New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady is back on the field and throwing the football.
Brady, 31, took part in the team's practice on Thursday, stretching and tossing the ball around in a light rain. It's the third and final day of the Patriots' organized team activities, and the only one open to the media. The team held voluntary workouts last week for younger players and free agents. Brady and nearly the entire team have participated in this week's practices.
Brady, a two-time Super Bowl MVP, suffered a season-ending knee injury in the 2008 season opener. He had surgery in October and later had another procedure to treat an infection in the knee. He is expected to be ready to play this season.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Best Available Players unsigned....
With the annual case of Favre Fixation occupying the minds of many throughout the NFL, it’s worth noting that many high-profile players who could help teams are still out of work. Call it the All-Available Team.
From Favre to linebacker Derrick Brooks(notes) to wide receiver Plaxico Burress(notes), there are a number of prominent players available who could provide a helping hand in 2009. There’s enough to even make up an entire team that would have been better than what the Detroit Lions trotted out last season on the way to 0-16.
“This is the time of the year when everybody has a chance to really sit back and study their team and figure out what’s that one missing piece or try to patch up a position that you just don’t like,” San Diego Chargers general manager A.J. Smith said. “It really depends on what you’re looking for.
“You can name guys right off the top of your head who can help a team: … Edgerrin James(notes), Derrick Brooks, Brett Favre(notes), Jon Runyan(notes). But so much of it is about how a guy fits in your system. Are you looking for a good, solid backup or are you desperate and you’re looking for a stop-gap guy to get you through a season?”
From now until the beginning of training camp in late July, that’s a question that almost every team in the NFL will be evaluating. Those teams will pore over their depth charts and evaluate the rookies who looked so good on the draft board in April, but then looked pretty lost when they got to minicamp in May and June.
“For a lot of teams, once you get past the draft and you really start thinking about going into the season, you ask yourself, ‘Am I really confident going into next season with this rookie playing or do I want a veteran?’ Smith said. “That’s the really hard question that GMs and coaches have to ask themselves.”
With that in mind, here’s a look at the top players, by position, who are still on the market:
Offense
QB: Brett Favre – America’s favorite vagabond passer continues his mid-life crisis. Other options: Rex Grossman(notes) and J.P. Losman(notes).
RB: Edgerrin James – His once-great burst is gone, but he’s still workmanlike. Other options: Warrick Dunn(notes), Deuce McAllister(notes) and Rudi Johnson(notes).
FB: Cecil Sapp(notes) – Better athlete than most fullbacks, but still nothing special.
TE: Ben Troupe(notes) – Best from a mediocre offering. Other options: Mark Campbell(notes) and Dan Campbell(notes).
No. 1 WR: Plaxico Burress – Legal issues are holding him up, but he’ll play.
No. 2 WR: Amani Toomer(notes) – Only 16 months ago, Toomer and Burress helped win a Super Bowl. Other options: Marvin Harrison(notes), Drew Bennett(notes) and Joe Jurevicius(notes).
LT: Levi Jones(notes) – Injuries curtailed a nice career, but he’s still only 29.
LG: Mark Tauscher(notes) – He’s a tackle, but could easily switch inside.
C: Jeremy Newberry(notes) – His knees are bad, but they have been forever.
RG: Pete Kendall(notes) – Smart, tough, but a lot of mileage.
RT: Jon Runyan – Biggest if of an iffy group. His knee still isn’t healthy. Other O-line options: Fred Miller(notes), Jonas Jennings(notes), Wayne Gandy(notes), Melvin Fowler(notes) and Jason Whittle(notes).
Defense
DE: Kalimba Edwards(notes) – He’s 33 and banged up, but still has some pass-rush skill.
DE: Ebenezer Ekuban(notes) – Pretty nice pass rusher still out there on the market.
DT: Kevin Carter(notes) – Amazing longevity, productivity and versatility.
DT: Ellis Wyms(notes) – Has his limitations, but is a very tough player.Other D-line options: Dewayne Robertson(notes), John Engelberger(notes) and La’Roi Glover(notes).
