Will Tim Tebow jersey be the starting QB in Denver?
Not right away. Head coach Josh McDaniels will open the season with Kyle Orton as his starter, but c'mon, you don't trade away a ton of picks to move up in the first round to take a quarterback with the No. 25 pick if you don't plan on playing him.
There are all kinds of questions as to whether the former Heisman Trophy winner can make a successful transition to the pro game, however. I think Tebow will figure it all out in time, but McDaniels had better be certain that he doesn't rush Tebow into the starting job. That could kill both men's careers.
How long before the Redskins have enough of Haynesworth?
They're already fed up with disruptive defensive lineman Albert Haynesworth, whose mega-rich contract, lack of production and attitude might ultimately make him the biggest free-agent bust in history. Head coach Mike Shanahan is sick of him and probably can't wait to cut him loose.
But I think the team will try to play nice long enough to get through this season, then try to move him or more likely, work out a salary buyout and cut him loose. Whatever happens, the divorce will get ugly.
Will Brett Favre's return be for naught?
Maybe. The Minnesota Vikings jersey were hit with horrible news Monday when top receiver Sidney Rice underwent hip surgery and will be lost for up to half the season. With fellow receiver Percy Harvin battling severe migraines and collapsing in practice a week ago, Favre could be in danger of losing his two favorite targets.
Minnesota picked up free agent Javon Walker, a former teammate of Favre's in Green Bay, but can he fill the void? Favre might have to relinquish some of his power and control over the offense and let Adrian Peterson help carry him back to the postseason.
Will the Texans finally make the playoffs?
Probably not. They might get awfully close, though, like they did last year when they finished with their first winning season (9-7). You have to like their passing game, featuring Matt Schaub (who threw for an NFL-leading 4,770 yards in 2009) and acrobatic receiver Andre Johnson. The defense has its share of stars, too.
But the thing that's always concerned me is Houston's lack of a proven running game. For whatever reason, the wholesale Texans jersey have never really made it a priority to find an elite running back and until they do, they just won't have the balance to break through and reach the postseason.
Can the Raiders jersey find a reversal of fortune?
They have a decent chance. This franchise has teetered on the brink of obscurity for the past several years, failing to win more than five games in any season since 2002. More times than not, the Raiders have been looked at as a joke.
But I can see them having at least a .500 season, possibly better. The AFC West is weak and they had themselves a very productive off-season, especially by upgrading their run defense. But most of all, they did the right thing by releasing former No. 1 overall pick JaMarcus Russell and bringing in Jason Campbell.
2010年8月25日星期三
2010年8月20日星期五
Chicago Bears in their second pre-season game
The former Cal quarterback was Baltimore's first-round pick in 2003. He threw for nearly 8,000 yards and 64 touchdowns at Cal. However, his NFL career has not caught fire and he's glad to get his second chance with the Raiders.
"I think it's awesome. There are a lot of guys who are fighting, they want to win. You know, we've got some great leaders on this team and hopefully we can just turn the corner," says Boller.
Boller worked with the Raiders' new offensive coordinator Hue Jackson in Baltimore so he feels comfortable in this system. It showed against Dallas Thursday night as he was 12 for 21, 148 yards, and threw a touchdown.
"I liked how he battled, I thought he made some big throws. The touchdown throw... obviously moved around on this feet, made a play," says Raiders head coach Tom Cable.
Boller has been a starter most of his career and he came to camp thinking the same way.
"You always have to prepare yourself and you know, whatever happens, happens," says Boller.
Boller is having fun, happy to be back on the West Coast, and has high hopes for the Silver and Black.
When we get Caleb back, we'll be back to where we started, so we're comfortable with that," Angelo said Thursday before Chicago's final training camp practice open to the public. "The good news is it should just be a few weeks."
Angelo seemed comfortable with the wholesale Bears jerseys on a wide variety of topics on what shapes up to be a make-or-break season for the wholesale Bears jerseys general manager and coaching staff. Here are Angelo's takes after a rare training camp interview session on:
Is he looking to add any new players?
"Right now, no. We're more interested in just the development of the players we have here."
What does he think of Tommie Harris, a three-time Pro Bowl tackle who has often missed practice and had little effect the past two years?
"He's been practicing every day. He's looked good. There's no reason to believe Tommie is not going to have a very, very good season for us. A healthy Tommie, a practicing Tommie, should be a very, very good football player."
Can rookie third-round pick Major Wright, who had surgery on his left index finger Tuesday, start at safety in the season opener?
"He really looks good. I'm not going to rule it out, but because of the practice time he's going to miss, it's tough because he's a rookie."
Angelo was less effusive about Jarron Gilbert, a third-round choice who was Chicago's top pick last year and is being moved from tackle to defensive end.
"He's got to pick it up. We need to see something out of Jarron."
The cheap Bears jerseys look deeper at cornerback than in the past.
"We have six or seven players who can play in accordance to their role. I'm not talking about how I feel we have six or seven No. 1 corners, but we have good depth."
Being patient with the offensive line.
"We need to get the five guys working together. That's paramount. It's a work in progress. I'm going to reserve my judgment on them until they play together for at least another couple of weeks."
Can unheralded Lance Louis be the answer at right guard?
"We're excited about him. If he can come through for us, that would be a real plus for the line."
Will a healthier Matt Forte bounce back from a disappointing sophomore season?
"I expect big things out of Matt. This offense will create some nuances for him in terms of using him as a receiver as well, which will play into his strengths."
"I think it's awesome. There are a lot of guys who are fighting, they want to win. You know, we've got some great leaders on this team and hopefully we can just turn the corner," says Boller.
Boller worked with the Raiders' new offensive coordinator Hue Jackson in Baltimore so he feels comfortable in this system. It showed against Dallas Thursday night as he was 12 for 21, 148 yards, and threw a touchdown.
"I liked how he battled, I thought he made some big throws. The touchdown throw... obviously moved around on this feet, made a play," says Raiders head coach Tom Cable.
Boller has been a starter most of his career and he came to camp thinking the same way.
"You always have to prepare yourself and you know, whatever happens, happens," says Boller.
Boller is having fun, happy to be back on the West Coast, and has high hopes for the Silver and Black.
