2008 NFL Offseason Thread

[Scarecrow]

So, apparently there is a decent chance of a deal being made for Jared Allen. Supposedly the Vikings and Buccaneers are interested.

May be a chance for Herm Edwards to make another first round selection.

Well, since the offer is for a 1st and 2nd in the 2009 draft, Herm won't have to worry about it because he won't be here (or King Karl if he makes this trade).

[Butter]

With all the shit the Bengals have fed to the media about him, I don't blame him. He's not a "lockerroom cancer", hes goofy.

He plays hard, practices hard, and is a great football player. The bengals defense just continues to be atrocious, and yet they're trying to blame him for them not getting to the playoffs.

So, do you watch any Bengals games?

He is a classic "me first" player. He whines, he pouts, he shouts at QBs who don't throw him the ball enough. He was actually not that great last year. He had I don't know how many drops. He had tons of catches, but TJ Houshmandzadeh had become the team's go-to receiver in tough situations. Nearly every game, you can count on him to come up with some kind of "injury" during the game that he will run off after about 3 minutes. I don't know why he does that, if he is just that fragile (and history suggests he is not, he hasn't missed many games), or if he does it for more attention.

I'm not saying the Bengals won't miss him if they trade him. They will miss him big-time. But I have grown increasingly tired of his act, this past year especially. If he comes back, I'm sure not going to support his schtick any more. And if he leaves, I won't shed a tear.

[Izulde]

I really hope the Dolphins take Gholston at #1 if they don't trade down.

[cschex]

I really hope the Dolphins take Gholston at #1 if they don't trade down.

I think Gholston's going to be a rather large bust. For his size and speed, he rarely play dominant (and I watched a good amount of OSU games the last couple of years). Taking an inconsistent edge rusher #1 is a huge reach.

[Honolulu_Blue]

I think Gholston's going to be a rather large bust. For his size and speed, he rarely play dominant (and I watched a good amount of OSU games the last couple of years). Taking an inconsistent edge rusher #1 is a huge reach.

I don't get this guy either. I don't think I ever heard of him before last year's Michigan/Ohio State game. Granted, he dominated that game, but I would think that if he was really worthy of the #1 pick (or top 5 pick) that I would have heard of him before then, especially since he was in the Big 10.

[Izulde]

So who would you guys pick if you were the Dolphins GM?

Admittedly I didn't get a chance to watch any football last year because I was in Spain, so I haven't been able to see much.

[st.cronin]

The Dolphins will almost definitely pick somebody named Long.

[st.cronin]

Dola, as to who they SHOULD pick, I would say Chris Long over Jake Long by the tiniest of margins. They both seem like pretty safe bets to be very good. The other top picks all have some question marks - Dorsey seems like a big injury risk, Ryan throws a lot of interceptions, and Gholston is maybe too 1-dimensional to make sense as a top pick.

[Dunleavy]

the dolphins seem to be bluffing jake long to see if he'll take less money. if jake doesnt blink then i'm now sure what happens. i mean gholston has the same agent as jake.

[Dunleavy]

the vikes-kcc-allen deal is in advanced stages with allen visiting in minny. it would be nice to get this deal done as it changes the draft quite a bit

[Swaggs]

I would take Dorsey.

[gkb]

I think I would take Chris Long with the #1 pick. I agree with cronin's assessment.

[bulletsponge]

Pill Parcels will almost 100 % likely to draft a defensive player. hes always been about defense and this will be no different. DE Long or DT Dorsey.


And as a Vikes fan i hope they get Allen, theyve been searching for a DE ever since they got rid of Doleman all those years ago. i cant remeber how many 1st day picks theyve spent on DE's trying to fill that hole

[Suburban Rhythm]

Well at least we got Max Starks to finally sign that tender offer :rolleyes:

If he's smart, no way he signs an extension now. If he plays like crap (or doesn't play at all) he's making nearly $7M.

If he plays really well, he'll get about about triple the amount next offseason compared to what he'd get extending with the Steelers now.

[stevew]

Well at least we got Max Starks to finally sign that tender offer :rolleyes:

If he's smart, no way he signs an extension now. If he plays like crap (or doesn't play at all) he's making nearly $7M.

If he plays really well, he'll get about about triple the amount next offseason compared to what he'd get extending with the Steelers now.

Yep, colbert at his finest.

BTW, be careful to click on any links about Santonio in the near future. Let's just say there's one out there that puts last years Reed picture to shame.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Yep, colbert at his finest.

BTW, be careful to click on any links about Santonio in the near future. Let's just say there's one out there that puts last years Reed picture to shame.

Heard about the picture on the radio this morning...and I'm afraid.

Could Santonio pictures be the second coming of Pumpy pics?

[JeeberD]

Awww, christ. Why did I have to try and figure out what you were talking about. At least the one I saw was edited...

[MikeVic]

Heard about the picture on the radio this morning...and I'm afraid.

Could Santonio pictures be the second coming of Pumpy pics?

The Santonio pics are Pumpy pics.

[Dr. Sak]

Heard about the picture on the radio this morning...and I'm afraid.

I think the entire town should be afraid if it gets loose.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Awww, christ. Why did I have to try and figure out what you were talking about. At least the one I saw was edited...

Please tell me you know of NO Lee mays pics...

[Suburban Rhythm]

I think the entire town should be afraid if it gets loose.

"it" being the picture...or....:eek:

[Lorena]

The Santonio pics are Pumpy pics.

Pumphandled shotgun... nice

[Pumpy Tudors]

oh dear god

[TazFTW]

Dolphins and Jake Long agree to terms.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Dolphins and Jake Long agree to terms.

Go Blue!

[Cringer]

Pill Parcels will almost 100 % likely to draft a defensive player. hes always been about defense and this will be no different. DE Long or DT Dorsey.


And as a Vikes fan i hope they get Allen, theyve been searching for a DE ever since they got rid of Doleman all those years ago. i cant remeber how many 1st day picks theyve spent on DE's trying to fill that hole


Still 100% on this one?

[JPhillips]

The one piece of leverage the Bengals have is the HOF. Chad won't get there without another few seasons of 1000+ receiving. If I were Marvin I'd let it be known to Rosenhaus that if Chad ever wants to be a member of the HOF he'd better show up and play hard. I'd even threaten to sit him one week for every week he misses of mandatory activities.

[Suburban Rhythm]

The one piece of leverage the Bengals have is the HOF. Chad won't get there without another few seasons of 1000+ receiving. If I were Marvin I'd let it be known to Rosenhaus that if Chad ever wants to be a member of the HOF he'd better show up and play hard. I'd even threaten to sit him one week for every week he misses of mandatory activities.

Are we really talking about the HOF?

I got pummeled earlier in this thread for even suggesting some people would push for Shaun Alexander.

[SFL Cat]

If I were the Dolphins, I think I would've gone for Chris Long. The Dolphins did okay with a top notch defense and a mediocre offense for years. When the D finally collapsed during the past couple of years, especially in the secondary, that's when the Fins' record bottomed out.

Having someone like Long on the other side of the line might also revitalize Jason Taylor, allowing him to have another MVP season like 2006.

[Comey]

If I were the Dolphins, I think I would've gone for Chris Long. The Dolphins did okay with a top notch defense and a mediocre offense for years. When the D finally collapsed during the past couple of years, especially in the secondary, that's when the Fins' record bottomed out.

Having someone like Long on the other side of the line might also revitalize Jason Taylor, allowing him to have another MVP season like 2006.

I thought that winning championships was the goal. I didn't realize that doing "okay" was all teams shoot for in the NFL. I guess, by your reasoning, all those non-championships the Dolphins won means they're using the right strategy after all. ; )

[SFL Cat]

Apparently, you missed my meaning. I guess I should have been more clear and said the Dolphins did OK, even though their offense was pedestrian BECAUSE of their defense. If they had a decent offense, they probably could have reached the championship (see Baltimore Ravens 2000). The Fins just didn't have much luck trying to upgrade their offense during that time through the draft or free agency.

The Chargers of the late 70s early 80s could light it up like few other offenses I've ever seen. But they never made it to the Super Bowl because of their defense. The 85 Bears had an average to decent offense, but an AWESOME defense with a great scheme...and they're recognized as one of the greatest teams in history.

I stick by my choice, if it comes down to a potential stud o-lineman or a stud playmaking DE, I'd go with the DE every time.

[Comey]

Apparently, you missed my meaning. I guess I should have been more clear and said the Dolphins did OK, even though their offense was pedestrian BECAUSE of their defense. If they had a decent offense, they probably could have reached the championship (see Baltimore Ravens 2000). The Fins just didn't have much luck trying to upgrade their offense during that time through the draft or free agency.

The Chargers of the late 70s early 80s could light it up like few other offenses I've ever seen. But they never made it to the Super Bowl because of their defense. The 85 Bears had an average to decent offense, but an AWESOME defense with a great scheme...and they're recognized as one of the greatest teams in history.

I stick by my choice, if it comes down to a potential stud o-lineman or a stud playmaking DE, I'd go with the DE every time.

I didn't miss your meaning whatsoever. My post was more tongue-in-cheek, but I think it holds merit. Add that the Dolphins have only two tackles on their roster (though I think they signed someone yesterday, not Long), a young QB (experience-wise) and a young RB. They have a chance to get a core to their offense for several years.

I'm generally not one to question Bill Parcells on roster management, either. He seems to do a good job of assessing a team and selecting the right player.

[JPhillips]

Are we really talking about the HOF?

I got pummeled earlier in this thread for even suggesting some people would push for Shaun Alexander.

Right now, no, but if he puts up another 3 or 4 years of his average stats and quite possibly. More importantly, he thinks he'll be HOF material and that may be a threat that will work against him.

[JeeberD]

Crap...it looks like it's happening for real this time. :(

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3364138





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[flounder]

At least it's only a 4th rounder.

[TazFTW]

Crap...it looks like it's happening for real this time. :(

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3364138





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http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/8066244?MSNHPHMA

Glazer has the pick for playing time as a 2009 6th rounder. The Titans will send a 2009 4th rounder if Goodell does not reinstate Pacman.


At least it's only a 4th rounder.

Based on skill level, it's a good deal but add in the asshattery and it is meh.

[Galaril]

http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/8066244?MSNHPHMA

Glazer has the pick for playing time as a 2009 6th rounder. The Titans will send a 2009 4th rounder if Goodell does not reinstate Pacman.




Based on skill level, it's a good deal but add in the asshattery and it is meh.

Great deal for the Titans to get two picks for this moron. He probably will play but he won't ever stay out of trouble long enough to make giving even a 4th rounder (in a strong draft for the Titans needs) and a 6th.

[Galaril]

Also, I guess there is a condition that if he plays and plays "well" the 2009 pick could be upgraded to a 2nd.

[SFL Cat]

Crap...it looks like it's happening for real this time. :(



Oh great! First T.O., now Pacman.

With Michael Irvin long retired, I guess Jerry Jones is missing all the off-the-field action that was a staple of Big D in the 90s.