LB: Morlon Greenwood(notes) – At 31, he’s one of the youngest starters.
LB: Pisa Tinoisamoa(notes) – A tackle machine, but he better play in a two-gap system.
LB: Derrick Brooks – Still can bring great leadership to a young defense. Other options: Napoleon Harris(notes), Paris Lenon(notes), Antwan Peek(notes) and Nate Webster(notes).
CB: Chris McAlister(notes) – Coming off injury and has lost speed, but still very physical.
CB: Ty Law(notes) – Perennial late-signee can still make a couple of plays if the offense isn’t careful. Other options: Jason Craft(notes), Dre Bly, Deltha O’Neal(notes) and Roderick Hood(notes).
SS: Lawyer Milloy(notes) – Years of physical play have taken their toll, but he’s really smart.
FS: Dexter Jackson – Has lost a step, but who on this team hasn’t? Other safety options: Mike Brown(notes), Michael Boulware(notes), Kevin Kaesviharn(notes) and Will Demps(notes).
From Favre to linebacker Derrick Brooks(notes) to wide receiver Plaxico Burress(notes), there are a number of prominent players available who could provide a helping hand in 2009. There’s enough to even make up an entire team that would have been better than what the Detroit Lions trotted out last season on the way to 0-16.
“This is the time of the year when everybody has a chance to really sit back and study their team and figure out what’s that one missing piece or try to patch up a position that you just don’t like,” San Diego Chargers general manager A.J. Smith said. “It really depends on what you’re looking for.
“You can name guys right off the top of your head who can help a team: … Edgerrin James(notes), Derrick Brooks, Brett Favre(notes), Jon Runyan(notes). But so much of it is about how a guy fits in your system. Are you looking for a good, solid backup or are you desperate and you’re looking for a stop-gap guy to get you through a season?”
From now until the beginning of training camp in late July, that’s a question that almost every team in the NFL will be evaluating. Those teams will pore over their depth charts and evaluate the rookies who looked so good on the draft board in April, but then looked pretty lost when they got to minicamp in May and June.
“For a lot of teams, once you get past the draft and you really start thinking about going into the season, you ask yourself, ‘Am I really confident going into next season with this rookie playing or do I want a veteran?’ Smith said. “That’s the really hard question that GMs and coaches have to ask themselves.”
With that in mind, here’s a look at the top players, by position, who are still on the market:
Offense
QB: Brett Favre – America’s favorite vagabond passer continues his mid-life crisis. Other options: Rex Grossman(notes) and J.P. Losman(notes).
RB: Edgerrin James – His once-great burst is gone, but he’s still workmanlike. Other options: Warrick Dunn(notes), Deuce McAllister(notes) and Rudi Johnson(notes).
FB: Cecil Sapp(notes) – Better athlete than most fullbacks, but still nothing special.
TE: Ben Troupe(notes) – Best from a mediocre offering. Other options: Mark Campbell(notes) and Dan Campbell(notes).
No. 1 WR: Plaxico Burress – Legal issues are holding him up, but he’ll play.
No. 2 WR: Amani Toomer(notes) – Only 16 months ago, Toomer and Burress helped win a Super Bowl. Other options: Marvin Harrison(notes), Drew Bennett(notes) and Joe Jurevicius(notes).
LT: Levi Jones(notes) – Injuries curtailed a nice career, but he’s still only 29.
LG: Mark Tauscher(notes) – He’s a tackle, but could easily switch inside.
C: Jeremy Newberry(notes) – His knees are bad, but they have been forever.
RG: Pete Kendall(notes) – Smart, tough, but a lot of mileage.
RT: Jon Runyan – Biggest if of an iffy group. His knee still isn’t healthy. Other O-line options: Fred Miller(notes), Jonas Jennings(notes), Wayne Gandy(notes), Melvin Fowler(notes) and Jason Whittle(notes).
