Sunday, September 2, 2007
Back
I'm finally back. I couldn't do this blog in the summer. From now on, I will not be creating my own news articles. Instead, I will post the ESPN articles, and then give my opinion on the news. I will also have rankings and predictions, and will also post the "experts" predictions and rankings and give my thoughts on them.
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Dolphins Release Daunte Culpepper
The Dolphins released quarterback Daunte Culpepper today following a disappointing 2006 season and grievance case.
Last year, Culpepper was attempting to come back from major knee surgery that he had while a member of the Minnesota Vikings. He struggled in 4 games last year, compiling 929 yards with a completion percentage of 60.4%, and throwing for 2 touchdowns and 3 interceptions. His knee was clearly still bothering him, as he was sacked 21 times and ran for only 20 yards. Previously when he was a star with the Vikings, his legs were a great asset to his game.
A breach-of-contract grievance filed by the NFL Players Association for Culpepper was going to be heard on Wednesday when Miami told Culpepper that he was not being allowed to fully participate in offseason practices.
Culpepper said of this,"As I was going through this process I heard about a quote by Gandhi that best expresses my thoughts about this victory: 'First they ignore you, then they ridicule you, then they fight you, then you win. Now that I have won my freedom and I get to choose my next team, I am just like many other people who have to go out and find employment so that I can take care of my family."
So the question now is where Daunte Culpepper will end up. The Jacksonville Jaguars are thought to possibly be a destination for Culpepper. I will discuss other some other time.
The Dolphins tried to trade Culpepper, but he threatened to block any trade. We'll have to wait and see what teams express interest in him, and sign him. I don't look for him to be a starter, but to fill a back-up role while continuing his rehab.
So, this is an end to Miami's experiment with Culpepper, who they acquired in a trade last year. At the time, I thought that the Dolphins made a great move, but it has turned out worst that almost anyone expected.
Last year, Culpepper was attempting to come back from major knee surgery that he had while a member of the Minnesota Vikings. He struggled in 4 games last year, compiling 929 yards with a completion percentage of 60.4%, and throwing for 2 touchdowns and 3 interceptions. His knee was clearly still bothering him, as he was sacked 21 times and ran for only 20 yards. Previously when he was a star with the Vikings, his legs were a great asset to his game.
A breach-of-contract grievance filed by the NFL Players Association for Culpepper was going to be heard on Wednesday when Miami told Culpepper that he was not being allowed to fully participate in offseason practices.
Culpepper said of this,"As I was going through this process I heard about a quote by Gandhi that best expresses my thoughts about this victory: 'First they ignore you, then they ridicule you, then they fight you, then you win. Now that I have won my freedom and I get to choose my next team, I am just like many other people who have to go out and find employment so that I can take care of my family."
So the question now is where Daunte Culpepper will end up. The Jacksonville Jaguars are thought to possibly be a destination for Culpepper. I will discuss other some other time.
The Dolphins tried to trade Culpepper, but he threatened to block any trade. We'll have to wait and see what teams express interest in him, and sign him. I don't look for him to be a starter, but to fill a back-up role while continuing his rehab.
So, this is an end to Miami's experiment with Culpepper, who they acquired in a trade last year. At the time, I thought that the Dolphins made a great move, but it has turned out worst that almost anyone expected.
Troy Brown Signs Contract To Come Back To Patriots
Troy Brown, who was a wide receiver free-agent before today, has signed a contract with New England to bring him back for his 15th season with them.
The 36 year old receiver who has also played cornerback has spent his entire career with the Patriots after being drafted by them in the 8th round of the 1993 draft out of Marshall.
Last year, Brown had 43 catches for 384 yards and 4 touchdowns. browns was important to the New England offense last year, as he started 9 of 16 games. He has been the offensive captain for the last 5 seasons.
Brown holds that Patriot's team records for punt returns, punt return yardage, and catches. He is in second in total receiving yards, and is tied for 4th in games played.
I think that Brown is a very nice player for the Patriots to have. I'm not sure how much playing time he will get at wide receiver after New England's offseason spending spree. He will give some more depth at wide receiver and cornerback, and that is why he was brought back.
Also of note, the Patriots announced the signings of 6th round picks Justin Rogers out of Southern Methodist, who is a linebacker, and running back Justice Hairston out of Central Connecticut.
The 36 year old receiver who has also played cornerback has spent his entire career with the Patriots after being drafted by them in the 8th round of the 1993 draft out of Marshall.
Last year, Brown had 43 catches for 384 yards and 4 touchdowns. browns was important to the New England offense last year, as he started 9 of 16 games. He has been the offensive captain for the last 5 seasons.
Brown holds that Patriot's team records for punt returns, punt return yardage, and catches. He is in second in total receiving yards, and is tied for 4th in games played.
