HEADLINES

Month: August 2014

AFC East Notes: Decker, Easley, Odrick, Bills

August 3rd, 2014 at 8:42pm CST by Ben Levine

Jets wideout Eric Decker is focused on contributing to his new team and is hoping to establish himself as a bona fide number-one receiver. That may be tough without Peyton Manning throwing to him, but the 27-year-old wants to prove that his success shouldn’t be completely attributed to the future Hall of Fame quarterback.

“From Year One to Year Five now, I’ve gotten better at my craft,” Decker told Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News. “I’ve become a better receiver. I’m not going to make assumptions because assuming doesn’t really do anything. In this league, you’re only as good as your last play. That’s what people remember. Numbers and statistics come and go away. And then you start over.”

Teammate Sheldon Richardson certainly envisions Decker as a premier wide receiver.

“People want to knock him for the Super Bowl or hate on him a little bit,” Richardson said, “but truth be told, that whole offense disappeared, even Peyton Manning.

But I see a No. 1 receiver in him.”

Let’s check out some more notes from the AFC East…

  • ESPNNewYork.com’s Rich Cimini confirms that Jets linebacker Jermaine Cunningham has torn his ACL and is expected to miss the regular season.
  • Cimini also explores whether the Jets would benefit from playing both Geno Smith and Michael Vick at quarterback. He acknowledges that having the players platoon could throw Smith off of his rhythm, but he also notes that a weapon like Vick shouldn’t be warming the bench.
  • Patriots first-round pick Dominique Easley still hasn’t been cleared to practice and will not travel with the team to Richmond, sources tell The Boston Herald’s Jeff Howe. The defensive tackle, who is rehabbing from a torn ACL, is at least a week away from returning to practice.
  • Dolphins defensive end Dion Jordan will be suspended for the first four games of the upcoming season, but that hasn’t prevented the player from making an impact. In fact, ESPN.com’s James Walker says the former first-rounder has been one of the team’s best defensive players in training camp. “He’s anxious to continue to develop,” defensive coordinator Kevin Coyle said. “He knows he’s got a lot of work. He’s been getting a lot of work here. We’ll continue to try to get a lot of players in the preseason games knowing that we’re going to miss him for a bit, but we envision his role is going to be extensive when he comes back and we know he’s going to be a great player for us.”
  • Entering the final year of his contract, Dolphins defensive end Jared Odrick admitted that a future deal is certainly on his mind. However, he’s trying his best to focus on just football. “There’s no time where it’s (a season) not a big deal,” Odrick said (via David J. Neal of the Miami Herald). “But in terms of my situation with me being five years in, it would be a mistake if I didn’t stay focused on my duties as a football player and what I have to do physically and mentally every day. I try to focus on that more than anything else.”
  • The Bills are crowded at wide receiver, but NFL.com’s Gregg Rosenthal tweets that Marcus Easley “should be a lock” considering his contributions on special teams.

Packers GM Talks Extension, Future, Offseason

August 3rd, 2014 at 5:54pm CST by Ben Levine

The Milwaukee-Wisconsin Journal Sentinel’s Bob McGinn sat down with Packers general manager Ted Thompson on a variety of subjects, including Thompson’s new extension, his future with the franchise and the team’s offseason acquisitions. Here are some of the highlights:

On his contract negotiations with team President Mark Murphy:

“Informal. Yes, I had some representation. An attorney friend of mine. It wasn’t very difficult. It was done over the course of the last few weeks. I think Mark did it (alone).”

On whether he’ll follow the path of his mentor, Ron Wolf, who walked away from the game at age 62:

“Not specifically. I think everybody has their own threshold. Ron was very smart. What he’s been able to accomplish since his retirement in terms of traveling…he and his wife are in good health and have been able to do that…I think that’s marvelous. In my particular situation, I think if I can stay in good health and do this job, I think that’s a marvelous situation.”

On what keeps him motivated:

“The ability to stay up high. To continue the chase of scouting and working with good people. All those things are important to me. My family back home in Texas is important to me. I am cognizant that I’ve spent a large part of my life away from them. I’m going to make a concerted effort to try to be more in their lives. If it’s a weekend every six or eight weeks, I’m going to try to do stuff like that.”

On his role within the organization:

“The short answer is to be a leader. That encompasses a lot of different things. It’s making decisions, but it’s also the idea of being a good person and a servant to the people that work alongside me. The people that I work with have their own lives and their own families. It’s important to try to do this right.”

On Russ Ball (negotiating vice president) potentially being his successor:

“Russ Ball is outstanding. He’s one of those people I work so closely with and becomes part of your family. He’s a good man and certainly an asset to the Packers.”