Defense
DE: Kalimba Edwards(notes) – He’s 33 and banged up, but still has some pass-rush skill.
DE: Ebenezer Ekuban(notes) – Pretty nice pass rusher still out there on the market.
DT: Kevin Carter(notes) – Amazing longevity, productivity and versatility.
DT: Ellis Wyms(notes) – Has his limitations, but is a very tough player.Other D-line options: Dewayne Robertson(notes), John Engelberger(notes) and La’Roi Glover(notes).
LB: Morlon Greenwood(notes) – At 31, he’s one of the youngest starters.
LB: Pisa Tinoisamoa(notes) – A tackle machine, but he better play in a two-gap system.
LB: Derrick Brooks – Still can bring great leadership to a young defense. Other options: Napoleon Harris(notes), Paris Lenon(notes), Antwan Peek(notes) and Nate Webster(notes).
CB: Chris McAlister(notes) – Coming off injury and has lost speed, but still very physical.
CB: Ty Law(notes) – Perennial late-signee can still make a couple of plays if the offense isn’t careful. Other options: Jason Craft(notes), Dre Bly, Deltha O’Neal(notes) and Roderick Hood(notes).
SS: Lawyer Milloy(notes) – Years of physical play have taken their toll, but he’s really smart.
FS: Dexter Jackson – Has lost a step, but who on this team hasn’t? Other safety options: Mike Brown(notes), Michael Boulware(notes), Kevin Kaesviharn(notes) and Will Demps(notes).
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
NY Jets have some RB issues that need addressed!
Two of the New York Jets' top running backs -- Leon Washington and Thomas Jones -- are reportedly unhappy with their contracts and are skipping offseason workouts.
That's bad news for Jets rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez, the team's top draft pick who will need a strong running game if he starts from day one.
Washington, the Jets' dynamic running back/kick returner, skipped the first day of the Jets' organized team activities Monday amid reports he's unhappy with his current contract, which has a base salary of $535,000.
Jones, 30, the team's No. 1 running back, has been a no-show for all of the team's workouts this offseason. Jones is scheduled to make $900,000 in 2009, the third season of a four-year, $20 million contract he agreed to when he was acquired from the Bears in 2007. He made $13.1 million in the first two seasons of his contract.
Washington, 26, is entering the final season of his initial rookie contract. He reportedly is seeking a new contract that averages $6 million per season. The Jets have been negotiating a new contract with Washington this offseason, but according to The Star-Ledger of Newark, N.J., those talks hit a snag. A source told the newspaper that the team's initial offer to Washington was "insulting."
Washington led the NFL with 2,337 all-purpose yards in 2008 and scored nine touchdowns. Jones also enjoyed a standout 2008 season, rushing for 1,312 yards and 13 touchdowns. The Jets also drafted another running back, Shonn Greene, with the first pick of the third round -- trading three draft picks to move up 11 spots to select him.
All of the Jets' workouts so far have been voluntary. Their first mandatory minicamp is scheduled for June 9-11.
That's bad news for Jets rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez, the team's top draft pick who will need a strong running game if he starts from day one.
Washington, the Jets' dynamic running back/kick returner, skipped the first day of the Jets' organized team activities Monday amid reports he's unhappy with his current contract, which has a base salary of $535,000.
Jones, 30, the team's No. 1 running back, has been a no-show for all of the team's workouts this offseason. Jones is scheduled to make $900,000 in 2009, the third season of a four-year, $20 million contract he agreed to when he was acquired from the Bears in 2007. He made $13.1 million in the first two seasons of his contract.
Washington, 26, is entering the final season of his initial rookie contract. He reportedly is seeking a new contract that averages $6 million per season. The Jets have been negotiating a new contract with Washington this offseason, but according to The Star-Ledger of Newark, N.J., those talks hit a snag. A source told the newspaper that the team's initial offer to Washington was "insulting."
