February 12, 2008
Occasionally, a rumor will start in the NFL that has absolutely nothing behind it. No newspaper is reporting it's even possible, but the rumor gets out, and everyone has a topic point to discuss for a week. The possible trade of Jeremy Shockey is one of those rumors.
Continue reading "Why trade Shockey?" »
Our favorite Draft guru, NFL Network's Mike Mayock, broke out his top-10 overall picks for the first time on Monday.
I will talk about his top ten shortly and his comparisons of Matt Ryan to Ben Roethlisberger, but the most interesting part of his top ten was the name that wasn't there - Darren McFadden.
"I just watched three tapes and I wasn't as impressed as I expected to be," Mayock said. "Great burst, great acceleration, but I wouldn't touch him in the top 20 picks."
Continue reading "Mayock doesn't see McFadden in top-20" »
The Redskins may be getting some blowback for their long, winding coaching search. First, Jim Fassel started taking entertaining, but ill-advised shots at Vinny Cerrato and Jim Zorn.
Now one of their rejected coaching candidates is giving out their offseason plans. The Post writes today about Washington's interest in Chad Johnson, who just wants more money like I've written. Multiple sources tell Jason La Canfora that Washington has made Ocho Cinco a priority, but one unnamed coach doesn't mind being quoted.
"He (Snyder) made it very clear that (Johnson) was his top choice," one coaching candidate said.
Continue reading "Snubbed coach giving away 'Skins plans?" »
February 11, 2008
Today was the first day that teams could release players for the 2008 season, and Dolphins Kingpins Bill Parcells and Jeff Ireland wasted no time. Here's what it all means.
1. John Beck is a lonely man
He has to be cleared medically to play again, which seems far from certain. If he gets clearance, he has to find a team that wants him. Baltimore and St. Louis are two possibilities. With Cleo Lemon headed for free agency, the Dolphins basically have only John Beck at quarterback. Quincy Carter, send in your resume!
Continue reading "What the Dolphins cuts mean" »
Henderson is likely done in NOLA
I'm putting together my list of prospective free agents, and noticed a trend at wide receiver and tight end: There are a lot of Saints.
New Orleans wideouts Devery Henderson, David Patten, and Terrance Copper are all scheduled to hit the open market. Tight ends Eric Johnson and Billy Miller are also unsigned. Not counting running backs, five of New Orleans' leading seven receivers could leave.
Continue reading "Saints need receivers" »
The season is truly, finally over with the conclusion of the Pro Bowl. It's felt that way a few times over the last two months (end of fantasy season, regular season, week before Super Bowl), but now there isn't another NFL contest for six months.
I am usually run down at this time of year, with need of a break, but the yeoman work of Evan Silva, Patrick Dahl, and Chris Wesseling on our news page has me fresher than normal. I'm going to keep blogging every day, with links and longer thoughts on big topics. I will also prepare a big FA preview for the site and get cracking on our magazine prep. That's the Pancake Blocks state of the union address. Now let's get to a couple links sitting around.
Continue reading "Linked: Monday Morning" »
The Ocho Cinco offseason telenovela has already become ridiculous, and it's only early February. It's like his agent Drew Rosenhaus sent Johnson tapes of clients Javon Walker and Terrell Owens to study before talking in public: How to be a disgruntled receiver 101.
I've always been a big fan of Johnson, but trying to annoy the Bengals to death (or trade) doesn't suit him. After pleading with every radio host in the country to be dealt and moping through some parties in Arizona, Johnson was downright testy at the Pro Bowl in Hawaii. He reportedly shoved a league media official.
Here's how Johnson explains his discontent to the NFL Network:
Continue reading "Chad Johnson just wants more money" »
February 08, 2008
The Pro Bowl means very little to the general public, but it means a lot to the players. Take Kellen Winslow, who is participating in the game despite impending knee surgery.
At the time I interviewed Winslow last week, his camp was very upset because he still wasn't on the roster. Antonio Gates was supposed to bow out, but said he would play despite his toe injury. Winslow's camp was convinced that Gates was going to play just to block Winslow's appearance. It seemed like there was some bad blood there.
Continue reading "Pro Bowl drama! (sort of)" »
Thanks to everyone for chipping in on my Thomas Jones vs. Edgerrin James quandry yesterday. I wound up going with Jones, then Justin Fargas the next round. My RB2 spot would be weak, but S. Jackson-Owens-Ocho-Boldin-Brees would make up for it. Plus, this is a February Mock. You just look for value.
One of the reasons I passed on James was that his uncertain situation in Arizona. I think the Cards are more likely to draft a first day running back than New York (although both teams may), and James could get cut and be a backup elsewhere.
Continue reading "Fitzgerald could hold key to Edge's future?" »
Perhaps my favorite column of the year, the commentator rankings by Dr. Z, hit the interweb on Thursday. The rankings occasionally seem random, but I trust them almost completely. I love that guys like Solomon Wilcots and Phil Simms can lose 1 and a half stars depending on the year. And that Joe Buck gets hammered every season.
The grades are mostly based on the announcers being able to tell the audience something they don't know, which is all I ever care about a sports commenter, writer, or analyst.
Continue reading "Commentator Grades are out" »
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