colSpan=3>Thursday, July 13</TD></TR><TR class=colhead><TD width=65>WHO</TD><TD>INTERESTED</TD><TD>THE SKINNY</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD noWrap align=middle>
Ty Law
Jets
</TD><TD>Chiefs
Patriots
Cardinals?
Seahawks?
</TD><TD>Law playing it cool
<Jul. 13> Law isn't sweating the fact that he still hasn't found a home for 2006. The free-agent cornerback is training with famed track coach Bob Kersee and waiting patiently for the right offer to roll in.
The Chiefs and Patriots appear to be Law's main suitors, but Kansas City GM Carl Peterson hasn't changed his stance regarding the cornerback's financial demands (believed to be $10 million in guaranteed money).
"We have an interest in Ty Law," Peterson told The Kansas City Star. "But obviously, it has to be based upon economics.
"To this point, we certainly haven't been able to get together with his representatives on a contract, and we also note that no one else has, either. Sometimes patience is difficult, but it is also a pragmatic thing to do." Law told the paper there's a chance he might not sign by the start of training camp. The 32-year-old is looking for a deal on par with the league's elite corners and wants to go to a team that has a legitimate chance to reach the Super Bowl.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
</TD><TD align=right width="30%">Other Rumors: MLB | NBA
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE class=tablehead cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3><TBODY><TR><TD align=middle>You are signed into Insider
and have access to this premium feature.</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE class=tablehead cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3><TBODY><TR class=stathead><TD colSpan=3>Thursday, July 13</TD></TR><TR class=colhead><TD width=65>WHO</TD><TD>INTERESTED</TD><TD>THE SKINNY</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD noWrap align=middle>
Ty Law
Jets
</TD><TD>Chiefs
Patriots
Cardinals?
Seahawks?
</TD><TD>Law playing it cool
<Jul. 13> Law isn't sweating the fact that he still hasn't found a home for 2006. The free-agent cornerback is training with famed track coach Bob Kersee and waiting patiently for the right offer to roll in.
The Chiefs and Patriots appear to be Law's main suitors, but Kansas City GM Carl Peterson hasn't changed his stance regarding the cornerback's financial demands (believed to be $10 million in guaranteed money).
"We have an interest in Ty Law," Peterson told The Kansas City Star. "But obviously, it has to be based upon economics.
"To this point, we certainly haven't been able to get together with his representatives on a contract, and we also note that no one else has, either. Sometimes patience is difficult, but it is also a pragmatic thing to do." Law told the paper there's a chance he might not sign by the start of training camp. The 32-year-old is looking for a deal on par with the league's elite corners and wants to go to a team that has a legitimate chance to reach the Super Bowl.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Hache Man
"Seven Days Without Gambling Makes One Weak"
Updated: July 13, 2006, 11:26 AM ET
Panthers, Seahawks improve defenses
<!-- end pagetitle --><!-- begin bylinebox -->
By Matt Williamson
Scouts Inc.
<!-- begin presby2 -->http://log.go.com/log?srvc=sz&guid=...mpaign=mobile&source=ESPN_Ace_146x46_ViewDemo
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<!-- begin text11 div --><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD style="PADDING-TOP: 10px" vAlign=top><!-- begin leftcol --><!-- template inline -->Every year NFL executives make tons of decisions to reshape their teams in free agency. They allow popular players and fan favorites to walk away -- sometimes to division rivals (LB David Thornton going from the Colts to the Titans) or to serious competitors (K Adam Vinatieri leaving the Patriots for the Colts). Other times, teams believe that they have a young player waiting in the wings to replace a fixture whose contract is up (New Orleans DE Will Smith taking over for the departed Darren Howard, who is now with the Eagles), so they can use those funds to help their team in other areas.
Many players will go back to an old team (Philadelphia's Shawn Barber) or many coaches and general managers will bring in players who they trust from past winning relationships (Willie McGinest going from the Patriots to the Browns). Teams with a recent history of losing (Tennessee) will overspend a bit to bring in players from winning organizations to infuse a healthier perspective to their locker room.
This offseason, perennial powerhouses New England and Indianapolis took steps backward, while up-and-coming teams Arizona and Cleveland made strides toward building a winner. This is the beauty of the NFL offseason -- it brings hope. Ask Kansas City Royals and Pittsburgh Pirates fans if they would be interested in such a system in Major League Baseball that would restore their teams somewhere close to respectability instead of being the farm system for the St. Louis Cardinals, Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees year after year.
NFL executives watch countless hours of film, manipulate salary cap numbers and do extensive off-the-field research and background checks to ensure they are bringing in and letting go the correct players to build a winner. Still, mistakes are made. Even the most stable of franchises tweak their starters and depth to keep up with the Jerry Joneses. Here are the five most newsworthy moves made during free agency:
1. Allowing James to leave Indy
<!--------------------------START PLAYER CARD------------------><TABLE class=tableheadFixWidth cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3 width=200 align=right><TBODY><TR class=stathead><TD class=whitelink colSpan=2>Edgerrin James</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow align=right><TD align=left>
Running Back
Arizona Cardinals
Profile</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow><TD align=middle><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=1 width=190 bgColor=#ffffff border=0><TBODY><TR class=stathead align=middle><TD align=middle colSpan=6>2005 SEASON STATISTICS</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND: #bcbcb4" align=right><TD width="17%">Rush</TD><TD width="17%">Yds</TD><TD width="17%">TD</TD><TD width="17%">Rec</TD><TD width="17%">Yds</TD><TD width="17%">TD</TD></TR><TR align=right bgColor=#999999><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!---------------------INLINE MINI-PLAYER CARD ENDS HERE--------------------->It is difficult to decide which will have greater impact -- Edgerrin James' arrival in Arizona or his departure from Indianapolis. Of course we have the luxury of criticizing this move from a distance. Coming up with a deal that would have allowed the Colts to fit James' large contract demands under their salary cap clearly would have been very difficult, but his departure is going to hurt in a big way and it could be fatal for the Colts' Super Bowl hopes. Why will James be missed so much? Of course he is a great running back who is one of the best in the business as a ball carrier. He provided the Colts' offense with much-needed balance, but the other areas of his game will be much more difficult to replace. Dominic Rhodes has proven to be an effective spot duty change-of-pace runner behind a powerhouse like James, and Indianapolis was wise to use its first-round pick on the position with Joseph Addai, who looks to be a good fit for their offense. But to think that these two combined will compare to what James brings to the table would be foolish.
Neither Rhodes nor Addai matches James in terms of being a short-yardage or physical runner. How many times has James gotten the tough yard or two to extend a drive or to get into the end zone? James is one of the best in the business at getting that key first down or plunging for a touchdown. It isn't nearly as easy as he makes it look. Not only will the new stable of backs have less success in clutch short-yardage situations, but they also will not punish a defense throughout a game nearly as much as James does. The Colts have a finesse offense and James was the only physical weapon they had last season. Tackling James all day long gets old in a hurry, and it takes a toll on a defense.
James' rapport with Peyton Manning in the passing game will not be quickly duplicated by Rhodes or Addai. Although both players catch the ball well and Rhodes has experience in the offense, James' sure hands, precise routes and outstanding timing to release into his pattern produced a lot of yardage and first downs as a check-down option over the years. This continuity will take a long time to recapture.
Do not overlook James' big-game experience, ball security and overall reliability. On Indianapolis' own 2-yard line in an AFC championship game in Foxborough, Mass., or Pittsburgh, who would you rather carry the rock, James or Rhodes/Addai? Enough said.
All that said, where James might be missed most is as a pass blocker. Few running backs in the league are as stout in protection as James. Will Rhodes and Addai be able to brace up and keep a blitzing linebacker like Keith Bulluck or Joey Porter off Manning? Not only is James a skilled pass blocker who takes that area of his game very seriously, but he understands the Colts' complex offense and protection schemes very well without making mental errors. How pleased are Manning and Tony Dungy going to be when Addai misses an assignment in Week 3 and a blitzing Mike Peterson gets a free shot on the franchise quarterback? Scary thought.
