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[TheDuce22]

Jags released Hugh Douglas today. I would take him back in a heartbeat.... for the right price. He belongs in eagle green though. Goes to show that maybe when the eagles offer you less money you should understand it is for a reason and stay where you belong. He never seemed happy with the jags.

 

[Willco]

I wouldn't be surprised to see the Redskins already flying Redskins One (Dan's private plane) down to Hugh Douglas' residence to snap him up. They need defensive line help pretty badly.

 

[TheDuce22]

I believe him and Trotter were friends. Trotter didnt have such a good run with the Redskins. He belongs in philly, for the vet minimum. I read that he has allready been contacted by the Redskins and Eagles though. He better make the right decision.

Edit:

 

[Azwethinkweiz]

Man, Kearse and Douglas would be one nasty pass rush.

 

[Willco]

Trotter was a good linebacker and I'm not quite sure why he was so hated by the press. He led the damn team in tackles. The problem with Trotter was that he was paid in an incredible amount of money and he performed as well as his replacement, Michael Barrow, who was signed for a lot less. Trotter would've probably been worth the investment had the 'Skins had a decent defensive front.

I heard some reporters say he is wearing down. What the hell? He is only 27-years-old! I think Barrow is like six or five years older than he is. Crazy.

I would definitely not mind Hugh Douglas lining up on the Redskins front four if he doesn't ask for Jacksonville-like cash. If and when Upshaw, Daniels and Noble all get healthy, along with Cornelius Griffin, I think adding Douglas in the mix might actually make the line go from below average to adequate.

 

[TheDuce22]

"I would definitely not mind Hugh Douglas lining up on the Redskins front four if he doesn't ask for Jacksonville-like cash."

What price are you willing to pay though. I think the only way he doesnt wind up in philly is if someone overpays him again.

 

[andthebeatgoeson]

Jags released Hugh Douglas today. I would take him back in a heartbeat.... for the right price. He belongs in eagle green though. Goes to show that maybe when the eagles offer you less money you should understand it is for a reason and stay where you belong. He never seemed happy with the jags.

Holy shit. We need the jaw drop smilie for this one. Why did they release him? He didn't have a great year but damn.

The Jaguars on Aug. 30 cut defensive end Hugh Douglas, ESPN.com's Len Pasquarelli reported. Douglas started all 16 games last season but finished with only 31 tackles and 3½ sacks. On Nov. 9, after the ninth game of the season, he had managed only one sack. Five times last season he didn't even show up on the stat sheet with as much as a single tackle. Douglas took part in the Jaguars' offseason training program, something he refused to do the year before after he signed a five-year, $27 million free-agent contract with a $6 million signing bonus. He had 51.5 sacks in five years in Philadelphia, which included one season in which he only played four games due to injuries.

nm, from ESPN's Jags page. Must've been the big contract.

and here's the story:
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=pasquarelli_len&id=1871056

 

[andthebeatgoeson]

"I would definitely not mind Hugh Douglas lining up on the Redskins front four if he doesn't ask for Jacksonville-like cash."

What price are you willing to pay though. I think the only way he doesnt wind up in philly is if someone overpays him again.

I don't think anybody is gonna overpay him. I can't see him coming back here. 2 guys coming back to eat crow. That'll be weird. But I'm guessing we still have the cap money.

I know it sounds weird coming from an Eagle fan but if he lands in DC for anything other than the minimum, it'll be a bad sign. Just the Redskins overpaying for a veteran. Well, no matter where he lands, I hope him the best. He was always one of my favorite players. Gave great interviews and always had a joke to crack. One of those guys that made the post game interviews worthwhile. And the media blitz during the runup to an important game worthwhile.

Like, you hate it when they barrage you with info from players just giving the standard answers.

 

[TheDuce22]

I know it sounds weird coming from an Eagle fan but if he lands in DC for anything other than the minimum, it'll be a bad sign. Just the Redskins overpaying for a veteran. Well, no matter where he lands, I hope him the best. He was always one of my favorite players.