[BishopMVP]

As a Patriots fan I would've done that trade for Pac-Man if I thought he would be reinstated. I think people underestimate/forget just how good he was. Other than Champ Bailey, he was probably the best CB in the league before the suspension, and a great return man as well. Even if it's only 1 season, what are the odds a (mid-late) 2/4 and 6 ever pan out close to that?

On Chad Johnson, anyone who knows more I'm curious if you've heard how he started playing football (at least for college.) From what I heard, he was walking by practice for the CC he later attended, said he could do better than those guys, walked on the field in street shoes and started burning every CB and catching every ball thrown near him. Started as a joke for the players, but within 10 minutes the coach was doing everything he could to get him enrolled and eligible. Any truth to that story?

[Huckleberry]

http://www.thesmokinggun.com/archive/years/2008/0421081pats1.html

Saw this link elsewhere.

Funny.

[ISiddiqui]

This is from a Cowboys fan on another forum I post at:

Dallas should sign Osama bin Laden at WR. He's 6'4" and no one can catch him.

LOL!

[DaddyTorgo]

This is from a Cowboys fan on another forum I post at:



LOL!
:D

[MikeVic]

What the... talk about a least likely NFL suspect.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3378829

[MikeVic]

Dola

At least now the Bengals can trade Chad Johnson to the Colts for Harrison and a pick.

[Logan]

Obviously he deserves the benefit of the doubt, but if anything does come of this it will be interesting to hear what those who constantly talked up his clean professional image have to say.

[larrymcg421]

Obviously he deserves the benefit of the doubt, but if anything does come of this it will be interesting to hear what those who constantly talked up his clean professional image have to say.

No matter how bad this incident is, I don't see how it erases the evidence of his past behavior.

[Cringer]

I like Mike McCarthy, and I am glad I was wrong about him. His answers to a couple of questions at the mini-camp ammused me...

(How come Favre's locker is still in tact?)
Who do you want me to put in there?

(Isn't it just a locker?)
I think it's more than a locker, and there's some plans for the locker that will be addressed in the future. But there's nothing else to it. I wouldn't want his locker, especially after his hygiene, my goodness. It's a locker of a very special player in the history of our organization, and there are some plans for the future, and we'll address that when it comes. I'll just leave it at that.

[Groundhog]

And the winner of the 'Promising Start to a Career' award goes to Washington Redskins 2nd round draft choice, former USC TE Fred Davis misses minicamp practice:

"Everybody was scouring," coach Jim Zorn said after practice. "Nobody heard from him, so there was one of two scenarios. Either there was some real trouble and we needed to find him, or he screwed up. I haven't even got to talk to him yet. I know he has been found. I believe it is more in the 'I screwed up' category."

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/football/nfl/05/04/redskins.davis.ap/index.html

[JonInMiddleGA]

http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/falcons/stories/2008/05/04/boley_0505.html?cxntlid=homepage_tab_newstab

Falcons linebacker Michael Boley was arrested and charged with battery Saturday, according to the Gwinnett County Detention Center's online booking records.

The 25-year-old linebacker, a rising star in the NFL and one of the team's more popular players, was released on $1,200 bond. Details of the arrest were not available. A Gwinnett County police spokesperson said Sunday he had no information.

The 2005 fifth-round draft pick, who resides in Dacula, has been tabbed as one of the building blocks for a franchise still reeling from the imprisonment of quarterback Michael Vick.

Falcons vice president of football communications Reggie Roberts did not provide details but said, "The Falcons organization is aware of the situation and will have no comment at this time."

The news of Boley's arrest comes when the team has stressed the importance of character among its players and employees after a tumultuous year. Vick is serving a 23-month sentence at Leavenworth Federal Penitentiary Camp on federal charges related to dogfighting.

The tarnish to the franchise's image was compounded by a miserable 4-12 season, which included the resignation of coach Bobby Petrino with three games remaining.

Though he signed a one-year contract tender for just more than $2 million last month, Boley and the Falcons were negotiating a long-term contract extension.

The third-year outside linebacker was among the team's leading tacklers (110, four forced fumbles, two interceptions) last season and is arguably its best player.

Besides his skills on the field, Boley has drawn praise for actively caring for his autistic son and being a spokesman for the disorder.

[dervack]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3380764


AUSTIN, Texas -- Chicago Bears running back Cedric Benson was charged with failing a sobriety test while operating a 30-foot boat, then resisting arrest before being hit with pepper spray and dragged ashore by officers.

Cedric Benson

Benson

Benson faces charges of boating while intoxicated and resisting arrest after the incident Saturday night on Lake Travis, Travis County Sheriff's Department spokesman Roger Wade said.

The former Texas Longhorn, however, told the Chicago Sun-Times that he was not drunk and did not resist arrest.

"I was not intoxicated," Benson told the newspaper. "There was alcohol on the boat and others were enjoying themselves, but I wasn't drunk."

Benson was released from jail early Sunday on a $14,500 bond. The charges are class B misdemeanors, each punishable by up to six months in jail and a $2,000 fine. A call to Benson's agent was not immediately returned.

Benson was operating the boat with 15 passengers aboard when he was stopped by a Lower Colorado River Authority officer for a random safety inspection. He failed a field sobriety test on the officer's boat and was uncooperative when the officer tried to take him ashore, the authority said.

"When Benson did not pass the test, he presented himself as a threat to the officer and argued about whether or not he would be taken to land to have a follow-up field sobriety test performed on land and refused to put on a life jacket," the authority said in a statement.

The officer had to use pepper spray to subdue Benson, a move the running back doesn't understand.

"Even after they pepper-sprayed me, I have no idea why they did that. I was cooperative," Benson told the Sun-Times. "I asked them several times why they did that and they didn't give me an answer."

Benson then refused to leave the officer's boat and authorities had to drag him to a car to be taken to the Travis County jail, the authority said.

Benson's account differs.

"They kicked my feet out from under me and slammed my face down," Benson told the newspaper. "They had a hose and were running it over my face. They were choking me and stuff, not with their hands but with the hose in my face. I couldn't breathe. I don't know if they did that because of the pepper spray, but I didn't ask them to put the hose in my face."

Chicago coach Lovie Smith said he's still trying to figure out exactly what happened.

"I haven't had a chance to speak with Cedric yet, but any time we're talking about one of our players getting arrested you're disappointed in it," Smith said Sunday at the end of the Bears' three-day rookie minicamp in Lake Forest, Ill.

Bears officials said general manager Jerry Angelo was out of town Sunday and unavailable to comment.

Benson has had legal problems before.

He was sentenced to eight days in jail in 2003 for a misdemeanor trespassing charge after forcing his way into an apartment to look for a reported stolen TV. In 2002, misdemeanor drug and alcohol charges against him were dropped.

Benson rushed for more than 5,500 yards and 64 touchdowns at the University of Texas, going for 1,000 yards in four straight seasons.

The 25-year-old has done little since the Bears took him with the fourth pick of the 2005 draft.

As a rookie he couldn't beat out Thomas Jones and rushed for 272 yards in nine games. He was more effective the next season while sharing time with Jones, going for six touchdowns and 647 yards.

Last year, Benson took over as the featured back after Jones was traded away. He rushed for 674 yards, four touchdowns and 3.4 yards a carry before going on injured reserve in November.

In three years with the Bears, Benson has rushed for 1,593 yards and 10 touchdowns, averaging 3.8 yards a carry. He's also missed 13 games.

[QuikSand]

"Even after they pepper-sprayed me, I have no idea why they did that. I was cooperative," Benson told the Sun-Times. "I asked them several times why they did that and they didn't give me an answer."

In three years with the Bears, Benson has rushed for 1,593 yards and 10 touchdowns, averaging 3.8 yards a carry. He's also missed 13 games.

Well, fella... at the very least you've been stealing money for three years. You're lucky the worst you got was pepper spray. Were it Chicago's finest, you'd probably be in Gitmo by now.

[Coffee Warlord]

Now we can ship him to the Bengals, Raiders, or Cowboys. Where he belongs.

[Cringer]

lol. I hope Benson is the starter again. Nothing would make me happier then to see Grossman and Benson starting once again, with no WRs now.

[JonInMiddleGA]

The latest version of the story adds details


http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/falcons/stories/2008/05/05/boley_0506.html?cxntlid=homepage_tab_newstab

Falcons linebacker Michael Boley was arrested and charged with battery Saturday after his wife told police he "became physical" with her, Gwinnett police said.

The 25-year-old linebacker was released on $1,200 bond. The family violence battery charge leveled against Boley is a misdemeanor.

Boley's wife, Chantelle, told police officers who were called to their home in Dacula that she and Boley argued and that Boley became physical with her, said Cpl. Illana Spellman, spokeswoman for the Gwinnett County Police Department. The officers determined that Boley was the primary aggressor in the fight, Spellman said.

According to the police report obtained by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Boley's wife told police that she found out Boley was cheating on her and confronted him and he became angry. Boley's wife told police that Boley was going to leave but because he had been drinking earlier she hid his car keys, according to the report. Boley's wife told police that Boley called his mother and wanted his wife to speak to her, but when she refused, he became angry and grabbed her, according to the report.

Boley's wife said she tried to get away from her husband but he pushed her against the living room wall, threw her over the couch and tried to push her outside, according to the police report. As she tried to fight him off, he pushed her into a kitchen cabinet door, causing a bruise on her back, the report stated.

At that point, according to Boley's wife's statement to police, he picked her up and tossed her outside and then locked the door. At that point, Boley's wife called police.

According to the police report, Boley told the responding officer that he and his wife got into an argument because his wife thought he was cheating. He told police his wife wanted to leave and that he didn't care, but she could not take their children. Boley said that he and his wife continued to argue for a while and then he pushed her out the door, according to the report.

No children were involved in Saturday's dispute, police said.

The police report states that Boley was arrested without incident.

Nobody answered when a reporter knocked on the door of Boley's house Monday.

Boley and his wife were married within the past year. They had a child together last season.

Though he signed a one-year contract tender for just more than $2 million last month, Boley and the Falcons were negotiating a long-term contract extension.

[Huckleberry]

To be honest, the news about Cedric Benson getting into it with the LCRA guys on Lake Travis is about the least surprising news I've ever heard in my entire life. If I had been told that Benson was on that lake and that the LCRA guys were going to be nearby then I could have told people this would happen.

Two reasons. The first is that Benson has a problem understanding what he can and can't do. That's pretty obvious. The other reason is that the LCRA guys are a bunch of jackasses on power trips. The Texas courts have held that the LCRA guys don't even need probable cause to board a boat and start running "safety checks" and other searches and seizures. Somehow those guys have fewer checks on their power than actual police officers and state troopers.

Basically, if you want to break it down into the generics of the situation, it sounds like we have a stubborn, dumb, large guy being confronted by power-hungry jackasses with a badge. Gee, I wonder what's going to happen?

Also, it's been noted elsewhere that nowhere in the report does it state that Benson was in control of the boat or even that it was moving at any time. Also, it never states that Benson actually made a physical move toward or at the officer. In Texas law that's not resisting arrest. It is not resisting arrest to pull away from an officer.

This one will be funny to watch. I have no idea which side to believe because they both suck. It's kind of like watching Michael Moore and Bill O'Reilly argue about something which is black and white. You know somebody has to be right. But hell if I know which one.

