Arizona Wildcats Houston Cougars California Golden Bears Texas Longhorns Baltimore Ravens Cincinnati Bengals
2011年4月30日土曜日
NFL lockout on hold after appellate court grants stay
NFL lockout, briefly lifted, is back in place when appellate court grants a temporary stay while it considers whether to allow a longer stay.
NFL lockout, briefly lifted, is back in place while appellate court grants a temporary stay while it considers whether to allow a longer stay.
NFL lockout, briefly lifted, is back in place while appellate court grants a temporary stay while it considers whether to allow a longer stay.
Source: http://www.chicagobreakingsports.com/sports/la-sp-nfl-labor-20110430,0,6452391.story?track=rss
Minnesota Vikings Houston Texans Atlanta Falcons Carolina Panthers Indianapolis Colts Jacksonville Jaguars
Video: Analyzing the service acadamies
Andrea Adelson looks at the chances that Army, Navy and Air Force will return to bowls.
Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/ncfnation/post/_/id/41415/video-analyzing-the-service-acadamies
Buffalo Bills Dallas Cowboys Miami Dolphins New York Giants Philadelphia Eagles Washington Redskins
Heyward looks like solid fit for Steelers
The Steelers have long reaped the rewards for taking DEs Aaron Smith and Brett Keisel with lower-round picks years ago, and they will not be easy to replace whenever they leave the lineup.
This likely helps to explain why the Steelers addressed the position in Round One for the second time in three seasons on Thursday, selecting Ohio State's Cameron Heyward with the No. 31 overall pick.
The 6-4 5/8, 294-pound Heyward, the son of the late Craig "Ironhead" Heyward, has the strength necessary to play end in Pittsburgh's 3-4 scheme, and his work ethic and character were cited as strengths in PFW's 2011 Draft Preview. But Heyward, personnel analyst Nolan Nawrocki wrote in the 2011 Draft Preview, "could be relegated to a two-down role given his inefficency rushing the passer and has athletic and instinct deficiencies for which all the intensity, heart and hustle in the world can't fully compensate."
However, even if Heyward doesn't improve as a pass rusher, he could be an asset as a run stuffer. In Pittsburgh's scheme, the outside linebackers are the primary rushers; any push the ends can provide is a plus.
At first glance, it appears Heyward's strengths are in line with what the Steelers look for in their ends, and his weaknesses aren't as problematic as they would be in other schemes. Also, Heyward does not figure to start in his first NFL season, with Keisel, Smith and third-year pro Ziggy Hood — the Steelers' first-round pick in '09 — all likely to be ahead of Heyward in the pecking order.
In short, Heyward enters a defense that should suit him, and the Steelers look to have the luxury to work him in slowly. Sounds like a good formula.
Source: http://www.profootballweekly.com/2011/04/29/heyward-looks-like-solid-fit-for-steelers
California Golden Bears Texas Longhorns Baltimore Ravens Cincinnati Bengals Cleveland Browns Pittsburgh Steelers
Court grants NFL temporary stay; lockout back on
Just as players returned to team facilities to work out, get playbooks and meet with coaches on Friday, the lockout returned — temporarily.
The Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals granted the NFL a temporary stay of the lockout injunction. Yahoo! Sports' Michael Silver reported early Friday that the players expected the stay, and it would be of the "administrative" variety, meaning the lockout is back in force until Monday at the earliest.
"The purpose of this administrative stay is to give the court sufficient opportunity to consider the merits of the motion for a stay pending appeal," the U.S. Court of Appeals wrote.
District Judge Susan Nelson ended the lockout late Monday and denied the league's request for a stay on Wednesday night. The league responded by opening its doors Friday morning and said it would soon announce a timetable for when the league year would start — which is when free-agency and player trades would commence. But with a temporary stay, the lockout is back on, and the league doesn't have to open transactions.
The league wants a stay of the lockout until the Eighth Circuit hears the case to appeal Judge Nelson's 89-page decision to end the lockout. This is a temporary stay, as the court takes time to decide if the stay should be permanent or not.
Undrafted free agents will not be able to be signed when the draft concludes Saturday night, either.
Players all over the league reported to team facilities on Friday, but will not be able to over the weekend.
Source: http://www.profootballweekly.com/2011/04/29/court-grants-nfl-temporary-stay-lockout-back-on
Pittsburgh Steelers Chicago Bears Detroit Lions Green Bay Packers Minnesota Vikings Houston Texans
Looking ahead to NFL Draft: Rounds 2, 3
Temple defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson was the only non-AQ player drafted in the first round of the NFL draft, at No. 30 to the New York Jets. Wilkerson is the third first-round selection in Temple history and the first since 1987. ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper cited this as one of the best picks of the round, and I agree. Wilkerson fits an area of need and as an added bonus, gets to stay close to home.