Even if he doesnt have it on the feild anymore he would be awesome to have in the locker room and a great backup considering our problems with injuries and the fact that he knows the system. He just looked soo depressed playing with the jags and i cant believe he would want to go through something like that again. Like i said he belongs in philly. He made his money in jacksonville, now he needs to swallow his pride like trotter did and do the right thing.

Gave great interviews and always had a joke to crack. One of those guys that made the post game interviews worthwhile.

Yah, and unlike Mcnabb his jokes are actually funny and not just goofy.

 

[Willco]

Yeah, the Redskins really need more defensive leaders. LaVar is a great guy, but he's no Darrell Green. And none of the defensive front guys are really motivators. The secondary has Fred Smoot and Shawn Springs as leaders, the linebacker corps has LaVar and the front has, um, nobody. So Douglas would be beneficial.

 

[andthebeatgoeson]

Damn, Duce, that picture is fucked up. :lol

Hugh am crying!!

I'm sad for him. But you're right, with our injuries, it'll would be a good thing to have another veteran pass rusher. And I'm a firm believer in how setbacks can motivate a player. Maybe this'll be a big year for him.

 

[TheDuce22]

He went from this (yes the pic is old but you get the idea)

To this

In one year

 

[andthebeatgoeson]

I thoroughly blame Duval County. It'll make anybody cry.

Luckily, people in Duval don't have internet access, so I can get away with jokes like this.

 

[TheDuce22]

I saw him on one of those NFL inside stuff shows, he was giving a tour of the local area. He didnt seem to excited about it to say the least.

Edit: An inside source says that Hugh will sign in 24-48 hours. Basically after he clears waivers. Its probably bull but I would be lieing if I said I wasnt excited.

 

[bishoptl]

bye bye Brock

 

[Willco]

Haha, Lesnar was cut?

 

[BlackMage]

did he even get to play?

 

[levious]

at least he got hazed

 

[DarienA]

did he even get to play?

Yeah he did play briefly.

 

[bishoptl]

http://www.twincities.com/mld/twincities/news/breaking_news/9536659.htm

The Brock Lesnar Experiment ended Monday when the Vikings released the former NCAA heavyweight wrestling champion. Lesnar, known mostly as champion of World Wrestling Entertainment's circuit, was signed as a free agent and worked as a defensive tackle, seeing time in all three of the Vikings' preseason games so far.

Coach Mike Tice said Lesnar played "a lot better than we thought" considering he had not played football since high school. Tice indicated he would like to see Lesnar play for the NFL's developmental league in Europe, adding he would be "proud if it was as a Viking."

Asked how he reacted to the news, Tice said Lesnar "was great. He gave me a hug."

Tice indicated there was a possibility Lesnar could be added to the Vikings' practice squad after final cuts are made next week.

 

[impirius]

Hahaha, that was a nifty intro to MNF.

 

[Slo]

He'll make the practice squad.

 

[TheDuce22]

Its official. HES BACK!! Hugh signed with the eagles. If he returns to his old form the rest of the leauge should be very very afraid.


Eagles Sign Douglas to One-Year Deal
http://philadelphia.comcastsportsnet.com/news/eagles/2004/083004-hugh.asp

The jags will take a bigger cap hit for him than we will. I think its the same with Trotter and the Redskins. Thats how you manage a team. This is the best front office in the nfl, period. We are still almost 10 million under the cap.

 

[andthebeatgoeson]

WTF moments all around. Hell, if he gets 3 sacks, that's a steal. I think. Again, WTF...

 

[Fifty]

Who does he replace at end? Or is he a third end?

 

[FrenchMovieTheme]

this just in, merton hanks is returning to the niners!

 

[Archaix]

Who does he replace at end? Or is he a third end?

Without reading or hearing anything about it, I'd guess he takes the spot vacated by N.D. Kalu's injury.

 

[andthebeatgoeson]

Fifty: He'll play backup dancer to Derrick Burgess and Jevon Kearse and maybe McDougle unless he has a breakout game and proves himself. Either way, with injuries on the horizon, I have him penciled in as a starter by midseason...(look, if I talk injuries up, maybe they won't come).

FMT: Is that the precursor to Jeff Garcia's legacy? Seems pretty festive.

Has anybody seen magical retart? Did he fall off the face of the earth?

