AFC East Notes: Jets, Dolphins, Brady
Let’s round up a few Wednesday updates from around the AFC East, where every team except the 1-3 Jets is tied for first place at 2-2….
- In addition to working out fullback John Conner, who signed with the club, the Jets auditioned center Thomas Austin, tackle Michael Bamiro, and center Lemuel Jeanpierre this week, according to Adam Caplan of ESPN.com (via Twitter). Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun adds (via Twitter) that the club also tried out linebacker Chris Young.
- The Dolphins worked out several players as well this week, according to Wilson, who tweets that linebackers Kaelin Burnett, Uani Unga, and Paul Hazel, along with defensive end Steven Means, were among the participants.
- While Tom Brady‘s subpar September is hardly a reason for the Patriots to panic, Jason Fitzgerald of Over The Cap (writing for The Sporting News) outlines possible strategies for the club if Brady’s struggles continue. The former MVP’s contract ensures that his salaries for 2015, 2016, and 2017 will become fully guaranteed if he’s still on New England’s roster at the end of the 2014 season.
- As Albert Breer of the NFL Network notes (via Twitter), Brady provided an interesting answer today when asked whether he felt the Patriots have the offensive weapons he needs to win: “We’ll see. We’ll see here in a couple months.”
- Tight end Brandon Barden tried out this week for the Bills, tweets Wilson.
Freeman’s Latest: Pats, Suh, Raiders, Goodell
While Tom Brady has been taking his share of criticism for the Patriots‘ shaky start to the 2014 season, one NFC scout tells Mike Freeman of Bleacher Report that he believes head coach and de facto GM Bill Belichick should shoulder a good portion of the blame.
“The larger problem isn’t Brady. The problem is what’s around Brady,” the scout said. “Belichick has done a horrible job of putting talent around him. [Rob Gronkowski], to me, isn’t half the player he was. Their best player right now is Julian Edelman.”
As the scout points out, the Broncos have taken the opposite approach with Peyton Manning, surrounding him with an “armada” of weapons, while Brady once again works with an underwhelming group of receivers in New England. Freeman touches on several other topics of note within his latest column, so let’s dive in and round up the highlights….
- After speaking to sources with the Giants and Jets, Freeman suggests both teams have only “marginal” interest in Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh. A report on Sunday indicated that the standout defender would be interested in playing in New York when his contract is up in Detroit, but Freeman’s sources think Suh‘s agent Jimmy Sexton may simply be trying to scare the Lions.
- While Freeman can say “with certainty” that the Raiders have interest in Jon Gruden and Jim Harbaugh as head coaching candidates, Gruden isn’t interested (at least for now) and Oakland likely wouldn’t be able to afford the sort of salary Harbaugh would command.
- According to Freeman, the outlook for Roger Goodell remains “solid,” with owners around the league still supporting the embattled commissioner. However, much of that support hinges on what Robert Mueller‘s investigation uncovers about the Ray Rice situation.
East Notes: Patriots, Jets, Murray
The head of the FCC says the agency will consider a petition to ban the Redskins nickname from the public airwaves, Tom Wheeler of The Associated Press writes. Wheeler, who did not offer a timetable for a ruling, has previously said he finds the name “offensive and derogatory,” but that he hoped owner Dan Snyder would change it without any formal action. Here’s more from the AFC and NFC East..
- The Patriots should have done more this offseason, writes Ben Volin of the Boston Globe. The Pats had space to work with this offseason and while they made some moves, like adding Darrelle Revis, they didn’t address all of their holes. Volin also thinks the Pats should have used a higher pick on a guard or center, especially if they knew they’d be trading Logan Mankins down the line.
- Patriots head coach Bill Belichick is universally respected, but as a GM, he has come up short, writes Mike Sando of ESPN.com (Insider sub. req’d). Sando notes that the receivers New England has drafted over the past five years have combined to catch 52 passes for 727 yards and four touchdowns in 27 games with the Patriots. No team in the league has gotten fewer games or receptions from the receivers it has drafted since 2010.
- It’s too early to evaluate the Jets‘ 2014 draft class, but now that four of those 12 picks are no longer on the roster, it does not look good, writes Brian Costello of the New York Post. With two rookies on IR and one on the taxi squad, that leave just five actually playing this season. Of those five only safety Calvin Pryor is starting and he has had little impact so far.
