No Jones: Bears Content With Wideouts
Filed under: Chicago Bears, NFC North, NFL Free Agency
When the Bears acquired Jay Cutler almost two months ago, it became required for all journalists and bloggers alike to spew on and on about how awful Chicago’s receiving corps is. CBS’ Clark Judge still can’t stop doing it, for example. The next chapter in the Bears Offseason Reporting Handbook is to try and connect every single available receiver to the Bears via free agency. Just as quickly as a name pops up, though, Bears general manager Jerry Angelo shoots it down.
The latest example in a long line is cocaine addict former Jags wideout Matt Jones. The talented yet troubled receiver caught 65 passes for 761 yards and a pair of touchdowns last season. Angelo, staying true to form, doesn’t seem interested.
“Guys make mistakes, move on, and become better people,” Angelo said. “Some guys have patterns of bad behavior and continue to have those patterns. I’m not saying that about Matt Jones. What I’m saying is we have to do our homework. And then you have to look at what value that person brings to your football team irrelevant of his off-the-field issues.”
There’s a lot of run-around in there, but — if we can read between the lines a bit — it sounds like Angelo doesn’t think Jones’ on-field production is worth his off-field headaches. Maybe if he came in and put up Randy Moss numbers they’d roll the dice. Instead, he’s not really much better than what they have.
I’ll have to continue repeating myself until the season begins, but I’m happy to do it here: People are acting far too concerned about the Bears receivers. The team went 9-7 last season and adding Cutler for Kyle Orton is a huge upgrade at the most important position on the field. Plus, those naysayers neglect to mention how integral the running back and two tight ends are in the Bears’ offense — all of whom are adept at their roles in the passing game.
Here are the receiving numbers from last season, with an inferior passer at the helm:
Devin Hester: 51 catches, 665 yards, 3 touchdowns.
Greg Olsen: 54 catches, 574 yards, 5 touchdowns.
Matt Forte: 63 catches, 477 yards, 4 touchdowns.
Rashied Davis: 35 catches, 445 yards, 2 touchdowns.
Desmond Clark: 41 catches, 367 yards, 1 touchdown.
All those guys are back. Juaquin Iglesias and Earl Bennett will replace these guys:
Brandon Lloyd: 26 catches, 364 yards, 2 touchdowns.
Marty Booker: 14 catches, 211 yards, 2 touchdowns.
Pretty bad numbers for a group of pass-catchers, right? Yet, somehow, this team managed to go 9-7 with a marginally talented passer. If that was possible, why is it so impossible for the current group to win with Cutler and the receivers in-house? The receivers have not gotten any worse. In 2009, they’ll have a better quarterback at the helm, and he’s going to have a better offensive line in front of him than Orton had. Hester, Forte, Olsen, Iglesias and Bennett are all young enough to improve along the way with a solid quarterback like Cutler. Let’s also consider how the threat of Cutler connecting deep with Hester — as opposed to drastically under-throwing him like Orton would — will open up more holes and enable Forte to improve upon his 3.9 yards per carry, making the offense more balanced.
But hey, we’ll be having this little lesson again next week when another receiver is tied to the Bears by someone. I don’t mind, though. After all, it’s in the manual.
No Jones: Bears Content With Wideouts originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Thu, 28 May 2009 15:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Fran Tarkenton Needs His Own Show
Filed under: Packers, Vikings, NFL Fans, NFL Media Watch, NFL Free Agency
On Tuesday, former Vikings quarterback and Hall of Famer Fran Tarkenton went on the radio to share his thoughts on Brett Favre’s inability to retire (among other things). Short version: if Brett ends up in Minnesota, Fran hopes he fails.
