May

13

Gridiron Gabbin w/ Eagles Kicker David Akers

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Akers

In this latest edition of Gridiron Gabbin, site editor Matt Loede talks with Philadelphia Eagles 3-time Pro Bowl kicker David Akers.  The pair talk about David’s involvement with Reebok and their new shoe - the Hexride Rally.  They also talk about the league, the Eagles and their hopes for 2008, and the NFC East. The interview wraps up with some questions about the competitive balance in the league, and how close teams really are these days.  Click below to hear this latest Gridiron Gabbin with David Akers.

 
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May

13

Hawks LB Tatupu Arrested on Suspicion of Driving While Intoxicated

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Tatupu

Hawks LB Lofa Tatupu finds himself in trouble today, as it has come out that he was pulled over about 2:30am Saturday morning and arrested on suspicion of driving while intoxicated. The Seattle Times is reporting that an officer spotted Tatupu’s car doing 50 in a 35 zone, and after he was pulled over he submitted to field-sobriety tests, but declined to take a portable Breathalyzer.

After being handcuffed and taken to the police station, reports say he was cooperative throughout the process. Tatupu’s blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) was measured at 0.155 and 0.158, nearly double the legal limit of 0.08. That measurement was taken about two hours after Tatupu was observed driving the car.

He put out a statement today about the incident. “I want to apologize to my family, teammates, the Seahawks ownership and organization, and the fans for making a poor decision and putting myself in a bad situation. I take seriously my role as a leader on this team, and in the community, and because of that I’m disappointed and embarrassed by the level of poor judgment I used last weekend. Thankfully, nobody was hurt. This will never happen again, and I hope through hard work on and off the field to begin earning your respect and trust again.”

The 25-year-old has been with the Hawks for three seasons, and signed a new deal in March for $42 mil though the 2015 season. He was in practice last week as part of a mandatory minicamp. No word on if the league will suspend him or take other action against him for the incident.

May

13

Latest Walsh and Goodell Meeting Shows Nothing New

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Matt Walsh, former Patriots video assistant met with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell Tuesday as a follow up from their prior meeting. Apparently, Walsh did not have more violations of rules to share with Goodell. The two met for nearly 3 ½ hours viewing clips of coaches and their play calling signals. The Commissioner had this to say about the meeting:

“The fundamental information that Matt provided was consistent with what we disciplined the Patriots for last fall.”

Walsh also had a meeting with Pennsylvania Senator Arlen Specter, the senior Republican on the Senate Judiciary Committee, in Washington after meeting with Goodell. The Senator has been very critical towards the leagues handling of this investigation and has said in February, if he isn’t satisfied there will be possible congressional hearings.

This all got started when the Patriots were caught taping Jets defensive signals during the 2007 season opener. Both the team and head coach Bill Belichick were sanctioned by the NFL. Belichick was fined $500,000 and the team losing their 2008 first-round draft choice as well as $250,000. There were some rumors circling that the Patriots also taped the St. Louis Rams final walkthrough before the 2002 Super Bowl. No such tape has surfaced and Walsh denies having any knowledge of any tape.

Roger Goodell asked Walsh what he did prior to watching the walkthrough. Walsh said a then-New England wide receiver coach, Brian Daboll, asked him what he saw during the walkthrough. He told him about the Rams walkthrough with specifics such as formations including tight end usage based on the defense’s coverage and the fact that Marshall Faulk, Rams’ running back, was returning kicks.
All tapes have apparently been turned in, and only show signals for 5 opponents during 6 games. The whole point of this meeting was to see if any other rule violations occurred.

“There was no bugging of locker rooms,” Goodell said. “There was no manipulation of communication systems. There were no crowd noise violations anywhere that he was aware of. No miking of players to pick up opposing signals or audibles.”

Walsh did however give Goodell two violations that weren’t related to the taping of signals. One, a player on injured reserve practiced in 2001 when he wasn’t allowed and two, Walsh also claims he scalped tickets for two players for the Super Bowl during the course of two seasons. Both claims will be investigated further.

Frankly I think the Patriots should be ashamed of this. Really you start to think, could the 2002 Super Bowl have gone differently? Why does a team with such talents need to cheat by recording signals? I hope we find out.