- Calvin Watkins of ESPNDallas.com (on Twitter) doesn’t envision the Cowboys extending running back DeMarco Murray‘s contract. If Murray finishes the season without injury, he writes, maybe the Cowboys will take care of him, but that’s far from certain. Murray has had an amazing start to the 2014 season be he has yet to play a full season since entering the league.
Minor Moves: Tuesday
In addition to making changes to their practice squads, teams around the NFL are also tweaking the backs of their 53-man rosters today. We’ll round up the day’s minor transactions involving active rosters right here:
- To make room for Winn, the Lions have placed running back Montell Owens on injured reserve, tweets Tim Twentyman of DetroitLions.com. Owens’ contract expires after this season.
- After he tore ruptured Achilles last week, running back Joe McKnight has been placed on the Chiefs’ injured reserve list, according to Adam Teicher of ESPN.com (via Twitter). Offensive lineman Donald Stephenson‘s four-game suspension is up, so he takes McKnight’s roster spot, per Howard Balzer (Twitter link).
- The Bears have waived linebacker Terrell Manning, reports Brian McIntyre (Twitter link). Chicago had promoted Manning from its practice squad just over a week ago.
- Patriots Brandon Browner and Brian Tyms four-game bans are over, and both have received a roster exemption that lasts until October 6, says Balzer (on Twitter).
- Cornerback Deion Belue was waived from the Jaguars’ injured reserve with a failure to disclose physical condition designation, tweets Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun.
Earlier updates:
- The Lions are promoting running back George Winn from their practice squad to their 53-man roster, according to Mike Garafolo of FOX Sports (Twitter link). As Garafolo notes, the move could suggest that the team expects Joique Bell to miss this weekend’s game, but Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press points out that Bell isn’t Detroit’s only ailing running back, tweeting that Montell Owens is expected to miss several weeks due to his latest hamstring injury.
- Linebacker Victor Butler has been dropped by the Cardinals, says Darren Urban of AZCardinals.com (via Twitter). Butler had been added to the roster when John Abraham was sidelined, but didn’t play a snap for the team.
- The Bears‘ practice squad/53-man roster shuffle continues this week, with the team promoting wideout Chris Williams to take the place of fellow receiver Rashad Ross (Twitter link). Two weeks ago, it was Ross being promoted and Williams being cut.
- The Steelers have terminated the contract of punter Adam Podlesh, who had been on the team’s reserve/did not report list, tweets Adam Caplan of ESPN.com.
East Notes: Donnell, Dolphins, Brady, Jets
After losing Brandon Myers to the Buccaneers, the Giants kicked the tires on a number of free agent tight ends this past offseason, including Brandon Pettigrew and others. However, the team ultimately didn’t make any major additions at the position, and that decision looks like the best one the front office made all year. As Peter King of The MMQB.com details, new No. 1 tight end Larry Donnell has been a revelation during the first few weeks of this season, racking up 25 receptions and four touchdowns already, just three years removed from going undrafted and unsigned out of Grambling State.
As we look forward to seeing if Donnell can keep up his impressive play throughout the season, let’s round up a few more items from around the NFL’s two East divisions….
- Defensive end Emmanuel Dieke, who was cut by the Giants last month, is working out for the Dolphins today, according to Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun (via Twitter).
- Pointing out that the remainder of Tom Brady‘s contract remains “insanely team-friendly,” Ben Volin of the Boston Globe wonders if the Patriots would ever get to the point where they’d consider trading their longtime signal-caller to a team in need of a quarterback.
- Rex Ryan‘s job as the Jets‘ head coach may hinge on whether or not he decides to continue to rely on Geno Smith as the club’s No. 1 quarterback, writes Steve Selby of the New York Post.
- Mark Bullock of the Washington Post takes an in-depth look at why Redskins outside linebacker Brian Orakpo isn’t proving to be worth his large 2014 salary in the early going this season.
Extra Points: Suh, Rice, Dwyer, Cardinals
In the face of reports over the weekend indicating that Ndamukong Suh wants out of Detroit, the Lions are refusing to talk about it, writes Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press. “I’m not going to even go there,” coach Jim Caldwell said. “And the big thing is, I do think that we just played a heck of a football game and I think that’s what’s important. These guys played well, did a great job and we just hope we continue to get them better, got a big one next week.” ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Sunday that Suh and the Lions “are preparing” to part ways after the season and that the Pro Bowl defensive tackle is intrigued by the idea of playing in the New York market. More from around the NFL..