Today, Tarkenton was back on the airwaves to talk more Favre and, well, just about everything else. Like ESPN’s Marcellus Wiley, who called Fran a “grumpy old man” yesterday. Via Sportsradiointerviews.com:
“Marcellus Wiley, who is trying to parlay a minimal football career into still making more money. This grumpy old man is 69 years old, I own six businesses, I’ve built 16 over the years, I’m paying my taxes, I’ve started two new businesses, we’re hiring more people, we’re not laying them off, we’re not cutting their salaries - we’re increasing their salaries, and in this society we are productive when so many people are not productive. I’m not playing croquette down at Orlando at the Villages, I’m not playing golf every day, I’m out there as a 69-year-old … making money out of sports or with sports - I’m creating and building businesses from the ground up: that’s this grumpy old man.”
To be fair, you can be grumpy, old and a successful businessman, but I don’t disagree with Fran’s notion that Wiley is trying to parlay a mediocre playing career into a teevee gig.
Regarding Favre (because, really, we can’t talk enough about that guy), Tarkenton clarified his previous remarks. Apparently, he doesn’t hope Favre fails in Minnesota. In fact, what he really meant was “… that I do hope he goes [to the Vikings] and I hope it works out. Because I think that will burn every bridge he has in Green Bay, and it should.” Bruce Ciskie agrees (if not on the former, definitely the latter).
So, right: another day of Favre-mania, even though Wrangler’s go-to spokesmodel has been conspicuously quiet recently. Good news: we’ll surely know something — one way or the other — by the end of the week. (Holds breath.)
In the meantime, somebody should get Tarkenton his own show. He obviously has a lot of stuff on his mind.
“… But I think that we’re also in a suck-up society, and for the people that are following professional football, it’s okay to have an opinion. You’re not saying Brett Favre is a bad guy, you’re not saying Brett Favre wasn’t a great player, you’re just saying that I agree/disagree with this whole scenario. But they really haven’t done it.”
Never mind. He’s making too much sense. That’ll never work on radio.
Fran Tarkenton Needs His Own Show originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Thu, 28 May 2009 12:55:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Word on the Street: Why Eli Manning Told Chargers No Thanks
Filed under: Chargers, Giants, NFL Draft, NFL Fans, NFL Rumors
Remember when Eli Manning had that dopier-than-usual look on his face after the San Diego Chargers, against his wishes, took him with the first overall pick of the 2004 Draft? Good times.
Despite the onstage awkwardness at Radio City Music Hall, Manning’s Chargers’ career lasted about as long as the previous quarterback the organization drafted in the first round.
Six years before, San Diego selected Ryan Leaf second overall (the Colts took Peyton Manning No. 1, as Pete kindly reminded me) and, well, let’s just say that was just about the worst decision anybody anywhere has ever made.* And it was Leaf’s experiences in San Diego that led to the Manning family politely requesting that the Chargers leave Eli the hell alone. At least that’s the word on the street.
The Arizona Republic’s Mark Fuller hears things (from a golfing partner close to the Leaf family):
… After they were drafted, [Peyton] Manning told Leaf about how well the Colts organization treated him. They basically bent over backward to make his transition to the NFL as smooth as possible, taking care of all the non-football stuff so Peyton could concentrate on immersing himself into the Colts offense.Manning was stunned to hear that Leaf’s experience was completely different. Our golfing partner said that Leaf was basically left to figure it out for himself. If that’s true, you combine it with the legendary stories about what an immature jerk Leaf is and begin understand why he crashed so quickly. Again, this is coming from a family friend. Who knows what the Chargers did or did not do for their rookie QB, or whether their management team was equipped to deal with such a high-maintenance player.
Regardless of who was at fault for the failed Leaf-Chargers marriage, the allegedly shabby treatment of Leaf stuck with the Manning clan. And, our new golf buddy explained, that’s why Archie Manning, the patriarch, threw such a fit on draft day when Eli was picked by San Diego.
That would certainly explain Archie’s sudden “Um, yeah, Elisha ain’t going to San Diego so don’t even waste your time” change in demeanor. Perhaps more amazing: that it took five years for this story to come out, assuming it’s even true.
Whatever, the Chargers shipped Eli to the Giants about an hour after they drafted him and it worked out pretty well for everybody. (Well, everybody but Leaf, who is still trying to piece his live back together.) New York, behind Manning, won the Super Bowl last year, and San Diego got Philip Rivers, and draft picks that would turn into Shawne Merriman and Nate Kaeding.
