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| Raiders.com |
NFL Contributor
To say the Oakland Raiders are in a transition phase would be an understatement. The Raiders are in the midst of an all-out overhaul headed into the 2012 NFL season.
Raiders head coach Dennis Allen has installed his version of the 3-4 defense and while the new scheme fits well for the defensive line and safety positions, there are questions going into training camp about the linebackers and cornerbacks.
At corner the Raiders added two veterans in Ron Bartell and Shawntae Spencer. However, both were recently released from their previous teams and are both 30-years-old; so expecting more from them at this stage in their careers compared to what they've achieved previously would be wishful thinking.
The remaining cornerbacks on the roster have two years experience or less, most notably DeMarcus Van Dyke and Chimdi Chekwa, both selected in the 2011 NFL draft.
The Raiders’ cornerbacks will have to adapt quickly if they expect to have even remote success on defense. Defensive coordinator Jason Tarver will have to allow Van Dyke and Chekwa to play through mistakes and learn on the fly in a division where throwing the ball will occur early and often.
The linebacker corps is in even worse shape after the departure of Kamerion Wimbley and the likely suspension of Rolando McClain. These problems put pressure on young linebackers Aaron Curry, Travis Goethel and Philip Wheeler, all of whom are probable starters for the beginning of the 2012 NFL season.
To relieve some of that pressure, the Raiders would be wise to look into bringing a veteran linebacker aboard with experience in a 3-4 defense. A veteran would give the young defense leadership it desperately needs after the Raiders ranked third in penalties last season.
Fortunately, Oakland's defensive line will anchor the defense in 2012 with productive young defensive ends Lamarr Houston and Matt Shaughnessy. Also former Pro Bowl defensive tackle Richard Seymour will hold down the middle of the defense and try to continue a solid career in Oakland.
Tyvon Branch and Michael Huff will roam the secondary at the two safety spots for the Raiders in 2012. Both are talented and provide Allen with something he didn’t have in Denver; top notch speed at both safety positions.
Don’t expect Allen’s defense to flourish during his first year in Oakland, especially with quarterbacks like Philip Rivers and Peyton Manning in the AFC West. The Raiders will struggle on defense, but have pieces in place to make the transition a little less taxing.
After years of constant turnover the Raiders would be smart to wait this new coaching staff out and allow them to install their style of football. After all, Allen led the Denver Broncos’ defense that helped them become division champs in 2011.
Expect the good, the bad and the ugly on defense for the Raiders in 2012. Nothing more and nothing less.
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| NewOrleansSaints.com |
Featured NFL Writer
Contract negotiations between the New Orleans Saints and quarterback Drew Brees continue to go nowhere, but moves behind the scenes could position Brees to leave New Orleans if he is willing to sit out the 2012 season.
The NFLPA has asked an arbitrator to rule on whether Brees received the franchise tag for the second time when the Saints tagged him this offseason, according to ESPN. Brees played under the franchise tag in San Diego in 2005.
If the arbitrator agrees with the union's interpretation that both tags count toward the career maximum of three, even with a new collective bargaining agreement happening in between, then the Saints could only tag Brees one more time in 2013.
A union-favorable ruling would also cost the Saints more money to tag Brees in 2013 - 144 percent of the $16.371 million 2012 tag, versus 120 percent for a player on his second tag. The difference would be nearly $4 million in 2013 and would make Brees completely free in 2014 if he wishes.
Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio uncovered another loophole in the CBA that could spring Brees even sooner. Florio reported that Brees cannot receive the exclusive franchise tag in 2013. That means that even if the Saints tag Brees again, they cannot prevent him from negotiating with other teams. Instead, they would receive a first- and third-round picks if they choose not to match an offer Brees gets elsewhere.
The report led to immediate speculation that Brees could look to land elsewhere in 2013, such as with the Dallas Cowboys. Such speculation seems like a pipe dream, but these two quirks in the CBA mean that the speculation is not completely unfounded.
Both CBA technicalities should give Brees a bit more negotiating leverage this offseason. If the Saints cannot ensure that he stays in New Orleans beyond 2012 by using franchise tags, and if Brees will cost $40 million over two years if he signs back-to-back franchise tags, then the Saints have little room to play hardball.
That is because Brees can put the screws to the Saints either by forcing them to pay $40 million over the next two years - clogging the cap even more in 2013 than he will if he plays under the franchise tag in 2012 - or by signing a heavily front-loaded offer sheet in 2013 that forces the Saints to make serious salary-cap concessions elsewhere.
Chances are that Brees will try to use the leverage provided by these technicalities to force the Saints' hand and land a long-term deal. But now that there's a road map for Brees to leave New Orleans, planning an exit strategy is in the realm of possibility too.
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| Redskins.com |
Featured NFL Writer
With the NFL Draft over and free agency winding down, here is a look at who is coming, going and who to watch for when it comes to the Washington Redskins in 2012.
2011 Finish: 5-11, last place in NFC East. Since reaching the playoffs in 2007, the Redskins have finished last in their division each of the last four seasons.
Hello: Rookie and 2011 Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III appears perfectly suited for what head coach Mike Shanahan looks for in a quarterback and even before his arrival, the team bolstered their wide receiving corps via free agency with Pierre Garcon (Colts) and Josh Morgan (49ers), who will team up with veteran Santana Moss and promising second-year wideout Leonard Hankerson to give the ‘Skins some big-play potential.
There will also be a new starting safety tandem via one-time Patriots’ Pro Bowler Brandon Meriweather (Bears) and Tanard Jackson (Buccaneers), the latter who played for new defensive backs coach Raheem Morris in Tampa. And while placekicker Graham Gano remains on the roster, he will be challenged by veteran Neil Rackers (Texans).
Goodbye: Shortly after the draft, the team released wide receiver Jabar Gaffney, who totaled career-highs in catches and receiving yards in leading the Redskins in both categories last season. The one-time Patriots’ wideout (now back with the franchise) was made expendable due in part to the additions of Garcon and Morgan. And speaking of New England, wide receiver Donte Stallworth also took the free agent path back to Foxborough.