One of the big surprises at the end of the day: TCU quarterback Andy Dalton was still available after many projected him rising all the way to the first round. FSU quarterback Christian Ponder went ahead of Dalton, something that ended up shocking many draft experts.
Having said that, Kiper has Dalton as the top non-AQ player going in the second round tonight. Here are the rest of the non-AQ players he has going in the second round of his latest mock draft:
- Dalton, TCU quarterback, No. 35 to the Cincinnati Bengals
- Titus Young, Boise State receiver, No. 37 to the Cleveland Browns
- Colin Kaepernick, Nevada quarterback, No. 45 to the San Francisco 49ers
- Jah Reid, UCF offensive lineman, No. 51 to the Tampa Bay Bucs
The third round also is Friday.
Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/ncfnation/post/_/id/41423/looking-ahead-to-nfl-draft-rounds-2-3
St. Louis Rams Oakland Raiders Kansas City Chiefs Ben Graham Patrick Edwards Eugene Sims
Fantasy outlook: Jake Locker
The Titans reached by selecting Washington QB Jake Locker with the eighth overall pick because they think he can lead them back to the postseason.
Fantasy owners will need to exercise more caution with Locker.
He might eventually turn out to be a fantasy commodity, but it's not likely to be the case in 2011. The Titans are a run-first team that is going to lean heavily on star RB Chris Johnson.
And while Locker's rocket arm, above-average mobility and outstanding toughness could win him the starting job right out of the gate, his accuracy and ability to make the right reads are cause for concern.
Locker might be worth a flier late in the draft, but make sure you have a dependable starter in place well before then.
Source: http://www.profootballweekly.com/2011/04/28/fantasy-outlook-jake-locker
Notre Dame Fighting Irish Pittsburgh Panthers Florida State Seminoles Miami Hurricanes Georgia Bulldogs Texas A&M Aggies
2011年4月29日金曜日
Browns' decision to move down raises questions about WR plans
The Browns' decision to trade back in the first round on Thursday night was not too surprising, considering they tipped how they would play their hand, with team president Mike Holmgren telling The (Cleveland) Plain Dealer that if they were to move in Round One, it would be back, not forward, from No. 6.
That they moved back 21 spots in Round One, with Atlanta trading five picks to take over the No. 6 pick to select Alabama WR Julio Jones, might be telling. What does it say that the Browns — a team lacking in blue-chip talent — moved back toward the far end of the round?
Perhaps the Browns believed they were presented an offer they could not refuse — the Falcons, after all, did surrender their second- and fourth-round picks in this draft as well as their first- and fourth-round selections in 2012. Or maybe the Browns simply didn't like their options at No. 6.
Either way, the Browns are in good position to bolster their depth in this draft. They now have 10 picks in 2011, including a pair of second-round selections. Also, the run on quarterbacks in the first half in Round One could push a few prospects further down the draft board than anyone could have reasonably expected.
The other interesting aspect of the Browns' trade: the Falcons have a No. 1 wideout in Roddy White, but they coveted Jones nonetheless. The Browns don't have a receiver of White's caliber, and some might say they don't have a wideout of Jones' caliber, either.
The Browns' plans at wideout bear watching: they will throw more to the wide receivers this season. Will they add to the position later in the draft? Could they look to acquire veteran talent once the league year begins? Will Mohamed Massaquoi and Brian Robiskie retain prominent roles in the offense? One thing seems certain: the Browns passing on Jones doesn't hurt the prospects of the wideouts currently on the roster.
Source: http://www.profootballweekly.com/2011/04/28/browns-decision-to-move-down-raises-questions-abou
Paul Brown Marion Motley Jim Brown Lou Groza Dante Lavelli Len Ford
Dwight Howard Dominant, But Magic Can't Overcome Awful Shooting In Loss To Hawks
2011年4月28日木曜日
Players file opposition to league request for a stay
Updated 3:07 ET
The players filed their opposition Wednesday morning to the league's request for a stay following Judge Susan Nelson's decision to enjoin the lockout late Monday. The judge has given the league until 4:00 CT to file a response to the players' opposition along with filing their own clarification request.
According to NFL Network's Albert Breer, the 23-page filing included a request for $1 billion bond if a stay is granted, which is 25 percent of what players were compensated last year. This is the NFLPA's estimation of damages that would occur in a stay.
The players argued that the NFL should "implement a new player system that does not violate antitrust laws."
They also pointed out the league's inability to prove an appeal would succeed and that a stay is not in the public's interest.
The filing claimed owners are prepared to resume the league year, referencing the restricted free-agent tenders handed out just before last season officially ended.
The league filed its motion Monday night asking for a stay, which would keep the lockout intact while the injunction goes through the appeals process. Judge Nelson could reject the stay and compel the owners to open league operations, reject the stay and send it to an appellate court, or grant the stay.
Many teams and players were caught up in confusion on Tuesday with a lack of clarity on whether or not they could make use of team facilities.