I think that Brown is a very nice player for the Patriots to have. I'm not sure how much playing time he will get at wide receiver after New England's offseason spending spree. He will give some more depth at wide receiver and cornerback, and that is why he was brought back.
Also of note, the Patriots announced the signings of 6th round picks Justin Rogers out of Southern Methodist, who is a linebacker, and running back Justice Hairston out of Central Connecticut.
Chirs Chambers Below Legal Alcohol Limit
Dolphins wide receiver Chris Chambers, who was arrested early Saturday morning at 2:31 on charges of driving while impaired and speeding. He was going 74 mph in a 45 mph zone and initially refused to take a blood-alcohol test at the scene.
But, The Miami Herald is now reporting that Chamber's blood-alcohol level was below the legal limit in a test that took place after he was taken to the county jail in Charlotte, North Carolina. His blood-alcohol was at .06, .02 points below the legal limit of .08.
Yesterday Chambers had his drunken driving case delayed until next month. He did not attend a hearing in Mecklenburg County court.
So, it looks like the only charge that Chambers will have to face is the reckless driving and speeding. The drunken driving charge will most likely be dropped because of the test, unless something faulty is found about it. Chambers is a great player for Miami, but he can't be out doing this. It is his responsibility to stay out of trouble, which he did not do.
But, The Miami Herald is now reporting that Chamber's blood-alcohol level was below the legal limit in a test that took place after he was taken to the county jail in Charlotte, North Carolina. His blood-alcohol was at .06, .02 points below the legal limit of .08.
Yesterday Chambers had his drunken driving case delayed until next month. He did not attend a hearing in Mecklenburg County court.
So, it looks like the only charge that Chambers will have to face is the reckless driving and speeding. The drunken driving charge will most likely be dropped because of the test, unless something faulty is found about it. Chambers is a great player for Miami, but he can't be out doing this. It is his responsibility to stay out of trouble, which he did not do.
San Francisco Agrees With First Round Pick Joe Staley
The Forty-Niners have reached an agreement in principal their 2nd first round pick at #28, offensive tackle Joe Staley, to a five year-deal contract. The contract agreed to has a maximum value of $10.74 million and includes $5.6 million in guarantees.
The Niners acquired the 28th pick to get Staley, so they obviously have high hopes for him. Their 1st pick was linebacker Patrick Willis at #11 from the University of Mississippi.
Here is a scouting report on Joe Staley by Len Pasquarelli:
Staley is a terrific natural athlete who moves well for a player his size (6 feet 5, 306 pounds), and who has quick feet and solid techniques. He didn't work out at the combine, but at his pro day audition for scouts was timed in 4.79 seconds in the 40-yard dash and had a 32-inch vertical jump.
The Niners acquired the 28th pick to get Staley, so they obviously have high hopes for him. Their 1st pick was linebacker Patrick Willis at #11 from the University of Mississippi.
Here is a scouting report on Joe Staley by Len Pasquarelli:
Staley is a terrific natural athlete who moves well for a player his size (6 feet 5, 306 pounds), and who has quick feet and solid techniques. He didn't work out at the combine, but at his pro day audition for scouts was timed in 4.79 seconds in the 40-yard dash and had a 32-inch vertical jump.
So thats the scouting report on Staley. He will most likely be a big part In 25 games at left tackle at Central Michigan, Staley had 178 knockdown blocks and 34 blocks that resulted in touchdowns. When Staley started his college career, he was a tight end. Then, in his sophomore season, he was moved to right tackle, and then in his junior year he was moved to left tackle, which he played for the last 2 years of his college career. I believe that he has a lot of raw talent, and that he will be made into a good left tackle over a period of about 2 years. He might not get the starting job right away, and learning will be key for him to succeed in the NFL. Staley joins Chicago Bears first round pick, tight end Greg Olsen , as the only first-rounders to be signed by their teams. More should be coming soon, as this is the time when teams will begin serious negotiations with their draft picks so that they are ready for training camp. |
Monday, July 16, 2007
Samuel and Briggs Fail To Reach Agreements With Patriots and Bears
At the 4:00 deadline today for teams to give an extension to franchise-players, Asante Samuel of the Patriots and Lance Briggs of the Bears did not receive one. Now the 2 franchise-players can only sign a one-year tender if they want to play in the league this year.
Both star defensive players, Samuel, the cornerback, and Briggs, the weakside linebacker, have both repeatedly said that they will hold out until week 10 to sign the tender if they do not get a multi-year deal, therefore not playing until that time. The reason they would start to week 10 would be that it is the last possible point at which a player can sign and still receive credit for an accrued season toward the NFL pension plan.
