Raiders Notes: Coliseum, Tuck, Hayden
The ten-year lease that would have kept the Oakland Athletics playing in the Coliseum for at least a decade has not been made official. That’s because Oakland representatives and Alameda County representatives can’t decide whether they want to continue with the deal. The four Oakland officials failed to show up to Friday’s vote, boycotting the process. As a result, neither side is too pleased. Via Matthew Artz of the Oakland Tribune…
“We are constantly frustrated by the actions of our partners,” the Alameda County supervisor, Nate Miley, said. “Not being able to vote on this deal today, I think that sends a chilling message… to Major League Baseball that is very disappointing.”
Oakland representative Larry Reid responded:
“Nate shouldn’t be trying to run the [Joint Powers Authority] like a dictatorship.”
Meanwhile, A’s co-owner Lew Wolff remains optimistic:
“We understand the city will take one last look at the transaction early next week. And we would expect a formal vote by the JPA by the end of the week.”
The Raiders are certainly monitoring the entire situation. As Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com points out, the team only has a one-year lease and can move anywhere as soon as 2015.
Let’s check out some more Coliseum and Raiders news…
- Dr. David Chao, a former NFL head team physician with 17 years of experience, wrote a piece for the National Football Post detailing the injury risks associated with playing in the Coliseum. He particularly focused on the risks of playing on dirt, which could lead to leg injuries, risky skin abrasions and severe concussions. Furthermore, the 50-year-old stadium doesn’t cater to injured players, who have to climb three flights of stairs to reach the stadium’s x-ray room.
- Justin Tuck is enjoying his time in the Bay Area, but he admitted to Conor Orr of the Star-Ledger that he expected to be back with the Giants. “You spend nine years in one place. You have a lot of success there and a lot of great friends. So yeah, it’s going to be weird but I understand the business side of things and you need to move forward…To answer your question, I am still surprised I’m not a New York Giant.”
- The Raiders were very active this offseason, but ESPN.com’s Paul Gutierrez says the team still could have improved their wide receiver and tight end depth. The writer brings up an analogy from head coach Dennis Allen, who compared it to “sitting on Santa’s lap and not getting quite everything you asked for.”
- The Raiders’ lack of interest in Brandon Flowers indicates that the team is comfortable with D.J. Hayden and may not pursue a veteran cornerback, Gutierrez writes.
East Notes: Kiwanuka, Johnson, Redskins, ‘Fins
In his annual exercise naming the most overrated and underrated player on each team, Pete Prisco of CBSSports.com highlighted Mathias Kiwanuka as the Giant who isn’t living up to expectations. The advanced metrics bear that out — the 31-year-old Kiwanuka, who might be living off his first-round pedigree at this point, graded as the third-worst 4-3 defensive end in the NFL last season per Pro Football Focus (subscription required). The Giants apparently also noticed a degradation of eight-year veteran’s skills — they required him to take a pay cut in March.
More from New York and the league’s two East divisions:
- With Jon Beason likely to miss some regular season action with a foot injury, Jameel McClain is poised to take over at middle linebacker for the Giants, writes Dan Graziano of ESPN.com in his latest mailbag. In that scenario, 2011 sixth-rounder Jacquian Williams would become the starter at weakside linebacker.
- For a rookie playing in a complicated offense, Eagles right tackle Lane Johnson didn’t perform all that poorly in 2013. But, as he tells Sheil Kapadia of PhillyMag.com, Johnson wants to show marked improvement next season. “I’m trying to be a dominant player. I know I have the ability,” said the 24-year-old. “It’s just a matter of being consistent with it because there’s times where I showed flashes of being a really good player, and then there’s other times where I didn’t. So I’m just trying to be more consistent this year.”
- In a discussion examining potential 2014 breakout Redskins, Rich Tandler and Tarik El-Bashir of CSNWashington.com spotlighted running back Roy Helu and tight end Niles Paul, deducing that a pass-happy, Jay Gruden-led offense will lead to plenty of offensive production to go around.
- Center Ted Larsen is hoping to break camp with the Dolphins following Mike Pouncey‘s injury, and is just one of several Miami undrafted rookies to watch for in 2014, according to James Walker of ESPN.com.
- The Dolphins have officially begun renovations on Sun Life Stadium, the team announced on Twitter. The refurbishment is expected to include (via Fox Sports Florida) all new seating, concourse and concession upgrades, and new video screens, and will conclude before the 2016 season.
NFC Links: Graham, Davis, Giants
It’s been more than a week since the beginning of Jimmy Graham‘s hearing over his franchise tag designation. Those who are antsy for a solution may have to wait a bit longer – sources tell ProFootballTalk.com’s Mike Florio that a ruling isn’t expected until next week. Even then, the losing party will likely appeal the decision. The entire process could stretch beyond July 15, the deadline for inking a long-term deal.
