Matt Ryan’s(notes) teammates say the quarterback will be even better in 2009 than he was when he won widespread acclaim as the NFL’s offensive rookie of the year last season.
“By leaps and bounds,” Atlanta fullback Ovie Mughelli(notes) said of Ryan on Wednesday as the Falcons approached the end of their organized team activities. “It’s actually scary how much he’s improved and it’s only his second year. People thought he couldn’t get much better than last year.
“In the weight room, what he’s done out here, his arm strength, the way he reads plays, he’s gotten better in every aspect.”
The Falcons will have their last day of workouts Thursday and begin training camp on Aug. 1.
Ryan led the Falcons to an 11-5 record—an unexpected jump from a 4-12 finish in 2007—and a playoff spot last season. Michael Turner(notes) rushed for 1,699 yards and 17 touchdowns in his first season as a full-time starter, and Roddy White(notes) had 88 receptions for 1,382 yards.
Ryan, Turner, White and Mughelli have been joined by 10-time Pro Bowl tight end Tony Gonzalez(notes), who was acquired from Kansas City.
The Falcons, who a year ago were a popular pick to finish last in the NFC South, now look like a rising force, especially on offense.
“The thing you see out there across the board is confidence, starting with Matt at quarterback, all the way down,” said center Todd McClure(notes). “Everybody just has a different confidence than we had even last year, because we were trying to learn a new system. Now we have a year under our belt and that confidence can take us a long way if we can just stay together.”
Coach Mike Smith(notes) says he has focused on the Falcons’ passing game in the organized workouts.
“Matt is making good decisions and being accurate with the football,” Smith said. “I don’t think those two traits can be overlooked. That’s what we’ve emphasized with Matt, make better decisions and to be more accurate throwing the football.”
Ryan says the Falcons already are preparing to deal with increased expectations.
“I heard a quote from coach Smith, ‘expect to win but don’t get caught up in expectations,”’ Ryan said. “I think that’s pretty pertinent because you can’t worry about all the long-term stuff. You just have to go out there and have confidence in yourself and not worry about all the long-term stuff that goes with it.”
Ryan said he began studying film after the Falcons’ playoff loss to Arizona as he focused on making better decisions in key situations.
“The No. 1 thing going into the offseason for me was to improve the decision making and so I’ve watched a ton of film, just trying to get better and to sharpen up for next season,” he said. “I’m going to continue to do that for the next two or three months.”
Ryan completed 61.1 percent of his passes for 3,440 yards with 16 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. He said there’s much room to reach the levels of improvement that Mughelli sees.
“Quarterbacks make their living on third down and in the red zone, so those are areas I felt I could improve on from last year,” he said. “You also make your living at the end of the game so you want to make good plays and make good decisions in two-minute situations, so those are areas I definitely focused on.”
Friday, June 19, 2009
Carson Palmer back to 100%
Carson Palmer(notes) squinted into the harsh afternoon sun, sizing up the defense. He pointed to the middle of the field with both index fingers, took the snap and threw a quick pass to rookie receiver Quan Cosby, a crisp spiral that zipped over defenders’ outstretched hands.
Perfect. Just what the Cincinnati Bengals have been missing.
Their franchise quarterback, the one with the balky elbow, was back at the center of the offense Thursday, running the show during the first day of minicamp. He wore long, white sleeves and black sweat pants, keeping his California cool in the midday heat.
It looked and felt like old times.
“Carson, he’s sweet,” receiver Chad Ochocinco said. “He’s on top of his stuff. As far as the elbow (injury), it’s got to be gone because all of the balls had the normal zip. He’s on point.”
Not quite, but close. Certainly close enough for the Bengals to think that they have a chance to become respectable again.
Palmer missed a dozen games during Cincinnati’s 4-11-1 season last year. He partially tore a ligament and tendon from the bone in his passing elbow, and got conflicting medical advice on what to do about it. He could have gotten reconstructive surgery, but chose to see if it would heal on its own.
So far, it’s apparent he made the right choice. Palmer has been throwing informally and during voluntary team workouts, slowly building back his strength.
“It’s getting stronger in the sense that I can throw for longer,” Palmer said after the morning practice. “I have the same speed on the ball at the end of practice. I’m starting to get to the point now where the ball’s not dying at the end of practice.”
The Bengals are keeping Palmer on the equivalent of a pitch count, limiting the number of throws he makes in practice until the season begins. After his completion to Cosby in the afternoon session, Palmer removed his helmet, covered his head with a white towel and turned spectator.
Palmer’s return to form—and Ochocinco’s return to the fold—buoyed a team still smarting from its worst showing under seventh-year coach Marvin Lewis. Palmer got hurt in the third game last season, a loss to the Giants in which his arm was hit while he threw. He played one more game, sensed the elbow wasn’t right and went for tests that detected the season-ending injury.
While Palmer recovered, Ochocinco groused. He caught only 53 passes for 540 yards last season, after failing to force a trade. He skipped most of the voluntary workouts in the offseason, but showed up last week with a smile and an upbeat demeanor.
“I’m back,” Ochocinco said. “I can’t explain it any other way. Before last year, this is how I was. I was good. I was happy. I’m good. It’s going to be a great year. We’re going to the playoffs. We’re going, man.”
To get themselves turned around, they’ll have to protect Palmer and get the flamboyant Ochocinco to be more of a team player. During workouts Thursday, everyone wore black shorts or sweat pants except Ochocinco, who ran around in flashy orange shorts.
When he caught a pass down the sideline and went for a touchdown during an 11-on-11 drill, Ochocinco raised both arms in jubilation, let out a scream and did a hip bump with receiver Chris Henry.
Palmer didn’t mind the excess enthusiasm.
“I hope it lasts all the way through Super Bowl weekend,” Palmer said. “And I think he is sincere. He’s excited to be here. He’s excited to be back playing football at a high level, at the level he used to play at when he was leading the AFC in yards. He’s in way better shape than I’ve seen him in a couple of years.”
