| Shockey in shouting match | Friday 6/13, 7:19 PM CT |
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According to a report in The Bergen Record, the Giants tight end got into a shouting match with GM Jerry Reese at some point during the teams' three-day minicamp. It apparently happened earlier this week. Giants beat writer Ralph Vacchiano wrote in his Daily News blog that it might be why Jeremy Shockey’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus, suddenly appeared in the parking lot on Friday and said, We’re just going to have to take it one day at a time," commenting on the relationship between his client and the New York front office.
Our View: If Shockey is trying to "shock" the Giants into trading him it's probably a good idea that the organization start listening. |
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| Williams cleared to weight train | Friday 6/13, 5:36 PM CT |
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Pat Williams, who had an offseason procedure performed on his arm, has been cleared to lift weights, this according to the Star Tribune.
Our View: The All Pro nose tackle "is back to building strength again," head coach Brad Childress told the paper. Williams is expected to be ready to compete during Training Camp. |
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| Jones arrested for carrying gun | Friday 6/13, 5:30 PM CT |
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Brandon Jones was arrested and cited at Nashville International Airport on Friday for carrying a loaded .32 caliber gun in his baggage, this according to the Tennessean.
Jones was arrested at around 11:40 a.m. and charged with a misdemeanor citation of unlawful possession of a firearm, however, there must have been some circumstances because authorities released Jones and allowed him to proceed on a flight to Phoenix.
Our View: Accident? Let's hope so because unless you have been living in a cave for the last decade -- well you know where we are going with this. If you have a desire to be tackled, shackled and handcuffed -- carry a gun through airport security. |
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| Henry suspended by NFL | Friday 6/13, 5:25 PM CT |
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Former Cincinnati Bengals wide out Chris Henry has been suspended by the NFL pending the outcome of his trial later this month, this according to the AP.
The Bengals released Henry on April 3 after he was arrested for the fifth time.
Our View: Henry is scheduled for trial June 24 in Hamilton County Common Pleas Court on charges of assault and criminal damaging, which will offer information on the talented wide receivers availability for the 2008 season. |
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| DeDe Dorsey suffered pulled hamstring | Friday 6/13, 3:24 PM CT |
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It has been revealed that DeDe Dorsey suffered a pulled hamstring during practice on Thursday, according to Scout.com. He was taken off the field on a cart, and left the team facility on crutches. Coach Marvin Lewis commented that the team will not know his status until training camp.
Our View: Dorsey was fighting for the number three spot on the Bengals' roster behind Rudi Johnson and Kenny Watson and his injury will hurt his chances to make the team, if he isn't ready to compete at the start of training camp. |
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| Fowler underwent off-season surgery | Friday 6/13, 2:37 PM CT |
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Center Melvin Fowler Jr. stated that he underwent off-season shoulder surgery, according to the BuffaloBills.com. Fowler said, "I had my clavicle cleaned up about six weeks ago."
Our View: He is expected to be ready to go for training camp. Fowler is a merely adequate pro, but he is still the Bills' starting center. |
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| Redskins ink rookie Tryon | Friday 6/13, 1:02 PM CT |
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The Redskins have inked fourth-round draft pick Justin Tryon (Arizona State), according to the Washington Post. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Our View: The cornerback is undersized at 5-9 185 pounds, but he has good speed and coverage skills. He flashed potential to become a solid NFL starter during the East-West Shrine Game practices. He could have a future with Washington, but needs some time to develop, and won't make an impact as a rookie. |
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| Colvin still on Texans' radar | Friday 6/13, 12:55 PM CT |
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Free agent linebacker Rosevelt Colvin is still on the Texans' radar according to Scout.com. Colvin is involved in ongoing conversations with the team to put him in a Texans' uniform for 2008.
Our View: The Texans want to use Colvin as a complement to Mario Williams as an outside pass-rusher. Williams broke out with 14 sacks in 2007. |
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| Rivers could start now if needed? | Friday 6/13, 12:47 PM CT |
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Philip Rivers, who is recovering from a torn ACL, states that he could start a game right now, if needed, according to Yahoo Sports.
