2014 August - Pro Football Rumors

NFC Notes: Pead, Holmes, Giants, Sam

August 16th, 2014 at 8:15pm CST by Luke Adams

As the NFL preseason rolls on with a handful of Saturday night games in progress, let’s check out a few weekend items from around the NFC….

Rams coach Jeff Fisher told reporters, including Mike Garafolo of FOX Sports (Twitter link), that the team believes running back Isaiah Pead tore his ACL today and will be lost for the 2014 season.
Concerns about his foot and his attitude kept Santonio Holmes on the free agent market until mid-August. However, the veteran wideout officially signed with the Bears today, and Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk believes Holmes could flourish in Marc Trestman‘s offense in Chicago, assuming he’s healthy. The club will be seeking a third receiver behind Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery, after seeing Marquess Wilson suffer a clavicle injury.
For years, the Giants have been trying different cornerbacks and safeties in the nickel back role, but after they went out and signed Walter Thurmond this offseason, they may have finally found an answer at the position, writes Newsday’s Tom Rock.
Rams rookie Michael Sam recorded his first sack in today’s preseason game against the Packers, but undrafted defensive lineman Ethan Westbrooks, who may be vying with Sam for a single roster spot, had a big game as well, as Gary Mihoces of USA Today details.

Jim Kelly, Bon Jovi Mulling Joint Bid For Bills?

August 16th, 2014 at 6:22pm CST by Luke Adams

With Buffalo Sabres owner Terry Pegula looking like the clear-cut favorite to become the next owner of the Bills, a pair of groups interested in owning the team have discussed the possibility of teaming up. According to Tim Graham of the Buffalo News, Jon Bon Jovi‘s Toronto-based group has reached out within the last few days to Jim Kelly about joining forces to make a run at the Bills, and the Kelly group didn’t immediately rule out the possibility.

Bon Jovi’s group has appeared to be losing momentum recently, having reportedly submitted an unacceptably low initial bid and only being allowed to move onto the final stage of the sale process after providing assurances that they didn’t intend to move the franchise. Graham reported this week that the group is “unfocused and disorganized,” with major tension among the various involved parties.

As for Jim Kelly, his brother Dan Kelly, and the rest of their family, Graham writes that they’ve met with several potential ownership groups in the months since longtime owner Ralph Wilson passed away, but haven’t been able to strike up a partnership with any bidders yet. Multiple sources tell Graham that the Kellys have asked for the following terms in any partnership: A 2% equity in the team, lifetime jobs for Jim and Dan, an up-front cash payment for their services, and final say on all football decisions. One source tells Graham that the Kellys may be open to giving up football decision-making if they join the Bon Jovi group.

Still, while discussions may have occurred, it doesn’t appear any partnership between the two groups is imminent. For what it’s worth, Jim’s wife Jill and daughter Erin both tweeted out comments tonight suggesting that Graham’s report is inaccurate. “To think that anyone would think for a minute that Jim would ever link up with ownership that would move our beloved Bills is ludicrous,” Jill Kelly said in a separate tweet.

In response, Graham published several tweets of his own, indicating that he’s confident in his report and has “about seven sources” on the story. John Wawrow of The Associated Press added (via Twitter) that he’s heard rumblings about a potential Bon Jovi/Kelly partnership as well, though it’s unclear how far those discussions have progressed.

NFC East Notes: Benn, Helu, Garrett, Giants

August 16th, 2014 at 4:34pm CST by Rob DiRe

Eagles‘ wideout Arrelious Benn was far from guaranteed a roster spot, but he is working as hard as possible to make the team, writes Geoff Mosher of CSNPhilly.com. Benn showed that he can contribute on special teams by blocking a punt in their preseason game against the Patriots. He also caught a touchdown in the game, on a ball that was intended for another receiver but came loose in the air as Ifeanyi Momah fell to the ground in the end zone.

