Culpepper joins "As the QB World Turns"

It was just a couple weeks ago when Daunte Culpepper talked about how he didn't worry about things like new QB's coming in. That was shortly after the Fins used a 2nd round pick on a QB.

So let's recap the last week for C-Pep. He was given the green light to take his knee on the practice field on Monday. Tuesday those trade talks for Trent Green finally came to a head. As no surprise Daunte was told on Wednesday he was going to be traded. Culpepper, who doesn't worry about things like that, told the team on Thursday he would like to be released.

He isn't going to go easy. Although understanding about the business side of the situation, Culpepper feels slighted by the Dolphins here. He makes a very good point in our opinion addressing it on Thursday.

"I must say the impatience the organization displayed in both encouraging me to rush back on the field last year and then rushing me out the door this year is disappointing," Culpepper said. "However, I understand that they have the right to make that business decision. It is now my turn to make some decisions."

So with that we come to Friday. As practice started Culpepper was right there along with the other QB's tossing balls around. He was told prior to practice that he would not be getting any reps beyond one-on-one drills. The Dolphins do have to protect their investment...for now...right? They can't have him getting hurt when they are already trying to trade away his knee and salary.

"I understand totally what's going on," said Culpepper, who is adamant that he wants to be released, not traded. "Instead of wasting time out there watching practice, I went into the weight room and got a little bit stronger.

"They are going to do what's best for them," Culpepper said before correcting himself by adding, "what they think is best for them."

Headlines were a bit misleading. Saying he was "escorted" off the field (by the guy who had the keys to the weight room)paints a picture of a disgruntled postal employee. I don't think he is going to come back with a gun dressed in camo. He is going to hit them where it hurts in the pocket book.

"Any team that's interested in my services, just sit tight," Culpepper said. "I'm not going to agree to a trade."

Culpepper, who acts as his own agent, knows that his contract would have to be restructured for a trade to happen...and he just plain isn't going to do it. I don't blame him.

So what is in store for Culpepper now? Many think he should sit out 2007 and heal. Daunte could be thinking this too, giving him time to have a stare down with the Dolphins.

Technorati : agent, chiefs, daunte culpepper, dolphins, football, miami, nfl, security, sports, trade, trent green
Ice Rocket : agent, chiefs, daunte culpepper, dolphins, football, miami, nfl, security, sports, trade, trent green

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It's getting Green in Miami...

FINALLY! It's over. Trent Green is now a Dolphin. The Chiefs get a 5th rounder in the 2008 draft that can become a 4th rounder depending on playing time. So we know they have the bigger balls in KC. These two teams have been waiting for the other to crack for months.

It's a good thing Cullpepper doesn't think about these kinds of things...

Technorati : chiefs, dolphins, draft, kansas city, miami, nfl, trade, trent green
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NFL Jabber 5/22/07

Steelers line coach Larry Zierlein accidentally sent porn to...

"...to multiple high-level team employees and their secretaries throughout the NFL, including commissioner Roger Goodell."

Dallas gets the big win.

"The 2011 Super Bowl will be played at the Dallas Cowboys' new stadium in Arlington, Texas, where more than 100,000 fans will be able to watch the NFL's showpiece game."

T.J. Duckett is practicing breaking off the big run.

A.J. Nicholson learned you can only break the law in Cincy and keep your job if your a starter.

Braylon Edwards missed the first minicamp.

"Braylon was not here today,'' said coach Romeo Crennel. "He contacted us early this morning and said he wasn't going to be here. He should be here (Wednesday). This is a voluntary camp. They don't have to be here.

"I would like them to be here and I told all of them today I would like them to be here, but it's voluntary and he doesn't have to be here.''

Yep, Trent green is still a Chief. He isn't liking it much either.

“I’m still holding out hope that the deal gets done,” Green said. “I’m still banking on what they said back in March, that they’d get the trade done.”

Green was with the Chiefs for the start of organized team activities (OTAs) on Tuesday, splitting reps with Damon Huard, Brodie Croyle and Casey Printers. But he reiterated that he has no plans to be with the team this fall.

