Philadelphia, PA:
Eagles new signing All-Pro Cornerback Asante Samuel is suffering from a mild hamstring strain, and is being analysed on a day-to-day basis. This must be frustrating for the player and the eagles - in arguably the highest profile acquisition of the off-season, Samuel figured to provide a significant upgrade in the Eagles' secondary, but without time, at the moment, to enact what he's learning from the playbook, he will clearly be a disadvantage for the Eagles in their contractual dispute with Lito Sheppard.
Baltimore, MD:
Oh dear. For a team that many were tipping to make a run for the post-season in an ever-closer AFC North, the Ravens are decimated by injuries, although we must bear in mind the team have not been forthcoming in the prognosis for players. Starting RB Willis McGahee has an injury to his left leg, allowing rookie Ray Rice to take at the very least a few days of reps with the starting offence. Starting DT Haloti Ngata has an injury to his right leg, and Safety Ed Reed remains on the Physically Unable to Perform (PuP) list. 2007 rookie OT Jared Gaither (Who is now the tallest player in the NFL at 6"9) has an injury to his right ankle, which, with Jonathon Ogden's (Who is also 6"9) retirement, figures to increase the blow to the Ravens. They can at least take solace that these injuries will have hopefully disappeared by the time the pre-season comes around.
Pittsburgh, PA:
All-Pro Defensive Tackle Casey Hampton has turned up to Steelers Camp weighing more than his listed 325 pounds, so much so that in a 100-yard dash he finished 30 yards behind DE Brett Keisel. Hampton only completed 5 out of 8 100-yard dashes, and missed several 40 yard sprints. Coach Tomlin has put Hampton on the PuP list until he sheds the pounds, an issue he has had to deal with since being drafted in 2001, and proves able to compete with his team-mates.
Along with Hampton, Star safety Troy Polamalu and LG Chris Kemoeatu were also placed on the PuP list, although with hamstring and tricep injuries respectfully. According to the Steelers' front office, neither injury is particularly serious, which is good news bearing in mind Kemoeatu is Alan Faneca's replacement.
Monday, 28 July 2008
Sunday, 27 July 2008
Favre has no interest in Bucs or Jets - resolution by Tuesday?
Brett Favre has spoken to ESPN's Chris Mortensen regarding his protracted standoff with the Packers, and revealed that not only does he want the impassé to end soon, but that neither the Jets or Buccaneers are his preffered destinations in any trade.
- Brett Favre
Favre seems to have hardened his stance with the Packers, indicating also later in the interview that this coming Tuesday will be the deadline for the team to have worked out a solution to the situation. If nothing is worked out, he intends to go into camp and, by the sounds of it, make life very difficult for Thompson and coach Mike McCarthy. Just yesterday, McCarthy spoke of the desire to protect the strained relationship between Favre and the Packers.
Later in the interview, Favre explained that when Thompson asked if he would be open to a trade, that he replied "Yeah - just not to the teams you want me to go to". Both the Bucs and Jets have permission to speak to Favre. It is believed that the Vikings are his preference, but as he acknowledges, "The Packers aren't going to let that happen."
"I said, 'Let me compete, you'll know I'll win this job' and Ted (Thompson, General Manager) said again, 'Brett, things have changed. Aaron Rodgers is our quarterback.' It's pretty clear - and this is what I told the commissioner - that they want me to go away, stay retired. They would much rather see me in a Packers' uniform, paying me $12 million to be a backup -- which you know they really don't want -- rather than see me in another uniform, no matter what they say. They'll drag this out, asking a king's ransom (in a trade), hoping it all goes away."
- Brett Favre
Favre seems to have hardened his stance with the Packers, indicating also later in the interview that this coming Tuesday will be the deadline for the team to have worked out a solution to the situation. If nothing is worked out, he intends to go into camp and, by the sounds of it, make life very difficult for Thompson and coach Mike McCarthy. Just yesterday, McCarthy spoke of the desire to protect the strained relationship between Favre and the Packers.
Later in the interview, Favre explained that when Thompson asked if he would be open to a trade, that he replied "Yeah - just not to the teams you want me to go to". Both the Bucs and Jets have permission to speak to Favre. It is believed that the Vikings are his preference, but as he acknowledges, "The Packers aren't going to let that happen."
Devin Hester is ridiculous
The Bears have confirmed today that Devin Hester, the Returner-cum-Receiver responsible for roughly all of Chicago's non-offensive scoring (so roughly all of Chicago's scoring full stop then...) last season, has got his contract.
Hester held out of Training Camp for all of a day in protest at his base salary of just $445,000 in the upcoming season, but he has 30m reasons to be happy now, after signing a new four year deal with $15m in guarantees.
Hester's value was difficult to determine, and initial reports from ESPN indicate that the Bears have wisely got the deal done while Hester has little leverage as a Wide Receiver. If he achieves a certain level of production at the position, he will be rewarded, but the team has largely avoided paying an exorbitant amount for someone who is unproven as a receiver. Also according to ESPN, Hester will be due a whopping $10m roster bonus in 2012 (the final year of the deal) if he meets certain performance-based criteria.
