Aug

31

Breakdown of the Bears Offense Following Cut Down Day

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Quarterbacks: Caleb Hanie is a welcomed addition to the 53-man club because he possesses an “NFL arm (zips deep passes with ease)” and superb mobility, something you need when taking snaps with an incredibly shaky offensive line (total understatement). Hanie’s confidence was apparent in the preseason, while displaying keen awareness to go along good decision-making skills.

He’s the most talented signal caller on the roster, wouldn’t be surprised to see him in their as a starter - sooner rather than later. Shows traits that Orton and Rex don’t possess. Has the size you want in a QB, very strong @ 230 pounds. - Absolutely no reason to go out and get Chris Simms, unless they feel the desire to cut Rex.

Running Backs: Giving Kevin Jones a spot is smart, though he still looks too hesitant making sharp cuts, in and out of moves. Tough, physical runner who is the most experienced back on the team. Work ethic, hunger, hands, and blocking ability is all there. Adrian Peterson is a special teams standout/ace - but keep in mind he will be on the field 2-3 series a game, more so as a 3rd down back and especially in short yardage situations. Offers a bruising style, above-average hands, and a good feel for the game picking up blocks. Does the little things - but nothing exceptionally well. Needs to break more tackles and improve on keeping his balance when moving his feet for extra yardage.

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Aug

31

NFL Calendar

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NFL

Sept. 4-8—2008 regular season starts.

Oct. 13-15—NFL fall meeting, St. Petersburg, Fla.

Oct. 14—Trading deadline.

Dec. 28—Regular season ends.

Jan. 3-4—Wild-card playoffs.

Jan. 10-11—Divisional playoffs.

Jan. 18—Conference championships.

Feb. 1—Super Bowl, Tampa, Fla.

Feb. 8—Pro Bowl, Honolulu.

Feb. 18-24—NFL combine.

Feb. 27—Free agency begins.

March 22-25—Annual owners meeting, Dana Point, Calif.

April 25-26—NFL draft, New York.

Aug

31

Giants Talking w/ Former Eagles First-Round Pick DE McDougle

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McDougle

It looks as if former Eagles first-round draft pick Jerome McDougle will not be out of work for long.  Having his best camp as an Eagle was not enough for him to earn a roster spot in Philly, but it looks as if division rival New York is going to take a flier on McDougle.  The New York Daily News is reporting that McDougle was in New Jersey talking with the Super Bowl Champs.

The Eagles opted to keep Chris Clemons (signed to a $13.6 million free-agent contract this summer, with a $4 million signing bonus) and Bryan Smith (third-round pick).  The Giants are needing help on the D-line with the loss of Osi Umenyiora and the retirement of Michael Strahan.  Plus, McDougle is well aware of the Giants system as Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, a former Eagles assistant, is familiar with the 29-year-old.

As of practice today McDougle is not on the field with the team, meaning nothing has been signed, but bottom line is they are talking, and it would be no surprise if a deal was not done sometime today.

Aug

31

Broken Ankle Marks the End for Titans WR Williams in Tennessee

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Williams

In one of the surprising moves of the Titans roster cuts on Saturday, the team decided that the injuries to WR Roydell Willams were not enough to keep him around, this despite a career high 55 catches last season.  He shared the team led in catches with Justin Gage, but a broken ankle just a few days before the teams playoff game in San Diego ultimately sealed his fate.

He had 719 yards receiving, and you know that he won’t be on the open market for long.  He’s the best WR out there on the open market, and with such high-profile teams like Dallas needing pass catchers, he will be on a roster somewhere this season. The Titans had drafted Williams in the fourth round of the 2005 draft.

As for the Titans outlook at WR, the team signed Gage to an extension in February, and brought back veteran receiver Justin McCareins in March, a two will be their starters in the opener against Jacksonville at LP Field on Sunday.  The team is eyeing Brandon Jones, who had a groin injury last year, as the slot receiver.

Aug

31

Former Buccaneer LB Nece Headed to the Motor City?

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Nece

Teams will be busy making moves today, and one move that is already being reported is a possible one for former Bucs LB Ryan Nece.  The Tampa Tribune is reporting that Nece, who was released Saturday during cutdowns, may find his way to the Motor City to play for former coordinator Rod Marnelli and the Lions.

The story states that Nece, who is quite familiar with the Lions version of their Cover 2 defense, would be a great fit for the team that needs some help with their LB core.  The Lions defense is looking more and more like the Bucs every day, as the team already boasts ex-Bucs Brian Kelly, Dewayne White, Dwight Smith, Chuck Darby and Kalvin Pearson.

Nece is a great character guy, as he has The Ryan Nece Foundation and was heavily involved in the community in Tampa Bay with charity events and what not.  The undrafted LB from UCLA has been with the team since 2002, and last season in 15 games had 12 tackles, coming off a much more productive 06 year where he had 65 tackles and 1.5 sacks.

Aug

31

ESPN: Dolphins Williams Gets 1-Year Extension Through 09 Season

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Williams

Back to being the starting RB with the Dolphins, ESPN is reporting that the team has given running back Ricky Williams a one-year extension that will keep him in Miami through the 09 season.  The report says a source shared with ESPN’s Chris Mortensen that the back did not get a signing bonus, but his salary goes up significantly over this year’s base of $730,000.