* embellishment
Word on the Street: Why Eli Manning Told Chargers No Thanks originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Wed, 27 May 2009 19:10:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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FanHouse Time Machine: Who Ya Got? Greg Ellis or Randy Moss
Filed under: Cowboys, NFL Draft, NFL Fans
Save the actual act of filling out the pink slip, Greg Ellis‘ 11-year career with the Cowboys is done. He was hailed as a team leader — something the organization lacked in recent years — and his DallasCowboys.com bio confirms as much:
“… Ellis has been a pillar of consistency and production for the Cowboys in his 10 seasons as an NFL player. Whether it be overcoming the adversity of a serious injury or making a position switch in the later stages of his career, Ellis has always responded.”
But as you might have heard, the NFL is a business, and players — even the good ones — are sent on their way as soon as a coach, scout or owner determines they’re no longer useful. And with 2007 first-round pick Anthony Spencer ready to assume Ellis’ job, it was a relatively easy decision, at least from a business standpoint.
But what if the Cowboys weren’t so risk averse during the 1998 draft? You know, back when Jerry Jones wouldn’t just take a flyer on anybody. And after the Terrell Owens (he was framed), Pacman Jones (I got nothing) and Tank Johnson (still nothing) debaclements, The Jerry seems to be moving in that direction again. Anyway, today the Dallas Morning News‘ Tim MacMahon asks “What if the Cowboys had drafted Randy Moss?”
Ellis was a solid defensive end/outside linebacker who made one Pro Bowl and won zero playoff games during his 11-season tenure with the Cowboys. Moss ranks among the all-time receiving greats with 13,201 yards and 135 TDs.But the odds are Moss would have had a bitter departure from Dallas. He left Minnesota on bad terms after seven mostly spectacular seasons. How do you think he would have handled playing with such quarterbacking legends as Quincy Carter, Ryan Leaf, Anthony Wright, Clint Stoerner, Chad Hutchinson, etc.? (See his unmotivated two seasons as a Raider for a hint.)
And that last sentence pretty much says it all; Moss can be great and take over a game, or he can disappear for long stretches. And guys like Carter, Leaf, etc., only exacerbate the condition. In 2007, Moss’ first year in New England, he was the most productive player in the league in terms of total value, and on a per-play basis, according to Football Outsiders. The year before, his last in Oakland? He was 79th, behind such luminaries as Peerless Price, Ashley Lelie and Reggie Williams, three wideouts currently looking for work.
Obviously, there’s a huge difference between having Andrew Walter heaving medicine balls in your general direction and Tom Brady nailing you in stride for six straight months on the way to receiving records (23 TDs, 1,493 yards) and a Super Bowl appearance. But that’s the point.
So here’s the question: would the short-term gains of having Moss in Dallas — three or four Pro Bowl seasons — be worth the headaches in Years 5 and 6? No idea. If the Cowboys won a playoff game — something they haven’t done since 1996 — then, sure, why not. If they alternated between five- and six-win seasons, and losing in the first round of the playoffs, probably not.
Ellis may have never won a playoff game in Dallas, but you’d like to think he’d made people around him better. Not sure you could say that about Moss, at least early in his career.
FanHouse Time Machine: Who Ya Got? Greg Ellis or Randy Moss originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Wed, 27 May 2009 17:35:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Deep Posts: Broken vertebrae will not keep Joe DeCamillis down
nfl_experts__14/ept_sports_nfl_experts-663397640-1243461087.jpg?ymfn0UBDnJaP2Ups” />
• Joe DeCamillis, one of the Cowboys coaches hurt in the practice facility
collapse, is now back on the field with a crazy neck apparatus and a megaphone. He
talks about it here.
• nfl/players/4262/”>Randy Moss is the greatest wide receiver of all-time, according
to Randy Moss.
