Carolina Panthers Indianapolis Colts Jacksonville Jaguars New Orleans Saints Tampa Bay Buccaneers Tennessee Titans
2011年5月31日火曜日
NFL files brief: Lockout should stick
Just over a week before their court date with representatives with the players, the NFL filed their reply brief on Thursday evening with the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals, stating that the lockout should remain in effect.
The 41-page brief states that the decision by U.S. District Court judge Susan Richard Nelson to enjoin the lockout was illegal and that the appellate court should uphold its ruling to grant a stay on the league's decision to lock out the players as they negotiate a new Collective Bargaining Agreement.
In the brief, the league's lawyers argue that the players' disagreements with the owners are not a legal issue, but rather a labor one. In a footnote on page 35, they claim that the NFLPA decertification is just a front and that the players are still operating as a certified union.
"Plaintiffs also argue that 'every single player in the NFL sacrificed numerous rights and protections by terminating their union.' These 'sacrifices' are almost entirely illusory. The NFLPA continues to pursue a grievance on behalf of over 250 players asserting improper conduct with respect to contracts in the 2010 season. It has established trusts to provide the players with legal representation for and to cover the costs of other grievances, and to assist players in applying for retirement benefits."
The league concludes by saying: "This Court should vacate the District Court's grant of a preliminary injunction and remand with instructions to dismiss or stay the action."
The two sides are due in the St. Louis courthouse on June 3 for a hearing on whether to keep the lockout in place.
Source: http://www.profootballweekly.com/2011/05/26/nfl-files-brief-lockout-should-stick
San Francisco 49ers Seattle Seahawks San Diego Chargers St. Louis Rams Oakland Raiders Kansas City Chiefs
Wilford pleads no contest to charge of resisting arrest
Former Jaguars TE Ernest Wilford pled no contest in a Jacksonville court on Friday to charges of resisting arrest during an incident at a local bar in January. Wilford, 32, was ordered to pay $303 in court costs. A count of trespassing was dropped.
Wilford, who was selected by the Jaguars in the fourth round of the 2004 draft, played wide receiver for Jacksonville for four seasons before signing with the Dolphins, with whom he struggled before being cut in 2009. He returned to the Jaguars as a tight end but was released in September 2010.
Known for his charity work in the community, Wilford's incident in January was out of character for him.
Police were called to a popular Jacksonville Beach night club on Jan. 14 after management received complaints that Wilford was groping cocktail waitresses and refusing to leave. He mouthed off and pushed one of the police officers who arrived on the scene before he was subdued by a stun gun.
"It's fair to say Ernest has regrets as to parts of that evening," said Scott Mitchell, Wilford's attorney. "The main concern for him now is moving on and continuing to work with children."
Source: http://www.profootballweekly.com/2011/05/28/wilford-pleads-no-contest-to-charge-of-resisting-a
Ozzie Newsome Joe DeLamielleure Gene Hickerson Joshua Cribbs USC Trojans football Colorado Buffaloes
Bucs CB Talib officially indicted
Buccaneers CB Aqib Talib officially has been indicted on felony charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
The indictment only serves as a formal accusation and does not convict Talib of any crime.
"The grand jury was not privy to a number of important facts," Talib's lawyers said in a statement. "We are very confident that once we have the opportunity to present all of the facts, this matter will be resolved in Mr. Talib's favor. Aqib looks forward to putting this matter behind him and returning to the game of football."
Talib is accused of shooting at his sister's boyfriend, Shannon Billings during a March 21 domestic dispute. Billings was not injured during the incident. Talib's mother told police that her son might have fired the gun at Billings.
A hearing and trial have not been scheduled. If convicted, Talib could face between 2-20 years in prison. Talib is out of jail on $25,000 bond.
Source: http://www.profootballweekly.com/2011/05/28/bucs-cb-talib-officially-indicted
Tennessee Titans Buffalo Bills Dallas Cowboys Miami Dolphins New York Giants Philadelphia Eagles
Sox bolster bullpen for Red Sox series
BOSTON -- The Chicago White Sox added more pitching for their three-game series at Boston.
Northwestern Wildcats Wichita State University Nebraska Cornhuskers North Carolina Tar Heels Louisiana Tech Bulldogs Arizona Wildcats
Rams contribute to relief efforts in Joplin, Mo.
The Rams are donating $25,000 to help aid the relief efforts in both Joplin, Mo., and St. Louis., following the devastating storms that recently hit the area.
The donation will be split between the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army, and the team has said it also will match any staff contributions.
"The St. Louis Rams are proud to make this pledge to the American Red Cross and Salvation Army to help the Joplin and St. Louis communities. Our hearts and prayers go out to all of the families impacted by these disasters," Rams chief operating officer Kevin Demoff said.
Outside of financial contributions, head coach Steve Spagnuolo and his wife, Maria recently took part in a telethon to help raise money for the cause, while many members of the organization have volunteered their time to help remove debris.