Washington led the NFL with 2,337 all-purpose yards in 2008 and scored nine touchdowns. Jones also enjoyed a standout 2008 season, rushing for 1,312 yards and 13 touchdowns. The Jets also drafted another running back, Shonn Greene, with the first pick of the third round -- trading three draft picks to move up 11 spots to select him.
All of the Jets' workouts so far have been voluntary. Their first mandatory minicamp is scheduled for June 9-11.
Monday, May 11, 2009
6 NFL teams that might not make the playoffs this year!
When picking the teams that will make the playoffs in a given year, the so-called experts (as opposed to the so-called idiots, of which I proudly am one) typically play it safe.
They look at the dozen franchises that made it a year ago, and they replace maybe the bottom team in each conference's playoff field with a team that was close to qualifying.
But the reality is that, typically, half of the teams that played in the postseason last year won't be back the next time around.
In 2008, more than half of the 2007 playoff teams didn't return for an encore.
Seven of the 12 franchises didn't qualify again. In the AFC, only two of the six from the year before were bounced; in the NFC, the turnover rate was 83.3 percent as five of the six teams that qualified in 2007 were left holding a big bag of nothing in '08.
For present purposes, we'll assume that six of the teams will make it back and six won't.
Today's challenge? Identifying the six teams that will play only 16 games that count this season.
1. Miami Dolphins
No one saw the Dolphins coming in 2008. This year, everyone does.
Their reward for winning the AFC East last year includes a first-place schedule, which features games against the Steelers and the Chargers, and games against every team in the AFC South and NFC South.
Oh, and two against the Patriots.
Last year, New England racked up 48 points against the Fins in Miami. With Matt Cassel(notes) at quarterback. With Tom Brady(notes) back, the Pats could score 70.
The '08 Dolphins also benefited from the absence of injuries. This season, chances are the Dolphins will be dealing with many more major and minor sprains and strains and snaps and cracks. And a harder schedule. And an improved Patriots team. And a bigger target on their backs.
So, yeah, it might be too much to expect the Dolphins to match last year's unlikely feat.
2. Tennessee Titans
Last year, the Titans' season started with a thud. Sure, they beat the Jaguars. But quarterback Vince Young(notes) suffered a sprained knee and a fractured ego.
Enter Kerry Collins(notes), who did just enough to complement a great defense and a strong running game to propel the Titans to the best regular-season record in the league.
This year, however, the guy who made that defense go—defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth(notes)—is long gone.
And Kerry Collins is still the starter.
And the receivers really aren't all that much better.
And defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz is coaching the Lions.
And the up-and-down Jaguars are due to be up again.
And the Texans seem poised to finally make the playoffs.
Odd men out? Yep, the Titans.
3. San Diego Chargers
Last year, the San Diego Chargers needed a miracle to capture the watered-down AFC West and make it to the playoffs.
This year, lightning might not strike again.
On paper, the Chargers have the talent. But questions persist regarding whether Norv Turner is the right man for this or any NFL head-coaching job.
So even with Philip Rivers(notes), LaDainian Tomlinson(notes), Darren Sproles(notes) and a healthy Shawne Merriman(notes) and a healthy Jyles Tucker(notes) and a rookie first-rounder who does the same thing that both of them do, it might not be enough to make it four straight division titles in a wide-open AFC West featuring teams in Kansas City and Oakland that might be more dangerous than expected. (We can forget about the Broncos.)
4. New York Giants
I know, I know. I said last year that the Giants wouldn't follow their Super Bowl title with another playoff appearance.
So maybe, if I say it again, the odds will be in my favor.
This time around, my confidence is bolstered by the fact that the Giants can't consistently move the ball without a high-end wideout like Plaxico Burress(notes). Apart from what he does when he catches the ball, his mere presence opens up the rest of the offense by requiring teams to devote two defenders to him at all times.
So, once he was gone for the year due to an unfortunate incident involving a gun, a bullet and his leg, the Giants weren't the same.
He's now gone for good, and even though rookies Hakeem Nicks(notes) and Ramses Barden(notes) might replace his production, they won't command the same respect that essentially reduces the field to 10-on-9.