On whether he deliberately matches contract lengths with head coach Mike McCarthy:

“It’s just been generally the stance of the organization to kind of tie the general manager and head coach in lock step. It makes a little bit of sense in terms of, if the contracts would expire or be lengthened out, they’d be (done) all at the same time.”

On team’s ability to consistently stay under the cap:

“Part of that is management and an understanding of what we will and won’t do on a contract. There’s a lot of angst when you get involved in negotiations. There’s a tendency by some teams to kind of maybe stretch a little bit beyond their reach. What we’ve always done, and what I think quite frankly is one of the secrets of this, is that we’ve always done it the same way. Meaning, we’ve looked at free agents and our own players the same way. We haven’t had four people sitting in my chair and three different head coaches. We’ve had the same people sitting in the chairs. I think when that happens, that changes your roster moves dramatically. It bodes well for me staying in place. I think it’s the continuity of having Mike and myself and our entire staff, coaching and personnel, they’re all the same.”

On taking the blame for last season’s back-up quarterback debacle:

“Well, you kind of push the envelope. You’re always trying to get better at that position, just like any other. It wasn’t like we didn’t bring different people in and take a look at them. It just didn’t work out. We feel pretty good about our (current) group.”

On allowing center Evan Dietrich-Smith to depart via free agency:

“It’s just the way it worked out, you know? He got a nice offer (from the Buccaneers) and we chose not to go there. I think (J.C. Tretter) has a chance to be a pretty good player. Working hard. Good kid. Smart.”

On whether the Julius Peppers acquisition will work out:

“I think so. I think that those that have doubted Mr. Peppers most of the time have been wrong. He is, as people have been able to see over the last few days, a gifted athlete despite being a little older than some. I look forward to watching him. He seems anxious to do it, too.”

49ers Claim L’Damian Washington, Waive Jonathan Baldwin

August 3rd, 2014 at 5:22pm CST by Ben Levine

The 49ers have claimed wide receiver L’Damian Washington off waivers from the Cowboys, the team announced. To make room on the roster, the team parted ways with former first-round pick Jonathan Baldwin.

Baldwin was the third wideout taken in the 2011 draft when the Chiefs selected him 26th overall. He ultimately went ahead of fellow wide receivers Torrey Smith, Randall Cobb and Cecil Shorts, but his numbers haven’t come close to matching the production of those players. Baldwin only caught 41 passes for 579 yards and a pair of touchdowns in his two seasons in Kansas City. The Chiefs traded him to the 49ers last August for another first-round pick, A.J. Jenkins. Baldwin didn’t see the field much with San Francisco, as he had three receptions in seven games during the 2013 season.

As ESPN.com’s Bill Williamson tweeted out, it’s not that surprising that the 49ers parted ways with Baldwin. Williamson previously said that the 24-year-old didn’t have a shot at making the roster, even after the 49ers reworked the player’s contract.

Washington, an undrafted rookie out of Missouri, was cut by the Cowboys on Friday. The 23-year-old finished his college career with 100 receptions for 1,735 yards and 15 touchdowns.

Browns Claim Michael Bowie

August 3rd, 2014 at 5:01pm CST by Ben Levine

SUNDAY, 5:01pm: The Browns announced they have claimed Bowie off waivers, tweets Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal.

SATURDAY, 5:50pm: The Seahawks have placed Bowie on waivers with the injured designation, the tweet announced (via Twitter).

The team is reportedly already seeking a replacement, as Condotta tweets that the team will likely pick up offensive tackle Cory Brandon. Brandon was cut by the Cardinals yesterday.

5:28pm: The Seahawks have waived injured offensive lineman Michael Bowie, tweets Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times. The second-year player was battling a nagging shoulder injury that coach Pete Carroll deemed “significant” (according to a tweet from Brian McIntyre).

The 22-year-old was selected in the seventh round of the 2013 draft and was forced to contribute immediately. With significant injuries on the offensive line, Bowie ultimately started eight games during his rookie season. The offensive tackle proved to be a steal for the Seahawks, as Pro Football Focus’ advanced metrics (subscription required) ranked him as the team’s most productive lineman in 2013. Bowie excelled at run blocking, where he finished as Pro Football Focus’ 12th-best tackle in the league.

With that kind of production, why would the Seahawks risk letting him go? In a follow-up tweet, Condotta stated that some within the organization “were not happy with the shape Bowie showed up in last spring.” The team will now rely on veteran Eric Winston, who joined the team earlier this week.

