Mar

31

Broncos Announce They Will Do Their Best to Try and Move QB Cutler

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The Broncos evidently have had enough of the high school rift between new coach Josh McDaniels and QB Jay Cutler, and stated Tuesday they will try their best to grant Cutler his request for a trade that will land the disgruntled Pro Bowl quarterback elsewhere.

As many as 10 teams have already reportedly made calls to the Broncos about Cutler, so getting him moved should not be all that much of a problem. The 25-year-old has been asking to be moved after he found out McDaniels wanted to make a move for former Pats QB Matt Cassel.

Broncos owner Pat Bowlen released a statement saying both he and McDaniels had been unable to get Cutler to call them back over the last 10 days. Bowlen said he spoke with Cutler’s agent, Bus Cook, on Tuesday and came away convinced “that Jay no longer has any desire to play for the Denver Broncos.”

Therefore, Bowlen said, “We will begin discussions with other teams in an effort to accommodate his request to be traded.”

Right at the top of the list for Cutler’s services will be the New York Jets, Minnesota Vikings and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. You can also add the Detroit Lions to that list as well. The Jets have made no bones that they would love to get Cutler, while the Vikings need a solid QB to go along with their good defense.

The Bucs have no established QB, and the Lions currently have Daunte Culpepper listed as their starting QB. Detroit has the #1 pick in April’s NFL Draft, and it would be interesting to see if the Lions would move it straight up for Cutler and if the Broncos would do that as well.

Mar

31

Tennessee Prospect Ayers to Talk to Patriots, Broncos and Eagles

Filed Under 2009 NFL Draft, Denver Broncos, New England Patriots, Philadelphia Eagles | Leave a Comment

robert-ayers
A league source has told PFT.com that University of Tennessee defensive end Robert Ayers will be making a visit to the Patriots as well as a few other teams – the Broncos and Eagles. He’s already spoken to the Buffalo Bills.

Ayers had a big year in 2008, as he registered a career-high 49 tackles and 15 1/2 for losses as well as three sacks. Ayers has 4.77 speed in the 40-yard dash. A lot of 3-4 teams are evaluating him as an outside linebacker prospect. His stock has been going through the roof, and many now think there’s no question he’s a mid to high first-round pick.

Ayers had an impressive Pro Day at Tennessee on the 24th, and Lions defensive line coach Bob Karmelowicz, Bengals defensive line coach Jay Hayes and Panthers defensive line coach Brian Baker were all on hand to take a look at him.

That day he ran a 4.46 short shuttle and a 7.07 three-cone drill. He worked out as both a linebacker and defensive end. NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock has him rated as the fifth best overall prospect in this entire class.

Mar

31

DE Barwin a Highlight of the University of Cincinnati’s Pro Day

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The University of Cincinnati hosted the football team’s Pro Day at Nippert Stadium: 16 former Bearcats performed drills for NFL scouts and coaches.

Defensive end Connor Barwin, posted 40 yard-dash times clocked at 4.48 and 4.52 seconds in his two sprints, tied for the fastest time with Brandon Underwood among all participants. Guard, Trevor Canfield, lifted the most bench-presses at 225 lbs. with 32 reps. Linebacker, Corey Smith, ran the fastest time in the cone-drill, finishing at 6.62 seconds.

The event was attended by some noticeable faces like Cincinnati Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis, and first-year New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan. Former Bengal players, – defensive back Artrell Hawkins and linebacker Caleb Miller – were also present. At least 18 NFL teams were represented at UC’s Pro Day.

NFL prospects know the importance of working out in front of pro scouts. With Pro Day being the last chance to impress teams, players typically give their maximum effort.

“Coming up to this day, its like waking up for Christmas. So I just went out there and tried to do the best I can,” said defensive back DeAngelo Smith.

Smith has been working with Artell Hawkins as well as Hall-of-Fame defensive back Darrell Green, on DeAngelo’s position drills.

“You just focus on the drills fundamentally, and then everything else will come with it.” Smith said.

“I have seen improvement,” Hawkins said of Smith. “I think his feet are really good. I think he’s a pure football player. While he tests well, I think he’ll be better when he gets on a team and can show what he can do on a football field.”

