by Joe Tailgate on March 1, 2010
in NFL News
Linebacker Shawne Merriman is displeased with his tender offer from the Chargers, according to his personal twitter page. He said, “Speechless today. Business is business but some things just are not right.” Merriman is not eligible to hit free agency, and a team would have to give up a first and third-round draft pick to acquire him away from the Chargers.
Marc Buger’s agent waiting on decision from Rams
There are talks occurring between the Rams and quarterback Marc Bulger’s agents to decide his fate sooner rather than later but there is no urgency to make a move prior to March 5th because there are no salary-cap implications to having Bulger on or off the roster. Because no trade can be consummated until March 5th, the Rams would only release him prior to that date if they have exhausted all potential efforts to deal him.
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by Joe Tailgate on February 10, 2010
in NFL News
Eagles quarterback Michael Vick told an Atlanta radio station that he wishes he had shown more dedication to quarterbacking the Falcons. “There was a lot more I could have done off the field and in the film room that could have elevated my game to a different level,” Vick said. “I was complacent at the time, somewhat lazy, and I settled for mediocrity. I thought what I was doing was enough.” In contrast, Vick, who will turn 30 in June, said he’s training hard for what may be his last opportunity to start in the NFL. “I’m stronger, I feel fast and I’m back to my old-school workouts,” he said. “I think you’ll see a big difference this year.”
Raiders quarterback Bruce Gradkowski will likely be a restricted free agent but he is not interested in playing the field anymore. In an interview over the weekend, he said, “I plan to be back with the Raiders. I think everything will work out, and I’m looking forward to it. We did a lot of good things this year and I’m looking forward to next season.”
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by Joe Tailgate on August 7, 2009
in NFL News
Jacksonville Jaguars RB Maurice Jones-Drew has been splitting out wide at receiver at times during practice. The Jaguars are using some plays to get the ball in Jones-Drew’s hands in space, allowing him to help minimize the hits he takes and keep him fresher longer. ‘The total volume (of plays) maybe will go up a little bit for Maurice, but we’ve already had him very involved,’ head coach Jack Del Rio said.
Titans WR Kenny Britt has been on the PUP list with a hamstring injury since signing his contract last weekend and has yet to practice in training camp. Britt won’t play in Sunday’s preseason opener against the Bills.
Coach Fisher said, “He is handling the workload and has responded to what we are doing,” Fisher said. “We feel like based on what we have seen so far timing-wise it will all fall into place for him next week.’’
Britt is expected to be ready for the second preseason game, on Aug. 15 against Tampa Bay at LP Field.
“I am really anxious to be out here with the team, to get the feel of it,” Britt said. “It’s a little disappointing because it’s the first preseason game and my first NFL team and I’d like to be out there with my teammates. But right now I just need to get in the playbook and learn the plays.’’ [click to continue…]
by Joe Tailgate on June 30, 2009
in NFL News
Sportsbook.com has updated its odds for winning Super Bowl XLIV, and its top three picks to represent the NFC in the title game are the New York Giants (10-1), the Dallas Cowboys (12-1) and the Philadelphia Eagles (12-1). Bill Belichick’s bunch are overwhelming favorites at 3.5-1. Trailing the Patriots on the AFC side are Pittsburgh (10-1), Indianapolis (12-1) and San Diego (12-1).
- New England Patriots – 7-2
- Pittsburgh Steelers – 10-1
- New York Giants – 10-1
- Dallas Cowboys – 12-1
- Philadelphia Eagles – 12-1
- Indianapolis Colts – 12-1
- San Diego Chargers – 12-1
- Carolina Panthers – 20-1
- Chicago Bears – 20-1
- Green Bay Packers – 20-1
- Minnesota Vikings – 20-1
- New Orleans Saints – 20-1
- Tennessee Titans – 20-1
- Baltimore Ravens – 20-1
- Jacksonville Jaguars – 30-1
- Arizona Cardinals – 30-1
- Atlanta Falcons – 30-1
- Denver Broncos – 40-1
- Houston Texans – 40-1
- San Francisco 49ers – 40-1
- Seattle Seahawks – 40-1
- Washington Redskins – 40-1
- New York Jets – 50-1
- Buffalo Bills – 50-1
- Miami Dolphins – 60-1
- Cincinnati Bengals – 75-1
- Cleveland Browns – 75-1
- Kansas City Chiefs – 75-1
- Detroit Lions – 100-1
- Oakland Raiders – 100-1
- St. Louis Rams – 100-1
- Tampa Bay Cuccaneers – 100-1
by Joe Tailgate on June 29, 2009
in NFL News
- The work ethic of Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell is still being questioned by many who have worked with him in the past and are working with him now. After he issued a call to his teammates to practice and finish the OTA days strong, he then disappeared and was AWOL on the last day. Russell must learn that talent alone is not going to make him successful.
- Packers QB Matt Flynn is well ahead of QB Brian Brohm for the backup quarterback position. Flynn has an average arm at best but is a leader and has enough mobility to make some plays when things break down. Brohm is better than last year but still had too many head-scratching moments as well as a surprising number of ducks this summer.
- Even though the Packers will dish out at least $16.25 million to receiver Greg Jennings this year, they should have enough room under the salary cap for additional contract extensions. The deal that Jennings signed on Wednesday left the Packers with about $21 million in remaining space under the 2009 salary cap. The Packers will need some of their remaining salary-cap room for their four remaining unsigned draft picks which includes first-round picks B.J. Raji and Clay Matthews as well as extending the contracts of additional veterans like disgruntled safety Nick Collins, starting offensive linemen Daryn Colledge, Jason Spitz and linebacker Aaron Kampman who are entering their final contract years.
- The Jets are very much taking a wait-and-see approach with Plaxico Burress. Word out of New York is that they won’t consider bringing him aboard until his legal situation is cleared up, and it’s also unlikely they would make a play for him if Roger Goodell hands down a lengthy suspension. However, should the courts and league decide in the receiver’s favor, expect the Jets to be near the top of the list of suitors.
- After multiple discussions about the possibility of the Chicago Bears signing free agent receiver Plaxico Burress, it now seems unlikely. ESPN’s John Clayton reports that Chicago has all but ruled out the possibility of singing Burress. Part of that stance could be based on NFL commissioner Roger Goodell’s decision to review Burress for possible league discipline long before his legal troubles are scheduled to be addressed in court. Clayton also said that the Jets are pretty much in the same boat, and it doesn’t look like anyone will sign Burress before the start of training camp. The Buccaneers reported the same sentiment on Saturday.