When we get Caleb back, we'll be back to where we started, so we're comfortable with that," Angelo said Thursday before Chicago's final training camp practice open to the public. "The good news is it should just be a few weeks."
Angelo seemed comfortable with the wholesale Bears jerseys on a wide variety of topics on what shapes up to be a make-or-break season for the wholesale Bears jerseys general manager and coaching staff. Here are Angelo's takes after a rare training camp interview session on:
Is he looking to add any new players?
"Right now, no. We're more interested in just the development of the players we have here."
What does he think of Tommie Harris, a three-time Pro Bowl tackle who has often missed practice and had little effect the past two years?
"He's been practicing every day. He's looked good. There's no reason to believe Tommie is not going to have a very, very good season for us. A healthy Tommie, a practicing Tommie, should be a very, very good football player."
Can rookie third-round pick Major Wright, who had surgery on his left index finger Tuesday, start at safety in the season opener?
"He really looks good. I'm not going to rule it out, but because of the practice time he's going to miss, it's tough because he's a rookie."
Angelo was less effusive about Jarron Gilbert, a third-round choice who was Chicago's top pick last year and is being moved from tackle to defensive end.
"He's got to pick it up. We need to see something out of Jarron."
The cheap Bears jerseys look deeper at cornerback than in the past.
"We have six or seven players who can play in accordance to their role. I'm not talking about how I feel we have six or seven No. 1 corners, but we have good depth."
Being patient with the offensive line.
"We need to get the five guys working together. That's paramount. It's a work in progress. I'm going to reserve my judgment on them until they play together for at least another couple of weeks."
Can unheralded Lance Louis be the answer at right guard?
"We're excited about him. If he can come through for us, that would be a real plus for the line."
Will a healthier Matt Forte bounce back from a disappointing sophomore season?
"I expect big things out of Matt. This offense will create some nuances for him in terms of using him as a receiver as well, which will play into his strengths."
2010年8月15日星期日
Trent Edwards looked outstanding on the first series that led to a field goal
The Buffalo Bills opened the preseason in the most uninspiring of fashions, losing to the Washington Redskins 42-17 on Friday night. Staff writer Bryan Sullivan gives his post-game report card, grading each position on its performance against the 'Skins. Be warned: It's not pretty.
Quarterbacks: Trent Edwards looked outstanding on the first series that led to a field goal (5-of-6 for 44 yards), but threw a terrible interception to DeAngleo Hall to set up Washington's second touchdown. Ryan Fitzpatrick looked solid, leading the team on a seven-play, 85-yard touchdown drive in the third quarter. Levi Brown looked like a seventh round draft pick. C-
Running Backs: Despite the disappointment of watching Fred Jackson and Marshawn Lynch leave due to injuries, this unit managed to be a bright spot. The Bills rushed for 146 yards, averaging more than eight yards per carry. Joique Bell's 28-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter highlighted their evening. B+
Wide Receivers: Rookie David Nelson led the way recording five Donte Whitner receptions for 47 yards and caught a five-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter. Unfortunately, this unit struggled to generate many big plays on the evening. Nelson's 15-yard reception in the fourth quarter was the longest play of the game. C
Tight Ends: What happened to these guys? Jonathan Stupar's seven-yard reception on the Bills first drive of the game was the only catch by this unit on the evening. A quarterback didn't look their way after Stupar's reception. These guys have to improve, considering the team's injury problems at wide receiver. F
Offensive Line: These guys were the MVPs of Friday's game. They kept their quarterback upright, and led the way for the Bills' solid rushing attack. Jamon Meredith, Kirk Chambers and Cordaro Howard all played well in place of injured starters Demetrius Bell, Cornell Green and Eric Wood. A-
Defensive Line: John McCargo recorded a sack in the fourth quarter. That was probably the only time you heard a lineman's name called. Donovan McNabb and Rex Grossman didn't face too much pressure. The Redskins also finished with 140 yards rushing and won the time of possession battle by nearly 13 minutes. D-
Linebackers: With the team playing in a 3-4 for the first time this season, this unit failed to display their athleticism. A pair of players they are counting on heavily made a pair of critical mistakes, as Aaron Maybin committed a roughing the passer penalty on Washington's first drive and Andra Davis was flagged for illegal contact in the second quarter. D
Secondary: What was thought to be a strength at the training camp, looked anything but on Friday. Washington torched the Bills for 212 yards and three touchdowns in the air, with 140 coming from Rex Grossman. Reggie Corner particularly struggled taking Paul Posluszny a terrible angle on Fred Davis' second quarter touchdown, and was beat by Devin Thomas on his 44-yard score in the third. D
Special Teams: Punter Brian Moorman gave his normal stellar effort (52.4 yards per punt on seven kicks) and Rian Lindell connected on a 38-yard field goal. They didn't receive much help from the coverage unit or returners as Washington's Brandon Banks broke off a 77-yard punt return touchdown in the third quarter. Ellis Lankster fumbled a punt return in the third quarter. C-
Coaching: Chan Gailey and the offensive coaches did a nice job of mixing up plays on the first drive, but the team failed to carry over the momentum for the rest of the game. They kept their promise of keeping the starters in until the second quarter, proving they understand this team needs to improve. C+
Quarterbacks: Trent Edwards looked outstanding on the first series that led to a field goal (5-of-6 for 44 yards), but threw a terrible interception to DeAngleo Hall to set up Washington's second touchdown. Ryan Fitzpatrick looked solid, leading the team on a seven-play, 85-yard touchdown drive in the third quarter. Levi Brown looked like a seventh round draft pick. C-
Running Backs: Despite the disappointment of watching Fred Jackson and Marshawn Lynch leave due to injuries, this unit managed to be a bright spot. The Bills rushed for 146 yards, averaging more than eight yards per carry. Joique Bell's 28-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter highlighted their evening. B+
Wide Receivers: Rookie David Nelson led the way recording five Donte Whitner receptions for 47 yards and caught a five-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter. Unfortunately, this unit struggled to generate many big plays on the evening. Nelson's 15-yard reception in the fourth quarter was the longest play of the game. C