2. Arizona's addition of James
James is worth mentioning twice because of the profound effect his move will have on the Cardinals. Big things are happening in the desert and no addition this offseason was more substantial than James becoming a Cardinal. Everyone knows that James is a great runner with the ball in his hands, but he brings so many other elements to an offense.
As everyone knows by now, the Cardinals had an outstanding passing game, a dreadful running game and awful red zone touchdown production last season. What few realize though are the extensive injuries the Cardinals dealt with on their offensive line and the multiple starting fives they were forced to play throughout the season. Of course, Arizona's offensive line deserves much of the blame for the failures from last season, but this isn't a unit devoid of talent. There have been offseason upgrades and the continuity gained from playing together week in and week out cannot be overstated.
Now back to James. What he brings off the field could be nearly as important as his immense on-the-field abilities. His signing shows the league and the Cardinals' beaten down fans that this organization now has a lot to offer and it is dedicated to winning. If it goes well, this signing will help Arizona compete for other top-flight free agents in the future. James brings a winning attitude and hard-working, professional approach to the game for young offensive players like Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin and Matt Leinart to pattern their careers after.
On the field, James' presence will make defenses honor the running game and will provide Fitzgerald and Boldin with many more single coverage opportunities. As stated above, James' well-rounded game will benefit the Cardinals in many ways, but expect to see an improved time of possession; a lot more 4- to 6-yard runs; and better red zone production. Make no mistake, James is a difference maker.
3. Panthers add vet defensive tackles
<!--------------------------START PLAYER CARD------------------><TABLE class=tableheadFixWidth cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3 width=200 align=right><TBODY><TR class=stathead><TD class=whitelink colSpan=2>Maake Kemoeatu</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow align=right><TD align=left>
Defensive Tackle
Carolina Panthers
Profile</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow><TD align=middle><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=1 width=190 bgColor=#ffffff border=0><TBODY><TR class=stathead align=middle><TD align=middle colSpan=6>2005 SEASON STATISTICS</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND: #bcbcb4" align=right><TD width="17%">Tot</TD><TD width="17%">Ast</TD><TD width="17%">Solo</TD><TD width="17%">FF</TD><TD width="17%">Sack</TD><TD width="17%">Int</TD></TR><TR align=right bgColor=#999999><TD>40</TD><TD>30</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>0</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!---------------------INLINE MINI-PLAYER CARD ENDS HERE--------------------->True run-stuffing, powerful nose tackle-type defensive tackles are one of the most difficult positions in which to find quality players, which is why the Panthers quickly snatched up Maake Kemoeatu from Baltimore. Quickly after signing Kemoeatu, Carolina didn't stop there. The Panthers inked Damione Lewis, a talented former first-round pick who never really lived up to his lofty draft status in St. Louis. Brentson Buckner won't be back and probably will retire, but these two additions are an improvement over Buckner on what was one of the top defenses in the league for the second half of last season. In addition to adding Kemoeatu and Lewis, Kris Jenkins returns from injury and Jordan Carstens has proven to be a solid rotational player. Carolina's defensive tackles are now possibly the best group in the NFL.
Lewis is athletic with excellent quickness off the ball and a lot of playmaking ability, but he is undersized and can wear down as the game goes on. Having four defensive tackles to share the load will benefit Lewis a great deal and Carolina would be wise to use him as an interior pass rusher on throwing downs and maybe another 25 plays or so to keep him active, explosive and aggressive. He has a fine opportunity to post impressive numbers and become a very valuable member of an excellent defense in a rotation.
If Jenkins returns to form, he will again rank among the best defensive tackles in the league. He has rare size, strength, power and quickness for such a big man. His stamina is sure to be a problem early on after playing so little over the past two seasons, so this newfound depth will be a plus for Jenkins.
With Kemoeatu and Jenkins as the starters, the Panthers will have a defensive tackle tandem similar to what the Ravens had with Sam Adams and Tony Siragusa on their vaunted Super Bowl-winning defense. Kemoeatu is absolutely massive with rare power and will manhandle most centers if left one on one. His stamina can be a problem at times and he, in turn, then plays the game too high. The utilization of the tackle rotation will benefit him quite a bit.
Adams and Siragusa allowed Ray Lewis to run free and make plays all over the field. Although he isn't Ray Lewis in his prime, Dan Morgan is an attacking linebacker who runs extremely well and has outstanding playmaking instincts, but he doesn't take on big blockers well and needs this beef in front of him to maximize his potential. No one will benefit more from these two signings than Morgan and he will be a defensive MVP candidate if he can finally stay healthy.
Carolina's fine defensive ends should receive less attention from blocking schemes and their active but undersized outside linebackers should be able to flow to the ball more freely. There is little doubt that running the ball between the tackles is going to be a tedious chore against the Panthers this year.
Defense wins Super Bowls and the signing of these two defensive tackles was especially significant because it allowed Carolina to keep up with ?
4. Seattle's signing of Peterson
The Seahawks' underrated and potent Super Bowl defense got much better with the addition of Julian Peterson. Before he tore his Achilles tendon in 2004, Peterson was on a path to becoming the best linebacker in the league. Yes, the best linebacker in the league. Injuries as severe as his take time to heal and we don't claim to be doctors, but he might just be ready to regain his old form. His supporting cast in Seattle will help that quite a bit as well.
<!--------------------------START PLAYER CARD------------------><TABLE class=tableheadFixWidth cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3 width=200 align=right><TBODY><TR class=stathead><TD class=whitelink colSpan=2>Julian Peterson</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow align=right><TD align=left>
Linebacker
Seattle Seahawks
Profile</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow><TD align=middle><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=1 width=190 bgColor=#ffffff border=0><TBODY><TR class=stathead align=middle><TD align=middle colSpan=6>2005 SEASON STATISTICS</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND: #bcbcb4" align=right><TD width="17%">Tot</TD><TD width="17%">Ast</TD><TD width="17%">Solo</TD><TD width="17%">FF</TD><TD width="17%">Sack</TD><TD width="17%">Int</TD></TR><TR align=right bgColor=#999999><TD>83</TD><TD>58</TD><TD>25</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>0</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!---------------------INLINE MINI-PLAYER CARD ENDS HERE--------------------->Assuming that Peterson is back to full health, he will make a very good defense exceptional. The Seahawks' doctors obviously gave the go-ahead and the front office pursued Peterson with vigor. Seattle signed Peterson to big money for a reason -- he can be a special player. He can line up over the tight end, on the weak side, well off the line of scrimmage or with his hand on the ground. He is very well-built with extremely long arms and huge hands. He is equally fluid and comfortable backpedaling in coverage against a shifty running back or charging downhill as a blitzer and taking on an offensive tackle. He covers a ton of ground, chases plays down from behind and creates turnovers with the best of them. When right, there is very little not to like about his game, and Seattle's defensive coaching staff has to be salivating as it devises ways to use its new prize.
After free agency, Seattle's front seven is now among the top units in the league. Two signings that didn't get a lot of publicity outside of the Northwest were the re-signing of Rocky Bernard and the addition of Russell Davis. These two, along with Marcus Tubbs and Chartric Darby, make up a very deep and underrated defensive tackle rotation. This foursome, along with a very solid group of defensive ends, will allow Seattle's ultra-athletic linebackers to be extra aggressive and flow to the football with fewer obstructions than ever. The addition of defensive end Darryl Tapp in the draft also adds a talented, aggressive, up-field player. Last year, it seemed as though every member of Seattle's defense had impressive sack totals, and that trend will continue in 2006. This group is going to wreak havoc, and Peterson will lead the way.
5. Vinatieri joining a conference rival
The stage is set. Foxborough. AFC Championship Game. Three seconds on the clock. Bitter cold. Brutal winds. A snow-covered field. Poor footing. Snow falling sideways. Poor visibility. A 47-yard field goal attempt to advance to Miami for the Super Bowl. Adam Vinatieri is set and waits. The ball is snapped. The hold is true. The kick is good! The Colts win, the Colts win! The Colts win?
When it comes to personnel decisions, Bill Belichick and Scott Pioli have been outstanding. Uncanny really. Some would say genius. But not re-signing Vinatieri just doesn't make sense.
