The 2011-12 NFL thread

timeless2 · Jul 25, 2011

Here. We. Go.

FreeBird · Jul 25, 2011

Kyle Who?

B00STED4V · Jul 25, 2011

B00STED4V · Jul 25, 2011

From www.NFL.com

Players approve deal unanimously, pass vote to Brady plaintiffs

Now it can be said with certainty: Get ready for some football!
NFL players voted to OK a final deal Monday, days after the owners approved a tentative agreement, and the sides finally managed to put an end to the 4½-month lockout, the longest work stoppage in league history.

The vote now goes as a recommendation to the 10 plaintiffs in Brady antitrust lawsuit. They have agreed to sign off on the settlement.
"This is a long time coming, and football's back," NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said, "and that's the great news for everybody." At a joint appearance outside the NFL Players Association headquarters in Washington, D.C., Goodell and NFLPA head DeMaurice Smith were flanked by some of the owners and players who were involved in the talks. They spoke shortly after the NFLPA executive board and 32 team reps voted unanimously to approve the terms of a deal.
"We didn't get everything that either side wanted ... but we did arrive at a deal that we think is fair and balanced," Smith said.

Owners overwhelmingly approved a proposal Thursday, but some unresolved issues still needed to be reviewed to satisfy players; the owners do not need to vote again.
The sides worked through the weekend and wrapped up the details Monday morning on a final pact that runs for 10 years, without an opt-out clause, a source familiar with the deal told NFL Network insider Jason La Canfora.

Owners decided in 2008 to opt out of the league's old labor contract, which expired March 11. That's when the owners locked out the players, creating the NFL's first work stoppage since 1987.
"I know it has been a very long process since the day we stood here that night in March," Smith said. "But our guys stood together when nobody thought we would. And football is back because of it." As he spoke, Smith was flanked by NFLPA president Kevin Mawae, Saints quarterback Drew Brees, Colts center Jeff Saturday, and Ravens defensive back Domonique Foxworth, key members of the players' negotiating team.

Brees was one of 10 plaintiffs in the antitrust lawsuit that players filed against the league. Those plaintiffs approved the deal, two people familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. "I believe it's important that we talk about the future of football as a partnership," Smith said. Moments later, Goodell walked into the building, joined by owners Bob Kraft of the New England Patriots, John Mara of the New York Giants and Jerry Richardson of the Carolina Panthers. Kraft apologized to fans for having to wait out the labor turmoil.
"The end result is we've been able to have an agreement that I think is going to allow this sport to flourish over the next decade," Kraft said.

According to the documents forwarded to all agents from the NFLPA, obtained by La Canfora, the key dates to the league year would be as follows:

» Monday: The free agent list will be published at 6 p.m. ET.

» Tuesday: Facilities open “for training, conditioning” and “classroom” work; trading period begins (no time specified); teams can start signing undrafted free agents and their own draft picks at 10 a.m. ET; teams can begin negotiating with any free agents -- their own and those who were with other teams.

» Thursday: Waiver period begins and teams can begin terminating contracts at 4:01 p.m. ET.

» Friday: Full free agency begins -- teams can begin signing their own free agents and those who played with other teams at 6 p.m. ET.

Under the proposed schedule, training camps would open for 10 of the 32 teams on Wednesday, 10 more on Thursday, another 10 on Friday, and the last two teams on Sunday.
According to sources who helped create the documents, training camps can open on Wednesday, but no teams can be in pads until Saturday. So as a practical matter, no real camp activity will begin for any team until Saturday, but in the new CBA it stipulated the first three days of camp are non hitting, La Canfora reported.

Furthermore, by Wednesday, most of the teams opening camp won't have 90 players under contract yet, anyway. The Dallas Cowboys are one team that has already begun training camp preparations, having sent their equipment trucks to San Antonio on Sunday.

Both sides set up informational conference calls for Monday afternoon to go over the details of the agreement. The NFLPA told player agents they would be coached in particular on the guidelines and schedule for signing free agents and rookies; the NFL alerted general managers and coaches they would be briefed in separate calls.