• While on the subject of receivers, nfl.com’s Pat Kirwin gives us a list
of nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d5d810736b9&template=with-video-with-comments&confirm=true”>ten
guys ready to make a sizable jump in production in 2009.
• The Madden player ratings are out, and here are the
best 10 at each offensive skill position. Randy Moss is going to be awfully
disappointed when he sees three guys better than him.
• Brian Belichick, 17 years old and the son of Bill Belichick, was
arrested for drinking at daddy’s workplace over the weekend.
• nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/05/26/jerry-jones-confirms-greg-ellis-is-done-in-dallas/”>Greg
Ellis is finished with the Cowboys, if anyone out there is interested in a
quality veteran linebacker.
Offseason progress reports: Houston Texans
It’s too early for ‘09 season previews, and too late for ‘08 season
reviews. What’s an nfl blog to do in the never-ending quest to overcover the
bejeezus out of the nfl? Offseason progress reports. Let’s go in alphabetical
order. Today, the nfl/teams/hou/”>Houston Texans.
nfl_experts__14/ept_sports_nfl_experts-698296398-1243458859.jpg?ymrE0UBDaR0Aw_fp” vspace=”8″ />Free
agent gained: S nfl/players/8074/”>John Busing, DT nfl/players/7213/”>Shaun Cody, LB nfl/players?type=lastname&first=1&query=Buster+Davis&q=Buster+Davis”>Buster Davis, RB nfl/players/8541/”>Clifton
Dawson, FB nfl/players/7314/”>Boomer Grigsby, G nfl/players/6891/”>Adrian Jones, LB Cato Jone, QB nfl/players/7321/”>Dan Orlovsky, DE
nfl/players?type=lastname&first=1&query=Antonio+Smith&q=Antonio+Smith”>Antonio Smith
Free agents lost: S nfl/players/7364/”>C.C. Brown, CB nfl/players/6052/”>DeMarcus Faggins, FB nfl/players/4261/”>Ahman Green,
LB nfl/players/5536/”>Morlon Greenwood, C nfl/players/6682/”>Bryan Pittman, QB nfl/players/5557/”>Sage Rosenfels, OT nfl/players/4428/”>Ephraim Salaam, RB
nfl/players/8646/”>Darius Walker, DE nfl/players/5938/”>Anthony Weaver
Drafted: LB nfl/players/9279/”>Brian Cushing, DE nfl/players/9310/”>Connor Barwin, OG nfl/players/9341/”>Antoine Caldwell, CB
nfl/players/9376/”>Glover Quin, TE nfl/players/9386/”>Anthony Hill, TE nfl/players/9416/”>James Casey, CB nfl/players/9452/”>Brice McCain, S nfl/players/9487/”>Troy Nolan.
I’m one of the people who will tell you that the Texans are one of the
potential surprise playoff teams in ‘09, and that they’ve got a chance to for
double-digits in the win column. Of course, I’m also one of the people who said
that last year. I might have said it the year before, too. I can’t remember.
But I’m saying it again this year, too, and I’ll add this on top of it: I
feel more confident about it now than I did in either of the last two years. Not
because the Texans are better, necessarily, but because of the rest of the
division isn’t the gauntlet of football hell that it used to be.
Not that it’ll be easy, of course. The Titans are still good and the Colts
are still good, but I do I think the respective losses of nfl/players/5901/”>Albert Haynesworth and
some assistant coaches could be very significant. To me, the mountain the Texans
have to climb doesn’t seem quite as intimidating as it has in years past.
And I like the tools they have in place. nfl/players/6339/”>Andre Johnson can make a compelling
case as the best receiver in the game. nfl/players/8866/”>Steve Slaton is all man. nfl/players/7847/”>Owen Daniels is
a legitimate weapon. And nfl/players/6849/”>Matt Schaub is a better quarterback than anyone
realizes, when he’s actually on the field.
There are significant questions about the defense, though, as it’s still a
pretty young group that seems like it can be pushed around up front and beaten
deep in the back. That’s not a combination that most defensive coordinators
recommend.
