http://www.goerie.thinkhost.com/mt/nfl/ News and discussion on the NFL en Copyright 2009 Sun, 15 Mar 2009 22:15:29 -0500 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/ http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss The Fifth Quarter. -- John Dudley]]> http://www.goerie.thinkhost.com/mt/archives/nfl/2009/03/fifth_quarter_blog_has_moved.html http://www.goerie.thinkhost.com/mt/archives/nfl/2009/03/fifth_quarter_blog_has_moved.html Sun, 15 Mar 2009 22:15:29 -0500 Super Bowl-themed ketchup six-pack. The Steelers will be sitting out the Terrell Owens derby, thank you very much, and probably won't get involved in the bidding for any other big-name free agents. But don't be surprised if they make a late move for an offensive lineman or a wide receiver. In the meantime, take advantage of the warm weather, fire up your grill and cook something that will help you use up all that ketchup. -- John Dudley]]> http://www.goerie.thinkhost.com/mt/archives/nfl/2009/03/as_usual_steelers_bottled_up_d.html http://www.goerie.thinkhost.com/mt/archives/nfl/2009/03/as_usual_steelers_bottled_up_d.html Thu, 05 Mar 2009 20:10:27 -0500 The Browns have signed tight end Robert Royal, and trust me, as someone who has watched plenty of Bills games over the past couple of years, it's because of his blocking. As a receiver Royal is the anti-Kellen Winslow, neither fast nor exceptionally sure-handed. This is good news for the Browns' running game, and good news for Steve Heiden, who won't have to rush his return from knee surgery. -- John Dudley http://www.goerie.thinkhost.com/mt/archives/nfl/2009/03/royal_is_no_winslow_and_thats.html http://www.goerie.thinkhost.com/mt/archives/nfl/2009/03/royal_is_no_winslow_and_thats.html Thu, 05 Mar 2009 20:03:36 -0500 Terrell Owens wore out his welcome with another team, so the Cowboys released him today into the wild of NFL free agency. There's virtually no chance Owens would latch on with the Bills, Browns or Steelers, and if you have a week I'll explain all the reasons why. There also appears to be little chance he will show up on a team in either the AFC North or the AFC East, meaning the NFL's most troubled, and perhaps most gifted, receiver won't become a twice-a-season thorn in the side of any of the three area teams. Instead it appears Owens is most likely headed to bizzaro world -- a.ka. Oakland -- or perhaps the Washington Redskins or TennesseeTitans, if you buy the Kool-Aid former Chiefs coach Herm Edwards was pouring on ESPN today. (And since when did Herm Edwards become an expert on personnel moves, anyway.) -- John Dudley http://www.goerie.thinkhost.com/mt/archives/nfl/2009/03/dont_expect_to_to_play_for_or.html http://www.goerie.thinkhost.com/mt/archives/nfl/2009/03/dont_expect_to_to_play_for_or.html Thu, 05 Mar 2009 19:57:52 -0500 It sounds like the Browns are interested in signing free agent cornerback Jabari Greer, who made 23 starts with the Bills the past two seasons. Greer probably will cost whatever team signs him as much as $7 million or $8 million per year, a price set earlier in free agency by comparable CB Kelvin Hayden, who stayed with the Colts. Greer strikes me as a young, improving corners who is a little bit of a tough read right now. He has some big-play ability. He returned both of his interceptions for touchdowns last season. But it's hard to say just how good he will be playing in a defense that doesn't include veteran Terrance McGee and Leodis McKelvin, who emerged as a very good young cover guy last season. He could be just the player the Browns need to help bring along young corners Eric Wright and Brandon McDonald, who got routinely abused last season. Or he could be a guy who isn't quite as good as he looks in a relatively thin market for corners. -- John Dudley http://www.goerie.thinkhost.com/mt/archives/nfl/2009/03/browns_reportedly_hosting_jaba.html http://www.goerie.thinkhost.com/mt/archives/nfl/2009/03/browns_reportedly_hosting_jaba.html Tue, 03 Mar 2009 17:46:48 -0500 Reports out of Cleveland have the Browns considering a couple of possible trades. One deal would send Brady Quinn and Shaun Rogers to Denver for Jay Cutler and a third-round draft choice. Another would have the Browns swapping receiver Braylon Edwards for New York