The major economic framework for the deal was worked out more than a week ago.
That included how the more than $9 billion in annual league revenues will be divided (about 53 percent to owners and 47 percent to players over the next decade; the old CBA resulted in nearly a 50-50 split); a per-club cap of about $120 million for salary and bonuses in 2011 -- and at least that in 2012 and 2013 -- plus about $22 million for benefits; a salary system to rein in spending on first-round draft picks; and unrestricted free agency for most players after four seasons.

B00STED4V · Jul 25, 2011

Vick's Agent: QB Amenable To Long-Term Deal

Michael Vick's agent Joel Segal made an appearance on NFL Network on Monday morning and was asked about the four-time Pro Bowl quarterback's long-term future in Philadelphia.
Vick signed a one-year franchise tender on March 2, which guarantees that he will be in an Eagles uniform for the 2011 season. However, according to Segal, Vick certainly would not mind wearing the midnight green for a little bit longer.

"I think a long-term deal is something both sides would covet. I will talk to Joe Banner and explore that," Segal said via telephone. "I think Mike is amenable to it. He'd look forward to it. (He) loves Philly, loves the fans. He's a big Marty (Mornhinweg) fan, Andy Reid fan. If the Eagles are interested, we're definitely interested."

Vick enjoyed his finest season in 2010 as he finished with career highs in QB rating (100.2), completion percentage (62.6) and passing yards (3,018) while leading the Eagles to the NFC East division title. Vick was originally signed by the Eagles on August 14, 2009.

B00STED4V · Jul 25, 2011

Best Offensive Free Agents Video from NFL.com

http://www.nfl.com/videos/auto/09000d5d820f6f1b/Best-offensive-free-agents

B00STED4V · Jul 25, 2011

How do I embed?

<script src="http://player.espn.com/player.js?pc...thruParam_espn-ui[playRelatedExternally]=true"></script>

B00STED4V · Jul 25, 2011

A look at the free-agent priorities for each NFC South team:

Atlanta Falcons

1. Sign a pass-rushing defensive end: This move has been telegraphed since the draft, when the Falcons jumped up to add an explosive offensive player in wide receiver Julio Jones rather than a pass-rusher. It’s no secret the Falcons want to add an edge rusher who can complement John Abraham in the short term and replace him in the long term. The Falcons showed last year when they signed cornerback Dunta Robinson that they’re not afraid to spend big money in free agency. They’re poised to do it again, and Minnesota’s Ray Edwards and Carolina’s Charles Johnson are two pass-rushers just entering their prime who will be on the market. The Falcons can offer big money and the chance to be the last piece of a Super Bowl puzzle. That should be attractive.

2. Figure out what the offensive line will look like: The Falcons have three starters on the offensive line who are likely to be free agents, and they’ll allow one or two of them to walk. That’s not as scary as it may sound, because none of those free agents is dominant, and the Falcons have stockpiled some promising linemen in the last few drafts. But center Todd McClure is near the end of his career, and left tackle Sam Baker is still a question mark. That means the Falcons can’t afford to let all their free-agent linemen walk. They need to maintain some continuity on the line to make sure quarterback Matt Ryan stays upright. Keeping right tackle Tyson Clabo is the major priority.

3. Re-sign kicker Matt Bryant: The veteran has revitalized his career since coming to Atlanta. He’s come through consistently in the clutch. The Falcons are a team on the verge of great things, and they don’t need to suddenly go young or cheap at kicker. They need a veteran who can help them win some big games.

Top five free agents: Bryant, LB Mike Peterson, T Tyson Clabo, G Harvey Dahl and G Justin Blalock.

Carolina Panthers

1. Re-sign DeAngelo Williams: The running back is sure to be a hot commodity on the open market, but the Panthers can’t afford to let him get away. Yes, Jonathan Stewart looked very good at times last season, and Mike Goodson made the most of his playing time after Williams was injured. But the Panthers don't want to put too much pressure on a young starting quarterback, whether it's Cam Newton or Jimmy Clausen. They need to have two or three strong running backs, and Williams is the most versatile member of the backfield.

2. Make a decision on Steve Smith: Other than the drafting of Newton, speculation about Smith’s future has been the dominant story out of Carolina this offseason. There have been conflicting reports about whether the veteran wide receiver wants to be traded from the only team he’s ever played for. The speculation was a moot point because no trades could be made during the lockout. Now, Smith and the Panthers will have to show their hand. If he truly wants out, the Panthers will try to trade Smith. But they’re not simply going to give him away. Even if he’s unhappy, Smith still might be the best player on the roster. The Panthers aren’t letting him go without getting a good draft pick or a decent player in return.