“I don’t anticipate (being a Chief),” Green said. “But I still have a responsibility to get ready to play, wherever that is. It’s my job as a professional football player. It doesn’t do me any good to go to Arizona or Florida or California, wherever all those workout facilities are, and spend time doing what you can do right here.

“I have guys that I’ve had a relationship with for six years. Guys I’m used to throwing with and an offense that’s somewhat similar to what we’ve done the last six years and is similar to what they do in Miami. There are a lot of reasons to be here.”

tag: nfl, trade, football, sportschiefs, dolphins, browns, steelers, lions, bengals, Super bowl, porn, arlington, texas, goodell, duckett, nicholson, braylon edwards, trent green

NFL Jabber 5/15/07

The Bears are under the same illusion that the Chief were for a few years. They think kick returning is going to translate to running routes, catching the ball and taking hits by moving Hester to WR.

The Saints scrubs have to be the most optimistic in the league after the emergence of Marques Colston last season. Sean Payton lets them know they should be.

“My message to them is last season’s team had guys from all three groups,” Payton said. “In other words, we had draft picks who certainly contributed. We had guys contribute who were free agents and players who were in here on a tryout basis.

“Once we get them here, how they arrive is not as important to us as what we see once they are here. That message is important to all those players in that room.”

Braylon Edwards says the Browns need 10 wins to be viewed as a success this season....I agree.

Brett Favre is backpedaling on his comments of wanting to be traded now. (Hey Brett...a trade now would not get you to a team with a better chance for a Super Bowl anyway).

"I was frustrated a couple weeks back when Randy Moss was traded to New England," the veteran quarterback said on the Packers' Web site. "I never wanted to be traded and I don't want to be traded. ... I want to finish my career as a Packer."

Marvin Lewis says there is an "opportunity" for Odel Thurman to return to the Bengals.

"I have been in contact with Odell and he has an opportunity to be reinstated. He'll have had to have really followed the very strict NFL guidelines in order to get to that point, and then obviously if he is reinstated to go forward. And if that happens, he'll have an opportunity," Lewis said. "We're still probably a couple of months away from that, and we'll see what happens toward the middle of July."

tag: nfl, trade, football, sports, browns, packers, bengals, saints, bears, devin hester, sean payton, marques colston, braylon edwards, brett favre, marvin lewis, odel, thurman

NFL Jabber 5/8/07

Philip Rivers and Norv Turner seem to have a mutual man-crush on each other.

“After being on the field, I'm even more excited,” Rivers said following one of Saturday's workouts. “We think a lot alike. He's just a ball coach. He just coaches guys. He's just out there.

“It's my style – just take it and throw it to him. Yeah, all the technique is there, and it gets coached up, but it's a real simple approach. That's how I've always played.”

Although not a glamorous pick, the Browns Joe Thomas fills a long time need on the O-line.

Jamarcus Russell is pleasing Lane Kiffen in Oakland.

"We're pleased where he's at and as soon as we can get him back here, we've got a lot of work to do with him,'' Kiffin said.

The Colts have given the boot to LB Gilbert Gardner.

Trent Green is still awaiting his fate in Kansas City.

Lovie Smith waits along with the rest of the football world to see if Lance Briggs will show for minicamp in two weeks.

"I have no idea," Smith said at the conclusion of the weekend's rookie mini-camp. "That's the first thing we've done that's mandatory, so I assume he'll be there. But if not, we'll go from there."

tag: nfl, trade, football, sports, chargers, bears, chiefs, dolphins, raiders, browns, colts,jamarcus russell, trent green, lance briggs, philip rivers, joe thomas

Patriots Loading Musketts

If the offseason in New England tells us anything it is that the Pats are loading up the musketts and are going Colt hunting. Their moves to aquire Wes Welker, Kelly Washington and Donte Stallworth made it obvious they were going to be prepared for a shoot out this time around.

Overshadowing everything else in the NFL Draft this weekend the Pats stole Randy Moss from the Raiders for a 4th round pick. Forget the baggage, this is a steal. It's like if you buy a car for $200 and it runs for a month, you got your moneys worth.