Source: http://www.profootballweekly.com/2011/05/27/rams-contribute-to-relief-efforts-in-joplin-mo
Ben Graham Patrick Edwards Eugene Sims Aldrick Robinson Tory Collins Brandon McRae
Crucial season ahead for Saints WR Meachem
Saints WR Robert Meachem revealed in April that he underwent ankle surgery after last season, but his recovery has gone well, per reports, and he expects to be 100 percent healthy well before the 2011 season, which will be a pivotal one for him. He has a lot to gain heading into his fifth year. Meachem figures to have his best shot yet of becoming the regular starter opposite Marques Colston and is entering the final year of his rookie contract. His production declined last season as he was nagged by injuries and some fans were disappointed by his performance after an impressive showing in '09. The former first-round pick still has breakout potential, as long as he stays healthy. If he plays well enough to convince a team that he can be a No. 1 receiver, Meachem will be set up for a major pay day and the Saints will have competition for his services.
Source: http://www.profootballweekly.com/2011/05/27/crucial-season-ahead-for-saints-wr-meachem
Arizona Wildcats Houston Cougars California Golden Bears Texas Longhorns Baltimore Ravens Cincinnati Bengals
2011年5月30日月曜日
Auburn's Sanders not 'afraid to run up front'
Kevin Yoxall, Auburn’s veteran strength and conditioning coach, stopped making predictions on guys a long time ago. But in terms of how hard a kid has worked in the weight room and how much bigger and stronger he’s gotten in a little more than a year, Yoxall doesn’t mind saying that sophomore defensive end Craig Sanders might be somebody to keep an eye on in the fall.
“I look for the young man to become a player in this league,” Yoxall says simply.
Sanders, a fixture for the Tigers last season on special teams as a true freshman, has been hard to miss in Auburn’s weight room this offseason. For one, he’s practically lived there.
The results have been obvious, too, making Sanders one of the SEC’s resident “Workout Warriors” as we point toward the 2011 season.
He came to Auburn a year ago after graduating high school early and weighed 225 pounds. Earlier this week, Yoxall said Sanders weighed in at 266 pounds.
“The goal for him was to weigh 270 pounds by the end of the summer, and he’s right there,” Yoxall said. “He’s followed his weight program to a ‘T.’”
In fact, just one program hasn’t been enough for Sanders.
He’s flourished in the morning workout and training sessions attended by all of the Auburn players. And on lifting days, Sanders had Yoxall and the strength staff put together a second program just for him, so he’s been grinding through dual workouts for much of the offseason.
“He’s gotten stronger, bigger and faster, and he hasn’t put on any bad weight,” Yoxall said. “He comes in on his own for that second workout after all of his classes and is an example of what we want in all of our kids. He comes in every day with a dedication to get better and is ready to work.
“You’ve got to have an edge at this level, and to me, it’s those guys who realize they have to continuously work on that edge. And that edge is in the weight room. Craig has figured that out.”
Sanders hasn’t maxed out at Auburn in any of the lifts, but Yoxall said his projected max in the power clean is 308 pounds and 350 pounds on the bench-press.
“Now, that number might not be impressive to a lot of people, but we do a variety of different lifts,” Yoxall said. “I’m not a big bench-press guy. You play on your feet. I’ve yet to see many players play on their backs.”
Sanders is also a legitimate 500-pound squatter.
“Anything that’s legitimate and is above 480 or 485 pounds is good,” Yoxall said. “There’s a lot of lip service given to squats, but a lot of it gets back to how they’re being done.
“I don’t get hung up on numbers anyway. I get hung up on how the players are doing and how it helps them on the field.”
The other thing Yoxall gets hung up on is how hard a player pushes himself in the strength and conditioning program.
Currently, the Tigers are in the middle of doing a lot of running, and as the days get hotter, those guys who are the most driven usually end up leading the pack.
Sanders has consistently been one of those guys.
“I’m talking about full gassers, the stuff kids usually hate, and this kid [Sanders] is running right up there with the linebackers at 266 pounds,” Yoxall said. “Those are the guys you try to find, the guys who are intrinsically motivated and aren’t afraid to run up front.
“If you get a bunch of those guys, your team’s going to be all right.”
Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/ncfnation/post/_/id/42579/auburns-sanders-not-afraid-to-run-up-front
Jermelle Cudjo James Farrior Fred Davis Peter Mayer Nate Burleson Otto Graham
2011年5月29日日曜日
NFL, Cowboys want Super Bowl lawsuit thrown out
Both the NFL and the Cowboys have asked for the class-action lawsuit filed against them by Super Bowl ticket holders who were denied seats to be dismissed.
The NFL filed a motion on Thursday stating that its offers of compensations were beyond contractual obligations and that no one was defrauded because employees worked through the day of the game to deal with the issue.