- The NFLPA has informed player reps in a memo that the NFL has agreed to bring in a neutral arbitrator for the Ray Rice appeal, according to Mike Garafolo of FOX Sports (on Twitter). The two sides have traded names on who that arbitrator should be, but there’s no final choice yet. The NFLPA is hoping that this will set a precedent for future cases.
- Cardinals running back Jonathan Dwyer has been formally charged with assaulting his wife during two arguments in July, according to The Associated Press. Of course, the day after his arrest, Arizona placed Dwyer on the reserve/non-football illness list, meaning he can’t play for the team again this season.
- Cardinals defensive lineman Tommy Kelly told Darren Urban of AZCardinals.com that he saw the writing on the wall at the end of his stint with the Patriots. “I saw the situation and I realized I probably wouldn’t be there,” Kelly said. “I couldn’t take busting my tail every day getting to a game and them taking me out of the game for someone who I know isn’t better than me, because he’s a cheaper option. Are we worried about money here? Or are we worried about winning?”
Pats Notes: Brady, Gronk, O-Line
Ben Volin of the Boston Globe writes that, although the league’s quarterbacks have seen a general uptick in overall statistical performance through the first three weeks of the 2014 season–standard small sample size disclaimers apply–those numbers are not being driven by the traditionally elite signal-callers. Among the under-performing big names is the Patriots’ Tom Brady, who as Volin notes, has produced “head-scratchingly bad” statistics.
Those stats include a 58.8 completion percentage, 5.5 yards per attempt, and 210.7 passing yards per game. There are, of course, reasons for those numbers: Brady is clearly uncomfortable throwing the ball downfield and has little faith in his receivers and his offensive line. Nonetheless, Brady will, as Volin points out, have to pick up the slack if the team is to make its yearly run to the playoffs, even though the AFC East is shaping up to be just as weak as it always is.
Here are a few more Patriots tidbits to pass along this morning:
- Speaking of Brady’s struggles, Karen Guregian of the Boston Herald writes that analysts like Trent Dilfer and Matt Hasselbeck point out the flaws in the Patriots’ roster to explain some of Brady’s problems, along with Brady’s increasing penchant to take the safe throw rather than force the issue. Nonetheless, both believe that Brady will be able to overcome his early-season woes and put up solid numbers yet again.
- One thing that would certainly help a Brady resurgence is the continued good health of Rob Gronkowski. Phil Perry of CSNNewEngland.com observes that Gronkowski should be able to become the middle-of-the-field threat that the team needs him to be sooner rather than later, which would open up the passing game for the rest of the team’s receiving corps.
- As noted above, the offensive line has been a big problem for New England. Adam Kurkjian of the Boston Herald writes that the Pats will go into Monday’s game against Kansas City with Nate Solder at left tackle, Bryan Stork at center, Dan Connolly at right guard and Sebastian Vollmer at right tackle. Kurkjian notes that left guard remains unsettled, with Marcus Cannon and Ryan Wendell as possibilities. Perry has the same suggestion in a video post.
AFC East Links: Idzik, Mankins, Dolphins
The Jets could find themselves in an interesting situation this offseason if they don’t return to their winning ways soon. If general manager John Idzik fires head coach Rex Ryan, one likely candidate he will seek to replace the embattled Jets’ coach could be Seahawks defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, writes Gary Myers of the New York Daily News. Idzik, who came from Seattle’s front office, would look to hire his former colleague Quinn, who is represented by former Jets’ general manager Mike Tannenbaum, whom Idzik took over for two offseasons ago.
Here are some other links from around the AFC East:
- While we are talking about the possibility of the Jets firing Ryan, Pat Kirwin of CBS Sports would like everyone to know that would be a dumb idea, as he said on Sirius XM Radio (via Twitter).
- About one month after the Logan Mankins‘ trade, the Patriots‘ have not fallen apart on the offensive line, writes Jen McCaffery of MassLive.com. While the Dolphins were able to disturb Tom Brady, the line has been better since, but faces a tough test against the Chiefs’ pass rushthis week. Tight end Tim Wright, who the team acquired in return for Mankins, has four catches on five targets this season.