The Patriots are in the running every year but have cemented their spot as Super Bowl favorite for 2007 on Sunday. Ironically, the Colts lost both of their starting CB's from the Super Bowl run in 2006.

In his first move of showing he will be on his best behavior for his new team, Moss put up no fight on the money front. Moss reportedly restructured his deal to a one-year contract worth around $3-$4 million. A major drop from the $9.7 million he was set to make this year and $11.25 million next year.

It will be interesting to see how Moss handles being part of a "team" as he has not done that yet in his career.

tag: nfl, draft, trade, football, raiders, patriots, colts, randy moss, contract, stallworth, welker, washington

Randy Moss to the Patriots

Very Un-Patriot like move. Adam Schefter at The NFL Network reported that the Patriots are getting Randy Moss for a 4th round pick.

Randy Moss is on the verge of becoming a Patriot after New England agreed to send a fourth-round pick in Sunday's draft to Oakland for the mercurial and maddening wide receiver. Before the trade is completed, Moss must undergo a physical, which he arrived in New England on Sunday morning to take. Assuming Moss passes, Patriots quarterback Tom Brady will be passing him the ball next season in one of the most dynamic and electric quarterback-wide receiver combinations that has ever played in the NFL.

tag: nfl, draft, trade, football, patriots, raiders, randy moss

NFL Jabber 4/28/07-Draft Day

The best move for the Lions could be to grab Calvin Johnson if he is there at #2 and look for teams to make offers that want him. Worst thing that could happen is they end up with the best player in the draft.

It's reported the 49'ers are close to a deal for Seahawks WR Darrell Jackson.

The Titans are kicking up the effort to snag Chargers RB Michael Turner today.

"On Friday the Titans and Chargers discussed scenarios including a swap of first-round picks today, with the Titans also giving up a fourth-round pick. The Titans are scheduled to pick 19th overall, the Chargers 30th.

But the Titans might have competition for Turner. ESPN reported an unidentified team offered San Diego a first-round pick in the 2008 draft, and that the Chargers thought it was an acceptable offer."

Unless that trade for Lance Briggs goes through, the Redskins are expected to stay where they are at #6, which is a pretty good spot to be in considering their needs.

The Cowboys seem content where they are but are in a good position to make a move up or down.

The Seahawks are looking at going "Best Player Available" today. "

How he plays on Saturdays, how he performs in big games, how he performs against higher-level competition, that is really what matters most," vice president of player personnel Ruston Webster said this week. "The guy's résumé is the film."

The trade talks of Kris Jenkins going from the Panthers to the Rams looks like it will come down to the wire if it happens on draft day.

The Lions are in a great position to stay where they are or move back. either way, they will get a player that can make an immediate impact.

Dolphins GM Randy Mueller will move up to get Brady Quinn or back if he is gone according to Armando Salguero of The Miami Herald.

The Vikings are picking at #7 for the fourth time in six years.

Because of the breakout season by Saints WR Marques Colston, the later rounds may be found more interesting for some people this weekend. Common headlines this year have included "Small School Sleepers."

The Texans are looking for immediate help and shouldn't have a problem getting it where they sit.

tag: nfl, draft, trade, football, vikings, saints, texans, dolphins, panthers, rams, lions, seahawks, cowboys, redskins, bears, chargers, titans, 49'ers, calvin johnson, michael turner, darrell jackson, lance briggs, kris jenkins, brady quinn, marques colston

NFL Jabber 4/28/07

ESPN has a big ass ad on it's NFL page trying to get you to pay for their NFL draft info at the "impulse buy" section of the checkout counter.

Jason La Canfora of The Washington Post reports that talks have resumed with the Bears and Redskins over LB Lance Briggs. Doesn't 50% translate to might or might not?

"While a deal was not a certainty, one source with knowledge of the situation said there was a "50-50" chance a trade would be completed before Washington makes its first selection in the NFL draft tomorrow. The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said it was possible the teams also would swap their first-round draft picks, with the Bears receiving Washington's sixth overall selection in return for Chicago's 31st pick."