Stephen Gostkowski is the odds-on favorite to replace Vinatieri. Who? Yes, Stephen Gostkowski, the Patriots' fourth-round selection from the University of Memphis. Martin Gramatica is also in the race, but converted just 16 of 26 field goal attempts in 2003 and hasn't attempted any kicks since.
So who is this Gostkowski fellow and why do the Patriots think he can be an adequate replacement for the best clutch kicker of all time? Gostkowski looks to be a decent enough prospect who had a very good college career and has the makings of an NFL starting kicker, but the biggest game he kicked in last season was probably Memphis' bowl game against Akron -- not exactly on par with the kick Vinatieri made with nine seconds on the clock to defeat Carolina in Super Bowl XXXVIII. This is not a knock on Gostkowski so much as it is on the Patriots' decision making in this particular instance. Even the best rookie kickers have a hard time adjusting to the NFL's "K Ball" and the pressure of their new environment. Gostkowski may go on to do great things in the NFL, but Vinatieri already has achieved extraordinary accomplishments and has not shown signs of slowing down.
Neither Gostkowski nor Gramatica has extensive experience at all kicking in poor weather. Except for four games with the Colts, Gramatica's career was spent in Tampa Bay and the weather Gostkowski experienced in Memphis during the college season is a far cry from daunting. There aren't many places that are more difficult to kick than Foxboro in January. But luckily for the new kicker, the Patriots host just one of their last four regular-season games, with the road contests played in sunny Miami, Jacksonville and Tennessee. But that luck could run out come playoff time.
Apparently the Patriots didn't want their salary cap space eaten up by the highest-paid kicker in the league, and that rationale does make some sense. But as of this writing, New England is quite a bit under the cap, and this is a team that has its goals set on returning to the Super Bowl. A kicker who the Pats can count on to come through in the clutch is a key ingredient to getting back to the big game in the brutal AFC. Replacing Vinatieri with an unknown was a mistake. You can't argue with geniuses, but sometimes they simply out-think themselves.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Panthers, Seahawks improve defenses
<!-- end pagetitle --><!-- begin bylinebox -->
By Matt Williamson
Scouts Inc.
<!-- begin presby2 -->http://log.go.com/log?srvc=sz&guid=...mpaign=mobile&source=ESPN_Ace_146x46_ViewDemo
<!-- end presby2 -->
<!-- end bylinebox -->
<!-- begin text11 div --><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD style="PADDING-TOP: 10px" vAlign=top><!-- begin leftcol --><!-- template inline -->Every year NFL executives make tons of decisions to reshape their teams in free agency. They allow popular players and fan favorites to walk away -- sometimes to division rivals (LB David Thornton going from the Colts to the Titans) or to serious competitors (K Adam Vinatieri leaving the Patriots for the Colts). Other times, teams believe that they have a young player waiting in the wings to replace a fixture whose contract is up (New Orleans DE Will Smith taking over for the departed Darren Howard, who is now with the Eagles), so they can use those funds to help their team in other areas.
Many players will go back to an old team (Philadelphia's Shawn Barber) or many coaches and general managers will bring in players who they trust from past winning relationships (Willie McGinest going from the Patriots to the Browns). Teams with a recent history of losing (Tennessee) will overspend a bit to bring in players from winning organizations to infuse a healthier perspective to their locker room.
This offseason, perennial powerhouses New England and Indianapolis took steps backward, while up-and-coming teams Arizona and Cleveland made strides toward building a winner. This is the beauty of the NFL offseason -- it brings hope. Ask Kansas City Royals and Pittsburgh Pirates fans if they would be interested in such a system in Major League Baseball that would restore their teams somewhere close to respectability instead of being the farm system for the St. Louis Cardinals, Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees year after year.
NFL executives watch countless hours of film, manipulate salary cap numbers and do extensive off-the-field research and background checks to ensure they are bringing in and letting go the correct players to build a winner. Still, mistakes are made. Even the most stable of franchises tweak their starters and depth to keep up with the Jerry Joneses. Here are the five most newsworthy moves made during free agency:
1. Allowing James to leave Indy
<!--------------------------START PLAYER CARD------------------><TABLE class=tableheadFixWidth cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3 width=200 align=right><TBODY><TR class=stathead><TD class=whitelink colSpan=2>Edgerrin James</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow align=right><TD align=left>
Running BackArizona Cardinals
Profile</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow><TD align=middle><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=1 width=190 bgColor=#ffffff border=0><TBODY><TR class=stathead align=middle><TD align=middle colSpan=6>2005 SEASON STATISTICS</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND: #bcbcb4" align=right><TD width="17%">Rush</TD><TD width="17%">Yds</TD><TD width="17%">TD</TD><TD width="17%">Rec</TD><TD width="17%">Yds</TD><TD width="17%">TD</TD></TR><TR align=right bgColor=#999999><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!---------------------INLINE MINI-PLAYER CARD ENDS HERE--------------------->It is difficult to decide which will have greater impact -- Edgerrin James' arrival in Arizona or his departure from Indianapolis. Of course we have the luxury of criticizing this move from a distance. Coming up with a deal that would have allowed the Colts to fit James' large contract demands under their salary cap clearly would have been very difficult, but his departure is going to hurt in a big way and it could be fatal for the Colts' Super Bowl hopes. Why will James be missed so much? Of course he is a great running back who is one of the best in the business as a ball carrier. He provided the Colts' offense with much-needed balance, but the other areas of his game will be much more difficult to replace. Dominic Rhodes has proven to be an effective spot duty change-of-pace runner behind a powerhouse like James, and Indianapolis was wise to use its first-round pick on the position with Joseph Addai, who looks to be a good fit for their offense. But to think that these two combined will compare to what James brings to the table would be foolish.
Neither Rhodes nor Addai matches James in terms of being a short-yardage or physical runner. How many times has James gotten the tough yard or two to extend a drive or to get into the end zone? James is one of the best in the business at getting that key first down or plunging for a touchdown. It isn't nearly as easy as he makes it look. Not only will the new stable of backs have less success in clutch short-yardage situations, but they also will not punish a defense throughout a game nearly as much as James does. The Colts have a finesse offense and James was the only physical weapon they had last season. Tackling James all day long gets old in a hurry, and it takes a toll on a defense.
James' rapport with Peyton Manning in the passing game will not be quickly duplicated by Rhodes or Addai. Although both players catch the ball well and Rhodes has experience in the offense, James' sure hands, precise routes and outstanding timing to release into his pattern produced a lot of yardage and first downs as a check-down option over the years. This continuity will take a long time to recapture.
Do not overlook James' big-game experience, ball security and overall reliability. On Indianapolis' own 2-yard line in an AFC championship game in Foxborough, Mass., or Pittsburgh, who would you rather carry the rock, James or Rhodes/Addai? Enough said.
All that said, where James might be missed most is as a pass blocker. Few running backs in the league are as stout in protection as James. Will Rhodes and Addai be able to brace up and keep a blitzing linebacker like Keith Bulluck or Joey Porter off Manning? Not only is James a skilled pass blocker who takes that area of his game very seriously, but he understands the Colts' complex offense and protection schemes very well without making mental errors. How pleased are Manning and Tony Dungy going to be when Addai misses an assignment in Week 3 and a blitzing Mike Peterson gets a free shot on the franchise quarterback? Scary thought.
2. Arizona's addition of James
James is worth mentioning twice because of the profound effect his move will have on the Cardinals. Big things are happening in the desert and no addition this offseason was more substantial than James becoming a Cardinal. Everyone knows that James is a great runner with the ball in his hands, but he brings so many other elements to an offense.
As everyone knows by now, the Cardinals had an outstanding passing game, a dreadful running game and awful red zone touchdown production last season. What few realize though are the extensive injuries the Cardinals dealt with on their offensive line and the multiple starting fives they were forced to play throughout the season. Of course, Arizona's offensive line deserves much of the blame for the failures from last season, but this isn't a unit devoid of talent. There have been offseason upgrades and the continuity gained from playing together week in and week out cannot be overstated.