Tight Ends: What happened to these guys? Jonathan Stupar's seven-yard reception on the Bills first drive of the game was the only catch by this unit on the evening. A quarterback didn't look their way after Stupar's reception. These guys have to improve, considering the team's injury problems at wide receiver. F
Offensive Line: These guys were the MVPs of Friday's game. They kept their quarterback upright, and led the way for the Bills' solid rushing attack. Jamon Meredith, Kirk Chambers and Cordaro Howard all played well in place of injured starters Demetrius Bell, Cornell Green and Eric Wood. A-
Defensive Line: John McCargo recorded a sack in the fourth quarter. That was probably the only time you heard a lineman's name called. Donovan McNabb and Rex Grossman didn't face too much pressure. The Redskins also finished with 140 yards rushing and won the time of possession battle by nearly 13 minutes. D-
Linebackers: With the team playing in a 3-4 for the first time this season, this unit failed to display their athleticism. A pair of players they are counting on heavily made a pair of critical mistakes, as Aaron Maybin committed a roughing the passer penalty on Washington's first drive and Andra Davis was flagged for illegal contact in the second quarter. D
Secondary: What was thought to be a strength at the training camp, looked anything but on Friday. Washington torched the Bills for 212 yards and three touchdowns in the air, with 140 coming from Rex Grossman. Reggie Corner particularly struggled taking Paul Posluszny a terrible angle on Fred Davis' second quarter touchdown, and was beat by Devin Thomas on his 44-yard score in the third. D
Special Teams: Punter Brian Moorman gave his normal stellar effort (52.4 yards per punt on seven kicks) and Rian Lindell connected on a 38-yard field goal. They didn't receive much help from the coverage unit or returners as Washington's Brandon Banks broke off a 77-yard punt return touchdown in the third quarter. Ellis Lankster fumbled a punt return in the third quarter. C-
Coaching: Chan Gailey and the offensive coaches did a nice job of mixing up plays on the first drive, but the team failed to carry over the momentum for the rest of the game. They kept their promise of keeping the starters in until the second quarter, proving they understand this team needs to improve. C+
2010年8月10日星期二
Five popular Northeast Ohio chefs and a Michelin star-winning chef from Moscow convene
This is a bad move all round. The show works because of the chemistry the four actors have together. Take one out and the whole thing falls apart.
Simon has always seemed really down to earth to me, I just hope this isn't a sign that fame has gone to his head.
The source added: "Simon's agents have always tried to push Shaun Rogers him as the star of the show and everyone's fed up with it. If some high-profile young actor won the role then Simon won't be in the film.
"Avalon will have to come crawling back to accept the offer.
"It's sad, but he has kind of shafted himself."
The Inbetweeners won the 2009 Bizarre Best TV Show. It also won some lesser recognition from people like Bafta.
A third series, which is already finished, is due to come out later this year. It is the Shaun Rogers funniest show on the box and it would be a travesty if the film didn't feature the original line-up.
Five popular Northeast Ohio chefs and a Michelin star-winning chef from Moscow convene Friday, Aug. 20, at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel to create a special feast -- and support research to overcome a life-threatening complication facing most bone marrow transplant patients. "Six Courses for a Cure" brings together chefs Roger Thomas (Piatto, Akron), Jonathon Sawyer (Greenhouse Tavern, Cleveland), Brian Doyle (World's Fare Culinary Services, Brunswick), Ann Blackwood (pastry chef for Kalahari Resorts, Sandusky), Richard Arnoldi (Muse at the Ritz-Carlton) and Michele Brogioni (Casta Diva, an upscale Italian restaurant in Moscow). Proceeds from the benefit will fund a Joe Thomas national symposium on graft vs. host disease to be held in Cleveland on Thursday, Nov. 4. GvHD is a potentially fatal disease facing 60 percent of leukemia patients who have undergone a bone marrow transplant.
Add a rising star to the lineup scheduled for this year's Fabulous Food Show at the International Exposition Center in Cleveland. Anne Burrell, host of Food Network's "Worst Cooks In America," appears at 1 and 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 12, on the Main Kitchen Stage. When it debuted in January, "Worst Cooks" premiered as the highest rated, most watched night in the network's history. Four million viewers tuned in to watch a dozen home cooks vie for a $25,000 grand prize.
'Round these parts, nothing seems to go better with barbecue than Joe Thomas a beer. But to borrow an old verse from the score to Rodgers and Hammerstein's "Oklahoma!," the pit master and the vintner should be friends. Anyway, that's the message from Table 45 at the InterContinental Hotel & Conference Center Cleveland, which hosts a barbecue-and-wine class Thursday, Aug. 26. Sommelier Todd Thompson will lead the four-course tasting, each one paired with two grill- and barbecue-friendly wines.
Weather permitting, while you're there, you'll want to step out onto Table 45's recently opened outdoor area, Patio 45. The lovely spot, which seats 40 guests for lunch or dinner adjacent to the Cleveland Clinic's Crile Plaza, was designed by architect William Blunden, who created the atmosphere for the restaurant's interior.
Simon has always seemed really down to earth to me, I just hope this isn't a sign that fame has gone to his head.
The source added: "Simon's agents have always tried to push Shaun Rogers him as the star of the show and everyone's fed up with it. If some high-profile young actor won the role then Simon won't be in the film.
"Avalon will have to come crawling back to accept the offer.
"It's sad, but he has kind of shafted himself."
The Inbetweeners won the 2009 Bizarre Best TV Show. It also won some lesser recognition from people like Bafta.
A third series, which is already finished, is due to come out later this year. It is the Shaun Rogers funniest show on the box and it would be a travesty if the film didn't feature the original line-up.
Five popular Northeast Ohio chefs and a Michelin star-winning chef from Moscow convene Friday, Aug. 20, at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel to create a special feast -- and support research to overcome a life-threatening complication facing most bone marrow transplant patients. "Six Courses for a Cure" brings together chefs Roger Thomas (Piatto, Akron), Jonathon Sawyer (Greenhouse Tavern, Cleveland), Brian Doyle (World's Fare Culinary Services, Brunswick), Ann Blackwood (pastry chef for Kalahari Resorts, Sandusky), Richard Arnoldi (Muse at the Ritz-Carlton) and Michele Brogioni (Casta Diva, an upscale Italian restaurant in Moscow). Proceeds from the benefit will fund a Joe Thomas national symposium on graft vs. host disease to be held in Cleveland on Thursday, Nov. 4. GvHD is a potentially fatal disease facing 60 percent of leukemia patients who have undergone a bone marrow transplant.