But Palmer drew a line at becoming a roommate.
Ochocinco told reporters last week that he’ll be moving in with Palmer, his wife and two young children for a week or two in July, giving them a chance to bond and catch up on missed time.
“He doesn’t really have a choice,” the receiver repeated on Thursday.
Oh, yes he does. When Palmer’s wife, Shaelyn, heard about Ochocinco’s plan, she wasn’t thrilled with her husband.
“I think she got an e-mail or something and as soon as I walked in the door from work the other day, she just gave me that look,” Palmer said. “And I was like, ‘Whoa, whoa, calm down. It’s just media stuff. It’s just Chad being Chad. Don’t worry.”’
Perfect. Just what the Cincinnati Bengals have been missing.
Their franchise quarterback, the one with the balky elbow, was back at the center of the offense Thursday, running the show during the first day of minicamp. He wore long, white sleeves and black sweat pants, keeping his California cool in the midday heat.
It looked and felt like old times.
“Carson, he’s sweet,” receiver Chad Ochocinco said. “He’s on top of his stuff. As far as the elbow (injury), it’s got to be gone because all of the balls had the normal zip. He’s on point.”
Not quite, but close. Certainly close enough for the Bengals to think that they have a chance to become respectable again.
Palmer missed a dozen games during Cincinnati’s 4-11-1 season last year. He partially tore a ligament and tendon from the bone in his passing elbow, and got conflicting medical advice on what to do about it. He could have gotten reconstructive surgery, but chose to see if it would heal on its own.
So far, it’s apparent he made the right choice. Palmer has been throwing informally and during voluntary team workouts, slowly building back his strength.
“It’s getting stronger in the sense that I can throw for longer,” Palmer said after the morning practice. “I have the same speed on the ball at the end of practice. I’m starting to get to the point now where the ball’s not dying at the end of practice.”
The Bengals are keeping Palmer on the equivalent of a pitch count, limiting the number of throws he makes in practice until the season begins. After his completion to Cosby in the afternoon session, Palmer removed his helmet, covered his head with a white towel and turned spectator.
Palmer’s return to form—and Ochocinco’s return to the fold—buoyed a team still smarting from its worst showing under seventh-year coach Marvin Lewis. Palmer got hurt in the third game last season, a loss to the Giants in which his arm was hit while he threw. He played one more game, sensed the elbow wasn’t right and went for tests that detected the season-ending injury.
While Palmer recovered, Ochocinco groused. He caught only 53 passes for 540 yards last season, after failing to force a trade. He skipped most of the voluntary workouts in the offseason, but showed up last week with a smile and an upbeat demeanor.
“I’m back,” Ochocinco said. “I can’t explain it any other way. Before last year, this is how I was. I was good. I was happy. I’m good. It’s going to be a great year. We’re going to the playoffs. We’re going, man.”
To get themselves turned around, they’ll have to protect Palmer and get the flamboyant Ochocinco to be more of a team player. During workouts Thursday, everyone wore black shorts or sweat pants except Ochocinco, who ran around in flashy orange shorts.
When he caught a pass down the sideline and went for a touchdown during an 11-on-11 drill, Ochocinco raised both arms in jubilation, let out a scream and did a hip bump with receiver Chris Henry.
Palmer didn’t mind the excess enthusiasm.
“I hope it lasts all the way through Super Bowl weekend,” Palmer said. “And I think he is sincere. He’s excited to be here. He’s excited to be back playing football at a high level, at the level he used to play at when he was leading the AFC in yards. He’s in way better shape than I’ve seen him in a couple of years.”
But Palmer drew a line at becoming a roommate.
Ochocinco told reporters last week that he’ll be moving in with Palmer, his wife and two young children for a week or two in July, giving them a chance to bond and catch up on missed time.
“He doesn’t really have a choice,” the receiver repeated on Thursday.
Oh, yes he does. When Palmer’s wife, Shaelyn, heard about Ochocinco’s plan, she wasn’t thrilled with her husband.
“I think she got an e-mail or something and as soon as I walked in the door from work the other day, she just gave me that look,” Palmer said. “And I was like, ‘Whoa, whoa, calm down. It’s just media stuff. It’s just Chad being Chad. Don’t worry.”’
More on Brandon Marshall
Holdout wide receiver Brandon Marshall(notes) reported to camp— his own.
The Denver Broncos Pro Bowl receiver who skipped the team’s mandatory minicamp last weekend in a contract dispute is holding a two-day youth football camp for 500 kids ages 7-18 at a local high school.
Marshall declined to answer questions about his status with the Broncos on Thursday, other than to say he and his agent are communicating with the team.
Asked if he thought this youth football camp was his grand goodbye to the community that’s embraced him, Marshall said basically that nothing good lasts forever.
“I think we saw this past year as far as change, as for changes in our front office. Coach Shanahan being here 13 years. Gone! I think that’s part of life. You know it’s just change,” Marshall said.
“You can control what you can control and what you can’t control you don’t worry about. So I’m here to show my wisdom, to give wisdom and get a feel for the kids.”
Marshall said he does plan to hold the camp again next summer in Denver but also in Pittsburgh, where he grew up, and Orlando, Fla., where he lives.
If he gets his way, Marshall’s camp in Colorado next summer will be as a visiting player.
“I want him to stay. We aren’t as good a team without him,” said 14-year-old camper Jaylen McDonald of Denver.
Marshall, who said he’s been working out at his alma mater, Central Florida, participated in some of the on-field work at his camp, which consisted strictly of no-contact drills.
Dressed in red sweats, Marshall jogged a lap with the kids and took part in some stretching before helping teach football skills to the enthusiastic boys and girls.
This week, Marshall posted a farewell to Denver fans on his blog even as coach Josh McDaniels was saying he looked forward to seeing Marshall at training camp next month. And Marshall’s agent, Kennard McGuire, said team owner Pat Bowlen had told his client that he would try to accommodate his trade request.