Here are some other notes from around the NFC East:

Cowboys‘ head coach Jason Garrett has been a popular choice to the question of first coach to be fired in 2014, but Todd Archer of ESPNDallas.com doesn’t see owner Jerry Jones pulling the trigger during the season. Despite being listed with 2/1 odds according to Bovada, Archer believes the team is more likely to ride out the season with Garrett without a potential successor.
Redskins‘ running backs have struggled in pass protection drills, with Roy Helu, Lache Seastruck, and starter Alfred Morris each having their own problems, writes John Keim of ESPN.com. The drill is supposed to favor the defense, however, and Helu still has the edge on the role of third-down back. “It’s a somewhat superficial drill,” Helu said. “But it’s a harder drill than game situations. The first thing we have to do is be physical because it’s one-on-one and second we are going to win with technique.”
The Giants had a lot of problems with their quarterback play in 2013, but there is currently a competition going on for the backup spot on the team, writes Dan Graziano of ESPN.com. Curtis Painter will take the backup reps this week, after Ryan Nassib was given them previously.

AFC North Links: Browns, Ravens, Steelers

August 16th, 2014 at 4:06pm CST by Rob DiRe

Browns‘ head coach Mike Pettine had a lot to say about his team, and spoke with reporters after today’s final practice of training camp. Nate Ulrich of Ohio.com transcribed his thoughts about how the team has fared since training camp opened. Pettine broaches many subjects, notably the fight that occurred during practice, various injury questions, and the current quarterback situation.

Here are some other links from around the AFC North:

In case Pettine couldn’t answer all the Browns‘ fans’ questions, Tony Grossi of ESPNCleveland.com took a stab at answering some reader e-mails. The majority of the questions dealt with the quarterback position, but were not limited to Johnny Manziel and Brian Hoyer. Third and fourth stringers Connor Shaw and Rex Grossman drew their own inquiries as well.
The Ravens wrapped up their own training camp, and Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com gave his breakdown of the entire camp. He announced his best, most disappointing, and most improved players on each side of the ball, as well as highlighted some of the best and worst individual plays from camp.
The Ravens have as many as seven wide receivers competing for the final spot or two on the team’s active roster, writes Jeff Zrebiec of the Baltimore Sun. “Nobody has really separated themselves because nobody has fallen off right now,” head coach John Harbaugh said. “They’ve all played well. The games are going to be a big thing now. If practice doesn’t separate guys, then maybe the games will.”
The Steelers‘ have five serious candidates competing for four roster spots at offensive tackle, writes Scott Brown of ESPN.com. While the starters are more or less in place, and Mike Adams is cemented as the backup at both spots, Guy Whimper and Wesley Johnson are battling for the final spot. Whimper has the experience, but Johnson is versatile and still has room to develop after being drafted this past May.

Ken Whisenhunt Talks Titans’ Preseason

August 16th, 2014 at 2:59pm CST by Rob DiRe

Titans’ head coach Ken Whisenhunt had a lot to say about his team’s performance Friday night, remaining optimistic despite the 31-24 loss to the Saints. Terry McCormick of TitanInsider.com reported many of Whisenhunt’s best statements and responses in a series of tweets.

Here are some of the highlights, as reported by McCormick (all links via Twitter).

On Jake Locker‘s performance: “For his first chance of really operating the offense, did a nice job in reads and handling the environment.”
On Zach Mettenberger’s performance: “Great experience for him, and he made some plays. Had some turnovers, but needs to learn from them.” Whisenhunt also noted that although he fumbled again this week, it was much closer to being an incomplete pass.
On Bishop Sankey’s fumbling problems: “He’s a rookie and he’s going to have to work through that.”
On the kicker competition: “Travis Coons‘ field goal very impressive and Maikon Bonani did well on kickoffs.” He wouldn’t say who has the edge at this time.
On the kick returner competition: Marc Mariani has done well on returns, but the team will allow Leon Washington and Dexter McCluster to get opportunities later in preseason. Both have a great body of work, and Whisenhunt knows what they can do.

Jaguars Sign Two, Waive Two

August 16th, 2014 at 2:21pm CST by Rob DiRe

We’ll round up today’s minor transactions here, with the latest news appearing at the top, starting with the Jaguars’ latest transaction:

The Jaguars have signed fullback Harvey Unga and offensive tackle Cody Booth, reports Ryan O’Halloran of the Florida Times-Union. They have waived wide receiver Chad Hall and waived/IR fullback Bradie Ewing to make room for the new additions.