Add a rising star to the lineup scheduled for this year's Fabulous Food Show at the International Exposition Center in Cleveland. Anne Burrell, host of Food Network's "Worst Cooks In America," appears at 1 and 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 12, on the Main Kitchen Stage. When it debuted in January, "Worst Cooks" premiered as the highest rated, most watched night in the network's history. Four million viewers tuned in to watch a dozen home cooks vie for a $25,000 grand prize.
'Round these parts, nothing seems to go better with barbecue than Joe Thomas a beer. But to borrow an old verse from the score to Rodgers and Hammerstein's "Oklahoma!," the pit master and the vintner should be friends. Anyway, that's the message from Table 45 at the InterContinental Hotel & Conference Center Cleveland, which hosts a barbecue-and-wine class Thursday, Aug. 26. Sommelier Todd Thompson will lead the four-course tasting, each one paired with two grill- and barbecue-friendly wines.
Weather permitting, while you're there, you'll want to step out onto Table 45's recently opened outdoor area, Patio 45. The lovely spot, which seats 40 guests for lunch or dinner adjacent to the Cleveland Clinic's Crile Plaza, was designed by architect William Blunden, who created the atmosphere for the restaurant's interior.
2010年8月8日星期日
2010's Deep Sleeper Running Backs
LaRod Stephens-Howling, Arizona Cardinals
The second-year back out of Pitt caught three passes in the shootout playoff win over Green Bay. He's buried in the Cardinals depth chart behind Beanie Wells and Tim Hightower, but could see an increased workload, especially in the passing game.
Jalen Parmele, Baltimore Ravens
If Ray Rice or Willis McGahee were to go down, Parmele could step in. He has the size (5'11, 220 lbs) and speed to take over as either the lead back or the goal line guy.
Bernard Scott, Cincinnati Bengals
Scott isn't quiet as deep a sleeper after combining for 206 yards in Week 11 & 12 last year. If Benson went down, Scott would be a very hot commodity.
James Davis, Cleveland Browns
Davis was a sleeper last year, but never really got his shot after tearing his labrum. He's behind Jerome Harrison and rookie Montario Hardesty, but could get a shot if there were issues in Cleveland.
Deji Karim, Jacksonville Jaguars
With Maurice Jones-Drew leading the Jaguars' attack, Karim might not get much run, especially with Rashad Jennings ahead of him on the depth chart. If MoJo did go down, it would take a committee to replace him, and Karim would certainly be included.
Albert Young, Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings would likely call on rookie Toby Gerhart if Adrian Peterson went down, but Young would be in the mix. He could also serve as the third-down back, which afforded Chester Taylor decent numbers last year.
Lynell Hamilton, New Orleans Saints
With Pierre Thomas and Reggie Bush ahead of him on the depth Willis McGahee chart, Hamilton may not get many carries. That said, both PT and Bush have dealt with injuries in the past. Hamilton could fill the Mike Bell role.
Andre Brown, New York Giants
Brown's 2009 season was lost to an Achilles injury, but if healthy, he could be in the mix this year. Brandon Jacobs is far from durable, which could speed the process up.
Jonathan Dwyer, Pittsburgh Steelers
First Dwyer will have to prove he can stay healthy. If he can, he could get a few carries.
All things considered, Steelers safety Ryan Clark would have preferred to be on the beach.
Certainly, Clark's wife, Yonka, would rather have listened to the soothing sounds of the ocean lapping against the shoreline than to the gruesome presentation linking football to brain injuries.
"It was definitely scary for her," Clark said last week at Steelers training camp. He's one of the team's player reps and took his wife on the trip.
"I think she understands the risks we take as players," Clark said. "We're off from January until June. Obviously, it's a great living. Anything this good has to have a downside. I tell her, 'I'll be an accountant, but you'll have to work.' "
Clark grinned, but he knows there's nothing funny about football-related Willis McGahee brain damage. It's no longer the NFL's dirty little secret. Around here, we know former Pitt All-American and Steelers No. 1 pick Paul Martha, 68, is in an assisted-living facility in St. Louis with dementia, the result, he says, from at least 10 concussions as a player. We also have read the stories of former Steelers Mike Webster, Terry Long and Justin Strzelczyk dying young with brain disease. Then in June, word came that Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Chris Henry, who died in December at 26 after a fall from a moving vehicle, had brain disease consistent with that of a man 80 or 90.
Clark seemed like the right guy to ask about all of it. If linebacker James Harrison isn't the Steelers' hardest hitter, Clark is. His fierce hits on New England's Wes Welker and Baltimore's Willis McGahee were among the more memorable moments from the Steelers' 2008 Super Bowl season.
So what does it feel like to hurtle your body at full force into another man going just as hard in the opposite direction when you know there's a pretty good chance that one, if not both, of you won't get up?
"You don't think about it. You can't think about it," Clark said. "Never once have I gone on the football field and thought that this might be my last game or that the next play could be it for me. You can't play that way. You just play."
I'm thinking there are three reasons -- besides the chance to make out-of-this-world money -- that NFL players use to justify getting out of bed in the morning to play their brutal game despite the increasing evidence about brain injuries. Clark touched on all three.
• "Nothing's going to happen to me. The bad stuff happens to such-and-such. Not me."
• "I never think about what I'll be like when I'm 60. You never think about being that old. I might tell my accountant how much money I want to have when I'm 60, but I don't think about what my quality of life will be then."
• "I put my faith in God. I'm going to be OK."
That about covers it, wouldn't you agree?
Clark, like all players, is glad the NFL is taking aggressive steps to educate its players about the long-term dangers of head injuries. A new poster will be in every team's locker room this season warning about potential memory loss, personality changes, depression and early dementia. "Concussions and conditions resulting from repeated brain injury can change your life and your family's life forever." It is a startling admission by league officials, perhaps driven by fear of future litigation. In the not-too-distant past, they have tried to separate their game from any responsibility for their players' brain damage.