Now back to James. What he brings off the field could be nearly as important as his immense on-the-field abilities. His signing shows the league and the Cardinals' beaten down fans that this organization now has a lot to offer and it is dedicated to winning. If it goes well, this signing will help Arizona compete for other top-flight free agents in the future. James brings a winning attitude and hard-working, professional approach to the game for young offensive players like Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin and Matt Leinart to pattern their careers after.
On the field, James' presence will make defenses honor the running game and will provide Fitzgerald and Boldin with many more single coverage opportunities. As stated above, James' well-rounded game will benefit the Cardinals in many ways, but expect to see an improved time of possession; a lot more 4- to 6-yard runs; and better red zone production. Make no mistake, James is a difference maker.
3. Panthers add vet defensive tackles
<!--------------------------START PLAYER CARD------------------><TABLE class=tableheadFixWidth cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3 width=200 align=right><TBODY><TR class=stathead><TD class=whitelink colSpan=2>Maake Kemoeatu</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow align=right><TD align=left>
Defensive TackleCarolina Panthers
Profile</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow><TD align=middle><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=1 width=190 bgColor=#ffffff border=0><TBODY><TR class=stathead align=middle><TD align=middle colSpan=6>2005 SEASON STATISTICS</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND: #bcbcb4" align=right><TD width="17%">Tot</TD><TD width="17%">Ast</TD><TD width="17%">Solo</TD><TD width="17%">FF</TD><TD width="17%">Sack</TD><TD width="17%">Int</TD></TR><TR align=right bgColor=#999999><TD>40</TD><TD>30</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>0</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!---------------------INLINE MINI-PLAYER CARD ENDS HERE--------------------->True run-stuffing, powerful nose tackle-type defensive tackles are one of the most difficult positions in which to find quality players, which is why the Panthers quickly snatched up Maake Kemoeatu from Baltimore. Quickly after signing Kemoeatu, Carolina didn't stop there. The Panthers inked Damione Lewis, a talented former first-round pick who never really lived up to his lofty draft status in St. Louis. Brentson Buckner won't be back and probably will retire, but these two additions are an improvement over Buckner on what was one of the top defenses in the league for the second half of last season. In addition to adding Kemoeatu and Lewis, Kris Jenkins returns from injury and Jordan Carstens has proven to be a solid rotational player. Carolina's defensive tackles are now possibly the best group in the NFL.
Lewis is athletic with excellent quickness off the ball and a lot of playmaking ability, but he is undersized and can wear down as the game goes on. Having four defensive tackles to share the load will benefit Lewis a great deal and Carolina would be wise to use him as an interior pass rusher on throwing downs and maybe another 25 plays or so to keep him active, explosive and aggressive. He has a fine opportunity to post impressive numbers and become a very valuable member of an excellent defense in a rotation.
If Jenkins returns to form, he will again rank among the best defensive tackles in the league. He has rare size, strength, power and quickness for such a big man. His stamina is sure to be a problem early on after playing so little over the past two seasons, so this newfound depth will be a plus for Jenkins.
With Kemoeatu and Jenkins as the starters, the Panthers will have a defensive tackle tandem similar to what the Ravens had with Sam Adams and Tony Siragusa on their vaunted Super Bowl-winning defense. Kemoeatu is absolutely massive with rare power and will manhandle most centers if left one on one. His stamina can be a problem at times and he, in turn, then plays the game too high. The utilization of the tackle rotation will benefit him quite a bit.
Adams and Siragusa allowed Ray Lewis to run free and make plays all over the field. Although he isn't Ray Lewis in his prime, Dan Morgan is an attacking linebacker who runs extremely well and has outstanding playmaking instincts, but he doesn't take on big blockers well and needs this beef in front of him to maximize his potential. No one will benefit more from these two signings than Morgan and he will be a defensive MVP candidate if he can finally stay healthy.
Carolina's fine defensive ends should receive less attention from blocking schemes and their active but undersized outside linebackers should be able to flow to the ball more freely. There is little doubt that running the ball between the tackles is going to be a tedious chore against the Panthers this year.
Defense wins Super Bowls and the signing of these two defensive tackles was especially significant because it allowed Carolina to keep up with ?
4. Seattle's signing of Peterson
The Seahawks' underrated and potent Super Bowl defense got much better with the addition of Julian Peterson. Before he tore his Achilles tendon in 2004, Peterson was on a path to becoming the best linebacker in the league. Yes, the best linebacker in the league. Injuries as severe as his take time to heal and we don't claim to be doctors, but he might just be ready to regain his old form. His supporting cast in Seattle will help that quite a bit as well.
<!--------------------------START PLAYER CARD------------------><TABLE class=tableheadFixWidth cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3 width=200 align=right><TBODY><TR class=stathead><TD class=whitelink colSpan=2>Julian Peterson</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow align=right><TD align=left>
LinebackerSeattle Seahawks
Profile</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow><TD align=middle><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=1 width=190 bgColor=#ffffff border=0><TBODY><TR class=stathead align=middle><TD align=middle colSpan=6>2005 SEASON STATISTICS</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND: #bcbcb4" align=right><TD width="17%">Tot</TD><TD width="17%">Ast</TD><TD width="17%">Solo</TD><TD width="17%">FF</TD><TD width="17%">Sack</TD><TD width="17%">Int</TD></TR><TR align=right bgColor=#999999><TD>83</TD><TD>58</TD><TD>25</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>0</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!---------------------INLINE MINI-PLAYER CARD ENDS HERE--------------------->Assuming that Peterson is back to full health, he will make a very good defense exceptional. The Seahawks' doctors obviously gave the go-ahead and the front office pursued Peterson with vigor. Seattle signed Peterson to big money for a reason -- he can be a special player. He can line up over the tight end, on the weak side, well off the line of scrimmage or with his hand on the ground. He is very well-built with extremely long arms and huge hands. He is equally fluid and comfortable backpedaling in coverage against a shifty running back or charging downhill as a blitzer and taking on an offensive tackle. He covers a ton of ground, chases plays down from behind and creates turnovers with the best of them. When right, there is very little not to like about his game, and Seattle's defensive coaching staff has to be salivating as it devises ways to use its new prize.
After free agency, Seattle's front seven is now among the top units in the league. Two signings that didn't get a lot of publicity outside of the Northwest were the re-signing of Rocky Bernard and the addition of Russell Davis. These two, along with Marcus Tubbs and Chartric Darby, make up a very deep and underrated defensive tackle rotation. This foursome, along with a very solid group of defensive ends, will allow Seattle's ultra-athletic linebackers to be extra aggressive and flow to the football with fewer obstructions than ever. The addition of defensive end Darryl Tapp in the draft also adds a talented, aggressive, up-field player. Last year, it seemed as though every member of Seattle's defense had impressive sack totals, and that trend will continue in 2006. This group is going to wreak havoc, and Peterson will lead the way.
5. Vinatieri joining a conference rival
The stage is set. Foxborough. AFC Championship Game. Three seconds on the clock. Bitter cold. Brutal winds. A snow-covered field. Poor footing. Snow falling sideways. Poor visibility. A 47-yard field goal attempt to advance to Miami for the Super Bowl. Adam Vinatieri is set and waits. The ball is snapped. The hold is true. The kick is good! The Colts win, the Colts win! The Colts win?
When it comes to personnel decisions, Bill Belichick and Scott Pioli have been outstanding. Uncanny really. Some would say genius. But not re-signing Vinatieri just doesn't make sense.
Stephen Gostkowski is the odds-on favorite to replace Vinatieri. Who? Yes, Stephen Gostkowski, the Patriots' fourth-round selection from the University of Memphis. Martin Gramatica is also in the race, but converted just 16 of 26 field goal attempts in 2003 and hasn't attempted any kicks since.