The Tapes:

Tape 1 – Signals vs. Miami on September 25th, 2000
This was the game on Sept. 24 2000, the Patriots lost to the Dolphins 10 – 3

Tapes 2 & 3 – Miami defensive and offensive signals vs. Miami on October 7th, 2001
Miami wins 30 – 10 with the Patriots only totaling 149 yards overall

Tape 4 – Buffalo signal camera on November 11th, 2001
Patriots win 21 – 11 and improve to 5 – 4 on the season

Tape 5 – Coaches signals vs. Cleveland on December 9th, 2001
The Patriots win 27 – 16 barely out gaining the Browns

Tapes 6 & 7 – Signals vs. Pittsburgh on January 27th, 2002
The AFC Championship Game, Patriots were 9 point underdogs and Tom Brady went out with an injured leg in the first half. Patriots win 24 – 17 after 2 special teams touchdowns

Tape 8 – Third camera vs. San Diego on September 29th, 2002
Patriots lose to the Chargers 21 – 14 for the first loss of the season after going 3 – 0

May

13

Offseason Overview: Texans Getting Closer to Being an AFC Force

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Williams with a rush

Franchise Player: None.

TRANSITION PLAYER: None.

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS

• DB Roc Alexander missed last season with an injury. He will not be a priority to re-sign in the offseason, but he could provide depth in a weak secondary.

• RB Ron Dayne will likely return as a situational back who is capable of making a handful of solid starts in a season.

• DB Jason Simmons has the versatility to start at every position in the secondary. He also adds leadership the coaches love.

• DB Dexter Wynn can play at cornerback or be used as a returner. He’s solid on kicks and punts. He will likely return.

RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: None.

EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS

• RB Chris Taylor has the Texans high on his potential. He missed all of last season with an injury, but they are hopeful he will be an impact back this season.

PLAYERS ACQUIRED

• LB Kevin Bentley: UFA Seahawks; $4M/3 yrs, $1M SB.

• RB Chris Brown: UFA Titans; $3.6M/2 yrs, $800,000 SB.

• S Nick Ferguson: UFA Broncos; 1 yr, terms unknown.

• QB Quinn Gray: UFA Jaguars; $645,000/1 yr, $40,000 SB; 2008 cap: $485,000.

• C Chris Myers: RFA Broncos (trade).

• CB Jacques Reeves: UFA Cowboys; $20M/6 yrs, $4M SB.

• LB Chaun Thompson: UFA Browns; $2.4M/2 yrs, $650,000 SB.

PLAYERS RE-SIGNED

• WR David Anderson: ERFA; terms unknown.

• S C.C. Brown: RFA; tendered at $1.47M; terms unknown.

• TE Mark Bruener: UFA; $870,000/1 yr, $100,000 guaranteed.

• DE Earl Cochran: ERFA; terms unknown.

• WR Andre’ Davis: Potential UFA; $16M/4 yrs, $8M guaranteed.

• S Will Demps: UFA; $4.5M/2 yrs, SB unknown.

• TE Joel Dreessen: ERFA; terms unknown.

• S Glenn Earl: UFA; $$1M/1 yrs, $300,000 SB/$200,000 RB.

• T Brandon Frye: ERFA; terms unknown.

• OT Scott Jackson: Potential RFA; terms unknown.

• DE N.D. Kalu: UFA; 1 yr, terms unknown.

• DT Anthony Maddox; RFA; $927,000; terms unknown.

• P Matt Turk: UFA; $2.35M/2 yrs, $500,000 SB.

• RB Darius Walker: ERFA; terms unknown.

• G Fred Weary: UFA; terms unknown.

PLAYERS LOST

• LB Charlie Anderson: UFA Dolphins; 1 yr, terms unknown.

• LB Shawn Barber (released).

• S/LB Michael Boulware: UFA Vikings; 1 yr, terms unknown.

• LB Danny Clark: UFA Giants; $4M/2 yrs, SB unknown.

• C Mike Flanagan (released).

• CB Von Hutchins: UFA Falcons; $9M/4 yrs, $2.5M.

• DT Cedric Killings: UFA; retired.

• WR Jerome Mathis: Not tendered as RFA/Redskins; terms unknown.

• C Steve McKinney (released/failed physical).

• TE Jeb Putzier (released).