NFC North Links: Neal, Peppers, Lions, Bears

August 16th, 2014 at 1:53pm CST by Rob DiRe

Packers‘ running back Rajion Neal has been impressive this preseason, but he must return quickly from injury if he wants a chance of making the team’s final roster, writes Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com. Neal is currently behind Eddie Lacy, James Starks, and DuJuan Harris on the depth chart, even though a knee injury forced him out of the preseason opener and will cause him to miss this week’s game as well. He will have to come back and impress in the final two games if he intends to convince the Packers to keep a fourth back on the roster.

Here are some other links from around the NFC North:

New Packer Julius Peppers saw limited action in the preseason opener, and failed to make his impact known, writes Demovsky. He has vowed to improve on his performance. “It matters, it matters,” said Peppers. “We all are going to need these reps to get ready for the season, which is going to be upon us pretty soon. It’s a chance to get better. We have a couple more opportunities to try to accomplish those goals.”
The Lions have a running back who is also looking to make a 53-man roster, in George Winn, who has been impressive this offseason according to Tim Twentyman of DetroitLions.com. Winn has a reputation as a hard runner, scoring a touchdown from the one-yard line, and had two special teams tackles against the Raiders.
The wide receivers competing to make the Lions‘ roster after Calvin Johnson and Golden Tate will likely come down to some extremely tough decisions, writes Twentyman. Jeremy Ross, Kris Durham, Ryan Broyles, and Corey Fuller have all made a case for a roster spot during the preseason thus far.
The Bears have transformed from a defensive minded team to an offensive force over the years, but they could see an improvement on defense from linebackers Jon Bostic and Shea McClellin, writes Adam Jahns of the Chicago Sun Times.

Extra Points: Fairley, Wallace, Vaccaro

August 16th, 2014 at 12:50pm CST by Matt Feminis

Lions enigmatic defensive tackle Nick Fairley has quickly worked his way into new head coach Jim Caldwell’s doghouse. Fairley been demoted to the second unit, and if that was meant to be a motivational ploy, it doesn’t seem to be working. In his review of the Lions’ second preseason game, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press said Fairley “might as well have not even played. Watching Fairley intently throughout the second quarter, he rarely got any push up front and only once stumbled into a tackle.”

Here’s a handful more miscellaneous news and notes from around the league:

Fox Sports’ Alex Marvez took an insightful look into Mike Wallace‘s slow adjustment to joining the Dolphins. Things are looking up, though, in Year Two, according to head coach Joe Philbin: “The comfort level [Wallace] has with the entire program is miles ahead of where he was a year ago at training camp. Maybe we underestimated just the sheer adjustment of a player moving from one program to another. I think he’s more comfortable in the locker room and with the coaching staff and feels better about his relationships with the quarterbacks.”
Saints second-year safety Kenny Vaccaro is establishing himself as a defensive playmaker and leader by example, writes Jeff Duncan of the Times-Picayune: “[Vaccaro] might have the most swagger of any Saints defender since Darren Sharper. He’s good — and he knows it. And that’s not a bad thing. The Saints’ defense is loaded with alpha males, but Vaccaro is elbowing his way to the head of the pack.”
Ryan Griffin is making a legitimate run at becoming Drew Brees‘ backup, according to ESPN’s Mike Triplett. A second-year pro, Griffin went undrafted out of Tulane, but earned a spot on the practice squad before spending the final 10 games on the active roster. “Griffin, 24, continues to show a combination of poise and confidence that belies his lack of experience,” says Triplett. If the Saints are to keep just two quarterbacks, they will have to choose between Griffin’s upside and experience of 33-year-old veteran Luke McCown.
Rookie nose tackle Louis Nix III is one of five Texans Houston Chronicle writer John McClain will be watching tonight. Nix practiced this week for the first time since having his knee scoped before camp. “They expect him to compete for a starting job,” says McClain. “They traded into the third round to get Nix (6-2, 331), who has the ideal build for a 3-4 nose tackle who’s supposed to tie up two blockers…If Nix stays healthy and keeps his weight under control, he can be an ideal fit for Romeo Crennel’s scheme.”
Ravens defensive lineman Kapron Lewis-Moore, a teammate of Nix III at Notre Dame, suffered a torn Achilles tendon, had surgery yesterday and is expected to be sidelined 6-8 months, reports Aaron Wilson in the Baltimore Sun. The injury is a tough break to say the least for Kapron-Moore, who also missed last season because of a torn ACL suffered in the 2013 BCS Championship against Alabama.

