Jun

30

Recently Released Davenport Talks About Playing for Arizona, Detroit

Filed Under Arizona Cardinals, Detroit Lions, Pittsburgh Steelers | Leave a Comment

Davenport

Now that he’s free to go anywhere, where would free agent RB Najeh Davenport like to play? How about Arizona with the Cardinals? Davenport made an appearance today on NFL Radio, and spoke about the desire to play with the Cards because of the relationship he has with Ken Whisenhunt, now Cards coach and former offensive coordinator of the Steelers before moving to desert.

Another team that Davenport mentioned was Detroit, which looks like they still may be in the market for a back after attending the workout of the RB they dumped just recently, Kevin Jones, over the weekend. Davenport would fit their need for a “power back” well. Davenport even said he’d go back to the Steelers, the team that released him.

Last season Davenport filled in late in the year for an injured Willie Parker, and set career highs for yards with 499 and rushing attempts with 107. Against the Rams in week 16 when Parker went down, Davenport ran for 123 yards and a score, then in week 17 at Baltimore ran for 27 yards. He rushed for 25 yards in the playoff loss to the Jags.

Jun

30

What Should the Bucs Do with Jeff Garcia?

Filed Under Tampa Bay Bucs | Leave a Comment

Garcia

Now that running back Earnest Graham has his new deal, the Tampa Tribune is throwing out the question of what will happen next with QB Jeff Garcia.  The veteran wants an extension that will bring his total payout in line with that of other starting quarterbacks around the league.  The Bucs may have some issues with that due to his age and injury history, they may not want to give him a long extension.

What to do?

Garcia has talked about a holdout, or maybe even walking away from the game all together if he does not get a new deal.  Can’t see that happening, as his play last season showed that he’s got game left, and even if he does not get an extension, the bet here is that Garcia shows up to camp.

He can sit and brood and talk to the media all he wants about deserving more money, but the bottom line is he did sign a deal when he came to the club, and now he’s going to have to deal with it.  Look for the Bucs to talk to Garcia about money and what they can do to make him happy, but if his demands are out of sight, they sit on it and make him play for the money he’s due to make this season, which is not enough in Garcia’s mind.

Jun

30

Defense Could Be Key To Bills 08 Playoff Hopes

Filed Under Buffalo Bills | Leave a Comment

Whitner

As spring turns to summer in Western NY hope springs eternal for fans of The Buffalo Bills. We say to ourselves the schedule seems easier, the off-season seemed a little better, and the coaching stability has to eventually result in a more consistent performance. But unfortunately we’ve been here before, only to have the Bills wilt and eventually crumble as fall turns to winter just like the foliage in New York. Unfortunately the fall season has been a symbol of the Bills’ fall from contention year after year.

This year does seem a little different, with even many in the national media picking the Bills as their “dark horse”. But there is still an elephant in the room that we all seem to want to pretend is not there, and that’s the QB situation. I like many think Trent Edwards is the real deal. I like many thought J.P. Losman was the real deal last year, which is exactly why the situation at QB is still a huge concern. The fact is we just don’t know, as only time will tell.

It is for this reason that the destiny of the Bills could be decided by their revamped defense this season. Last year offenses rolled through this defense like it was a tollbooth on I-90 and they had an EZ-Pass. In the Bills defense there were an unusual amount of injuries, but regardless improvements needed to be made. The front office obviously agreed because they spent a great deal of their time and resources on the defensive side of the ball in the off-season. Because this unit will play such an important role now is as good a time as any to see what The Bills really have with this unit.

Defensive Line: Assuming he can stay healthy Marcus Stroud should make a significant impact in the center of the line, and some feel the under rated and versatile Spencer Johnson could be equally effective. Add them to a solid Kyle Williams and emerging John McCargo and the Bills look as strong on the line as they have since the Pat Williams era. Chris Ellis could be a sleeper edge rusher and is one to watch as training camp progresses. In a league where imitation is common many teams will attempt to follow the Giants lead and attack with the defensive line in waves. Based on the results the Giants had against the Patriots let’s pray the Bills have the players along the front line to carry out the same strategy.

Linebackers: With the signing of Kawika Mitchell and return of Paul Pozluzny to join Angelo Crowell the linebackers should be stronger as well, with DiGiorgio and Ellison returning to more suitable roles as back-ups. With the experience these young players gained last year due to injuries the Bills should be more than comfortable with their depth at the position.

Secondary: In the secondary the Bills look much stronger with the surprise emergence of Jabari Greer, the free agent signing of Will James, the drafting of Leodis McKelvin and Reggie Corner, and the return of Ko Simpson from injury. Donte Whitner and Terrance McGee should return as starters at their respective positions while Ashton Youbouty has gone from potential starter last year to a potential roster casualty, which is a testament to the improved depth at the position. It would be a surprise if George Wilson did not find a way to make the team, as his transition from wide receiver to starting safety was nothing short of miraculous. It’s just one example of the Bills perseverance through injuries.