Giants pass rusher Mathias Kiwanuka. The first makes no sense. Rogers was the Browns' best defensive player -- maybe their best overall player -- last season, and there is no one currently on the roster capable of adequately filling his role. Quinn for Cutler makes sense only as far as experience goes. Quinn remains largely an unknown quantity after his brief turn as the starter last year. He could be great, He could be average. He could be awful. These things have a way of sorting themselves out once a player gets a full season or so on the field, and that's especially true of Quinn's position. Quarterbacks need to be in game situations, under fire, working against the blitz or against the clock, to show their true competitiveness. Those things really can't be simulated in practice. Cutler is a known quantity. He's talented, erratic and he has a big mouth. Before his career barely got underway in Denver he had already announced to anyone who would listen that he possesses arm strength superior to that of one John Elway. So a Quinn and Rogers for Cutler and a pick swap is exactly the sort of disastrous move that has the Browns in their current tailspin, which is why it should scare fans to death. On to rumor No. 2: Kiwanuka is just the sort of young (25), talented (eight sacks, two forced fumbles in 2008) playmaker the Browns lack on defense. The problem is, giving up Edwards, malcontent that he is, would leave them with exactly zero playmakers on offense. It could be a tradeoff the Browns are willing to make, especially if they think they have a shot at Texas Tech receiver Michael Crabtree on draft day. -- John Dudley http://www.goerie.thinkhost.com/mt/archives/nfl/2009/03/as_rumors_go_edwards_to_the_gi.html http://www.goerie.thinkhost.com/mt/archives/nfl/2009/03/as_rumors_go_edwards_to_the_gi.html Tue, 03 Mar 2009 12:05:29 -0500 If I'm the Steelers, I'm not terribly concerned with losing Nate Washington. Yes, Nate Washington is capable of being a big-play receiver. He had at least one reception of at least 48 yards in four straight games last season. Yes, Washington is a great story, making the Steelers as a longshot after a record-setting career at Division II Tiffin. (Yes, he played against Gannon.) Yes, Washington is a stand-up guy in the locker room, the sort of player the Rooney family covets. But Washington isn't worth the $27 million over six years he will receiver from the Tennessee Titans -- not to the Steelers, not in this offense. There was some hand-wringing a few years ago when Antwan Randle-El, prince of trickery, departed for a big contract in Washington. But Randle-El hasn't exactly become an elite receiver. And the Steelers haven't exactly struggled with him, Washington, like Randle-El, is a replaceable part. Someone, perhaps rookie Limas Sweed, who showed some late-season promise amid bouts with cluelessness, will step in and fill his role. And Sweed -- or anyone else who inherits Washington's snaps -- won't come with the price tag Washington commanded (his deal with the Titans includes a $9 million guarantee) when he hit free agency. -- John Dudley http://www.goerie.thinkhost.com/mt/archives/nfl/2009/03/washington_was_fine_but_steele.html http://www.goerie.thinkhost.com/mt/archives/nfl/2009/03/washington_was_fine_but_steele.html Tue, 03 Mar 2009 11:52:26 -0500 Steelers -- The Steelers are entering their final five weeks under the ownership structure in place since Art Rooney controlled the team. -- The Super Bowl loss to the Steelers still keeps Arizona Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt awake nights. -- It doesn't seem like a priority given their needs on both lines, but the Steelers are floating the idea of drafting a cornerback. Also, Kevin Colbert says the Steelers won't make a need-based pick in a draft relatively light on offensive tackles. -- Byron Leftwich isn't ruling out a return as Ben Roethlisberger's backup QB. Also, the Steelers are facing a huge payout to sign James Harrison to a contract extension. -- WR Nate Washington's days with the Steelers appear to be numbered. Browns -- Ohio State RB Chris "Beanie" Wells, an Akron native, says it would be "blessed" to play for the Browns. -- Bill Belichick reveals he nearly fired George Kokinis during