Goodbye: Shortly after the draft, the team released wide receiver Jabar Gaffney, who totaled career-highs in catches and receiving yards in leading the Redskins in both categories last season. The one-time Patriots’ wideout (now back with the franchise) was made expendable due in part to the additions of Garcon and Morgan. And speaking of New England, wide receiver Donte Stallworth also took the free agent path back to Foxborough.
The selection of quarterback Kirk Cousins resulted in the team releasing journeyman signal-caller John Beck (0-3 as a starter in 2011), who signed with Houston. And those aforementioned changes at safety came when former first-round pick LaRon Landry signed with the Jets this offseason, while veteran O.J. Atogwe was let go.
Keep An Eye On: The offense. First: Can second-year running back Roy Helu pick up where he left off late last season? Second: Griffin and ball security. The team has gone through three starting quarterbacks in Shanahan’s first two seasons with the Redskins and a year ago, Rex Grossman (25) and John Beck (five) accounted for 30 of the team’s 35 turnovers.
Keep An Eye On: The offense. First: Can second-year running back Roy Helu pick up where he left off late last season? Second: Griffin and ball security. The team has gone through three starting quarterbacks in Shanahan’s first two seasons with the Redskins and a year ago, Rex Grossman (25) and John Beck (five) accounted for 30 of the team’s 35 turnovers.
Washington’s defense was ranked a respectable 13th in the league in yards allowed last season and boasted an improved pass rush thanks to Brian Orakpo (9.0) and rookie Ryan Kerrigan (7.5), who combined for 16.5 sacks. But it is hard to win when your team turns over the ball at least twice in 14-of-16 games.
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| Photo Courtesy Twitter.com |
Senior Writer
After defeating the Ohio State Buckeyes for the first official time since 2003 last season, it seems the Michigan Wolverines and their future recruits are feeling pretty good about themselves. Thanks to this new found confidence and excitement about the rivalry, one of the team’s new recruits decided to take to Twitter to express his feelings about the school from “Ohio”, as head coach Brady Hoke refers to them.
Class of 2013 recruit, Logan Tuley-Tillman, decided he would show Michigan his dedication by posting a picture of him burning an Ohio State recruiting letter on the popular social media site. This decision turned out to be a poor one, as masses of Buckeye fans have sent Tuley-Tillman threats via Twitter.
It is important to point out that this is just a game played by very young men at this level and fans threatening players is flat out wrong. Having noted that, what did Tuley-Tillman think was going to happen? This is one of, if not the, greatest rivalries in all of sport. Did he really think people weren't going to say anything to him?
Apparently not, because after receiving the threats he acted as though he was surprised by the responses. Tuley-Tillman said, “It made my mom upset, but I just told her it’s empty thoughts [threats]. It’s the biggest rivalry in sports. It’s sad that grown men and women get like this over a picture. I say women because there have been a few adult female Ohio State fans sending bad stuff, too. God bless them, though.”
While those comments were hardly the worst he could have made, he had to have known he would incite a negative reaction from Buckeyes fans by taking the picture. It may not be the burning of a flag, but to Ohio State fans and alumni it is equally insulting to see the Ohio State logo and colors burning for the whole world to see.
Tuley-Tillman is a massive offensive line prospect at 6’7” and 317 pounds, so it will be interesting to see how long it takes him to crack the starting lineup at Michigan once he gets there next season. Buckeyes players have already made it known they are more than happy to get acquainted with him on the field, and they probably are interested in giving him more than a handshake when they introduce themselves.
It is a sad day when any person receives threats of any kind, but one picture may have just refueled the fire for a rivalry that has lost some of its zeal after a rather lopsided decade in favor of the Buckeyes. So for that Mr. Tuley-Tillman, college football thanks you.
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| Buccaneers.com |
Featured NFL Writer
With the NFL Draft over and free agency winding down, here’s a look at who’s coming, going and who to watch for when it comes to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2012.
2011 Finish: 4-12, last place in NFC South. The rollercoaster Buccaneers finished 3-13 in 2009, won seven more games in 2010 (10-6) and won six fewer games in ’11.
2011 Finish: 4-12, last place in NFC South. The rollercoaster Buccaneers finished 3-13 in 2009, won seven more games in 2010 (10-6) and won six fewer games in ’11.
Hello: Where to begin? The organization wasted little time diving into free agency and came up with some of the bigger names in the form of Pro Bowl guard Carl Nicks, a huge addition for the Bucs and a big loss for the division rival Saints. Tampa also added former Pro Bowl wideout Vincent Jackson (Chargers), who gives quarterback Josh Freeman a huge big-play target, as well as highly-productive tight end Dallas Clark, who was released by the Colts.
In April, general manager Mark Dominik did a little wheeling and dealing and grabbed one of the fastest rising players in the draft in first-round safety Mark Barron (Alabama) and later secured linebacker Lavonte David in the second round, as the team looks to bounce back from allowing an NFL-high 494 points, as well as 56 offensive touchdowns in 2011.
Goodbye: In somewhat of a surprise, the team opted to part ways with talented tight end Kellen Winslow, who caught 218 passes (12 for touchdowns) in three seasons since joining the Buccaneers in 2009 but was dealt to Seattle in mid-May.
The Bucs also let safety Tanard Jackson go but he quickly found a home in Washington with former head coach Raheem Morris, now the defensive backs coach with the Redskins. Talented return artist Michael Spurlock took the free agency route to San Diego, while backup quarterback Josh Johnson (who started one game last season) signed with the 49ers.
Veteran center Jeff Faine was released by the club, as was defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth, who joined the Buccaneers after failing to make an impact in New England last fall.
Keep An Eye On: Both sides of the ball. After opening 4-2 last season, which included wins over the Falcons and Saints, this club not only closed with 10 consecutive losses but looked bad doing it and there was obviously plenty of blame to go around.
The Buccaneers committed 32 of their league-high 40 turnovers in those last 10 games (including 16 interceptions by Freeman over that stretch) while the club gave up 31 or more points in seven of their last eight contests. It will also be interesting to see the Tampa ground game with rookie Doug Martin and incumbent LeGarrette Blount--who’s rushed for 1,788 yards in two seasons with the team--vying for playing time.
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| Seahawks.com |
Senior Writer
The Seattle Seahawks are a team that some feel is on the cusp of real change, but many more still consider them to be steeped in mediocrity. However, it is still just too early to make a decision one way or another.
