Mar

31

NFL Releases 2008 Opening Prime-Time Slate of Games

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NFL

The NFL has begun to leak some info about their 2008 schedule, which sources say will be completed and released by Wednesday.  Already on the slate that we now know 100 percent is the following:

* Indianapolis will open up Lucas Oil Field in week one of the 2008 season against the Chicago Bears on NBC on Sunday night.

* Green Bay will open the post Bret Favre Era at home on Monday night on ESPN vs the Minnesota Vikings and super running back Adrian Peterson.

* The Denver Post is reporting that the Broncos and Raiders will play the second Monday night game in week one, with the game being played in Oakland.

We had learned the other day about the opening Thursday night game, which is going to be the World Champion New York Giants taking on the divisional rival Washington Redskins at home at the Meadowlands on September 4th.

Mar

31

Ricky Williams Wants to be a Top Five Back Again

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Williams

The Big Tuna-Ricky Williams saga continues, and a positive note.  In the Miami Herald’s Florida Sports Buzz, a friend of Ricky Williams said he’s never seen Ricky so determined.  According to the friend, Ricky wants to be a top three to five back in the NFL.  Of course Ricky knows he’ll be splitting carries with Ronnie Brown, but Ricky also knows of his superior on-the-field awareness and running abilities.  Parcells is backing Ricky Williams, Ricky needs to support and set an example to his family, and he’s done with pot.  So what’s next for Williams?  Should we expect the Ricky from 2002?  I’m sure ’Fins fans wouldn’t mind Ricky back to his 383-carries, 1853-yards form.

Mar

31

Vikings Still After Texans Backup QB Rosenfels

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Rosenfels

The Minnesota Vikings are still pursuing a deal with the Houston Texans to put backup QB Sage Rosenfels in Vikings’ Purple.  According to Minnesota’s Star Tribune, the Vikes aren’t done with the Texans and they’ll be looking to trade for Rosie when all 32 NFL teams gather for their annual meetings.

The Vikings-Texans trade talks ended after the Texans rejected a third round pick for Rosenfels.  The Texans wouldn’t budge and perfered a second rounder.  Texans HC Gary Kubiak has let it be known that he likes Rosenfels, the QB he signed to backup David Carr in his first season coaching the Texans.  And recently, the Texans signed thrid string QB Quinn Gray, and with that Kubiak assured everyone the signing has nothing to do with a Rosenfels trade.

It is obvious Kubiak wants to keep Rosie, but a true, inticing offer may change the Texans’ mind.  If there’s no deal, then look for the Vikings to sign Gus Frerotte, draft a QB, keep Brooks Bollinger at the 2 spot, or trade for the Bills’ J.P. Losman.

Mar

31

Mike Williams Fails to Make Titans’ Weight Goal

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On March 21, 2008, WR Mike Williams was told to get his weight down or he’ll be looking for a new job. Williams’ agent, Sean Kiernan, did not comment on Williams’ weight when questioned, but he said, “As of my last conversation with Mike, he will be in Nashville on Monday participating in the off-season conditioning program. I can’t comment any further than that.”

Thursday, it was reported that Williams’ weight goal was at 250lbs, a feasible goal for the 6′5″ receiver who started in the NFL at 230lbs. And when Williams showed up for his weigh in yesterday, he weighed in at 254lbs. Although Williams’ weight is four pounds over the Titans’ goal, it is 16 pounds less than his weight last season (270lbs) when the Titans signed him around Thanksgiving. Jeff Fisher told the Tennessean, “He worked and it’s obvious. I was pleased with his effort. That’s a good sign.”

The USC standout/NFL bust has yet to prove his NFL worth although given a second chance by the Titans last season. With the Titans in 2007, Williams played in two games without registering a stat. Now the Titans parted ways with 2007 OC Norm Chow, and Williams has to prove himself worthy. Yet Williams, in shape, is an ideal target for QB Vince Young

Mar

29

Bullock, White No Shows at Titans Workouts

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Bullock

The Nashville Tennessean reported that RB LenDale White and OLB Keith Bullock have not attended the Titans’ offseason workouts. They also have not been in contact with the team. Bullock and White have locked their starting positions with the team.

White’s weight problems up to last season kept him from a starting job. Now, he has three misdemeanors under his belt stemming from a run-in with police in his hometown of Denver. LenDale’s always had questionable motivational and workout habits. So where’s LenDale now when he should be working hard for the 2008 season and showing the Commissioner that he’s not a selfish punk rather than a dedicated football player. In 2007, LenDale carried the rock 303 times for 1,110 yards and seven touchdowns.