Some mock drafts that we have seen have the Bengals taking Miami TE, Greg Olsen in the first round. How often do the Bengals use a TE? Marvin Lewis weighs in with a "might or might not" of his own leaving it as a 50% chance?


The Titans have many needs to fill this season. Given the current situation they can kill two birds with one stone by taking Ted Ginn Jr. if he is there for them. The fashion of the year is to have a stud returner. Ginn could provide them with that and help at WR where they lost players to free agency.

A year after the biggest day in his life, Reggie Bush returns to New York with the less stressful job of peddling Schutt Sports gear.

"It's definitely a year later," Bush said at the Marriott Marquis in Times Square, where he met with a handful of area high school football players and coaches to introduce a new line of gear for Schutt Sports. "(I'm) able to come to New York and in a sense enjoy this trip without the stress of all that outside stuff."

The Chiefs are saying the trade rumors about Larry Johnson are untrue (but when Larry goes in the other room we can talk...).

tag: nfl, draft, free agency, trade, football, sports, redskins, bears, bengals, titans, saints,chiefs, larry johnson, reggie bush, ted ginn jr., greg olsen, lance briggs, espn

NFL Jabber 4/25/07

For some reason our society loves to look back on those that have failed. Not a jab there, for some reason I'm one of those although I think of myself as someone who likes to see people succeed. It's like rubber necking at a car accident. You don't want to see anyone hurt but you can't help but look. Charles Robinson at Yahoo! Sports! Has outlined a list of the worst all-time first round picks for your rubber necking pleasure.

Jerry Jones has come to terms with the fact that sometimes you just have to move up in the draft.

"We do have our bases covered so if there were a player we could reach -- big if, big if -- that could come in and make the obvious impact, then that should be a consideration," Jones said Monday in a 60-minute session with the media.

The Colts took a hit in Free Agency this year. They have to wait until the end of the first round and have their work cut out for them fixing needs in the draft.

After the Pro Bowl injury to his elbow, Drew Brees is back at work.

“I had to go into rehab mode again for about eight weeks,” said Brees, who spent all of last season rehabilitating from major surgery on his throwing shoulder. “That’s frustrating. It’s another offseason where you have to do some rehab. I guess that’s kind of the business we’re in. I came out of it stronger.”

One of the most dominant headline subjects of the offseason has been quiet for some time. For now Lance Briggs is still a Bear.

"To me, Lance's situation is that he's a part of our ball club and I assume Lance Briggs, No. 55, will be out there the first game," coach Lovie Smith added. "Once he has to be here, he'll be a part of it. That's how I'm looking at Lance Briggs."

Meanwhile, the Bucs are the latest team tied to trade talk rumors with the Bears for Briggs.

Rumor has it that the Chiefs are talking to teams about a possible trade for Larry Johnson.

tag: nfl, draft, sports, football, trade, chiefs, buccaneers, bears, saints, colts, cowboys, Charles Robinson, jerry jones, drew brees, lance briggs, lovie smith, larry johnson

Peterson could make 1/2 of scary duo

Last season the Saints had no choice but to take Reggie Bush when he fell to the #2 spot the night before the draft. Bush made the perfect sidekick to Deuce McAllister in the new Saints offense. The pairing worked perfectly because Bush did not take away from the bread and butter running of Deuce. He was used more to spell McAllister, decoy, and in the passing game.

This season a team that seems to have their #1 running back could face a decision if Adrian Peterson falls to them. Peterson is a different type of RB but teams are leaning more toward the running back by committee approach. Peterson has been projected to go anywhere from 3# to the Browns all the way to #12 with the Bills. The reason for the big gap is that many of those teams appear to be set, or at least manageable at the RB position. Let's have a look at what kind of pairings could develop if someone did pull the trigger. (No, I'm not always addressing teams needs, I'm talking about if it were to happen.)

Raiders
With the glaring needs in other positions it won't happen. Beyond the other needs, the signing of Dominic Rhoads and the current starter LaMont Jordan would make it too crowded.

Lions
It could have happened here but the Lions went out and got T.J. Duckett and Tatum Bell to carry the rock while Kevin Jones is recovering.