Head coach Pete Carroll held a town hall meeting at CenturyLink Field Tuesday night to discuss the topics the 12th Man fans feel are most important.
There were fans who reassured Carroll with comments like, "My buddies and I, we're behind ya'. There's no question, you're our leader."
It really was quite kind of them considering Carroll might have thought these middle-aged men, long past their primes, might not actually suit up and play for him if he asked them to. Of course their reassurance of him as "their" coach was meant to be taken as a compliment, and Carroll got a good chuckle out of that.
However, in between those comments, Carroll shared some interesting thoughts. He said, "What you have is a program that is battling. Could we have ever set it more in motion than with the quarterback situation?"
The Seahawks coach was only half-joking when he delivered that rhetorical question to the crowd. However, it seemed almost as if he was really asking that question of himself.
Carroll talked about how young the team is now in comparison to the team he led in 2010 when the Seahawks won the NFC West. The team that surprised so many by becoming a playoff team did so with the second-oldest roster in the league.
"We made all those transactions. We tried everything we could to just put together the best team we could. ... And by the last game somehow, by hook or crook we got to that Rams game and Charlie [Whitehurst] came out just flingin' that ball over there a little bit; defense played great and we win the division."
Carroll transitioned to talk of last season, focusing on his desire to inject a great deal of youth into the team. The Seahawks coach said that he accomplished his goal as Seattle fielded the youngest roster in the league in 2011. However that desire to get young caused more problems thanks to the lockout, which hampered any ability to utilize the offseason.
"We thought we could win too now, don't think we didn't," Carroll said. "But we struggled with the young guys. But by midseason this team turned around, and it changed."
So with the brief history lesson in where the team had been, Carroll then came to the present and where he sees the team progressing from here. He said this year, the mission was to keep the majority of players in place.
"We come into the offseason and we liked our young guys." Carroll told the crowd. "We're excited about the team; excited about where we're going."
"How about the draft," Carroll asked the crowd. "Now I know you guys were wondering. You were listening to the guys on television tellin' you about the draft."
Indeed many were wondering about the draft, and Carroll explained—pick by pick—the thought process that went in to all the selections as well as the offseason acquisitions.
However, for all the questions the head coach answered, he avoided the biggest question of all. Who will his starting quarterback be? That answer likely won't come for a few months yet.
In the meantime we go back to the question we started with—are the Seahawks a team on the verge of real progress or are they going to remain stagnant? It is Carroll's third season that will likely provide the answer we are looking for.
Follow National Football Authority on Twitter: @NFAuthority & @NateKuester.
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| Jaguars.com |
Senior Writer
Jacksonville Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew is the reigning NFL rushing champion and arguably one of the most exciting players in the entire league. The 5'7, 208-pound runner has proven time and time again that he is always a threat to make defenses pay.
According to some, however, Jones-Drew may be slowing down in his ripe old age of 27.
In a recent post, CBS Sports senior columnist Pete Prisco indicated that some members of the Jaguars organization seem to feel that Jones-Drew has lost a step.
"Jaguars sources say he isn't nearly as explosive as he used to be, and I would agree," Prisco wrote in his story examining the current status of Jones-Drew and New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees.
Prisco went on to explain, "Jones-Drew led the NFL in rushing last year for a team that was last in passing. That speaks volumes about his talent. But in watching tape of his runs, I think he left yards on the field. He turned many 3-yard gains into 7-yard gains, but also turned potential 20-yard gains into 7-yard gains."
If Jones-Drew left a lot of yards on the field last season, it is scary to think what he might have accomplished otherwise.
Such comments are not entirely surprising coming from the Jaguars organization. The team hopes to avoid renegotiating Jones-Drew's contract, which runs through next season. Jones-Drew will be 29 when his contract expires, and the talented running back has voiced his desire for a new deal. He likely knows that as he approaches the dreaded age of 30, the chances of nabbing one-last big payday greatly diminish.
Jones-Drew has not participated in the team's voluntary offseason program this year, but to be fair, he has a history of avoiding voluntary workouts.
While Jones-Drew's absence from organized team activities is not necessarily cause for concern, the alarming number of carries he has logged in recent seasons certainly is. Jones-Drew carried the ball 642 times in the past two seasons alone in addition to hauling in 77 passes in that span. Those numbers add up to a lot of wear and tear on a player who opponents are constantly game-planning to contain.
Jones-Drew's steadily increasing workload (he has seen an increase in his carries per game average every year since entering the league) is reason enough for the Jaguars to decline a contract extension as durability might become a concern in future seasons. However, throwing question at Jones-Drew's ability now appears to be a way for the team to send the message that contract negotiations are not in the current plans, even if the numbers do not support such claims.
The reigning rushing champion doesn't seem to have lost a step yet, but if Jones-Drew continues to be the lone focal point of the Jacksonville offense, that could soon change. Of course, the Jaguars could be done with Jones-Drew by then and ready to hand the ball off to a younger, and less-costly running back.
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| DenverBroncos.com |
Senior Writer
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning is living high these days in the Mile High City and don't think New York Jets QB Tim Tebow doesn't know it. Manning not only has Tebow's old job, but the new Denver QB has also usurped his predecessor's hold on the top-selling jersey for all players in the NFL.
Now, whether or not Tebow cares is another topic entirely and not for us to speculate. Remember the guy is a remarkably devout Christian and that whole jealousy thing doesn't exactly fly for those keeping track of sins. Even still, it has to come as somewhat of a slap to the face. Though, it would come as a complete shock if Tebow were to offer anything but praise to the future Hall of Famer.
The NFL shared the list of best-selling jerseys via online sales (www.nflshop.com) on Tuesday. It was revealed that Manning's new No. 18 Broncos jersey has paced as the best-seller over the last couple of months with Tebow's new Jets jersey in second place.
What does it all mean in big picture terms? Well, frankly nothing. Selling more jerseys than the other guy doesn't get you to the Superbowl, but it does mean you have a guy (in Manning's case more than Tebow's) that has a pretty good shot at getting you there. It is also worth noting that it's good to be king.
On a side note, Manning's replacement in Indianapolis – Andrew Luck – checked in at No. 4, while new Washington Redskins QB Robert Griffin III is one spot higher at No. 3. And all six of the top spots are held by quarterbacks, with eight signal-callers making the top 10.