The way we see it
The strongest part of the players' argument comes when they claim a stay is not in the public's interest, pointing out the wide-ranging impact the case has. There's a good chance Nelson makes her decision late Wednesday, and the potential of the league year beginning at the onset of the NFL draft could spark chaos and confusion. But it would be a step in the direction of the league starting on time.
The one big question in the players' motion is the type of player system they hope the NFL would implement. By saying the system should "not violate antitrust laws," do they mean one without a draft and one that allows each player to sell his services? Or simply a return to the 2010 rules?
Regardless, we will find out a lot more in the next 24-48 hours.
Source: http://www.profootballweekly.com/2011/04/27/players-file-opposition-to-league-request-for-a-st
Nebraska Cornhuskers North Carolina Tar Heels Louisiana Tech Bulldogs Arizona Wildcats Houston Cougars California Golden Bears
Cowboys want to lock up OLT Free
It certainly has been hard for Cowboys officials to watch WR Dez Bryant struggle off the field and not be in contact with him for guidance. But that hasn't been the only lockout-induced pangs of silence. The team says it has badly wanted to get on the horn with the agent for OLT Doug Free and keep the fifth-year free agent around a while longer. Free took some time to finally crack the starting lineup, but once he did so last season he was a revelation. Going into the season, Free was the biggest question, but he exited it as one of the few sure things going forward. And the Cowboys say they would like to keep it that way by signing him to a new contract. What is not clear is what kind of contract, because without a labor agreement we don't know whether he is an unrestricted or restricted free agent. If he's restricted, the two sides likely can wrangle for a year before they need to sign a long-term extension. But the risk is that Free plays even better and raises his price tag.
Source: http://www.profootballweekly.com/2011/04/27/cowboys-want-to-lock-up-olt-free
Jacksonville Jaguars New Orleans Saints Tampa Bay Buccaneers Tennessee Titans Buffalo Bills Dallas Cowboys
Biggest NFL draft day busts
From Curtis Enis to Ryan Leaf to JaMarcus Russell, here's the biggest NFL busts.
Arkansas Razorbacks Penn State Nittany Lions Alabama Crimson Tide Clemson Tigers Florida Gators Northwestern Wildcats
Pash confident in appeals process
NFL counsel Jeff Pash spoke to reporters on a conference call Tuesday, saying that Monday's decision by Judge Susan Nelson "was not what we were looking for." But despite league losses in the courtroom, Pash remains confident in the appeals process.
"On these issues in particular, the history of appeals court rulings has been quite different than how trial courts have looked at this," he said.
Nelson ruled to enjoin the lockout, and the league filed a motion Monday evening for a stay on the injunction, pending a review by an appeals court.
Pash acknowledged that the players requested a new and different form of injunction that would provide a broader scope. It had been reported earlier the players asked Nelson to compel the owners to start the league year.
"We don't agree on all that many things, but (NFLPA lawyer) Jim Quinn said it well last night. We need the dust to settle for a day or two and see if the stay is put in place, then we'll all know more and go from there," said Pash.
When asked about what the NFL is hoping for in the appeals process, Pash referred to "core issues" like the Norris-LaGuardia Act and the Non Statutory Labor Exemption.
"On those points, appeals courts tend not to give a lot of deference to the district court's decision," he said.
On Tuesday, some players reported to team facilities. Most were told they could not work out. Pash said that he wasn't aware of any club that did not let players in, but PFW correspondent and Florida Times-Union writer Vito Stellino pointed out that a Jaguars player was not let "past the lobby."
Multiple reporters asked Pash to guess when the appeals process would conclude, and if a stay was not granted, when the league year could begin, including free-agency and trades.
"I just don't know. It's hard to speculate on what the timing would be."
Pash said that the league "would be prepared to move promptly" and would make sure the clubs "had the necessary information" if a league year were to begin. More than once, Pash said the league's "fundamental point" is to "comply with court orders."
Source: http://www.profootballweekly.com/2011/04/26/pash-confident-in-appeals-process
New York Giants Philadelphia Eagles Washington Redskins New York Jets New England Patriots Denver Broncos
Pack up the reader mock? Think again ...
With the 31st pick in the 2011 AFC East reader mock draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers select ... Aaron Williams, cornerback, Texas. Slim pickings, for this one.
Only two prospects were nominated, Williams and Baylor defensive tackle Phil Taylor. Williams won by a vote.
But what caught my attention in the comments section were requests from readers frankb1031 and yehya. They asked to extend our mocktastic project to include the New England Patriots and Buffalo Bills with the 33rd and 34th picks.
What a great idea that works out perfectly. We can maintain our daily pace and reveal the Bills' selection Friday, when the second round takes place.
Yonder reads our up-to-date mock draft board ...