So who is this Gostkowski fellow and why do the Patriots think he can be an adequate replacement for the best clutch kicker of all time? Gostkowski looks to be a decent enough prospect who had a very good college career and has the makings of an NFL starting kicker, but the biggest game he kicked in last season was probably Memphis' bowl game against Akron -- not exactly on par with the kick Vinatieri made with nine seconds on the clock to defeat Carolina in Super Bowl XXXVIII. This is not a knock on Gostkowski so much as it is on the Patriots' decision making in this particular instance. Even the best rookie kickers have a hard time adjusting to the NFL's "K Ball" and the pressure of their new environment. Gostkowski may go on to do great things in the NFL, but Vinatieri already has achieved extraordinary accomplishments and has not shown signs of slowing down.
Neither Gostkowski nor Gramatica has extensive experience at all kicking in poor weather. Except for four games with the Colts, Gramatica's career was spent in Tampa Bay and the weather Gostkowski experienced in Memphis during the college season is a far cry from daunting. There aren't many places that are more difficult to kick than Foxboro in January. But luckily for the new kicker, the Patriots host just one of their last four regular-season games, with the road contests played in sunny Miami, Jacksonville and Tennessee. But that luck could run out come playoff time.
Apparently the Patriots didn't want their salary cap space eaten up by the highest-paid kicker in the league, and that rationale does make some sense. But as of this writing, New England is quite a bit under the cap, and this is a team that has its goals set on returning to the Super Bowl. A kicker who the Pats can count on to come through in the clutch is a key ingredient to getting back to the big game in the brutal AFC. Replacing Vinatieri with an unknown was a mistake. You can't argue with geniuses, but sometimes they simply out-think themselves.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Hache Man
"Seven Days Without Gambling Makes One Weak"
Updated: July 13, 2006, 11:26 AM ET
Panthers, Seahawks improve defenses
<!-- end pagetitle --><!-- begin bylinebox -->
By Matt Williamson
Scouts Inc.
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<!-- begin text11 div --><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD style="PADDING-TOP: 10px" vAlign=top><!-- begin leftcol --><!-- template inline -->Every year NFL executives make tons of decisions to reshape their teams in free agency. They allow popular players and fan favorites to walk away -- sometimes to division rivals (LB David Thornton going from the Colts to the Titans) or to serious competitors (K Adam Vinatieri leaving the Patriots for the Colts). Other times, teams believe that they have a young player waiting in the wings to replace a fixture whose contract is up (New Orleans DE Will Smith taking over for the departed Darren Howard, who is now with the Eagles), so they can use those funds to help their team in other areas.
Many players will go back to an old team (Philadelphia's Shawn Barber) or many coaches and general managers will bring in players who they trust from past winning relationships (Willie McGinest going from the Patriots to the Browns). Teams with a recent history of losing (Tennessee) will overspend a bit to bring in players from winning organizations to infuse a healthier perspective to their locker room.
This offseason, perennial powerhouses New England and Indianapolis took steps backward, while up-and-coming teams Arizona and Cleveland made strides toward building a winner. This is the beauty of the NFL offseason -- it brings hope. Ask Kansas City Royals and Pittsburgh Pirates fans if they would be interested in such a system in Major League Baseball that would restore their teams somewhere close to respectability instead of being the farm system for the St. Louis Cardinals, Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees year after year.
NFL executives watch countless hours of film, manipulate salary cap numbers and do extensive off-the-field research and background checks to ensure they are bringing in and letting go the correct players to build a winner. Still, mistakes are made. Even the most stable of franchises tweak their starters and depth to keep up with the Jerry Joneses. Here are the five most newsworthy moves made during free agency:
1. Allowing James to leave Indy
<!--------------------------START PLAYER CARD------------------><TABLE class=tableheadFixWidth cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3 width=200 align=right><TBODY><TR class=stathead><TD class=whitelink colSpan=2>Edgerrin James</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow align=right><TD align=left>
Running Back
Arizona Cardinals
Profile</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow><TD align=middle><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=1 width=190 bgColor=#ffffff border=0><TBODY><TR class=stathead align=middle><TD align=middle colSpan=6>2005 SEASON STATISTICS</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND: #bcbcb4" align=right><TD width="17%">Rush</TD><TD width="17%">Yds</TD><TD width="17%">TD</TD><TD width="17%">Rec</TD><TD width="17%">Yds</TD><TD width="17%">TD</TD></TR><TR align=right bgColor=#999999><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!---------------------INLINE MINI-PLAYER CARD ENDS HERE--------------------->It is difficult to decide which will have greater impact -- Edgerrin James' arrival in Arizona or his departure from Indianapolis. Of course we have the luxury of criticizing this move from a distance. Coming up with a deal that would have allowed the Colts to fit James' large contract demands under their salary cap clearly would have been very difficult, but his departure is going to hurt in a big way and it could be fatal for the Colts' Super Bowl hopes. Why will James be missed so much? Of course he is a great running back who is one of the best in the business as a ball carrier. He provided the Colts' offense with much-needed balance, but the other areas of his game will be much more difficult to replace. Dominic Rhodes has proven to be an effective spot duty change-of-pace runner behind a powerhouse like James, and Indianapolis was wise to use its first-round pick on the position with Joseph Addai, who looks to be a good fit for their offense. But to think that these two combined will compare to what James brings to the table would be foolish.
Neither Rhodes nor Addai matches James in terms of being a short-yardage or physical runner. How many times has James gotten the tough yard or two to extend a drive or to get into the end zone? James is one of the best in the business at getting that key first down or plunging for a touchdown. It isn't nearly as easy as he makes it look. Not only will the new stable of backs have less success in clutch short-yardage situations, but they also will not punish a defense throughout a game nearly as much as James does. The Colts have a finesse offense and James was the only physical weapon they had last season. Tackling James all day long gets old in a hurry, and it takes a toll on a defense.
James' rapport with Peyton Manning in the passing game will not be quickly duplicated by Rhodes or Addai. Although both players catch the ball well and Rhodes has experience in the offense, James' sure hands, precise routes and outstanding timing to release into his pattern produced a lot of yardage and first downs as a check-down option over the years. This continuity will take a long time to recapture.
Do not overlook James' big-game experience, ball security and overall reliability. On Indianapolis' own 2-yard line in an AFC championship game in Foxborough, Mass., or Pittsburgh, who would you rather carry the rock, James or Rhodes/Addai? Enough said.
All that said, where James might be missed most is as a pass blocker. Few running backs in the league are as stout in protection as James. Will Rhodes and Addai be able to brace up and keep a blitzing linebacker like Keith Bulluck or Joey Porter off Manning? Not only is James a skilled pass blocker who takes that area of his game very seriously, but he understands the Colts' complex offense and protection schemes very well without making mental errors. How pleased are Manning and Tony Dungy going to be when Addai misses an assignment in Week 3 and a blitzing Mike Peterson gets a free shot on the franchise quarterback? Scary thought.
2. Arizona's addition of James
James is worth mentioning twice because of the profound effect his move will have on the Cardinals. Big things are happening in the desert and no addition this offseason was more substantial than James becoming a Cardinal. Everyone knows that James is a great runner with the ball in his hands, but he brings so many other elements to an offense.
As everyone knows by now, the Cardinals had an outstanding passing game, a dreadful running game and awful red zone touchdown production last season. What few realize though are the extensive injuries the Cardinals dealt with on their offensive line and the multiple starting fives they were forced to play throughout the season. Of course, Arizona's offensive line deserves much of the blame for the failures from last season, but this isn't a unit devoid of talent. There have been offseason upgrades and the continuity gained from playing together week in and week out cannot be overstated.
Now back to James. What he brings off the field could be nearly as important as his immense on-the-field abilities. His signing shows the league and the Cardinals' beaten down fans that this organization now has a lot to offer and it is dedicated to winning. If it goes well, this signing will help Arizona compete for other top-flight free agents in the future. James brings a winning attitude and hard-working, professional approach to the game for young offensive players like Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin and Matt Leinart to pattern their careers after.
On the field, James' presence will make defenses honor the running game and will provide Fitzgerald and Boldin with many more single coverage opportunities. As stated above, James' well-rounded game will benefit the Cardinals in many ways, but expect to see an improved time of possession; a lot more 4- to 6-yard runs; and better red zone production. Make no mistake, James is a difference maker.