Our View: He is leading the first-team offense in practice without any issues, and is expected to be close to 100% by the start of training camp. His recovery has been very smooth and quick, and his statement gives us further encouragement he will be under center for the Chargers in Week 1. |
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| Croyle entrenched as starter | Friday 6/13, 12:20 PM CT |
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Head coach Herm Edwards reiterated Thursday that quarterback Brodie Croyle’s job is safe and that he will enter training camp as the starter, according to the Kansas City Star. “It’s his team now,” Edwards said at Spratt Stadium on the Missouri Western campus in St. Joseph. “But he knows that, really to win them over, he’s got to win.”
Our View: Croyle’s competition last year, Damon Huard, will not have his job so clearly defined. Huard spent the last four weeks as the No. 3 quarterback, behind second-year passer Tyler Thigpen. Huard and Thigpen will do battle in training camp for the right to backup Croyle. |
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| Marshall predicts 100 catches | Friday 6/13, 12:09 PM CT |
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There remains some weakness in the right forearm and the nerve damage is not totally repaired, but whatever confidence receiver Brandon Marshall may have lost since he accidentally severed his forearm on Easter eve is all back, according to the Denver Post. "I'm still going to catch 100 balls this year," Marshall said following the conclusion of the Broncos' offseason mini-camps Thursday.
Our View: Marshall posted 102 receptions, 1,325 yards and seven scores last year. If he can keep his name off the police blotter and get healthy, 100 catches is a realistic goal for the talented youngster. |
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| Bentley garnering interest | Friday 6/13, 12:01 PM CT |
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Free agent offensive lineman LeCharles Bentley has 10 teams interested in his services, per his agent Jonathan Feinsod, according to the Minneapolis Star Tribune.
Our View: Feinsod wouldn’t disclose any of the teams, but if this report is accurate, it appears Bentley won’t be standing in the unemployment line for very long. |
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| Randle El should be ready for camp | Friday 6/13, 11:51 AM CT |
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Washington wide receiver Antwaan Randle El is expected to participate fully in training camp, according to the Washington Post.
Our View: Randle El had surgery May 6 to remove floating cartilage in his right knee. He had hoped to recover in time to take part in the final eight workouts that ended yesterday, but his knee did not cooperate. Santana Moss should start at one spot, leaving Randle El to compete with rookies Devin Thomas and Malcolm Kelly for the other starting role this season. |
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| McIntosh expected to participate at camp | Friday 6/13, 11:45 AM CT |
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Washington linebacker Rocky McIntosh is expected to participate fully in training camp, according to the Washington Post. McIntosh is recovering from knee surgery, but he’s scheduled to be medically cleared June 19.
Our View: McIntosh is recovering from knee surgery, but he’s scheduled to be medically cleared June 19. McIntosh underwent surgery in January, and the normal rehab time for a torn ACL is between 9-12 months. It would appear he would be hard pressed to play at a high level for 16 games, so soon after reconstructive surgery. Stay tuned. |
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| Rogers likely to miss start of training camp | Friday 6/13, 11:35 AM CT |
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Washington cornerback Carlos Rogers is not expected to be ready for the start of training camp, according to the Washington Post.
Our View: Rogers is coming off reconstructive knee surgery after tearing ligaments last year, and could start the 2008 season on the physically-unable-to-perform list. |
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| Denver RB depth chart taking shape | Friday 6/13, 11:14 AM CT |
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The Denver Broncos recent mini-camp practices concluded with Selvin Young as the starting tailback, and Andre Hall and Michael Pittman next in the pecking order, respectively, according to the Denver Post.
Our View: Young is reportedly up to 212 pounds after adding some muscle during the offseason, and if the season started today he would be the starter. However, we are all aware of possible Shanahanigans down-the-road, meaning we aren’t convinced that the depth chart is set in concrete yet, and this situation could still evolve into a RBBC scenario. Stay tuned. |
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| Vilma in final stage of rehab | Friday 6/13, 11:04 AM CT |
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The major piece of the New Orleans Saints’ rebuilt defense, linebacker Jonathan Vilma, told Pro Football Weekly this week that he’s in the final stage of his rehab from surgery on his left knee and that the knee held up well through the team’s organized team activities and mini-camp practices.
Our View: Vilma has stated that his knee feels fine, and while not yet at 100 percent, his rehabilitation is entering its final phase. If he can return healthy, Vilma will definitely be much more comfortable in the Saints 4-3 scheme, than he was in the New York Jets 3-4, which could restore his value in IDP formats. |
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| Vick charged with DUI, eluding arrest | Friday 6/13, 10:45 AM CT |
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Former Virginia Tech quarterback Marcus Vick has been charged with driving under the influence and eluding police, according to ESPN.