 

[DJ_Tet]

:yawn


Old has been's suck, take it from a Panthers fan.


edit: there's usually a reason players get cut from another team, and it rarely is all because of salary.

Still, for the price, not like the Eagles are losing much by bringing them back. I just wouldn't count on a "return to form" for Trotter or Douglas. If either was gonna "return to form", they wouldn't have been cut. Be happy with what you get out of them.

 

[TheDuce22]

He is one year out of the probowl, he was miserable with the jags, and Jevon Kearse will be on the other side drawing the double teams he used to get. Jags fans are saying that Hugh has looked much better this camp, he bulked up and really wanted to turn it around this year. I cant believe that he dropped off as much as the stats indicate but we will see. Either way he is at least as good as Kalu, who he is replacing. Trotter will not start but he can still stuff a run with the best of them.

 

[DarienA]

What's Woodsons' beef with the Raiders anyway?

 

[Lucky Forward]

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/football/bal-ravens31,1,3793159.story?coll=bal-sports-headlines

Deion Sanders is prepared to end his retirement and join the Baltimore Ravens.

The seven-time Pro Bowl defensive back arrived Tuesday in Baltimore to take a physical. If he passes, Sanders will sign a one-year contract laden with incentives and work toward playing in the Ravens' season opener Sept. 12 against the Cleveland Browns.


Sanders, 37, played cornerback in his prime, but will be used as a fifth defensive back in Baltimore.

"This game is not all that complicated. We're going to try to ingrain him as quickly as we can," Ravens coach Brian Billick said Tuesday morning. "We have to make sure we know where he's at physically. He's here plenty early enough to have an impact."

Sanders began his comeback bid after talking with Baltimore middle linebacker Ray Lewis and safety Corey Fuller, both of whom he considers close friends.

"This man has everything. He has money, he has rings, he has fame, he has all of that," Lewis said. "But the simple mathematics of it all is he's just coming back to have fun and play football with his friends."

Billick is convinced that the flamboyant Sanders will work within the framework of the team and make the Ravens a better club.

"This is not about the money," Billick said. "This is about a man who has a passion for a game, has a relationship with players who have a part of this, and we're a byproduct of this. We're going to gain from this."

 

[DarienA]

Lucky where did you get that toy image from?

 

[Fifty]

I found it at the Ravens Insider message board. Some guy posted it.

The Ravens will now have the best secondary in the league. Cmac, Baxter, Demps, Reed, and Deion...Fuller can fill in when needed. This lineup will dominate. The Ravens have the deepest D in the league.

 

[DarienA]

I found it at the Ravens Insider message board. Some guy posted it.

The Ravens will now have the best secondary in the league. Cmac, Baxter, Demps, Reed, and Deion...Fuller can fill in when needed. This lineup will dominate.

Jamal hasn't shown me much in the preseason(I expect him to pick up once the season starts)... but man Chester Taylor has... so I think our running game still looks to be ready to go.

The new rookie Sams has shown great awareness in returning kicks so we might finally be able to get some good field position.... now that just leaves us with the quarterback situation.. <sigh> all I want is stability... just complete those short passes most of the time....

 

[Fifty]

Yeah, you just have to cross your fingers and hope the QB doesn't lose the game for you. If Boller can avoid throwing too many picks, and make a few important plays every game, we've got great chances at winning every game we play. The Ravens' second string LBs could start on most NFL teams, they're just that good. Thomas would be a starter on any other team, Roderick Green is an amazing rookie, and Cornell Brown and TJ Slaughter are very capable reserves.

 

[Lucky Forward]

I just hope Jonathan Ogden stays healthy. OT is the one place where we really lack depth. I think Boller will peform as well as the O-line protects him.

 

[DarienA]

I think Boller will peform as well as the O-line protects him.

I think so too, this last preseason game I have to admit he looked damn good and made some HIGHLY accurate throws... I'm leaning towards not attributing those throws to just luck... and a few were made in tight spots where the ball was point in the only spot it could be for only the receiver to catch it. Problem is we still have that sputtering in the Red Zone problem... and then there's Kordell... I've been willing to have an open mind... but as the pre-season has gone on Boller has gotten better... and Kordell has gotten worse.