3. Sign a veteran quarterback: New coach Ron Rivera has said several times that he wants to add a veteran quarterback to serve as a mentor to Newton and Clausen. Heck, he might even need that veteran to start the first few games of the season so Newton and Clausen can catch up on all the missed offseason work. The Panthers want someone who can help the development of the two young quarterbacks. Someone like Marc Bulger or Jake Delhomme could fit, if either is willing to accept a backup role.

Top five free agents: Williams, DE Charles Johnson, LB James Anderson, LB Thomas Davis and CB Richard Marshall.

B00STED4V · Jul 25, 2011

New Orleans Saints

1. Decide what to do with Reggie Bush. The running back/return man is scheduled to make almost $12 million and count $16 million against the cap. That’s not going to happen, but the Saints have indicated they’d like to keep Bush if they can work out a contract extension that would spread money around. The Saints drafted running back Mark Ingram in the first round, but Bush still could play plenty of roles with this team. Sean Payton has been creative with the ways he’s used Bush, who has been productive when healthy. Last year’s injury problems at running back showed the Saints can’t have enough depth at the position.

2. Make some key secondary decisions. Safeties Darren Sharper and Roman Harper are both potential unrestricted free agents, so the Saints have to make some choices. Sharper’s past his prime and is a free safety. That position now belongs to Malcolm Jenkins. Harper has been the starting strong safety and has been solid. Harper shouldn’t command huge money on the open market, and the Saints would be wise to re-sign him. If they do, they should have one of the league’s better secondaries.

3. Shore up the outside linebacker spots. Scott Shanle is an unrestricted free agent and may or may not return. The other position is up for grabs. Martez Wilson was drafted in the third round, and the Saints have a few other promising prospects at outside linebacker. But this is a veteran team with a realistic chance to contend for the Super Bowl, so it might be wise to go out and get a proven veteran and let the young linebackers develop behind him.

Top five free agents: Sharper, Harper, WR Lance Moore, FB Heath Evans and TE David Thomas.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

1. Re-sign Davin Joseph. The guard is very much in his prime and is strong as a run blocker and pass blocker. Along with Donald Penn, he’s the anchor of an offensive line that may be working in some young players. Quarterback Josh Freeman is the franchise in Tampa Bay, and the Bucs need to do whatever it takes to keep him protected.

2. Decide on a defensive leader. Middle linebacker Barrett Ruud is an unrestricted free agent and may bolt if a decent offer comes from elsewhere. Ruud’s been asking for a new contract for about two years, and the Bucs haven’t given it to him. They drafted Mason Foster in the third round and are high on his potential. But this is a very young defense, and putting a rookie at middle linebacker could be a risky move. Buffalo’s Paul Posluszny is a free agent, and there are reports that Green Bay could be looking to trade or release Nick Barnett. Either of those guys could come in and be an immediate leader on this defense.

3. Spend some money. The Bucs have had one of the league’s lowest payrolls in recent years. Still, they’ve made progress in a youth movement that won’t be abandoned. It might be time to start locking up some young players to longer deals. It might also be time to go out and get just a few free agents to keep the youth movement headed in the right direction.

Top five free agents: G Davin Joseph, LB Barrett Ruud, RB Cadillac Williams, DE Stylez G. White and Maurice Stovall.

B00STED4V · Jul 25, 2011

A look at the free-agent priorities for each NFC East team:

Dallas Cowboys

1. Re-sign left tackle Doug Free. He is coming off his first season as starting left tackle, but Free handled the move well and is viewed as the starting left tackle of the Cowboys' future. More importantly, with rookie Tyron Smith slated to start at right tackle and probably not yet ready to play on the left side, Free is the Cowboys' left tackle of the present. If he were to go elsewhere, the Cowboys would be scrambling to find a tackle, and it could mess with all of the other plans they need to make and execute before training camp begins. Expect Free to draw lots of interest, and his price tag to be higher than the Cowboys probably were hoping.