- Carolina Panthers: Auburn quarterback Cam Newton
- Denver Broncos: Alabama defensive tackle Marcell Dareus
- Buffalo Bills: Texas A&M outside linebacker Von Miller
- Cincinnati Bengals: Missouri quarterback Blaine Gabbert
- Arizona Cardinals: Louisiana State cornerback Patrick Peterson
- Cleveland Browns: Georgia receiver A.J. Green
- San Francisco 49ers: Nebraska cornerback Prince Amukamara
- Tennessee Titans: Auburn defensive tackle Nick Fairley
- Dallas Cowboys: USC tackle Tyron Smith
- Washington Redskins: Alabama receiver Julio Jones
- Houston Texans: North Carolina defensive end Robert Quinn
- Minnesota Vikings: Clemson defensive end Da'Quan Bowers
- Detroit Lions: Boston College tackle Anthony Castonzo
- St. Louis Rams: Illinois defensive tackle Corey Liuget
- Miami Dolphins: Alabama running back Mark Ingram
- Jacksonville Jaguars: Missouri defensive end Aldon Smith
- New England Patriots: Wisconsin defensive end J.J. Watt
- San Diego Chargers: California defensive end Cameron Jordan
- New York Giants: Florida center Mike Pouncey
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Purdue defensive end Ryan Kerrigan
- Kansas City Chiefs: Wisconsin tackle Gabe Carimi
- Indianapolis Colts: Colorado tackle Nate Solder
- Philadelphia Eagles: Mississippi State tackle Derek Sherrod
- New Orleans Saints: Temple defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson
- Seattle Seahawks: Colorado cornerback Jimmy Smith
- Baltimore Ravens: Miami cornerback Brandon Harris
- Atlanta Falcons: Iowa defensive end Adrian Clayborn
- New England Patriots: Baylor offensive lineman Danny Watkins
- Chicago Bears: North Carolina defensive tackle Marvin Austin
- New York Jets: Arizona defensive end Brooks Reed
- Pittsburgh Steelers: Texas cornerback Aaron Williams
The Green Bay Packers are on the clock with the final selection of the first round.
Drop your suggestions in the comments section below or vote under the link on my Facebook page.
Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/afceast/post/_/id/28323/pack-up-the-reader-mock-think-again
Cleveland Browns Pittsburgh Steelers Chicago Bears Detroit Lions Green Bay Packers Minnesota Vikings
NFL: "We do not believe it is appropriate for football activities to take place"
NFL spokesperson Greg Aiello issued a statement to NFL.com's Jason La Canfora on Tuesday about how teams should respond to U.S. District Judge Susan Richard Nelson's ruling to end the lockout. So far, players who have arrived at team facilities have been unable to train or see coaches.
The full statement:
"We are going to proceed in an orderly way that is fair to the teams and players and complies with court orders. Players are being treated with courtesy and respect at club facilities. We do not believe it is appropriate for football activities to take place until there are further rulings from the court. Under the last set of proposals made to the NFLPA, teams wouldn't even be into offseason programs yet. We need a few days to sort this out, as NFLPA attorney Jim Quinn indicated last night."
Source: http://www.profootballweekly.com/2011/04/26/nfl-we-do-not-believe-it-is-appropriate-for-footba
Baltimore Ravens Cincinnati Bengals Cleveland Browns Pittsburgh Steelers Chicago Bears Detroit Lions
2011年4月27日水曜日
Canadiens top Bruins 2-1 to force Game 7
Brian Gionta and Michael Cammalleri scored during two separate two-man advantages and the Montreal Canadiens forced a decisive Game 7 in their first-round playoff series with a 2-1 victory over the Boston Bruins on Tuesday night.
Source: http://www.chicagobreakingsports.com/sports/sns-ap-hkn-bruins-canadiens,0,1628538.story?track=rss
Bobby Mitchell Paul Warfield Mike McCormack Frank Gatski Ozzie Newsome Joe DeLamielleure
Draft countdown: Pick No. 2
Overview: The second pick in the draft has proven to be well-utilized, with many players recently drafted at that spot becoming Pro Bowl regulars. PFW found that the last 10 players taken with the No. 2 pick, which is held by the Broncos this year, have gone on to accomplish great things and rarely have short careers:
2010: Lions select Nebraska DT Ndamukong Suh
Suh made a big and immediate impact as a rookie, being named the Pro Football Weekly/Professional Football Writers of America Defensive Rookie of the Year and earning a Pro Bowl nod. He finished his first season with 10 sacks in 16 starts and it appears the sky is the limit for the 24-year-old.
2009: Rams select Baylor OT Jason Smith
Smith was drafted with the expectation that he would become the Rams' starting left tackle, but rookie OT Rodger Saffold beat him out for that spot before last season. Smith likely will continue to be used on the right side, giving St. Louis a pair of talented, young bookends to protect QB Sam Bradford.
2008: Rams select Virginia DE Chris Long
Long has yet to develop into an elite player, but he did take a big step forward in 2010. He finished the season with a career-high 8½ sacks and started every game for the second time in three seasons.