Browns
Easily the first place it could happen. Don't let the Jamal Lewis signing fool you. He is not the long term, or possibly even the short term answer. It may be the perfect situation for Peterson to share the load with Lewis in his first season. Many rookie RB's run out of gas toward the end of their first season.

Bucs
This would be a long shot since the Bucs have Caddy Williams on the squad and he was picked just two years ago. Granted, he had somewhat of a bomb of a season last year but two top 5 RB's in three drafts isn't likely. It could make for a nice pairing though.

Cardinals
The Edge would not be happy but this is a tasty scenerio as well. James is getting older but thinks he is going to play forever so it wouldn't make for a pretty locker room. If they got past that though you could have another reason to think this will be the breakout year for the Cards offense.

Redskins
Another crowded backfield. The Skins like Ladell Betts but could move him on draft day if they wanted to make room for Peterson. Don't think it will happen but Peterson and Portis would make a nice pairing.

Vikings
This is actually another projected spot for Peterson to fall. Chester Taylor had a decent season but he isn't the home run hitting franchise back that Peterson will be. The Vikings have not had THE guy since Robert Smith retired.

Falcons
Jerious Norwood had a decent rookie campaign last season. Peterson coming to Atlanta would give them the significant threat at the position though. They say they want to pound the ball and this could do it.

Dolphins
Like the Bucs, you don't take two RB's in the top 10 in three years. Pairing Peterson with Ronnie Brown could be interesting. Ricky Williams coming back could make for a crowded backfield but trading him away could make room for Peterson. Longest shot since the raiders in my eyes.

Texans
Another landing spot for Peterson on many mock drafts. Like the Browns, the Texans went out and got an RB in free agency in Ahman Green. Call me crazy but I think that Kubiak guy has been know to use more than one RB in Denver. I would love to see this be the place for Peterson to fall and that is because I want to see the Texans succeed.

49'ers
Frank Gore came out like a warrior last season. Not a logical choice at all but what a scary duo it would make .

Bills
No team needs Peterson more than the Bills. McGahee is gone and Anthony Thomas has not been the answer since his rookie season. The Bills would be blessed if Peterson somehow fell this far.

tag: nfl, draft, free agency, football, trade, sports, saints, raiders, lions, buccaneers, browns, cardinals, redskins, vikings, falcons, dolphins, texans, 49'ers, bills, adrian peterson, thomas, gore, ahman green, ricky williams, ronnie brown, cadilac williams, norwood, chester taylor, ladell betts, portis, edgerin james, jamal lewis, duckett, tatum bell, rhoads, jordan

NFL Jabber 4/22/07

With no picks in the 2nd, 3rd,or 4th round, we could see the Redskins trading down. Jason La Canfora of The Washington Post thinks that a trade up for Calvin Johnson could swing as well.

Character is likely going to be a big part of this years draft given the actions of the new sheriff in town.

"We've always had the information," said an NFL team scout, who spoke on the condition of anonymity. "It's a matter now of the weight we give it; do you accept or decline a guy because of his background?"

Greg Olsen would love to be taken by the Jets next weekend.

"That would be unbelievable," Olsen told the Daily News. "You couldn't ask for anything better than that. My family would have to drive only 20 minutes to see my home games."

The Saints could have to wait until Friday to plan a direct draft strategy. They are waiting on the Colts to match or not on CB Jason David.

Four NFL related guys land on the 100 Unsexiest Men list of The Phoenix, Michael David Smith posted at The Fanhouse...

"The Phoenix has revealed its annual list of the 100 Unsexiest Men, and four guys from the NFL world made the cut: Colts quarterback Peyton Manning, Titans cornerback Pacman Jones, Patriots coach Bill Belichick and Monday Night Football commentator Tony Kornheiser."

Buying Disability Insurance is the new "In" thing to do on campus.

Not much going on in Denver. Headlines of Punter Todd Sauerbrun have dominated the Rocky Mountain News.