Last year, Samuel was great, making 65 tackles, 60 of which were solo, 1 forced fumble, and 10 interceptions. His one-year tender would be $7.79 million which would be guaranteed. There are some reported rumors that Samuel has softened his stance, and might report when training camp starts, but nothing is certain yet. Samuel is clearly New England's best cornerback in front of Ellis Hobbs and Tory James. It is very important for the New England defense to have him, as none of those 3 cornerbacks are good enough to fill the top 3 spots on the depth chart.
Briggs, last year, made 134 tackles, 113 of which were solo, made 1 sack, 4 forced fumbles, and got 2 interceptions. The one-year tender for him is $7.206 million. Briggs is still maintaining that he will be holding out until week 10, and I don't think he is bluffing. He, in my opinion, will not report to training camp now that he did not get a multi-year deal. He was really mad that the Bears did not even negotiate with him even when they told him that they would. Briggs, along with Brian Urlacher and Hunter Hillenmeyer, makes up Chicago's starting linebackers. Behind Briggs on the depth chart is Leon Joe, 3rd round pick Michael Owko, and maybe Brendon Ayanbadejo. Briggs is very important to the "Monsters of the Midway" defense, and Chicago better hope that he changes his mind and reports to camp.
Both star defensive players, Samuel, the cornerback, and Briggs, the weakside linebacker, have both repeatedly said that they will hold out until week 10 to sign the tender if they do not get a multi-year deal, therefore not playing until that time. The reason they would start to week 10 would be that it is the last possible point at which a player can sign and still receive credit for an accrued season toward the NFL pension plan.
Last year, Samuel was great, making 65 tackles, 60 of which were solo, 1 forced fumble, and 10 interceptions. His one-year tender would be $7.79 million which would be guaranteed. There are some reported rumors that Samuel has softened his stance, and might report when training camp starts, but nothing is certain yet. Samuel is clearly New England's best cornerback in front of Ellis Hobbs and Tory James. It is very important for the New England defense to have him, as none of those 3 cornerbacks are good enough to fill the top 3 spots on the depth chart.
Briggs, last year, made 134 tackles, 113 of which were solo, made 1 sack, 4 forced fumbles, and got 2 interceptions. The one-year tender for him is $7.206 million. Briggs is still maintaining that he will be holding out until week 10, and I don't think he is bluffing. He, in my opinion, will not report to training camp now that he did not get a multi-year deal. He was really mad that the Bears did not even negotiate with him even when they told him that they would. Briggs, along with Brian Urlacher and Hunter Hillenmeyer, makes up Chicago's starting linebackers. Behind Briggs on the depth chart is Leon Joe, 3rd round pick Michael Owko, and maybe Brendon Ayanbadejo. Briggs is very important to the "Monsters of the Midway" defense, and Chicago better hope that he changes his mind and reports to camp.
Lions Sign Cory Redding To New Deal
On the day of the franchise-player deadline, the Lions signed defensive tackle Cory Redding, their franchise-player, to a seven-year, $49 million contract that included $16 million in guarantees, including $13 million in signing bonus and roster guarantees. Redding will receive little more than $20 million over the next 3 years.
The deal makes the 26 year old the highest paid defensive tackle in the league. The deal beats out the five-year, $33.24 million contract given to Vikings defensive tackle Kevin Williams.
Last year, Redding had 48 tackles, 39 solo, 2 forced fumbles, and 8 sacks. Lion's head coach Rod Marinelli moved Redding from defensive end to defensive tackle. Now, Reddings appears to be one of the best DT in football.
The deal beat the 4:00 PM eastern deadline today for franchise-players to sign new deals. Had the deal not gotten done, Reddings would have been forced to accept a 1 year deal and would have to wait to the end of the season to sign an extension with Detroit. But now Reddings will be in the Lions training camp, ready to make a great defensive tackle combination of him and Shaun Rogers.
I'll keep you posted on the Lance Briggs and Asante Samuel negations as we are about 40 minutes from the deadline.
The deal makes the 26 year old the highest paid defensive tackle in the league. The deal beats out the five-year, $33.24 million contract given to Vikings defensive tackle Kevin Williams.
Last year, Redding had 48 tackles, 39 solo, 2 forced fumbles, and 8 sacks. Lion's head coach Rod Marinelli moved Redding from defensive end to defensive tackle. Now, Reddings appears to be one of the best DT in football.
The deal beat the 4:00 PM eastern deadline today for franchise-players to sign new deals. Had the deal not gotten done, Reddings would have been forced to accept a 1 year deal and would have to wait to the end of the season to sign an extension with Detroit. But now Reddings will be in the Lions training camp, ready to make a great defensive tackle combination of him and Shaun Rogers.
I'll keep you posted on the Lance Briggs and Asante Samuel negations as we are about 40 minutes from the deadline.
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