2007: Lions select Georgia Tech WR Calvin Johnson
Johnson has become one of the best receivers in the NFL. At 6-foot-5, he is able to use his height and athletic ability to beat defenders and regularly dominates when left in single coverage. "Megatron" has made 33 TD catches in 55 career games, including 12 in both 2008 and ’10.
2006: Saints select USC RB Reggie Bush
Bush hasn't been able to live up to the sky-high expectations, but he has become a productive option in New Orleans. While he probably wasn't worth the second overall pick, he has shown he can be successful as a situational back, contributing big plays as a runner, receiver and punt returner in the Saints' run to the Super Bowl title following the 2009 season.
2005: Dolphins select Auburn RB Ronnie Brown
Brown has been a great fit in Miami not only for his effectiveness in the running game, but for his ability to run the "Wildcat" formation as well. Brown has split carries with RB Ricky Williams for most of his career and gains 4.3 yards per carry. Injuries cut short two seasons and have been a concern.
2004: Raiders select Iowa OT Robert Gallery
Gallery didn't work out as the elite tackle the Raiders thought they were getting, but his transition to guard ignited his career. The No. 2 pick might be high for a player who turned out to be a left guard, but he has performed well at the position and likely is looking at a lucrative free-agent contract whenever the FA market opens for business.
2003: Lions select Michigan State WR Charles Rogers
Rogers entered the league as an immature, wiry receiver and never put forth the work to improve. His NFL career lasted only three seasons as he finished with 36 catches for 440 yards and four touchdowns. He is one of the all-time draft busts, and his failure led the Lions to draft wideouts with their first-round pick the following two years (Roy Williams in ’04 and Mike Williams in ’05).
2002: Panthers select North Carolina DE Julius Peppers
Peppers made 12 sacks his first season in the league and helped Carolina reach the Super Bowl in his second season. He has been among the NFL's elite pass rushers ever since. He has 89 career sacks and, at the age of 30, finished fourth in Defensive Player of the Year voting with the Bears last season — his first in Chicago after signing a lucrative free-agent deal in March 2010.
2001: Cardinals select Texas OT Leonard Davis
At 6-6, 355 pounds, Davis has used his size to become an effective guard since moving inside from tackle after joining the Cowboys in 2007. The three-time Pro Bowler has been durable throughout his career and continues to be a productive blocker for the Cowboys, though he showed signs of slowing down in ’10.
Source: http://www.profootballweekly.com/2011/04/26/draft-countdown-pick-no-2
Ozzie Newsome Joe DeLamielleure Gene Hickerson Joshua Cribbs USC Trojans football Colorado Buffaloes
2011年4月26日火曜日
Video: Kiper shares latest QB draft buzz
ESPN draft expert Mel Kiper predicts four quarterbacks will be selected Thursday in the first round, including Missouri's Blaine Gabbert possibly to the Buffalo Bills with the third overall pick.
In addition to Heisman Trophy winner Cam Newton early, Kiper considers Washington's Jake Locker, Texas Christian's Andy Dalton and Florida State's Christian Ponder legitimate first-round possibilities. Kiper says Ponder talk is "hot" at the moment and weighs in with his thoughts on Arkansas lighting rod Ryan Mallett.
Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/afceast/post/_/id/28291/video-kiper-shares-latest-qb-draft-buzz
Georgia Bulldogs Texas A&M Aggies Arkansas Razorbacks Penn State Nittany Lions Alabama Crimson Tide Clemson Tigers
Report: Bucs to cut Talib when lockout ends
Trouble has followed Aqib Talib ever since he was a first-round pick in the '08 draft. He has fought teammates, been accused of hitting a cab driver and was suspended by commissioner Roger Goodell at the start of last season. Just last month, Talib added to his rap sheet when he was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
It appears the off-field incidents have been too much for the Buccaneers. The team is planning on releasing the talented 25-year old when they are able to, the St. Petersburg Times reported on Sunday. Due to the lockout, the team can't make any transactions at the current time.
In 41 career games, Talib has 15 interceptions and 35 passes defensed. The newspaper reports "the Bucs have reached a point where they believe Talib's talent no longer justifies the trouble he generates. They believe it's only a matter of time before he runs afoul of the rules again. That's why general manager Mark Dominik made it clear last week that the Bucs have altered their draft plans to include selecting a cornerback."
The way we see it
Some other team is sure to give Talib a chance, because he is both young and talented. However he is likely to be suspended again once the lockout is resolved, making him a risky pickup for whichever team decides to sign him. The Buccaneers, a young team with a lot of emerging talent, are making the smart call by parting ways with a repeated trouble-maker.
Source: http://www.profootballweekly.com/2011/04/24/report-bucs-to-cut-talib-when-lockout-ends
Green Bay Packers Minnesota Vikings Houston Texans Atlanta Falcons Carolina Panthers Indianapolis Colts
Cowboys veterans meet with WR Bryant
According to a report from the Dallas Morning News, three veteran Cowboys players met with WR Dez Bryant on Saturday to discuss the second-year wideout's off-the-field troubles.