Bowlen hasn’t spoken publicly about the matter.
Marshall has precious little leverage, however, to force his way out of town like quarterback Jay Cutler(notes) did this spring when he got into a feud with McDaniels and was dealt to Chicago.
Marshall, who is set to make $2.2 million in 2009, faces legal and health issues that would seem to prevent him from cashing in with a huge contract anytime soon.
He’s coming off hip surgery and faces a trial this summer on misdemeanor battery charges; a conviction could lead to his second suspension from the NFL in just over a year.
Plus, with next season being an uncapped year, Marshall is set to be a restricted free agent in 2010 rather than an unrestricted free agent, after which the Broncos could slap the franchise tag on him to keep him in Denver for years to come.
Of course, they may decide it’s not worth it to force a disgruntled star to stick around.
Marshall is entering the final season of the four-year deal he signed as a fourth-round draft pick in 2006 and he could be quite a bargain for a player who’s had consecutive 100-catch seasons while playing more like a top-10 pick than a fourth-rounder.
Yet, nobody knows how he’ll bounce back from April 1 hip surgery or whether he’ll start the season on the suspended list again.
Marshall is prepping for a big year—wherever that may be.
“I feel great. I’m working out at Central Florida with the team, running routes, doing pass (drills). I’m not 100 percent. (But) I’m 10 times better than I was for the first game last year,” he said.
Despite putting up Pro Bowl numbers last season, Marshall had several crucial fumbles and also dropped an astonishing number of passes, something he blamed on the nerve damage in his right arm, which he said he put through a television set while horsing around with his brother in March 2008.
On Thursday, Marshall said the numbness in his arm was “just the nerve regenerating. I’m fine. I went through a whole year (with it). It’s almost there. The doctor said it should take a year or two and we’re right there.”
The Denver Broncos Pro Bowl receiver who skipped the team’s mandatory minicamp last weekend in a contract dispute is holding a two-day youth football camp for 500 kids ages 7-18 at a local high school.
Marshall declined to answer questions about his status with the Broncos on Thursday, other than to say he and his agent are communicating with the team.
Asked if he thought this youth football camp was his grand goodbye to the community that’s embraced him, Marshall said basically that nothing good lasts forever.
“I think we saw this past year as far as change, as for changes in our front office. Coach Shanahan being here 13 years. Gone! I think that’s part of life. You know it’s just change,” Marshall said.
“You can control what you can control and what you can’t control you don’t worry about. So I’m here to show my wisdom, to give wisdom and get a feel for the kids.”
Marshall said he does plan to hold the camp again next summer in Denver but also in Pittsburgh, where he grew up, and Orlando, Fla., where he lives.
If he gets his way, Marshall’s camp in Colorado next summer will be as a visiting player.
“I want him to stay. We aren’t as good a team without him,” said 14-year-old camper Jaylen McDonald of Denver.
Marshall, who said he’s been working out at his alma mater, Central Florida, participated in some of the on-field work at his camp, which consisted strictly of no-contact drills.
Dressed in red sweats, Marshall jogged a lap with the kids and took part in some stretching before helping teach football skills to the enthusiastic boys and girls.
This week, Marshall posted a farewell to Denver fans on his blog even as coach Josh McDaniels was saying he looked forward to seeing Marshall at training camp next month. And Marshall’s agent, Kennard McGuire, said team owner Pat Bowlen had told his client that he would try to accommodate his trade request.
Bowlen hasn’t spoken publicly about the matter.
Marshall has precious little leverage, however, to force his way out of town like quarterback Jay Cutler(notes) did this spring when he got into a feud with McDaniels and was dealt to Chicago.
Marshall, who is set to make $2.2 million in 2009, faces legal and health issues that would seem to prevent him from cashing in with a huge contract anytime soon.
He’s coming off hip surgery and faces a trial this summer on misdemeanor battery charges; a conviction could lead to his second suspension from the NFL in just over a year.
Plus, with next season being an uncapped year, Marshall is set to be a restricted free agent in 2010 rather than an unrestricted free agent, after which the Broncos could slap the franchise tag on him to keep him in Denver for years to come.
Of course, they may decide it’s not worth it to force a disgruntled star to stick around.
Marshall is entering the final season of the four-year deal he signed as a fourth-round draft pick in 2006 and he could be quite a bargain for a player who’s had consecutive 100-catch seasons while playing more like a top-10 pick than a fourth-rounder.
Yet, nobody knows how he’ll bounce back from April 1 hip surgery or whether he’ll start the season on the suspended list again.
Marshall is prepping for a big year—wherever that may be.
“I feel great. I’m working out at Central Florida with the team, running routes, doing pass (drills). I’m not 100 percent. (But) I’m 10 times better than I was for the first game last year,” he said.
Despite putting up Pro Bowl numbers last season, Marshall had several crucial fumbles and also dropped an astonishing number of passes, something he blamed on the nerve damage in his right arm, which he said he put through a television set while horsing around with his brother in March 2008.
On Thursday, Marshall said the numbness in his arm was “just the nerve regenerating. I’m fine. I went through a whole year (with it). It’s almost there. The doctor said it should take a year or two and we’re right there.”
