Tight end Tony Gonzalez made a strong first impression with the Falcons, arriving in town quickly to begin the process of developing chemistry with quarterback Matt Ryan. ”Any time that you get a new toy,” the former Boston College quarterback said, “you want to try it out.”
Chicago Bears General Manager Jerry Angelo has essentially ruled out pursuing veteran wide receiver Plaxico Burress, reiterating that the Bears are not likely to go after the former New York Giants starter. Burress’ agent, Drew Rosenhaus, recently said that two NFL teams are seriously interested in signing Burress. “Are we one of those two teams?” Angelo told the Chicago Tribune. “No.”
The Rams don’t want him either.
Saints running back Reggie Bush says that he’s ready to take a leadership role with the club.
Browns NT Shaun Rogers finally put away his crying towel.
Chiefs DE/DT Glenn Dorsey participated only in individual drills at practice because of what he called a shin injury. “I’m taking it day by day,” said Dorsey, the Chiefs’ top draft pick last year. “I’m going to try to pick it up a little more every day. It’s just sore. It’s nothing major. I don’t want to take chances with it, set myself back for the season. I’ll be doing the whole practice in no time.”
The NFL Network is furious with Jon Gruden for jilting the network after he’d verbally agreed to a deal to work there. The former Bucs coach had been very good on the NFL Network, colorful and opinionated, at the NFL scouting combine and the NFL draft, and the network had finalized everything but the signature on the paper for Gruden to begin working there immediately.
Comcast and the National Football League on Tuesday ended nearly three years of vituperative hostilities with a deal that will make the NFL Network available to 10 million of the cable operator’s subscribers at a significantly lower price than the league has long demanded.
Dolphins Running back Ricky Williams said he would like to play this season and in 2010 and then call it a career.
Matt Ryan wants that Division Title. The Falcons extending Roddy White would certainly help this dream for the future. If Jamal Anderson keeps it up, the defense will surely improve.
Mike Smith is pleased with the development of DE Jamaal Anderson. Anderson lined up at defensive end with the first-team offense in their recent three-day minicamp. “Jamaal’s worked hard and he’s made progress,” Smith said. “Unfortunately, guys often times, are judged by their draft status and that comes with the territory. But my experience here with Jamaal in one season is that we are pleased with his progress. We think he’s made huge steps from the first day that we got here and we think he will continue to do that.”
A year ago minicamp for Matt Ryan was about Matt Ryan, who was just trying to show he belonged in the NFL. This one was different. The world now knows Matty Ice belongs, and the Iceman himself is focused on his team. “Last year you were just trying to keep your head above water,” Ryan said Sunday. “I certainly don’t want to sound like I have it all figured out — because I don’t — but this year it’s more about fine-tuning. It’s the same as last year: We’re not worried about outside expectations. But we want to win our division and give ourselves a chance. That’s it. There are no personal goals.”
After two spectacular seasons, wide receiver Roddy White and the Atlanta Falcons are in discussions for a contract extension. White, who made the Pro Bowl for the first time last season, is entering the final year of a five-year contract. White, who is set to make $2.28 million next season under his current contract, said he would like to enter the season with his contract situations resolved. “Whenever it happens, it happens,” White said. “We’ll just wait around for it.”
Falcons News Links
- Johnson Too Busy to Consider Retiring (Fan House)
- A Very Falcoholic Discussion: The Starting Cornerbacks (Falcoholic)
- Offseason progress reports: Atlanta Falcons (Shutdown Corner)
- Knee injury sidelines Atlanta’s first-round pick (ESPN)
