FXFL To Launch In October
A new developmental football league plans to launch this October, under the name Fall Experimental Football League (FXFL), reports Barry Wilner of the Associated Press. Led by commissioner Brian Woods, the FXFL is not looking to compete with the NFL, but ultimately to become a developmental league for professional football.
“Our long-term goal is to establish a partnership with the NFL and we feel can do that on many platforms,” said Woods. “It would give them a way to work with younger players that they don’t currently have. We can help them train prospective NFL officials — in the NBA, every referee entering the league (in recent years) comes from NBA Developmental League. We can be a testing ground for proposed rules, too.”
The new league will start with six teams, including franchises in the New York and Boston areas and a team in Florida. The other three teams will play home games in Austin (Texas), Portland (Oregon), and Omaha (Nebraska). Games would be played mostly on Wednesday nights, to avoid overlap with either the NFL or college football.
A TV deal is also in the works, although details have yet to be released.
Apart from being a developmental league for players and referees, the league will also provide a place for experimentation with rule changes. They are already considering eliminating punts, kickoffs, and extra points from their gameplay,
The players are hoped to be recent collegiate athletes from recent draft classes, although Woods has not ruled out working with players that have left school early and are ineligible for the NFL draft. Teams would be assembled first and foremost based on regional territories, so teams would have first opportunity to sign local players. Player salaries would be $1,000 a week.
AFC West Notes: Chargers, Signings, Mack
Chargers‘ head coach Mike McCoy is excited about his team, and Kevin Acee of the UT San Diego has highlighted a few players who could back up the coach’s expectations. Acee sees Manti Te’o, Andrew Gachkar, and Melvin Ingram coming together to form a deep linebacking group (one that could exclude Larry English). He also likes third-year tight end Ladarius Green, the running game behind a strong offensive line, and a few rookies who could make an impact.
Here are some other notes from around the AFC West:
- The Chargers have also claimed defensive tackle Chas Alecxih, according to Michael Gehlken of the UT San Diego (via Twitter). Alecxih, the former Chief, completes the team’s 90-man roster.
- The Chiefs announced that they have signed wide receiver Mark Harrison, according to their official team Twitter page. Harrison spent 2013 with the Patriots, placed on the reserve/non-football injury list last summer.
- Raiders‘ defensive coordinator Jason Tarver has been trying to find creative ways to use first-round pick Khalil Mack in the team’s defense this season, writes Scott Bair of CSNBayArea.com. “What’s nice about Khalil is he has size and athletic ability, so that he can do some things on the edges of your defense, both in the run game and in the pass game, with his power, his length and his ability to bend and move.” said Tarver. “Those are traits that you want as many players as you can have on your defense, as many of those as we can get, the happier a coordinator is.”
- The Broncos have solidified their roster to position themselves for a return to the Super Bowl this year, but the right tackle position is still up in the air, writes Sayre Bedinger of PredominatelyOrange.com. The team has Chris Clark, who filled in admirably for Ryan Clady on the left side last season, as the frontrunner for the role. They also drafted offensive tackle Michael Schofield out of Michigan, and re-signed Winston Justice. Bedinger also notes that 2013 sixth-round pick Vinston Painter is still valued and could be a dark horse for a starting job on the offensive line.
AFC East Notes: Bills, Vick, Thomas, Pats
The Bills have one month before they open up training camp on July 20th, but players are still posturing themselves to win starting jobs this summer, write Joe Buscaglia of WGR 550 SportsRadio. According to Buscaglia, the team will be having open competition at strong safety, right tackle, right guard, and fullback. The team also will be giving long looks to their tight ends, despite bringing back Scott Chandler, who led the team in receiving in 2013.
Here are some other notes from the AFC East:
- As reports have been coming out of Jets‘ camp that Michael Vick is falling behind second-year quarterback Geno Smith, Vick is remaining supportive of his teammate, writes Rich Cimini of ESPNNewYork.com. Vick voiced his belief that Smith could lead the Jets to a Super Bowl. “I think it can happen this year,” said Vick. “I think Geno can take us to where we need to go.”
- Another second-year player is poised to make his impact on the division is Dolphins‘ left guard Dallas Thomas, who spoke with James Walker of ESPN.com about the upcoming season. Thomas said his biggest keys to improving this offseason were mastering the playbook, finding a consistent position as left guard, and coming into the season lighter than he did as a rookie.