There were a total of 1,250 temporary seats not completed in time for Super Bowl XLV, which took place on Feb. 6 at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
Of those displaced fans, 400 ticket holders were told they had to watch the game on TV. Also, some Cowboys season-ticket holders were forced to watch the game in folding chairs with obstructed views.
Source: http://www.profootballweekly.com/2011/05/27/nfl-cowboys-want-super-bowl-lawsuit-thrown-out
New Orleans Saints Tampa Bay Buccaneers Tennessee Titans Buffalo Bills Dallas Cowboys Miami Dolphins
Rating the ACC
ESPN.com's Mark Schlabach has taken the pulse of each team in the ACC. Consider it sort of a health check, a quick once-over to determine if the program is feeling good or if it's going to be laid up for a while. He assigned a rating to each program, and I agreed with him on the majority of assessments. Here was his grading scale: 5: Elite program with potential to be a BCS bowl contender every season
4: Above-average program with potential to join the sport’s elite in the near future
3: Average program with recent mediocre results, but seems to be building momentum
2: Average program with recent success, but seems to be headed in wrong direction
1: Below-average program with little success in past or future
Below you'll find Schlabach's rating, followed by my response:
Boston College
Rating: 2
After an 11-3 finish behind star quarterback Matt Ryan in 2007, the Eagles’ victory total has decreased in each of the past three seasons, from nine in ’08 to eight in ’09 to seven in ’10. BC is isolated from the rest of the ACC, and, fair or not, is an unattractive bowl selection because of its small fan base.
Counterpoint: Boston College should finally start to turn things around this season because quarterback Chase Rettig will be in his second season as a starter, and that position has been the Eagles’ biggest hindrance during the drop Schlabach refers to. Can’t argue with the last sentence.
HD Rating: 3
Clemson
Rating: 2
The Tigers haven’t won a conference championship since 1991, although they came close to doing it in coach Dabo Swinney’s second season in 2009. The Tigers slipped to 6-7 last season, putting a lot of pressure on Swinney in 2011. The Tigers’ incoming top-10 recruiting class might help.
Counterpoint: Swinney at least acknowledged the fact that changes needed to be made, and hired a new offensive coordinator and implemented a new system. There’s no question he’s facing pressure, but too quickly fans forget Swinney had the Tigers in the ACC championship game in 2009.
HD Rating: 2
Duke
Rating: 1
David Cutcliffe has done a nice job in three seasons at Duke and a bowl game might even be in the works in 2011. But the program’s history suggests the Blue Devils’ 5-7 finish in 2009 might be as good as it gets.
Counterpoint: The Blue Devils could have one of the best quarterbacks in the ACC this year in Sean Renfree. If they’re going to take the next step and get to a bowl game, this is the year. Can’t argue with the rating, though, based on the history of the program and the Virginia Tech-owned division it’s in.
HD rating: 1
Florida State
Rating: 4
Perhaps no team will ever match FSU’s amazing run during the 1990s, but the Seminoles’ 10-4 finish in coach Jimbo Fisher’s first season in 2010 gives their fans plenty of hope for the future. Fisher has stockpiled back-to-back top-five recruiting classes as well.
Counterpoint: I’ve got no argument here. If Fisher took the Noles to the ACC title game in Year 1, there are only bigger things ahead.
HD rating: 4
Georgia Tech
Rating: 2
Can Yellow Jackets coach Paul Johnson build a consistent winner with his triple-option spread offense? After guiding Tech to an ACC title in 2009, Johnson’s team slipped to 6-7 in 2010 and his recruiting efforts haven’t been great.
Counterpoint: That triple-option spread offense has won Johnson an ACC title, and produced a few NFL draft picks. The offense works. The bigger question to me is recruiting the talent to execute it.
HD rating: 2
Maryland
Rating: 2
A coaching change was probably inevitable, but former Connecticut coach Randy Edsall’s conservative coaching style might not inject much enthusiasm into a Maryland program that could really use some new life.
Counterpoint: The players I’ve spoken to this offseason seem to really have embraced Edsall’s militant style, and he’s well-respected among his peers. He is a proven winner, but there is a ceiling at Maryland as long as the program continues to recruit average talent.
HD rating: 2
Miami
Rating: 2
Former Temple coach Al Golden built a winner in the most unlikely of places, but he’ll have his hands full trying to resurrect Miami’s program. The Canes lack great facilities and a big and generous fan base, which are two requirements in joining the sport’s elite.
Counterpoint: It’s not like Miami hasn’t won before. Golden isn’t taking over a one-win team, he’s got to improve upon a seven-win team. Definitely doable, especially with the talent in their own backyard. There’s no way to tell if the Canes are “building momentum” under Golden until they play, but I’m willing to give him the benefit of the doubt because he has at least injected some energy into a program that desperately needed a lift.
HD rating: 3
North Carolina
Rating: 2
The Tar Heels’ ongoing NCAA problems might end up preventing them from joining the sport’s upper-echelon of teams. Coach Butch Davis has done a tremendous job of upgrading UNC’s talent; keeping his best players eligible has been another matter.