2. Fill holes in the secondary. The plan seems to be to move Alan Ball back to cornerback, so while you'll hear the Cowboys connected to free-agent cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha, they're more likely to focus on bringing in a safety or two. There's a chance they re-sign their own guy, Gerald Sensabaugh, and then go get a free agent such as Eric Weddle, Michael Huff or Quintin Mikell. But if Sensabaugh were to leave, Dallas would be in the difficult position of having to sign two safeties.

3. Find defensive ends. With Stephen Bowen and Jason Hatcher set to be free agents, the Cowboys need a couple of starters at defensive end, too. They could bring both guys back, but it's not as if the defensive line was a position of strength for Dallas in 2010, so they'll probably at least look elsewhere. The Packers' Cullen Jenkins would be a nice fit, though there will be competition for him from within the division, as you'll see below in the Redskins' section.

Top five free agents: OT Free, G Kyle Kosier, DE Bowen, DE Hatcher, S Sensabaugh

New York Giants

1. Figure out which of their own guys to keep. With Ahmad Bradshaw, Barry Cofield, Mathias Kiwanuka, Steve Smith and Kevin Boss all set to potentially go free, the Giants have to prioritize and figure out which guys they're keeping. The top priority is probably going to be Bradshaw, an emerging star at running back, and it appears they'll let Cofield walk while trying to bring back Boss. They think the injury situations with Kiwanuka and Smith will help keep those guys' prices reasonable. But before the Giants hit the market, they'll need to get their own free-agent house in order.

2. Get at least one linebacker. The Giants have ignored this position over the past couple of years, and they seem to believe Jonathan Goff can handle the middle linebacker spot. They'd probably be better off moving him back outside and exploring the middle linebacker market, which includes Stephen Tulloch, Barrett Ruud and Paul Posluszny. But if they're set on keeping Goff in the middle, perhaps someone such as Manny Lawson or Nick Barnett could be a fit. It's one thing not to prioritize a position, but it's another to ignore it completely, and the Giants have been doing that with linebacker, to their detriment.

3. Some offensive line insurance. There were lots of injuries along the line in New York last season, and although it didn't kill them, it was a potential sign of things to come. The Giants hope Will Beatty will soon be ready to take over at left tackle for a declining David Diehl, but they must watch out for the health of Shaun O'Hara at center. And if they have to cut Shawn Andrews to sign some other guys, they'll need to replace him with a tackle who can provide depth.

Top five free agents: RB Bradshaw, DE/LB Kiwanuka, TE Boss, DT Cofield, WR Smith

B00STED4V · Jul 25, 2011

Philadelphia Eagles

1. Settle the Kevin Kolb situation. If they can get the great deal for him that most believe they can (i.e., a first-round pick plus), the Eagles will deal Kolb and look for a reliable backup quarterback who can play if and when Michael Vick gets hurt. If they can't get good value for Kolb, they'll probably keep him to serve as said reliable backup. A trade is most likely, but whatever happens, the Eagles will probably settle this soon after the league year begins.

2. Sign a cornerback. The starting spot opposite Asante Samuel is open, and no one on the current roster appears able to fill it. That's why you've heard, and will continue to hear, the Eagles connected with Asomugha. Philadelphia must rank among his most likely destinations at this point. If they don't get him, they'll look down the list at guys such as Johnathan Joseph, Ike Taylor and Antonio Cromartie. And there's a chance they could get a cornerback for Kolb. But they'll get one somewhere.

3. Re-sign Stewart Bradley. Sure, they could let Bradley go and play Jamar Chaney at middle linebacker. Chaney looked, at least, capable in that spot last season and may be the Eagles' future at the position. But if Bradley leaves, the Eagles' problems will be about more than just the alignment of the linebackers. They'll actually be short on bodies and will need to play the free-agent field to find a replacement. Bradley's had injury problems, but when healthy, he's the Eagles' best linebacker and could be a key cog in whatever new defensive alignment Juan Castillo and Jim Washburn are cooking up.

Top five free agents: LB Bradley, S Mikell, G Nick Cole, RB Jerome Harrison, CB Ellis Hobbs

Washington Redskins

1. Fill out the defensive line. Whether they add a free-agent nose tackle such as Aubrayo Franklin or look at defensive end options like Jenkins, the Redskins must figure who their starting defensive linemen are. They like their linebacking corps, and although they also need a cornerback, they love their safeties with Oshiomogho Atogwe in the fold next to LaRon Landry. But their good, young outside linebackers will need big, space-eating ends in front of them to open up lanes to the passer. And they'll also need to get some sort of pass rush from the line, whether it's from the nose or the ends.