Bullock, who’s become one of the league’s best outside linebackers, had a slightly worse season than years past but that may be due to team’s avoiding attacking his side of the field. In the past three seasons, Bullock totaled 270 solo tackles, 7.5 sacks, eight interceptions, four forced fumbles, 25 pass deflections and one defensive touchdown. The veteran’s leadership for the Titans D cannot be denied, but missing offseason workouts is not ideal when DT Albert Haynesworth is dealing with off the field issues, such as wanting to change teams and his divorce with his wife.

Mar

29

Former NFL Player Herb Rich dies at 79

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Herb Rich a seven year veteran of the NFL and the defensive captain of the New York Giants when they won the NFL title in 1956 died Friday. He was 79.

Rich was originally drafted by the Baltimore Colts out of Vanderbilt in the sixth round of the 1950 draft. He spent one season there returning punts and averaging 23 yards per return.

Herb Rich went on to play for the Los Angeles Rams from 1951-1953 winning a championship with them in 1951. During his time with the Rams he was a two time All-Pro defensive back.

In 1954 he was signed by the New York Giants. He played there until 1956.

During his seven year career he had 29 interceptions returning 3 of them for touchdowns. His career long came in 1952 with the Rams returning on 97 yards. After his last year in the league Rich returned to the Nashville area and practiced law.

Rich was an all-Southeastern Conference player at Vanderbilt who also lettered in basketball and baseball. He led the Commodores in rushing in 1948 and 1949. Rich averaged 27.7 yards on kickoff returns in 1948, helping the Commodores finish the season ranked No. 12.

“This is a terrible loss for the Vanderbilt community,” Vanderbilt coach Bobby Johnson said. “Herb was an extremely kind person who always was supportive, not only of the Vanderbilt football team but of the entire athletic program.”

Mar

27

Complete 2008 1st Round Mock Draft

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Chris Long

Pick #1 Miami Dolphins - Chris Long , DE (Virgina) As everyone expects The Dolphins will build the future from the Defensive side of the ball. Look for Parcells to build a rugged hard working blue collar defense. Long seems to fit in perfectly here at number 1 overall.

Pick #2 St Louis Rams - Jake Long ,OT (Michigan) Long looks to be a lock at #2 an absolutely amazing run blocker who could be making big holes to break open the running game. Jake has great size and an ability to stand up any defender witch will provide valuable time for Bulger to look down feild.

Pick #3 Atlanta Falcons - Matt Ryan , QB (Boston Col.) Matt seems to be the only choice for a franchise looking to clean the slate. Ryan Has the size and ability to be a great NFL quarterback. While at the same time he seems to be the safe pick.If Ryan provides one thing as a rookie it will be positive publicity, and that is just what Atlanta is searching for.

Pick #4 Oakland Raiders- Darren McFadden , RB (Arkansas) This selection will give Raider nation a boost. The offense will have secured 2 key pieces in back to back drafts, providing stability and excitement for years to come. The youth movement is Bay Area Bound. Russell, McFadden and Raider nation can grow together.

Pick #5 Kansas City Cheifs- Vernon Gholston, DE (Ohio State) Vernon can provide great pass rushing ability to the Kansas City Defense. Gholston also is very underated as a run stopper, and has enough power to seal the outside rushing lane.

Pick #6 New York Jets- Glenn Dorsey, DT (LSU) The Jets need McFadden, but he is off the board thus leaving them no option. The take Dorsey and his amazing ability. This guy alone can change the way a team attacks you defensively.Dorsey is a safe and secure selection.

Pick #7 New England Patriots- Dominique Rodgers Cromartie, CB (Tenn St.) The selection adds depth to the secondary and gives the Patriots a quality defensive addition. This team has no real needs to address but if there is any spot where a rookie can make an impact it is in the secondary.

Pick #8 Baltimore Ravens - Ryan Clady, OT (Boise St) Baltimore wants a quarterback, but Matt Ryan is off the board and there is no reason why they pass up Clady. They will need to protect whoever is under center so this pick is logical.

Pick #9 Cincinnati Bengals - Sedrick Ellis, DT (USC) The Bengals defense was horrible in 07, and with the Bengals stepping away from offers for Jets DT D. Robinson, Ellis is the guy at pick 9. Ellis will help sure up a Bengals run defense that couldn’t stop anyone last year.