 

[Eminem]

espn nfl insider up in hurr...

NFL Insider..Aug 30: Jerry Rice's drive unmatched; Mike Williams; Whipsers

Rice's work ethic affected everyone
By Eric Allen

Where do you start when trying to describe Jerry Rice? Do you start with the offseason, where he honed his game and forced opposing players like myself to use the offseason as a tool? Or do you start with his dedication during training camp, where every catch was taken to the end zone because that's where he wanted to be at all times?
Maybe you take a look at the way he prepared during the season for opposing defenses -- as if they were chess pieces to be manipulated by his shrewd moves. Or maybe you look at the amazing records that he continues to add to and the Super Bowl rings on his fingers.


Jerry Rice played 16 seasons for the 49ers.
I prefer to start with the offseason because, unbeknownst to Rice, his offseason training was a key contributor to some of my success on the football field. Because I knew he was out there running mountains and getting ready for football for months during the offseason, I went out there and sharpened different areas of my game. I attempted to get faster and stronger than my opposition, whomever they might have been.

Rice's greatest talent wasn't his speed, his hands or his eyes & it was his work ethic. He simply outworked his opposition and put himself in a better position to utilize his God-given talents. Every offseason he attempted to leave behind the cornerbacks and safeties who were paid to stop him, and every offseason he succeeded in passing by at least a couple of them. Luckily, I wasn't one of the unlucky few who were passed by Rice in the offseason. But that was due in large part to my own strenuous workout regimen.

I had the fortune of playing against and with Rice during my career. I started off on the opposite side of the field and looked forward to our battles, because he was the ultimate measuring stick. If you could stop or limit Jerry Rice, then what receiver was going to strike fear into your heart? If you look back at our battles over my 14-year career, they may not look like much. But I was able to hold him without a touchdown. For me, every time I played against him was the stamp of approval for my offseason program.

He's unlike any other football player I've ever met or seen. I know lots of guys who work hard, but he works at a Hall-of-Fame level every single practice. That doesn't just make him better, it also elevates the game of the players around him.

I made a promise to myself early in my career that if I couldn't keep up the urgency in the offseason, then I'd retire. I'm pretty sure that Rice has made the same commitment, and he's still going strong even at 41 years old. To be honest, when I think of Jerry Rice, I don't think of him as just the greatest receiver ever -- I think of him simply as the greatest football player ever.

USC's Williams doubles down, busts
By Rod Gilmore

It should never have come to this for Mike Williams. He should be playing for USC this college football season. He gambled away his collegiate eligibility when he didn't have to do so, however, and the NCAA had no choice but to refuse to reinstate him.
Contrary to the general response to the NCAA's decision -- that Williams was treated unfairly -- that's not the case. Williams knew exactly what he was doing. He was not misled by an obscure rule or faulty interpretation of a rule. Williams chose to violate the rules on amateurism and chose to leave school, and those choices have consequences.

He presented the NCAA with the least sympathetic case possible.

After a lower court ruled last spring that underclassmen must be allowed in the NFL draft, Williams elected to enter the draft even though he knew there was a risk he could be left out in the cold. At that time, the NFL warned underclassmen such as Williams that the NFL vowed to fight the lower court ruling, and that underclassmen should not give up their college eligibility.

The NCAA also chimed in and warned underclassmen that, if the lower court's decision was overturned, they could lose their eligibility by declaring and hiring an agent. USC Coach Pete Carroll and others reportedly attempted to provide Williams with all of the draft information he needed, in accordance with NCAA guidelines.

So what did Williams do in the face of all of these warnings and assistance? He doubled down.


Mike Williams gambled with his eligibility, and lost. Is that his fault, or the NCAA's?
Williams not only declared for the draft, he also hired an agent, took money from the agent and received money from endorsement deals totaling more than $100,000. He also withdrew from school.

His actions violated the NCAA rules relating to amateurism and academic eligibility. By withdrawing from school, he earned no units in the spring and violated the NCAA rule that requires student athletes to earn a minimum of six units each semester. The rule is intended to make sure that student-athletes are actually proceeding towards graduation. In light of the abysmal graduation rates in sports such as football, the rule is reasonable.

