Category: NFL (Page 668 of 1282)

      2009 NFL Preview: #26 Tampa Bay Buccaneers

      September 2, 2009 /

      Check out all of our 2009 NFL team previews.

      Offseason Additions: Kellen Winslow Jr. (TE); Angelo Crowell (LB); Derrick Ward (RB); Byron Leftwich (QB); Mike Nugent (K).

      Offseason Losses: Jovan Haye (DT); Derrick Brooks (LB); Jeff Garcia (QB); Phillip Buchanon (CB); Kevin Carter (DE); Joey Galloway (WR); Cato June (LB); Warrick Dunn (RB); Ike Hilliard (WR).

      Player to Watch: Kellen Winslow Jr., TE.
      The Bucs didn’t trade their second round pick in April’s draft to have Winslow block. As long as he stays healthy, the new coaching regime expects Winslow to play a big role in the Bucs’ passing game. Winslow will not only line up at tight end, but also in the slot in efforts to create mismatches on slower linebackers. Considering he’s Tampa’s second best receiving option after Antonio Bryant, Winslow should see plenty of targets this season from new quarterback Byron Leftwich.

      Team Strength: The Bucs have one of the most underrated offensive lines in the NFL. Earnest Graham and Derrick Ward should see plenty of running lanes thanks to Tampa’s zone-blocking scheme and a quintet of athletic linemen. Of the five starters, right guard Davin Joseph is the most talented and excels in pass protection. Right tackle Jeremy Trueblood doesn’t have the quickest feet, but he more than makes up for his shortcomings with a nasty demeanor that aids him in one-on-one matchups. Donald Penn (an agile, technically sound tackle) and Aarron Sears are on the left side, although former third round pick Jeremy Zuttah could unseat Sears for the starting left guard position at some point. Jeff Faine gives the group a smart, instinctive center.

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      NFL

      Jets serious about trading for Marshall?

      September 2, 2009 /

      According to Bob Glauber of Newsday, the Jets are seriously exploring the possibility of trading for disgruntled Broncos wideout Brandon Marshall.

      Although coach Rex Ryan repeatedly has said he is satisfied with his receivers, the Jets have taken a look at acquiring an established receiver. Jerricho Cotchery is the Jets’ only proven veteran receiver.

      It is believed the Broncos would want a first-round draft pick in any deal for Marshall, but it is unlikely the Jets would pay that high a price.

      Actually, it’s been reported that the price is a first and a fourth round pick for Marshall. So if the Jets are unlikely willing to pay that price, it’s doubtful that they’ll peek the Broncos’ interest enough to engage in trade talks for Marshall.

      That said, Denver has to be nearing the end of its rope. Josh McDaniels has already suspended Marshall for conduct detrimental to the team and at some point enough is enough. Maybe if the Jets offer a package of a second and a fourth round pick, the Broncos will bite. Maybe.

      Chances are that the Broncos are going to at least see how Marshall reacts to his suspension and then decide what to do from there. His trade value is at an all-time low and considering he’s a Pro Bowler, they don’t want to get sucked in by a lowball offer. The Broncos could be hoping that he returns from his suspension with a new attitude and either they can hang onto him, or he’ll up his trade value and then they can get a first rounder in exchange for his services.

      Update: ESPN News is reporting that the Broncos want LB David Harris in exchange for Marshall, although that hasn’t been confirmed yet.

      NFL

      2009 NFL Preview: #27 Cleveland Browns

      September 2, 2009 /

      Check out all of our 2009 NFL team previews.

      Offseason Additions: Eric Barton (LB); Kenyon Coleman (DE); Abram Elam (S); Floyd Womack (OT); C.J. Mosley (DE); Robert Royal (TE); John St. Clair (OT); Mike Fuerry (WR); Corey Ivy (CB).

      Offseason Losses: Kellen Winslow Jr. (TE); Sean Jones (S); Kevin Shaffer (OT); Andra Davis (LB); Willie McGinest (LB); Joe Jurevicius (WR); Travis Daniels (CB); Daven Holly (CB); Jason Wright (RB); Antwan Peek (LB).

      Player to Watch: James Davis, RB.
      People outside of Cleveland just said to themselves, “James who?” The rookie sixth round pick out of Clemson wasn’t supposed to challenge Jamal Lewis for the Browns’ starting running back job, but that’s exactly what he has done to this point. Cleveland’s coaching staff has reportedly been impressed by Davis’s speed, elusiveness and aggressive running style. But perhaps most importantly, the Browns are thrilled with the way he’s learned how to pick up the blitz, which is a craft most rookie running backs struggle with. To date, Davis has compiled a 7.8-yard per carry average in preseason, while Lewis has only mustered a paltry 2.6 YPC. If he doesn’t flat out take the starting job away from Lewis, Davis will certainly split carries this season and could emerge as the Browns’ every down back in the very near future.

      Team Strength: Just as it was in 2007 when the Browns came up just shy of a playoff berth, the offensive line will be a strength for Cleveland this season. Even though some say that his play fell off last season compared to his dazzling rookie campaign, Joe Thomas anchors a unit that also features one of the league’s best guards in Eric Steinbach. The Browns also selected the top center prospect in this year’s draft in Alex Mack, who has already beaten out Hank Fraley to become a starter. Neither Floyd Womack nor John St. Clair is a superstar at their positions, but both have starting experience and are versatile.

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      NFL

      Brett Favre throws crackback block at Eugene Wilson’s knees

      September 1, 2009 /

      During the Vikings-Texans preseason game on Monday night, Brett Favre threw a crackback block at the knees of Houston safety Eugene Wilson, which many are calling a dirty play.

      Mike Tirico and Ron Jaworski were right to call Favre out. You can’t go for a guy’s knees when he’s not looking, not too mention the play is illegal. And I thought Brett might have a cracked rib? Apparently the rib must not be hurting him too much if he’s willing to throw his body at the knees of a opposing defender.

      This isn’t to say that Favre is a dirty player, because he’s not. As far as I can remember, this is the first time where he’s been involved in a play that could be deemed as “dirty” and one dirty play doesn’t make him a dirty player. (I feel like I’m writing lyrics for a rap song with how many times I referenced dirty in that last sentence.)

      That said, Favre shouldn’t have gone low like that and he deserves to be criticzed for his actions.

      NFL

      Bengals’ first round pick Andre Smith breaks foot

      September 1, 2009 /

      Andre Smith clearly wasn’t in football shape when he signed his $42 million deal, because the first round pick fractured his foot in practice on Tuesday just 48 hours after signing his rookie contract.

      From Bengals.com:

      In a statement released through the Bengals public relations department, Lewis said, “Andre suffered a small fracture in his left foot during a non-contact drill. Our medical staff tells me the injury will not require surgery. It’s too soon to closely predict how long it will be before he can return to practice. But it looks like he’s going to miss a few weeks.”

      “A few weeks” could mean anything. Cornerbacks David Jones and Morgan Trent suffered foot fractures during this preseason and their rehab took about five weeks. But Smith’s may not be as long because both Jones and Trent had surgery.

      This is yet another bump in the road for a player who was suspended for the 2009 Sugar Bowl, showed up to the NFL combine out of shape and then held out for the entire length of the Bengals’ training camp.

      Cincinnati’s offensive line had question marks before Smith’s injury, but the team was hoping that the sixth overall pick would eventually start at right tackle this season and anchor the line. That could still happen at some point, but there’s no doubt that Smith’s rookie season is off to a rough start.

      NFL

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