3. Panthers add vet defensive tackles
<!--------------------------START PLAYER CARD------------------><TABLE class=tableheadFixWidth cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3 width=200 align=right><TBODY><TR class=stathead><TD class=whitelink colSpan=2>Maake Kemoeatu</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow align=right><TD align=left>
Defensive Tackle
Carolina Panthers
Profile</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow><TD align=middle><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=1 width=190 bgColor=#ffffff border=0><TBODY><TR class=stathead align=middle><TD align=middle colSpan=6>2005 SEASON STATISTICS</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND: #bcbcb4" align=right><TD width="17%">Tot</TD><TD width="17%">Ast</TD><TD width="17%">Solo</TD><TD width="17%">FF</TD><TD width="17%">Sack</TD><TD width="17%">Int</TD></TR><TR align=right bgColor=#999999><TD>40</TD><TD>30</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>0</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!---------------------INLINE MINI-PLAYER CARD ENDS HERE--------------------->True run-stuffing, powerful nose tackle-type defensive tackles are one of the most difficult positions in which to find quality players, which is why the Panthers quickly snatched up Maake Kemoeatu from Baltimore. Quickly after signing Kemoeatu, Carolina didn't stop there. The Panthers inked Damione Lewis, a talented former first-round pick who never really lived up to his lofty draft status in St. Louis. Brentson Buckner won't be back and probably will retire, but these two additions are an improvement over Buckner on what was one of the top defenses in the league for the second half of last season. In addition to adding Kemoeatu and Lewis, Kris Jenkins returns from injury and Jordan Carstens has proven to be a solid rotational player. Carolina's defensive tackles are now possibly the best group in the NFL.
Lewis is athletic with excellent quickness off the ball and a lot of playmaking ability, but he is undersized and can wear down as the game goes on. Having four defensive tackles to share the load will benefit Lewis a great deal and Carolina would be wise to use him as an interior pass rusher on throwing downs and maybe another 25 plays or so to keep him active, explosive and aggressive. He has a fine opportunity to post impressive numbers and become a very valuable member of an excellent defense in a rotation.
If Jenkins returns to form, he will again rank among the best defensive tackles in the league. He has rare size, strength, power and quickness for such a big man. His stamina is sure to be a problem early on after playing so little over the past two seasons, so this newfound depth will be a plus for Jenkins.
With Kemoeatu and Jenkins as the starters, the Panthers will have a defensive tackle tandem similar to what the Ravens had with Sam Adams and Tony Siragusa on their vaunted Super Bowl-winning defense. Kemoeatu is absolutely massive with rare power and will manhandle most centers if left one on one. His stamina can be a problem at times and he, in turn, then plays the game too high. The utilization of the tackle rotation will benefit him quite a bit.
Adams and Siragusa allowed Ray Lewis to run free and make plays all over the field. Although he isn't Ray Lewis in his prime, Dan Morgan is an attacking linebacker who runs extremely well and has outstanding playmaking instincts, but he doesn't take on big blockers well and needs this beef in front of him to maximize his potential. No one will benefit more from these two signings than Morgan and he will be a defensive MVP candidate if he can finally stay healthy.
Carolina's fine defensive ends should receive less attention from blocking schemes and their active but undersized outside linebackers should be able to flow to the ball more freely. There is little doubt that running the ball between the tackles is going to be a tedious chore against the Panthers this year.
Defense wins Super Bowls and the signing of these two defensive tackles was especially significant because it allowed Carolina to keep up with ?
4. Seattle's signing of Peterson
The Seahawks' underrated and potent Super Bowl defense got much better with the addition of Julian Peterson. Before he tore his Achilles tendon in 2004, Peterson was on a path to becoming the best linebacker in the league. Yes, the best linebacker in the league. Injuries as severe as his take time to heal and we don't claim to be doctors, but he might just be ready to regain his old form. His supporting cast in Seattle will help that quite a bit as well.
<!--------------------------START PLAYER CARD------------------><TABLE class=tableheadFixWidth cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3 width=200 align=right><TBODY><TR class=stathead><TD class=whitelink colSpan=2>Julian Peterson</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow align=right><TD align=left>
Linebacker
Seattle Seahawks
Profile</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow><TD align=middle><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=1 width=190 bgColor=#ffffff border=0><TBODY><TR class=stathead align=middle><TD align=middle colSpan=6>2005 SEASON STATISTICS</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND: #bcbcb4" align=right><TD width="17%">Tot</TD><TD width="17%">Ast</TD><TD width="17%">Solo</TD><TD width="17%">FF</TD><TD width="17%">Sack</TD><TD width="17%">Int</TD></TR><TR align=right bgColor=#999999><TD>83</TD><TD>58</TD><TD>25</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>0</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!---------------------INLINE MINI-PLAYER CARD ENDS HERE--------------------->Assuming that Peterson is back to full health, he will make a very good defense exceptional. The Seahawks' doctors obviously gave the go-ahead and the front office pursued Peterson with vigor. Seattle signed Peterson to big money for a reason -- he can be a special player. He can line up over the tight end, on the weak side, well off the line of scrimmage or with his hand on the ground. He is very well-built with extremely long arms and huge hands. He is equally fluid and comfortable backpedaling in coverage against a shifty running back or charging downhill as a blitzer and taking on an offensive tackle. He covers a ton of ground, chases plays down from behind and creates turnovers with the best of them. When right, there is very little not to like about his game, and Seattle's defensive coaching staff has to be salivating as it devises ways to use its new prize.
After free agency, Seattle's front seven is now among the top units in the league. Two signings that didn't get a lot of publicity outside of the Northwest were the re-signing of Rocky Bernard and the addition of Russell Davis. These two, along with Marcus Tubbs and Chartric Darby, make up a very deep and underrated defensive tackle rotation. This foursome, along with a very solid group of defensive ends, will allow Seattle's ultra-athletic linebackers to be extra aggressive and flow to the football with fewer obstructions than ever. The addition of defensive end Darryl Tapp in the draft also adds a talented, aggressive, up-field player. Last year, it seemed as though every member of Seattle's defense had impressive sack totals, and that trend will continue in 2006. This group is going to wreak havoc, and Peterson will lead the way.
5. Vinatieri joining a conference rival
The stage is set. Foxborough. AFC Championship Game. Three seconds on the clock. Bitter cold. Brutal winds. A snow-covered field. Poor footing. Snow falling sideways. Poor visibility. A 47-yard field goal attempt to advance to Miami for the Super Bowl. Adam Vinatieri is set and waits. The ball is snapped. The hold is true. The kick is good! The Colts win, the Colts win! The Colts win?
When it comes to personnel decisions, Bill Belichick and Scott Pioli have been outstanding. Uncanny really. Some would say genius. But not re-signing Vinatieri just doesn't make sense.
Stephen Gostkowski is the odds-on favorite to replace Vinatieri. Who? Yes, Stephen Gostkowski, the Patriots' fourth-round selection from the University of Memphis. Martin Gramatica is also in the race, but converted just 16 of 26 field goal attempts in 2003 and hasn't attempted any kicks since.
So who is this Gostkowski fellow and why do the Patriots think he can be an adequate replacement for the best clutch kicker of all time? Gostkowski looks to be a decent enough prospect who had a very good college career and has the makings of an NFL starting kicker, but the biggest game he kicked in last season was probably Memphis' bowl game against Akron -- not exactly on par with the kick Vinatieri made with nine seconds on the clock to defeat Carolina in Super Bowl XXXVIII. This is not a knock on Gostkowski so much as it is on the Patriots' decision making in this particular instance. Even the best rookie kickers have a hard time adjusting to the NFL's "K Ball" and the pressure of their new environment. Gostkowski may go on to do great things in the NFL, but Vinatieri already has achieved extraordinary accomplishments and has not shown signs of slowing down.
Neither Gostkowski nor Gramatica has extensive experience at all kicking in poor weather. Except for four games with the Colts, Gramatica's career was spent in Tampa Bay and the weather Gostkowski experienced in Memphis during the college season is a far cry from daunting. There aren't many places that are more difficult to kick than Foxboro in January. But luckily for the new kicker, the Patriots host just one of their last four regular-season games, with the road contests played in sunny Miami, Jacksonville and Tennessee. But that luck could run out come playoff time.