[MikeVic]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3382968

Don't rob your new RB!!

[miami_fan]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3382968

Don't rob your new RB!!

Why not? If they want to stay on the right side of the fans and the media, the athlete will not be carrying a gun. Seems like the perfect targets to me.

[Cringer]

I had to share this somewhere, some of the comments they talk about in the story are hilarious...

That kid and his old Favre jersey

Tony Walter of the Press-Gazette reported today that David Witthoft, the 12-year-old Connecticut boy who wore a Brett Favre jersey day after day, has finally taken it off after 1,581 days.

We're pointing that out for two reasons.

First, Tony broke the story, no matter how many other media outlets run the story without giving credit where credit is due.

Second, even though some of our readers have left comments on the story, they pale in comparison to the comments left today by the professionals on the sports blog Deadspin.

Deadspin editor Will Leitch blogged an item about Tony's story, properly giving credit and headlining it "At Least SOMEONE Can Take Off The Favre Jersey Without Making A Whole Stink About It."

Not all of the Deadspinners' comments can be repeated here -- some are in spectacularly bad taste -- but are some of the more tame ones:

"He's now hinting that he might put it back on."

"Women dig the guy who can wear the same shirt for 1,581 straight days."

"However, Peter King still refuses to take off his Brett Favre underoos."

"As he threw the jersey towards the wash for the last time, it was intercepted by the family dog."

"Finally. This kid's been hinting about taking off that jersey since 2005."

"The kid's just having fun out there. He's a throwback."

[Cringer]

You just have to love the off-season headlines when listed on foxsports....


• Police: Colts' star WR not a suspect at this point
• Ex-Viking charged with assault on young son
• Not so safe: Bears cut disappointing Archuleta
• Benson denies drunk boating, claims cop abuse
• Steelers rookie Mendenhall robbed at gunpoint
• Judge allows ex-Bengal WR to travel for tryout
• Falcons' No. 2 tackler hit with battery charge
• Jets re-sign veteran CB Poteat to one-year deal
• Former Lion sentenced for assault on ex-wife
• 'Skins draft pick oversleeps on third day in NFL

It's time to make the season 10 months long.

[Kodos]

All of this can't be sitting well with Goodell.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Odell Thurman waived by the Bengals this morning
http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080519/SPT02/305190057

[Butter]

A bit surprising considering how long they waited out on his suspension.

[gstelmack]

I had to share this somewhere, some of the comments they talk about in the story are hilarious...

Just saw this post and wanted to give it my thumbs up.

[TazFTW]

Cowboys sign Marion Barber and Terence Newman to long term deals.


http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/8159266/Cowboys-ink-Barber%2C-Newman-thru-2014

Newman's deal is a six-year extension to the final year left on his initial contract. It's worth more than $50 million, with a $12 million signing bonus and $22.5 million guaranteed over the first three years.

Barber, a restricted free agent, received a $45 million, seven-year contract that includes $16 million in guaranteed bonuses. It's worth $21 million over the first three years, all of which puts him in the salary range of LaDainian Tomlinson (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/player/70656), Edgerrin James (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/player/69770) and Larry Johnson (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/player/140455) — heady stuff for a guy whose only career start came in his last game.

[SFL Cat]

Wow...I like Barber, but he's not worth LT money. :eek:

[BishopMVP]

Wow...I like Barber, but he's not worth LT money. :eek:Don't forget the salary cap has shot up, and consequently salaries, the last couple years. We might even have an uncapped year in 2 seasons.

Considering the low mileage on Barber, I think it's a fantastic deal for the Cowboys.

[Arctic Blast]

Don't forget the salary cap has shot up, and consequently salaries, the last couple years. We might even have an uncapped year in 2 seasons.

Considering the low mileage on Barber, I think it's a fantastic deal for the Cowboys.

I dunno...considering the style of back that he is, he's a pretty big injury risk, IMO.

[mckerney]

Woohoo for Marion getting paid!

[Eaglesfan27]

Woohoo for Marion getting paid!

I completely agree. :)

[JonInMiddleGA]

http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/shared-gen/ap/General_Football_News/FBN_Saints_Grant_Indicted.html

BLAKELY, Ga. — New Orleans Saints defensive end Charles Grant has been indicted on a charge of involuntary manslaughter stemming from a February altercation at a nightclub.

Grant, who was stabbed in the neck during the fracas, was charged by an Early County grand jury that also charged Laquient Macklin with felony murder and feticide in the shooting death of Korynda Reed, 23. Reed died after being taken to the Southeast Alabama Medical Center in Dothan, after the fight early Feb. 3.

he indictment was posted on the Web site of the Early County News on Tuesday.

"We are aware and have no comment," Saints spokesman Greg Bensel said.

District Attorney Charles M. Ferguson could not be reached for comment Tuesday night.

Sheriff's Capt. Will Caudill said at the time of the melee that there was no known connection between Grant and Reed. He said the fight started inside the club and then moved outside, and Grant was attacked after shots were fired.

Woodrow Gray was indicted on a charge of aggravated assault in the knife attack on Grant, a former University of Georgia star from nearby Colquitt.

Grant was selected by the Saints in the first round of the 2002 NFL draft. He had 2 1/2 sacks in 2007 while starting 14 games for the Saints and has 38 1/2 over his six-year career.

In addition to Grant and Macklin, and Marshae Stromer, Anthony Wilson, Jarvis Tinson, Rodreaco Gray and Woodrow Gray were charged with involuntary manslaughter for alleged participation in the fight.

Grant also received misdemeanor fighting charges.

[BishopMVP]

So what happened, there was a fight where a pregnant woman (at a club at 2am) got shot and died, and they just charged everyone involved in the fight with manslaughter? Is that SOP in Georgia?

[SFL Cat]

Heard on the radio today that "Dancing" Jason Taylor won't report to Dolphins mandatory workouts, he missed the voluntary ones because of his Dancing with the Stars commitments.

The rumor is that he wants to be traded and will hold out if necessary to get his way. If he doesn't get traded, I'm thinking he retires. From what I've heard, Taylor and Parcells didn't hit if off very well.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Heard on the radio today that "Dancing" Jason Taylor won't report to Dolphins mandatory workouts, he missed the voluntary ones because of his Dancing with the Stars commitments.

The rumor is that he wants to be traded and will hold out if necessary to get his way. If he doesn't get traded, I'm thinking he retires. From what I've heard, Taylor and Parcells didn't hit if off very well.

Dear Jason,

I've got just the place for you.

Sincerely,
The space in the Chiefs' line formerly occupied by Jared Allen

[stevew]

Looks like 3 more years of Jeeb's solemn swear.

TO signed for 3 more years today.

[Galaxy]

Might have some big problems in Buffalo. Lynch (and other Bills, maybe) was reported to be involved in a hit-and-run accident.

http://www.wgrz.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=58323

[miami_fan]

$26 mil guaranteed. Good deal or no good deal?

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3428598

Running back Darren McFadden reached a six-year, $60 million agreement Thursday night with the Oakland Raiders that includes $26 million guaranteed.

McFadden is the third of the top four draft choices to reach a deal. Offensive lineman Jake Long, of the Miami Dolphins, and quarterback Matt Ryan, of the Falcons, the third pick in the draft, have signed. McFadden, the fourth pick, reached an agreement after negotiating during the Raiders' minicamp.

McFadden's agent, Ian Greengross, flew to Oakland to start negotiations with the Raiders. Both sides wanted to get a deal done quickly.

The tricky part was getting enough guaranteed money to compete with Long and Ryan's deals. Ryan received more than $34 million in guarantees on his six-year, $72 million contract. But Ryan reached the agreement the day the NFL voided the final two years of the collective bargaining agreement. Negotiations for draft choices since have become more complicated because of the possibility of having an uncapped year in 2010.

Greengross and the Raiders were able to work through the red tape and come up with a six-year contract that maximized guarantees. Many analysts of the rules involving the uncapped year predicted more five-year contracts that included less overall and guaranteed money.

McFadden is expected to share the running back position with Justin Fargas. The team scheduled an 11 p.m. Friday news conference to announce the signing. He becomes the 21st of the 252 league draft choices to reach an agreement

[albionmoonlight]

$26 mil guaranteed. Good deal or no good deal?

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3428598

Good deal. He gets $26 million before he plays a down of NFL football. The Raiders get the good PR of getting their guy signed quickly and not looking like a front office with no idea of what it is doing.

Good for both sides.

[Coffee Warlord]

Our old buddy Cedric Benson is at it again.

Embattled Chicago Bears running back Cedric Benson was released from Travis County jail in Texas this morning after being arrested and charged with drunken driving overnight in downtown Austin, police said.

"There was alcohol involved, that's all we know," Bears general manager Jerry Angelo said today. "We are certainly going to take this seriously. Disappointment is too often-used word when talking about Cedric. The No. 1 lesson of every player is protect your job."

The Bears will begin their own investigation of the incident, Angelo said.

Austin police said Benson was driving a BMW through downtown Austin between 3 a.m. and 4 a.m. Saturday. They allege he ran a red light and he was pulled over near the intersection of 5th and Colorado streets, located in the heart of Austin's night life district, said police spokeswoman Veneza Aguinaga.

Authorities said an officer smelled alcohol on Benson's breath and then conducted a field sobriety test, which included having the driver perform a walk and turn test and to stand on one leg, she said.

Based on his performance, Benson was arrested for suspicion of drunken driving, she explained. He was taken into custody without incident, officials said.

Once at the Travis County jail, Benson allegedly declined a Breathalyzer and blood test, said Aguinaga. After his arrest, a magistrate ordered Benson held in lieu of $2,000 bond, which he posted shortly afterward to be released at 8:48 a.m., jail officials said.

The arrest comes a month after Benson was charged with misdemeanor charges of boating while intoxicated and resisting arrest stemming from a May 3 incident near Austin, Texas.

Angelo said he was surprised that Benson would "put himself in this situation" after the boating incident. He said it would "much more difficult" to rely on Benson.

"I'm not going to sit here and tell you that we're not extremely disappointed and frustrated with this," Angelo said. "Anybody would be in this situation. But we will get together as a group; make sure that we hear all sides before we do anything."

In the May incident, police used pepper spray to detain him. Lower Colorado River Authority police took the Bears running back, who played at the University of Texas in Austin, into custody in what they said was a random safety inspection on Lake Travis.

An LCRA spokesman said Benson, who failed a sobriety "float test" (an abbreviated version of a field sobriety test) on his 37-foot yacht, argued over taking a follow-up test on land and also refused to put on a life jacket.

LCRA officers said they attempted to arrest Benson at that time but that he refused to cooperate and was pepper-sprayed. He was booked at 11:24 p.m. Saturday at the Travis County Jail and was out early Sunday morning on $14,500 bond.

Benson has denied the charges.

"There was no resistance on my part," Benson told the Tribune for a May 5 story. "Was I drunk? No."

He added that "Once we got to land, the Travis County police grabbed me and kicked my feet from under me. So I landed on my back while I was handcuffed. They held me down and held the water hose over my face. I couldn't breathe, I'm choking, I'm begging the cops, 'Please stop. Please stop.' Then they picked me up and dragged me backward toward their car. And I'm still being polite, asking them, 'Sir, could you please allow me to walk like a man to your cop car?' They just kept dragging me on."