Rumors of Marshawn Lynch's back problems doesn't scare the Packers.

tag: nfl, draft, free agency, sports, football, trade, packers, broncos, titans, colts, saints, patriots, jets, redskins, la canfora, washington post, greg olsen, calvin johnson, jason david, peyton manning, pacman jones, kornheiser, belichick, marshawn lynch

NFL Jabber 4/20/07

Picture this...Your tired on defense, it's the 4th quarter. The Rams decide to spell Steven Jackson a little bit...in comes a fresh Ricky Williams for you to slow down. If Scott Linehan got his way that may just be what teams face this season.

"I would have to look into it a little bit more,'' Linehan said during a pre-draft news conference with St. Louis reporters. ``But based on how he played and the kind of person he was to be around, I would certainly consider it, and I'd fight for him.''

Rams Coach, Scott Linehan, thinks that Ted Ginn Jr. can make the defense better in St. Louis.

"I promise you, if a player like Ted Ginn or any other player creates field position, or changes the scoreboard and makes it a 14-point lead for the Rams, our run defense is going to get a lot better," he said. "Because the team we're playing is going to be throwing. To me that's a logical way of looking at it."

Causing speculation, the Chiefs are interviewing RB prospects for next weeks draft.

The Saints can blow their draft options wide open if the Colts don't match the offer sheet given to CB Jason David.

The Saints added another LB via free agency this week as well, sighing Trev Faulk.

With no teams beating down his door, Corey Dillon is looking at retirement again.

Mel Kiper thinks the Falcons could make the move of the draft by going to #2 to get Calvin Johnson. "The Atlanta Falcons have an option," Kiper said.

"They are eighth. Do they move up to No. 2 to try to get Calvin Johnson? If Atlanta could get him, it would be one of the coups of the draft."

"Michael Vick on third down, he's errant with his throws or he has throws dropped," Kiper said. "Either way, it's a drive-killer. ... If they had Calvin Johnson, a big target with the hands and the skill level, all of sudden that would help out that offense dramatically for [coach] Bobby Petrino."

tag: nfl, draft, free agency, trade, football, sports, falcons, saints, colts, rams, chiefs, ricky williams, scott linehan, ted ginn, jason david, calvin johnson, mel kiper jr,

NFL Jabber 4/19/07

JaMarcus Russell and Brady Quinn have made stops to see the Lions.

The Plain Dealer has the inside scoop on the Browns draft! Headlines read "Player will be picked." Really? I guess the headlines in L.A. could be "Player won't be picked."

Ahmad Brooks may get his chance to fill the MLB spot for the Bengals. Brooks is a good example that if you get your act straight for a long enough time, your other teammates will screw up and take the focus off you.

"I'm going to take it on," Brooks said after a workout Wednesday. "I'm glad the opportunity is there for me. I want to live up to the expectations."

Rumors about Dallas trading away Julius Jones are starting up again...

"Anything Dallas does regarding Julius Jones has nothing to do with salary-cap space. They have plenty of cap room to do whatever they want. They don't think he's an elite runner. They're likely going to ship him off on draft day."
-- Dallas Morning News

NBC Sports has a cool poll up.

Updated: Apr.18, 2007, 5:08 pm EDT Everyone's an expert on who their team should draft, right? Tell us your opinion. For each NFL team, we've chosen three guys who should be available at their spot in the first round and who would fit a team need. Vote for who you'd want your team to pick.(Note: The Patriots own two first-round picks: No. 24 is from Seattle and No. 28 is their own. To vote for who New England should pick at No. 24 in Seattle's spot, go to the NFC West section.)

A good example of lack of things happening in the NFL right now, NOLA.com has a top story about kickers and punters.

So does The Rocky Mountain News...and The St. Louis Post-Dispatch...

tag: nfl, football, sports, draft, browns, lions, trade, bengals, Jamarcus russell, brady quinn, ahmad brooks, julius jones

NFL Jabber 4/16/07

Jim Thomas of The St. Louis Post-Dispatch goes out on a limb today and says that either Brady Quinn or JaMarcus Russell will be the first QB taken. Seriously! Is this guy nuts? Is he not aware of University of Dubuque Jr. Jermar Jackson? I'll go out on a limb and say that Joe Thomas will be one of the first O-Linemen taken...see, I could work for the Post-Dispatch.