Our View: Police said an uniformed bicycle patrol officer observed Vick and a female involved in an altercation in the car early Friday. When the officer asked for a driver's license, police say Vick sped away but was stopped minutes later. Vick failed a field sobriety test and was charged with DUI, misdemeanor eluding police, reckless driving and driving on a suspended license. Vick, who is the brother of Michael Vick, was released by the Miami Dolphins in 2007. |
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| Holmgren had minor surgery | Friday 6/13, 10:39 AM CT |
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Seattle Seahawks coach Mike Holmgren said surgery forced him to miss two days of minicamp, although he wouldn't say what was wrong, according to ESPN. "I didn't die, all right?" a smiling Holmgren said Thursday after the team's final minicamp practice. "No, I had a little surgery done on Monday. That's all I'm really going to say about it. I just need a little time to recover from it and we're all set."
Our View: Holmgren, who turns 60 on Sunday, is beginning his 10th and final season as the Seahawks' coach. He said that until training camp begins July 25 he will go to his cabin in Northern California to read, ride his motorcycle and spend time with family. |
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| Wilson impressive in mini-camp | Friday 6/13, 10:33 AM CT |
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Wide receiver Travis Wilson, a third-round pick in the 2006 draft, was one of the bright spots of the spring but might still have a fight on his hands to make the Cleveland Browns roster, according to the Akron Beacon-Journal. "It was time for him to take a step forward, and I think this spring he has taken that step forward," head coach Romeo Crennel said. "He has helped himself considerably."
Our View: Plagued by dropped passes in the past, Wilson spent 16 games on the inactive list in '07 and has just two receptions for 32 yards in two years. He has finally learned the playbook, and appears more comfortable in the scheme, but he will have to be impressive in training camp to make the final roster. |
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| Palmer heaps praise on Caldwell | Friday 6/13, 10:26 AM CT |
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Coastal Carolina wide receiver Jerome Simpson was drafted in the second round, No. 46 overall by the Cincinnati Bengals - 51 spots ahead of fellow rookie Andre Caldwell of Florida. But quarterback Carson Palmer sees a more pro-ready receiver in Caldwell than the small-school Simpson, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer.
Our View: This is to be expected. Simpson is considered raw, given the fact he played his college ball at a small school. On the flip side, Caldwell performed on the big stage of the SEC, preparing him much better for the rigors of the NFL. The team likes Marcus Maxwell, and it appears that Caldwell could be ready to compete for the No. 3 role. |
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| No progress in Houshmandzadeh contract talks | Friday 6/13, 10:15 AM CT |
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Wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh is entering his eighth season, the last covered in his current four-year contract, but there have been no talks on an extension between his agent and the Cincinnati Bengals, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer.
Our View: "Don't worry about the contract year," Houshmandzadeh said. "I'm going to go out there and I'm going to get better, like I have. Since the Bengals have given me a chance to play, I've gotten better every year. And I'm going to get better this year." Houshmandzadeh’s attitude and professionalism provide a stark contrast to the Chad Johnson situation. He has improved his statistical output during each of the past four seasons, so we expect the Bengals to eventually step up to the plate with some new financials. |
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| Johnson participates again | Friday 6/13, 10:05 AM CT |
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Wide receiver Chad Johnson took the field for the second day of mini-camp, but still didn't do much after catching a couple of balls in a cone drill, according to Bengals.com.
Our View: Johnson certainly seemed more approachable with coaches, teammates, and media alike. But when the quarterbacks starting throwing routes, Johnson put the towel back over his head and watched. |
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| O’Hara criticizes Burress | Friday 6/13, 9:56 AM CT |
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Less than four months after winning the Super Bowl, New York Giants center Shaun O'Hara isn't happy because he believes a couple of New York Giants are putting themselves ahead of the team, according to ESPN. O'Hara criticized receiver Plaxico Burress on Thursday for refusing to practice until he gets a new contract.
