Category: NFL (Page 367 of 1282)

Should the Colts be concerned about their defensive tackles?

HOUSTON - NOVEMBER 29: Defensive lineman Daniel Muir #90 of the Indianapolis Colts on the bench in the game against the Houston Texans on November 29, 2009 at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Texas. The Colts won 35-27. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

Merry training camp season, everyone. It’s been a long offseason, but football is finally gearing up again and to celebrate I’m rolling out a new series on TSR entitled “2010 NFL Question Marks,” where I discuss one or two of the biggest concerns that teams have heading into the new season. Granted, some teams have more issues than others, but I’ll primarily be focusing on the biggest problem areas. Today I’ll be discussing the Colts and their potential issues at defensive tackle.

Same story, different year for the Colts.

Until Peyton Manning has to enlist the aid of walker to get onto the field on Sundays, the Colts will compete for a playoff berth every season. Their strength is their dynamic offense and the speed of their defense, but even a team with as many division titles as Indy has over the last decade has at least one weakness.

It’s seems like every year we’re talking about the Colts’ issues at the defensive tackle position. That’s because the team refuses to upgrade those spots and they decided to ignore the positions once again this offseason.

The projected starters this year are Daniel Muir and Antonio Johnson. On most teams, the duo would be fringe starters or excellent backups. On the Colts, they’re counted on to anchor a defense that primarily relies on speed and the pass-rush that Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis generate from their end positions.

The 25-year-old Johnson was a restricted free agent this past offseason and was brought back on a one-year, $1.684 million salary. He’s athletic for being 6’3 and 310 pounds, but he can be pushed backwards at the point of attack and he’s not consistent against the run.

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Extending Orton’s contract a good move by Broncos for Tebow

Aug 07, 2010 - Denver, Colorado, USA - Denver Broncos QB TIM TEBOW sported a new hair cut as part of the Broncos Rookie Hazing tradition before practice at Training Camp.

The Broncos did the best thing for Tim Tebow’s development yesterday when they signed Kyle Orton to a one-year, $9 million contract extension through the 2011 season.

Orton has proved this summer that he’s light years ahead of both Tebow and Brady Quinn (who is freefalling down the Broncos’ depth chart) in his understanding of Josh McDaniels’ offense. (And why wouldn’t he be? He already has a year in the system.) He gives the Broncos their best chance of winning now and the contract is a reward for his hard work this offseason.

The extension also takes some of the pressure off of Tebow, who is going to need time to develop. Regardless of whether or not you think he’s going to be great or the second coming of Drew Henson, all young quarterbacks need time to learn. Considering he didn’t run a pro style offense at Florida and is still working out the kinks in his throwing motion, Tebow is going to need even more time before he’s ready to start.

By signing Orton the Broncos are basically saying that he’s their starter and that Tebow can take his time. I know many people can’t wait to see the Tebow era take flight in Denver, but putting too much pressure on a young quarterback too early can be death. He already has enough on his shoulders by being a first round pick – why add to it?

McDaniels will surely put together some packages to feature Tebow’s strength as a runner, but as long as Orton is healthy and productive then he’s going to be the starter. Tebow’s time will come – it just won’t be any time soon.

Another sleeper WR to add to the list…

TAMPA, FL - MAY 01: Receiver Mike Williams #19 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers stretches during the Buccaneers Rookie mini camp at One Buccaneer Place on May 1, 2010 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by J. Meric/Getty Images)

I just added Mike Williams to my list of sleeper WRs:

The reviews have been rave for the rookie out of Syracuse. He has already won the starting split end job and has impressed Peter King, Pete Prisco and even Adam Schefter, who says that Williams “has star written all over him.” Now it’s important to keep in mind that Williams is a rookie, but when a player is impressing this much for a team in desperate need of a playmaker at WR, fantasy owners should take notice. I’d definitely look to draft Williams in the later rounds, but don’t wait too long.

Just the fact that Williams is the Bucs’ WR1 gives him a certain amount of value. Throw in the rave reviews from this summer and we have a very interesting pick once the 10th round arrives.

LeGarrette Blount threw another punch! The horror!

Oct 4, 2008; Los Angeles, CA; USA; Oregon Ducks running back LeGarrette Blount (9) heads up field during 44-10 loss to the Southern California Trojans at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Photo via Newscom Photo via Newscom

I’m a big believer in the notion that history has a way of repeating itself.

But in the case of LeGarrette Blount, I don’t think there’s cause for concern.

Blount, as you’ll remember, was the former Oregon player that threw a haymaker to the jaw of Boise State defensive end Byron Hout following the Ducks’ 19-8 loss to the Broncos last year. Blount proceeded to act like a raving lunatic after the incident by trying to fight everyone from coaches to fans to the P.A. announcer, and was deservedly criticized for the incident.

He also paid his dues by being suspended for all but a handful of games late in the year and despite his skill level, he also went undrafted in April, largely because of the incident.

Now a member of the Tennessee Titans, Blount is making headlines again for punching another player – this time it was teammate Eric Bakhtiari who was on the receiving end of Blount’s knuckles during a Wednesday night practice, although it should be noted that Bakhtiari still had his helmet on.

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Percy Harvin collapses at Vikings’ practice

CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 20: Percy Harvin #12 of the Minnesota Vikings against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on December 20, 2009 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Vikings’ beat writer Chip Scoggins writes that receiver Percy Harvin collapsed at the team’s facility today at practice and was taken to the hospital in an ambulance.

Harvin, who has suffered from severe migraines, was not on the field for the start of practice. He was seen talking to head athletic trainer Eric Sugarman outside the locker room at Winter Park and then jogged onto the field to watch practice. A few minutes later, Harvin vomited and then fell to the ground.

He came out for special teams practice and started having problems when he looked into sky catching punt.

Vikings coach Brad Childress on Harvin’s migraines: “That one hit and it hit hard. Always scary for all of our guys when you see teammates struggling.”

The Vikings ended practice early and even held a team prayer, so the situation is obviously serious. Harvin missed the last two weeks of camp due to migraines and more than likely, this episode had something to do with his headaches.

Migraine sufferers are often sensitive to light and sound. The headaches can also cause nausea, vomiting and sometimes affect the person’s vision. As a frequent migraine sufferer myself, I know first hand that they can be crippling and I hope that Harvin is okay.

One of the bad things about migraines is that they’re incredibly hard to predict. You can avoid triggers like certain foods and drinks, but they can often come on due to strenuous activity or even a change in weather. This isn’t like when you break a bone and you know it’ll heel in 6-8 weeks. The Vikings can’t assume that Harvin will be ready to play in a couple of days, as he could have another attack at any time. (He missed the Vikings’ win over the Bengals last year due to migraines, as well as some practice time during the playoffs.)

Again, hopefully he’s okay and he’ll be able to continue everyday activities soon.

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