Additionally, we learned some more interesting information about the hearing. Florio reports that Saints head coach Sean Payton testified against Graham, but the specifics weren’t known. We can likely assume one thing, however – if Graham loses his case, Payton’s going to have some difficulty convincing his tight end to participate in “wide receiver drills” during training camp.
Let’s see what else is happening around the NFC…
- Graham’s quarterback, Drew Brees, weighed in on the subject on a SportsCenter conversation with reporter Ed Werder (about 1:15 into the video): “Of course as the quarterback, this is my guy. Jimmy’s my guy and I want what’s best for him. I want what’s best for the team. Certainly, there’s a way that everybody can be happy coming out of this deal.”
- 49ers tight end Vernon Davis signed a five-year, $37MM extension in 2010 and he’s now playing at a higher level. Davis ultimately decided to hold out because it’s “all about getting paid what you deserve,” he writes in SI.com’s Monday Morning Quarterback.
- NJ.com’ s Conor Orr ranked the Giants cornerback depth based on playing time, and ESPN.com’s Dan Graziano revealed some interesting notes in his analysis. Graziano opines that Orr’s top-five (Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Prince Amukamara, Walter Thurmond, Zackary Bowman and Trumaine McBride, respectively) are safe while Charles James and Bennett Jackson will likely fight for the final spot. Graziano adds that it will get even more interesting once Jayron Hosley returns from suspension.
Rookie Notes: Clowney, Bortles, Manziel, Beckham Jr., Cooks
This week, Texans top overall pick Jedeveon Clowney opened up about the sports hernia injury he had surgically repaired two weeks ago, admitting the injury bothered him as far back as last football season. The Houston Chronicle’s John McClain has the story of Clowney revealing the information to Gil Brandt, while Pro Football Talk wonders if the Texans should have known.
In other rookie news and notes…
- Jaguars third-overall pick Blake Bortles will receive first-team reps in training camp, writes NFL.com’s Mike Coppinger.
- Meanwhile, Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel continues to be a lightning rod even during the slowest of news periods, as he told Cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot, “I’m not going to change for anybody.” A couple of Hall of Famers advise Manziel to stay out of the non-football headlines, though. Joe Montana weighed in on NFL Network, while Warren Moon talked to Alex Marvez and Pat Kirwan SiriusXM NFL Radio.
- “[Draft picks] better all contribute right away, whether it be on special teams, defense, offense, whatever it is they’re going to be,” Giants head coach Tom Coughlin tells Jordan Raanan of NJ.com. “There’s no waiting around in this game today.” With that in mind, Raanan examined realistic expectations for rookie receiver Odell Beckham Jr.
- The ingenuity of the Saints’ offensive system should enable first-rounder Brandin Cooks to thrive given the rookie’s explosiveness, playmaking and versatility, asserts SI.com’s Doug Farrar.
- Bleacher Report’s Dan Hope highlights ten rookies already making favorable impressions and earning early reps, including the Raiders’ Gabe Jackson, the Cardinals’ John Brown.
NFC East Links: Frederick, Romo, Murray, Foles, Boykin, Wilson
The Cowboys were criticized when they drafted center Travis Frederick 31st overall last year. In the immediate aftermath of the 2013 draft, Mel Kiper Jr. said (subscription required) Frederick was his 87th rated player and the team “drafted a player I thought they could have taken at least 30 spots later.” Mike Mayock had a third-round grade on Frederick, and called the selection “a little bit of a reach.” However, Frederick rewarded the Cowboys confidence by making the NFL All-Rookie Team, and he’s poised to anchor the offensive line for the remainder of the decade, according to David Moore of the Dallas Morning News.
Here’s a few more NFC East links:
- Tony Romo‘s 2013 season was put under the microscope by Pro Football Focus’ Steve Palazzolo, who concluded Romo excelled with a clean pocket, but was among the league’s worst when pressured.
- Cowboys writers weighed in on the future of DeMarco Murray, and all of them mentioned the running back’s need to disprove durability concerns. However, Bryan Broaddus stated, “regardless of what [Murray] does in 2014, it will most likely not get this front office to pay him what he believes he is worth.” Broaddus also cited Marion Barber as a cautionary tale and one that might dissuade Dallas from investing heavily into Murray’s future.
- Eagles quarterback Nick Foles got the same treatment from PFF. Interestingly, 92.5 percent of his dropbacks came from the shotgun or pistol formation, and he rated as one of the league’s best deep-ball throwers. Foles also threw the league’s highest percentage of crossing routes and screens.