The second-year back out of Pitt caught three passes in the shootout playoff win over Green Bay. He's buried in the Cardinals depth chart behind Beanie Wells and Tim Hightower, but could see an increased workload, especially in the passing game.
Jalen Parmele, Baltimore Ravens
If Ray Rice or Willis McGahee were to go down, Parmele could step in. He has the size (5'11, 220 lbs) and speed to take over as either the lead back or the goal line guy.
Bernard Scott, Cincinnati Bengals
Scott isn't quiet as deep a sleeper after combining for 206 yards in Week 11 & 12 last year. If Benson went down, Scott would be a very hot commodity.
James Davis, Cleveland Browns
Davis was a sleeper last year, but never really got his shot after tearing his labrum. He's behind Jerome Harrison and rookie Montario Hardesty, but could get a shot if there were issues in Cleveland.
Deji Karim, Jacksonville Jaguars
With Maurice Jones-Drew leading the Jaguars' attack, Karim might not get much run, especially with Rashad Jennings ahead of him on the depth chart. If MoJo did go down, it would take a committee to replace him, and Karim would certainly be included.
Albert Young, Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings would likely call on rookie Toby Gerhart if Adrian Peterson went down, but Young would be in the mix. He could also serve as the third-down back, which afforded Chester Taylor decent numbers last year.
Lynell Hamilton, New Orleans Saints
With Pierre Thomas and Reggie Bush ahead of him on the depth Willis McGahee chart, Hamilton may not get many carries. That said, both PT and Bush have dealt with injuries in the past. Hamilton could fill the Mike Bell role.
Andre Brown, New York Giants
Brown's 2009 season was lost to an Achilles injury, but if healthy, he could be in the mix this year. Brandon Jacobs is far from durable, which could speed the process up.
Jonathan Dwyer, Pittsburgh Steelers
First Dwyer will have to prove he can stay healthy. If he can, he could get a few carries.
All things considered, Steelers safety Ryan Clark would have preferred to be on the beach.
Certainly, Clark's wife, Yonka, would rather have listened to the soothing sounds of the ocean lapping against the shoreline than to the gruesome presentation linking football to brain injuries.
"It was definitely scary for her," Clark said last week at Steelers training camp. He's one of the team's player reps and took his wife on the trip.
"I think she understands the risks we take as players," Clark said. "We're off from January until June. Obviously, it's a great living. Anything this good has to have a downside. I tell her, 'I'll be an accountant, but you'll have to work.' "
Clark grinned, but he knows there's nothing funny about football-related Willis McGahee brain damage. It's no longer the NFL's dirty little secret. Around here, we know former Pitt All-American and Steelers No. 1 pick Paul Martha, 68, is in an assisted-living facility in St. Louis with dementia, the result, he says, from at least 10 concussions as a player. We also have read the stories of former Steelers Mike Webster, Terry Long and Justin Strzelczyk dying young with brain disease. Then in June, word came that Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Chris Henry, who died in December at 26 after a fall from a moving vehicle, had brain disease consistent with that of a man 80 or 90.
Clark seemed like the right guy to ask about all of it. If linebacker James Harrison isn't the Steelers' hardest hitter, Clark is. His fierce hits on New England's Wes Welker and Baltimore's Willis McGahee were among the more memorable moments from the Steelers' 2008 Super Bowl season.
So what does it feel like to hurtle your body at full force into another man going just as hard in the opposite direction when you know there's a pretty good chance that one, if not both, of you won't get up?
"You don't think about it. You can't think about it," Clark said. "Never once have I gone on the football field and thought that this might be my last game or that the next play could be it for me. You can't play that way. You just play."
I'm thinking there are three reasons -- besides the chance to make out-of-this-world money -- that NFL players use to justify getting out of bed in the morning to play their brutal game despite the increasing evidence about brain injuries. Clark touched on all three.
• "Nothing's going to happen to me. The bad stuff happens to such-and-such. Not me."
• "I never think about what I'll be like when I'm 60. You never think about being that old. I might tell my accountant how much money I want to have when I'm 60, but I don't think about what my quality of life will be then."
• "I put my faith in God. I'm going to be OK."
That about covers it, wouldn't you agree?
Clark, like all players, is glad the NFL is taking aggressive steps to educate its players about the long-term dangers of head injuries. A new poster will be in every team's locker room this season warning about potential memory loss, personality changes, depression and early dementia. "Concussions and conditions resulting from repeated brain injury can change your life and your family's life forever." It is a startling admission by league officials, perhaps driven by fear of future litigation. In the not-too-distant past, they have tried to separate their game from any responsibility for their players' brain damage.
2010年8月4日星期三
Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis
Peyton Manning is already one of the greatest players to ever play in the NFL, and he still has plenty of time left to play. Manning has been the foundation and the anchor for the Colts since his rookie year. He has showed that he has the ability to carry his team through the ups and downs of the season.
Manning has put up stellar numbers throughout his career. He has not had a quarterback rating below 95 since 2002 and there has only been one year in all of his career that his rating has dropped below 84. He has thrown for tons of yards and touchdowns each year. Furthermore, he has proven to be a durable quarterback that can play 16 games every year. The Colts can definitely expect a stellar season from Manning in 2010.
Every year the question is whether or not the defense will hold up their end of the bargain. The offense is sufficient on a yearly basis to win, but some years the defense just cannot get it done. One key for the team will be Dwight Freeney. Freeney has the ability to change the defense solely with his presence. If he is able to get back on track after his ankle injury last year the Colts will be in much better shape.
Though the Indianapolis Colts currently have two premiere players at defensive end, (Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis), head coach Jim Caldwell said Tuesday that 2010 first-round draft pick Jerry Hughes could see the field in creative rushing schemes.
"He provides a little more flexibility for us," said Caldwell.
"Primarily because of the fact that now we have three rushers and there could be a scheme where we could possibly put all three of them on the field at the same time. So there is some flexibility there."
Monday afternoon, Indianapolis signed the defensive end out of Texas Christian to a five-year $12.67 million contract, which includes over $7 million in guaranteed money.
After two days of practice Caldwell said he was pleased with Hughes's progress thus far.