- The Patriots will not only be prepared for the pass rush, but must be ready for everything to come away with a win Monday night according to head coach Bill Belichick, writes Kevin Duffy of MassLive.com. “You know you have to go out and play a good football team against an Andy Reid coached team,” says Belichick. “You can’t expect that they’re going to make a lot of mistakes. You’re going to have to earn everything. I think that’s always the mark of a good team.”
- The Dolphins‘ are looking to right the ship as they travel to London to face an 0-3 Raiders team, writes Adam Beasley of the Miami Herald. Multiple starters have been critical of the coaching staff through the first three games, even with the upset victory over the Patriots in week one. With a loss, starting quarterback Ryan Tannehill‘s future with the team could be in jeopardy.
- Bills‘ offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett is trying to keep his receivers happy, despite struggles from quarterback E.J. Manuel, writes Matthew Fairburn of Syracuse.com. Hackett notes that there are fewer opportunities to go around in the passing game this season, as the Bills have become more run-heavy on offense.
Minor Moves: Saturday
We’ll continue to update you on all of today’s minor transactions right here, with the latest moves added to the top…
- In addition to cutting Gabe Miller, as noted below, the Redskins have also waived defensive lineman Robert Thomas, who had been promoted from the practice squad for Thursday’s game, the team announced today (Twitter link). I expect if Thomas clears waivers, there’s a good chance he’ll rejoin Washington’s taxi squad.
- The Colts have promoted linebacker Andrew Jackson to their active roster, tweets Aaron Wilson. To make room, the team waived-injured fullback Mario Harvey.
Earlier updates:
- The Panthers have signed running back Tauren Poole from their practice squad, tweets Wilson. The team also placed offensive tackle Garry Williams on injured reserve.
- The Patriots have signed defensive lineman Casey Walker from the Panthers‘ practice squad, the team announced. To make room, the Pats placed defensive lineman Sealver Siliga on injured reserve with a designation to return.
- The Redskins have waived linebacker Gabe Miller, tweets agent Brett Tessler. The 26-year-old was originally drafted by the Chiefs as a defensive end. He was converted to a tight end during his stops with the Seahawks and Bears before returning to defense with Washington. He made his first career tackle on Thursday against the Giants.
AFC Links: Talib, Ravens, Pouncey
Patriots safety Devin McCourty has a playful rivalry with his brother, Titans cornerback Jason McCourty. Therefore, as the Patriots prepare to take on the Chiefs, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that the Patriots’ All-Pro defender is looking to top his brother’s production against quarterback Alex Smith. In the Titans’ first game of the season, McCourty picked off Smith twice.
When asked if he’d somehow outdo Jason, Devin sounded optimistic (via Jeff Howe of The Boston Herald). “I hope so,” he said. “You’ve got to tell Alex Smith to throw me the ball.”
Devin acknowledged that he has watched some of his brother’s interceptions to get a read on opposing quarterbacks:
“I always watch every interception a quarterback throws just to get an idea, see if there is a similarity of where it happens and different formations and what they like. I always try to see the turnover opportunities out there as far as throwing the ball, especially if it’s downfield.”
Let’s see what else is happening around the AFC…
- The NFL was not impressed by Broncos cornerback Aqib Talib‘s late, fourth quarter hit against the Seahawks. According to Michael David Smith of ProFootballTalk.com, the league has fined Talib $8,268.
- Ravens defensive back Jimmy Smith has been assigned an October 7th court date in regards to his misdemeanor disorderly conduct case, according to Baltimore County police spokesman Shawn Vinson (via Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun). Smith is subject to a maximum punishment of 60 days in jail.
- Michael DiRocco of ESPN.com says the the Jaguars‘ biggest free agent disappointment is linebacker Dekoda Watson. The former Buccaneers draft pick has already had a pair of surgeries and couldn’t earn the starting spot once he returned.
- However, DiRocco writes that he liked the majority of the Jaguars‘ offseason moves and still hasn’t soured on many of them. Instead, he criticizes the team for failing to sign center Alex Mack.
- Dolphins center Mike Pouncey was hoping to make his season debut in London against the Raiders, but ESPN.com’s James Walker warns that it’s unlikely. Instead, Walker says it’s more likely that the former Pro-Bowler will make his debut in two weeks following the team’s bye.