Smith ran the 40 yard-dash with times of 4.59 and 4.60 in his two sprints at Pro Day.

It was also an important day for fellow defensive back, Mike Mickens. The second-team All-American wasn’t able to compete in the Combine due to an injured knee, but decided to participate at Pro Day, even without feeling 100 percent.

“[The knee] is about 85 percent right now,” said Mickens. “My swelling is down now. I just got to get my quad stronger and and get my wind back up.”

“Its important to show [scouts] that I’m not trying to skip out on everything since I didn’t go in the Senior Bowl or at the Combine. Show them that I am progressing, I am getting healthy and that I’m gaining more weight,” Mickens said.

Mickens feels that he’s now at the ideal weight at around 190 lbs. to be the cover corner that he’s built his reputation on.

His Pro Day results supplied Mickens with even more confidence.

“I’ll be 100 percent by mini-camp. That’s what I need to communicate to the teams, “ Mickens said. “ I’m 85 percent and I’m still putting up average numbers for everybody at the combine, so if I’m 100 percent, I’m only going to be better and show that I am the best corner in the nation.”

The NFL Draft is April 25-26 in New York City.

Mar

31

Georgia QB Stafford “Flawless” in Workout for Lions

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stafford
If the Lions are interested in taking quarterback Matthew Stafford with the first overall pick in the April draft, the QB did his part on Tuesday to give them confidence in making the right choice. Lions reps took to the South today to take a look at the Georgia QB, and reports say that he was “flawless.”

SI.com says that Stafford’s workout was much better than his Pro-Day workout done at Georgia on March 19th. Lions brass did talk to Stafford about aiming his passes, which negatively affects his accuracy, yet that seemed to be the only problem all morning.

The Lions praised his overall passing mechanics and the way he threw the ball. Stafford was the early pick to be going to the Lions at one, but then thoughts turned to the O-line, as reports say that they had more interest in OT Jason Smith or Eugene Monroe. In less than a month, we shall see.

Mar

31

Patriot and DE Jason Taylor Show Mutual Interest

Filed Under 2009 Free Agency, New England Patriots | Leave a Comment

jason-taylor
An interesting headline from the weekend’s owner’s meetings is the strong interest Robert Kraft expressed in Defensive End Jason Taylor. Kraft explained that Taylor was a “Great player. I’m sure that can happen if he wants it.” Wes Welker also explained that he had been nudging Taylor to continue talks with New England (Welker and Taylor played together in Miami).

Taylor certainly fits the Belichick mold of a heady, veteran player with a lot of talent. Signing a player of Taylor’s pedigree and talent would certainly grant the Patriots a lot of freedom in the NFL Draft in April.

With the signing of an outside linebacker to play opposite Adalius Thomas, the Patriots would no longer have any holes (except for maybe Fullback) on either side of the ball. Despite these talks of signing Taylor, one should not forget about earlier reports of talks going on between the Patriots and Julius Peppers.

Of course, any fan should be happy with the signing of either as both would fill the pass rushing void that killed the Patriots time and time again on passing downs. It should also be noted that the Patriots worked out Conner Barwin, a highly sought after Defensive End/Linebacker from the University of Cincinnati.

Mar

31

Tampa Bay WR Bryant Says $9.4 Mil One-Year Deal “Unfair”

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bryant
With many Americans out of work, and families around the country trying to make ends meet and do whatever they can to pay their bills, it’s hard to feel sorry for anyone playing a game and making $9.4 million dollars over the course of one season.

That seems to be the pity party trying to be sold by Bucs franchise player – wide out Antonio Bryant. Two seasons ago Bryant was out of football because he was a trouble maker and couldn’t keep himself in line. He bounced around from three teams, and finally found a home in Tampa Bay.

Bryant got the tag placed on him before free agency started, making him a rich player for one season. This year he’ll make $9.4 mil, but said today on Sporting News Radio that the situation he’s in is “unfair” because the team has no proven QB, and he has to prove himself all over again.

“I’m happy to be there because it’s a comfortable situation in returning somewhere where I was last year,” Bryant told Sporting News Radio’s The Monty Show on Monday. “I know the people, the coaches, the family and the organization, so it’s a comfortable situation as far as that. . . .[But it’s] a one year contract, it’s a ‘prove yourself’ contract, again, and the circumstances for me have gotten a little tighter.