Early reaction from fans and media alike is that Hughes is extremely quick on his feet. And like Freeney and Mathis, Hughes fits the Colts now prototypical makeup of a pass rusher— undersized but really fast.
"Obviously this is not the first time that we've seen him," Caldwell added.
"We've had a chance to see him all spring and I can tell you he's coming along and making really good progress. He's learning. There's a lot to learn. It's a very difficult position to play and play well, but he's got a couple guys in front of him that will set a good example for him."
"I want to learn my position, get familiar with it and learn the defense as much as possible," Hughes said Monday. "It's a big huge playbook, so these next couple weeks I will be able to take the time to learn the defense and the scheme of things. Also, I just learn the position. I am with Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis, two guys who play the position fantastic. They are great All-Pro guys, so it gives me great stepping stones to learn the position."
Colts president Bill Polian said on Draft day in April that the franchise had been looking for a third pass rusher for a long time and that Hughes 'Fit that bill'.
"He can put his hand down and he can stand up in the 'joker' role," said Polian. "He's a pure pass rusher. That's what he does. The sacks and statistics speak for itself. He's done it against great competition. He's a converted running back. He was a running back in high school. He was recruited to TCU as a running back. They changed him over to defense the first day he got there. He has performed admirably ever since."
Manning has put up stellar numbers throughout his career. He has not had a quarterback rating below 95 since 2002 and there has only been one year in all of his career that his rating has dropped below 84. He has thrown for tons of yards and touchdowns each year. Furthermore, he has proven to be a durable quarterback that can play 16 games every year. The Colts can definitely expect a stellar season from Manning in 2010.
Every year the question is whether or not the defense will hold up their end of the bargain. The offense is sufficient on a yearly basis to win, but some years the defense just cannot get it done. One key for the team will be Dwight Freeney. Freeney has the ability to change the defense solely with his presence. If he is able to get back on track after his ankle injury last year the Colts will be in much better shape.
Though the Indianapolis Colts currently have two premiere players at defensive end, (Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis), head coach Jim Caldwell said Tuesday that 2010 first-round draft pick Jerry Hughes could see the field in creative rushing schemes.
"He provides a little more flexibility for us," said Caldwell.
"Primarily because of the fact that now we have three rushers and there could be a scheme where we could possibly put all three of them on the field at the same time. So there is some flexibility there."
Monday afternoon, Indianapolis signed the defensive end out of Texas Christian to a five-year $12.67 million contract, which includes over $7 million in guaranteed money.
After two days of practice Caldwell said he was pleased with Hughes's progress thus far.
Early reaction from fans and media alike is that Hughes is extremely quick on his feet. And like Freeney and Mathis, Hughes fits the Colts now prototypical makeup of a pass rusher— undersized but really fast.
"Obviously this is not the first time that we've seen him," Caldwell added.
"We've had a chance to see him all spring and I can tell you he's coming along and making really good progress. He's learning. There's a lot to learn. It's a very difficult position to play and play well, but he's got a couple guys in front of him that will set a good example for him."
"I want to learn my position, get familiar with it and learn the defense as much as possible," Hughes said Monday. "It's a big huge playbook, so these next couple weeks I will be able to take the time to learn the defense and the scheme of things. Also, I just learn the position. I am with Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis, two guys who play the position fantastic. They are great All-Pro guys, so it gives me great stepping stones to learn the position."
Colts president Bill Polian said on Draft day in April that the franchise had been looking for a third pass rusher for a long time and that Hughes 'Fit that bill'.
"He can put his hand down and he can stand up in the 'joker' role," said Polian. "He's a pure pass rusher. That's what he does. The sacks and statistics speak for itself. He's done it against great competition. He's a converted running back. He was a running back in high school. He was recruited to TCU as a running back. They changed him over to defense the first day he got there. He has performed admirably ever since."
2010年8月3日星期二
Ed Reed is listed as the first-string free safety
The main surprise when looking at the offensive depth chart is that Davon Drew is listed as the second-string tight end, ahead of rookies Ed Dickson and Dennis Pitta.
Drew has missed the last few days of practice with a hamstring injury, but even when he's been healthy, the rookies have gotten the majority of the second-string tight end reps. Dickson and Pitta are considered the front-runners for the job behind Todd Heap, but the more experienced Drew gets the nod for now.
On defense, Cory Redding is listed as the first-string defensive end, with Trevor Pryce on the second-team. Jameel McClain, who has gotten the bulk of the first-team reps at inside linebacker during camp is the No. 1 "Will" LB, with Dannell Ellerbe backing him up.
Chris Carr and Fabian Washington are the two starting corners, and although he is on the Physically Unable to Perform list and doesn't look close to returning to practice, Ed Reed is listed as the first-string free safety.
Tom Zbikowski is the No. 2 free safety, while veteran Ken Hamlin is down as the third-stringer.
On special teams, Jalen Parmele is listed as the top kickoff returner (with David Reed, Prince Miller and Curtis Steele behind him), and Carr is down as the first-string punt returner. Zbikowski and Miller are the other two on the depth chart at that spot.
The free safety position is a big-time question mark for the Ravens with All-Pro Ed Reed sidelined with a hip injury. Only God and Reed -- some of you may think they're synonymous -- know when he will return to the field, so there's a lot of interest in the training camp showdown between third-year safety Tom Zbikowski and recently-signed veteran Ken Hamlin.
Zbikowski came to camp in great shape, and he has a strong awareness of what he's supposed to do on the back end. He's not going to freelance like Reed. Like former fan favorite Jim Leonard, Zbikowski will make the smart, safe play more often than not. Plus he's more athletic than Leonard, and his boxer's mentality is a perfect fit for the Ravens defense.
"Zibby is playing very fast," Ravens coach John Harbaugh said Monday. "He's really covering ground. He looks really quick."
Meanwhile, Hamlin, an eight-year veteran who was named to the Pro Bowl in 2007, seems more and more comfortable each time he's on the practice field in Westminster.
He has been running with the second-team defense so far, and has been Ed Reed communicating well with fellow safety Haruki Nakamura and the Ravens' motley crew at a cornerback. Hamlin isn't the fastest guy, but he intercepted Troy Smith on a deep throw Monday morning.