5. Minnesota Vikings
Once every few years, the Vikings are the trendy pick to get back to the Super Bowl.
Thirty-three years and counting, they've yet to deliver on the expectations.
This year, many will dub the Vikings as a potential Super Bowl team.
And for good reason. Adrian Peterson is the best running back in the game. The defense remains solid, especially against the run. Defensive end Jared Allen(notes) punctuates a great pass rush.
The biggest question mark—the passing game—could become an exclamation point if Brett Favre(notes) ends up becoming the quarterback.
With or without Favre, there's something about this team that just doesn't click. Plenty of their fans sense it, even if they won't admit it to themselves during the high-hopes phase of the calendar, when everyone is 0-0.
Frankly, it's the coach. And if the Vikings don't make it back to the playoffs in 2009, there will be a new one in Minnesota next year at this time.
6. Arizona Cardinals
I've said it before, I'll say it again—the fact that the Cardinals have finally made it to a Super Bowl doesn't mean they finally know how to run a successful football operation.
Yes, they've re-signed quarterback Kurt Warner(notes) after basically inviting him to find another job. And they've addressed one of the primary weaknesses on the roster by taking running back Chris "Beanie" Wells at the bottom of round one.
But this team has issues. Multiple assistant coaches are gone, including the offensive coordinator and defensive coordinator.
Receiver Anquan Boldin(notes) still wants out, and the team has engaged in a half-hearted effort to create the impression that meaningful trade talks occurred.
They didn't. The Cardinals dragged their feet and didn't give Boldin's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, permission to work out a contract with a new team. So, now, the Cardinals likely are shrugging their shoulders (do birds have shoulders?) and taking the position that, well, they tried.
Meanwhile, they likely don't want to give Boldin the kind of raise he wants.
He behaved in 2008; he might try a different approach in 2009. And the Cardinals might regret not dealing with the situation differently.
Meanwhile, the Cardinals are the hunted, for the first time in a very long time. And so every week they'll see the best that the opponents have to offer, and when the dust settles they'll likely be back in a more familiar position—out of the running for the silver trophy they almost won in February.
Mike Florio writes and edits ProFootballTalk.com and is a regular contributor to Sporting News. Check out PFT for up-to-the minute NFL news.
They look at the dozen franchises that made it a year ago, and they replace maybe the bottom team in each conference's playoff field with a team that was close to qualifying.
But the reality is that, typically, half of the teams that played in the postseason last year won't be back the next time around.
In 2008, more than half of the 2007 playoff teams didn't return for an encore.
Seven of the 12 franchises didn't qualify again. In the AFC, only two of the six from the year before were bounced; in the NFC, the turnover rate was 83.3 percent as five of the six teams that qualified in 2007 were left holding a big bag of nothing in '08.
For present purposes, we'll assume that six of the teams will make it back and six won't.
Today's challenge? Identifying the six teams that will play only 16 games that count this season.
1. Miami Dolphins
No one saw the Dolphins coming in 2008. This year, everyone does.
Their reward for winning the AFC East last year includes a first-place schedule, which features games against the Steelers and the Chargers, and games against every team in the AFC South and NFC South.
Oh, and two against the Patriots.
Last year, New England racked up 48 points against the Fins in Miami. With Matt Cassel(notes) at quarterback. With Tom Brady(notes) back, the Pats could score 70.
The '08 Dolphins also benefited from the absence of injuries. This season, chances are the Dolphins will be dealing with many more major and minor sprains and strains and snaps and cracks. And a harder schedule. And an improved Patriots team. And a bigger target on their backs.
So, yeah, it might be too much to expect the Dolphins to match last year's unlikely feat.
2. Tennessee Titans
Last year, the Titans' season started with a thud. Sure, they beat the Jaguars. But quarterback Vince Young(notes) suffered a sprained knee and a fractured ego.
Enter Kerry Collins(notes), who did just enough to complement a great defense and a strong running game to propel the Titans to the best regular-season record in the league.