So when an appellate court ruled in favor of the NFL, Williams said "oops" and asked the NCAA to be reinstated. Normally, the NCAA is reasonable about reinstating eligibility. In the past year, in fact, nearly 99% of 1,100 requests for reinstatement were granted.

However, the requests that are denied usually relate to the biggest red flags for the collegiate governing body: amateurism (usually receipt of extra benefits) and academic integrity.

Williams attempted to undo his wrongs by firing his agent, paying back the money and picking up numerous units in summer school. The NCAA often places conditions on reinstatement, and Williams thought that taking these steps would improve his chances.

So why didn't the NCAA just go along with it?

"At the end of the day, when we stepped back and looked, there was no question he violated the amateurism rule," Kevin Lennon, NCAA vice president for membership services told The Associated Press Friday. "He said, 'I want to be a professional, I no longer want to be a college student-athlete.' "

I think the NCAA made the right decision, but, for me, only the academic eligibility issue is compelling. I am certain the NCAA was shocked at the amount of money Williams received (and paid back) in such a short period of time. It was clearly not an "unintended extra benefit." Williams knowingly accepted hundreds of thousands of dollars.

I'm sure this bothered the NCAA, but I can't get worked up about that, since everyone but players make a lot of money on college football -- and Williams did repay the money.

However, I have a problem with Williams leaving school in the spring with full knowledge that he would lose his eligibility. He did not have to do that. The NCAA has guidelines in place that would have allowed Williams to determine his draft status and enter the draft without leaving school.

Yes, I know that many draft eligible juniors and seniors hire agents, take money for training/living, and withdraw from school in order to prepare for the draft. Those guys knowingly give up their eligibility and have no risk of being excluded from the draft. Williams also knowingly gave up his eligibility, but he did have the risk of being excluded and losing his collegiate eligibility. He elected to assume that risk.

If the NCAA had reinstated Williams, it would have sent a strong message that academic reforms it is pushing really don't matter. Moreover, it would have set a bad precedent. How could the NCAA enforce the progress-to-degree rule in the future if it had failed to enforce it against a young man who voluntarily chose not to attempt to earn the six units?

His rush for excessive summer units seems intended only to regain eligibility for football. Isn't that exactly the exploitation of athletes about which we have complained under the NCAA? If the NCAA had reinstated Williams, it would have been tantamount to allowing USC to rent a pro for the season.

The good news is that Williams will be fine and he has matured through this process. He will no doubt be a high first-round selection in the 2005 NFL draft. He said he will attend classes at USC in the fall while training for the draft.

If Williams had made such a mature decision last spring, then he would be joining USC in defense of its co-national championship this season -- and progressing toward a degree.

Whispers from around the NFL
Pro Football Weekly

Note: Each paragraph is a different Whipser.

Redskins assistant head coach Joe Bugel told PFW after the preseason loss to the Rams that the QB battle "will go down right to the end with (Patrick) Ramsey and lefty (Mark Brunell). One more week to figure it all out." Brunell did not speak to the media after the game.


Brown
One Patriot not pleased with WR Troy Brown seeing time at cornerback, in addition to his receiving and punt-return duties, is QB Tom Brady, who said he's worried about the 33-year-old's legs getting tired.

With injuries becoming more of a factor -- a left shoulder ailment being the latest problem -- there's speculation Steelers RILB Kendrell Bell may never again be as explosive as he was as a rookie in 2001.

One longtime Redskins observer says he considers FS Sean Taylor to be one of the two most impressive all-around rookies he has seen on the team in the past 15 years. The other was Champ Bailey.

Our sources in the Valley have a suspicious feeling new Cardinals head coach Dennis Green has another bombshell up his sleeve. One possibility being bandied about is the promotion of former first-round pick Wendell Bryant, who has been looking much better, to the starting NT role over Russell Davis.


Tomlinson
Marty Schottenheimer is quick to defend his plan to hold LaDainian Tomlinson out of most of the preseason action, citing previous years when Tomlinson has produced huge numbers when following the same light workload intended to keep him fresh. "A year ago, I don't think he had more than seven or eight plays, and he still earned his letter, so I don't think we have any issues here," Schottenheimer said of Tomlinson, who saw only brief action in his first game last Friday against Seattle. "If it ain't broke, don't fix it."