Counterpoint: There’s no question Davis has done an outstanding job recruiting and he has improved the program significantly.There are only two things that will stop his momentum: The players’ poor decisions and/or the NCAA. Until the NCAA investigation is over, though, there’s no telling which direction the program is headed.
HD rating: 2
NC State
Rating: 3
Did the Wolfpack finally turn the corner with a 9-4 record in 2010? Known for building consistent winners at Boston College, NC State coach Tom O’Brien failed to produce a winning campaign in each of his first three seasons in Raleigh.
Counterpoint: Yes, NC State turned the corner last year, and the Wolfpack came off a productive spring that featured the deepest, healthiest team O’Brien has had since he arrived in Raleigh. The only question is whether or not Mike Glennon can continue that success in his first season as a starter.
HD rating: 3
Virginia
Rating: 2
The Cavaliers can only hope they hit rock-bottom during the past three seasons, when they went a combined 6-18 against ACC foes. Coach Mike London is a great recruiter, but it might be a couple of more seasons before he fields a really competitive team.
Counterpoint: London has been good enough on the recruiting trail that he lured in a top 25 class last year, but the uncertainty at quarterback is the biggest reason for concern heading into 2011. Virginia needs playmakers, and it's going to take London more than one recruiting class to put it all together, but all signs point to positive change, whether it's now or in the next few seasons.
HD rating: 3
Virginia Tech
Rating: 5
It’s hard to find a more consistent team in the country. The Hokies claimed ACC titles in three of the last four seasons and won at least 10 games in each of the last seven.
Counterpoint: There is no question that Virginia Tech should be considered an elite program. Despite the fact that Hokies fans lament the lack of a national title, at least Frank Beamer and his staff consistently put their players in position to contend for one.
HD rating: 5
Wake Forest
Rating: 2
The past two seasons proved how remarkable the Demon Deacons’ 2006 ACC championship really was. After winning eight games or more in three straight seasons from 2006 to ’08, Wake Forest went a combined 8-16 the past two seasons combined.
Counterpoint: Those within the program are convinced this team will be better, and it should be with Tanner Price entering his second season as the starting quarterback. The problem is, the schedule is difficult enough that fans might not be able to tell by looking at the win-loss column.
HD rating: 2
Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/ncfnation/post/_/id/42548/rating-the-acc
Marion Motley Jim Brown Lou Groza Dante Lavelli Len Ford Bill Willis
NFL Links: Stover one of Ravens' greats; Barber's Anne Frank comment 'despicable'
Thursday, May 26, 2011
A Baltimore columnist says Matt Stover is one of the greatest Ravens players of all time.
Tiki Barber says the wrong thing almost every time he opens his mouth, according to a New York columnist.
David Garrard says he's not bothered by competition from Blaine Gabbert.
Charles Tillman says players will not be in football shape whenever the lockout ends.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Juan Castillo discussed his vision for the Eagles' defense with a Philadelphia reporter.
A high-profile member of the Panthers will be on hand for the team's player-led workouts next week.
Torry Holt says he's not ready to retire.
Richard Seymour footed the bill for the Raiders' player-organized workout.
Source: http://www.profootballweekly.com/2011/05/26/nfl-links-stover-one-of-ravens-greats-barbers-anne
Len Ford Bill Willis Bobby Mitchell Paul Warfield Mike McCormack Frank Gatski
Lockout has Bills tackle Bell on hold
ELMA, N.Y. -- Ryan Fitzpatrick wasn't the only Buffalo Bills player who was anxious while watching last month's draft. 
Had the Bills drafted a tackle within the first three rounds, fans wouldn't have complained. They hadn't taken one higher than the fifth round since 2002, choosing instead to rely on a series of projects and castoffs.
Bell, a 2008 seventh-round draft choice with a lengthy injury history, started all 16 games at left tackle last year.
The Bills gave Bell a vote of confidence when they didn't draft a tackle until Clemson's Chris Hairston in the fourth round. Hairston's probably headed to right tackle.
"This is my position to lose at this point," Bell told me this week at Sahlen's Sports Park in suburban Buffalo, where he hooked up with 30 or so teammates for informal workouts. "They didn't draft a tackle in the high rounds. I look at last year as something to build off of and this is my year to breakout."
But with that comment, Bell winced. He knows that at this stage of his career, he badly needs structured workouts and instruction from coaches. As the lockout drags on, more sessions will get scrubbed. Minicamps are in danger. Training camp sessions and preseason games would be next.
The longer the lockout lasts, the more it will curtail Bell's development.
"The lockout is hurting me," Bell said. "I'm still in my learning stages. I'm still picking up the game, still getting stronger. I'm not where I want to be, and this lockout is hitting me hard. I have to find ways on my own to keep my stride, to keep learning, to keep improving."