Benson said there was alcohol on his boat but that he was not intoxicated and the boat was stationary when police arrived. He said he fully cooperated with officers and that this was the sixth time he had been questioned by lake police in the year that he has owned the boat.

Benson said by that time, he was far removed from the family and friends left on his boat, a group that included his mother.

The charges are punishable up to six months in jail and $2,000 each.

Benson, who had his 2007 season cut short by a broken ankle, was in jeopardy of losing his starting spot heading into the '08 season. The fourth overall pick of the 2005 draft struggled through his first three seasons with the Bears, failing to post a 1,000-yard campaign while averaging just 3.8 yards per carry. Benson averaged a career-low 3.4 yards per carry last season, finishing with 674 yards on 196 carries with four touchdowns in 11 games started. He missed the final five games with the ankle injury.

Benson was arrested twice during his college days. He was arrested for marijuana possession in May 2002 in his hometown of Midland, Texas. The charges were dropped when he passed a drug test and other evidence surfaced to clear him.

In October 2003, Benson was arrested for criminal trespassing after kicking down an apartment door in Austin. He said he believed his $15,000 plasma television was inside. He received an eight-day jail sentence but never went behind bars because of time served on the day of the arrest, good behavior, and the lack of available beds at the local prison.

[st.cronin]

If you get arrested twice in a month for dui, chances are you have a drinking problem.

[Logan]

No, it means you have an intelligence problem. Plenty of people can get drunk 10 times a month and it doesn't make them an alcoholic or stupid enough to drive while drunk any of those times.

[JeeberD]

I see a visit with the commish in Ced's future...

[rjolley]

Is this a case where the Bears will have to pay a fine based on the new rule, or does that start in July?

[JediKooter]

Gee Cedric, if you can afford to post bail, you can afford to hire a driver and not worry about getting a DUI. You, Mr. Benson, are stupid.

[Lathum]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3433557


strahan calling it quits :(

As a Giants fan he was awesome to watch play, he has gotten a bad rap after the stuff from this past year but he has been a joy.

I wouldn't mind if the Giants made a play for Taylor, otherwise I am a little worried Osi will see alot more double coverage

[Pyser]

giants will be fine. tuck is there, kiwi can get some reps at de, and alford is still coming up. and wynn can play on running downs too.

sad to see strahan go though.

[Arctic Blast]

Curious to see if Kiwanuka stays at linebacker, since they've said from the first day of his transition that he'd go back to end when Strahan walked away. Who would replace him on the strong side if Kiwa does go back to the line full time?

Regardless, he does play there on passing downs, and Tuck's a really nice player. I don't thing they really need to go after Taylor.

[Honolulu_Blue]

The Bears have released Cedric Benson.

http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/06/09/buh-bye-benson/

I don't know about this Bears team. They appear to be weaker at WR and RB. They are going in with Orton and Grossman at QB. Their defense is another year older and chock full of injury concerns. Could be a long year in Chicago.

[Atocep]

The Bears have released Cedric Benson.

http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/06/09/buh-bye-benson/

I don't know about this Bears team. They appear to be weaker at WR and RB. They are going in with Orton and Grossman at QB. Their defense is another year older and chock full of injury concerns. Could be a long year in Chicago.

The line is a bigger concern than RB. Benson showed he could be a productive back behind a good line, but the line last year was one of the 3 worst in the NFL. There weren't many running backs in the NFL that would have looked good playing for the bears last season. The coaching staff is really high on Forte so I don't think they would have released Benson if they didn't think Forte would win the job anyway.

[rjolley]

Well, Benson needed to go before the offseason troubles. The team is arguably worse than last year on offense and that will not bold well for the defense.

Here's to hoping Forte and the young o-linemen can surprise us all and grind out some wins.

[flere-imsaho]

Benson showed he could be a productive back behind a good line

I'm of the opinion that almost any back can be productive behind a good line, though. You know, assuming the back is at least NFL caliber, you should be able to get a good 3.8 YPC and 1000 yards a year, these days.

With the lack of drafting/trading for a QB, and releasing Benson, I think the Bears have slipped full-on into rebuilding mode. Might as well, to be honest.

[Coffee Warlord]

I don't know about this Bears team. They appear to be weaker at WR and RB. They are going in with Orton and Grossman at QB. Their defense is another year older and chock full of injury concerns. Could be a long year in Chicago.

The amount of things that have to go right for anything to happen for the Bears this year...

- Forte has to be good.
- The O-Line has to dramatically improve on last year. They're still not getting any younger there, either (Chris Williams aside).
- Marty Booker has to lose about 5 years and make it through a season as a top-notch possession receiver.
- Devin Hester has to absolutely excel next to Booker as a deep threat.
- Someone, anyone, has to become a legitimate receiver admist a crew full of nobodies.
- Mike Brown needs to remain healthy.
- Urlacher needs to stop pouting and stay healthy.
- The D-Line needs to stay healthy and the injured "rookies" (Dvoracek and a couple others) need to prove they can play.
- Lovie Smith needs to learn how to adapt to game situations. Like, you know, a real coach.

And that's without even looking at the QB situation.

There's wayyyyyy too many things have have to go right (and some of them are huge longshots) for the Bears to have a shot.

[Honolulu_Blue]

The amount of things that have to go right for anything to happen for the Bears this year...

- Forte has to be good.
- The O-Line has to dramatically improve on last year. They're still not getting any younger there, either (Chris Williams aside).
- Marty Booker has to lose about 5 years and make it through a season as a top-notch possession receiver.
- Devin Hester has to absolutely excel next to Booker as a deep threat.
- Someone, anyone, has to become a legitimate receiver admist a crew full of nobodies.
- Mike Brown needs to remain healthy.
- Urlacher needs to stop pouting and stay healthy.
- The D-Line needs to stay healthy and the injured "rookies" (Dvoracek and a couple others) need to prove they can play.

And that's without even looking at the QB situation.

There's wayyyyyy too many things have have to go right (and some of them are huge longshots) for the Bears to have a shot.

I just wish the Bears had held on to the Detroit Lions 2007 MVP Brian Griese. I'll miss that guy.

[Atocep]

I just wish the Bears had held on to the Detroit Lions 2007 MVP Brian Griese. I'll miss that guy.

With Rex on the roster there's still hope of bigger and better things for the lions this season.

[Honolulu_Blue]

With Rex on the roster there's still hope of bigger and better things for the lions this season.


You would think that, but...

Sexy Rexy is 2-0 in his career against the Lions:

His combined stats in those games: 40/63, 486 YDS, 4TD/0 Int.

Orton is 2-0 in his career against the Lions:

His combined stats in those games: 31/52, 380 YDS, 2TD/0 Int.

Last year, Griese was 0-2 against the Lions:

His combined stats in those games: 66/92, 494 YDS, 3 TD/7 Int.

[MrBug708]

With current, former Ravens attending, Ogden makes it official
Associated Press
June 12, 2008


There was no crying, no second-guessing and absolutely no regrets.

Jonathan Ogden wore a broad, toothy smile Thursday as the left tackle announced his retirement after a 12-year career in which he established himself as one of the greatest offensive linemen in NFL history.

Ogden, 33, was selected to play in 11 Pro Bowls, and he probably would have made it an even dozen had he opted to return for another season with the Baltimore Ravens.

But because he couldn't operate at peak efficiency with a hyperextended left big toe, the decision to call it a career was relatively easy.

"When you play football for as long as I have, it's really difficult to know injuries just won't let you play at the level that you all and myself expect me to play," Ogden said in a packed auditorium that included at least 15 of his former teammates.

"Could I have still gone out there and played? Yes, probably, and still done an adequate job," Ogden said. "But in my mind, I wouldn't have been helping the team as much as I needed to. And it wouldn't have been good for me."

Ogden has always been a perfectionist, but the Ravens would have been happy to have him back at less than 100 percent -- because even then, Ogden would still be better than almost everyone else at opening up running lanes and protecting the quarterback.

Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome, who made Ogden the team's first-ever draft pick in 1996, said: "I've had the opportunity to be in this league for over 30 years, and I've had a chance to witness a lot of very good football players. But in my humble opinion, there's not a player I've seen in those 30 years that played their position as well as Jonathan Ogden played his."

Former Ravens guard Edwin Mulitalo, who lined up next to Ogden for seven years, said, "What Ray Lewis and Junior Seau are to linebackers, what Jerry Rice is to wide receivers, Jonathan Ogden is to offensive linemen."

Ogden's retirement comes during an offseason in which stars such as Brett Favre, Michael Strahan and Warren Sapp also stepped aside. Asked his thoughts about potentially being part of a memorable Hall of Fame class in 2013, Ogden said, "Honestly, just to be mentioned in that whole discussion is truly an honor for me."

But playing for a place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame was never his objective.

"I would just like to be remembered as a guy who was respected by everybody," Ogden said. "We don't have the stats like at every other position, so it's more about how people respect you. I just wanted to be one of the most respected linemen that played the game. And I think I have done that."

Few defensive ends relished going up against the 6-foot-9, 345-pound Ogden, who used his size and uncanny quickness to fend off any would-be tackler. He also had excellent technique, whether pushing downfield to make a block or stepping back to form a pocket around the quarterback.

Trevor Pryce, now with the Ravens, faced Ogden when Pryce was with the Denver Broncos. "I only played against Jonathan once, and that was more than enough. I think I had a half-tackle and didn't get near the quarterback," Pryce said. "The game came effortless to him. ... He was the best I ever played against."

Ogden wasn't the stereotypical offensive lineman. He regularly read books, didn't drive fancy cars and was notoriously slow to pick up a check at a restaurant.

"You remember him reading vampire books, asking us to pay for him when we went to the movies. Everyone knows what type of player he is, but you remember the stuff in the locker room," said Mulitalo, who came in from Detroit to be with Ogden at his retirement announcement.

Former Ravens running back Priest Holmes said, "He always had a book in his hand ... We always knew there was a lot more to him. A thinking person."

In the months ahead, Ogden will have plenty of time to think, read, play golf and solidify his place in the Baltimore community.

"There's a huge part of me that is going to miss playing football. But at the same time, I realize that it is time," said Ogden, who played in a career-low 11 games last season because of the toe injury. "I know I gave everything I had in 12 years. I left it out there every Sunday on the field for this town, myself and this organization. I can look back and say I have no regrets. I'm at peace with that."

Ogden's favorite season was in 2000, when the Ravens won the Super Bowl (he wore his Super Bowl ring Thursday). But he was proudest of his performance in 2003, when he helped pave the way for Jamal Lewis to run for 2,066 yards -- second-most in NFL history.

Come this fall, Ogden will view football from a vastly different perspective.

"I'm looking forward to going to the first home game and just kind of watching, being a football fan again," he said. "I want to be like everybody else and get mad at the TV and all that stuff on Sundays."

But what about next year? When his toe is completely healed, would Ogden consider a return to the NFL?

"You don't have to worry about me coming back," he said with a laugh. "That won't be happening."