Kokinis' first stint with the Browns. (2nd item) -- Safety Sean Jones won't get the Browns' franchise tag, meaning he could be on his way out when free agency opens Friday. -- Although they need LBs, the Browns are closely tracking tackles Jason Smith and Andre Smith as potential bookends to pair with two-time Pro Bowl LT Joe Thomas. Bills -- Not surprisingly, the Bills are thought to be looking closely at defensive ends, including Penn State's Aaron Maybin, with the 11th pick overall. -- Tom Modrak believes the Bills have the nucleus of a winning team, saying "in my mind we are better than we've shown." -- Offensive coordinator Turk Schonert is enthusiastic about QB Trent Edwards' progress. -- LB Angelo Crowell and CB Jabari Greer probably won't be back with the Bills next season. -- John Dudley]]> http://www.goerie.thinkhost.com/mt/archives/nfl/2009/02/end_of_an_ownership_era_looms.html http://www.goerie.thinkhost.com/mt/archives/nfl/2009/02/end_of_an_ownership_era_looms.html Mon, 23 Feb 2009 09:07:20 -0500 Steelers -- Tackle Max Starks receives the franchise tag and a guaranteed 2009 salary of $8.4 million. This could mean Marvel Smith is on his way out. -- Running back Rashard Mendenhall's shoulder rehab is ahead of schedule. Also, Santonio Holmes received a $10,000 fine for his Super Bowl touchdown celebration. -- The Steelers are among teams that seem to be interested in drafting Penn State center A.Q. Shipley. Browns -- The Browns appear set to name Missouri defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus their new linebackers coach. -- The Detroit Lions, who might take Matthew Stafford No. 1 overall, could be a trading partner for Derek Anderson. -- New Lions coach Jim Schwatrz cut his NFL teeth at the bottom of the Browns' coaching food chain. Bills -- At the NFL combine, Bills coach Dick Jauron says winning will take care of everything in Buffalo. -- Marshawn Lynch is losing the benefit of the doubt, Buffalo News columnist Jerry Sullivan writes. -- Meanwhile, Lynch was charged Thursday with three misdemeanors in connection with his gun-related arrest in California. -- Buddy Nix has returned to the Bills' fold as a scout. -- John Dudley]]> http://www.goerie.thinkhost.com/mt/archives/nfl/2009/02/steelers_tackle_max_starks.html http://www.goerie.thinkhost.com/mt/archives/nfl/2009/02/steelers_tackle_max_starks.html A.Q. Shipley Buddy Nix Buffalo Bills Cleveland Browns Derek Anderson Dick Jauron Jim Schwartz Matt Eberflus Matthew Stafford Max Starks narshawn Lynch Pittsburgh Steelers Rashard Mendenhall Santonio Holmes Fri, 20 Feb 2009 08:47:23 -0500 is going on in Indianapolis, officially opening the gates to another season of offseason movement. Steelers -- Moving up from the last spot in the draft, as the Steelers did after their Super Bowl XL win to take Santonio Holmes, is a possibility again this year. -- The Steelers have a lot of decisions to make concerning their offensive line before free agency opens Feb. 27.]]> http://www.goerie.thinkhost.com/mt/archives/nfl/2009/02/bills_browns_steelers_turn_foc.html http://www.goerie.thinkhost.com/mt/archives/nfl/2009/02/bills_browns_steelers_turn_foc.html Buffalo Bills Cleveland Browns NFL combine Pittsburgh Steelers Thu, 19 Feb 2009 07:32:17 -0500 I just finished reading a report on The Sporting News Today that says NFL commissioner Roger Goodell will accept a salary freeze in 2009. The commissioner also agreed to a pay cut for fiscal 2008, which ends May 31. Goodell earns $11 million. The NFL recently announced it would lay off 1,100 employees at its New York headquarters. I wasn't a math major, and I'm no privy to NFL payroll figures, but let's suppose a lot of those 1,100 people who will lose their jobs make around $50,000 per year, since it's unlikely any high-ranking league officials are getting axed. And let's suppose that instead nobly agreeing to having his $11 million salary frozen in 2009, Goodell agreed to be paid, say, $7 million, freeing up $4 million that theoretically could be used to pay the salaries of 80 or so employees scheduled to be laid off. I know that would call for some huge personal sacrifices for Goodell, who might even have to fly commercial once in a while. But I suspect even the commish could find a way