On a positive note, Bell said he's 100 percent healthy and doesn't know of a single lingering injury anywhere on the offensive line.
Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/afceast/post/_/id/29094/lockout-has-bills-tackle-bell-on-hold
Aldrick Robinson Tory Collins Brandon McRae Jermelle Cudjo James Farrior Fred Davis
Lions add Brandon Fisher to coaching staff
The Lions have added Brandon Fisher to their staff as an assistant to the defensive coaching staff.
Fisher, who is the son of former Titans coach Jeff Fisher, spent part of the 2010 season assisting the Titans' offensive staff.
Fisher played collegiately at the University of Montana, where he was a second-team All-Big Sky selection as a linebacker his senior year. He tallied 169 career tackles.
Source: http://www.profootballweekly.com/2011/05/26/lions-add-brandon-fisher-to-coaching-staff
Peter Mayer Nate Burleson Otto Graham Paul Brown Marion Motley Jim Brown
2011年5月28日土曜日
Three Tide players earn All-America honors
A trio of Alabama players -- running back Trent Richardson, offensive guard Barrett Jones and safety Mark Barron -- have been named first-team All-Americans by Phil Steele in his annual preseason college football preview magazine, which hits newsstands on June 7. South Carolina receiver Alshon Jeffery, South Carolina defensive end Devin Taylor and Georgia punter Drew Butler were the other three SEC players to receive first-team honors.
The SEC players receiving second-team All-America mention were:
- South Carolina running back Marcus Lattimore
- Kentucky offensive guard Larry Warford
- Alabama linebacker Dont'a Hightower
- South Carolina cornerback Stephon Gilmore
- Alabama safety Robert Lester
- Georgia place-kicker Blair Walsh
The third-team All-Americans from the SEC were:
- Arkansas receiver Greg Childs
- Georgia tight end Orson Charles
- Alabama center William Vlachos
- Arkansas defensive end Jake Bequette
- Arkansas linebacker Jerry Franklin
- Kentucky linebacker Danny Trevathan
- Alabama linebacker Courtney Upshaw
- LSU cornerback Morris Claiborne
- Florida kickoff returner Andre Debose
Those SEC players making the fourth team were:
- Georgia offensive tackle Cordy Glenn
- Tennessee defensive tackle Malik Jackson
- Florida defensive tackle Jaye Howard
- Vanderbilt cornerback Casey Hayward
- Arkansas punt returner Joe Adams
In surveying Steele's All-SEC teams, a couple of interesting things stick out.
For starters, who do you think he picked as his second-team quarterback? Georgia's Aaron Murray is the obvious choice for first-team honors, but Arkansas' Tyler Wilson was Steele's choice for the second-team guy. With all of the offensive firepower Wilson has around him, he's very likely to put up huge numbers in 2011. So he's as good a pick as anyone.
For whatever it's worth, Steele didn't have suspended South Carolina quarterback Stephen Garcia on any of his first four teams. Garcia is expected to rejoin the team in the next week or so, but could end up sharing duties with sophomore Connor Shaw.
Also, Steele has Alabama's Duron Carter as one of his second-team All-SEC receivers. The 6-foot-5, 210-pound Carter, the son of former NFL star Cris Carter, is transferring to Alabama after spending last season at Coffeyville (Kan.) Community College. Carter began his career at Ohio State before leaving for academic reasons.
Alabama led all SEC teams with 13 different players receiving first- or second-team honors. Richardson was the first-team running back and second-team kickoff returner. Arkansas was second with 10 different players making the first two teams. Adams was a first-team receiver and first-team punt returner.
LSU, a top-5 preseason pick by many analysts, had just one first-team All-SEC player on Steele's preseason list -- Claiborne.
Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/ncfnation/post/_/id/42572/three-tide-players-earn-all-america-honors
Fred Davis Peter Mayer Nate Burleson Otto Graham Paul Brown Marion Motley
Toughest nonconference schedule?
Plenty of non-AQ schools get saddled with tough nonconference schedules in order to get big guarantee money to pay the bills. But today I have decided to look at some of the potential top non-AQ schools that have the most difficult schedules. This eliminates a school such as FAU, which opens with an extremely difficult stretch of games against Florida, Michigan State and Auburn. Here are my top 5:
East Carolina: vs. South Carolina, Virginia Tech, North Carolina, at Navy
Fresno State: vs. California, at Nebraska, North Dakota, Ole Miss, Boise State, at San Diego Sate
Nevada: at Oregon, at Texas Tech, at Boise State, UNLV, New Mexico
SMU: at Texas A&M, Northwestern State, at TCU, Navy
Tulsa: at Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, at Boise State, North Texas
The Pirates are the only school of the bunch playing all four nonconference games against bowl teams. But Tulsa is the only one playing three schools expected to be ranked in the preseason top 10. Nevada has a brutal stretch to open, but also gets easy-peasy UNLV and New Mexico. For those wondering, the Bulldogs have six nonconference games because they are at Hawaii this year, allowing them to play 13 games. SMU has three bowl teams, including two expected to be in the Top 25.