The following is a list of the top 20 NFL players jerseys from www.nflshop.com
April 1 – May 28, 2012
1. Peyton Manning, Denver Broncos
2. Tim Tebow, New York Jets
3. Robert Griffin III, Washington Redskins
4. Andrew Luck, Indianapolis Colts
5. Eli Manning, New York Giants
6. Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers
7. Patrick Willis, San Francisco 49ers
8. Tom Brady, New England Patriots
9. Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers
10. Troy Polamalu, Pittsburgh Steelers
11. Tony Romo, Dallas Cowboys`
12. Ray Lewis, Baltimore Ravens
13. Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints
14. Rob Gronkowski, New England Patriots
15. Calvin Johnson, Detroit Lions
16. Clay Matthews, Green Bay Packers
17. Brian Urlacher, Chicago Bears
18. Victor Cruz, New York Giants
19. DeMarcus Ware, Dallas Cowboys
20. Darren McFadden, Oakland Raiders
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| Patriots.com |
Senior Writer
Wide receiver Anthony Gonzalez's time with the New England Patriots proved to be brief.
According to reports, the Patriots released Gonzalez on Tuesday, a little over two months after the former Colt signed with New England as an unrestricted free agent.
The Patriots currently have a number of veteran receivers on the roster, including Wes Welker, Chad Ochocinco, Deion Branch, Donte' Stallworth, Jabar Gaffney and Brandon Lloyd. Due to the sheer amount of depth the Patriots have at the position, Gonzalez was considered a long-shot to make the regular-season roster and it is not entirely surprising that the oft-injured receiver was considered expendable in late May.
The question for Gonzalez now, is whether or not another team will be willing to take a chance on a receiver who has talent, but who also has been virtually non-existent in recent years.
A first-round draft pick of Indianapolis in 2007, Gonzalez got off to a solid NFL start, amassing 1,240 receiving yards and seven touchdowns between 2007 and 2008. Unfortunately, a series of injuries quickly derailed his career, as Gonzalez has only appeared in 11 games and totaled just five receptions for 67 yards over the past three seasons.
While injury history and lack of production certainly do present a risk, there is no shortage of receiver-needy teams who may be willing to take a flier on Gonzalez, especially with the start of the regular season more than three months away.
One team that immediately comes to mind is the Broncos, where Gonzalez would join former teammate and new Denver quarterback Peyton Manning. Even though Gonzalez has not seen much game-day action recently, he knows Manning and his system well and at the very least could provide a bridge for Denver's other receivers as they adjust to the intricacies of a Manning-led offense.
Another possibility could be the Browns, who reportedly missed out on adding free agent receiver Pierre Garcon earlier in the offseason. Gonzalez is a Cleveland native, and the former St. Ignatius High School and Ohio State University star could show interest in joining his hometown Browns. Cleveland currently has a stable of promising young pass-catchers, but team president Mike Holmgren has not ruled out adding to the position via free agency.
Other teams reportedly looking to add wide receiver depth include the Houston Texans, Miami Dolphins and Baltimore Ravens.
Gonzalez should at least have an opportunity to catch on with a team prior to training camp, but making a regular season roster will be another matter entirely. If Gonzalez proves healthy and capable of quickly assimilating a new system, he might very well find a way to make 2012 a rebound year.
Another release, however, could mean the end of the line for the former first-round pick, who entered the NFL with high expectations, but simply failed to deliver.
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| Jaguars.com |
Senior Writer
The Houston Texans made their first trip to the post-season in 2012 and they did it largely by riding a rushing attack that ranked second in the league (153 yards per game).
Now it appears that the Texans are looking to make offensive balance an off-season priority. An improved passing game could help the Texans push toward a deep playoff run in 2012, and the team is taking steps to upgrade its wide receiving corps.
As we noted last week, the Texans lack depth behind all-world wideout Andre Johnson, who is one of the NFL's biggest playmakers but has also missed 12 games due to injury over the last two seasons.
Houston does have the services of nine-year veteran Kevin Walter, and added former Ohio State wideout DeVier Posey and former Michigan State receiver Keshawn Martin during April's draft. However, the team parted ways with reliable veteran Jacoby Jones during the offseason and it appears that the Texans are not quite done addressing the position.
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Texans plan to hold a Wednesday workout with wide receiver Mike Sims-Walker, who spent time with the St. Louis Rams and Jacksonville Jaguars last season.
The potential addition of Sims-Walker would give the Texans another veteran presence to go with Johnson and Walter and an another experienced player to help mentor the pair of rookie pass-catchers.
Sims-Walker brings low-risk/big-reward potential to Houston. The talented, yet often inconsistent wideout had his worst season as a pro in 2011, appearing in just six games with the Rams and Jaguars and hauling in a mere 12 passes for 150 yards. Therefore, the four-year veteran should come at a reasonable price, while looking to regain some of the playmaking potential that made him a star earlier in his career.
A third-round draft choice of the Jaguars in 2007, Sims-Walker exploded on the scene during the 2009 and 2010 seasons. The 6'2", 212-pound receiver hauled in 106 passes for 1,431 yards and 14 touchdowns during that two-year period before injuries and inconsistent quarterback play caused his production to fall off last season.
Houston would also gain a bit of an insurance policy by adding Sims-Walker, which would be a wise move given Johnson's recent injury history. Sims-Walker possesses the size, strength and straight-line speed to stretch defenses, even if he does not present the same dominating presence of Johnson.
Meanwhile, an opportunity in Houston would give Sims-Walker a chance to revive his career. A dominant running game, combined with the presence of Johnson and strong-armed quarterback Matt Schaub, would potentially give Sims-Walker a better opportunity to succeed than he has seen thus far in his career.
If Wednesday's workout goes well, expect to see Sims-Walker as a productive member of Houston's wide receiving corps this season, a situation that should benefit both parties involved.
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| Seahawks.com |
Senior Writer
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Golden Tate doesn't need anyone to tell him what he already knows. The pressure to perform has been dialed up a notch with the addition of pass-catching tight end Kellen Winslow.