---------------------------------------------------------

Ogden was prototype tackle of his era
By John Clayton
ESPN.com
June 12, 2008


Now that Jonathan Ogden of the Baltimore Ravens has officially retired, the scenario I've feared for the past couple of years has come to fruition.

His retirement begins the close of perhaps the greatest blocking era in NFL history. Ogden came into the league in 1996 along with Bengals right tackle Willie Anderson. The 1997 draft produced Orlando Pace, Walter Jones and Tarik Glenn. The following year brought William Thomas and Flozell Adams into the league.

Those seven tackles have gone to a combined 40 Pro Bowls. More than anything else, that three-year cycle of tackles changed the game, and it all started with Ogden.

What made the 6-foot-9, 345-pound tackle so great was that he was so much more dominating than those who went against him. He towered over his opponents but was able to lower his basketball-style body into blocking stances that prevented even the shortest defensive ends from getting past him. His ability to consistently nullify the opponent's right defensive end or best pass-rusher without blocking help from teammates opened up offenses to where they are today.

With Ogden taking out the best pass-rusher, Ravens offensive coaches were able to free a tight end on routes downfield instead of keeping him around the offensive line for double-team blocks.

Pace followed shortly, and before long, Mike Martz, the Rams' offensive coordinator during their Super Bowl championship year in 1999, was able to send all his receivers on routes because he felt confident Pace could buy time for Kurt Warner to stay upright in the pocket. More and more teams with a left tackle cut from the Ogden mold were able to spread the field with receivers and watch their passing numbers prosper.

To truly understand Ogden's effect, you have to go back to the era he entered in 1996. The league was struggling on offense. Most of the starting quarterbacks were aging and well into their 30s, while few quarterbacks were coming out of college with the ability to play. By the late 1990s, the situation was so desperate that a quarterback could play a season in NFL Europe, come back the next year and start.

Teams were scoring an average of 20.45 points per game and attempting 33.26 passes a game with 19.1 completions in 1996. Quarterbacks were being victimized for 2.3 sacks a game. Brett Favre dominated because he was Brett Favre. Others struggled.

The three-year tackle evolution -- and there were other left tackles from those three drafts who started -- formed a foundation for teams to begin the passing evolution that has continued into today. With more receivers spreading the field, quarterbacks didn't have to drop back seven steps to pass. Quicker, more viable receiving options were available.

The evolution also allowed the league to get younger and better at quarterback. Last season's throwers completed 20.36 of their 33 pass attempts a game. Twenty-four quarterbacks completed 60 percent of their passes. Sacks dropped to 2.15 per game.

Unfortunately, Ogden never had a great quarterback who could take advantage of all the options that were open to the Ravens' offense, but whenever the quarterback play was good enough, the Ravens won. Steve McNair came over with experience in 2006, and the Ravens won 13 games. And when Trent Dilfer, a smart signal-caller, was under center, the Ravens won a Super Bowl in 2000.

Game-changers come around maybe once a decade, and Ogden, in my opinion, was the game-changer at left tackle. He was a human mountain at the position and an amazing athlete who could position his body between a defensive end and his quarterback. Whether blocking on a running play or a pass play, Ogden won his assignment.

I can think of only a couple of positions in modern history that have had such an influx of talent in such a short period of time, changing the game like the mid-1990s changed left tackle.

John Elway, Dan Marino and Jim Kelly were part of the great draft class of 1983. Warren Moon and Steve Young entered the league in 1984 and 1985, respectively. They all had Hall of Fame careers and set new standards for play at quarterback. This was right when the NFL was making the turn from a running league to a passing league.

The linebacker position changed in 1981, thanks to Lawrence Taylor. Taylor was a college defensive end Bill Parcells turned into a linebacker in a 3-4 defense. Given the extra couple of steps and the ability to stand up before the start of plays, Taylor was unblockable. Mike Singletary also was part of that 1981 draft, and his vision and ability to read plays set new standards at middle linebacker. Andre Tippett of the Patriots, another version of Taylor, entered the league in 1982.

Football changed for the better, thanks to their contributions.

Although he was a quiet, thoughtful person, Ogden also changed the perception of blockers. He changed the pay structure of the league, making left tackle one of the top-paid positions in the sport, with salaries equivalent to those of quarterbacks. Left tackle Jake Long of the Dolphins just received a $10 million a year contract as the first pick in the draft.

Ogden protected quarterbacks, and his agent, Marvin Demoff, creatively found ways to keep his salary at levels no one ever expected for what once was considered an anonymous position.

It will be interesting to see how many of the top left tackles from those three years make the Hall of Fame. Ogden should be a first-ballot Hall of Famer. He went to 11 Pro Bowls. Retired Chiefs and Saints tackle Willie Roaf, who was part of the class of 1993, has a good chance, too. He also went to 11 Pro Bowls. Jones has gone to eight Pro Bowls, and Pace has gone to seven. Both of them have a chance.

It was a marvelous era for blocking, and I wonder how the game will change as these tackles filter out of the league. Jones still is at the top of his game in Seattle, but he has been bothered by shoulder problems the past couple of seasons. Pace is starting to fight injuries. Glenn surprisingly retired last year. Adams signed an extension with the Cowboys during the offseason.

Joe Thomas of the Browns offers hope for the future with last year's Pro Bowl season as a rookie in Cleveland. And the seven tackles taken in the first round of the 2008 draft will help fill the void.

But don't expect the level of play provided by Ogden and his contemporaries. He was part of a special time for this league. He will be missed.

[Travis]

As a Seahawks fan who absolutely fears the day Big Walt retires, a definite tip of the cap to Ogden who was phenomenal at the position.

[Pyser]

notoriously slow to pick up a check.

how bout that.

[Galaxy]

Now it's getting pretty interesting in Buffalo:

http://www.wgrz.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=58323&catid=37

[JPhillips]

Now Ogden can devote himself to his dancin career.

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[miami_fan]

And the hits keep right on coming!

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/football/nfl/06/18/arrington.arrested.ap/index.html

ROCKY MOUNT, N.C. (AP) -- Arizona Cardinals running back J.J. Arrington was among five people arrested after a fight at a nightclub in North Carolina.

Police in Rocky Mount said an off-duty officer called for assistance around 1:30 a.m. Wednesday after the fight broke out at the D&I Center nightclub. The 25-year-old Arrington was charged with disorderly conduct.

Nash County sheriff's Sgt. T.R. Lamm said a magistrate later ordered Arrington held for 24 hours for contempt of court.

The four others arrested were charged with simple affray. One was also charged with assault on a government official.

Arrington was born in Nashville, N.C. He was a second-round pick out of California in the 2005 NFL draft.

Copyright 2008 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

[miami_fan]

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/football/nfl/06/19/pacman.dead.woman.ap/index.html?cnn=yes

NEW YORK (AP) -- A Bronx woman who was involved in a Las Vegas brawl that police say NFL star Adam "Pacman" Jones' incited has been found dead.

Police say 26-year-old Sadia Morrison was found dead last week behind a Bronx building. Officers found her unresponsive with injuries consistent with a fall.

The medical examiner will determine her cause of death.

Morrison pleaded no contest to a felony battery charge last year in Las Vegas.

She was involved in a strip club melee that Las Vegas police say was incited by Jones, who pleaded no contest to a disorderly conduct charge.

Jones, traded from Tennessee to Dallas this year, missed all of the 2007 season while serving an NFL suspension that hasn't yet been completely lifted.

[molson]

Every once in a while you get an NFL player off-season story that doesn't involve the police.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3477130

Chiefs' Gonzalez saves man from choking to death

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- A California man says Pro Bowl tight end Tony Gonzalez of the Kansas City Chiefs kept him from choking to death.

"Tony saved my life. There's no doubt," Ken Hunter, a shipping company manager, told The Associated Press in a phone interview from Huntington Beach, Calif.

"Tony came up behind me and gave me the Heimlich maneuver. Thank God he was there."

Gonzalez, a nine-time Pro Bowl selection who has set numerous NFL records, was having dinner with his wife, brother and 5-week-old daughter at Capone's restaurant in Huntington Beach Thursday night. Hunter, 45, was dining with his girlfriend at the next table when suddenly a piece of meat stuck in his throat.

"I tried to take a drink of water, but I couldn't swallow," Hunter told The AP. "Then I couldn't breathe. That's a terrible feeling. I couldn't breathe. Then I guess I started to panic."

Gonzalez, sitting with his back to Hunter's table, looked around when he heard Hunter's companion yelling.

"She was screaming, 'He can't breathe, he can't breathe,'" Gonzalez said by phone from California, where he lives in the offseason. "The whole restaurant was quiet. Nobody was doing anything.

"Then I saw he was turning blue. Everybody in the restaurant was just kind of sitting there wide-eyed."

The 6-foot-5 Gonzalez, about a foot taller than Hunter, jumped out of his chair and came up behind the stricken man and began to perform the Heimlich maneuver.

"After just a few seconds, the piece of meat popped out," Hunter said. "I could breathe again. It's a good thing Tony is so tall because I had stood up -- I think."

Diana Martin, a restaurant employee, said no one else seemed to know what to do.

"He was so lucky Tony was there," Martin said. "In a situation like that, every second counts. It helped a lot that Tony's a big, strong guy because you have to be able to apply some pretty good pressure. I don't think I would have been strong enough to help him."

Hunter went into the restroom to clean up and didn't realize he'd been saved by a famous athlete until he came out.

"I'm a big NFL fan and I recognized him right away. I was still kind of dazed when I went over and thanked him and said, 'What can I do for you?' I guess I said it about 1,000 times."

Gonzalez, who has been active in charity and community activities during a brilliant career with the Chiefs, said he had no intention of having the incident become public.

"The next night I had a dinner for my grandmother's 90th birthday, and people were saying, `Why didn't you tell me about that?' I honestly don't want to make a big deal out of it. But of course it does give me a lot of satisfaction to know that I was able to help somebody."

One of the most productive receivers in pro football history, Gonzalez holds the NFL record for tight ends with 820 career receptions and 102 catches in a season. He needs only 79 more yards receiving to become the career leader among tight ends.

He has never received any formal instruction in the Heimlich maneuver.

"I had seen it done, so I just did it," Gonzalez said. "When you find yourself in those situations where you have to take action in a crucial situation, you just do it. I got the same feeling I get when I go on a hospital visit."

Hunter is a lifelong fan of the San Diego Chargers, one of Kansas City's key rivals in the AFC West, and plans to be at the game when the Chiefs visit the Chargers on Nov. 9.

"I'm Tony's No. 1 fan now," he said.

And what will this longtime follower of the Chargers do if they're ahead by four or five points in the final minute and Gonzalez runs into the end zone and leaps up for what would be the game-winning touchdown for K.C.?

"I'm going to be yelling for Tony to catch the ball," Hunter said. "I think all my friends will understand."

[JonInMiddleGA]

If this was posted already, I didn't see it ...
http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/stories/2008/07/07/nbcnfl_0708.html

New York — Dan Patrick and Keith Olbermann are reuniting on television on NBC's Sunday night NFL coverage.

The network announced Monday that it had hired Patrick, hoping the recapture the chemistry that hooked viewers to ESPN's "SportsCenter" during the pair's run from 1992-97.