The Chiefs are in a position they have not been in for 14 years...looking for a Guard on the right side. Will Shields is hanging them up.

Talks are STILL dragging on regarding a trade for Trent Green to the Dolphins. Guys he is getting older everyday...

Cedric Griffen was arrested for not bringing enough candy for the whole class (or something like that) at the "Spin" club in Minneapolis early this morning...

What would have been if the Eagles would have called tails and picked Akli Smith instead of Donavan McNabb? Michael David Smith takes a look at that gem of a QB class in 1999.

The Washington Post continues to take up valuable web space with a Ravens section that has been updated twice since March 10th.

tag: nfl, draft, free agency, trade, football, sports, chiefs, vikings, dolphins, eagles, ravens, jim thomas, will shields, cedric griffen, trent green, donavan mcnabb, akili smith, brady quinn, jamarcus russell, jermar jackson, university of dubuque

NFL Jabber 4/15/07

Saints fans can be grateful that Marques Colston realized he had to work to make the team. Who knows what would have happened had he had the sense of entitlement that some players have. This guy is one that I want on my team.

"I was working out a little bit. . . . Obviously, not as much as I should have been," said Colston, who admits he was in poor physical shape when he arrived for his first minicamp in New Orleans, two weeks after being selected with the 252nd pick in the draft. "When I survived the first rookie minicamp, I realized something had to change. I had to come back in much better shape," said Colston, who indeed made an incredible transformation over the summer.

Anquan Boldin would like to take some of the rushing attempts for the Cardinals this season.

"I don't have to throw the ball, just put me in the backfield a couple of times and let me run it, I'll be OK," Boldin said with a smile.

Reports are that the Bengals are looking into the Bucs Tim Rattey for the backup QB job.

Mike O'Hare at detnews.com is calling for the head of Mike Williams.

At 33, Olindo Mare reminds John Carney how old he is.

“I’ve got a lot of respect for John,” said Mare, who will turn 34, nine years younger than Carney, before training camp. “He’s one of the best. He’s one of the guys that all us young guys, compared to John, I guess, want to be. Who doesn’t want to do what John has done in this league?”

There is a debate starting already less than a week into Drew Bledsoe's retirement...Hall of Fame? Playing a long time and racking up numbers are not enough unless your Dan Marino. Despite one Super Bowl appearance (not counting the Super Bowl on the bench)in an embarrassing loss to Green Bay, many are going to say Bledsoe didn't do enough in his career. Adam Schien of NFL Radio and FoxSports.com is one of those guys.

tag: nfl, free agency, draft, trade, football, sports, saints, cardinals, bengals, buccaneers, drew bledsoe, marques colston, olindo mare, john carney, mike o'hare, mike williams, tim rattey, adam schien

NFL Jabber 4/10/07

The is a good article at The Washington Post on London Fletcher and the obstacles overcome. I love these stories. I get sick of hearing about the Pacman's.

"It slaps us in the face," said Gregg Williams, the Redskins' assistant head coach-defense. "He's had just horrible tragedy," added Dick Vermeil, Fletcher's first head coach in professional football. Only Fletcher will not frown along with them, his voice will not harden. Everything he has become is because of where he had been and the fact he had been able to break away when others never could.

"I think of my story as inspirational," he said. "If I can help one kid who may be going through the same things I did, then it is worth telling."

The Rams have 29 players set for pre-draft visits.

"To be honest, some of these (visiting players), we really, really like," Linehan said. "The rest of the them are a mixed bag. There's medical re-checks that we need on some players. And there were pro-day conflicts with some where we're really just getting more information on players."

Peter Sirmon has a one-year offer on the table from the Cardinals.

Mike Shanahan has signed a three-year extension with the Broncos. This guys has only had one losing season with the team.

The Colts are looking for another RB to replace Dominic Rhoads. Kevin Barlow is on the list of "talked to."

David Carr says he is okay with the backup job in Charlotte.