In an effort to find the five best blockers to start on their line, the Chargers gave seventh-rounder Shane Olivea the start at right tackle in their third preseason game. Technique and concentration have been problem areas for the athletic Courtney Van Buren, who was demoted from his starting OLT spot in favor of Roman Oben, who shifted over from the right side.

Raiders head coach Norv Turner said more than a month ago that he was looking forward to re-establishing the physical aspects of training camp in Oakland, but sources indicate there hasn't been much change from the mild pproach used by former coach Bill Callahan.

If the preseason is any indication, the Chiefs will be coming after the quarterback with everyone but the team trainer this season. "I said when I took the job that we are not going to allow the quarterback to stand back there and feel comfortable," defensive coordinator Gunther Cunningham said recently. "We're going to come after them. Are we going to give up some big plays? Yes, we are going to give up some big plays. But we're also going to make some big plays. In the end, I think we'll make more than we give up."

DT Monsanto Pope, generally considered a disappointment in his short career, has pleased Broncos defensive coordinator Larry Coyer and has been running with the first team of late, just a few weeks after being buried on the depth chart.

We hear Falcons OL coach Alex Gibbs is somewhat encouraged by the way the team is taking to his scheme of cut blocking, but he isn't yet comfortable with the team's running game.


Smith
Sources tell us Panthers WR Steve Smith has set the tone for the team during the preseason and won't let anyone lose their intensity during workouts.

The Panthers plan on using P Todd Sauerbrun more on kickoffs than they did last season, giving PK John Kasay more of an opportunity to rest his leg.

The Buccaneers are convinced that PK Martin Gramatica is over the "dead leg" he had last year. He is kicking the ball with velocity and looked as strong as ever in training camp.

If Packers LCB Mike McKenzie doesn't report, don't be surprised if third-round pick Joey Thomas is ahead of first-round pick Ahmad Carroll in the CB rotation. Thomas has shown more consistency than Carroll, though his body of work is more limited based on his extended absence in training camp due to a knee sprain.

The Packers are bothered by their lack of LB depth behind starters Nick Barnett, Na'il Diggs and Hannibal Navies. Much like last season, head coach Mike Sherman is praying his starters stay healthy. Management views Torrance Marshall as a disappointment; it had hoped the light would come on after he showed flashes last year. Marshall has shown no instincts, is slow to react, and then was injured in the second preseason game.


Bailey
Lions SLB Boss Bailey told PFW he wouldn't rule out missing the entire season. Bailey won't make a proclamation one way or the other until he's off crutches, which could come as late as Sept. 26.

Since the addition of veteran P Bryan Barker, sources close to the Packers say rookie P B.J. Sander has picked it up in practice. Having the veteran on board seemed to have a calming effect on Sander, whose job is in serious jeopardy.

With DRE Alex Brown injured and DLE Adewale Ogunleye unlikely to play until the opener, the Bears have been able to take a longer look at rookie DT Tommie Harris, who worked with the first-team defense while DT Bryan Robinson was moved outside. Harris was very good in flashes and could end up pushing DT Alfonso Boone for a starting spot.

We hear that the $106,000 workout bonus that the Patriots were withholding from CB Ty Law, who subsequently sat out three days of practice in protest, will likely be paid to the veteran. It appears that this was a way for Bill Belichick to show his displeasure with Law after Law's highly critical comments of the coach earlier this offseason.

Rookie S Guss Scott's season-ending knee injury could hurt him beyond this season since he reportedly was working under a one-year, $230,000 contract after agent Drew Rosenhaus and the Patriots couldn't agree on the length of the deal. As a third-round pick, he would have received a signing bonus in the $600,000 range, but that's been lost. Now, when Scott begins negotiations next offseason on a long-term deal, he will be doing so as a player coming off a major knee surgery.