The Texans continued to make strides in 2007, going 8-8, and are hoping despite playing in a tough division that 2008 will bring bigger and better. The team had a rash of injuries, with QB Matt Schaub going down, along with players banged up in the secondary. They are hoping that this season, with being healthy and a little lucky, 10-6 is not out of the question. The team knew it needed to upgrade the secondary, and did so with CB Jacques Reeves from Dallas. They also upgraded the running game with Chris Brown from Tennessee and the drafting to Steve Slaton in the 3rd round from West Virgina.

Houston will look to be more plysical on defense, and they should be with a unit that can make plays on both sides of the ball. Mario Williams and DeMeco Ryans will make life tough on QB’s and ball carriers. The question will be can the Texans hang with the best in the South, that being the Colts and Jags. They have the talent, and have made some wise offseason moves to make it look like they will be better, but overall, Houston may still be 1-2 years away from being a legit AFC contender.

Offseason Grade to Date: B+

May

13

Offseason Overview: Can the Lions Roar in the NFC North?

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Williams remains a Lion for now

Franchise Player: None.

TRANSITION PLAYER: None.

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS

• S Idrees Bashir could be back because the Lions need depth in the secondary.

• OT Barry Stokes was signed late in the season when the Lions had problems on the offensive line. He was cut earlier, though, and probably won’t be back.

• WR Troy Walters was a solid fifth receiver and return man, but he won’t be re-signed.

RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: None.

EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS

• WR Devale Ellis spent 2007 on the physically unable to perform list with a knee injury.

PLAYERS ACQUIRED

• CB Leigh Bodden (trade Browns).

• DT Chuck Darby: UFA Seahawks; 3 yrs, terms unknown.

• TE Michael Gaines: UFA Bills; $10M/4 yrs, $3M guaranteed.

• LB Gilbert Gardner: UFA Titans; 1 yr, terms unknown.

• OG Corey Hulsey: FA; 1 yr, terms unknown.

• CB Brian Kelly: UFA Buccaneers; 3 yrs, terms unknown.

• S Kalvin Pearson: RFA Buccaneers; $3.5M/3 yrs, $1.1M SB (Buccaneers elected not to match and receive no compensation).

• RB Artose Pinner: FA; terms unknown.

• S Dwight Smith: FA Vikings; $5M/2 yrs, $350,000 SB/$300,000 reporting bonus; 2008 cap: $1.825M.

PLAYERS RE-SIGNED

• RB Tatum Bell: UFA; $1.6M/1 yr, SB unknown.

• DB Greg Blue: ERFA; terms unknown.

• RB Aveion Cason: UFA; 1 yr, terms unknown.

• CB Travis Fisher: UFA; $9M/3 yrs, SB unknown.

• OT George Foster: UFA; $1.1M/1 yr, SB unknown.

• DB LaMarcus Hicks: Not tendered as ERFA; terms unknown.

• TE Sean McHugh: ERFA; terms unknown.

• DL Langston Moore: RFA; $927,000/1 yr.

• DE Corey Smith: UFA; terms unknown.

• CB Keith Smith: Potential UFA; $5M/2 yrs, SB unknown.

• QB Dan Orlovsky: RFA; tendered at $927,000; terms unknown.

• TE John Owens: UFA; 1 yr, terms unknown.

• G Stephen Peterman: RFA; tendered at $927,000; terms unknown.

• CB Stanley Wilson: RFA; tendered at $927,000; terms unknown.

PLAYERS LOST

• LB Boss Bailey: UFA Broncos; $17.5M/5 yrs, $4.35M SB.

• CB Fernando Bryant (released).

• RB T.J. Duckett: UFA Seahawks; $17M/5 yrs, $5M guaranteed.

• DE Kalimba Edwards (released; post-June 1 designation).

• RB Kevin Jones (released/failed physical).

• S Kenoy Kennedy (released).

• LB Teddy Lehman: UFA Buccaneers; terms unknown.

• QB J.T. O’Sullivan: UFA 49ers; $645,000/1 yr, $40,000 SB.

• DT Shaun Rogers (traded Browns).

• C/G Blaine Saipaia (released).

• T/G Damien Woody: UFA Jets; $25.5M/5 yrs, $8.75M guaranteed.
 