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Mock Version #2
My Mock Version #2 (June 17th 2009) Top 50
1) Adrian Peterson
2) Michael Turner
3) LaDanian Tomlinson
4) Maurice Jones-Drew
5) Matt Forte
6) Frank Gore
7) Steven Jackson
8) Drew Brees
9) Larry Fitzgerald
10) DeAngelo Williams
11) Clinton Portis
12) Chris Johnson
13) Andre Johnson
14) Brandon Jacobs
15) Steve Slaton
16) Tom Brady
17) Marion Barber
18) Peyton Manning
19) Calvin Johnson
20) Brian Westbrook
21) Randy Moss
22) Steve Smith
23) Anquan Boldin
24) Philip Rivers
25) Reggie Wayne
26) Greg Jennings
27) Roddy White
28) Ronnie Brown
29) Terrell Owens
30) Joseph Addai
31) Kevin Smith
32) Ryan Grant
33) Marshawn Lynch
34) Aaron Rodgers
35) Braylon Edwards
36) Wes Welker
37) Roy Williams
38) Dwayne Bowe
39) Tony Romo
40) Kurt Warner
41) Marques Colston
42) Knowshon Moreno
43) Chris Wells
44) Brandon Marshall
45) Thomas Jones
46) Matt Ryan
47) Reggie Bush
48) Darren McFadden
49) Jay Cutler
50) Pierre Thomas
1) Adrian Peterson
2) Michael Turner
3) LaDanian Tomlinson
4) Maurice Jones-Drew
5) Matt Forte
6) Frank Gore
7) Steven Jackson
8) Drew Brees
9) Larry Fitzgerald
10) DeAngelo Williams
11) Clinton Portis
12) Chris Johnson
13) Andre Johnson
14) Brandon Jacobs
15) Steve Slaton
16) Tom Brady
17) Marion Barber
18) Peyton Manning
19) Calvin Johnson
20) Brian Westbrook
21) Randy Moss
22) Steve Smith
23) Anquan Boldin
24) Philip Rivers
25) Reggie Wayne
26) Greg Jennings
27) Roddy White
28) Ronnie Brown
29) Terrell Owens
30) Joseph Addai
31) Kevin Smith
32) Ryan Grant
33) Marshawn Lynch
34) Aaron Rodgers
35) Braylon Edwards
36) Wes Welker
37) Roy Williams
38) Dwayne Bowe
39) Tony Romo
40) Kurt Warner
41) Marques Colston
42) Knowshon Moreno
43) Chris Wells
44) Brandon Marshall
45) Thomas Jones
46) Matt Ryan
47) Reggie Bush
48) Darren McFadden
49) Jay Cutler
50) Pierre Thomas
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Brandon Marshall stock is dropping
The Denver Broncos said they are aware of a radio report that said holdout receiver Brandon Marshall asked team owner Pat Bowlen for a trade during a meeting Friday.
However, a team spokesman said Denver does not have any comment on the report. Adam Schefter, who will join ESPN in August, reported Monday on KOA in Denver that Marshall requested the trade during a meeting Friday. Marshall's agent, Kennard McGuire, did not return phone messages Monday.
Marshall skipped Denver's mandatory minicamp Friday-Sunday. He is protesting because he has medical trust issues and he wants a pay raise. Marshall's contract expires after next season. Marshall had hip surgery in March and he won't be able to practice until training camp starts late next month. Still, he was required to rehabilitate at the camp. Denver can fine him for missing the sessions.
Marshall is entering his fourth season and made his first Pro Bowl in 2008. He has had back-to-back 100-plus catch seasons.
The Marshall situation is another issue for new Denver coach Josh McDaniels. The former New England offensive coordinator took over for the fired Mike Shanahan after 14 years. McDaniels' tenure in Denver got off to a rocky start when Pro Bowl quarterback Jay Cutler was traded to Chicago. The saga began when Cutler caught wind that the new coach was considering trading him in a package for Matt Cassel, who starred for McDaniels in New England last season.
However, a team spokesman said Denver does not have any comment on the report. Adam Schefter, who will join ESPN in August, reported Monday on KOA in Denver that Marshall requested the trade during a meeting Friday. Marshall's agent, Kennard McGuire, did not return phone messages Monday.
Marshall skipped Denver's mandatory minicamp Friday-Sunday. He is protesting because he has medical trust issues and he wants a pay raise. Marshall's contract expires after next season. Marshall had hip surgery in March and he won't be able to practice until training camp starts late next month. Still, he was required to rehabilitate at the camp. Denver can fine him for missing the sessions.
Marshall is entering his fourth season and made his first Pro Bowl in 2008. He has had back-to-back 100-plus catch seasons.
The Marshall situation is another issue for new Denver coach Josh McDaniels. The former New England offensive coordinator took over for the fired Mike Shanahan after 14 years. McDaniels' tenure in Denver got off to a rocky start when Pro Bowl quarterback Jay Cutler was traded to Chicago. The saga began when Cutler caught wind that the new coach was considering trading him in a package for Matt Cassel, who starred for McDaniels in New England last season.
More Brett Favre news...is...isn't he?
Brett Favre will know in several weeks whether his surgically repaired arm will allow him to come out of retirement again.
The quarterback made his first public comments since retiring from the New York Jets in February in an interview Monday night on "Joe Buck Live." He said the only team he has spoken to is the Minnesota Vikings -- and that they would be a perfect fit because he's familiar with their offense.
The three-time NFL MVP said Dr. James Andrews performed the surgery 2½ weeks ago on his throwing arm. Andrews told him it would take 4-5 weeks to know if he'll be able to make all the throws he needs to.
"If it ever gets to the point where it feels like it did before it started hurting, then the biggest question mark is out of the way," Favre said.
Favre said Vikings coach Brad Childress wanted him to attend Minnesota's recent organized team activities, but he declined.
"I figured there would be a media frenzy if I was there," he said. "And there would be a media frenzy if I couldn't play, if we had to say three weeks later, 'You know, his arm's just not up to par. He can't play.'
"So why not have just one media frenzy, and that be later on?"
HBO said Favre agreed in April to appear on the show at the request of Buck, the longtime baseball and football announcer. That was before his release from the Jets, which prompted Minnesota's pursuit of the NFL's career leader in touchdown passes.
Asked by Buck if he would play this season, Favre replied, "Um ... " After a pause, he said, "Maybe."
"I know people are tired of it, really," Favre said earlier of the drama that accompanies his annual waffling over retirement. "My intentions are not to -- although it's good for you -- create controversy."
The Vikings were a presumed suitor last summer when Favre renounced his retirement from the Packers and was told Green Bay was going with Aaron Rodgers at quarterback. But the Packers weren't going to let him go to their NFC North rivals, and after a messy divorce with Green Bay, Favre was shipped to the Jets.