"It was seamless. We never tried to understand why it worked," Patrick said on a conference call. "It just did."

Patrick joins the returning cast of NBC's studio show that includes Olbermann and host Bob Costas. Patrick said the idea originated in casual conversations with Costas, some of whose highlight duties he will take.

Patrick's discussions with NBC initially took place last summer. But his then-employer, ESPN, invoked a clause in Patrick's contract and barred him from covering the NFL or Olympics on TV for a year, said NBC Sports chief Dick Ebersol.

Since leaving ESPN in August, Patrick has hosted a radio show and written for Sports Illustrated.

Patrick will work Super Bowls that NBC broadcasts and will participate in the network's Olympic coverage starting with the Winter Games in 2010.

[muns]

I dont know why but i did always like their shows together. Glad to see this happen.

[Eaglesfan27]

Saw this link on OS, thought it would be of interest here for those who don't read their site and may have otherwise missed the link. Apparently, the Rooney family is quietly considering selling the Steelers:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121546397767833575.html?mod=hpp_us_whats_news

[muns]

As A Pittsburgh Die hard, this would be really sad as the Rooney's have been around forever. Kinda Stunned by this.

[Butter]

Hunter is a lifelong fan of the San Diego Chargers, one of Kansas City's key rivals in the AFC West, and plans to be at the game when the Chiefs visit the Chargers on Nov. 9.

"I'm Tony's No. 1 fan now," he said.

And what will this longtime follower of the Chargers do if they're ahead by four or five points in the final minute and Gonzalez runs into the end zone and leaps up for what would be the game-winning touchdown for K.C.?

"I'm going to be yelling for Tony to catch the ball," Hunter said. "I think all my friends will understand."

Pussy.

[RomaGoth]

Although he is bringing shame upon the Faulk namesake, I still love any bad publicity for the Patriots. :p

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3479733

Faulk pleads no contest, receives one year of probation

Associated Press

<!-- end page tools --><!-- begin story body --> <!-- template inline -->Updated: July 9, 2008, 11:12 AM ET

LAFAYETTE, La. - New England Patriots (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=nwe) running back Kevin Faulk (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=4695) has pleaded no contest to a charge of misdemeanor marijuana possession.
<!-- begin player card -->
Kevin Faulk (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=4695)

http://assets.espn.go.com/i/nfl/profiles/players/mugs/65x90/1798.jpg Running Back
New England Patriots
Profile (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=4695)

<table cellspacing="0"> <caption>2007 Season Stats</caption> <tbody><tr class="io-columnHeaders"> <td>Rush</td> <td>Yds</td> <td>TD</td> <td>Rec</td> <td>Yds</td> <td>TD</td> </tr> <tr> <td>62</td> <td>265</td> <td>0</td> <td>47</td> <td>383</td> <td>1</td> </tr> </tbody></table>
<!-- end player card --> Faulk was issued a misdemeanor summons for simple possession of marijuana at a Lil Wayne concert at the Cajundome in February. A Lafayette Parish sheriff's deputy allegedly found four marijuana cigarettes in Faulk's jacket during a routine search.
On Tuesday, Faulk, a Louisiana native and an LSU graduate, received a five-month suspended sentence, one year of supervised probation, 40 hours of community service to be served in the form of anti-drug lectures to students at Lafayette Parish middle and high schools and 20 hours of NFL-approved substance-abuse treatment.
Faulk told The (Lafayette) Daily Advertiser the case is behind him and he is "focusing on football and getting ready for the season."

Last season, Faulk had 47 catches for 383 yards and a touchdown, and had 62 carries for 265 yards. Faulk, who has spent his entire career with the Patriots, was a second-round draft choice in 1999.

Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press

[Suburban Rhythm]

Saw this link on OS, thought it would be of interest here for those who don't read their site and may have otherwise missed the link. Apparently, the Rooney family is quietly considering selling the Steelers:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121546397767833575.html?mod=hpp_us_whats_news

As A Pittsburgh Die hard, this would be really sad as the Rooney's have been around forever. Kinda Stunned by this.

The reality is there will be Rooney ownership. The question is how much.

Dan Rooney, one of the 5 sons of original owner Art Rooney Sr, is the Steelers Chairman. Other of the brothers also have ownership interests in a horse racing track and a dog racing track, both of which now have other gambling (slot machines, poker) that the NFL frowns upon.

Dan's preference would be to take over the 80% ownership stake of the other 4 brothers. Problem there is, the Steelers are estimated to be worth about $1B. He doesn't have the cash to buy out $800M. He would be able to offset some of that with his ownership portion of the other interests, but it won't be nearly enough.

The prospective buyer is a Pittsburgh hedge fund manager worth about $3.5B.

A couple good articles-

http://www.postgazette.com/pg/08191/895738-194.stm

http://www.postgazette.com/pg/08191/895718-66.stm

[Greyroofoo]

Even though it's probably nothing...

This has me concerned as a Colts fan. (http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080714/SPORTS03/80714062)

[albionmoonlight]

Even though it's probably nothing...

This has me concerned as a Colts fan. (http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080714/SPORTS03/80714062)

It would have me concerned, too. But the good news is Manning is one of the few players in the NFL who can miss a whole training camp and preseason and still come in in week 1 and throw for 350 and 3 touchdowns.

Heck, at this age, it might be good for his body to not have to go through the training camp grind every year.

[Lathum]

ugh

I love Taylor but the redskins are easily my least favorite team in all of sports
( tied with the yankees).

[larrymcg421]

Zach and Jason now both gone. :(

[Subby]

Sick of seeing the 'Skins shed draft picks like Anthony sheds dandruff, but not sure they really had a choice here.

Hopefully Taylor won't be a glory hogging me-firster like that assclown Bruce Smith was...

[Izulde]

Ugh.

Still, if he had to go, at least we got two picks out of him and one was a 2nd rounder, which realistically is pretty good for a 33 year old DE whose commitment to football some call into question.

[Eaglesfan27]

Saints just traded a 2nd and 5th rounder for Shockey. No surprise as they have been coveting him the entire offseason.

[rkmsuf]

Saints just traded a 2nd and 5th rounder for Shockey. No surprise as they have been coveting him the entire offseason.

terrible trade for the saints

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Saints just traded a 2nd and 5th rounder for Shockey. No surprise as they have been coveting him the entire offseason.

That seems to be a pretty good trade IMO for the Saints. Am I missing something about any baggage on Shockey other than the fact that he likes to express his opinion on occasion?

[gstelmack]

That seems to be a pretty good trade IMO for the Saints. Am I missing something about any baggage on Shockey other than the fact that he likes to express his opinion on occasion?

Too easy. Just way, way, way too easy.

[rkmsuf]

That seems to be a pretty good trade IMO for the Saints. Am I missing something about any baggage on Shockey other than the fact that he likes to express his opinion on occasion?

not sure what his contract is but I'd guess it's pretty good


giants did just fine without him

[Peregrine]

Seems like a good move for the Saints as they get solid production at a position they need help at, and another target for Brees can't hurt.

[albionmoonlight]

Probably a good trade for both teams. The Giants did fine without him.

I think that with his attitude and injury history he is a bigger risk than a team wants for a second round pick. But the Saints also realize that they are in that area where you need to take some chances and get lucky if you are planning to win the Super Bowl.

Basically, if this works, it might be enough to get them to the Super Bowl. If it does not, then they could be in a worse hole than when they started. But I think that they looked at the team right before camp and decided that they had to do something to try to make a run.

Also, Drew Brees has not had anything at tight end since he left the Chargers. It was the biggest hole on the team.

Finally, as a Saints fan, I don't really like this trade. I hate baggage players, and I would prefer not to have to root for one. Oh well. Here's hoping that he proves me wrong.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Too easy. Just way, way, way too easy.

I have 'Ocho Cinco' plastered on my work shirt.

[LloydLungs]

Finally, as a Saints fan, I don't really like this trade. I hate baggage players, and I would prefer not to have to root for one. Oh well. Here's hoping that he proves me wrong.

Yep -- I understand that, on paper, this really fills a need for the Saints, but trading for cancers rarely works out. I mean, everyone will always point to Randy Moss as the classic "see, it can work" example, but I really don't think Payton is the kind of VERY unique personality that can diffuse a cancer.

The Saints are now just about impossible to root for, which really hurts. I was really starting to get back into the Saints in this post-Katrina sports renaissance in New Orleans, and now I'm basically having to put my fandom on suspension pending the removal of this asshole from the roster. We still have a relentlessly likeable pro team in town with the Hornets. Just gonna have to focus on them.

[sabotai]

Probably a good trade for both teams. The Giants did fine without him.

I'll bet the last few months of Shockey and his well-known agent doing a LOT of talking through the media the trouble he's already caused in training camp had more to do with the Giants' decision to trade him than their run without him to the Super Bowl. Basically, he's generally been acting like a baby so far in training camp, moreso than he usually does. I'm sure that tilted the scales towards the "trade him" side.

Kevin Boss can fill in as the receiver part of Shockey, but Boss is absolutely horrible at run blocking, which may not have been Shockey's greatest ability, but he's far better at it than Boss. The Giants better focus on that for Boss during training camp.

Overall, I say the trade was good for the Giants. Seeing (well, hearing about) how Shockey has behaved during the offseason made it pretty clear to me that there was no way Shockey wanted to be in New York and he would be far too much of a distraction, again much more than he previously was.

[Doug5984]

If it wouldn't be for Coach Payton having coached Shockey already I'd be really worried about this, because of the baggage. However, Payton is a guy who does not bring in "cancer" type players, and I have to trust his judgment on this one.

Also, one way to keep a receiver in line is to have a true leader at the QB position, and Drew Brees is without a doubt that. Before this trade the Saints had no "look at me" type players... I think if he can stay happy this is a GREAT trade for the Saints, if he gets all pissy, it costs us a 2nd round pick...oh well, our drafting history hasn't been that great anyway.

[StLee]

The Saints are now just about impossible to root for, which really hurts. I was really starting to get back into the Saints in this post-Katrina sports renaissance in New Orleans, and now I'm basically having to put my fandom on suspension pending the removal of this asshole from the roster. We still have a relentlessly likeable pro team in town with the Hornets. Just gonna have to focus on them.

Really, that "the Saints are impossible to root for" comment was an absurd statement.

You must not have been much of a fan to begin with if one guy who makes noise (I don't see any police reports out there) makes you not root for the Saints. What about all of the positives surrounding the Saints? Drew Brees and Deuce McAllister, among other Saints players, have been huge and visible in charity work for New Orleans and the surrounding areas. To me, the Saints have been one of the major blessings to New Orleans post-Katrina. That makes them EASY to root for.

[Lathum]

Goos riddence to bad trash.

Someone who has watched every Giants game of Shockeys careeer I can tell you I am glad he is gone.

It gets old really fast watching him bitch on the sidelines and bitch in the huddle. I honestly think him always being in Eli's face held Eli back, it is no coincidence when Scockey went down the Giants started winning.

People call him a "firery competitor" I call him a whiney bitch and am glad he is gone.

[LloydLungs]

Really, that "the Saints are impossible to root for" comment was an absurd statement.