Our View: We expect the Burress situation to eventually be resolved, but for the Giants, winning the Super Bowl could be a double-edged sword. Expectations will be raised in 2008, and under the glare of the media in the Big Apple, every little molehill will be turned into a mountain. |
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| Corner signs on the dotted line | Friday 6/13, 9:47 AM CT |
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The Buffalo Bills signed rookie cornerback Reggie Corner to an undisclosed contract, according to BuffaloBills.com.
Our View: Corner, who compiled 15 interceptions during his college career, has been working behind Will James as the second team slot corner in the nickel package. |
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| Rams ink OT Greco | Friday 6/13, 9:40 AM CT |
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The St. Louis Rams have signed third-round draft choice John Greco, an offensive tackle from Toledo, to a three-year contract, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Our View: Financial terms were not disclosed. Greco is expected provide depth to the Rams offensive line. |
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| Maxwell running with first team | Friday 6/13, 9:34 AM CT |
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Wide receiver Marcus Maxwell is working with the Cincinnati Bengals’ first team in Chad Johnson's absence from team drills. The third-year pro from Oregon is getting an early look ahead of rookies Jerome Simpson and Andre Caldwell, according to ESPN. "Marcus has done some good things," Bengals offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski said. "He's been very reliable, so he's going to have an opportunity to get some playing time."
Our View: The Cincinnati organization likes Maxwell’s combination of size (6-4, 205) and speed. With Chad Johnson acting a fool, and the release of Chris Henry, the opportunity for playing time exists. For now, it appears Maxwell is third in the pecking order at wide receiver in Cincinnati. |
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| Lynch grand jury date set for June 20 | Friday 6/13, 9:26 AM CT |
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Three Buffalo Bills’ players have been issued subpoenas to appear before the Erie County grand jury next Friday - rookie wide receivers James Hardy and Steve Johnson and second-year offensive lineman Christian Gaddis, according to the Buffalo News. Buffalo Bills owner Ralph C. Wilson Jr., Chief Operating Officer Russ Brandon, three other Bills officials and three players all may be required to tell an Erie County grand jury what they know about the hit-and-run accident involving a vehicle owned by running back Marshawn Lynch.
Our View: Forcing players and team officials before a grand jury seems to be a serious matter for a case involving only a possible misdemeanor charge - leaving the scene of a personal-injury accident - that could be filed against Lynch, if he was driving. Legal observers have stated that similar cases of leaving the scene of an accident, when no one is seriously injured normally leads to a plea to a lesser traffic infraction, with the defendant often paying about a $250 fine. Stay tuned. |
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| Delhomme handled majority of reps | Friday 6/13, 9:10 AM CT |
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Jake Delhomme handled the majority of the passing reps with the first-team offense during the Panthers' final OTA sessions, according to the Rock Hill Herald. He said, "I feel ready to go. Will I have a pitch count in training camp? I'm sure I will because it will probably be the smart thing to do. In training camp there will be soreness. If there isn't soreness then I'm probably not putting in enough effort. If it's just normal soreness and not pain-wise, then everything is on track. But I feel like everything is on track."
Our View: This is great news regarding his progress, but won't get too excited until he performs well in preseason action. |
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| Curry is great shape | Friday 6/13, 8:10 AM CT |
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Ronald Curry, who is back from surgery to remove a bone spur which he said hampered him all last season, returned to practice and is reportedly in great shape, according to the Contra Costa Times. He is also pain-free and said, "I had the bone spur, played pretty much the whole season, had it since the beginning of March. Pretty much every time I planted, it hurt. But I have no discomfort in running, and the foot feels great." He caught several passes in traffic and was notably making sharp cuts.
Our View: He also spent time in the weight room during the off-season and has a stronger upper body and trimmed his frame to 206 pounds. He was the Raiders' leading receiver the last two seasons, and could emerge as a strong sleeper candidate for 2008, with Javon Walker drawing most of the attention from defenses. |
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| Raiders ink Irons | Friday 6/13, 8:03 AM CT |
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The Raiders have inked LB/DE Grant Irons to a one-year deal, according to the Contra Costa Times. Irons has not played since 2006 after sustaining a back injury and Coach Lane Kiffin said, "He’s worked extremely hard, basically worked for two years to come back and have an opportunity. He’s really in phenomenal shape for a guy that has not been in an NFL program so we’ll give him a chance."
Our View: Irons will get a shot to compete for a roster spot, but will be hard-pressed to earn a starting spot as a LB/DE "tweener." |
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