Boise State just missed the cut. All five�of its opponents in nonconference play went to bowl games last season: vs. Georgia, at Toledo, Tulsa, Nevada, at Fresno State. So that makes its schedule much more difficult than perhaps the casual fan realizes. I almost nudged them in ahead of Fresno State because the Bulldogs have one FCS and two losing teams on their schedule.
But on the whole, Boise State most likely will be favored in all its nonconference�games. Stay tuned next week as I start a video series looking at teams that could potentially upset the Broncos. Three of them are listed here.
Now it is your turn to vote. Which team do you think has the toughest out-of-conference schedule among the top non-AQ contenders? Did I forget anybody?�Note, independents are not listed since there is no nonconference schedule.
Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/ncfnation/post/_/id/42531/toughest-non-conference-schedule
Atlanta Falcons Carolina Panthers Indianapolis Colts Jacksonville Jaguars New Orleans Saints Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Video: Goodell acknowledges fan impact
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell speaks about the impact the lockout has had on the fans.
Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/afceast/post/_/id/29089/video-goodell-acknowledges-fan-impact
Pittsburgh Panthers Florida State Seminoles Miami Hurricanes Georgia Bulldogs Texas A&M Aggies Arkansas Razorbacks
2011年5月27日金曜日
Colts have a number of viable options for nickel CB job
One of the more entertaining position battles to monitor, if and when training camp opens, is the nickel CB position. The Colts have at least five candidates who will compete, including Justin Tryon, Jacob Lacey, Kevin Thomas, Cornelius Brown and rookie Chris Rucker. Tryon and Lacey could have a leg up on the competition, as they are the most experienced and would suffer the least during a shortened offseason. Tryon, in particular, performed yeoman's work for the club last season when injuries decimated the secondary. Lacey took a step backward last season after making a huge impact as an undrafted rookie in 2009. Thomas, Brown and Rucker are all intriguing because they are bigger corners with great athleticism who give the club more flexibility. Said vice chairman Bill Polian on Rucker following the draft: "If you think Marlin Jackson … he has many of the same skills that Jackson had."
Source: http://www.profootballweekly.com/2011/05/25/colts-have-a-number-of-viable-options-for-nickel-c
Arkansas Razorbacks Penn State Nittany Lions Alabama Crimson Tide Clemson Tigers Florida Gators
Army, Navy and the Big East
Army and Navy are enjoying life as independents. So it stands to reason that a huge offer is going to have to be made to lure them into a conference. Could the Big East be that conference? A recent report suggests the league has looked into the benefits of adding the service academies as football-only members. It makes sense for the Big East because both are national programs and would solve the problem of ballooning membership in basketball. But does it make sense for Navy or Army to make the move?
Navy has always been independent. Army was a member of Conference USA from 1998-2004 with disastrous results, going 13-67 so it would stand to reason the Black Knights would be way more skittish about joining a conference again -- especially a league�that is even stronger than Conference USA. Consider Army is just pulling itself back to respectability after that failed experiment, making a bowl game in 2010 for the first time since 1996. Joining a conference like the Big East would no doubt set the program back.
Sure, Air Force has made conference affiliation work for it as part of the Mountain West. But it is not easy.�The academies are in a unique position. They recruit nationally, and the athletes they recruit are not as big as the ones who end up going everywhere else. In the case of Navy, the program enjoys playing all over the country and would have a difficult time being hemmed into a conference with a set number of league games -- especially since Army and Air Force are locks on the schedule. Navy would want to protect its game against Notre Dame as well, the longest continuous�intersectional game in college football. The two schools have met every year since 1927.
Navy has a contract with CBS to broadcast the Notre Dame game through 2016, with an option to extend through 2018. Its contract with CBS Sports College Network runs through 2017-18. Army also has a TV deal with CBS College Sports that runs through 2014. As part of those deals, every Navy and Army home football game is on national television, along with select neutral-site games. Would that be the case if both were members of the Big East? Navy has never played a mid-week home game, either, something that is commonplace�in the Big East.�Navy and Army also has attractive bowl partnerships in place, another advantage of being an independent.
Then there is the question of the Army-Navy game, now played the week after conference championship games. Both schools enjoy that position on the calendar because they have that Saturday all to themselves. One point to keep in mind -- the schools are not part of a package deal. Each will make its own decisions independent of the other.
None of this is to say that joining a conference would never happen. Navy athletic director Chet Gladchuk has had conversations in the past with the Big East and several other leagues about potentially joining up but nothing extensive or serious.
One thing to consider is the changing landscape of college football. There is continued speculation that the AQ conferences could one day split apart and form their own organization. Navy would certainly not want to be left behind, so joining a conference could be its only way to survive. The money that comes with being a part of a conference would be tantalizing as well.