Last season the Lions looked as if they were finally ready to roar in the NFC North, starting the season 6-2 and looking as good as any team in the division. Then, as fast as their start was, the bottom dropped out, and they won just one game the rest of the season to finish 7-9. Issues remain with the defense, lack of a running game, and protecting whoever plays QB. The team did an overhaul in the offseason, as 11 players either were released, traded, or left via free agency. They acquired nine players, and resigned 14.

The big move was the commitment to the O-line, as the team drafted Boston College tackle Gosder Cherilus with their first pick, 17th overall. They also took running back Kevin Smith from UCF in round three, and he very well may have an impact on the running game. Also expect to see 2nd-year QB Drew Stanton give Jon Kitna some competition at the QB spot this season, as you could very well see a changing of the guard there. The Lions have more than enough talent to be a .500 team, now it’s up to them to finally reach that goal and strive farther.

Offseason grade to Date: C

May

12

ESPN.com’s 2008 NFL Power Rankings

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May

12

“Spygate” Drama Continues as Walsh to Meet with Goodell and Specter

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Goodell

Ugh.  Just when you thought the whole “Spygate” drama had finally gone away, it rears its overblown, ugly head again.  Now the word is Matt Walsh, the “I don’t want anything out of this but I somehow won’t go away” former media assistant of the Pats is going to meet with NFL Commish Roger Goodell and Sen. Arlen Specter on Tuesday to talk about the latest round of tapes that he handed over the NFL last week.

It is being reported that the meetings will be separate, the first being with Goodell at 7:30am in New York.  After that, he’ll travel to Washington to talk to Specter in the afternoon.  After that, both Goodell and Specter will hold a press conference to talk about the meetings with Walsh.  Now what good is going to come out of this I have no idea.  If “Spygate” is not the most overblown, needless talked about thing in the NFL over the past decade, please email me and tell me what is.

I am sick and tired of this storyline, and I’m not even a Patriots fan.  Isn’t it enough that the team paid its dues with fines and a loss of a draft pick this past season?  The team showed without a shadow of a doubt that it has more than enough ability to win without the help of tapes.  Here is yet another hope and wish that the meetings on Tuesday will be the final nail in the coffin on this mess.  If it’s not - I don’t know if it will ever go away.

May

12

Raiders Hoping McFadden the Offensive Spark They Need

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McFadden

Having won only 19 games in the past 5 seasons, the Raiders are looking for a spark to their offense……

Hopefully that spark will be supplied by last years #1 draft pick JaMarcus Russell and this years #4 over-all pick in the draft Darren McFadden.

McFadden received his first taste of NFL football at the rookie mini-camp this past weekend. McFadden said that he noticed the difference between college ball when he was handed a highlighter and notebook along with his playbook. At Arkansas, McFadden fumbled 15 times last season - some of those came when he played QB in the “WildHog” formation and also as a returner, so ball security will be something that he will need to work on..

Coach Kiffin is cautious about putting too much pressure on him so early stating that McFadden is ” not here to save the franchise” and that he “just happens to be the first pick.” McFadden joins an already crowded backfield where he joins 1000 yard runner Justin Fargas, and former 1000 yard rusher LaMont Jordan.. Also in the mix is last years fourth round pick Michael Bush, who missed his rookie season with a broken leg. Bush admits being taking aback after the Raiders pick McFadden, but was told by RB coach Tom Rathman to “just hang in there, stay focused, and keep doing what your doing, and everything else will take care of itself.” Of the RB position, coach Kiffin has said “we’re excited that they’re all different. They are different players and bring different things and we’ve got to figure it out. Two of them, Darren and Michael catch the ball really well, so we have got to see how much we can do with that.” Lets hope that the offense can show some life this season with Russell & McFadden leading the way..

May

12

Holt Confirms Desire to Finish Career as a Panther

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Holt

Rams wide out Torry Holt has already stated that he does not want a contract extension with the Rams, and with that it looks like he would like to go home to wrap up his career, and playing at home means playing with the Panthers. Holt’s brother Terrence Holt recently signed with the Panthers, and Torry was not shy in coming out and saying he’d like to do the same.