"I'm excited about the opportunity in Carolina," he said. "They've got a great team -- good offensive line, good receiving corps, solid defense ... Pat Hill (Carr's coach at Fresno State) and (Panthers coach) John Fox have been friends for a long time, and I know he's a great coach."

tag: nfl, draft, free agency, trade, football, sports, redskins, cardinals, colts, broncos, panthers, texans, rams, london fletcher, peter sirmon, mike shanahan, kevan barlow, david carr,

NFL Jabber 4/9/07

Former Browns offensive threat, Greg Pruitt, has a Jr. that will be working out in Cleveland next weekend.

"I think he's just as good as I was at this point," said the elder Pruitt, 55. "I was 5-9¾ and 175 pounds when I came to the Browns," Pruitt said. "I guess the heaviest I ever played was 192 - before the game. After the game, I was like 180. My son is 5-9 and 210."

Joey Harrington will back up Michael Vick in Atlanta.

Funny quote on "falcons vent" on AJC.

"I think Richard Simmons would have more fun at a strip joint than Calvin would have being Vick's reciever."

John Murphy at Yahoo! Sports gives his list of the top five rising stocks in this months draft. On top of the list is Stanford QB Trent Edwards.

1. Stanford senior quarterback Trent Edwards
The 6-foot-4, 224-pound athletic passer rebounded from a season-ending right foot injury to post 40-yard times in the 4.75 range. He then wowed scouts and quarterback coaches with his quick, compact delivery; overall accuracy; and deep ball during workouts. In fact, even some of the all-time best talent evaluators of this position weighed in following his pro day.

Adrian Peterson knows it's a good thing to be compared to Eric Dickerson.

“Man, being compared to Eric Dickerson, that’s crazy,” Peterson said at the combine. “He’s one of the greatest running backs. It’s an honor to be compared to him.”

tag: nfl, free agency, trade, football, sports, draft, browns, falcons, greg pruitt, joey harrington, michael vick, calvin johnson, john murphy, yahoo!, stanford, trent edwards, adrian peterson

NFL Jabber 4/8/07

Go figure. Barry Sanders says that you need to build a team with the O-Line. Maybe if that advice was taken years ago he would have kept playing.

"I don't know that much about who we have right now," Sanders said in a telephone interview the other day. "I've always liked just football players -- guys who are football; players with overwhelming physical talent, in most cases.

"Obviously, there are some exceptions. The game, it's not an easy game, but I think some of the concepts are pretty obvious, especially on the professional level. You have to have some kind of protection. The guys on defense up front are just too fast and too strong and too good not to have a good, solid offensive line.

"I think, every year, when you look in the playoffs and Super Bowl, that fact is made even more obvious. You always have to shore up your line of scrimmage."

Lincoln Kennedy is using the Arena Football League to gear up for a potential NFL comeback. I have wondered what his motive was for going to the AFL rather than shooting straight to the NFL.

"When I put my mind toward something, I like to see it through," Kennedy said in a phone interview Thursday. "When I came into the league, my goal was to play 12 years. I burned out after my 11th year. Staying near the game in the media helped me stay surrounded by the sport, and when my body started feeling better, I decided I wanted to go back and get that 12th year."

Jon Akerman of NBCsports.com feels that the #11 pick is the best to land a star player. He pegs the worst spot as #6.

So apparently the Raiders are in talks with the Lions about a trade for Josh McCown.

tag: nfl, free agency, trade, football, sports, lions, raiders, barry sanders, lincoln kennedy, josh mccown, arena, afl

NFL Jabber 4/7/07

The Dolphins are expected to go after Trent Green again now that David Carr has signed with the Panthers.

Ricky Williams agent, Leigh Steinberg, says he is ready to return to the NFL. Williams has applied for reinstatement this week.

Pacman could lose $182K per game with a suspension.

The Panthers are offering up DT Kris Jenkins as trade bait.

The Falcons are considering Joey Harrington for their backup QB spot. This would ensure that Michael Vick can do nothing to lose the QB job in Atlanta.

tag: nfl, free agency, trade, football, sports, falcons, dolphins, chiefs, panthers, titans, ricky williams, michael vick, kris jenkins, joey harringon, trent green