Last week, Tate suffered an injury to his hand after falling on it in practice. However, it is not the cast he's been wearing that he needs to worry about. If Tate can continue with the progress he made at the end of the 2011 season, the options for the eventual starting quarterback (whomever that may turn out to be) could be quite good.
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Tate came highly touted from the 2010 draft class, hearing his name called in the second round. However his transition to the pro game has probably felt more like driving down an old gravel road, rather than the smooth ride he likely expected.
You really can't fault the kid for his slow progress too much, considering just how naturally gifted he is as an athlete. In the college game, he was likely able to get by without taking care of some of the fundamentals. Head coach Pete Carroll seems to subscribe to that theory as well.
''It took us a little longer to get him to emerge," Carroll said back in December. "He needed to take a few steps back to move forward. I love him and I have been hard on him.
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| Seahawks.com |
"I'm always on his butt about something. But however he takes it is OK, it doesn't matter. But it's because he's really good and he's going to be a really good player for us. I'm just trying to get it to come to the surface.''
Tate played in 11 games his rookie season, and out of those opportunities he garnered only 21 receptions for 227 yards and no trips to the endzone. He played in all 16 games last season, however the first eight games he was hardly noticeable. It was in the second half of the season we started to see him a bit more often, ending the season with a total of 35 catches for 382 yards and three touchdowns.
If Tate can capitalize on that momentum he started building at the end of last season, he should be able to firmly establish himself as an important piece to the passing attack. If he should stumble out of the gates, you can bet the addition of Winslow will likely come into play even more often.
Seattle employed the use of two tight ends in plays about a third of the time last season. With what Zach Miller did in Oakland prior to his move to Seattle and what Winslow has done in his career, the Seahawks could start to look a whole lot like the New England Patriots in what they have been able to accomplish with Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez.
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| Seahawks.com |
"Zach is a dynamic Y tight end in this offense We can use him for so many special things because he's good at it. These two guys going and the way we can mix it, it's real exciting for our offense."
It doesn't matter if you are a Pro-Bowl caliber player or a third stringer on the bench. If you are a receiver that spells bad news because you will see fewer looks in your direction.
Tate will need to dazzle to get his quarterback to trust him with any opportunities. If he falters early, he may be watching what fans expect to see a lot more of—tight ends scoring touchdowns. Truth be told, Tate is probably not the only WR who might be feeling a little heat thanks to the new addition.
Follow National Football Authority on Twitter: @NFAuthority & @NateKuester.
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Seattle Seahawks: Vegas Oddsmakers Give Hawks 7 Wins in 2012, Capable of More
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Seattle Seahawks Trade for Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers TE Kellen Winslow Jr., Set to Take Flight with Pass-Catcher
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| ClevelandBrowns.com |
Featured NFL Writer
With the NFL Draft over and free agency winding down, here’s a look at who’s coming, going and who to watch for when it comes to the Cleveland Browns in 2012.
2011 Finish: 4-12, last place in AFC North. The franchise is a combined 68-140 since returning to the NFL in 1999 and has enjoyed just two winning seasons (one playoff appearance) over that span.
Hello: Mike Holmgren, Tom Heckert and company entered the day of the draft with a league-high 13 selections and with a few to burn, made certain they were guaranteed the services of former Alabama running back Trent Richardson with the third overall pick after swapping first-rounders with the Vikings.
It marked the first time the franchise selected a running back in the first round since William Green (Boston College) in 2002.
On the other hand, the pick of former Oklahoma State quarterback Brandon Weeden (22nd overall) marked the third time since the team’s return in 1999 that the franchise chose a quarterback in the first round. On the other side of the ball, free agent defensive ends Frostee Rucker (Bengals) and Juqua Parker (Eagles) should bolster a so-so pass rush.
Goodbye: After being acquired from the Broncos via trade, Peyton Hillis looked like he might be the answer at running back for the franchise after a productive 2010 season. But for numerous reasons, it all came apart a year ago and the free agent took his talents to Kansas City this offseason.
Veterans Tony Pashos and Artis Hicks were the main performers at the right tackle spot last season but the former was released and the latter signed with the Dolphins, hence the addition of tackle Mitchell Schwartz (California) in the second round.
Guard Erin Steinbach, who spent 2011 on injured reserve, was also let go, while reserve lineman Steve Vallos signed with the Eagles. And safety Mike Adams, who totaled three of the team’s nine interceptions a year ago, signed with the Broncos.
Keep An Eye On: The Browns’ offense, which has been virtually non-existent for the last four seasons. Since finishing short of the playoffs with a 10-6 record in 2007, the franchise is a combined 18-46 and has lost at least 11 games each of those campaigns. And a major issue has been the inability to consistently put points on the board.
Since totaling 402 points in ’07, Cleveland has scored 966 points in their last 64 contests, an average of 15.1 points per outing. The additions of Richardson and Weeden should do wonders for a unit screaming for an identity, as well as production, and it will be interesting to see what Pat Shurmur and coordinator Brad Childress come up with.
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| Giants.com |
NFL Writer
When Lawrence Taylor
entered the league in 1981, he revolutionized the game on both the offensive
and defensive side of the ball.
The 1986 MVP changed the way a defense could be constructed and the type of the player that could wreak havoc form the outside. That in turn led to the development and importance of the left tackle on the offensive line, to protect a quarterback’s blind side.
The 1986 MVP changed the way a defense could be constructed and the type of the player that could wreak havoc form the outside. That in turn led to the development and importance of the left tackle on the offensive line, to protect a quarterback’s blind side.
Don’t let his personal troubles fool you – Taylor, a
two-time Super Bowl champion – is one of the greatest defensive players in the NFL’s
storied history.
He retired from the New York Giants in 1993, just as Reggie White was pounding away at his
usual defensive end position. White’s combination of power and quickness made
him unbearable to block.
These two
players led to the emergence of outside pass rushers in the game of football.
Players are so much faster and stronger than in years past
that when combined with the passing of today’s game, a top of the line end is
one of the more valuable positions on the field. Here is a look at the top five pass rushers under 25 in the game today.
1. Jason Pierre-Paul,
23, New York Giants
The young buck of the Giants could have been just another
guy in New York’s deep rotation on the defensive line. In only two years, he
proved Giants general manager Jerry
Reese correct by taking him in the first round of the 2010 Draft.