You must not have been much of a fan to begin with if one guy who makes noise (I don't see any police reports out there) makes you not root for the Saints. What about all of the positives surrounding the Saints? Drew Brees and Deuce McAllister, among other Saints players, have been huge and visible in charity work for New Orleans and the surrounding areas. To me, the Saints have been one of the major blessings to New Orleans post-Katrina. That makes them EASY to root for.

What can I say? I dislike Jeremy Shockey that much. He is an absolutely miserable human being. His playing for the Saints is not even the biggest problem -- it's going to be the proliferation of Jeremy Shockey jerseys and Jeremy Shockey fans in my beloved hometown. They're a very specific type of knucklehead. I am now going to be unable to swing a dead cat without hitting some fucking illiterate Shockey worshipper screaming something unintelligible. They've been quiet lately with Kyle Turley and Joe Horn out of the picture. I kinda liked it that way.

Ah well. Serenity now. Chris Paul.

[Doug5984]

If Shockey can be the one player to turn you off to your beloved hometown team, then let Drew Brees be the one guy that can bring you back to even.
Then you have guys like Colston, Duece, McKenzie, Grant, Bush, Fujita, Karney, etc... who are all such great guys to bring you back to the- it's a team you can be proud of.

[LloydLungs]

Brees and Deuce and McKenzie and all those other guys are great, but the bottom line is that Shockey is a DOMINANT personality, for better or (usually) worse. He is a "face of the franchise" kind of personality. I'm confident there will be more Shockey jerseys locally than Brees or even Bush jerseys. There is just a huge idiotic subset of the sports fan community -- unfortunately larger here than in most cities -- that worship players like this.

I was just on Saintsreport where some troglodyte was all excited because he couldn't wait for Shockey to rip somebody's helmet off and toss it across the field. Never mind that when Turley did that it cost the Saints a game; he's still a legend here for that. I was just really enjoying not having a personality like this around...

[Lathum]

Brees and Deuce and McKenzie and all those other guys are great, but the bottom line is that Shockey is a DOMINANT personality, for better or (usually) worse.

This is correct, he has the ability to change the entire mood/ persona of a team.

He is a "face of the franchise" kind of personality. I'm confident there will be more Shockey jerseys locally than Brees or even Bush jerseys. There is just a huge idiotic subset of the sports fan community -- unfortunately larger here than in most cities -- that worship players like this

not really sure why you care what jersey other fans of the team wear.



I was just on Saintsreport where some troglodyte was all excited because he couldn't wait for Shockey to rip somebody's helmet off and toss it across the field. Never mind that when Turley did that it cost the Saints a game; he's still a legend here for that. I was just really enjoying not having a personality like this around...

My experience with Shockey is he is more a danger to the players on his own team then the other team. Wait until he is open a few times and breese misses him and he starts bitching in the huddle and on the sidelines.

[LloydLungs]

I only mentioned the jersey thing to demonstrate my first point. He is the kind of personality that pretty much defines the franchise while he's there.

My experience with Shockey is he is more a danger to the players on his own team then the other team. Wait until he is open a few times and breese misses him and he starts bitching in the huddle and on the sidelines.

Yeah, I know. I'm not looking forward to this either. I've noticed that he even tends to cry and blame the quarterback for his DROPS. I'm expecting a brief honeymoon period here, but I'm pretty sure this is going to be a mess before too long.

[Lathum]

Yeah, I know. I'm not looking forward to this either. I've noticed that he even tends to cry and blame the quarterback for his DROPS. I'm expecting a brief honeymoon period here, but I'm pretty sure this is going to be a mess before too long.

I think you are correct.

The guy just doesn't understand the team concept. He is honestly more selfish then TO.

[Kodos]

ESPN - Skins trade for Dolphins' Taylor after Daniels goes down - NFL (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3497625)

Jason Taylor to the Redskins for a 2nd rounder and a 6th in 2010.

Ugh. Over the past 2 offseasons, my top three favorite remaining Dolphins have now gone to Washington.... Dallas.... and New England.


Ugh.

[JeeberD]

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!

Dolphins QB race reaches nadir: Quincy Carter coming in for a tryout? | Inside the Dolphins (http://www.palmbeachpost.com/blogs/content/shared-blogs/palmbeach/miamidolphins/entries/2008/07/30/dolphins_qb_races_reaches_nadi.html)

Poor Kodos... :D

[JeeberD]

Seriously? None of you care that Q might be back in the NFL? Who the hell are you people, and what have you done with the FOFC I know and love?!?

[miami_fan]

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!

Dolphins QB race reaches nadir: Quincy Carter coming in for a tryout? | Inside the Dolphins (http://www.palmbeachpost.com/blogs/content/shared-blogs/palmbeach/miamidolphins/entries/2008/07/30/dolphins_qb_races_reaches_nadi.html)

Poor Kodos... :D

If he can at least catch passes with no coverage whatsoever, he has a shot at the #1 wideout slot:mad:

Bastard:D

[miami_fan]

Anyone have any thoughts on the Steve Smith sucker punch on his teammate? I know it was a "minor" story compared to well you know who, but it is not ever day a Pro Bowl WR gets suspended for two games.

[Kodos]

The Bill loves The Q!


Say, anyone hear that Brett Favre unretired and has been traded to the Jets?

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

The Farve trade story has put KC into the rumor wagon. It appears that Pennington will be cut by the Jets. The obvious rumor is that KC would be interested in signing him as the backup QB and reunite him with Herm.

[Thomkal]

The Farve trade story has put KC into the rumor wagon. It appears that Pennington will be cut by the Jets. The obvious rumor is that KC would be interested in signing him as the backup QB and reunite him with Herm.

Though it would make sense given the history, I hope it doesn't happen. Why? Because former Coastal Carolina QB Tyler Thigpen is currently #2 on the depth chart in KC, and it'd be a big thrill to see him get more playing time this year.

Of course Tyler Thigpen as your #2 QB is probably a good reason to sign Pennington...

[miami_fan]

Though it would make sense given the history, I hope it doesn't happen. Why? Because former Coastal Carolina QB Tyler Thigpen is currently #2 on the depth chart in KC, and it'd be a big thrill to see him get more playing time this year.

Of course Tyler Thigpen as your #2 QB is probably a good reason to sign Pennington...

Thigpen is #2? What happened to Damon Huard?

Speaking of Qb depth charts, the Dolphins did their QB depth chart by seniority so Josh McCowan is leading the way, then John Beck and Chad Henne. However based on camp reports, Henne is the best QB and the Dolphins will pursue Chad Pennington. There is a very real possibilty that Beck will be cut before the regular season starts.

[JeeberD]

All I know is that for the two days after he got suspended, all the talk here was, "Is Jerry going to try and trade for him now that his stock is lower?"

[Thomkal]

Thigpen is #2? What happened to Damon Huard?

Speaking of Qb depth charts, the Dolphins did their QB depth chart by seniority so Josh McCowan is leading the way, then John Beck and Chad Henne. However based on camp reports, Henne is the best QB and the Dolphins will pursue Chad Pennington. There is a very real possibilty that Beck will be cut before the regular season starts.

According to the local paper who did an article on Thigpen today, he's #2 on the depth chart. However I see in the Chiefs exhibition game tonight, Huard came in after Croyle so who knows?

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

According to the local paper who did an article on Thigpen today, he's #2 on the depth chart. However I see in the Chiefs exhibition game tonight, Huard came in after Croyle so who knows?

The Chiefs wanted Thigpen to play a full half uninterrupted. So it made sense to hold him off until the second half instead of him playing the second and third quarter. Thigpen is the #2 QB.

[Thomkal]

cool, thanks Mizzou. Thigpen was a bit shaky, INT, half of passes completed, but threw a nice TD pass to Sippio.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

cool, thanks Mizzou. Thigpen was a bit shaky, INT, half of passes completed, but threw a nice TD pass to Sippio.

Yeah, he didn't play all that great last night, but my understanding is that the #2 spot is his to lose.

[Coffee Warlord]

Start Caleb Hanie!

[TazFTW]

According to the bottom crawl on ESPNEWS, Pacman has been reinstated.

[B & B]

Next week: Jerry Jones crawfished Devil on Pac-Man deal, sells soul on EBAY to Oprah.

[Lathum]

sweet, I drafted Dallas' defense pretty early anticipating this.

[Cringer]

It was cut down weekend baby. I guess the "big" cuts came from Cincy, but I don't care about those much.

Green Bay cut...

Released Saturday were wide receiver Jake Allen, cornerback Scorpio Babers, defensive tackle Conrad Bolston, center Brennen Carvalho, safety Tyrone Culver, linebacker Spencer Havner, tight end Joey Haynos, running back Noah Herron, guard Ryan Keenan, linebacker Danny Lansanah, defensive tackle Alfred Malone, running back Vernand Morency, defensive tackle Daniel Muir, cornerback Joe Porter, wide receiver Johnny Quinn, wide receiver Taj Smith, wide receiver Brett Swain, tackle Orrin Thompson and fullback Corey White.

Defensive tackle Rodney Allen (http://www.packers.com/team/players/allen_rodney/), center Junius Coston (http://www.packers.com/team/players/coston_junius/) and long snapper J.J. Jansen (http://www.packers.com/team/players/jansen_j.j./) were placed on injured reserve.
So looking at the list I am a little disappointed to see a couple names. I always seem to become fans of Packer RBs for some reason, so Noah Herron and Vernand Morency kind of suck. On the upside, that means Kregg Lumpkin made the roster, and I love the name Lumpkin so much I wanted the undrafted rookie FA to make the team. :D The big surprise was the talk was two would stay between the 3 guys, giving the Packers 4 RBs. Nope. The other good side is that the Packers kept all 7 of their LBs, when talk was at least one would go. I like all 7 and didn't want to see any get cut.

As for others, just not enough spots I guess. 7th round pick WR Brett Swain had the odds stacked against him, as did WR Jake Allen. TE Joey Haynos is huge at 6'8", so he actually took up too much room on the plane I think. S Tyrone Culver I thought had a chance, but I guess Peprah has looked pretty good going into his 3rd year.

Now I guess we see who gets signed to the practice squad, and if any trades happen this week.....

[Greyroofoo]

The Colts cut both Quinn Gray and the Pillsbury Throwboy. I hope this means they are confident that Manning has fully recovered from his injury.

[Izulde]

I didn't see it posted here, so I'll mention that the Dolphins shipped McCown off to the Panthers for a 7th round pick. At least it's getting something for him.

Miami Dolphins Cuts
FB Regan Mauia (who I've actually gotten to like in Head Coach '09)
TE Justin Peelle
RB Lex Hilliard (likely practice squad)
LB Edmond Miles
S Courtney Bryan
LB Junior Glymph
WR Jayson Foster
LB Kelly Poppinga
LB Maurice Fountain
LB Titus Brown
TE Matt Mulligan
DT Anthony Toribio
CB Will Billingsley
C Mike Byrne
C Matt Spanos
T Daren Heerspink
T Pedro Sosa

Likely Practice Squad Members (According to SF Sentinel Online)
Hilliard
Foster
Billingsley
Miles
Brown
Sosa

Nice to see Hawaii WR Davone Bess made the team, though I had to chuckle at the article's omment that Boomer Grigsby, the FB who beat out Mauia, is a better receiver than the Juggernaut.