He threw 22 touchdown passes and 22 interceptions last season. The team finished out 1-4 and missed the playoffs, as Favre was bothered by a torn biceps tendon.
The Vikings won their division without him, but have been unsettled at the sport's most important position for the past three-plus years. Quarterback continues to be viewed as one of the team's few weak spots on an otherwise talent-laden roster.
"It makes a lot of sense because the pieces are in place," Favre said.
He said he met with a Vikings trainer Sunday to go over some arm exercises as part of his rehab, but the team has not made plans to evaluate his readiness to play. Favre said his conversations with Vikings officials have been infrequent and limited.
"Nothing other than, 'Are you interested?'" he said. "And vice versa."
The quarterback made his first public comments since retiring from the New York Jets in February in an interview Monday night on "Joe Buck Live." He said the only team he has spoken to is the Minnesota Vikings -- and that they would be a perfect fit because he's familiar with their offense.
The three-time NFL MVP said Dr. James Andrews performed the surgery 2½ weeks ago on his throwing arm. Andrews told him it would take 4-5 weeks to know if he'll be able to make all the throws he needs to.
"If it ever gets to the point where it feels like it did before it started hurting, then the biggest question mark is out of the way," Favre said.
Favre said Vikings coach Brad Childress wanted him to attend Minnesota's recent organized team activities, but he declined.
"I figured there would be a media frenzy if I was there," he said. "And there would be a media frenzy if I couldn't play, if we had to say three weeks later, 'You know, his arm's just not up to par. He can't play.'
"So why not have just one media frenzy, and that be later on?"
HBO said Favre agreed in April to appear on the show at the request of Buck, the longtime baseball and football announcer. That was before his release from the Jets, which prompted Minnesota's pursuit of the NFL's career leader in touchdown passes.
Asked by Buck if he would play this season, Favre replied, "Um ... " After a pause, he said, "Maybe."
"I know people are tired of it, really," Favre said earlier of the drama that accompanies his annual waffling over retirement. "My intentions are not to -- although it's good for you -- create controversy."
The Vikings were a presumed suitor last summer when Favre renounced his retirement from the Packers and was told Green Bay was going with Aaron Rodgers at quarterback. But the Packers weren't going to let him go to their NFC North rivals, and after a messy divorce with Green Bay, Favre was shipped to the Jets.
He threw 22 touchdown passes and 22 interceptions last season. The team finished out 1-4 and missed the playoffs, as Favre was bothered by a torn biceps tendon.
The Vikings won their division without him, but have been unsettled at the sport's most important position for the past three-plus years. Quarterback continues to be viewed as one of the team's few weak spots on an otherwise talent-laden roster.
"It makes a lot of sense because the pieces are in place," Favre said.
He said he met with a Vikings trainer Sunday to go over some arm exercises as part of his rehab, but the team has not made plans to evaluate his readiness to play. Favre said his conversations with Vikings officials have been infrequent and limited.
"Nothing other than, 'Are you interested?'" he said. "And vice versa."
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
My Mock Version #1
My Mock Version #1 (June 10th 2009) Top 50
1) Adrian Peterson
2) Michael Turner
3) Matt Forte
4) Drew Brees
5) LaDanian Tomlinson
6) Frank Gore
7) Chris Johnson
8) Maurice Jones-Drew
9) Clinton Portis
10) DeAngelo Williams
11) Larry Fitzgerald
12) Steven Jackson
13) Brandon Jacobs
14) Marion Barber
15) Steve Slaton
16) Tom Brady
17) Andre Johnson
18) Peyton Manning
19) Calvin Johnson
20) Brian Westbrook
21) Steve Smith
22) Randy Moss
23) Anquan Boldin
24) Philip Rivers
25) Reggie Wayne
26) Aaron Rodgers
27) Greg Jennings
28) Roddy White
29) Ronnie Brown
30) Terrell Owens
31) Kevin Smith
32) Joseph Addai
33) Ryan Grant
34) Marshawn Lynch
35) Braylon Edwards
36) Wes Welker
37) Pierre Thomas
38) Dwayne Bowe
39) Tony Romo
40) Kurt Warner
41) Marques Colston
42) Knowshon Moreno
43) Chris Wells
44) Brandon Marshall
45) Thomas Jones
46) Matt Ryan
47) Reggie Bush
48) Darren McFadden
49) Jay Cutler
50) Roy Williams
1) Adrian Peterson
2) Michael Turner
3) Matt Forte
4) Drew Brees
5) LaDanian Tomlinson
6) Frank Gore
7) Chris Johnson
8) Maurice Jones-Drew
9) Clinton Portis
10) DeAngelo Williams
11) Larry Fitzgerald
12) Steven Jackson
13) Brandon Jacobs
14) Marion Barber
15) Steve Slaton
16) Tom Brady
17) Andre Johnson
18) Peyton Manning
19) Calvin Johnson
20) Brian Westbrook
21) Steve Smith
22) Randy Moss
23) Anquan Boldin
24) Philip Rivers
25) Reggie Wayne
26) Aaron Rodgers
27) Greg Jennings
28) Roddy White
29) Ronnie Brown
30) Terrell Owens
31) Kevin Smith
32) Joseph Addai
33) Ryan Grant
34) Marshawn Lynch
35) Braylon Edwards
36) Wes Welker
37) Pierre Thomas
38) Dwayne Bowe
39) Tony Romo
40) Kurt Warner
41) Marques Colston
42) Knowshon Moreno
43) Chris Wells
44) Brandon Marshall
45) Thomas Jones
46) Matt Ryan
47) Reggie Bush
48) Darren McFadden
49) Jay Cutler
50) Roy Williams
Monday, June 8, 2009
Minnesota Vikings coach Brad Childress has imposed a deadline of this week for Brett Favre to decide whether he will be the team's quarterback for the upcoming season, according to two sources.