Pick #10 New Orleans Saints- Leodis McKelvin, CB (Troy) Did you happen to watch a saints game last year? week after week everyone made there secondary look like a group of high school players. This team needs a cornerback.

Pick #11 Buffalo Bills- Malcom Kelly,WR (Oklahoma) This team was one big play guy away from making the playoffs last year. Malcom could be that guy. Kelly is a viable option as a number 2 receiver as a rookie and could provide a boost to special teams.This is a solid pick for a franchise on the verge.

Pick #12 Denver Broncos- Chris Williams,OT (Vandy) If the Broncos are going to win they have to run the ball. The have been running and running well for over a decade. Denver takes Williams to add security on the offensive line for years to come.

Pick #13 Carolina Pathers- Jeff Otah, OT (Pitt) Carolina has all the tool needed to win, but for ome reason the team underperformed once again. Adding a quality offensive lineman cant hurt there chances.This is a solid selection for veteran team looking to add quality youth.

Pick #14 Chicago Bears- Rashard Mendenhall, RB (Illinois) Chicago has a solid defense in place and there looking to give that veteran defense an opportunity to win. They have a solid offensive line in place, and have spent the offseason securing the quarterback position. Wide receivers are in place and look better than last years group, as long as Hester plays. The weakness for Chicago appears to be the running game. Mendenhall is the potential game breaker the Bears need.

Pick #15 Detroit Lions- Mike Jenkins,CB (South Fld.) Detroit has to address defense sometime, why not now? They offense put up big numbers last season and should do so again in 2008. But if you cant hold the other team under 30 points your not going to win. Detroit needs to make this pick.

Pick #16 Arizona Cardinals- Felix Jones, RB (Arkansas) I think Arizona makes a quality pick here. They can use a solid running back who can get the tuff yards. Drafting Jones half way through round 1 is a huge value pick. Did anyone else notice that in the big games when it counted Felix got the carries not that other back at Arkansas.

Pick #17 Minnesota Vikings- Derrick Harvey, DE (Florida) Minnesota has a young offense that should be much improved in the passing department. The Defense was huge against the run last year, but they need to bring pressure. Harvey can bring that to the table.

Pick #18 Houston Texans- Aqib Talib, Cb (Kansas) This team needs defensive help, in my opinion alib is the guy they select. Talib seems to have the biggest upside of the remaining defensive players. This guy has the tools to be a shut down defender.Talib plays with great vision and is aggressive at the point of the catch. Something about this guy reminds me of Champ Bailey.

Pick #19 Philadelphia Eagles- Kenny Phillips,S (Miami) I am not sold on this selection. I belive Phily has other issues that need to be addressed. But most of the internet reports I have seen have this selection. It is understanable that the Eagles what youth in the secondary and Phillips is a quality talent at the safety position.

Pick #20 Tampa Bay- DeSean Jackson, WR (Cal) This is a great addition for Tampa, they can use an explosive reciever. Coach Gruden sees this selection as adding a game breaker on offense as well as special teams. this is a steal at pick #20.Tampa Bay simply cant pass on Jackson.

Pick #21 Washington Redskins- Branden Albert,G (Virgina) As a Redskins fan this may be wishful thinking. I just believe that the ability of Albert is a must have. Branden can play guard or tackle on either side of the line, and be dominating. Washington has had some many injury issues on the line the past 3 years and this seems like a perfect fit. Washington has to protect Jason Campbell if they feel he is the future, and I believe he is.

Pick #22 Dallas Cowboys- Limas Sweed, WR ( Texas) Dallas addition of Sweed would add much needed youth to the recievers. and a potential number 1 reciever for the coming years. Sweed would be an upgrade as a 2nd or 3rd reciever on an already explosive offense.

Pick #23 Pittsburgh Steelers- Gosder Cherilus,OT (Boston Col) The Steelers take offensive line help here. Big Ben got and even bigger contract, so they will ensure his protection and keep him safe and secure.

Pick #24 Tennessee Titans-Kentwan Balmer, DT (North Car.) Tennessee will look to solidify the defensive line. This is a team that will look to play ball control offense once again. They go defense late in round 1 due to the fact there is no game breaking offensive threat worth the reach.