It's like, gee, no kidding?

[Cringer]

The Dolphins cut Kelly Poppinga? That sucks. I love Brady Poppinga on the Packers. I hope his little brother makes a team somewhere.

[Cringer]

Crap, I forgot the Packers still need to bring in a long snapper. One of the LBs may get cut for a stinkin' long snapper. Other candidates to be cut are T Gianocomo (rookie 6th rd pick) or S Peprah.

[rjolley]

Nice to see Xavier Omon, RB from my alma mater Northwest Missouri State, made the Buffalo Bills. Guess I'll watch Bills games when the Bears aren't on to see how he's doing.

[Northwood_DK]

Other players cut worth a mention is

QB Chris Simms (TBY)

WR Ashley Lelie (SFO)

[JeeberD]

Really surprised that the Cowboys cut both WR Mike Jefferson and Danny Amendola. That leaves just TO and Patrick Crayton healthy for the Brownies game. Guess we'll see lots of TEs going wide?

[Karlifornia]

Your Week 1 QB matchup in San Francisco: Kurt Warner vs. JT O'Sullivan


Unbelievable.

[flounder]

Really surprised that the Cowboys cut both WR Mike Jefferson and Danny Amendola. That leaves just TO and Patrick Crayton healthy for the Brownies game. Guess we'll see lots of TEs going wide?

They've got like 11 linemen and 12 DBs so I think the final roster isn't set. They're probably going to deal for a WR or pick someone like Lelie up from waivers.

[Thomkal]

My beloved Cards have named Warner as the starting QB. Sigh, how the hell do you expect Leinart to develop if he sits on the bench?

Warner to start ahead of Leinart for Cardinals (http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d5d80a655f5&template=with-video&confirm=true)

[Big Fo]

Your Week 1 QB matchup in San Francisco: Kurt Warner vs. JT O'Sullivan


Unbelievable.

Must see TV imo

Despite knowing in my head that the Dolphins lack talent in a number of key areas I can't stop myself from looking at their schedule to begin the season and thinking they could start 3-4 or 4-3. Favre v. Pennington week one will be fun.

[rowech]

My beloved Cards have named Warner as the starting QB. Sigh, how the hell do you expect Leinart to develop if he sits on the bench?

Warner to start ahead of Leinart for Cardinals (http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d5d80a655f5&template=with-video&confirm=true)

How the hell do you expect to win games if Leinart doesn't sit the bench?

[Thomkal]

How the hell do you expect to win games if Leinart doesn't sit the bench?

Kurt Warner is not going to be around forever. At some point you have to make the move to Leinart to see if he can win games for you. The better move in my opinion would have been to start Leinart. If he struggles, you bring in Warner.

I'm thinking that Warner throwing for almost 500 yards against SF in their last game probably had something to do with this decision though.

[molson]

Matt Cassel is still the Pats backup, even though he's been awful every time he's ever been on an NFL field, he hasn't started a game at QB since high school, and Tom Brady didn't play a single snap in the preseason.

[rjolley]

In a surprise roster cut, the Patriots cut John Lynch.

[JPhillips]

I guess there is a point where slow outweighs experienced.

[SFL Cat]

Leinart is certainly a well-paid backup.

[miami_fan]

It has been interesting to see how teams are handling their QB situations this year. It is a given that all the situations are different. However, the debate between starting a young QB prospect and letting him take his lumps or starting a older QB for the chance of winning a game or two more is facinating to watch.

[Groundhog]

It has been interesting to see how teams are handling their QB situations this year. It is a given that all the situations are different. However, the debate between starting a young QB prospect and letting him take his lumps or starting a older QB for the chance of winning a game or two more is facinating to watch.

Indeed. I honestly don't think NFL coaches have any idea which strategy works best, and it seems to me that a lot are opting for the more cautious route.

[Cringer]

Packers brought back DeShawn Wynn to be on the practice squad, a young RB I like when he is healthy...also....
Thompson also brought back receiver Jake Allen, center Brennen Carvalho, tight end Joey Haynos, linebacker Danny Lansanah, defensive tackle Alfred Malone, cornerback Joe Porter and receiver Brett Swain.

I have to say I am pretty happy with those selections. Allen and Swain might be able to become something, same with Haynos.

Besides that whole QB thing it is hard for me to really hate GM Thompson as much as I would like. :D

[Arles]

I agree on the Wynn, Swain and Haynos guys. Any word on whether GB will bring in a vet backup? I can't imagine Brohm's preseason is giving people confidence for the season.

[Julio Riddols]

Lynch will probably be brought back for the Pats.. they were trying to avoid his veteran roster bonus by releasing him and resigning him after the season starts I think.

[Jas_lov]

I agree on the Wynn, Swain and Haynos guys. Any word on whether GB will bring in a vet backup? I can't imagine Brohm's preseason is giving people confidence for the season.

Word is that Matt Flynn will be the backup and Bryan Brohm will be the #3. I said it before and I'll say it again, God help us all if Aaron Rodgers goes down.

I agree on the moves to bring those guys back but I question the move to cut Jon Ryan and sign Derrick Frost. Ryan was a decent punter and this Frost guy has worse numbers. I don't know if it's an injury issue or what but it just seemed strange. And I actually agree with letting Abdul Hodge go even though I've been watching him since he was at Iowa. Hodge has been injury riddled and the other backup LBs they have are more valuable so there just wasn't room, but cutting Jon Ryan was a little strange to me.

[Arles]

From what I read they liked Bishop's upside more and he is better on ST than Hodge. As to Ryan, the word is his release was real slow in the preseason and he's never been a great directional punter. Supposedly, the GB brass felt Frost had a quicker release and is much better on directional kicks (something important when you play the Chicago Hesters twice a season).

I don't agree at all with the Flynn move. We better put Rodgers in a padded room everyday and pray he doesn't get hurt.

[Jas_lov]

Yeah, it looks like Frost is the better directional punter and getting it inside the 20 more often. Ryan was inconsistent at times but I thought he was decent. The move also takes away Ryan as a holder so hopefully that doesn't cause any problems for Crosby. The move just came as a surprise to me.

Flynn did play better in the preseason than Brohm, but who didn't? I feel good about the team with Rodgers at QB, but if he gets hurt it's gonna get ugly.

[Cringer]

I won't get upset about the punter change, it's, well, the punter. Still I liked Jon Ryan, the workout kind of punters. His run for 33 yards in the last preseason game was great to watch too.

I see Arles said that what he read it was between Hodge and Bishop at LB. From Packers.com this monring they make it seem like White got the to stay over Hodge because he is a special teams player. I don't like to see Hodge go, but the injuries have been a problem. Just another one of those guy I liked and wanted to see improve.

[Arles]

White's easily their best special teams player (and it's not really that close). He was never on the bubble, IMO.

[Fidatelo]

I'm sad to see Jon Ryan get cut, he is a good Canadian kid who kicked some serious ass for the Blue and Gold before joining the Packers. I'm sure he'll catch on somewhere in the NFL, but if he doesn't I hope he returns to Winnipeg since we need all the help we can get.

[MikeVic]

I'm sad to see Jon Ryan get cut, he is a good Canadian kid who kicked some serious ass for the Blue and Gold before joining the Packers. I'm sure he'll catch on somewhere in the NFL, but if he doesn't I hope he returns to Winnipeg since we need all the help we can get.

What do you think of Charles Roberts being traded? I don't know much about CFL players, but I know Roberts seemed to be awesome and very popular, so I'm confused.

[DeToxRox]

Lions cut Tatum Bell last night to make way for Rudi Johnson. At this point it was a good move, and I hate Rudi, but wow do I hate Bell more. At least Rudi provides a solid between the tackles alternative for Kevin Smith. Also, they signed UTEP RB Marcus Thomas, a 5th round pick this year, to a five year deal.

Our running game now consists of three rookies (Smith, Thomas and FB Felton) and Rudi Johnson.

[ISiddiqui]

I'm guessing this may screw over those who drafted Smith in their fantasy drafts (though not me, woot!)

[DeToxRox]

I'm guessing this may screw over those who drafted Smith in their fantasy drafts (though not me, woot!)

Smith is still the starter but Rudi will see 10-15 carries a game, so it potentially could, but Detroit wants to run 30 - 40 times a game so the carries ought to be there.

[Chubby]

I drafted Smith late so I'm not too worried. I think this move only makes it so Rudi gets the rest carries for Smith instead of Bell. I don't think it is going to affect Smith's carries at all. Besides, Rudi does suck.

[Fidatelo]

What do you think of Charles Roberts being traded? I don't know much about CFL players, but I know Roberts seemed to be awesome and very popular, so I'm confused.

I'm undecided on the move myself. Roberts has been a great back for years, but obviously his numbers this year have been terrible. It's quite possible that age has caught up with him, and since he has always succeeded on speed and elusiveness it wouldn't be entirely hard to believe that simply losing one step might cause such a decline.

That said, I don't have much faith in Berry at this point, and I don't really feel that he's made a good use of Roberts either. Maybe that's because there isn't much left to use, but I'm not so sure.

The only way to really know is to see how Roberts performs now that he has moved on. If Berry was right, then the trade was a decent move (although who knows what we got back in return, as Joe Smith hasn't been his old self this year either).

Bottom line is that the Bombers are absolutely terrible, so it doesn't really matter. Blink's best days are behind him for sure, so by the time the rest of the team becomes relevant again he likely wouldn't have been a part of it anyways.

[Anthony]

i have Kevin Smith on my team, but more to be a bye week RB. i currently have him starting alongside Westbrook, but that's only because i don't know how the Dolphins plan on using Ricky Williams/Ronnie Brown (i have both) just yet. i also have Matt Forte as another starting RB on my bench, but i think defenses will be stacking 10 guys in the box early on until the Bears show they can pass (which they can't). i watched the last Bears preseason game and Forte caught a screen for a 1st down when it was a long 3rd and 17. perhaps he'll be good for catching passes. but anyway, it sucks that Smith is gonna have some carries stolen from him, but not like every starting RB doesn't lose about 10 carries to the backup. and initially Chester Taylor was supposed to be the main guy in Minnesota and rookie Adrian Peterson was going to be brought along slowly, and look how that turned out for Chester Taylor. i'm looking real good RB-wise. i just need more info as to how guys will be utilized in games.

[Warhammer]

I'm thinking that the Cardinals have basically given up on Leinart.

[cartman]

As a post-script to the Cedric Benson saga, the Grand Jury no-billed both the boating and driving charges against him, meaning they didn't think there was enough there to bring the cases to trial.

statesman.com (http://www.statesman.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/austin/longhorns/entries/2008/09/25/benson_charges.html)

[B & B]

I drafted Smith late so I'm not too worried. I think this move only makes it so Rudi gets the rest carries for Smith instead of Bell. I don't think it is going to affect Smith's carries at all. Besides, Rudi does suck.

Wow. 2 1/2 weeks later and hes the bonafide starter, while Smith got 3 attempts last week. Now with Millen gone - who knows?