So essentially Army and Navy have to weigh their futures on the FBS level and do what makes sense for their survival. Being independent makes the most sense today, but it may not tomorrow.
Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/ncfnation/post/_/id/42514/army-navy-and-the-big-east
Carolina Panthers Indianapolis Colts Jacksonville Jaguars New Orleans Saints Tampa Bay Buccaneers Tennessee Titans
2011年5月26日木曜日
Manning underwent neck surgery
INDIANAPOLIS — Colts QB Peyton Manning underwent neck surgery on Monday to relieve pain he had been experiencing, Colts owner Jim Irsay confirmed Tuesday. The surgery, first reported by the Indianapolis Star, was performed in Chicago and was minimally invasive. It was the quarterback's second neck surgery in the past 15 months.
The latest operation was to address a disk-related issue in his neck. Irsay described the procedure as clipping the disk that's up against a nerve.
"In terms of other procedures he's had, I'd say this one was probably less invasive," Irsay said. "… Really it went well and I think it's one you can bounce back from pretty quickly."
While in lockout, there are no OTAs or minicamps for Manning to attend. Irsay said the recovery time would probably be 6-8 weeks. The All-Pro told the Star that "there is plenty of time for recovery," implying he expects to be ready whenever the season does begin.
"With Peyton, I think it's going to be more you get him to rest as much as you can because, quite frankly, you really feel good right away," Irsay said. "The disk is off the nerve and the pain is gone. The incision and those things are very minor, so you kind of feel like within two weeks you can get up and get going, but I think there's a little rehab there. … Assuming we had a full and regular season, I think he'd be good to go for preseason games."
The quarterback is still hoping to reach a long-term contract with the Colts, though the deal can't be worked out during the labor stoppage. The Colts placed their exclusive franchise tag on him before the lockout began.
"He's had things that were tougher before … to be honest with you," Irsay said. "… It doesn't affect the way I view (his contract situation). I think he's got a great chance to play five years. I think he's such a tough guy. He's one of the toughest guys I've been around and I've seen a lot guys through the last 40 years that are tough guys, but he's tough. He takes care of himself. He really, really works hard."
Source: http://www.profootballweekly.com/2011/05/24/manning-underwent-neck-surgery
St. Louis Rams Oakland Raiders Kansas City Chiefs Ben Graham Patrick Edwards Eugene Sims
Giants will lean on Prince early
The drafting of first-round CB Prince Amukamara, who slid to the 19th pick, was a surprise to some. Perhaps after a closer look at the Giants' situation, it should not have been. Amukamara will be on the field right away, even though he probably won't win a starting job on defense. The team expects him to play a big role on special teams, where he has experience at gunner. The punt-coverage unit was a disaster last season, and the DeSean Jackson TD was a playoff killer. But the Giants also expect Amukamara to win the nickel CB job at some point on defense. They have great insurance in case he's not ready right away with Aaron Ross, but Amukamara can beat out Ross. Even if Amukamara wins that job, it's likely that Terrell Thomas, who enjoys playing the slot, would go inside with Amukamara at right corner. Plus, Ross and Thomas both have expiring contracts after this season, so drafting Amukamara makes lots of sense.
Source: http://www.profootballweekly.com/2011/05/25/giants-will-lean-on-prince-early
Fred Davis Peter Mayer Nate Burleson Otto Graham Paul Brown Marion Motley
Cubs Game Day: Coleman has meltdown in the cold
The Cubs�and New York Mets were able to get their game off on time, though the temperature is in the mid-40s, the wind is howling and rainstorms are headed in their direction.
Green Bay Packers Minnesota Vikings Houston Texans Atlanta Falcons Carolina Panthers Indianapolis Colts
2011年5月25日水曜日
Dempster sharp, bats heat up for Cubs
5-run 2nd sets stage for easy win over Mets
Like almost everyone else in Chicago, the Cubs were focused on the wild ending to the Bulls-Heat game immediately after their 11-1 romp over the Mets on Tuesday.
Like almost everyone else in Chicago, the Cubs were focused on the wild ending to the Bulls-Heat game immediately after their 11-1 romp over the Mets on Tuesday.
Alabama Crimson Tide Clemson Tigers Florida Gators Northwestern Wildcats Wichita State University Nebraska Cornhuskers
Russell Wilson taking a look at Auburn
Auburn ended spring practice without a definitive answer at quarterback. The guy visiting the Plains on Tuesday could end up being that answer.
ESPN's Joe Schad is reporting that Russell Wilson, who was given his release by North Carolina State, was on Auburn's campus Tuesday and is considering playing his final season for the Tigers. Wilson is currently playing minor league baseball in the Colorado Rockies' organization. He's already graduated from N.C. State, meaning he would be eligible to play right away next season and not have to sit out under normal transfer rules. Wilson, who threw for 3,663 yards and 28 touchdowns last season, also plans to visit Wisconsin in early June. He parted ways with N.C. State after the Wolfpack decided to go with Mike Glennon as the starter next season.