NFC Links: Falcons, 49ers, Cassel, Hester

August 3rd, 2014 at 4:43pm CST by Dallas Robinson

Six years ago on this date, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell reinstated Packers quarterback Brett Favre from the reserve/retired list (h/t: Packerpedia on Twitter). Of course, this move would set off a series of transactions — Favre was traded to the Jets before “retiring” again, then subsequently signed with the Vikings before calling it quits for good following the 2011 season. Let’s look at some news from the NFC:

  •  The Falcons signed safety Tyrell Johnson following his workout today, and according to Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post (Twitter link), Atlanta also tried out fellow S Jordan Pugh. Pugh, a sixth-round pick by the Panthers in 2010, had previously tried out for the Broncos, Colts, and Bears.
  • Following Glenn Dorsey‘s potentially season-ending injury, and considering the murky injury status of Dorsey’s direct backup, Ian Williams, the 49ers will turn to a triumvirate of Quinton Dial, Tony Jerod-Eddie, and Demarcus Dobbs to fill in at nose tackle, Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com writes.
  • The 49ers have seen most of their injuries afflict the running back and defensive line position groups, which, as Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee tweets, is fortuitous, as those are perhaps San Francisco’s deepest units.
  • Matt Cassel is confident he’ll be the Vikings Week 1 starter, and isn’t worried that rookie Teddy Bridgewater is receiving practice snaps, as he tells Mark Craig of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. “The No. 2 guy, you have to get him ready to play at any point,” said Cassel. “The fact of the matter is he’s going to get reps with the one’s and this is the time of year to do it. it’s also a situation where they’re preaching competition. I think competition makes all of us better…”
  • New Falcon Devin Hester is always a threat on punt and kick returns, but even a special teams ace needs to learn to adjust to new blockers, according to Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com.

AFC South Notes: Colts, Nicks, Jaguars, Texans

August 3rd, 2014 at 3:23pm CST by Dallas Robinson

Aside from Andrew Luck, the Colts might have the worst roster in the NFL, opines Rivers McCown of Football Outsiders (in a piece for ESPN Insider: subscription required). Since 2010, Indianapolis draft picks have borne little fruit, as Luck, T.Y. Hilton, and Dwayne Allen are the only above-average players selected during the span. Because of the lack of draft success, general manager Ryan Grigson has been forced to add talent via trade and free agency — a strategy that hasn’t worked well, as the Trent Richardson, Erik Walden, and LaRon Landry acquisitions have yielded substandard results. Finally, effective veterans like Reggie Wayne and Robert Mathis are nearing the end of their careers, meaning the Colts’ lack of roster depth could be a long-term issue.

More from Indianapolis and the rest of the AFC South:

  • Despite his struggles last season, Richardson is now feeling more comfortable in the Colts’ offense, writes Mike Wells of ESPN.com.
  • New Colts receiver Hakeem Nicks hasn’t yet impressed at training camp, Indianapolis offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton tells Tom James of the Tribune-Star (Twitter link). …”I don’t know if I can say that I’ve seen enough. I think he is still working to get himself in game shape…” said Hamilton. As Jason Fitzgerald of Over the Cap tweets, the Colts are only paying Nicks as a mid-to-low-tier receiver (~$4MM), so it wouldn’t be a major problem if his performance is lackluster.
  • After adding to their defensive line over the offseason, the Jaguars are intent on raising their sack totals in 2014, per Ryan O’Halloran of the Florida Union-Times. Jacksonville got to the quarterback just 31 times last year, tied for last in the league.
  • Texans quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick looked to be at his best during Sunday’s scrimmage, and head coach Bill O’Brien tells Brian T. Smith of the Houston Chronicle that he’s pleased with the veteran’s performance. “I think he is getting better every day. He’s more and more comfortable,” said O’Brien. “…[T]here is a lot to this offense. It’s good to have a guy that has been in a few offenses…He loves this offense, as do all the quarterbacks, because it is a quarterback-friendly offense.”

Falcons Sign Tyrell Johnson

August 3rd, 2014 at 2:23pm CST by Dallas Robinson

The Falcons have added some depth at the safety position by signing Tyrell Johnson, reports Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com. Johnson is the latest in a group of veteran safeties who have found new homes this week, joining Jim Leonhard (Browns) and Steve Gregory (Chiefs). To clear a roster spot, Atlanta released fullback Roosevelt Nix, an undrafted free agent out of Kent State.