Williams, at 31, is set to have a big season with Miami, as former feature back Ronnie Brown is now the backup, and Williams has stepped in and had a good enough camp to take over the feature role.  President Bill Parcells shocked many by embracing Williams with wanting him on the team and allowing him every chance to take over the starting role, which he did.

Last season Williams finally made it on the field in November, but was hurt in his first game back against the Steelers and didn’t make it back on the field during the teams disaster 1-15 season.  With a new coach and new players all over the roster, it looks now like Williams will have every chance to have a big year.

Aug

30

Analyzing the Jaguars Cuts - Not Many Shockers

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The Jaguars cut to 53 didn’t offer too many shockers.

But there were a few guys that the Jaguars let go that look like they can play.

Here is a breakdown of the Jaguars openind day roster by position along with my analysis:

QB(2): David Garrard, Cleo Lemon

Analysis: Jack Del Rio saw enough out of Cleo Lemon against the Redskins to think that he could win a game or two with Lemon at the helm if David Garrard went out. I think it’s possible that someone will pick up Bouman if the Jaguars aren’t careful.

RB(5): Fred Taylor, Maurice Jones-Drew, Greg Jones, Chauncey Washington, Montell Owens

Analysis: No real surprises here. Washington will probably be a game-day inactice more often than not as long as the other guys are healthy, but he looks like a good developmental player.

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Aug

30

Who Are the Ravens Going to Start at QB Week 1?

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Flacco avoids a sack

In a seemingly never-ending situation, the Ravens still don’t have a quarterback. Troy Smith has a viral infection, and Kyle Boller has a shoulder injury. Joe Flacco, their first round pick, has impressed in the preseason, but you get the sense from Ozzie Newsome and John Harbaugh that they don’t want to throw him out there if he’s not ready.

They made that mistake with Kyle Boller, and he hasn’t really recovered. So what do they do? They can try to make Willis McGahee the main guy, with Ray Rice spelling him. If Defenses expect run, they might stack the box, leading to more passing opportunities for Flacco. With the eight, nine guys up front, he would have to make quick decisions, something that he may not be accustomed to playing at Delaware. It’s not ideal, but it’s better than the alternatives.

There are some free agent QB’s out there. They could sign Daunte Culpepper. They can trade for Cam Cameron’s guy John Beck, someone who knows the system. But, unless Flacco makes an impressive leap from I-AA Delaware, and he adjusts quickly, it could be a long year. But then again, they did win the Super Bowl with Trent Dilfer at the helm. So, anything is possible.

Aug

30

Cut Down Day in the NFL - Players Galore Getting Axed

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The Ax

It’s the day that most NFL players dread - cut down day. It’s already been a busy day with Rudi Johnson being shown the door in Cincy, and it’s a busy day for us here at NFL Gridiron Gab. We will continue to update lists of players getting let go as the day goes, but for now, click on the story links below to see what players have been released:

49′ers Waive 21 Players

QB Bollinger Among Those on the Vikings Released

Skins Roster Down to 53 After Numerous Cuts

Ravens Trim the Roster to Get to 52 Players

Jags Down to 53 on the Roster After Cuts

Saints Make Cuts to Get the Roster to 53

WR Reid, KR Drummond Among Steelers Cuts

Bears Make Roster Cuts to Get to 53

Titans Dump 8 To Get Roster at 54

WR Caldwell Among Those Released from the Rams

Broncos’ Cuts Include FB Sapp, QB Hackney

Cardinals Cut Down Their Roster to 53

WR Wilson the Biggest of the Browns Names Released

Bills Release 22 Players to Get Roster to 53

Former First-Round Pick McDougle Among Those Released by Philly

Cowboys Roster at 53 After Latest Round of Cuts

Giants Release 23 Players; Sign Kicker Carney

Chargers Make Cuts and Roster Moves to Get Roster to 53

QB Harrington Among Those Released by the Falcons

Bengals Wrap Up Busy Day with Roster Cuts

Chiefs Roster at 53 After 22 Roster Moves

Lions Roster at 53 After a Day of Cuts

Jets Release 18 Players to Get Roster Down to 53

Pats Roster at 53 After Cuts and Roster Moves

Raiders Cuts Include Linebacker to Wannabe Archuleta

Dolphins Cut a Number of Players to Reach 53

Bucs Keep 4 QB’s; Cut Players to Reach 53

Aug

30

Bengals Cut RB Johnson

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We know that the Cincinnati Bengals have more than one running back with the surname of Johnson; however, one of the aforementioned Johnsons was released by the team - in this case Rudi Johnson, according to John Clayton of ESPN.com. The transaction comes as somewhat as a surprise as Johnson, despite having been injury-prone in recent years, came to Bengals camp in probably the best shape of his life.

Despite that effort, Johnson’s agent, Peter Schaffer, confirmed that the Bengals did in fact release Johnson. Prior to his release, Johnson was in the 4th year of a 5-year, $20.7 million contract; the release also gives the starting RB job to Chris Perry.

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