- Tim McManus of Phillymag.com explains why the Eagles desire big, long cornerbacks to play outside, while Brandon Boykin (six interceptions and league-leading 13.3 coverage rating from PFF) will likely remain a slot defender extraordinaire.
- Giants running back David Wilson, recovering from neck surgery, is hoping to be cleared for contact on July 21 when he undergoes a crucial medical examination, writes ESPN’s Dan Graziano.
NFC Notes: Falcons, Bears, Schilling, Riddick
The Falcons’ training-camp position battle at running back will have the attention of ESPN’s Vaughn McClure, who says soon-to-be 31-year-old veteran Steven Jackson probably has one good season left in him, but fourth-rounder Devonta Freeman was drafted with “thoughts of grooming him as the three-down back of the future.” Meanwhile, the battle for the third-down role will be between Antone Smith and Jacquizz Rodgers, whose special-teams impact might be reduced by the presence of Devin Hester.
Here’s a few more NFC Notes for your late-night or early-morning perusal:
- The Bears want second-year man Marquess Wilson to win the No. 3 receiver job, writes ESPN’s Michael C. Wright: “unless Wilson falters significantly in camp and in the preseason, the job appears to be his to lose.
- The Bears project to bring back nine of the 10 offensive linemen who finished last season with the team, in addition to free-agent acquisition Brian De La Puente. Consequently, someone like James Brown or Taylor Boggs could be cut in training camp, asserts ESPN’s Michael C. Wright.
- After Stephen Schilling was let go by the Chargers, the Seahawks were the first team to express interest and offer a contract, writes Bob Condotta in the Seattle Times. Schilling, a Washington state native, jumped on the opportunity, and he thinks he could latch on with the Seahawks because their zone-blocking scheme better suits his skill set.
- Lions running back Theo Riddick has had a strong offseason, even catching the eye of head coach Jim Caldwell, and the second-year pro out of Notre Dame should benefit from coaching staff and new scheme, says Tim Twentyman on the team website.
- Giants cornerbacks coach Peter Giunta tells NJ.com’s Conor Orr he has the deepest position group of his career thanks to “10 quality corners.”
East Notes: Cowboys, Reynolds, Bills, Giants
The Cowboys appear to be on the verge of formally announcing their agreement with free agent guard Uche Nwaneri, though when the move becomes official, the team will need to cut a player, since Dallas isn’t one of seven NFL clubs with an open roster spot at the moment. Nwaneri wasn’t the only offensive lineman drawing interest from the Cowboys though, so let’s check in on that report, as well as the rest of the latest updates from around the NFL’s two East divisions….
- The Cowboys have some interest in free agent offensive lineman Garrett Reynolds, but have no plans to sign him for now, a source tells Calvin Watkins of ESPNDallas.com (Twitter link). We heard over the weekend that Reynolds, who has spent the last several seasons with the Falcons, had paid a visit to Dallas.
- As Tom Precious of the Buffalo News notes, Donald Trump said today on Twitter that he’s the only prospective buyer for the Bills who will keep the franchise in Buffalo. However, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo is among those skeptical of Trump’s claim, suggesting that he believes there are “a number of bidders who are seriously considering going forward are committed to keeping the team in Western New York.”
- In a slideshow at NJ.com, Jordan Raanan identifies five veteran players whose roster spots with the Giants may be in danger this year.
NFC East Notes: Redskins, Bryant, Giants
After surprising many with a 10-6 record in 2012, the Redskins stumbled to disappointing 3-13 record in 2013 while regressing on both sides of the ball. While Washington fans are surely hoping a rebound season is in the cards, Rich Tandler of RealRedskins.com stifles that hope with a dose of pessimism, listing several reasons that the Redskins could flounder once again this year. Pointing to a rookie head coach in Jay Gruden, injuries along the defensive front, and a offensive line in flux, Tandler cautions that this year’s ‘Skins might more closely resemble 2013’s team than the squad of two years ago.
- In an assessment of the Redskins’ 2013 draft class, John Keim of ESPN.com points to the team’s top two selections, cornerback David Amerson and tight end Jordan Reed, as successes, but notes that Washington hopes to get more production out of a few later-round picks, such as safeties Phillip Thomas and Bacarri Rambo, and linebacker Brandon Jenkins.
- Steve Palazzolo of Pro Football Focus takes a in-depth look at both quarterbacks who started games for the Redskins last season (Robert Griffin III and Kirk Cousins), and writes that although Griffin was among the league’s best on short passes, he struggled with deep balls and utilizing play-action. Cousins (whose small sample size should be taken into account) performed well against the blitz, but was below-average when using deep dropbacks.