Sources say that even if the Bills wanted to bring back retired QB Alex Van Pelt, now working as the team's radio analyst, to replace injured rookie J.P. Losman (out 8-12 weeks with a broken fibula) as the team's third quarterback, Van Pelt's health status wouldn't allow him to play. He had neck fusion surgery in late June and wouldn't be cleared to play until January.

We hear that as much as RB Ricky Williams may hint that he'd like to come back to the Dolphins this year, it won't happen for two big reasons. One, because he's reportedly a three-time violator of the NFL's substance-abuse program and has filed retirement papers. NFL rules state that if he applied for reinstatement before Aug. 2005, he would be charged with a fourth failed test. That would produce a mandatory one-year suspension. Two, because he has continued to disparage the Dolphins' coaches and players from afar, he would not be welcomed back into the Miami locker room. If Williams is receptive to a return to action in '05, look for Miami to trade his rights in the offseason.


McCrary
Though the Patriots cut FB Fred McCrary to give him a better opportunity to catch on with another team, we hear that the team has left the door open to the 31-year-old veteran should the need arise, if he's still out of work.

We hear that there continues to be no animosity between Bills RBs Travis Henry and Willis McGahee and that there is nothing to the recent comments from both players that they won't be happy if they're not starting, other than the fact that both players are tremendous competitors.

We hear Bengals ORG Bobbie Williams, signed from the Eagles in the offseason, has fit in well on the line. The team is also pleased with veteran reserve Larry Moore, who gives the team some flexibility.

The Browns have experimented with sliding DE Courtney Brown inside on passing downs. This would allow them to get pass rusher Ebenezer Ekuban on the field.


Boldin
It's already a given that the Cardinals will be without star WR Anquan Boldin (torn meniscus) in Week 1. But don't be shocked if none of the team's big three receivers -- rookie Larry Fitzgerald and Bryant Johnson being the other two -- is ready to start the regular season. We're told Fitzgerald (ankle) wasn't even close to being able to practice at presstime. Johnson was said to be in better shape than Fitzgerald, but he had yet to do anything at full speed.

It would be a real surprise if Niners SS Tony Parrish, out with a torn calf muscle, isn't ready for the team's regular-season opener. Parrish told our sources he actually suffered the calf injury before the preseason started, and that it just got bad enough to keep him off the field for a few weeks. Parrish has never missed a game in his six years in the league and has an amazing pain threshold.

It was starting to look at presstime as if Niners rookie DT Isaac Sopoaga, this year's Combine superstar with a near-record-breaking bench-press performance, could be benched all season on injured reserve with a back injury that isn't getting better.

While there's no denying the Rams' pass protection left a lot to be desired in the team's preseason loss to the Chiefs (five sacks), there are two things worth noting: (1) Chiefs defensive coordinator Gunther Cunningham was intent on pulling out all the stops (i.e., blitz packages) on a nationally televised stage; and (2) Rams head coach Mike Martz continued his practice of never exposing the team's complicated protection schemes during the preseason and letting the chips fall where they may.

While the Rams have been impressed with what newcomer OG-C Chris Dishman has had to offer despite coming to camp 40 pounds overweight (would you believe 375?), the same can't be said of free-agent addition Greg Randall, who has struggled more often than not.

The season-ending injuries to Titans LBs Peter Sirmon and Brad Kassel not only damage the LB depth but also hurt the special-teams units. Both players were key members of Alan Lowry's cover and return units, which could see quite a few young faces this season.

Despite missing much of the preseason and showing a tendency to be injury-prone, Ladell Betts is still the favorite to back up Clinton Portis ahead of fan favorite Rock Cartwright, Sultan McCullough and John Simon. Count RB coach Earnest Byner among Betts' supporters.

Titans coaches are expecting a big season out of DRE Carlos Hall, who could surpass his 2002 sack total of eight this year.


Simoneau
Eagles MLB Mark Simoneau has held onto his starting position and should continue to do so as long as Jeremiah Trotter is slowed with a rib cartilage fracture. The linebacker who could find himself on the bench is WLB Nate Wayne, who hasn't stayed healthy.