- The Patriots got better as the season went on last season, and Mike Reiss of ESPNBoston.com highlighted a group of players that finished the season with some momentum earlier today. He also put together a list of players who need to find their momentum this offseason, so the team can begin the season with a head of steam.
NFC Notes: Cards, Lions, 49ers, Rams
The Cardinals have plenty of time to evaluate the players on their roster before they have to cut it down to 53 men, but Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com has predicted which 53 will be suiting up for the team Week 1. Weinfuss writes that the first 45 were easy, but narrowing down the final eight was a difficult decision. Paul Fanaika, Brittan Golden and Jaron Brown were some of the toughest cuts on this list.
Here are some other notes from around the NFC:
- Since the Lions released veteran cornerback Chris Houston, they are left with a thin secondary, writes Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press. Rashean Mathis should be slotted to be the team’s top corner, but the 33-year old veteran is not what he once was. After Mathis, the team has last year’s second-round pick Darius Slay, who struggled mightily in 2013. Aside from those two, there is a long list of question marks rounding out the depth chart.
- The 49ers acquired Jonathan Martin earlier this offseason, and are now trying to move him inside from tackle to guard, writes Tyson Langland of Bleacher Report. However, Langland is far from optimistic about Martin’s ability to change positions with his new team. Although he has struggled at both left and right tackle, his inexperience at the position as well as his alleged lack of arm strength and aggressiveness make Langland believe he will be a bad fit at guard.
- With Radio City Music Hall unavailable for the 2015 NFL Draft, other cities aside from New York are getting excited at the prospect of hosting the draft either next year or down the road. With Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York (at Madison Square Garden) fighting to host the draft, Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post Dispatch reports that the Rams are getting into the mix as well. Rams executive vice president Kevin Demoff and President of the St. Louis Sports Committee Frank Viverito have discussed a willingness to bring the Draft to St. Louis. “We’ve had conversation about what it would take, and would be interested if the NFL winds up doing this on a long-term basis,” Demoff said. While the 2015 NFL Draft might not be a possibility, the city is open to the possibility of obtaining a future NFL Draft.
- Eagles‘ kicker Alex Henery struggled in 2013, including a missed field goal and short kickoffs in a playoff loss to the Saints. Even still, he is not worried about his job security, writes Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer. “Competition can always make you better, but it’s not like I’m worried about it,” Henery said recently. “I’m here to do my thing and do it the best I can. . . . I’m a perfectionist. That’s what drives me.”
NFC East Notes: Giants, Benn, Roberts
The Giants‘ wideouts will have some adjustments to make as they adapt to new offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo’s offensive system, writes Kieran Darcy of ESPNNewYork.com. The group is optimistic about how they will fit in to the new scheme.
“I’m liking it, it’s going to be pretty exciting,” said Rueben Randle. “Coach [Ben] McAdoo has done a great job putting us in positions to make plays and using our abilities. We still have a lot of work to put in out there on the field, but as far as now, we’re in a good spot.”
“I think it’s an offense that fits my game,” Jerrel Jernigan said, “And also spreads the ball out to everyone and gives everybody the chance to make plays.”
“It’s actually not that bad once you get into it and you break it down by formation and things like that,” said first-round pick Odell Beckham Jr. “It’s really not that bad. It’s just a lot of memorization.”
Here are some other notes from around the NFC East:
- On the Eagles‘ depth chart, veterans have the slight edge over their younger teammates, writes Matt Giraldi of InsideTheIggles.com. Former Jet Mark Sanchez has the inside track to the backup quarterback job over fellow USC Trojan Matt Barkley, and although the team has promising young players in the secondary and at receiver, those players will have to prove themselves before they see significant playing time.
- New Eagles‘ receiver Arrelious Benn is looking to bounce back from a torn ACL, writes Chris McPherson of PhiladelphiaEagles.com. McPherson says that Benn knows he is going to have to compete for a roster spot, but that the receiver is ready to work for his job. “I embraced it. You’ve got to embrace that type of stuff,” said Benn. “I’m not one to shy away from competition. I love competition. My life has been competition. I compete in everything that I do. The thing for me, when these younger guys come in, I want to help them out. If there’s any way to teach them so they can learn from my mistakes, something I could have done better, should have done better, I definitely tell them. The biggest thing for me honestly is I’m competing against myself.”