If this defense can stay healthy, especially Marcus Stroud, this has the makings of being a much-improved defensive unit. Compared to what he worked with last year Perry Fewell has to be thrilled with what he sees on paper. But what we see on paper does not always transfer to the playing field. With an offense that still has many young contributors it’s likely the burden of success will rest on the defense, especially earlier in the season while the offense gels. If this defense is up to the task there just might be playoff football in Western NY.

Jun

30

Retiring Sapp Bashes Raiders on the Way Out

Filed Under Oakland Raiders, Tampa Bay Bucs | 3 Comments

Sapp

In an interview with the “St. Petersburg Times,” retiring Raiders defensive tackle Warren Sapp didn’t have kind words to say about his former employer. Asked to describe his experience with the Raiders, the soon-to-be Hall of Famer said it was, “As dark as a black hole. Stuff went on in that organization that shouldn’t go on in sports. I don’t think there’s one person who knows who or what is making the call. Let’s just say the Oakland experience was unique. The phone rings quite a bit on that sideline.”

The 35-year old Sapp announced his retirement on January 8th, ending a 13-year career that saw him record 96-and-a-half sacks, the second most for a defensive tackle, and win a Super Bowl ring while with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. As for his next move, Sapp has said he plans to accept an offer to appear on “Dancing With the Stars.”

Jun

30

Goodell Calls Rookie Contracts ‘Ridiculous’

Filed Under Off The Field News | Leave a Comment

Jun

29

RB Graham and the Buccaneers Agree to Four-Year Deal

Filed Under Tampa Bay Bucs | 1 Comment

Graham

Looks as if the Bucs and running back Earnest Graham have come to terms on a new deal that will pay him well enough to be considered the teams feature back in 2008. Adam Schefter of NFL Network is reporting that Graham and the team have agreed to terms on a four-year deal worth $11 million. The back had stated several times he felt that the deal would get done by training camp.

Last season Graham saved the Buccaneers running game after Cadillac Williams and Michael Pittman both suffered injuries. He ran for 898 yards and 10 touchdowns, and pulled in 49 catches for 324 yards. The team has gotten good reports about Williams for a return this season, but the team coming off a South title a season ago cannot stand pat and hope that he comes back 100 percent.

The signing of Graham is a solid move for Tampa Bay. Now will they will likely turn their attention to QB Jeff Garcia, who has been balking about wanting a new deal. I would not think that Garcia would hold out if he doesn’t get a new deal, but the team likely wants to avoid any conflict during training camp.

Jun

29

Free Agent RB Jones Works Out for Only Four Teams

Filed Under Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers, Miami Dolphins, Pittsburgh Steelers | 1 Comment

Jones

Maybe former Lions RB Kevin Jones is not as wanted as he may thinks by teams around the league. If that is not the case, why would only four teams, including his old team, have showed up for his workout on Saturday as he shows that he’s fully recovered from a right knee injury suffered last December. On hand to watch Jones work out were the Dolphins, Packers, Steelers and the afore mentioned Lions.

Word is the Browns were also in the mix, not being at the workout but asking for a tape of the workout. “All the teams basically said they were amazed by what Kevin can do,” said Dr. D.S. Ping, who has been helping Jones rehabilitate his knee. Jones did the basics, including a shuttle run on wet grass which he did in 4.3 seconds. He also ran around cones and caught passes.

Jones had said earlier in the offseason that there were numerous teams interested in his services, and that money was going to be a big factor. He made it known that he was interested in playing for his hometown of Philly, so one has to wonder if Pittsburgh, at least in the same state, has some sort of inside track. The Steelers did dump RB Najeh Davenport Friday, maybe in looking at taking a run at Jones.

There are still other backs on the market, including Shaun Alexander, Cedric Benson, Ron Dayne, Travis Henry, and Chris Henry, for teams to choose from.

Jun

29

2009 NFL Mock Draft

Filed Under 2008 NFL Draft, Future Stars, Off the Cuff | Leave a Comment

ESPN Draft Expert Analyst Todd McShay’s 2009 Mock Draft

1. Atlanta Falcons — Fili Moala, DT, USC

Atlanta finally gets its playmaking interior defensive lineman. Moala has flown under the radar to this point but he should emerge from the shadow of 2008 No. 7 overall pick Sedrick Ellis and become one of the elite defenders in college football this fall.

2. Detroit Lions — Michael Johnson, DE, Georgia Tech

Coach Rod Marinelli’s defense is predicated on speed up front, and Johnson is blessed with plenty of that. Johnson was overlooked while playing in a rotation last season, but it won’t take long for the rangy edge-rusher to make his mark in 2008.