Apparently the Patriots didn't want their salary cap space eaten up by the highest-paid kicker in the league, and that rationale does make some sense. But as of this writing, New England is quite a bit under the cap, and this is a team that has its goals set on returning to the Super Bowl. A kicker who the Pats can count on to come through in the clutch is a key ingredient to getting back to the big game in the brutal AFC. Replacing Vinatieri with an unknown was a mistake. You can't argue with geniuses, but sometimes they simply out-think themselves.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Panthers, Seahawks improve defenses
<!-- end pagetitle --><!-- begin bylinebox -->
By Matt Williamson
Scouts Inc.
<!-- begin presby2 -->http://log.go.com/log?srvc=sz&guid=...mpaign=mobile&source=ESPN_Ace_146x46_ViewDemo
<!-- end presby2 -->
<!-- end bylinebox -->
<!-- begin text11 div --><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD style="PADDING-TOP: 10px" vAlign=top><!-- begin leftcol --><!-- template inline -->Every year NFL executives make tons of decisions to reshape their teams in free agency. They allow popular players and fan favorites to walk away -- sometimes to division rivals (LB David Thornton going from the Colts to the Titans) or to serious competitors (K Adam Vinatieri leaving the Patriots for the Colts). Other times, teams believe that they have a young player waiting in the wings to replace a fixture whose contract is up (New Orleans DE Will Smith taking over for the departed Darren Howard, who is now with the Eagles), so they can use those funds to help their team in other areas.
Many players will go back to an old team (Philadelphia's Shawn Barber) or many coaches and general managers will bring in players who they trust from past winning relationships (Willie McGinest going from the Patriots to the Browns). Teams with a recent history of losing (Tennessee) will overspend a bit to bring in players from winning organizations to infuse a healthier perspective to their locker room.
This offseason, perennial powerhouses New England and Indianapolis took steps backward, while up-and-coming teams Arizona and Cleveland made strides toward building a winner. This is the beauty of the NFL offseason -- it brings hope. Ask Kansas City Royals and Pittsburgh Pirates fans if they would be interested in such a system in Major League Baseball that would restore their teams somewhere close to respectability instead of being the farm system for the St. Louis Cardinals, Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees year after year.
NFL executives watch countless hours of film, manipulate salary cap numbers and do extensive off-the-field research and background checks to ensure they are bringing in and letting go the correct players to build a winner. Still, mistakes are made. Even the most stable of franchises tweak their starters and depth to keep up with the Jerry Joneses. Here are the five most newsworthy moves made during free agency:
1. Allowing James to leave Indy
<!--------------------------START PLAYER CARD------------------><TABLE class=tableheadFixWidth cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3 width=200 align=right><TBODY><TR class=stathead><TD class=whitelink colSpan=2>Edgerrin James</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow align=right><TD align=left>
Running BackArizona Cardinals
Profile</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow><TD align=middle><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=1 width=190 bgColor=#ffffff border=0><TBODY><TR class=stathead align=middle><TD align=middle colSpan=6>2005 SEASON STATISTICS</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND: #bcbcb4" align=right><TD width="17%">Rush</TD><TD width="17%">Yds</TD><TD width="17%">TD</TD><TD width="17%">Rec</TD><TD width="17%">Yds</TD><TD width="17%">TD</TD></TR><TR align=right bgColor=#999999><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD><TD>-</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!---------------------INLINE MINI-PLAYER CARD ENDS HERE--------------------->It is difficult to decide which will have greater impact -- Edgerrin James' arrival in Arizona or his departure from Indianapolis. Of course we have the luxury of criticizing this move from a distance. Coming up with a deal that would have allowed the Colts to fit James' large contract demands under their salary cap clearly would have been very difficult, but his departure is going to hurt in a big way and it could be fatal for the Colts' Super Bowl hopes. Why will James be missed so much? Of course he is a great running back who is one of the best in the business as a ball carrier. He provided the Colts' offense with much-needed balance, but the other areas of his game will be much more difficult to replace. Dominic Rhodes has proven to be an effective spot duty change-of-pace runner behind a powerhouse like James, and Indianapolis was wise to use its first-round pick on the position with Joseph Addai, who looks to be a good fit for their offense. But to think that these two combined will compare to what James brings to the table would be foolish.
Neither Rhodes nor Addai matches James in terms of being a short-yardage or physical runner. How many times has James gotten the tough yard or two to extend a drive or to get into the end zone? James is one of the best in the business at getting that key first down or plunging for a touchdown. It isn't nearly as easy as he makes it look. Not only will the new stable of backs have less success in clutch short-yardage situations, but they also will not punish a defense throughout a game nearly as much as James does. The Colts have a finesse offense and James was the only physical weapon they had last season. Tackling James all day long gets old in a hurry, and it takes a toll on a defense.
James' rapport with Peyton Manning in the passing game will not be quickly duplicated by Rhodes or Addai. Although both players catch the ball well and Rhodes has experience in the offense, James' sure hands, precise routes and outstanding timing to release into his pattern produced a lot of yardage and first downs as a check-down option over the years. This continuity will take a long time to recapture.
Do not overlook James' big-game experience, ball security and overall reliability. On Indianapolis' own 2-yard line in an AFC championship game in Foxborough, Mass., or Pittsburgh, who would you rather carry the rock, James or Rhodes/Addai? Enough said.
All that said, where James might be missed most is as a pass blocker. Few running backs in the league are as stout in protection as James. Will Rhodes and Addai be able to brace up and keep a blitzing linebacker like Keith Bulluck or Joey Porter off Manning? Not only is James a skilled pass blocker who takes that area of his game very seriously, but he understands the Colts' complex offense and protection schemes very well without making mental errors. How pleased are Manning and Tony Dungy going to be when Addai misses an assignment in Week 3 and a blitzing Mike Peterson gets a free shot on the franchise quarterback? Scary thought.
2. Arizona's addition of James
James is worth mentioning twice because of the profound effect his move will have on the Cardinals. Big things are happening in the desert and no addition this offseason was more substantial than James becoming a Cardinal. Everyone knows that James is a great runner with the ball in his hands, but he brings so many other elements to an offense.
As everyone knows by now, the Cardinals had an outstanding passing game, a dreadful running game and awful red zone touchdown production last season. What few realize though are the extensive injuries the Cardinals dealt with on their offensive line and the multiple starting fives they were forced to play throughout the season. Of course, Arizona's offensive line deserves much of the blame for the failures from last season, but this isn't a unit devoid of talent. There have been offseason upgrades and the continuity gained from playing together week in and week out cannot be overstated.
Now back to James. What he brings off the field could be nearly as important as his immense on-the-field abilities. His signing shows the league and the Cardinals' beaten down fans that this organization now has a lot to offer and it is dedicated to winning. If it goes well, this signing will help Arizona compete for other top-flight free agents in the future. James brings a winning attitude and hard-working, professional approach to the game for young offensive players like Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin and Matt Leinart to pattern their careers after.
On the field, James' presence will make defenses honor the running game and will provide Fitzgerald and Boldin with many more single coverage opportunities. As stated above, James' well-rounded game will benefit the Cardinals in many ways, but expect to see an improved time of possession; a lot more 4- to 6-yard runs; and better red zone production. Make no mistake, James is a difference maker.