- While star pass rusher Brian Orakpo and new addition Jason Hatcher will be hogging the attention for the Redskins’ defense this season, head coach Jay Gruden sees importance in the performance of two other defensive linemen, reports Tarik El-Bashir of CSNWashington.com. Chris Baker and Jarvis Jenkins still figure to play key roles in the team’s defense this season. “We expect big things out of Chris and Jarvis,” Gruden said. “Baker’s going to be a major part of our nickel pass rush also, as is Jarvis Jenkins at some point.”
- The Redskins are looking for help returning both punts and kickoffs, and new receiver Andre Roberts wants to fill both positions, writes Rich Tandler of CSNWashington.com. “I feel like I’m one of those players who when he gets the ball in his hands he can make some big plays,” said Roberts. “That’s what I want to bring to this team as well, not just as a receiver but also on special teams.”
- If Tony Romo continues to play at a high level, the Cowboys will not prioritize quarterback until the 2016 NFL Draft, writes Todd Archer of ESPNDallas.com. However, if Romo struggles with performance or health this year, the team could target someone early in the upcoming draft.
Brandon Flowers Notes: Jets, Panthers
Since Brandon Flowers was released by the Chiefs yesterday afternoon, rumors began to fly about what teams could be interested in the Pro Bowl cornerback. The Falcons were established as one of the frontrunners for his services, and a number of other teams have been linked to the former Chief.
- The Jets, Falcons, Texans, Lions, and Eagles are all still potential landing spots for Flowers’ services, writes Lorenzo Reyes of USAToday.com. The Jets need secondary help in general, as do the Eagles. The Texans and Falcons have personnel connections with defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel and general manager Scott Pioli, respectively. The Lions make sense after the release of veteran corner Chris Houston.
- The Jets certainly could use an upgrade in the secondary, but Rich Cimini has held firm that he would not expect the team to reach out to Flowers. He reports that the team has not expressed interest yet (via Twitter), and reiterated that he would be surprised if they do.
- The Panthers could also be in the mix, despite signing former first-round pick Antoine Cason this offseason, writes Reid Foster of Cover32.com. The team has just over $5MM in cap space to work with, and a need in the secondary. Foster also writes that making a run at Flowers could keep him away from one of their rivals in the NFC South, the Falcons.
- The Raiders have a need at corner, that has only been magnified after 2013 first-round selection D.J. Hayden went down with an ankle injury, according to Justin Smith of BleacherReport.com. With Hayden hurt, the team is looking to a pair of 49er castoffs Tarell Brown and Carlos Rogers to play big roles this upcoming season.
- The Vikings corners were bad in 2013, and Flowers could provide an upgrade their as well writes Christopher Gates of DailyNorseman.com. Although Flowers measured poorly according to Pro Football Focus’ numbers last season, he still performed better than Marcus Sherels, Josh Robinson, and Chris Cook and would provide a higher upside than all three.
Chuck Noll Passes Away
Steelers’ Hall of Fame head coach Chuck Noll passed away late Friday night, reports Jerry DiPaola of TribLive.com. Noll coached the team from 1969-1991, and won four Super Bowls, the most of any head coach in NFL history. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1993. Noll was 82 years old.
Noll was under the care of a doctor for an undisclosed illness, according to DiPaola.
He died in his home in Sewickley, Pennsylvania, according to Lexi Belculfine of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. He died of natural causes, according to the Allegheny County medical examiner’s office.
NFC Notes: Falcons, Redskins, Flowers
The Falcons are still looking to free agency to solidify their roster, writes Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com. After losing Sean Weatherspoon for the season, the team has considered Tim Dobbins, Jonathan Vilma, and Nick Barnett as possible replacements. They have also been linked to Brandon Flowers, who was cut earlier today.
Here are some other notes from around the NFC:
- Redskins‘ backup guards Josh LeRibeus and Spencer Long have been switching between left guard and right guard, writes Tarik El-Bashir of CSNWashington.com. The reason for this, according to new head coach Jay Gruden, is position flexibility. “On gameday, we usually dress seven, sometimes eight linemen. Usually seven, so your sixth guy has to play center, [right] guard and [left] guard,” said Gruden. “So it’s very important that for guys to be flexible with what they do.”