3. Kansas City Chiefs — Matt Stafford*, QB, Georgia

Another injury-plagued and disappointing season out of fragile QB Brodie Croyle will force the Chiefs to address the position with this high draft pick in 2009. If the supremely talented Stafford continues to progress as he did last fall, he could easily emerge as a top-five pick next April.

4. Miami Dolphins — Al Woods, DT, LSU

At 6-foot-4 and 320 pounds, Woods is a physically imposing defensive tackle with enough size and strength to anchor the middle of a 3-4 defense.

5. Cincinnati Bengals — Sen’Derrick Marks*, DT, Auburn

The Bengals got shut out in their pursuit of an elite defensive tackle in this year’s draft, but 2009 will be more kind. Marks is an undersized playmaker with the first-step quickness to disrupt as a 3-technique tackle, which is exactly what Marvin Lewis’ defense needs along its front.

6. Oakland Raiders — Andre Smith*, OT, Alabama

Smith stepped in immediately as the Tide’s starting left tackle and continues to improve with more coaching and game experience. The Raiders could enlist a player with his kind of skills to take care of their most recent first-round investments in QB JaMarcus Russell and RB Darren McFadden.

7. Chicago Bears — Tim Tebow*, QB, Florida

It’s almost certain that the Bears will need a quarterback come next offseason. Unfortunately, next year’s crop of signal-callers does not look promising at this point. Bears fans won’t be thrilled if the team uses a high pick on another Gators quarterback following the failed Rex Grossman experiment, but Tebow’s unique blend of skills and rare intangibles might be too good to pass up. Should Tebow elect to leave school early, however, his uncommon skill set could make him the most difficult prospect at any position to grade.

8. San Francisco 49ers — Michael Oher, OT, Mississippi

Oher, who possesses the size and athletic ability to develop into an upper-echelon starting tackle in the NFL, would make an ideal bookend opposite 2007 first-rounder Joe Staley.

9. St. Louis Rams — Rey Maualuga, ILB, USC

Maualuga is the top senior prospect on my 2009 draft board at this insanely early point in the process, although he wouldn’t be the first senior off the board. I’ve never seen a defensive player take over a game the way Maualuga did versus Illinois in the Rose Bowl, and his recognition skills are clearly catching up with his rare physical tools.

10. New York Jets — Knowshon Moreno*, RB, Georgia

Moreno burst onto the scene as a redshirt freshman in 2007 and he should build on that momentum as a first-year starter behind a more mature offensive line during the upcoming season. The Jets were not able to land McFadden in this year’s draft but Moreno would be worth the wait if he’s available in 2009.

11. Tennessee Titans — Michael Crabtree*, WR, Texas Tech

Do not pigeonhole Crabtree; he’s not just a product of coach Mike Leach’s pass-crazy offense. The tall, long-armed receiver could be the go-to-target QB Vince Young so desperately needs.

12. Houston Texans — Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio State

Jenkins made a wise decision to return as a senior. He needs to improve his footwork and overall man-to-man cover skills to prove to scouts he’s capable of playing corner in any scheme at the next level. Regardless, the Texans could use his ball-hawking skills in their secondary, no matter whether it’s at cornerback or safety.

13. Denver Broncos — James Laurinaitis, ILB, Ohio State

Laurinaitis surprised many NFL scouts when he elected to return to Columbus for his senior season. Assuming he continues to make progress in 2008, there’s no reason to believe he will fall out of the top 20 picks in next year’s draft. The instinctive, high-motor inside linebacker would be a nice addition to a Denver defense in search of more stout defenders up the middle.

14. Baltimore Ravens — Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois

The Ravens need an upgrade at corner and a young playmaker like Davis, who possesses rare athleticism for his size, would be an ideal fit.

15. Philadelphia Eagles (from CAR) — Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland

The Eagles failed to land a go-to-receiver in the 2008 draft (no, DeSean Jackson does not qualify). Instead of going the free-agent route to land a weapon for veteran QB Donovan McNabb, they might as well use one of two first-round picks in ‘09 on a future primary target for future QB Kevin Kolb.

16. Arizona Cardinals — LeSean McCoy*, RB, Pittsburgh

After Arizona failed to find a complement for Edgerrin James in this year’s draft, the Cardinals’ need at running back will be far more pressing in the spring of ‘09. McCoy is a supremely talented sophomore who is draft eligible after spending a year in prep school, and he is reportedly already eyeing the 2009 draft.

17. Buffalo Bills — Travis Beckum, TE, Wisconsin

Beckum could emerge as a top-20 pick if he can add 10-15 pounds to his frame while maintaining his big-play ability as a receiver during his senior season.