Junior Barrett Trotter and sophomore Clint Moseley were competing in the spring for Auburn's starting quarterback job, but no starter was named. Offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn said there wasn't enough separation to name one and that the competition would continue in the preseason. The Tigers also signed heralded prep quarterback Kiehl Frazier of Springdale, Ark. Frazier arrives on campus this summer.
Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/ncfnation/post/_/id/42434/russell-wilson-taking-a-look-at-auburn
Tennessee Titans Buffalo Bills Dallas Cowboys Miami Dolphins New York Giants Philadelphia Eagles
Pursuing Asomugha makes sense for Bucs
The move would fly in the face of the team's philosophy of building through the draft and only nibbling in free agency, but team observers seem to be in agreement that signing free-agent CB Nnamdi Asomugha would make sense for the Buccaneers.
Tampa Bay will be well below the salary cap — if there is a cap in 2011 — and will be able to make a strong bid for Asomugha, the top player available in free agency. He will command a big investment and will have at least a few teams willing to make the necessary financial commitment. Big-spending franchises from the NFC East, including the Cowboys and Redskins, are said to be interested. Asomugha has not publicly ruled out returning to the Raiders, but indications are he's ready to move on.
Asomugha, through his publicity agency, has declined interview requests and has focused on his foundation's work during the lockout. There's little doubt, however, that he wants to play for a team that is poised to contend for the next few years. He doesn't have to look any further than the Bucs to find a team prepared to be consistently competitive for the next several seasons.
Tampa Bay, while it's not considered a title contender just yet, won 10 games in '10 and it is well equipped with young talent that should continue to improve.
Some might argue there are greater needs for the Bucs than cornerback at spots like linebacker, running back and guard — re-signing ORG Davin Joseph is a priority. Adding insurance at defensive end would be sensible in case rookie Da'Quan Bowers' knee becomes an issue. The Bucs' situation at corner is unsettled, too, though. CB Aqib Talib is facing charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and it's possible he'll be released or at least suspended before the season. CB Ronde Barber is still a very solid player, but he's only under contract through '11. Even if Talib returns, with Asomugha in the fold, sources familiar with Barber say he would accept a nickel-back role with Asomugha and Talib on the outside.
Diving into free agency to sign Asomugha would be a departure from the Bucs' standard mode of operation, but the move certainly would be justifiable and bolster a defense that will face the high-powered passing attacks of the Saints and Falcons two times apiece.
Source: http://www.profootballweekly.com/2011/05/21/pursuing-asomugha-makes-sense-for-bucs
Nebraska Cornhuskers North Carolina Tar Heels Louisiana Tech Bulldogs Arizona Wildcats Houston Cougars California Golden Bears
Mercury Morris upset '72 Fins labeled divas
In honor of Chad Ochocinco's recent bull-riding exhibition, NFL.com blogger Adam Rank listed the "top six NFL divas who need to go away." There was a strong AFC East thread:
- 1972 Dolphins
- Chad Ochocinco and Terrell Owens, Bengals receivers
- Jay Cutler, Bears quarterback
- Mark Sanchez, Jets quarterback
- LaDainian Tomlinson, Jets running back
- Albert Haynesworth, Redskins defensive tackle
Mercury Morris, the outspoken running back from that undefeated Dolphins team, took offense in an interview with "The Finsiders," a podcast produced by the team.
"That's why you have these sour grapes like people calling us a diva," Morris said. "People don't really understand what it takes to get there. They think it's simply winning, it's more than that. Because of the 4,680 tries that they've had since the National Football League came into existence, it's only happened one time, and we're sitting in that seat."
Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/afceast/post/_/id/29028/mercury-morris-upset-72-fins-labeled-divas
Frank Gatski Ozzie Newsome Joe DeLamielleure Gene Hickerson Joshua Cribbs USC Trojans football
Are Patriots automatic favorites in 2011?
Every time I chat, I get asked the same question -- or a variation -- several times. Who do you think will win the AFC East in 2011?
My answer has remained the same for four months, but new folks continue to drop by my chats. So for strategic purposes, I decided to answer that one first this week.
I'll say the Jets because they're pretty much set at most positions. The longer the lockout drags on, the more it will impact younger players and new acquisitions. The Patriots' defense has a lot of youth, the offensive line will be in transition and I suspect the Patriots will rely on newcomers more than the Jets will. Plus, the Jets went 2-1 against the Patriots last year. They're a quality team that should be more ready than most out of the box.
That opinion obviously prompted several follow-up questions and more discussion on what the AFC East will look like next season, whenever it starts.
Scroll through the chat wrap and see if you agree or disagree.
Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/afceast/post/_/id/29015/are-patriots-automatic-favorites-in-2011
Detroit Lions Green Bay Packers Minnesota Vikings Houston Texans Atlanta Falcons Carolina Panthers
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