- The Redskins have also been working on their no-huddle offense, writes Rich Tandler of CSNWashington.com. While the no-huddle offense was a point of frustration in 2013, Robert Griffin III is looking to lead an improved attack this season. “We did a little no huddle today, working that stuff in. We’ll be very multiple,” said Griffin. “We’ll figure out what we do best and that’s the process—continuing to do this, continuing to learn, getting the new guys and the rookies up to speed with the offense and even ourselves, continuing to master it.”
- The 49ers have prioritized improving the cornerback position this offseason, but Flowers may not be the answer, writes Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com. The team has limited dollars to spend, and would have preferred a bigger player at the position.
Cowboys Notes: Linehan, Witten, Bryant
Jason Witten spoke with KESN-FM 103.3 about his excitement at working with new offensive coordinator Scott Linehan, in an interview transcribed by DallasNews.com. Witten said although Linehan has a pass-happy reputation, he believes the team will have an improved ground game in 2014. “I think people sometimes think he gets pass-happy. I don’t think that’s the case. He just plays his personnel,” said Witten. “He’s added his wrinkles to our system we already had in place. Ultimately, it’s about us executing better, playing better.”
Here are some other notes from Dallas-Fort Worth:
- Witten also described how his quarterback is going to bounce back from offseason surgery, expressing his supreme confidence in Tony Romo. “I understand there’s a lot of criticism and until you win that big game and compete for championships, when you play that position, that’s gonna come,” said Witten. “But he’s working really hard. He looks great. I know his mental mindset. I’ve been around him a long time. I think he’s gonna come back better than he has ever before and it’s going to be a great year for him and, hopefully, for our football team.”
- Cowboy legend Drew Pearson was on NFL Network discussing how his team needs to sign Dez Bryant to an extension, writes Jon Machota of DallasNews.com. “He’s really improved the last two years, his numbers have improved, and just his overall game, his overall leadership responsibility with the football team,” said Pearson. “He is the most influential player on that team right now. He’s kind of like Michael Irvin was to the team in the 90s. Dez can be that type of leader on the field and off the field for the Cowboys.”
- The Cowboys lost a lot of production on the defensive side of the ball, with the departure of DeMarcus Ware and Jason Hatcher, writes Todd Archer of ESPN.com. They still have George Selvie, Anthony Spencer, Henry Melton, and Jeremy Mincey. However, those four players have exactly two eight-sack seasons in their respective careers. Hatcher had 11 in 2013, and Ware has hit double digits every year of his career except his rookie campaign and an injury plagued 2013. Ware had eight sacks as a rookie in 2005.
- Cowboys’ corner B.W. Webb struggled as a rookie in 2013, and could fail to make the 53-man roster this season, writes Archer. Archer called the Webb the team’s fifth or sixth corner at best, and noted he would need a very good preseason to stick with the team.
Extra Points: Bryant, Sam, Fluker
When Cowboys‘ superstar Dez Bryant hits free agency, he wants to be paid like one of the top five receivers in the NFL. Shaun O’Hara and Willie McGinest of the NFL Network argued over whether the young wideout is deserving of that payday, transcripted by DallasNews.com.
Here are some other notes from around the NFL:
- Rams‘ seventh-round pick Michael Sam has had no issues fitting in with the team, according to USAToday. Sam, the first openly gay NFL player, had nothing but great things to say about his teammates. “They respect me as a human being,” said Sam. “And as a football player.”
- Chargers‘ offensive tackle D.J. Fluker is eyeing the Pro Bowl in his sophomore season, writes Michael Gehlken of UTSanDiego.com. Fluker has been boxing to get into shape this offseason, and is poised to avoid decline in his second year.
- Texans‘ head coach Bill O’Brien plans on using three tight ends in his offense, and will give all of them a chance to shine, writes Brian T. Smith of the Houston Chronicle. O’Brien started the tight end trend with the pairing of Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez in New England, and could continue to see success with the Garrett Graham, Ryan Griffin and rookie C.J. Fiedorowicz.