Pierre-Paul has not only fit right in, he has become one of
the premier ends in the league, earning All-Pro honors last season. He played
very modest snaps his rookie year, finishing with 4.5 sacks. That all changed
in 2011, when he led New York with 16.5, along with two forced fumbles and two recoveries
(as he did in 2010, too).
With Justin Tuck
often playing at end or tackle, and the rollercoaster that is Osi Umenyiora, JPP’s length and athleticism
has made him a perfect fit in New York.
2. Charles Johnson,
25, Carolina Panthers
If Cam Newton is revitalizing
the Carolina franchise from the offensive side of the ball, Johnson is perhaps
the most important player on the other side. The fifth-year man has combined
for 20.5 sacks over the last two years and looks to just be getting started.
Johnson was able to learn from the league’s preeminent pass
rushing specialist, Julius Peppers,
his first few seasons in the league and he has finally been able to utilize
that. His bull-like stature (6’2", 275 pounds) allows him to bully over tight ends and
tackles.
3. Cliff Avril, (He turned 26 in April but we're going to cheat on this one), Detroit Lions
Avril remains one of the last bright spots of Matt Millen’s front office career. His speed is what made him stand out in 2008 and that was especially on display this past year.
He busted out for 11 sacks in 2011, emerging as an important cog in the Lions' front line machine. The additions in the middle of the line allowed Avril to thrive, similar to Umenyiora over the years. He has 30 sacks in four seasons to go along with 14 forced fumbles, an overlooked quality in the league.
4. Jabaal Sheard, 23, Cleveland Browns
Sheard didn’t come
into the NFL with the accolades like Adrian Clayborn, but he
outperformed his Buccaneers counterpart earning his way onto Pro Football
Weekly’s All-Rookie team. With his 55 tackles, Sheard was able to get to the quarterback
with 8.5 sacks, while also knocking the ball loose on five occasions. A young
guy overlooked playing in a spot like Cleveland, Sheard should grow into a
perennial Pro Bowl candidate.
5. Matt Shaughnessy,
25, Oakland Raiders
Much like fellow 2009 draftee Matthew Stafford, Shaughnessy
was due for a breakout season in 2011. A shoulder injury in Week 3 quickly
put the brakes on any such splash. The Raiders talented end made good strides
between his first and second year, nearly doubling his tackles (29 to 56) and
sacks (four to seven). Built like teammate Richard
Seymour, the black and silver have a bright future ahead with their 2009 third
round pick.
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| Vikings.com |
Featured NFL Writer
With the NFL Draft over and free agency winding down, here’s a look at who’s coming, going and who to watch for when it comes to the Minnesota Vikings in 2012.
2011 Finish: 3-13, last place in NFC North. The Vikings have finished last in the NFC North two straight years and the 13 losses ties a franchise record (team finished 3-13 in 1984)
Hello: Despite tying for the NFL lead with 50 sacks, 22.0 via All-Pro defensive end Jared Allen, the Vikings still allowed a league-high 34 touchdown passes.
While Antoine Winfield and Chris Cook appear set as the starting corners, the team brought in Chris Carr (released by the Ravens) and free agent Zackary Bowman (Bears). Leslie Frazier’s club will likely have a pair of Fighting Irish safeties in rookies Harrison Smith and Robert Blanton, drafted in the first and fifth rounds, respectively.
As for Minnesota’s initial first-round selection, general manager Rick Spielman got some extra picks after swapping with Cleveland early on and the offensive line was addressed via Southern Cal tackle Matt Kalil, who hopes to improve a new-look front that needs to improve its pass protection.
Goodbye: Once arguably the best guard in the NFL, former Pro Bowler Steve Hutchinson’s six-year stay in the Twin Cities came to an end this offseason when he was released (and subsequently signed with the Titans). The Vikings also released guard Anthony Herrera, a steady starter for the club the last five seasons.
With the expected changes in the secondary, safety Tyrell Johnson signed with the Dolphins, while veteran cornerback Cedric Griffin was let go and wound up with the Redskins. Elsewhere, kick coverage ace Kenny Onatolu, who finished third on the team in special teams tackles in 2011, signed with Carolina. Veteran placekicker Ryan Longwell was given his walking papers in May, not a huge surprise after the team selected specialist Blair Walsh (Georgia) in the sixth round.
Keep An Eye On: How the team deals with the possible absence of running back Adrian Peterson, who suffered a severe knee injury in the team’s December victory at Washington, if he should be out for any length of time during the regular season.
Third-year running back Toby Gerhart would take up the slack and the team also added free agent Lex Hilliard (Dolphins). Something else to ponder will be the Vikings’ ability or inability to reestablish itself in the very tough NFC North. Not only has Minnesota won just nine games the past two seasons (after finishing 12-4 and winning the division in 2009), the club has surprisingly dropped 11 straight games to their divisional brethren.
Follow National Football Authority on Twitter: @NFAuthority & @BaxFootballGuru
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| KCChiefs.com |
NFL Contributor
The AFC West is going to be a closely contested division in 2012, if past years are any indication of how this year will pan out. In such a competitive division, a slight edge in one aspect of the game could be the difference between a playoff berth and a long offseason.
The following is a ranking of each team's receiving corps and how each breaks down. While the divison may not boast some of the most elite wideouts the NFL has to offer, depth and talent at the position could make a big difference for one of these team's come December.
1) Kansas City Chiefs
NFL Passing Rank 2011: 25th (192.5 YPG)
Leading Receiver: Dwayne Bowe (81 catches, 1.159 yards, five touchdowns)
Receivers on roster: Bowe, Jon Baldwin, Steve Breaston, Dexter McCluster, Terrance Cooper, Jeremy Horne, Zeke Markshausen
Rookies: Josh Bellamy, Junior Hemingway, Brandon Kinnie, Jamar Newsome, Aaron Weaver, Devon Wylie
The Chiefs had many key players injured on offense during the 2011 season, but now at full strength, look for the passing attack to be in full force in 2012. Led by Bowe, the receiving corps will be much improved this year.
Look for Jon Baldwin and Dexter McCluster to breakout with the return of Matt Cassel and a much improved run game. McCluster is the X-factor in 2012; he must step up and own the slot position and use his speed and elusiveness to take pressure off Bowe and Baldwin.