to scratch out a living on 7 mil a year, especially if it meant keeping some other people off the dole. -- John Dudley http://www.goerie.thinkhost.com/mt/archives/nfl/2009/02/goodell_needs_a_reality_check.html http://www.goerie.thinkhost.com/mt/archives/nfl/2009/02/goodell_needs_a_reality_check.html NFL layoffs Roger Goodell Sat, 14 Feb 2009 10:55:05 -0500 Dallas Cowboys. The full report from Common Sense Media is here. Let it suffice to say that watching ads during a football game is probably no more harmful than half an hour on YouTube. Or half an hour in a fifth-grade lunchroom. -- John Dudley ]]> http://www.goerie.thinkhost.com/mt/archives/nfl/2009/02/hide_the_women_and_children_an.html http://www.goerie.thinkhost.com/mt/archives/nfl/2009/02/hide_the_women_and_children_an.html Common Sense Media Dallas Cowboys ESPN Outside the Lines football ads NFL Tony Siragusa Wed, 11 Feb 2009 08:31:14 -0500 this site has an amazing collection of photos from before, during and after the game. -- John Dudley]]> http://www.goerie.thinkhost.com/mt/archives/nfl/2009/02/if_you_still_havent_gotten_you.html http://www.goerie.thinkhost.com/mt/archives/nfl/2009/02/if_you_still_havent_gotten_you.html Pittsburgh Steelers Super Bowl XLIII Mon, 09 Feb 2009 13:27:16 -0500 complete list organized by team and position. Don't expect the Steelers to be major players in free agency, They never are. But the Browns (cornerback, linebacker) and Bills (center, defensive end) will be active. Here are my picks for the top five free agents and where I think they might land: 1. Haynesworth: Maybe the best player on the market given his age and the scarcity of big run-stoppers in any free agent class. Likely destination: Detroit, where former Titans defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz is now the head coach. 2. Asomugha: One of the most underrated corners in football because he plays in Oakland, Asomugha could wind up in Dallas, New England, Detroit, Kansas City or with either the Jets or Giants, providing the Raiders don't apply the franchise tag. Likely destination: Dallas, as a more talented, more reliable replacement for Pacman Jones. 3. Gross: Top-end left tackles seldom hit the free-agent market, and when they do they attract plenty of attention. Carolina probably will have to choose between using the franchise tag on Gross or Peppers, with the other player likely to walk. Expect Gross to stay in Carolina, where he would cost the Panthers $8.45 million next season. Likely destination: Remains in Carolina. 4. Peppers: Peppers already has said he wants out, so if Gross gets the franchise designation the Panthers could lose their best pass rusher, who posted 14 1/2 sacks this season. Expect a long line of teams to make offers for Peppers, including, potentially, the Browns and Bills. Likely destination: Cleveland, where Peppers could become a monster in the 3-4. 5. T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Cincinnati: You can't blame Houshmandzadeh for wanting out of the mess in Cincinnati, and he will be an intriguing talent to teams that wonder how good he could become in an environment without the Bengals' dysfunction. Likely destination: Philadelphia, where the Eagles finally get Donovan McNabb the top-tier receiver he has lacked since Terrell Owens left. -- John Dudley]]> http://www.goerie.thinkhost.com/mt/archives/nfl/2009/02/this_years_free_agency_class_s.html http://www.goerie.thinkhost.com/mt/archives/nfl/2009/02/this_years_free_agency_class_s.html Albert Haynesworth Brian Dawkins free egency Jordan Gross Julius Peppers Kurt Warner NFL Nnamdi Asomugha Ray Lewis T.J. Houshmandzadeh Terrell Suggs Mon, 09 Feb 2009 13:02:16 -0500 It all seemed so simple back in late August, when I wrote a column picking the Jacksonville Jaguars and their stout defense over the Dallas Cowboys and their explosive offense in Super Bowl XLIII. Hah! Neither team made the playoffs. Joke's on me. That seems to be the trend as I review a column's worth of preseason NFL predictions: http://www.goerie.thinkhost.com/mt/archives/nfl/2009/02/how_my_preseason_predictions_f.html http://www.goerie.thinkhost.com/mt/archives/nfl/2009/02/how_my_preseason_predictions_f.html NFL preseason predictions Thu, 05 Feb 2009 22:28:01 -0500