QB Tony Romo, C Andre Gurode and LB Keith Brooking met with Bryant for lunch at an undisclosed location in hopes of getting the young receiver on the right track. Actor Chace Crawford, who soon will become Romo's brother-in-law, also was present.
Following the meeting, Bryant tweeted: "Just finished eating with chase crawford,Tony romo Keith and Aundre gurode...had a good time."
Bryant has had two lawsuits filed against him this summer; one of which has been settled and one that states Bryant owes $850,000 in unpaid jewelry and sports tickets. He also had an incident with security at a Dallas-area mall.
Source: http://www.profootballweekly.com/2011/04/25/cowboys-veterans-meet-with-wr-bryant
Florida State Seminoles Miami Hurricanes Georgia Bulldogs Texas A&M Aggies Arkansas Razorbacks Penn State Nittany Lions
Non-AQ spring games rewind
Here is a quick look at the non-AQ spring games from this past weekend. Ball State: Coach Pete Lembo said Keith Wenning has the edge in the race to become the starting quarterback over Kelly Page. Lembo cited Wenning's mobility and ability to protect the ball as two areas where he has done better. One side note: Michigan coach Brady Hoke attended the game to watch his nephew, Kyle, who is on the team. Hoke coached Ball State for two seasons before leaving for San Diego State.
Colorado State: M.J. McPeek appears to have won the backup quarterback spot behind Pete Thomas. Many key contributors were held out or limited during the spring game. That includes cornerback Momo Thomas, who is making his return from a shoulder injury that cost him all of 2010. Thomas returned punts only. Pete Thomas only played a handful of series. One player who stood out to coach Steve Fairchild was former walk-on running back Derek Good, who had 10 carries for 75 yards.
Idaho: The offense behind Brian Reader looked sharp, and several players on defense made some big plays in what coach Robb Akey said was the best practice of the spring. Tre'Shawn Robinson was one of six players with four tackles. Defensive end Benson Mayowa continued his impressive spring, leading the team with five tackles. The one downside -- the team was still assessing a knee injury to linebacker Robert Siavii.
FAU: The Owls are switching to a 3-4 defense, and coach Howard Schenllenberger was pleased with the overall way the unit performed this spring. They are going to have to be better after ranking as one of the worst in the nation last season. Cory Henry and Randell Johnson impressed on the outside. As for the quarterback competition, it will continue into the fall between David Kooi and Graham Wilbert. Wilbert injured his finger during the spring game, leaving the majority of the snaps to Kooi.
Marshall: There was no separation between quarterbacks A.J. Graham and Eddie Sullivan during the spring game, meaning their competition to win the starting quarterback job will stretch into the fall. Coach Doc Holliday also mentioned two incoming freshman who will be thrown into the mix.
Navy: Trey Miller won the Vice Admiral William P. Mack Award at halftime of the spring game. The award is given annually to the most improved player during the spring, as voted on by the coaches. Miller is the second quarterback to win the award since its inception 36 years ago. Miller is currently listed as the backup behind Kriss Proctor.
"Trey had a great spring, he impressed the coaching staff with his grasp of the offense and he’s a kid that just knows how to plays. He has the ability to make something out of nothing,” coach Ken Niumatalolo said.
Northern Illinois: Senior quarterback Chandler Harnish completed 18 of 25 passes for 180 yards and two touchdowns, and the Huskies’ No. 1 defense kept the second-team offense out of the end zone. Jasmin Hopkins had 10 carries for 46 yards and a touchdown, while Akeem Daniels led all rushers with 11 carries for 64 yards and a touchdown. First-year coach Dave Doeren was pleased with his offense, but still has decisions to make at running back.
"We didn’t want to reinvent what they had going here. They had a good system and a good team," Doeren said. "Chandler did a nice job of being a consistent guy who throws the ball well, manages the game and handles the team. He doesn’t have to do too much."
Utah State: Adam Kennedy and Alex Hart will continue their quarterback competition into the fall, but coach Gary Andersen is not going to let it drag on for very long. "We will let it go for a week or week and a half at the most before we make a decision," he said. "It is not going to carry on into the Auburn game where we haven’t named a starter. We will continue to let them battle it out throughout the summer. That should help them. We will see what kind of leadership they have and we will see whom the team rallies around. I think the team will rally around both of these young men, and the battle will go on.”
Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/ncfnation/post/_/id/41238/non-aq-spring-games-rewind
Nate Burleson Otto Graham Paul Brown Marion Motley Jim Brown Lou Groza
Rams really dig their starting strong-side linebacker
While we have been told the Rams could flip a coin between four prospective starters at weak-side linebacker entering the draft (Larry Grant, David Vobora, Chris Chamberlain and Bryan Kehl), it’s a much different story on the strong side. The team apparently is quite confident Na’il Diggs will pick up right where he left off last season before suffering a season-ending torn pectoral muscle in Week 13. The Rams’ defense made major strides in 2010 with basically the same personnel from the previous season, except for Diggs and fellow veteran free-agent additon Fred Robbins at left tackle. “[Diggs is] getting a bit up there in age (he turns 33 in July), but the feeling is he’s a good, solid starter who provides a veteran presence and good size at a position that does not need a superstar in this defense,” one team insider said. “He was playing a lot better the second half of the season before the injury.”
Source: http://www.profootballweekly.com/2011/04/22/rams-really-dig-their-starting-strong-side-linebac
Carolina Panthers Indianapolis Colts Jacksonville Jaguars New Orleans Saints Tampa Bay Buccaneers Tennessee Titans
2011年4月25日月曜日
Packers looking superstrong at running back
Widely perceived as a relative embarrassment in Green Bay’s power-packed offense because of its tendency to come up short in key situations, the consensus now seems to be that the Packers’ RB corps suddenly has an embarrassment of riches. That feeling could change if free agents Brandon Jackson and John Kuhn, a RB-FB hybrid, split the scene. But the way we hear it, at least one of them is a very good bet to remain a Packer. Team insiders suspect Kuhn, a huge fan favorite, is a bit more likely to stay put than Jackson, who in a perfect world would go to a team where he would receive more playing time than he figures to get in Green Bay with Ryan Grant expected to be fully recovered from the ankle injury that ended his 2010 season in Week One. In any event, many league observers believe Grant and James Starks, who came on so strong down the stretch last season, could give the Packers the most potent 1-2 RB punch in the league.
Source: http://www.profootballweekly.com/2011/04/21/packers-looking-superstrong-at-running-back
Pittsburgh Steelers Chicago Bears Detroit Lions Green Bay Packers Minnesota Vikings Houston Texans
Broncos' draft strategy different than in past
With the NFL draft taking place prior to free agency this season, we hear the Broncos will be making changes to their perspective on the draft. Executive vice president of football operations John Elway discussed his team's approach during a pre-draft press conference. "I think my feeling on that is that it actually helps us with the draft because now we can find the best players that are on that draft board that can come in and are really going to help us," he said. "And then to fill in with free agency rather than having free agency and having to fill through the draft." The Broncos have nearly 190 players on their current board, up from 100 last year, but many of those additions might have come because of the team's switch to a 4-3 defensive scheme, which doesn't require as many players with very specific skills as their previous 3-4 set. Although the Broncos' interest in this year's quarterback prospects has been very public recently, one daily team observer said that he doesn't expect the team to take a QB at any point in the draft because it has so many other prevalent needs. He expects the defense to be heavily addressed, with the tight end and running back positions a priority on the offensive side.
Source: http://www.profootballweekly.com/2011/04/21/broncos-draft-strategy-different-than-in-past
Aldrick Robinson Tory Collins Brandon McRae Jermelle Cudjo James Farrior Fred Davis
Draft countdown: Pick No. 5
Overview: The fifth pick in the draft seems to have produced very effective players at the beginning and end of the decade, with some serviceable players in between. PFW found that there hasn't been a true bust at the No. 5 spot, which is held by the Cardinals in 2010, in the past 10 seasons:
2010: Chiefs select Tennessee SS Eric Berry
Berry was a playmaking safety his first season in the league and has lived up to all expectations. He was good against both the run and the pass and recorded 92 tackles and four interceptions after starting all 16 games.
2009: Jets select USC QB Mark Sanchez
Sanchez's numbers have not been outstanding in the regular season, but he has a sparkling 4-2 record in road playoff games and has thrown nine touchdown passes and only three interceptions in the postseason.
2008: Chiefs select LSU DL Glenn Dorsey
Dorsey has been up and down throughout his career. He has played well against the run, but the switch from defensive tackle to end has slowed his progress. Dorsey has just four sacks in his career.
2007: Cardinals select Penn State OT Levi Brown
Brown has held his own in Arizona but has not lived up to the expectations of a top-five pick. He hasn't missed a start since '08, but had to make the switch from right to left tackle and has struggled in pass protection.
2006: Packers select Ohio State OLB A.J. Hawk
Hawk has become a vital part of the Packers' defense. He took over play-calling duties last season and has grown as a leader over the past five years. He led the team with 110 tackles in '10.
2005: Buccaneers select Auburn RB Cadillac Williams
Williams had a great rookie season in Tampa Bay but hasn't been able to match that production since. He has struggled with injuries and lost a lot of carries to teammate LeGarrette Blount in 2010.
2004: Redskins select Miami (Fla.) FS Sean Taylor
Taylor was turning into one of the NFL's best safeties before he was shot to death in 2007. A two-time Pro Bowler, Taylor had 12 interceptions in four seasons, including five in nine games in '07.