Favre, however, is apparently reluctant to commit to playing a 19th NFL season without first being more confident the arthroscopic surgery performed recently on his throwing shoulder has succeeded in eliminating all of the problems related to a torn biceps tendon.
It would seem reasonable that both Favre and the Vikings want to know his shoulder is healthy before reaching an agreement, and the team is virtually certain to insist on seeing the 39-year-old quarterback throw before any contract is signed. Minnesota has four organized team activity sessions this week, beginning Tuesday.
While sources say Favre has done some throwing since the surgery, they describe him as being unconvinced that his passing arm is game-ready. Favre has always been unpredictable when making major career decisions, so only he would know what he will do if he believes the Vikings are forcing him to make a decision before he is fully prepared. Favre has claimed he did that two years ago in retiring from the Green Bay Packers even though he had doubts at the time, and he made a decision to leave the game that he began to regret even as he was announcing it.
According to sources, Favre is conflicted between his desire to provide the Vikings with the quarterback he believes is the only thing they lack to be a legitimate Super Bowl contender and his resolve to feel confident enough in his shoulder that it will not undermine his performance, which eroded under a league-high nine interceptions the final month of last season when the Jets faded from playoff contention. Favre took personal responsibility for the Jets' failure, blaming his painful shoulder for creating a random lack of arm strength and throwing accuracy.
The Vikings are the Packers' rivals in the NFC North, and the team that Favre wanted to play for last season after deciding to come out of retirement. But the Packers controlled Favre's rights, and general manager Ted Thompson refused to consider trading Favre to Minnesota. Not only that, but Thompson was so determined to ensure the Green Bay icon could not play for the Packers' hated rival twice a year that he included a clause in the trade agreement with the Jets that the Packers would be compensated with three first-round draft choices if Favre were dealt to the Vikings.
But Favre effectively circumvented that when he retired in February for a second time and later received his unconditional release from the Jets after they traded up to select USC quarterback Mark Sanchez in the first round of the draft in April. That created the opportunity for Favre and the Vikings to discuss a partnership that could damage the quarterback's legacy in Green Bay.
Favre, however, is apparently reluctant to commit to playing a 19th NFL season without first being more confident the arthroscopic surgery performed recently on his throwing shoulder has succeeded in eliminating all of the problems related to a torn biceps tendon.
It would seem reasonable that both Favre and the Vikings want to know his shoulder is healthy before reaching an agreement, and the team is virtually certain to insist on seeing the 39-year-old quarterback throw before any contract is signed. Minnesota has four organized team activity sessions this week, beginning Tuesday.
While sources say Favre has done some throwing since the surgery, they describe him as being unconvinced that his passing arm is game-ready. Favre has always been unpredictable when making major career decisions, so only he would know what he will do if he believes the Vikings are forcing him to make a decision before he is fully prepared. Favre has claimed he did that two years ago in retiring from the Green Bay Packers even though he had doubts at the time, and he made a decision to leave the game that he began to regret even as he was announcing it.
According to sources, Favre is conflicted between his desire to provide the Vikings with the quarterback he believes is the only thing they lack to be a legitimate Super Bowl contender and his resolve to feel confident enough in his shoulder that it will not undermine his performance, which eroded under a league-high nine interceptions the final month of last season when the Jets faded from playoff contention. Favre took personal responsibility for the Jets' failure, blaming his painful shoulder for creating a random lack of arm strength and throwing accuracy.
The Vikings are the Packers' rivals in the NFC North, and the team that Favre wanted to play for last season after deciding to come out of retirement. But the Packers controlled Favre's rights, and general manager Ted Thompson refused to consider trading Favre to Minnesota. Not only that, but Thompson was so determined to ensure the Green Bay icon could not play for the Packers' hated rival twice a year that he included a clause in the trade agreement with the Jets that the Packers would be compensated with three first-round draft choices if Favre were dealt to the Vikings.
But Favre effectively circumvented that when he retired in February for a second time and later received his unconditional release from the Jets after they traded up to select USC quarterback Mark Sanchez in the first round of the draft in April. That created the opportunity for Favre and the Vikings to discuss a partnership that could damage the quarterback's legacy in Green Bay.
Friday, June 5, 2009
My Top 10 QB predictions for this coming season!
I have been in the fantasy football mood since Yahoo released their leagues yesterday. I think I will post my top 10 fantasy players for the upcoming season. I am going to rank the top 10 quarterback, running back, and receivers according to my draft strategy and reasoning.
QB
1) Peyton Manning
a. Easily the most consistent QB of our generation. I think he will have his average 3800+ yds and 25+ TD. That is hard to bet against in any given year.
2) Drew Brees
a. I have a hard time believing he will match last year’s stats. With that said he is still a fantasy given at the top of this list.
3) Philip Rivers
a. He has been on the brink of breaking through for a couple years and I think this year is it. Fantasy wise, the Chargers are going to bounce back this year.
4) Aaron Rodgers
a. He was in the top 10 in any league last year. This is his second year at the helm and he will become top 5 I guarantee this!
5) Tom Brady
a. He will have another Brady year, but it will not be top tier this season. I think next season he is back in the top 3.
6) Tony Romo
a. He ,like Brees, is a typical fantasy QB. He puts up the ball whether it is a touchdown or INT he throws it.
7) Jay Cutler
a. He is going to prove he is the top tier QB that he is. I think he is mad the Denver saga looked as if they didn’t want him. He is hungry!
8) Matt Ryan
a. He is the real deal. Atlanta got better in its passing game by acquiring Tony Gonzalez and that will help Ryan very much.
9) Carson Palmer
a. He will bounce back to the top QB he was a couple years back. Bringing in Coles should help with the loss of TJH. I think Palmer is a prototypical QB.
10) Kurt Warner
a. He is also a passer, no matter what the defense gives him, a pass can be thrown.