If McCluster cannot step up, expect veteran receiver Steve Breaston to step in and provide solid production. Meanwhile, rookie receiver Junior Hemingway should not only make the roster, but log some serious time at during his rookie campaign, especially if a receiver goes down as many did last season.
2) Oakland Raiders
NFL Passing Rank 2011: 11th (247.6 YPG)
Leading Receiver: Darrius Heyward-Bey (64 catches, 975 yards, four touchdowns)
Receivers on roster: Heyward-Bey, Duke Calhoun, Jacoby Ford, Eddie McGee, Denarius Moore, Louis Murphy
Rookies: Derek Carrier, Brandon Carswell, Juron Criner, Thomas Mayo, Travionte Sessions, Rod Streater
The Raiders are a team in transition, but that will not stop Carson Palmer from doing what he does best; throw the ball. Oakland has a good rotation of young, fast receivers that are beginning to improve and among those improving receivers are Jacoby Ford and Denarius Moore, who will help stretch the field and catch passes down the middle.
Don’t look now, but Darrius Heyward-Bey is starting to come into his own, cutting down on dropped balls and becoming a better route runner. In a division that features some weak secondaries, it is time for Heyward-Bey to cash in on some of his potential and prove why he was drafted seventh overall in the 2009. Expect two Raiders receivers, Ford and Heyward-Bey, to fight for a position on the Pro Bowl team; Heyward-Bey as a receiver and Ford as a kick returner.
3) San Diego Chargers
NFL Passing Rank 2011: 6th (276.6 YPG)
Leading Receiver (Remaining on the roster): Malcom Floyd (43 catches, 856 yards, five touchdowns)
Receivers on roster: Floyd, Vincent Brown, Richard Goodman, Robert Meachem, Roscoe Parrish, Eddie Royal, Micheal Spurlock
Rookies: Hubert Anyiam, Jason Barnes, Paul Cox, Taylor Embree, Phillip Payne, Mike Willie
Calling the Chargers' receiver corps depleted is an understatement. Losing Vincent Jackson plummeted the Chargers' stable of receivers from one of the best in the NFL to a mediocre group in a division without a top-five receiver.
Veteran Malcom Floyd must prove that he is worth the large contract he received last offseason and up his production dramatically. Instead of re-signing Jackson San Diego acquired Robert Meachem and Eddie Royal, in the hopes that the two would replace his production.
Meachem supplied Drew Brees with a solid No. 2 option in New Orleans (40 catches, 620 yards, six touchdowns) and Royal struggled with Tim Tebow at the helm last season, but still has the potential to be a sure handed receiver for Philip Rivers. With the team still in need of more help at the position, don’t be surprised if Chargers look to the trading block and free agency for another proven receiver.
4) Denver Broncos
NFL Passing Rank 2011: 31st (152.1 YPG)
Leading Receiver: Eric Decker (44 catches, 612 yards, eight touchdowns)
Receivers on roster: Decker, Andre Caldwell, , Tyler Grisham, Jason Hill, Brandon Stokley, Demaryius Thomas, Matthew Willis
Rookies: Mark Dell, D’Andre Goodwin, Greg Orton, Eric Page, Gerrell Robinson
The Denver Broncos could have easily taken the place of the Jacksonville Jaguars as the worst receiving corps in the NFL. Looking at the roster it is hard to find a receiver that will be Peyton Manning’s go to guy. Eric Decker and Demaryius Thomas will be the starting receivers when the season starts, but don’t expect Decker’s stats to bolster now that Manning is running the show, the talent just isn’t there.
Thomas will be the leading receiver this season with the rare combination of size and athleticism, so expect Manning to find him on multiple deep routes. Andre Caldwell should also have a good season in the slot for the Broncos, as he always seemed to be on the verge in Cincinnati, but now with Manning he could soar. The real question will be if Manning can rejuvenate former teammate Brandon Stokley’s career to potentially round out a decent, though not spectacular, rotation for the Broncos.
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| Seahawks.com QB Matt Flynn |
Senior Writer
The Seattle Seahawks have quite the quarterback battle brewing between Tavaris Jackson, recent acquisition Matt Flynn and third-round NFL Draft pick Russell Wilson. The race appears to be a dead heat even still, as the offseason training activities continue.
Head coach Pete Carroll recently addressed the competition to find their starter by praising his QBs and their handle on the new offense installation.
"They're able to handle the offense really well," Carroll said while addressing the media. "We're in the midst of a big installation. This is the installation that we'll follow when we go to camp."
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| Seahawks.com QB Tavaris Jackson |
"They're all making progress," Carroll said. "And they're just making progress and doing good things. T-Jack [Jackson] and Matt had a big day yesterday [Wednesday]... I'm really thrilled by the way that they're battling."
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Carroll has the reps between the signal-calling trio split into thirds so that he can better assess what they're capable of with equal time. When asked if the three-way race is causing any reason for concern or if it is more challenging, Carroll responded by stating that the situation, "is what it is."
"We're on schedule with it now," said Carroll. "We've got it figured out.
"Challenging maybe, if you look at it from the sense, 'What's going to be the end product and how far with the guy that winds up being the starter be?' It's gonna' hold that guy back a bit. There's no question."
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| Seahawks.com QB Russell Wilson |
When asked about how long a time table has been set up to allow the competition to last before making a decision on the starter, Carroll said he doesn't know just yet. He reminded the media he is likely to be more patient than them, and then laughed at the idea the team could wait until August.
However, it didn't seem like as much of a joke as he passed it off to be with his next comment.
"We're going to need the [preseason] games," Carroll said. "I know we're going to need the games to see stuff, because these guys are going to do really well. They're not making a lot of mistakes. They're not way off base on any of the things that they're doing."
On the quarterback race impacting the transition of new acquisition Kellen Winslow, Carroll admitted the situation is less than ideal. Again, he pointed out that the players will get the things done that need to be accomplished despite the extended timetable.
"With the three quarterbacks thing, it's not quite as clean as you'd like it," Carroll told reporters. "But he's a savvy football player and he's done a lot of cool stuff. He's run all the routes you could ever want."
Carroll said that the race could, and very likely will, carry over into mini-camp.
