Nfl 2011

[R_of_G]

ESPN's John Clayton is now reporting that the Dolphins signed former Carolina QB Matt Moore and are no longer pursuing a trade with Denver for Kyle Orton. I can't imagine Moore gives them that much more than Chad Henne does, but nobody has ever accused the Dolphins' front office of being geniuses.

I suppose that means Orton now has to compete with Tebow for the job in Denver. I can't imagine Orton doesn't win that contest on the field, but sometimes with a high-profile first round pick like Tebow, there's more to it than what they do in training camp because you know, Tebow has all those "intangibles" though nobody ever seems willing to pinpoint what they are.

[Beerman***]

So I hear Orton is going to Miami now. That will be interesting: Bush, Orton, Marshall, etc. I wonder how they'll fare.

Also, I hear Darren Sproles signed with New Orleans, so they probably won't even miss a beat without Bush.

Most liked Bush but agree, he wasn't worth what he was being paid here and many are very pleased with Sproles signing.
There was a huge crowd waiting in line at 5 a.m. this morning for the morning practice!

[R_of_G]

Not sure what to make of the Patriots signings.

I can see Chad having a good season.

He's flashy and obnoxious off the field but doesn't get in trouble. His threats of holdouts in the past could very well be mitigated by the fact that it was the Bengals with an owner that pretty much every player they've ever had says is trouble to deal with. Note that despite threatening to hold out and asking publicly for a trade, Chad never missed any games as a result. He may have immaturely demanded his own way, but when he didn't get it he did what was best for the team and went out and played the game.

He won't get the most targets of New England WRs because he's no longer willing to go across the middle and get hit but he could be a dangerous deep threat still with Brady at QB.

Haynesworth I just don't know. As Marnold pointed out, Albert has shown an unwillingness to learn to fit into a 3-4. Either Belichick believes he can turn anyone around or they'll only use him on 4-3 packages alongside Wilfork so Haynesworth can be between the guard and the center where he likes to be. I'd never take the guy. If you're going to be a DT on my team, you'd better be more than happy to stop the run and the pass, not just rush QBs.

[Eric***]

Haynesworth I just don't know. As Marnold pointed out, Albert has shown an unwillingness to learn to fit into a 3-4. Either Belichick believes he can turn anyone around or they'll only use him on 4-3 packages alongside Wilfork so Haynesworth can be between the guard and the center where he likes to be. I'd never take the guy. If you're going to be a DT on my team, you'd better be more than happy to stop the run and the pass, not just rush QBs.

Eh, you never know. People like to say that the Pats run this or that defense, but aren't they all over the place with their formations and coverages and what not? I figure it's low-risk. My main concern would be that he might be kind of annoying to have around if he's going to pout. The same goes for all of the talented malcontents that get signed. If you don't keep a close watch on how many you have at any one time, they can start dividing the locker room, causing distractions, and preventing cohesiveness.

IMO, that's the biggest thing. Most of these burnout guys like Fat Albert and VY come pretty cheap, both in terms of draft picks to get them and salary, so any productivity you get from them is gravy. I would just be afraid of them screwing up the team dynamic.

[R_of_G]

The way ESPN's Adam Schefter is handling the Asomugha dealings is beginning to irritate me to no end.

Allegedly now the Jets and Cowboys are fighting it out for Nnamdi's services but Schefter says a third "mystery team" is seriously involved. He continues to say that and look sideways at the cameras. That's not journalism, that's sensationalism. If he knows who the other team is he needs to either say so or not report on it at all.

This is yet another example of the problem with ESPN. The on-air talent has convinced itself that it's part of the world of sports as something more than just a media outlet. These guys think they're the story. All the glad-handing about how Schefter hasn't slept since Tuesday following all these moves is lovely but this is becoming a bigger joke than the way they cover Favre's every last bowel movement.

Sadly, I think they're making Asomugha look like LeBron James. The guy isn't holding out to make a big splashy announcement to Jim Gray on national television (though I'd love to hear him say he's taking his talents to East Rutherford) but ESPN is making him look like a diva who can't make up his mind. He's had two days, give him a break.

Here's an idea for you ESPN, how about you stop reporting on the story until there's a story? At some point, Nnamdi will agree to a deal with a team and either that team or his agent will make an official announcement. Until then, Adam Schefter is nothing more than the annoying kid in school who wants to share every rumor he's heard whether they're true or not just to see how people will react.

Rant over.

[Eric***]

The way ESPN's Adam Schefter is handling the Asomugha dealings is beginning to irritate me to no end.

Allegedly now the Jets and Cowboys are fighting it out for Nnamdi's services but Schefter says a third "mystery team" is seriously involved. He continues to say that and look sideways at the cameras. That's not journalism, that's sensationalism. If he knows who the other team is he needs to either say so or not report on it at all.

This is yet another example of the problem with ESPN. The on-air talent has convinced itself that it's part of the world of sports as something more than just a media outlet. These guys think they're the story. All the glad-handing about how Schefter hasn't slept since Tuesday following all these moves is lovely but this is becoming a bigger joke than the way they cover Favre's every last bowel movement.