2003: Cowboys select Kansas State CB Terence Newman
Newman has been named to a pair of Pro Bowls, but injuries have limited him from consistently playing like a top-10 corner. He has picked off 28 passes in his career with 104 passes defensed.
2002: Chargers select Texas DB Quentin Jammer
Jammer has been a cornerstone in the Chargers' secondary since his arrival and continues to be one of the league's more underrated corners. He has 18 career interceptions and has missed only two starts since '02.
2001: Chargers select TCU RB LaDainian Tomlinson
Tomlinson is arguably the best running back of the past decade. He carried the Chargers' offense for years and broke the NFL's single-season touchdown mark in '06 with 31 scores. He's likely to be a first-ballot Hall of Famer.
Source: http://www.profootballweekly.com/2011/04/23/draft-countdown-pick-no-5
New Orleans Saints Tampa Bay Buccaneers Tennessee Titans Buffalo Bills Dallas Cowboys Miami Dolphins
Report: NFL does not grant waiver to request from law firm
The NFL has decided against granting a waiver to the law firm that was seeking to represent at least 70 players in the antitrust lawsuit against the league, Sports Business Journal's Daniel Kaplan reported.
"We notified the law firm that while we do not know the specifics of the claim, or the players who would be involved we cannot consent to the firm's request to grant a waiver," the league said in a statement. "As a matter of policy, we do not believe it is appropriate to consent to firms bringing suit against the NFL while simultaneously representing league entities even on unrelated matters."
Kaplan said the "unrelated" matter involved representing NFL Network and NFL Films for music licensing.
On Wednesday, Kaplan reported that players wanted to take part in negotiations, as they believe their voices are not being properly represented by the players' association.
The way we see it
While this possibly shows that some factions are being formed among players, it also would verify that the decertification is not a sham, as multiple lawyers representing different players were asking for seats at the mediation table. For now, it won't matter, as the league said no to this.
Source: http://www.profootballweekly.com/2011/04/21/report-nfl-does-not-grant-waiver-to-request-from-l
New York Jets New England Patriots Denver Broncos Arizona Cardinals Kansas City Chiefs San Francisco 49ers
Draft countdown: Pick No. 5
Overview: The fifth pick in the draft seems to have produced very effective players at the beginning and end of the decade, with some serviceable players in between. PFW found that there hasn't been a true bust at the No. 5 spot, which is held by the Cardinals in 2010, in the past 10 seasons:
2010: Chiefs select Tennessee SS Eric Berry
Berry was a playmaking safety his first season in the league and has lived up to all expectations. He was good against both the run and the pass and recorded 92 tackles and four interceptions after starting all 16 games.
2009: Jets select USC QB Mark Sanchez
Sanchez's numbers have not been outstanding in the regular season, but he has a sparkling 4-2 record in road playoff games and has thrown nine touchdown passes and only three interceptions in the postseason.
2008: Chiefs select LSU DL Glenn Dorsey
Dorsey has been up and down throughout his career. He has played well against the run, but the switch from defensive tackle to end has slowed his progress. Dorsey has just four sacks in his career.
2007: Cardinals select Penn State OT Levi Brown
Brown has held his own in Arizona but has not lived up to the expectations of a top-five pick. He hasn't missed a start since '08, but had to make the switch from right to left tackle and has struggled in pass protection.
2006: Packers select Ohio State OLB A.J. Hawk
Hawk has become a vital part of the Packers' defense. He took over play-calling duties last season and has grown as a leader over the past five years. He led the team with 110 tackles in '10.
2005: Buccaneers select Auburn RB Cadillac Williams
Williams had a great rookie season in Tampa Bay but hasn't been able to match that production since. He has struggled with injuries and lost a lot of carries to teammate LeGarrette Blount in 2010.
2004: Redskins select Miami (Fla.) FS Sean Taylor
Taylor was turning into one of the NFL's best safeties before he was shot to death in 2007. A two-time Pro Bowler, Taylor had 12 interceptions in four seasons, including five in nine games in '07.
2003: Cowboys select Kansas State CB Terence Newman
Newman has been named to a pair of Pro Bowls, but injuries have limited him from consistently playing like a top-10 corner. He has picked off 28 passes in his career with 104 passes defensed.
2002: Chargers select Texas DB Quentin Jammer
Jammer has been a cornerstone in the Chargers' secondary since his arrival and continues to be one of the league's more underrated corners. He has 18 career interceptions and has missed only two starts since '02.
2001: Chargers select TCU RB LaDainian Tomlinson
Tomlinson is arguably the best running back of the past decade. He carried the Chargers' offense for years and broke the NFL's single-season touchdown mark in '06 with 31 scores. He's likely to be a first-ballot Hall of Famer.
Source: http://www.profootballweekly.com/2011/04/23/draft-countdown-pick-no-5
Mike McCormack Frank Gatski Ozzie Newsome Joe DeLamielleure Gene Hickerson Joshua Cribbs
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