This year, however, the guy who made that defense go—defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth(notes)—is long gone.
And Kerry Collins is still the starter.
And the receivers really aren't all that much better.
And defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz is coaching the Lions.
And the up-and-down Jaguars are due to be up again.
And the Texans seem poised to finally make the playoffs.
Odd men out? Yep, the Titans.
3. San Diego Chargers
Last year, the San Diego Chargers needed a miracle to capture the watered-down AFC West and make it to the playoffs.
This year, lightning might not strike again.
On paper, the Chargers have the talent. But questions persist regarding whether Norv Turner is the right man for this or any NFL head-coaching job.
So even with Philip Rivers(notes), LaDainian Tomlinson(notes), Darren Sproles(notes) and a healthy Shawne Merriman(notes) and a healthy Jyles Tucker(notes) and a rookie first-rounder who does the same thing that both of them do, it might not be enough to make it four straight division titles in a wide-open AFC West featuring teams in Kansas City and Oakland that might be more dangerous than expected. (We can forget about the Broncos.)
4. New York Giants
I know, I know. I said last year that the Giants wouldn't follow their Super Bowl title with another playoff appearance.
So maybe, if I say it again, the odds will be in my favor.
This time around, my confidence is bolstered by the fact that the Giants can't consistently move the ball without a high-end wideout like Plaxico Burress(notes). Apart from what he does when he catches the ball, his mere presence opens up the rest of the offense by requiring teams to devote two defenders to him at all times.
So, once he was gone for the year due to an unfortunate incident involving a gun, a bullet and his leg, the Giants weren't the same.
He's now gone for good, and even though rookies Hakeem Nicks(notes) and Ramses Barden(notes) might replace his production, they won't command the same respect that essentially reduces the field to 10-on-9.
5. Minnesota Vikings
Once every few years, the Vikings are the trendy pick to get back to the Super Bowl.
Thirty-three years and counting, they've yet to deliver on the expectations.
This year, many will dub the Vikings as a potential Super Bowl team.
And for good reason. Adrian Peterson is the best running back in the game. The defense remains solid, especially against the run. Defensive end Jared Allen(notes) punctuates a great pass rush.
The biggest question mark—the passing game—could become an exclamation point if Brett Favre(notes) ends up becoming the quarterback.
With or without Favre, there's something about this team that just doesn't click. Plenty of their fans sense it, even if they won't admit it to themselves during the high-hopes phase of the calendar, when everyone is 0-0.
Frankly, it's the coach. And if the Vikings don't make it back to the playoffs in 2009, there will be a new one in Minnesota next year at this time.
6. Arizona Cardinals
I've said it before, I'll say it again—the fact that the Cardinals have finally made it to a Super Bowl doesn't mean they finally know how to run a successful football operation.
Yes, they've re-signed quarterback Kurt Warner(notes) after basically inviting him to find another job. And they've addressed one of the primary weaknesses on the roster by taking running back Chris "Beanie" Wells at the bottom of round one.
But this team has issues. Multiple assistant coaches are gone, including the offensive coordinator and defensive coordinator.
Receiver Anquan Boldin(notes) still wants out, and the team has engaged in a half-hearted effort to create the impression that meaningful trade talks occurred.
They didn't. The Cardinals dragged their feet and didn't give Boldin's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, permission to work out a contract with a new team. So, now, the Cardinals likely are shrugging their shoulders (do birds have shoulders?) and taking the position that, well, they tried.
Meanwhile, they likely don't want to give Boldin the kind of raise he wants.
He behaved in 2008; he might try a different approach in 2009. And the Cardinals might regret not dealing with the situation differently.
Meanwhile, the Cardinals are the hunted, for the first time in a very long time. And so every week they'll see the best that the opponents have to offer, and when the dust settles they'll likely be back in a more familiar position—out of the running for the silver trophy they almost won in February.
Mike Florio writes and edits ProFootballTalk.com and is a regular contributor to Sporting News. Check out PFT for up-to-the minute NFL news.
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