QB
1) Peyton Manning
a. Easily the most consistent QB of our generation. I think he will have his average 3800+ yds and 25+ TD. That is hard to bet against in any given year.
2) Drew Brees
a. I have a hard time believing he will match last year’s stats. With that said he is still a fantasy given at the top of this list.
3) Philip Rivers
a. He has been on the brink of breaking through for a couple years and I think this year is it. Fantasy wise, the Chargers are going to bounce back this year.
4) Aaron Rodgers
a. He was in the top 10 in any league last year. This is his second year at the helm and he will become top 5 I guarantee this!
5) Tom Brady
a. He will have another Brady year, but it will not be top tier this season. I think next season he is back in the top 3.
6) Tony Romo
a. He ,like Brees, is a typical fantasy QB. He puts up the ball whether it is a touchdown or INT he throws it.
7) Jay Cutler
a. He is going to prove he is the top tier QB that he is. I think he is mad the Denver saga looked as if they didn’t want him. He is hungry!
8) Matt Ryan
a. He is the real deal. Atlanta got better in its passing game by acquiring Tony Gonzalez and that will help Ryan very much.
9) Carson Palmer
a. He will bounce back to the top QB he was a couple years back. Bringing in Coles should help with the loss of TJH. I think Palmer is a prototypical QB.
10) Kurt Warner
a. He is also a passer, no matter what the defense gives him, a pass can be thrown.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
QB merry-go-round
Browns coach Eric Mangini says he will not decide on Brady Quinn or Derek Anderson as Cleveland's starting quarterback until late in the preseason.
Mangini said before Thursday's voluntary practice that he will take his time evaluating the two quarterbacks and wants to see how they play in preseason games before making his choice.
Anderson was a Pro Bowl selection in 2007, but lost his job midway through last season to Quinn, the former Notre Dame star and first-round draft pick. Both Quinn (finger) and Anderson (knee) suffered season-ending injuries last season, when the Browns offense failed to score a touchdown in the club's final six games. Cleveland finished 4-12 and replaced coach Romeo Crennel with Mangini.
Mangini said before Thursday's voluntary practice that he will take his time evaluating the two quarterbacks and wants to see how they play in preseason games before making his choice.
Anderson was a Pro Bowl selection in 2007, but lost his job midway through last season to Quinn, the former Notre Dame star and first-round draft pick. Both Quinn (finger) and Anderson (knee) suffered season-ending injuries last season, when the Browns offense failed to score a touchdown in the club's final six games. Cleveland finished 4-12 and replaced coach Romeo Crennel with Mangini.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Cowboys release pro bowl LB
The Dallas Cowboys, perhaps wanting to avoid any more offseason turmoil with veteran Greg Ellis, released the Pro Bowl linebacker Tuesday.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones had acknowledged last week that the 12th-year pro, who has a recent history of complaining about his role, his contract, or both, likely would be playing elsewhere this fall.
But the writing already was on the wall by April's NFL draft, when the Cowboys focused on players who could help them on the pass rush, and Ellis, 33, did not participate in the team's May 21 organized team activities session.
By releasing him, the Cowboys save the $4.15 million he was scheduled to make in 2009. But they're also losing a team leader, and Ellis is the players' union team representative.
Ellis, the Cowboys' first-round pick in 1998, played in 162 games -- all with Dallas -- and started 156 of them.
Ellis complained in 2006 about moving from defensive end to linebacker, saying the Cowboys and former coach Bill Parcells were setting him up to fail in the new 3-4 defensive alignment.
After that turned out OK, Ellis squawked again a year later when the Cowboys drafted Anthony Spencer, another college defensive end they planned to move to outside linebacker.
Back then, Ellis said he was sure they were trying to replace him and demanded a new contract that showed the team's commitment. He got the new deal in 2007 and responded with his best season, a Pro Bowl year with a career-high 12½ sacks despite missing the first three games recovering from a torn Achilles tendon. He was named the NFL Comeback Player of the Year in 2007.
Ellis finished his Cowboys career with 634 tackles, 36 tackles for losses, 197 quarterback pressures and 77 sacks.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones had acknowledged last week that the 12th-year pro, who has a recent history of complaining about his role, his contract, or both, likely would be playing elsewhere this fall.
But the writing already was on the wall by April's NFL draft, when the Cowboys focused on players who could help them on the pass rush, and Ellis, 33, did not participate in the team's May 21 organized team activities session.
By releasing him, the Cowboys save the $4.15 million he was scheduled to make in 2009. But they're also losing a team leader, and Ellis is the players' union team representative.
Ellis, the Cowboys' first-round pick in 1998, played in 162 games -- all with Dallas -- and started 156 of them.
Ellis complained in 2006 about moving from defensive end to linebacker, saying the Cowboys and former coach Bill Parcells were setting him up to fail in the new 3-4 defensive alignment.
After that turned out OK, Ellis squawked again a year later when the Cowboys drafted Anthony Spencer, another college defensive end they planned to move to outside linebacker.
Back then, Ellis said he was sure they were trying to replace him and demanded a new contract that showed the team's commitment. He got the new deal in 2007 and responded with his best season, a Pro Bowl year with a career-high 12½ sacks despite missing the first three games recovering from a torn Achilles tendon. He was named the NFL Comeback Player of the Year in 2007.
Ellis finished his Cowboys career with 634 tackles, 36 tackles for losses, 197 quarterback pressures and 77 sacks.
Anquan Boldin still may move teams before preseason
Arizona Cardinals general manager Rod Graves says he looks forward to working with Anquan Boldin's new agent, Tom Condon.
Condon has not confirmed multiple reports he was hired by Boldin, but Graves ended any doubt with his comments after the Cardinals practiced on Monday.
"I look forward to working with him on this deal whenever we can get the opportunity to concentrate on it," Graves said.
Graves said he's already had contact with Condon.
"I anticipate a meeting with him sometime later this month," Graves said.