But there are positives to look at, too. For one, there’s a new guy running
the defense; a fellow named Frank Bush. He’s been a position coach at every
defensive position, but this is his first gig as a coordinator. And there’s also
a pair of young stars in nfl/players/7782/”>DeMeco Ryans and nfl/players/7750/”>Mario Williams, and they’re joined by
a couple of shiny new toys the Texans picked up in the draft, Brian Cushing and
Connor Barwin.
Progress: There hasn’t been much in terms of personnel … no major
roster shake-ups, no major additions or subtractions. The progress here,
ideally, would come from a bright young defensive coordinator, and a bit of
slippage from the traditional owners of the division.
Plus 2 games. 8-8 last year, 10-6 this year.
Deep Posts: Matt Jones is available and suspension-free
<img border=”0″ src=”http://a323.yahoofs.com/ymg/ept_sports_nfl_experts__14/ept_sports_nfl_experts-865022414-1243373071.jpg?ymPIfUBD8d92VyYL” />
• According to Chris Mortensen, <a href=”http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=4207106&campaign=rss&source=nflHeadlines”>Matt
Jones will not be suspended for his violation of a court-mandated drug
program. He’ll be fined $50,000, but he can be on the field for all 16 for
anyone who wants him. Given this news, his relative youth, potential and last
year’s increase in production, I’d think he’d be a popular target in the free
agent wide receiver market right now.
• One desperate-sounding fellow is trying his hardest to convince himself
that the
Redskins won’t have any interest in Michael Vick.
• <a href=”http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/4262/”>Randy Moss feels like this year’s version of the Patriots offense could
be as good as the one that went 18-1 in 2007. The
National Football Post tells you why he might be right.
• <a href=”http://blogs.nfl.com/2009/05/26/cardinals-wr-boldin-files-papers-to-fire-agent-rosenhaus/”>Anquan
Boldin doesn’t like Drew Rosenhaus anymore. I don’t know why ‘Quan fired him
as an agent (it might be over that ad he wanted him to do for Camel Chevrolet),
but my guess is that the Cardinals see it as good news.
• Speaking of Rosenhaus, I’m
thinking of upping my offer to him.
Report: Matt Jones Avoids Suspension
Filed under: Jaguars, NFL Police Blotter, NFL Free Agency
The stagnant and seemingly dried-up free-agent wide receiver market looks like it will receive a jolt. According to a published report, Matt Jones, formerly of the Jacksonville Jaguars, will avoid league suspension for violating terms of a court-ordered drug program.
The NFL did suspend Jones for the final three games of 2008 after he was charged with cocaine possession. Jones then violated his subsequent probation by drinking alcohol, landing him in jail for five days. Now, more than two months later and after Jacksonville released Jones, he apparently is at liberty to resume his playing career.
ESPN’s Chris Mortensen reported that the NFL told Jones last week that his punishment would be a $50,000 fine and nothing more.
“That’s the main message, that Matt will be available to any team looking for a proven receiver,” Jones’ agent Dave Butz told ESPN.
With that news, Jones immediately becomes the best available free agent at the WR spot. Consider some of the other names still out there — guys like Marvin Harrison, Plaxico Burress, Jerry Porter and Reggie Williams. All have major off-the-field issues or concerns about on-field performance. Assuming Jones’ problems outside the lines are resolved, there should be plenty of interest in what he can do on Sundays.
Jones had a rocky 2007 season, but in 2008, he bounced back with 65 catches for 761 yards in just 12 games. At 26 years old, he’s still got room to get better, and his 6-foot-6 frame makes him an ideal red-zone threat.
He’s a bit of a wild card, but one that looks worth taking a gamble on — especially if he can use his dishonorable discharge from the Jags as motivation to perform in 2009. Any number of teams could come calling, including the Giants in an effort to replace Plaxico, or the Bears in hopes of getting Jay Cutler another weapon. Don’t rule out a Washington, Baltimore or St. Louis, either, a group of teams that could all use a talented pass-catcher.