3. Panthers add vet defensive tackles
<!--------------------------START PLAYER CARD------------------><TABLE class=tableheadFixWidth cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3 width=200 align=right><TBODY><TR class=stathead><TD class=whitelink colSpan=2>Maake Kemoeatu</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow align=right><TD align=left>
Defensive TackleCarolina Panthers
Profile</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow><TD align=middle><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=1 width=190 bgColor=#ffffff border=0><TBODY><TR class=stathead align=middle><TD align=middle colSpan=6>2005 SEASON STATISTICS</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND: #bcbcb4" align=right><TD width="17%">Tot</TD><TD width="17%">Ast</TD><TD width="17%">Solo</TD><TD width="17%">FF</TD><TD width="17%">Sack</TD><TD width="17%">Int</TD></TR><TR align=right bgColor=#999999><TD>40</TD><TD>30</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>0</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!---------------------INLINE MINI-PLAYER CARD ENDS HERE--------------------->True run-stuffing, powerful nose tackle-type defensive tackles are one of the most difficult positions in which to find quality players, which is why the Panthers quickly snatched up Maake Kemoeatu from Baltimore. Quickly after signing Kemoeatu, Carolina didn't stop there. The Panthers inked Damione Lewis, a talented former first-round pick who never really lived up to his lofty draft status in St. Louis. Brentson Buckner won't be back and probably will retire, but these two additions are an improvement over Buckner on what was one of the top defenses in the league for the second half of last season. In addition to adding Kemoeatu and Lewis, Kris Jenkins returns from injury and Jordan Carstens has proven to be a solid rotational player. Carolina's defensive tackles are now possibly the best group in the NFL.
Lewis is athletic with excellent quickness off the ball and a lot of playmaking ability, but he is undersized and can wear down as the game goes on. Having four defensive tackles to share the load will benefit Lewis a great deal and Carolina would be wise to use him as an interior pass rusher on throwing downs and maybe another 25 plays or so to keep him active, explosive and aggressive. He has a fine opportunity to post impressive numbers and become a very valuable member of an excellent defense in a rotation.
If Jenkins returns to form, he will again rank among the best defensive tackles in the league. He has rare size, strength, power and quickness for such a big man. His stamina is sure to be a problem early on after playing so little over the past two seasons, so this newfound depth will be a plus for Jenkins.
With Kemoeatu and Jenkins as the starters, the Panthers will have a defensive tackle tandem similar to what the Ravens had with Sam Adams and Tony Siragusa on their vaunted Super Bowl-winning defense. Kemoeatu is absolutely massive with rare power and will manhandle most centers if left one on one. His stamina can be a problem at times and he, in turn, then plays the game too high. The utilization of the tackle rotation will benefit him quite a bit.
Adams and Siragusa allowed Ray Lewis to run free and make plays all over the field. Although he isn't Ray Lewis in his prime, Dan Morgan is an attacking linebacker who runs extremely well and has outstanding playmaking instincts, but he doesn't take on big blockers well and needs this beef in front of him to maximize his potential. No one will benefit more from these two signings than Morgan and he will be a defensive MVP candidate if he can finally stay healthy.
Carolina's fine defensive ends should receive less attention from blocking schemes and their active but undersized outside linebackers should be able to flow to the ball more freely. There is little doubt that running the ball between the tackles is going to be a tedious chore against the Panthers this year.
Defense wins Super Bowls and the signing of these two defensive tackles was especially significant because it allowed Carolina to keep up with ?
4. Seattle's signing of Peterson
The Seahawks' underrated and potent Super Bowl defense got much better with the addition of Julian Peterson. Before he tore his Achilles tendon in 2004, Peterson was on a path to becoming the best linebacker in the league. Yes, the best linebacker in the league. Injuries as severe as his take time to heal and we don't claim to be doctors, but he might just be ready to regain his old form. His supporting cast in Seattle will help that quite a bit as well.
<!--------------------------START PLAYER CARD------------------><TABLE class=tableheadFixWidth cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3 width=200 align=right><TBODY><TR class=stathead><TD class=whitelink colSpan=2>Julian Peterson</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow align=right><TD align=left>
LinebackerSeattle Seahawks
Profile</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow><TD align=middle><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=1 width=190 bgColor=#ffffff border=0><TBODY><TR class=stathead align=middle><TD align=middle colSpan=6>2005 SEASON STATISTICS</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND: #bcbcb4" align=right><TD width="17%">Tot</TD><TD width="17%">Ast</TD><TD width="17%">Solo</TD><TD width="17%">FF</TD><TD width="17%">Sack</TD><TD width="17%">Int</TD></TR><TR align=right bgColor=#999999><TD>83</TD><TD>58</TD><TD>25</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>0</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!---------------------INLINE MINI-PLAYER CARD ENDS HERE--------------------->Assuming that Peterson is back to full health, he will make a very good defense exceptional. The Seahawks' doctors obviously gave the go-ahead and the front office pursued Peterson with vigor. Seattle signed Peterson to big money for a reason -- he can be a special player. He can line up over the tight end, on the weak side, well off the line of scrimmage or with his hand on the ground. He is very well-built with extremely long arms and huge hands. He is equally fluid and comfortable backpedaling in coverage against a shifty running back or charging downhill as a blitzer and taking on an offensive tackle. He covers a ton of ground, chases plays down from behind and creates turnovers with the best of them. When right, there is very little not to like about his game, and Seattle's defensive coaching staff has to be salivating as it devises ways to use its new prize.
After free agency, Seattle's front seven is now among the top units in the league. Two signings that didn't get a lot of publicity outside of the Northwest were the re-signing of Rocky Bernard and the addition of Russell Davis. These two, along with Marcus Tubbs and Chartric Darby, make up a very deep and underrated defensive tackle rotation. This foursome, along with a very solid group of defensive ends, will allow Seattle's ultra-athletic linebackers to be extra aggressive and flow to the football with fewer obstructions than ever. The addition of defensive end Darryl Tapp in the draft also adds a talented, aggressive, up-field player. Last year, it seemed as though every member of Seattle's defense had impressive sack totals, and that trend will continue in 2006. This group is going to wreak havoc, and Peterson will lead the way.
5. Vinatieri joining a conference rival
The stage is set. Foxborough. AFC Championship Game. Three seconds on the clock. Bitter cold. Brutal winds. A snow-covered field. Poor footing. Snow falling sideways. Poor visibility. A 47-yard field goal attempt to advance to Miami for the Super Bowl. Adam Vinatieri is set and waits. The ball is snapped. The hold is true. The kick is good! The Colts win, the Colts win! The Colts win?
When it comes to personnel decisions, Bill Belichick and Scott Pioli have been outstanding. Uncanny really. Some would say genius. But not re-signing Vinatieri just doesn't make sense.
Stephen Gostkowski is the odds-on favorite to replace Vinatieri. Who? Yes, Stephen Gostkowski, the Patriots' fourth-round selection from the University of Memphis. Martin Gramatica is also in the race, but converted just 16 of 26 field goal attempts in 2003 and hasn't attempted any kicks since.
So who is this Gostkowski fellow and why do the Patriots think he can be an adequate replacement for the best clutch kicker of all time? Gostkowski looks to be a decent enough prospect who had a very good college career and has the makings of an NFL starting kicker, but the biggest game he kicked in last season was probably Memphis' bowl game against Akron -- not exactly on par with the kick Vinatieri made with nine seconds on the clock to defeat Carolina in Super Bowl XXXVIII. This is not a knock on Gostkowski so much as it is on the Patriots' decision making in this particular instance. Even the best rookie kickers have a hard time adjusting to the NFL's "K Ball" and the pressure of their new environment. Gostkowski may go on to do great things in the NFL, but Vinatieri already has achieved extraordinary accomplishments and has not shown signs of slowing down.
Neither Gostkowski nor Gramatica has extensive experience at all kicking in poor weather. Except for four games with the Colts, Gramatica's career was spent in Tampa Bay and the weather Gostkowski experienced in Memphis during the college season is a far cry from daunting. There aren't many places that are more difficult to kick than Foxboro in January. But luckily for the new kicker, the Patriots host just one of their last four regular-season games, with the road contests played in sunny Miami, Jacksonville and Tennessee. But that luck could run out come playoff time.
Apparently the Patriots didn't want their salary cap space eaten up by the highest-paid kicker in the league, and that rationale does make some sense. But as of this writing, New England is quite a bit under the cap, and this is a team that has its goals set on returning to the Super Bowl. A kicker who the Pats can count on to come through in the clutch is a key ingredient to getting back to the big game in the brutal AFC. Replacing Vinatieri with an unknown was a mistake. You can't argue with geniuses, but sometimes they simply out-think themselves.
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