Condon, who represents such NFL stars as Peyton and Eli Manning and Marvin Harrison, did not return messages left at his office and on his cell phone. Condon's clients also include Cardinals backup quarterback Matt Leinart.
Boldin, embroiled in a long contract fight with the Cardinals, fired Drew Rosenhaus. The wide receiver has had a number of representatives since being drafted out of Florida State in 2003. Boldin sat out minicamp last month, citing a sore hamstring. He has been a no-show in the subsequent voluntary workouts.
Graves said the Cardinals are working on new contracts for safety Adrian Wilson and linebacker Karlos Dansby before turning their attention to Boldin.
Asked if there would be enough money under the salary cap to sign Boldin this year, Graves said, "It will have some challenges. There's certainly cause for some give and take and creativity on both sides, but Tom's been noted for that. Again, I just look forward to sitting with him and we'll find out where we are at that point."
Will Boldin's switch to Condon make it easier to reach an agreement?
"I don't know, we'll see," Graves said. "I look forward to talking with him. We've had a history of being able to get deals done with Tom Condon."
Boldin, who has made the Pro Bowl three of his six NFL seasons, has two years left on his contract but says the Cardinals lied to him when they failed to follow through on what he says was a promise for a new contract a year ago. Through Rosenhaus, Boldin asked to be traded, but the Cardinals say they won't make any deal without getting sufficient compensation and prefer to re-sign him.
Meanwhile, the Cardinals got a scare when their other Pro Bowl receiver, Larry Fitzgerald, landed awkwardly while stretching to make a catch in Monday's practice, hurting his groin. After a few moments, he got up and rejoined the practice.
He walked past reporters as he left the field, saying he needed to get treatment.
"It was a little something," Fitzgerald said. "I'll be OK."
Condon has not confirmed multiple reports he was hired by Boldin, but Graves ended any doubt with his comments after the Cardinals practiced on Monday.
"I look forward to working with him on this deal whenever we can get the opportunity to concentrate on it," Graves said.
Graves said he's already had contact with Condon.
"I anticipate a meeting with him sometime later this month," Graves said.
Condon, who represents such NFL stars as Peyton and Eli Manning and Marvin Harrison, did not return messages left at his office and on his cell phone. Condon's clients also include Cardinals backup quarterback Matt Leinart.
Boldin, embroiled in a long contract fight with the Cardinals, fired Drew Rosenhaus. The wide receiver has had a number of representatives since being drafted out of Florida State in 2003. Boldin sat out minicamp last month, citing a sore hamstring. He has been a no-show in the subsequent voluntary workouts.
Graves said the Cardinals are working on new contracts for safety Adrian Wilson and linebacker Karlos Dansby before turning their attention to Boldin.
Asked if there would be enough money under the salary cap to sign Boldin this year, Graves said, "It will have some challenges. There's certainly cause for some give and take and creativity on both sides, but Tom's been noted for that. Again, I just look forward to sitting with him and we'll find out where we are at that point."
Will Boldin's switch to Condon make it easier to reach an agreement?
"I don't know, we'll see," Graves said. "I look forward to talking with him. We've had a history of being able to get deals done with Tom Condon."
Boldin, who has made the Pro Bowl three of his six NFL seasons, has two years left on his contract but says the Cardinals lied to him when they failed to follow through on what he says was a promise for a new contract a year ago. Through Rosenhaus, Boldin asked to be traded, but the Cardinals say they won't make any deal without getting sufficient compensation and prefer to re-sign him.
Meanwhile, the Cardinals got a scare when their other Pro Bowl receiver, Larry Fitzgerald, landed awkwardly while stretching to make a catch in Monday's practice, hurting his groin. After a few moments, he got up and rejoined the practice.
He walked past reporters as he left the field, saying he needed to get treatment.
"It was a little something," Fitzgerald said. "I'll be OK."
Vince Young : Play me or else!
Tennessee Titans quarterback Vince Young isn't saying "play me or trade me," but he's coming pretty close.
In an interview with Baltimore's WMAR-TV, Young said if he doesn't win back his starting job, he wants to move on. The problem is that Kerry Collins is still the starter.
"I definitely want to get back out there playing ball and picking up where I left off, winning games and having a good time with my teammates and with the fans," Young said, according to the television station. "At the same time, if them guys don't want me to be in there, it's time for me to make a career change for myself. Because the fact is I'm ready to play ball. If they're not ready for me to play ball, then somebody is."
The former rookie of the year suffered a knee injury in the first game of the season last year. Veteran Kerry Collins stepped in and was the starter for the remainder of the year, leading the Titans to a 13-3 record and the playoffs.
Young's season was further marred by an incident after that first game against Jacksonville in which the quarterback was reported missing. He was later found and there was some question as to his state of mind.
This offseason, Titans coach Jeff Fisher said that Young would have to unseat Collins as the starter.
"I'm still focused, staying focused," Young said, according to WMAR. "I got a lot of people that look up to me. I got a lot of fans that love me and want to see me back out on the football field."
In an interview with Baltimore's WMAR-TV, Young said if he doesn't win back his starting job, he wants to move on. The problem is that Kerry Collins is still the starter.
"I definitely want to get back out there playing ball and picking up where I left off, winning games and having a good time with my teammates and with the fans," Young said, according to the television station. "At the same time, if them guys don't want me to be in there, it's time for me to make a career change for myself. Because the fact is I'm ready to play ball. If they're not ready for me to play ball, then somebody is."
The former rookie of the year suffered a knee injury in the first game of the season last year. Veteran Kerry Collins stepped in and was the starter for the remainder of the year, leading the Titans to a 13-3 record and the playoffs.
Young's season was further marred by an incident after that first game against Jacksonville in which the quarterback was reported missing. He was later found and there was some question as to his state of mind.
This offseason, Titans coach Jeff Fisher said that Young would have to unseat Collins as the starter.
"I'm still focused, staying focused," Young said, according to WMAR. "I got a lot of people that look up to me. I got a lot of fans that love me and want to see me back out on the football field."
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