West Notes: Carr, Crabtree, Broncos, Rams

August 16th, 2014 at 11:01am CST by Matt Feminis

Raiders rookie quarterback Derek Carr sustained a concussion and injured ribs last night, with SI’s Austin Murphy reporting (via Twitter) Carr told a team doctor, “I just heard a crunch. I don’t know if my rib’s broken. But it hurts.”

Here’s some more links from the AFC and NFC West divisions:

Healed from a July hamstring pull, 49ers receiver Michael Crabtree participated in his first full practice Friday. Afterward, he told reporters to expect a more impactful version of himself in 2014. According to SFGate.com’s Eric Branch, Crabtree was a “diminished” receiver last season when he came back from a torn Achilles weighing 230 pounds. Crabtree will play at approximately 215 pounds this season.
Optimism is flowing in Broncos camp, particularly because defensive ends Von Miller and DeMarcus Ware look healthy and are gelling, according to the Coloradoan’s Arnie Stapleton. Additionally, Quanterus Smith‘s “ability to create pressure off the edge continues to impress coaches,” per the Denver Post’s Troy Renck, who says Smith is soaking up veteran advice from Ware.
Speaking of optimism. . .Rams receiver Kenny Britt, who is being given another chance by Jeff Fisher, is 100 percent and drawing praise in camp. That’s not surprising. But an article headlined “Rams hoping Kenny Britt can be a leader” is.
Fox Sports’ Alex Marvez paints an optimistic picture of Rams quarterback Sam Bradford, who enters a make-or-break season with a confidence boost derived from the organization’s confidence in him.
Although it was just a second preseason game, the Chargers were humbled by the Seahawks, writes Kevin Acee of the Union-Tribune.

Eagles, Patriots Notes: Garoppolo, DBs, Curry

August 16th, 2014 at 9:10am CST by Matt Feminis

The preseason penalty flag epidemic is affecting (Read: annoying) everyone who chooses to consume exhibition games for any extended period of time, and last night’s Eagles-Patriots game was borderline unbearable (which is saying something for a preseason game). Twenty-eight penalties were called, prompting Ben Volin of the Boston Globe to call it a “travesty.”

Here’s some more notes from the Eagles and Patriots:

In a matter of eight days, Patriots rookie quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo has staked his claim to the backup job, writes Jeff Howe in the Boston Herald. Howe also notes “Jordan Devey also started for the second straight week, adding right guard to his resume last night after opening at left guard against the Redskins. Devey can also play center, so his versatility has been a valued asset in camp.” Devey went undrafted out of Memphis last year before spending the season on the practice squad.
Patriots cornerbacks Kyle Arrington and Logan Ryan are seeing time at safety, reports NESN’s Doug Kyed.
Experimenting and taking advantage of the secondary’s interchangeable parts has been made possible by the encouraging play of Malcolm Butler, who started opposite Darrelle Revis, notes Boston.com’s Erik Frenz. An undrafted free agent out of West Alabama, Butler has gone from bubble player to strong roster candidate.
Eagles cornerback Curtis Marsh had a rough night, according to NJ.com’s Eliot Shorr-Parks: “Marsh has been having a good camp, but in his moment to play against NFL competition, he showed he didn’t belong.”
Vinny Curry and Brandon Graham are two of the Eagles’ best pass rushers, but they don’t fit the defensive scheme, says CSN Philly’s Reuben Frank, who calls for Curry to be traded to a 4-3 team. Meanwhile, Pro Football Focus’ Steve Palazzolo feels similarly about Graham, as evidenced by a couple tweets.