As we say, if Hester has a good year as the no.1 receiver this year, the Bears will consider the contract a steal. If not, they haven't lost, as his value as a pure returner is probably in line with the basic salaries over the life of the deal.
The contract is the final piece of a puzzle that the Bears have managed to successfully complete in the last few years, and ties up almost every indespensible player on the team for the next 5 years.
Hester held out of Training Camp for all of a day in protest at his base salary of just $445,000 in the upcoming season, but he has 30m reasons to be happy now, after signing a new four year deal with $15m in guarantees.
Hester's value was difficult to determine, and initial reports from ESPN indicate that the Bears have wisely got the deal done while Hester has little leverage as a Wide Receiver. If he achieves a certain level of production at the position, he will be rewarded, but the team has largely avoided paying an exorbitant amount for someone who is unproven as a receiver. Also according to ESPN, Hester will be due a whopping $10m roster bonus in 2012 (the final year of the deal) if he meets certain performance-based criteria.
As we say, if Hester has a good year as the no.1 receiver this year, the Bears will consider the contract a steal. If not, they haven't lost, as his value as a pure returner is probably in line with the basic salaries over the life of the deal.
The contract is the final piece of a puzzle that the Bears have managed to successfully complete in the last few years, and ties up almost every indespensible player on the team for the next 5 years.
Sunday Morning Update
New England, MA:
Remember what we said about LaMont Jordan, and that he'd be signed by the end of the month? Well the Patriots picked him up last night in a move that solidifies their backfield, likely resulting in Jordan taking over from Kevin Faulk as the Pats 3rd down specialist, and Laurence Maroney's backup.
Sammy Morris figures to have a battle on his hands with Faulk to maintain the 3rd spot on the depth chart, particularly with Faulk's good form last season.
Green Bay, WI:
Packers Head Coach Mike McCarthy has broken the Packs' silence regarding their QB issues - He's standing by their 2005 1st round pick Aaron Rogers, meaning that either Favre will be the greatest backup in history, surpassing Steve Young at the 9ers, or will be traded to the Jets or Buccaneers.
St Louis, MI:
The Rams are calling star running back Steven Jackson's bluff - they are refusing to negotiate a new deal with him until he turns up to training camp - whilst both sides figure to be in a strong position (The Rams can allow Jackson to rack up the $15k a day fines whilst seeing if Antonio Pittman is up to the job, then apply a franchise tag in 09) whilst Jackson knows he's arguably the key to a Rams bounce-back from a disastrous 2007, particularly as Pittman is for the main untried in the Rams offence.
Remember what we said about LaMont Jordan, and that he'd be signed by the end of the month? Well the Patriots picked him up last night in a move that solidifies their backfield, likely resulting in Jordan taking over from Kevin Faulk as the Pats 3rd down specialist, and Laurence Maroney's backup.
Sammy Morris figures to have a battle on his hands with Faulk to maintain the 3rd spot on the depth chart, particularly with Faulk's good form last season.
Green Bay, WI:
Packers Head Coach Mike McCarthy has broken the Packs' silence regarding their QB issues - He's standing by their 2005 1st round pick Aaron Rogers, meaning that either Favre will be the greatest backup in history, surpassing Steve Young at the 9ers, or will be traded to the Jets or Buccaneers.
St Louis, MI:
The Rams are calling star running back Steven Jackson's bluff - they are refusing to negotiate a new deal with him until he turns up to training camp - whilst both sides figure to be in a strong position (The Rams can allow Jackson to rack up the $15k a day fines whilst seeing if Antonio Pittman is up to the job, then apply a franchise tag in 09) whilst Jackson knows he's arguably the key to a Rams bounce-back from a disastrous 2007, particularly as Pittman is for the main untried in the Rams offence.
Saturday, 26 July 2008
Waiver Wire News
Players of note who have been waived:
Kenny Irons, RB, Cincinnati: Irons was drafted in the 2nd round last year, as was touted as being either a replacement for Rudi Johnson, or to work with him in a backfield committee. During the pre-season he was injured, and placed on IR - it appears his injury is not healing as well as was expected. Expect Cincy to pick him back up and place him on IR if no-one else goes for him, which would surprise me given the potential he showed at Auburn and throughout the 07 pre-season.
LaMont Jordan, RB, Oakland: Injury-prone, finding himself in an ever crowded backfield and erring on 30 saw Jordan released today (Saturday) in a move that has been coming since last November (There was talk of him not being released in case the Chiefs were to have picked him up prior to their late-season match-up). With Darren McFadden, Michael Bush and Justin Fargas all reasonably expecting some playing time this season, Jordan proved to be the odd-man out. He's the best FA running back at the moment, and could land somewhere that need the experience and alternative to their current situation, particularly as a 3rd down specialist. Expect him to be signed by the end of the month.
Eric Johnson, TE, New Orleans: A much touted signing last season, who was expected to thrive in the Saints passing game, only saw 48 receptions at 7.9 YPC. He proved slow to recover from his ankle surgery, which forced the Saints hand in regards Jeremy Shockey. Expect it to be a while before he signs with another team.