“I wanted to send in my resignation to the Rams and see if I could join him,” Torry Holt said last month about his brother playing for Carolina. “I’m excited, but I’m also a little jealous because I’ve always wanted an opportunity to come back home.”

It’s no shame for a player that has shown as much class as Holt to want to go home and finish his career. Sure to Rams fans they are going to take it like he does not want to play for them, but Holt is a player that for sure deserves to play for any team he wants as he concludes a great career, and if that team is the Panthers - so be it.

“The real story is that I have this year and next year and hopefully I can finish those years out,” Holt said. “Then I will see where I am at. I will see where I am at physically and emotionally and financially. Then, if they would like to do something here I will consider it. If not, then I will have the option to go and explore and give my services somewhere else. If that happens, Carolina will definitely be my first choice. There is no question about it. I have 2008 and 2009 left to play and that is what I plan on doing.”

Now we’ll see if the Panthers may feel the same way in two years.

May

12

Offseason Overview: New Look Ravens Hoping to Fly High in 2008

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Boller looks to be the starter

Franchise Player: LB Terrell Suggs (tendered at $8.065M).

TRANSITION PLAYER: None.

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS

• S Gerome Sapp is an average backup and dependable special teams player; not a priority.

• RB Musa Smith has not developed into a starting running back but he is an average third-down back; he could return in a backup role.

RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: None.

EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS: None.

PLAYERS ACQUIRED

• LB Brendon Ayanbadejo: UFA Bears; $4.9M/4 yrs, $1.9M SB.

• S Jim Leonhard: Not tendered as RFA by Bills; terms unknown.

• CB Frank Walker: UFA Packers; $3.5M/2 yrs, $1.25M SB; 2008 cap: $1.275M.

• CB Fabian Washington (trade Raiders).

PLAYERS RE-SIGNED

• G Jason Brown: RFA; tendered at $1.47M; terms unknown.

• DT Amon Gordon: Not tendered as ERFA; terms unknown.

• FB Justin Green: RFA, tendered at $927,000; terms unknown.

• LB Nick Greisen: UFA; $4M/3 yrs, $1M SB.

• DE Edgar Jones: ERFA; terms unknown.

• LS Matt Katula: RFA; tendered at $927,000; terms unknown.

• LB Robert McCune: ERFA; terms unknown.

• TE Jake Nordin: ERFA; terms unknown.

• NT J’Vonne Parker: ERFA; terms unknown.

• CB Ronnie Prude: ERFA; terms unknown.

• RB/KR Cory Ross: ERFA; terms unknown.

• LB Mike Smith: Potential RFA; terms unknown.

• TE Lee Vickers: ERFA; terms unknown.

• WR Matt Willis: ERFA; terms unknown.

• CB Jamaine Winborne: ERFA; terms unknown.

PLAYERS LOST

• RB Mike Anderson (released).

• WR Devard Darling: UFA Chiefs; $5M/3 yrs, SB unknown.

• QB Cullen Finnerty: Not tendered as ERFA/Broncos; terms unknown.

• C/G Mike Flynn (released/failed physical).

• CB Willie Gaston: ERFA tender withdrawn.

• DT Kenny King (released/failed physical).

• QB Steve McNair (retired).

• PR/KR B.J. Sams: UFA Chiefs; 1 yr, terms unknown.

A new coach, new quarterback, and new look will take to the field this fall in Baltimore, as for the first time in a long time, the Ravens will have a new voice giving them direction. The birds decided on New Year’s Eve that they were going forward without Brian Billick, and a month later brought in John Harbaugh from the Eagles to be their new head man. They also will have a new QB this year, as Steve McNair, who was breaking down quickly, retired, leaving the throwing to either Kyle Boller, Troy Smith, or first-round pick Joe Flacco. The fans will want Flacco quickly, and even if he does not win the job out of camp, it will be his at somepoint in 2008.

The team did not go after many free agents, instead they focused on mostly their own, signing 15 of their players while going out and bringing in just four from other teams. The Ravens issues last season had to do with way too may turnovers, inconsistent play from the offense, and a defense that got lost in the passing game, allowing 222.3 points per game. While all those things will not be fixed right away, the team seems aware they need those areas to turn around to move in the right direction from a 5-11 season. Harbaugh will have time on his side, and with this group, he is going to need it.

Offseason Grade to Date: C

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