Drew has missed the last few days of practice with a hamstring injury, but even when he's been healthy, the rookies have gotten the majority of the second-string tight end reps. Dickson and Pitta are considered the front-runners for the job behind Todd Heap, but the more experienced Drew gets the nod for now.
On defense, Cory Redding is listed as the first-string defensive end, with Trevor Pryce on the second-team. Jameel McClain, who has gotten the bulk of the first-team reps at inside linebacker during camp is the No. 1 "Will" LB, with Dannell Ellerbe backing him up.
Chris Carr and Fabian Washington are the two starting corners, and although he is on the Physically Unable to Perform list and doesn't look close to returning to practice, Ed Reed is listed as the first-string free safety.
Tom Zbikowski is the No. 2 free safety, while veteran Ken Hamlin is down as the third-stringer.
On special teams, Jalen Parmele is listed as the top kickoff returner (with David Reed, Prince Miller and Curtis Steele behind him), and Carr is down as the first-string punt returner. Zbikowski and Miller are the other two on the depth chart at that spot.
The free safety position is a big-time question mark for the Ravens with All-Pro Ed Reed sidelined with a hip injury. Only God and Reed -- some of you may think they're synonymous -- know when he will return to the field, so there's a lot of interest in the training camp showdown between third-year safety Tom Zbikowski and recently-signed veteran Ken Hamlin.
Zbikowski came to camp in great shape, and he has a strong awareness of what he's supposed to do on the back end. He's not going to freelance like Reed. Like former fan favorite Jim Leonard, Zbikowski will make the smart, safe play more often than not. Plus he's more athletic than Leonard, and his boxer's mentality is a perfect fit for the Ravens defense.
"Zibby is playing very fast," Ravens coach John Harbaugh said Monday. "He's really covering ground. He looks really quick."
Meanwhile, Hamlin, an eight-year veteran who was named to the Pro Bowl in 2007, seems more and more comfortable each time he's on the practice field in Westminster.
He has been running with the second-team defense so far, and has been Ed Reed communicating well with fellow safety Haruki Nakamura and the Ravens' motley crew at a cornerback. Hamlin isn't the fastest guy, but he intercepted Troy Smith on a deep throw Monday morning.
2010年8月2日星期一
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson
Three more Eagles hit the casualty list in this afternoon's session at Lehigh University's Goodman Campus.
Actually, one was done even before practice when guard Asante Samuel Stacy Andrews missed the afternoon event with a shoulder injury.
Then safety Macho Harris tweaked a hamstring defending a deep route.
Then defensive tackle Antonio Dixon got his bell rung and was carted off.
They joined a lengthy list of nicked-up players that already includes DeSean Jackson, Stewart Bradley and Mike Bell.
On the bright side, tight end Brent Celek had just been dehydrated during the morning session and returned to practice.
The afternoon featured mostly passing drills with an emphasis on passes to running backs. Some tidbits:
All the quarterbacks -- Kevin Kolb, Michael Vick and Mike Kafka -- continue to have problems with passes being batted down.
Rookie Charles Scott ran with the second team at halfback with Bell out while J.J. Arrington was on the third squad.
Linebacker Omar Gaither picked off Vick while in downfield coverage against a wide receiver (Hank Baskett), no mean feat.
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson, who suffered a lower back strain in training camp drills Saturday, was again held out of practice Monday morning at Lehigh University.
Jackson last year became the first player in NFL history to make the Pro Bowl at two positions -- receiver and punt returner. Jackson also missed both sessions Sunday.
Coach Andy Reid said Jackson was "doing all right," but gave no indication as to when he might return.
Two others starters, middle linebacker Stewart Bradley and cornerback Asante Samuel, were also held out of practice Monday morning because of hamstring spasms. Bradley hadn't practiced Sunday, either, and Samuel also left practice Sunday with his injury.
Reserve running back Mike Bell strained a hamstring Sunday and did not LeSean McCoy practice Monday morning.
Also missing Monday were wide receiver Jordan Norwood (hamstring) and center A.Q. Shipley (ankle). Starting guard Stacy Andrews (shoulder) and backup tight end Martin Rucker (hamstring) were injured during morning drills and did not practice in the afternoon.
Defensive tackle Antonio Dixon suffered a head injury and defensive back Macho Harris injured a hamstring during the afternoon session.
Actually, one was done even before practice when guard Asante Samuel Stacy Andrews missed the afternoon event with a shoulder injury.
Then safety Macho Harris tweaked a hamstring defending a deep route.
Then defensive tackle Antonio Dixon got his bell rung and was carted off.
They joined a lengthy list of nicked-up players that already includes DeSean Jackson, Stewart Bradley and Mike Bell.
On the bright side, tight end Brent Celek had just been dehydrated during the morning session and returned to practice.
The afternoon featured mostly passing drills with an emphasis on passes to running backs. Some tidbits:
All the quarterbacks -- Kevin Kolb, Michael Vick and Mike Kafka -- continue to have problems with passes being batted down.
Rookie Charles Scott ran with the second team at halfback with Bell out while J.J. Arrington was on the third squad.
Linebacker Omar Gaither picked off Vick while in downfield coverage against a wide receiver (Hank Baskett), no mean feat.
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson, who suffered a lower back strain in training camp drills Saturday, was again held out of practice Monday morning at Lehigh University.
Jackson last year became the first player in NFL history to make the Pro Bowl at two positions -- receiver and punt returner. Jackson also missed both sessions Sunday.
Coach Andy Reid said Jackson was "doing all right," but gave no indication as to when he might return.
Two others starters, middle linebacker Stewart Bradley and cornerback Asante Samuel, were also held out of practice Monday morning because of hamstring spasms. Bradley hadn't practiced Sunday, either, and Samuel also left practice Sunday with his injury.
Reserve running back Mike Bell strained a hamstring Sunday and did not LeSean McCoy practice Monday morning.
Also missing Monday were wide receiver Jordan Norwood (hamstring) and center A.Q. Shipley (ankle). Starting guard Stacy Andrews (shoulder) and backup tight end Martin Rucker (hamstring) were injured during morning drills and did not practice in the afternoon.