Kenny Irons, RB, Cincinnati: Irons was drafted in the 2nd round last year, as was touted as being either a replacement for Rudi Johnson, or to work with him in a backfield committee. During the pre-season he was injured, and placed on IR - it appears his injury is not healing as well as was expected. Expect Cincy to pick him back up and place him on IR if no-one else goes for him, which would surprise me given the potential he showed at Auburn and throughout the 07 pre-season.
LaMont Jordan, RB, Oakland: Injury-prone, finding himself in an ever crowded backfield and erring on 30 saw Jordan released today (Saturday) in a move that has been coming since last November (There was talk of him not being released in case the Chiefs were to have picked him up prior to their late-season match-up). With Darren McFadden, Michael Bush and Justin Fargas all reasonably expecting some playing time this season, Jordan proved to be the odd-man out. He's the best FA running back at the moment, and could land somewhere that need the experience and alternative to their current situation, particularly as a 3rd down specialist. Expect him to be signed by the end of the month.
Eric Johnson, TE, New Orleans: A much touted signing last season, who was expected to thrive in the Saints passing game, only saw 48 receptions at 7.9 YPC. He proved slow to recover from his ankle surgery, which forced the Saints hand in regards Jeremy Shockey. Expect it to be a while before he signs with another team.
Pennington and Garcia the odd men out?
An interesting part of the circus regarding Brett Favre's potential trading to either the Bucs or Jets, is the effect that may have on the current incumbent Quarterbacks at those teams.
Firstly, in New York, it's pretty likely that the aquisition of Favre would lead to Chad Pennington asking to be released or traded. The veteran is entering the autumn of his career, and in any case, it's unlikely the Jets would be interested in paying him $4m+ dollars to sit on the bench as a potential third string QB.
Where could Pennington land? Kansas City has been mooted for some time, and it would certainly make sense to reunite with former Jets coach Marvin Lewis. Perhaps another team interested could be Chicago, who have limited options at QB and where coach Lovie Smith has spent the last week emphasising the need not for players who can win games, but who don't lose them. Many pundits have considered this an endorsement of Kyle Orton over Rex Grossman, but the description fits Pennington equally well.
Heading down to Tampa Bay, it's hard to imagine Jeff Garcia being enthused about the team bringing in a QB the same age as him, but with a much higher profile. Unfortunately for Garcia, the team would like to keep him around at his low salary (the source of Garcia's ire this offseason) and ship off one of the many other QB's they have.
However, in the end, Garcia's value in any trade may hold the key. Again, teams like the Bears and Chiefs are looking for a veteran QB who will keep the offence ticking over. Garcia is also amongst the top signal-callers in the league when a play breaks down - something that is likely to happen all too frequently for both offences during the coming season.
Firstly, in New York, it's pretty likely that the aquisition of Favre would lead to Chad Pennington asking to be released or traded. The veteran is entering the autumn of his career, and in any case, it's unlikely the Jets would be interested in paying him $4m+ dollars to sit on the bench as a potential third string QB.
Where could Pennington land? Kansas City has been mooted for some time, and it would certainly make sense to reunite with former Jets coach Marvin Lewis. Perhaps another team interested could be Chicago, who have limited options at QB and where coach Lovie Smith has spent the last week emphasising the need not for players who can win games, but who don't lose them. Many pundits have considered this an endorsement of Kyle Orton over Rex Grossman, but the description fits Pennington equally well.
Heading down to Tampa Bay, it's hard to imagine Jeff Garcia being enthused about the team bringing in a QB the same age as him, but with a much higher profile. Unfortunately for Garcia, the team would like to keep him around at his low salary (the source of Garcia's ire this offseason) and ship off one of the many other QB's they have.
However, in the end, Garcia's value in any trade may hold the key. Again, teams like the Bears and Chiefs are looking for a veteran QB who will keep the offence ticking over. Garcia is also amongst the top signal-callers in the league when a play breaks down - something that is likely to happen all too frequently for both offences during the coming season.
Glenn Waived
DALLAS, TX:
Dallas Cowboys WR Terry Glenn has been waived to make room for the Cowboys' draft picks, and also to enable them more time with young receivers Patrick Crayton, Miles Austin and Sam Hurd.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones explained that if no team signs him off waivers that they could be in a position to resign the veteran receiver.
Our take on this is that Glenn could be used well at the slot by a few teams shy of veteran savvy and proven ability - on the proviso that he passes extensive fitness tests. There are a few teams we can picture him at straight off the bat, namely Buffalo, Tampa Bay, The Jets, Washington and Oakland.
Dallas Cowboys WR Terry Glenn has been waived to make room for the Cowboys' draft picks, and also to enable them more time with young receivers Patrick Crayton, Miles Austin and Sam Hurd.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones explained that if no team signs him off waivers that they could be in a position to resign the veteran receiver.
Our take on this is that Glenn could be used well at the slot by a few teams shy of veteran savvy and proven ability - on the proviso that he passes extensive fitness tests. There are a few teams we can picture him at straight off the bat, namely Buffalo, Tampa Bay, The Jets, Washington and Oakland.
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