2. Re-sign Santana Moss. The Redskins are making noise about pursuing a big-time wideout such as Santonio Holmes or Sidney Rice. But the reality is that it's going to be tough to convince receivers to sign in Washington while they're not viewed as a contender and the quarterback situation remains so cloudy. Moss likes it in Washington. The Redskins like him. And he's a nice guy to have around to help out young receivers Anthony Armstrong and Leonard Hankerson -- not to mention inexperienced quarterback John Beck.

3. Resolve the Donovan McNabb and Albert Haynesworth situations. They don't want either player on the team anymore, but the question is how to get rid of them. They might be able to dump McNabb for a late-round draft pick, but if they can't, they'll probably just cut him and let him find his next job on his own. Haynesworth has trade value in a league where many 4-3 teams are looking for interior defensive line help. Don't expect the Redskins to cut Haynesworth, because they don't want to do him any favors and they don't want him free to sign with former Tennessee D-line coach Washburn in Philadelphia. If they can't get value for him, don't be surprised if Haynesworth remains on the team all season and has a hard time getting into games.

Top five free agents: WR Moss, OT Jammal Brown, CB Carlos Rogers, LB Rocky McIntosh, QB Rex Grossman

B00STED4V · Jul 25, 2011

A look at the free-agent priorities for each AFC West team:

Denver Broncos

1.Trade Kyle Orton or name him the starter: The Broncos need to make a decision at quarterback quickly. There will be some teams in need of a veteran quarterback and the Broncos will surely field calls about Orton. If they get a decent offer in return (second or third-round pick) I could see Denver trading him and going with second-year quarterback Tim Tebow. If Orton is not traded early in the new league year, we’d have to assume Denver is going to give him the opportunity to hold off Tebow.

2. Sign a defensive tackle: The Broncos have long had a major hole at this position. It needs to upgrade its defense, which was ranked 32nd in the NFL last season. It begins at this position, which Denver bypassed in the draft. Potential free-agent targets include Seattle’s Brandon Mebane and San Francisco’s Aubrayo Franklin,although he is a better fit for 3-4 teams.

3. Sign a running back: New Denver coach John Fox recently said signing a running back is the team’s top free-agent priority. I think the above-mentioned projects are more pressing, but there’s no doubt Denver needs help at the position. It needs a veteran to pair with third-year running back Knowshon Moreno. We could see the Broncos trying to reunite Fox with former Carolina back DeAngelo Williams.

Top free agents: Tackle Ryan Harris and defensive tackle Marcus Thomas.

Kansas City Chiefs

1. Sign a nose tackle: The Chiefs have a few needs and more than $30 million in salary-cap money to play with. They can get to work. The team could use a stout anchor for the 3-4 defense. The Chiefs tried to sign Shaun Rogers prior to the lockout and they want a veteran. Franklin could be the answer.

2. Sign an offensive tackle: If the Chiefs get an upgrade at tackle, they should have a very strong line. They could sign a right tackle (a position they considered in the draft) or they can sign a left tackle and move Branden Albert to right tackle. Possible names to consider include Matt Light (who has New England ties to Kansas City general manager Scott Pioli and quarterback Matt Cassel) or New Orleans' Jermon Bushrod or a right tackle like Tyson Clabo or San Diego’s Jeromey Clary.

3. Sign a receiver: The Chiefs are a dangerous offensive team. But they could use a slot receiver to do along with No. 1 receiver Dwayne Bowe and first-round pick Jon Baldwin. A name to keep an eye on is the Cardinals’ Steve Breaston. He played for Kansas City coach Todd Haley in Arizona.

Top free agent: Center Casey Wiegmann.

B00STED4V · Jul 25, 2011

Oakland Raiders

1. Re-sign tight end Zach Miller: Oakland cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha is the best free agent in the NFL. But it will be difficult for Oakland to keep him. The Raiders must do what it takes to sign Miller. He is one of the game’s best young tight ends and he is arguably the team’s most important offensive player. He is the team’s most reliable receiving target. The Raiders love Miller and tried to sign him to a long-term deal prior to the lockout. Signing him before he hits the market will be and should be the team’s top priority.