“Now I’ve got quarterbacks fighting for opportunities to showcase their talents so the ability that was there last year is gone. We lost a lot of leaders, so we’re going to have to find some leaders in the locker room. And we’ve got some guys that can step up but there’s a lot more tweaks and new things I’ve got to get comfortable with again. So it’s simple situation, but an unfair situation for myself.”

It’s a joke that Bryant can even make those remarks, but what may be more sad is you get a sense that he actually believes them. If he only had to fight for a living like most of the hard working folks in America, he would understand how stupid he sounds making comments like that above.

Mar

31

Report Says Falcons QB Michael Vick Looking for a Book Deal

Filed Under Atlanta Falcons, Off The Field News, Police Blotter | Leave a Comment

vick
Today’s NY Daily News reports that Falcons jailed QB Michael Vick may be doing something to try and make a few bucks – write a book. Here is the report from today’s edition:

Jailed dog-fighter Michael Vick is looking for a book deal, we hear. The former Atlanta Falcons star, now serving 23 months for taking part in a dog-fighting ring, is said to have literary agent Scott Waxman shopping a proposal for a memoir. And People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals is howling. “What will he call his book, ‘Vick: One Lucky Dog’?” asks PETA founder Ingrid Newkirk.

“If Vick has started writing this book while in jail, the proceeds should fall under the rule that says a felon can’t profit from his murderous deeds.” Waxman didn’t return calls, but no doubt Vick’s book would tell the saga of his rise from poverty to being the highest-paid player in the NFL. Vick, who is now in bankruptcy proceedings, has been told by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell that his chances of playing football again depend on whether he demonstrates sufficient remorse. So no doubt the book will be a big mea culpa.

The Falcons have been trying to unload Vick, who will be a PR nightmare for some team out there, on anyone that would take him, but to date there have been no takers for the QB.

Mar

30

Lawyer Expects to Get Giants Burress New Court Date

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Mar

30

Packers and GM Thompson Beeming w/ Confidence for 2009

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rodgers
Ted Thompson claims to be confident in the 2009 Packers. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel interviewed Thompson at the NFL owner’s meetings about the upcoming year and his lack of offseason moves. He attempted an air of confidence, “I think we have a fair group of players that now can play the game and play it well. I don’t think we played as well as we should have last year. Notwithstanding, I think we have a good group of players who make up our team.”

His statement is shakily confident at best and definitely not motivational. Still, I think that I will actually have to agree with him here.

This year’s Packers will be solid. I refuse to predict big things yet, but they have very few holes on the roster right now. Outside of the passing game, which is one of the best in the league, no part of this team is great. However, not one part of this team is bad.

In the only professional sport that can claim complete parity, rarely are there outstanding teams. The key to winning in the NFL is not to build a team that will win games, but one that won’t lose them.

Last year’s Packers lost a lot of games that they could have won, leaving them to finish a very disappointing 6-10. Losses against Atlanta, Tennessee, Minnesota, Carolina, and Houston should have been avoided and other than the early season loss to Dallas and the debacle in New Orleans the rest were winnable.

I am confident that this year’s Packers won’t lose that type of game. They won’t be great, but they will make the playoffs. In this league, that gives them a chance to do something amazing.

Mar

30

Preseason to Kick Off w/ Super Bowl Rematch of Steelers-Cardinals

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The Cardinals will not have to wait long to have another crack at the Steelers because they will open the preseason on the road in Pittsburgh. The game will be featured on ESPN’s Thursday night preseason opener on August 13th with the Monday Night Football crew calling the game.

Bryant McFadden, the Cardinals’ newly acquired and former Steelers’ CB, remarked that “it’s preseason, but still it’s going to be an exciting atmosphere. Finishing my last playoff game [in Pittsburgh] and then starting my ’09 season there, well, sometimes, that’s how the cookie crumbles.”

The Cardinals’ remaining preseason games are home against the Chargers (sometime between August 20-24) and Packers (sometime between August 27-31); the dates and times for the home games are not finalized. The Cards finish their preseason schedule away against the Broncos on September 3rd.

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