Sadly, I think they're making Asomugha look like LeBron James. The guy isn't holding out to make a big splashy announcement to Jim Gray on national television (though I'd love to hear him say he's taking his talents to East Rutherford) but ESPN is making him look like a diva who can't make up his mind. He's had two days, give him a break.

Here's an idea for you ESPN, how about you stop reporting on the story until there's a story? At some point, Nnamdi will agree to a deal with a team and either that team or his agent will make an official announcement. Until then, Adam Schefter is nothing more than the annoying kid in school who wants to share every rumor he's heard whether they're true or not just to see how people will react.

Rant over.

I hadn't really articulated it that way or given it much thought up to now, but I think you're pretty accurate in your assertions on ESPN.

[R_of_G]

I think it's something I've observed previously, particularly with regard to the way they covered LeBron's free agency and Favre's many "will he/won't he" offseasons but I tended to shrug it off as mildly annoying. This time around I'm paying more attention because one of my teams is at the center of it so perhaps my objectivity is a bit cloudy, but still.

[R_of_G]

Well Eagles fans, it looks like the "mystery team" courting Nnamdi was you.
Congratulations. Cannot wait to play you in December.

[Eric***]

Well Eagles fans, it looks like the "mystery team" courting Nnamdi was you.
Congratulations. Cannot wait to play you in December.

Huh? That makes no sense to me. The Eagles now have 3 high-end cornerbacks. Are they going to move Asante or something??

Strange.

[Eric***]

It looks like the Bucs have made a big entry into the free-agent market: punter Michael Koenen signed to a 6-year, $19.5 million deal. That's a ton of money for a decent punter.

[R_of_G]

Koenen is not solely a punter. He's also a kickoff specialist, one that led the league in touchbacks last season with the Falcons. It's still a steep price to pay for a kicking specialist, but in today's game field position is a big factor and I suppose one the Bucs are taking a long hard look at. So, yeah, they overpaid but Koenen is an excellent pick up for the Bucs.

Also happy to see them spending some of their available money keeping Davin Joseph with the Bucs. He's a very important piece of that offensive line and would be difficult to replace.

[marnold***]

WRT Orton, the report on ESPN Radio was that Orton was outplaying Tebow by a long ways in camp. Matter of fact, they said that Quinn was outplaying Tebow.

[Beerman***]

It looks like the Bucs have made a big entry into the free-agent market: punter Michael Koenen signed to a 6-year, $19.5 million deal. That's a ton of money for a decent punter.

I think the Bucs were in pretty good shape coming into this season and with the cap money they had to spend, I assume they knew their special teams needed help. But, I agree, you don't see this kind of money for that position. Times, they are a changing!

[marnold***]

IIRC the salary floor doesn't kick in until 2013.

[R_of_G]

WRT Orton, the report on ESPN Radio was that Orton was outplaying Tebow by a long ways in camp. Matter of fact, they said that Quinn was outplaying Tebow.

I don't find this the least bit surprising. Tebow may be a great guy and an incredibly marketable athlete, but I've never seen him as a full-time starting NFL QB.

IIRC the salary floor doesn't kick in until 2013.

This is the second time I've heard this today. I hadn't heard it previously, so I looked it up and it appears you're correct, the salary floor requirements (90% of the cap) do not become effective until 2013.

[marnold***]

The Lions now have three legit linebackers under 27 with the signing of Tulloch from the Titans, instead of just one--playing out of position. At the very least they are once again an actual NFL franchise. It's been awhile.

[R_of_G]

The Lions now have three legit linebackers under 27 with the signing of Tulloch from the Titans, instead of just one--playing out of position. At the very least they are once again an actual NFL franchise. It's been awhile.

The Lions front office is doing a tremendous job of putting together a solid young team. I was going over the Bucs schedule with my dad yesterday and I referred to the Bucs/Lions game as the "2013 NFC Championship Game Preview"

[marnold***]

The Lions front office is doing a tremendous job of putting together a solid young team. I was going over the Bucs schedule with my dad yesterday and I referred to the Bucs/Lions game as the "2013 NFC Championship Game Preview"

You don't know how wonderful and scary that is to great as a Lions fan. We're not used to that. They re-signed Chris Houston today too.

That Lions-Bucs thing would cause a lot of NFL officials throw up.

[R_of_G]

What a shame about Fairley's injury. Hopefully he heals quickly and completely and can be a contributor to the Lions' defense this year.

WR Derrick Mason is visiting the Jets today. Word is that if he passes his physical he'll sign with the team today. That would mean the end of Jerrico Cotchery's run with the Jets. It will be a shame to see him go as he has been a steady possession receiver for several years now, the one consistent factor in the Jets' passing game. I wish him well with whatever team picks him up.

Also, the Jets re-signed S Brodney Pool who proved himself quite valuable in many clutch situations last season. Pool was offered more money from other teams but elected to stay in NY.