Johnson, 29, was a second-round draft choice by the Vikings in 2008, and started 27 games with the team. Per Pro Football Focus’ advanced metrics (subscription required), he was effective as the Minnesota’s starter at strong safety during his first two seasons in the NFL. Since 2010, however, the former Arkansas State Indian has dealt with degraded play and injuries. Johnson spent time with both the Dolphins and the Lions over the past two years, but took the field for only four games (with Detroit in 2012).

The Falcons’ secondary was stretched a bit thin after Dwight Lowery, the projected starter at free safety, suffered a concussion on Friday. Lowery also missed time last season with a concussion, so the injury is concerning; in the above tweet, McClure even notes that Lowery’s season could be “in doubt.” Strong safety is in the hands of William Moore, but a competition at FS in now likely, with third-rounder Dezmen Southward, who is dealing with a minor knee injury, a candidate for increased playing time.

PFR Originals: 7/27/14 – 8/3/14

August 3rd, 2014 at 1:49pm CST by Dallas Robinson

The original content produced by the PFR staff during the past week:

  • We continued our Offseason in Review series, as Zach Links looked at the Buccaneers, Saints, Rams, and Cardinals, and I examined the Falcons.
  • Luke Adams asked who would win the NFC South: the Saints received about 44% of the vote, while the Falcons finished second at just over 25%.
  • As part of our Free Agent Stock Watch series, I profiled former Jets/Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma.
  • In the first Extension Candidate entry regarding a head coach, Rory Parks evaluated the potential negotiations between Jim Harbaugh and the 49ers.

Week In Review: 7/27/14 – 8/3/14

August 3rd, 2014 at 1:31pm CST by Dallas Robinson

The headlines from the past week at PFR:

Extended:

Signed:

Claimed Off Waivers:

  • Patriots – RB Tyler Gaffney from the Panthers (link)

Waived:

Contract Restructured:

Retired:

Other:

  • Lions, Ndamukong Suh to table negotiations until next offseason (link)
  • Only three initial bidders for the Bills (link). Latest on the sale here.
  • 49ers, Jim Harbaugh table extension talks (link)

Sunday Roundup: Bon Jovi, Orton, Browns

August 3rd, 2014 at 12:58pm CST by Rory Parks

Let’s round up some links from around the league as Sunday morning turns into Sunday afternoon:

  • In order to stem concerns from Bills‘ fans that the Toronto-based group led by rocker Jon Bon Jovi would like to ultimately move the team to Toronto if its ownership bid is successful, Bon Jovi himself wrote a letter published in the Buffalo News on Sunday morning stating that he hopes to make the Bills successful “in Buffalo.” As John Wawrow of the Associated Press writes, however, Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz told the AP several weeks ago that he has no doubts regarding Bon Jovi’s group’s long-term intentions to move the team to Toronto.
  • Bears‘ GM Phil Emery is open to a reunion with Kyle Orton if Orton wants to play in 2014, writes Michael C. Wright of ESPN.com. Orton, who was released by the Cowboys last month, began his career in Chicago and the Bears have twice tried to re-sign him since trading him to Denver in the Jay Cutler deal five years ago. Orton would represent an upgrade at backup quarterback over Jimmy Clausen and Jordan Palmer.
  • Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer thinks that it is a “good sign” that Browns‘ receiver Josh Gordon and his attorneys are heading back to New York on Monday to resume Gordon’s appeal hearing. Cabot believes that Gordon will still be suspended, but perhaps not indefinitely.
  • In the same piece, Cabot opines that Browns‘ second-year pro Barkevious Mingo could produce double-digit sacks in 2014. George M. Thomas and Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal similarly believe that Mingo looks poised for a breakout campaign.
  • In a separate piece, Ulrich writes that Browns‘ rookie QB Johnny Manziel could be gaining ground on presumed starter Brian Hoyer.
  • Scott Brown of ESPN.com writes that Steelers‘ head coach Mike Tomlin is paying particularly close attention to the unheralded running backs fighting to make the team’s 53-man roster, including Tauren Poole, Miguel Maysonet, and Josh Harris.
  • I posted an article earlier today regarding a potential contract extension for 49ers‘ head coach Jim Harbaugh, and Eric Branch of the San Fransisco Chronicle adds to that discussion. He writes that CEO Jed York believes he and Harbaugh are “on the same page” in their contract talks and that both parties will assess where they are after the 2014 season.
  • Roy Cummings of the Tampa Tribune writes that Buccaneers wide receiver Tommy Streeter has been the pleasant surprise of training camp thus far.
  • Herbie Teope of ChiefsSpin.com tweets that Chiefs‘ star safety Eric Berry returned to practice today.
  • ESPN.com has created a chart detailing the first impressions that the first-round picks of 2014 have made.
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