Follow National Football Authority on Twitter: @NFAuthority & @NateKuester.
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| Bengals.com |
Senior Writer
It isn't often that a second-year receiver is considered the veteran wideout on the team, but for A.J. Green and the Cincinnati Bengals, but that seems to have quickly become the case.
Last year, Green came on strong after being taken at No. 4 overall in the 2011 NFL Draft. He played in 15 games, grabbed 65 receptions for 1,057 yards while adding seven touchdowns. To say that he is the clear-cut No. 1 receiver going into 2012, would be an understatement.
The big question now is, who will line-up opposite of Green at the No. 2 spot?
One player making a big case for himself is 2012 third-round draft pick, Mohamed Sanu. A 6'2" and 215-pound target, Sanu has been making waves in offseason team activities, impressing both Green and quarterback Andy Dalton.
“Man, that guy is smooth,” Green said. “He works the middle really well. A lot of people have questioned his speed, but the guy has ‘football speed.’ It’s just like myself.
"A lot of people say that he didn’t run the fastest, but you see him on the field and he’s fluid in-and-out of his breaks, he catches everything with his hands, and he attacks the ball. He’s going to be a special one.
“I’m telling you – a lot of the older guys here compare him to T.J. Houshmandzadeh. He can stretch the field and I think he’s really going to help us out this year.”
Dalton echoed Green's sentiments and expressed excitement for the immediate impact Sanu could potentially provide.
“I’m excited,” Dalton said. “He’s definitely showing some good things out there, and once he gets a good feel for everything, I think he’s going to be a good player for us. He has a bigger body and he has some shiftiness to him. And he does a good job of coming back to the ball."
With the departures of Andre Caldwell and Jerome Simpson in the offseason, the Bengals will lean heavily on the young talent already on their roster. Currently competing for receiver spots alongside Green and Sanu on the roster is second-year Cincinnati Bearcats receiver Armon Binns, former Longhorn Jordan Shipley, Brandon Tate and Ryan Whalen.
Whether Sanu can make the jump in a quick enough time-frame to be a Day 1 starter remains to be seen, but if the praise of Green and Dalton can be believed, Sanu could be in line to have himself a very good season in Cincinnati.
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| DenverBroncos.com |
Senior Writer
When the Denver Broncos selected Knowshon Moreno with the No. 12 overall pick in the 2009 draft, the former University of Georgia running back was expected to become the latest in a long line of productive Broncos rushers.
However, after three years Moreno has largely been a disappointment.
It's not that Moreno has been unproductive during his three-year career. He made some serious noise by rushing for 947 yards and scoring nine total touchdowns as a rookie and has logged a fairly consistent 4.1 yards per carry average in the pros. The problem is that Moreno has not found a way to really stand out in an increasingly crowded Denver backfield.
At 5'11 and 200 pounds, Moreno does not possess the size and strength to be a truly punishing between-the-tackles type runner or the top-end speed of a true breakaway threat. Moreno does have the tools to be a productive every-down back, but seems to lack the skills to ever become one of the game's elite.
Injuries have also had an enormous effect on Moreno's NFL career, as he has missed a total of 12 games over the past two seasons. Moreno suffered an ACL tear against the Chiefs in 2011, ending his season after just seven games.
Now it appears that Moreno's days in Denver could be numbered.
A recent story on NFL.com seems to indicate that Moreno could be battling for a roster spot this season, even though the fourth-year back is recovering well from his most recent injury.
The starting job looks to belong to Willis McGahee, after the former Bills and Ravens veteran rushed for 1,199 yards and four touchdowns last season. McGahee is determined to have an even better statistical season in 2012 and overtaking him on the depth chart could be entirely out of the question.
Moreno may also find himself behind fellow three-year veteran Lance Ball, who has carved out a role in Denver's offense over the past two seasons. Ball appeared in all 16 regular season games in 2011 and gained 402 yards and a touchdown on 96 carries while adding 16 receptions for 148 yards and an additional score.
Also competing for a spot on the depth chart will be rookie running back Ronnie Hillman, a third-round pick of the Broncos in April's draft. The 5'9, 200-pound San Diego State product appears perfectly suited for duties as a change-of-pace back and as a weapon on passing downs, where his quickness and pass catching ability should provide a huge asset for new quarterback Peyton Manning.
Last season Hillman rushed for an impressive 1,711 yards for the Aztecs, while hauling in 24 passes for 270 yards and scoring 20 total touchdowns.
Given Moreno's reasonable base salary of $855,000 for 2012, the Broncos could consider keeping him in a reserve/situational role. However, the prospect of keeping four running backs on the roster for what is expected to be a pass-oriented offense might not be appealing to the Denver front office.
While it may be unfair, injuries and the lofty expectations of being a former first-round pick may cause Moreno to be the odd man out if Denver decides to carry just three backs this season. That is not to say that he will not eventually develop into an NFL star, but a drastic shift in offensive philosophy may mean that time is running out for Moreno to make it happen as a Bronco.
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| DetroitLions.com |
Senior Writer
The legal issues continue for Detroit Lions 2011 first-round Draft pick Nick Fairley. Alabama State Troopers arrested the former Auburn Tigers defensive tackle for the second time in his hometown of Mobile, Ala. on charges of DUI and eluding police.
According to Mobile TV station, WALA, state troopers arrested Fairley Sunday around 1:00 a.m. on I-10 after he attempted to elude police. According to the report, he was found to be under the influence and had an open container in the vehicle he was driving, for which he was also ticketed.
In addition to the previously mentioned charges, Fairley was ticketed for reckless driving and for failure to show proof of insurance.
Fairley reportedly bonded out of jail at 9:00 a.m. Sunday after paying $1,750. Fairley was also arrested in Mobile, on April 3 for possession of marijuana. He is one of three members of the Lions 2011 NFL Draft Class that have been arrested this offseason.
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| Mobile County Metro Jail |
Fairley and running back Mikel Leshoure have each been arrested twice. Offensive tackle Johnny Culbreath has been arrested on one occasion as well. All three have been arrested on charges related to marijuana.
The team released a statement on Sunday in response to Fairley's arrest:
"We are aware of the reports and are in the process of gathering more information."
This marks the fifth time a Lions player has been arrested during the 2012 offseason.
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