2. Sign a couple offensive linemen: The Raiders’ offensive line is in flux. It has some interesting young players, but it needs to find a way to add some veterans somewhere -- despite the team’s salary-cap limitations.

3. Figure out secondary: If Asomugha and safety Michael Huff leave, the Raiders will need to get their youngsters up to speed quickly or try to find a veteran experience. I think we’ll see a mixture of both if Asomugha and Huff both leave as expected.

Top free agents: Asomugha, Huff, Miller and guard Robert Gallery.

San Diego Chargers

1. Re-sign safety Eric Weddle: The safety is a playmaker who will be very popular on the open market. The Chargers don't want him to get there. The Chargers have the salary-cap room to keep their top in-house options, and Weddle is at the top of the list. There is no reason for the Chargers to lose him and I think this key part of the NFL’s No. 1 ranked defense will remain with the Chargers.

2. Figure out receiver situation: Top receiver Vincent Jackson will be franchised. No. 2 receiver Malcom Floyd is unrestricted and he could get a big offer elsewhere. Backup Legedu Naanee is also expected to leave. The Chargers could use a veteran receiver. I doubt they will spend big money on the top names available, but they could look for a bargain or swing a trade for a veteran like Carolina’s Steve Smith.

3. Figure out inside linebacker situation: The Chargers could lose inside linebackers Stephen Cooper, Kevin Burnett and Brandon Siler. They would like to keep Burnett. Still, I could see the Chargers trying to find another inside linebacker to compete to star. They could also look for an edge rusher at outside linebacker.

Top free agents: Floyd, Weddle, Clary, Burnett, quarterback Billy Volek, receiver Legedu Naanee, linebacker Stephen Cooper, linebacker Brandon Siler and running back Darren Sproles.

B00STED4V · Jul 25, 2011

Ravens cutting Todd Heap plus others

The National Football Post

The Baltimore Ravens have told former Pro Bowl tight end Todd Heap (notes) that he'll be released.
General manager Ozzie Newsome gave Heap the bad news today, according to a league source.

Heap's pending release would save $4.6 million.

The Ravens drafted Ed Dickson (notes) and Dennis Pitta (notes) last year.
Dickson seems to have the capability of becoming a full-time starter.
Heap was entering the final year of his contract.

Ravens are also releasing Derrick Mason, Willis McGahee.

B00STED4V · Jul 25, 2011

Nice choice, nice choice!

Mark Herzlich To Be Signed By Baltimore Ravens, According To Reports

While teams reportedly aren't allowed to sign undrafted free agents until Tuesday morning, reports are flying all over the place of players earning tentative deals with teams. Some players are confirming the reports via Twitter. Perhaps the biggest name on the board is spoken for, at least according to several of the more well-known outlets: the Baltimore Ravens will reportedly acquire former Boston College Eagles LB Mark Herzlich.
Update: Herzlich says the deal isn't done.

Herzlich was named the 2008 ACC Defensive Player of the Year. In 2009, Herzlich was diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer. He announced his intention to beat the disease and return to the field, which he did. He started 13 games, accumulating 65 tackles, four interceptions and 3.5 tackles for loss.
The Ravens have been the talk of the day, having released four of their most well-known players, but this story ensures they'll at least end Monday on a high note. Now we'll just have to wait and see how many of these reported signings actually go down on Tuesday.

For more on the Ravens, head to Baltimore Beatdown. For more Herzlich, visit BC Interruption and Mocking The Draft.

timeless2 · Jul 26, 2011

http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/20...ampaign=Feed: Tvbythenumbers (TVbytheNumbers)

FreeBird · Jul 26, 2011

Come on someone take orton. Someone with a D that can win you games

Kids got game just no room for him here in denver. He wont win you many but he wont lose em either.

Anyone???

B00STED4V · Jul 26, 2011

From Rick Stroud

Buccaneers are offering former Raiders CB Nnamdi Asomugha a contract reported as a 4yr/$58.5M contract with $22 Guaranteed.

This is also rumor that if true, the Buccaneers will release troubled CB Aqib Talib

oh man oh man oh man oh man oh man, but this is a unconfirmed rumor. <3 football!

B00STED4V · Jul 26, 2011

DeAngelo Williams | RB 2010 Team: Carolina Exp: 5 years

Analysis:

John Fox is in Denver now, so that does mean DeAngelo Williams will follow?