Pick #25 Seattle Seahawks- Dustin Keller, TE (Purdue) Seattle has to get some help at tight end, and this seems like theonly option here. there defense is solid, and they have quality recievers in place. The offseason modification of the backfield open up potential trade possibility, but I see Seattle once again drafting a tight end.

Pick #26 Jacksonville Jaguars- Calais Campbell, DE (Miami) The Jags are a team that has no really big issues to address on draft day. They have a solid core group on both sides of the ball. I think they Draft for depth and having the ability to rotate the defensive line, witch will allow for a much improved defenselate in the season.

Pick #27 San Diego Chargers- Jimmy King,CB (Penn State) The Chargers are just looking to add versitility and the best possable athlete on the board.King will improve the Chargers pass defense, more so in the nickel package.This is an amazing value pick late in round 1.

Pick #28 Dallas Cowboys- Brandon Flowers,CB ( Virgina Tech) The Cowboys are looking for defensive help and where hoping to land Jimmy King from Penn State. With King now off the board Dallas takes the next cornerback on there draft card.

Pick #29 San Francisco 49ers- Devin Thomas, WR ( Micigan State) 49ers are lacking a receiver with big play potential. They are in need of a reciever to take the focus away from Frank Gore.This team is at a point where they have to develop on offense, or start looking somewhere else for the answers.

Pick #30 Green Bay Packers- Jerod Mayo, LB (Tennessee) The last 2 picks in round 1 could go either way both teams are looking to add defensive help and I feel both will add linebacker help.

Pick #31 New York Giants- Keith Rivers ,LB (USC)

Mar

27

Cowboys DB Draft Board Leaked

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draftboardky0.JPG

A few weeks ago Dallas CBS-11 News went on a tour of the Dallas Cowboys “War Room” and accidentally filmed a shot of the Cowboys’ DBs draft board. Someone watching screen captured the video and sent it out. Now it is across message boards and the rankings are being dispelled. The rankings, at the time, were as follows:

1. Dominique-Rodgers Cromartie, Tennessee State
2. Leodis McKelvin, Troy
3. Kenny Phillips, Miami
4. Mike Jenkins, USF
5. Aqib Talib, Kansas
6. Tyrell Johnson, Arkansas State
7. Charles Godfrey, Iowa

Message boards have been seeing Cason and Porter, but the board gets
difficult to read after Talib. Besides the DB Rankings are the
makings of the names Brown and Dunn. Perhaps the Cowboys will be
thinking RB in draft as well, or is this a trick to sway teams the
other way?

Skeptics have assured themselves that the filming must be a hoax because the CBS camera crew is not allowed in the “War Room.” Also, the company that produces the show is owned by the Cowboys and the Cowboys couldn’t possibly be that careless, or could they? We’ll see who the Cowboys choose on Draft Day.

Mar

27

Giants to host Redskins in season opener

Filed Under NFL, New York Giants, Washington Redskins | Leave a Comment

The NFL’s newly established “tradition” of opening the season will continue this season. A person familiar with the yet to be released NFL schedule said the matchup will feature the defending Super Bowl Champion New York Giants playing host to the Washington Redskins.

The Redskins head coach Jim Zorn will make his NFL regular season debut. The game is scheduled to be played on Thursday September 4 at 8:30 pm. The one problem with that is the Republican National Convention concludes on that night and to be televised by NBC.

NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said there are talks going on with the network to switch the start time to 7:00 pm.

The highlight games of the NFL’s first weekend will be announced Monday during league meetings in Palm Beach, Fla. The rest of the schedule will be announced sometime next month.

Mar

27

Polian To Remain In Indianapolis

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Indianapolis Colts president Bill Polian
The Indianapolis Colts have latched onto one of the core commodities in their front office - at least until 2011; according to the Associated Press, the Colts have signed team president Bill Polian to a contract extension through the 2011 season. Colts owner Jim Irsay confirmed through a spokesman on Wednesday that an extension was, in fact, finalized. Under Polian’s watch beginning in 1998, the Colts have posted a 105-55 regular season win-loss record over the past 10 seasons, reached the playoffs 8 times and won the Super Bowl after the 2006 season.

Some of the draft choices made by Polian include quarterback Peyton Manning, running backs Edgerrin James and Joseph Addai, wide receiver Reggie Wayne, defensive end Dwight Freeney and safety Bob Sanders. Polian also tasted success while as a member of the Buffalo Bills, with his terams reaching the Super Bowl 3 times.

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