Eagles PK David Akers might be the happiest man on the team now that Koy Detmer is back holding on placements for him again. Akers and special-teams coach John Harbaugh consider Detmer to be the finest holder in the league.

oh, and roy williams getting embarrassed: http://members.cox.net/crazyzeb/ChrisBrown-RoyWilliams.mpg

 

[andthebeatgoeson]

He is one year out of the probowl, he was miserable with the jags, and Jevon Kearse will be on the other side drawing the double teams he used to get. Jags fans are saying that Hugh has looked much better this camp, he bulked up and really wanted to turn it around this year. I cant believe that he dropped off as much as the stats indicate but we will see. Either way he is at least as good as Kalu, who he is replacing. Trotter will not start but he can still stuff a run with the best of them.

That's what I like. If Simoneau isn't up to snuff, we have Trotter as backup. I'm happy with that. With rotations, somebody will make a name for themselves. With Kearse drawing quite a few double teams, it should open up for everybody else. Hollis is back so we have a fat run stopper but he's been hurt bad 2 out of the past 3 years. So, we just need bodies. We still have Corey. Hopefully, we have enough good guys on the line that we can make it thru the season with a good run defense. We got slaughtered by Ahman Green last year.

 

[Ramirez]

Is that Deion figure for real?I must have it! Im a sucker for those McFarlane figures

 

[Miguel]

Is that Deion figure for real?I must have it! Im a sucker for those McFarlane figures

It must be a repaint/remake/rebuild or whatever you want to call it.

Pieces of other figures are taken *unless there was a CB already that had a similar body type* Then the jersey/etc are painted (very well done IMO) and repackaged.

 

[andthebeatgoeson]

Will they make one of him getting burned by Hines Ward for an 80 yard TD?

 

[Fifty]

Deion is on this team to cover the other team's third WR.

 

[Willco]

So will there be one of him getting burned by Antwaan Randle El for a 80 yard TD?

 

[Bowser]

Sanders passes physical and formally signs 1-year, $1.5 million deal (with $2 million in incentives) with Ravens; Pennington gets extention from Jets (rumored to be around six or seven years) with $22 million in gauranteed money.

 

[effzee]

man i was out of internet since sun and i come back to this great news of hugh back with philly. with the injuries we have suffered and quite possibly might continue to and with the amount we are paying him....ITS A STEAL!!!


trotter and douglas back. add kearse...and a bit healther than last season....and we have a better D than last season!

 

[Lucky Forward]

It must be a repaint/remake/rebuild or whatever you want to call it.

Pieces of other figures are taken *unless there was a CB already that had a similar body type* Then the jersey/etc are painted (very well done IMO) and repackaged.

More likely it's just a Chris McAlister figure (#21) and Deion's name was photoshopped onto the package.

To be a success for the Ravens, Deion doesn't necessarily have to be "Prime Time", he just has to be better than Corey Fuller, the nickelback he's replacing. Fuller got beat a lot last year, so the Ravens got Dale Carter from free agency to handle nickelback duties. Unfortunately, he suffered from a life-threatening blood clot in his lungs a few weeks ago that ended his season. When this happened, Ray Lewis immediately got on the phone with Deion to urge him to play. It was definitely a case of anybody-but-Fuller at nickel.

 

[impirius]

oh, and roy williams getting embarrassed: http://members.cox.net/crazyzeb/ChrisBrown-RoyWilliams.mpg

Thank you.

Edit: The beginning of that play was great too... it was basically an impromptu counter play that developed for about three seconds. It looked like it was supposed to be an iso right, but Brown finally just retreated from the pileup and went around the left side instead.

 

[DarienA]

More likely it's just a Chris McAlister figure (#21) and Deion's name was photoshopped onto the package.

To be a success for the Ravens, Deion doesn't necessarily have to be "Prime Time", he just has to be better than Corey Fuller, the nickelback he's replacing. Fuller got beat a lot last year, so the Ravens got Dale Carter from free agency to handle nickelback duties. Unfortunately, he suffered from a life-threatening blood clot in his lungs a few weeks ago that ended his season. When this happened, Ray Lewis immediately got on the phone with Deion to urge him to play. It was definitely a case of anybody-but-Fuller at nickel.

Geez who else does Ray Lewis know? TO, Deion... what other people can he try and swing our way?

hehe funny who's the man article on the Ravens