Knowshon Moreno, the Broncos' current running back, told The Denver Post on Saturday that he isn't worried about the possibility.

Maybe he should be. Williams joined Jonathan Stewart in 2009 with the Carolina Panthers as the first teammates in NFL history to run for over 1,100 yards in a season -- and that was in Fox's system.

"It's always good to have more people on the team that can help out," said Moreno, who managed just three runs of more than 20 yards last season. "You shouldn't look at it like, 'Oh, damn, someone else is coming in.' You should look at it as a challenge. If you're not going to compete, you shouldn't be playing this game."

At first I thought it was Jonathan Stewart, but Williams will be just about as good.

B00STED4V · Jul 26, 2011

Brown not retiring about Dalton, won't trade Palmer

Bengals president Mike Brown ushered out the Carson Palmer Era Tuesday by referring to him in the past tense and enthusiastically rung in the Andy Dalton Era. He also indicated the future may very well be now with Dalton as the starter if he can handle it even as the team mulls veteran quarterbacks in free agency.

"We'll look for a veteran, but we have a good, young draft pick in Andy Dalton; we like him," Brown said of the second-rounder from TCU before a media gathering at the club's annual training camp luncheon. We think he is promising for our future. It won't be altogether easy for him all the time, but we're going to put him in there and if he can do it we're going to go with him. I hope he can manage it. He's a feisty guy. He's a poised young guy and I think you'll find him attractive as a person and as a player. You'll like him. Wait and see."

That's the question and why the Bengals may need some veteran experience. Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis said they're looking for a guy that can both start and backup and new offensive coordinator Jay Gruden has said the training camp starter may not be the Opening Day starter.
Plus, Dalton has yet to sign a deal since the Bengals were allowed to start talking to draft pick just 90 minutes before the luncheon.

The Bengals have just 15 NFL passes among Dalton, Jordan Palmer and Dan LeFevour when they line up for the first practice Saturday at Georgetown College in Georgetown, Ky. They may have some interest in a five-year backup who knows new offensive coordinator Jay Gruden's scheme from his days in Tampa, Bruce Gradkowski, a veteran of 20 NFL starts with the Bucs and most lately with the Raiders.

Meanwhile, Brown sounded the death knell of Palmer's hopes to play at least this season and maybe beyond Tuesday when he spoke of him in the past tense. He refuses to trade him and considers him retired with four years left on a deal thought to be roughly worth $40 million.

"I'm not expecting him to be back," Brown said. "Carson signed a contract. He made a commitment. We have relied on his commitment. We expect him to perform it here. If he doesn't and walks away from his commitment, we aren’t going to reward him for doing it."
Brown, still seemingly stunned by Palmer's trade-or-retire demand of six months ago, couldn’t hide his admiration for the man that ran his club for the past seven years, went to two Pro Bowls and quarterbacked two AFC North titles.

"I honestly like Carson Palmer. He was a splendid player for us," Brown said. "He's a good person. I wish him well and he's retired. That was his choice."

Carson Palmer will not play football this year, which is fucking stupid. This guy is 30yrs old and beat to hell, no way will someone trade for him and by the time next season rolls around who knows where he'll be needed... I hope he ends up somewhere just as shitty.

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B00STED4V Caution: Pees Everywhere When Drunk

B00STED4V Caution: Pees Everywhere When Drunk

B00STED4V Caution: Pees Everywhere When Drunk

B00STED4V Caution: Pees Everywhere When Drunk

B00STED4V Caution: Pees Everywhere When Drunk

B00STED4V Caution: Pees Everywhere When Drunk

B00STED4V Caution: Pees Everywhere When Drunk

B00STED4V Caution: Pees Everywhere When Drunk

B00STED4V Caution: Pees Everywhere When Drunk

B00STED4V Caution: Pees Everywhere When Drunk

B00STED4V Caution: Pees Everywhere When Drunk

B00STED4V Caution: Pees Everywhere When Drunk

B00STED4V Caution: Pees Everywhere When Drunk

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B00STED4V Caution: Pees Everywhere When Drunk

B00STED4V Caution: Pees Everywhere When Drunk

B00STED4V Caution: Pees Everywhere When Drunk

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