- As part of a series breaking down the Cowboys position-by-position, Rainer Sabin of the Dallas Morning News analyzes the team’s receiving corps. Because new offensive coordinator Scott Linehan likes to feature his best playmaker, Sabin expects Dez Bryant to receive even more chances to catch the ball. Of course, more impressive statistics for Bryant, who is entering the final year of his rookie deal, will lead to extremely hefty contract demands.
- The Giants ranked near the bottom of the league in both kick and punt return average, but New York special teams coach Tom Quinn is excited about the team’s options in 2014, and he singled out three players who could add explosiveness to both units, per Dan Graziano of ESPN.com. “You’ve got three different types of returners when you talk about [Odell] Beckham [Jr.], [Trindon] Holliday, and [Quintin] Demps,” Quinn said. “Obviously, with the speed of Holliday and the shiftiness, the undersized guy. And then you’ve got Demps, who’s got a little more size and does that the straight-line speed. And then you’ve got Beckham, who’s probably a combination of the two. We’re real happy with all three of those guys.”
NFC Notes: Lynch, Saints, Redskins, Giants
It wasn’t clear right up until the day the Seahawks‘ minicamp got underway last week whether or not Marshawn Lynch would be in attendance, and it sounds like that may be the case for training camp as well. Even though he’s seeking a new contract, I’d expect the running back to be present when Seattle’s training camp begins next month, but he gave a very Lynchian response when asked by Omar Ruiz of the NFL Network (Twitter link) if he’s looking forward to camp: “We’ll talk about that when that time come, boss.”
Here’s more from around the NFC:
- The Saints are expected to sign second-year linebacker Todd Davis to a contract today, reports Eric Edholm of Yahoo! Sports (via Twitter). Davis went undrafted out of Sacramento State in 2013.
- While you could argue that Darrel Young‘s presence as the only fullback on the Redskins‘ roster is a good sign for Young, since he won’t have competition in training camp, Rich Tandler of RealRedskins.com wonders if Washington may simply elect not to carry a fullback on its regular-season roster.
- As David Moore of the Dallas Morning News details, Dez Bryant has shown the Cowboys that he’s worthy of a long-term investment — now it’s not a question of if he’ll sign an extension, but how much it’ll be worth. Our Rob DiRe profiled the standout receiver as an extension candidate over the weekend.
- The Giants are deeper at offensive line and loaded at cornerback, but their offseason workouts showed that tight end and linebacker are areas of potential concern, according to Jordan Raanan of NJ.com, who adds that it wouldn’t be surprising to see the team head into the regular season without a fullback.
NFC East Notes: Watkins, Linehan, Orton
The Eagles have concluded their OTA period, and Jimmy Kempski of Philly.com has highlighted five players who impressed during spring practices. Among those who left a good impression were Arrelious Benn and Darren Sproles. Benn has an uphill battle for one of the roster spots at receiver, and his injury history hurts has chances, but he looks to have recovered from the ACL injury that caused him to miss all of 2013. Sproles however looks custom fit for the Chip Kelly offense, and could be dangerous in the passing game.
Here are some other notes from around the NFC East:
- Fourth-round pick Jaylen Watkins has wowed the Eagles‘ coaching staff with his football IQ, especially defensive backs coach John Lovett, reports Jake Kaplan of Philly.com. Watkins, who played corner and safety at Florida, has been tasked with learning both cornerback and nickelback in the new defense, even though he is only a rookie. “When you talk to him about his defense at Florida, he knew what everybody did,” Lovett said. “I talked to the defensive coordinator [D.J. Durkin] down there. They put him in at positions that he hadn’t even practiced that week because he knew what everybody was doing. He’s really got a great football IQ.”
- Scott Linehan will be running the show for the Cowboys‘ offense in 2013, and that should mean a lot of throwing the football, writes Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk. In three years with the Lions, Matthew Stafford averaged 42 pass attempts per game under Linehan. Tony Romo averaged only 36 last year.
- Although Cowboys backup Kyle Orton has already accrued over $150,000 in fines and de-escalators for the time he has missed, but Todd Archer of ESPNDallas.com still believes the veteran quarterback will return to the team and play out the season. Archer predicts Orton could skip the first week of training camp, before reporting around July 27th of 28th.
- Redskins‘ outside linebacker coach Brian Baker has been working hard to teach fundamentals to his position group, writes John Keim of ESPN.com. He also worked on tackling drills during special teams, and the teams has put a special emphasis on that phase of the game, using all their coaches’ skills to benefit their special teams.
- The Giants have also concluded their OTAs, so Jordan Raanan and Connor Orr of NJ.com have put together their best guess at the depth chart. A lot can happen during training camp and the preseason, but they have penciled in a presumed lineup for the upcoming season.