18. Philadelphia Eagles — Phil Loadholt, OT, Oklahoma

After failing to land one of the record-setting seven offensive tackles selected in the first round of this year’s draft, coach Andy Reid will be craving a big fella like Loadholt in 2009.

19. Washington Redskins — Greg Hardy*, DE, Mississippi

Hardy is flying under the radar right now despite notching 10 solo sacks the past two seasons, and the Redskins will be looking for a young pass-rushing threat after failing to land one during the latest draft.

20. Minnesota Vikings — Percy Harvin*, WR/RS, Florida

Staying healthy for a full season would all but guarantee Harvin a spot in the first round of the NFL draft, either next year or in 2010.

21. Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Ciron Black, OT, LSU

The Bucs will be looking to enlist the services of a talented left tackle prospect such as Black, who displays quick feet for a 6-5, 315-pounder.

22. Green Bay Packers — Max Unger, OT, Oregon

Unger, who projects as a first-day pick in next year’s draft, is the type of versatile lineman the Packers typically covet.

23. Cleveland Browns — Ricky Sapp, DE/OLB, Clemson

Sapp is an up-and-coming talent with outstanding speed and pass-rushing potential. He should fit perfectly as a rush linebacker in a 3-4 scheme like the one employed in Cleveland.

24. Seattle Seahawks — Duke Robinson, G, Oklahoma

The Seahawks are still looking for a long-term solution at left guard, so why not use this pick on the player who is at this point the top prospect at that position.

25. Pittsburgh Steelers — Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU

Jackson is among the elite senior defensive prospects right now but that might not hold up for 12 full months, as he’s simply not a great fit for every team’s defensive scheme. At 6-5 and 290, Jackson is best suited to play defensive end in a three-man front like the one employed in Pittsburgh.

26. New Orleans Saints — Gerald McRath, OLB, Southern Miss

The Saints will be looking for an injection of youth and athleticism at linebacker and the speedy, undersized McRath falls in line with that objective.

27. New York Giants — Brandon Spikes, ILB, Florida

The Giants could use a quick and powerful tackling machine like Spikes after failing to address that need early in the 2008 draft.

28. Jacksonville Jaguars — William Moore, S, Missouri

Moore emerged as a playmaking machine in 2007, when he notched 114 tackles and eight interceptions. At 6-1 and 215 pounds he could be the versatile strong safety Jacksonville needs opposite FS Reggie Nelson.

29. Indianapolis Colts — Vance Walker, DT/DE, Georgia Tech

Walker has the right blend of tools to provide depth along the interior of Indianapolis’ quick-but-undersized defensive line.

30. San Diego Chargers — Auston English, DE/OLB, Oklahoma

English is an instinctive, high-motor player with very good speed and fluid hips for a young defensive end. He already has experience dropping into coverage on zone-blitz looks within Oklahoma’s complex defensive scheme.

31. Dallas Cowboys — Demetrius Byrd, WR, LSU

Wide receiver is the one area Dallas did not address during an otherwise promising 2008 draft. Byrd has a lot to prove as a senior but he certainly has the blend of size and deep speed it takes to emerge as a first-round draft pick.

32. New England Patriots — Brian Cushing, OLB, USC

The Patriots continue a recent trend of drafting linebackers by using this selection on the versatile Cushing. The 6-5, 248-pounder has experience on the strong side and as a rush linebacker, which will be attractive to a New England coaching staff that likes versatility in its linebackers.

Jun

29

NFL Insiders Update The Latest News

Filed Under Cincinnati Bengals, Oakland Raiders | Leave a Comment

Jun

28

Giants Asking Fans to Plop Down Alot for PSL’s

Filed Under New York Giants, New York Jets, Off The Field News | Leave a Comment

Giants Old Stadium

The New York Giants will be allowing fans to buy a seat licenses in the new stadium they are building with the New York Jets. This license will allow a fan to buy season tickets for that seat, and will cost between $1,000 and $20,000 depending on location.

The Jets haven’t commented on if they will be following suit.

This new stadium, will have 82,500 seats is slated to open in 2010. Most of those seats will have a license available. Only 5,000 of those seats will cost $20,000. They are a little worried about upsetting fans as each seat that a season ticket holder owns will carry the license charge, which can get pretty costly. The seat license isn’t a season ticket; the tickets would be purchased on top of the licenses.

Giants’ co-owner, John Mara, had this to say; “We tried hard to come up with a plan that guarantees everybody the opportunity to stay in the building.”

The cost of the new stadium which is being split down the middle between the two teams, is $1.6 billion. Mara also said that it would be “extremely difficult” to build this new stadium without these seat licenses because they will raise between $300 and $400 million.

Once a person buys the seat licenses, they are guaranteed that spot as long as the team plays at that stadium. That license however can be sold or transferred to anyone for however much they can get for them.

Next Page →