Defensive tackle Antonio Dixon suffered a head injury and defensive back Macho Harris injured a hamstring during the afternoon session.
2010年8月1日星期日
Ravens retaining Suggs and Lewis
Like James, he would have made millions. Like James, he would have joined a high-profile club. Like James, he would have gone to a larger market with greater visibility. But unlike James, he didn't budge. He re-signed with the Ravens, all but guaranteeing he ends his career with them. "I was never going to Dallas," Ray Lewis said after Friday's morning practice. "The tragedy in what men sometimes don't understand, and I'm using 'men' when I'm speaking of LeBron James, is this: Don't ever leave what God has promised you to go chase something materialistic.
"A dream? It fades. I don't care who it is. It fades. That's why you can go year after year and champion after champion after champion, but not that many people ever get to keep a legacy for a lifetime."
Lewis almost surely will. He was chosen by the Ravens in the first round of the 1996 draft and became one of the league's premier defenders, named 11 times to the Pro Bowl, twice chosen the NFL's Defensive Player of the Year, named to the NFL All-Decade Team and selected the Super Bowl XXXV MVP. But he could have left following the 2008 season when all three of Baltimore's starting linebackers -- Lewis, Terrell Suggs and Bart Scott -- became free agents.
As it turned out, Scott followed Rex Ryan to the New York Jets, with the Ravens retaining Suggs and Lewis -- but not before the city of Baltimore played to a nervous drama. Lewis was a free agent for nearly a week before signing a three-year contract with the Ravens.
Though some persons speculated he might leave, he said he never considered the idea ... and he thinks James shouldn't have, either.
"Your advice to him?" I asked.
"Don't you leave," said Lewis, who played college football for the University of Miami. "For what? To go do what? That's the million-dollar question. Money? Rings? Power? The power is all here [in Baltimore]. This city right here. I don't care what I ever do, this will remain my city. I could never leave.
"It doesn't matter where I go in this city, whatever ... that's power from respect; [it's] not going to be a Heat player who adds to another legacy of somebody else's. Yeah, you're going to be a great player, but, nah, for me to think about leaving here? That's why I told my owners. People are speculating about me leaving or I'm doing this, I'm doing that. I took six days out of free agency to get away from all of this."
In the final 15 minutes of practice, coach John Harbaugh yelled out "last play," signaling the start of a drill that simulates a do-or-die scenario at the end of the game. With the ball placed somewhere outside the red zone, the offense has one play to get into the end zone, and the players treat it like a win really is hanging in the balance.
On the first attempt, quarterback Joe Flacco threw a long pass up the seam to Todd Heap, who snagged the pass inside the 1-yard line and was brought down by a couple of defenders. It was unclear if the ball broke the plane -- think Santonio Holmes' game-winning grab in Baltimore two seasons ago -- and mass confusion ensued.
One official ruled that it was short of the goal line, but another ran in and signaled a touchdown. As the two discussed the call, pretty much every Raven involved in the play swarmed them and loudly plead their cases. Terrell Suggs reached out and playfully grabbed Donte' Stallworth so he couldn't argue with the officials.
Finally, after several seconds, a yellow flag flew out from the middle of the huddle. Defensive lineman Cory Redding had stolen an official's flag and tossed into the air. The players froze for a second, then laughed, argued for another second or two and then the crowd dispersed.
In case you are wondering, the ruling was no touchdown. But the offense was given another chance at the 1-yard line, and Ray Rice scored untouched on a running back draw.
"A dream? It fades. I don't care who it is. It fades. That's why you can go year after year and champion after champion after champion, but not that many people ever get to keep a legacy for a lifetime."
Lewis almost surely will. He was chosen by the Ravens in the first round of the 1996 draft and became one of the league's premier defenders, named 11 times to the Pro Bowl, twice chosen the NFL's Defensive Player of the Year, named to the NFL All-Decade Team and selected the Super Bowl XXXV MVP. But he could have left following the 2008 season when all three of Baltimore's starting linebackers -- Lewis, Terrell Suggs and Bart Scott -- became free agents.
As it turned out, Scott followed Rex Ryan to the New York Jets, with the Ravens retaining Suggs and Lewis -- but not before the city of Baltimore played to a nervous drama. Lewis was a free agent for nearly a week before signing a three-year contract with the Ravens.
Though some persons speculated he might leave, he said he never considered the idea ... and he thinks James shouldn't have, either.
"Your advice to him?" I asked.
"Don't you leave," said Lewis, who played college football for the University of Miami. "For what? To go do what? That's the million-dollar question. Money? Rings? Power? The power is all here [in Baltimore]. This city right here. I don't care what I ever do, this will remain my city. I could never leave.
"It doesn't matter where I go in this city, whatever ... that's power from respect; [it's] not going to be a Heat player who adds to another legacy of somebody else's. Yeah, you're going to be a great player, but, nah, for me to think about leaving here? That's why I told my owners. People are speculating about me leaving or I'm doing this, I'm doing that. I took six days out of free agency to get away from all of this."
In the final 15 minutes of practice, coach John Harbaugh yelled out "last play," signaling the start of a drill that simulates a do-or-die scenario at the end of the game. With the ball placed somewhere outside the red zone, the offense has one play to get into the end zone, and the players treat it like a win really is hanging in the balance.
On the first attempt, quarterback Joe Flacco threw a long pass up the seam to Todd Heap, who snagged the pass inside the 1-yard line and was brought down by a couple of defenders. It was unclear if the ball broke the plane -- think Santonio Holmes' game-winning grab in Baltimore two seasons ago -- and mass confusion ensued.
One official ruled that it was short of the goal line, but another ran in and signaled a touchdown. As the two discussed the call, pretty much every Raven involved in the play swarmed them and loudly plead their cases. Terrell Suggs reached out and playfully grabbed Donte' Stallworth so he couldn't argue with the officials.
Finally, after several seconds, a yellow flag flew out from the middle of the huddle. Defensive lineman Cory Redding had stolen an official's flag and tossed into the air. The players froze for a second, then laughed, argued for another second or two and then the crowd dispersed.
In case you are wondering, the ruling was no touchdown. But the offense was given another chance at the 1-yard line, and Ray Rice scored untouched on a running back draw.
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