Report: Matt Jones Avoids Suspension originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Tue, 26 May 2009 19:40:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Michael Vick Returning To The NFL? A Trainwreck Waiting To Happen
Written by Matt Miselis
The National Football League begins to face the drama that is Michael Vick, who on Thursday returned to his home to finish the rest of his sentence for the damage he caused from federal dog fighting.
In a time where the nfl began to give more harsh punishments on athletes who damage the league’s reputation, including damaging their personal life-hood which ruins their talents.
Whether the league likes it or not, it is once again time to make a decision on a disciplinary issue, this time on Vick.
Has Vick learned his lesson? Has he matured according to Roger Goodell’sstandards?
Who knows how he has changed during his time behind bars. Vick has come out ans said he is going to be a much better person, a changed man.
However, doesn’t everybody say that?
It is two seasons now that Vick has not played football, a big disadvantage to him.
Yes, only two seasons, however much has changed.
On the offensive side of the ball, the wildcat offense has emerged around the league. There also seems to be much more balanced playbooks, and less quarterbacks getting any production if they try to run.
Currently a property of the Atlanta Falcons, Vick is hoping for one team to make an offer for the troubled quarterback, so he can get back on the field.
Surprisingly, multiple teams may have interest in trading for him, despite the baggage that comes with it.
Sure, it is a gamble that won’t be a big price to trade fo! r, but w hy bother?
Missing one season in the nfl due to injury or suspension is difficult enough.
But two seasons?
Michael Vick will have to show a great work ethic if he can get on back in the nfl.
His speed has probably decreased, and will have to learn a new system wherever he goes, that frankly it will be tough for him to find success as he did early in his career.
Is there anybody who is willing to take the quarterback, along with his baggage?
A notable fit for Vick would be a team such as the Dolphins, or somebody who would use him as their weapon for the wildcat offense.
News has also broke of the New England Patriots and the Oakland Raiders being the leading candidates for his services.
It is a bit of a surprise that the Pats do have interest in him.
Yet again, Belichick was able to control Randy Moss, and with Tom Brady coming off surgery, adding the wildcat to the offense.
The Oakland Raiders aren’t that big of a surprise of being interested in Vick, as they were named the leading team for him the day he received the suspension from the nfl.
How would he fit with the Oakland Raiders? With two quarterbacks in Russell and Garcia fighting for the starting job, along with McFadden who is their playmaker in the backfield.
A dark horse in all of this? The Seattle Seahawks make sense for Vick, who if still has the ability in him, can bring the new look to the offense, where there is questions about Michael Vick.
Even though there are many options that the Falcons may have, it is a mistake for any team to trade for Michael Vick.
Bringing in Vick will bring publicity wherever he goes. On the positive side that some franchises are thinking, a raise in revenue is more then likely, with spectators wanting to get a look at him on the field.
The negative? The Dog Lovers are coming to town.
Lets face it; in people’s minds, dogs are more important then people on the streets.
Rebellion is always waitin! g to hap pen, and with this occurring all over America, Vick will be followed, and can guarantee he will not be comfortable.
Don’t take this the wrong way; I do wish all the best for Michael Vick. I have nothing against him.
The odds don’t stack against him, however. And with where we are in this country, and experience how people are treated, Michael Vick playing in the nfl in the future is a trainwreck waiting to happen on one of these franchises.
Matt Miselis is a writer for Bleacher Report, MVN, and FootBasket.
Bills FB McIntyre arrested, accused of sex act
PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. – Buffalo Bills fullback Corey McIntyre has been arrested in Florida on accusations he fondled himself outside a Port St. Lucie woman’s home.
The incident allegedly happened about two months ago, but the 29-year-old McIntyre was arrested Thursday and charged with exposing sexual organs.
A spokesman for the Port St. Lucie Police says a woman claimed the player knocked on her window during the act, then fled. Police later spotted him on a bicycle.
The charge is a misdemeanor and required a warrant for his arrest, which led to the lag time until McIntyre was jailed.
McIntyre’s agent, Brett Tessler, says his client is “guilty of absolutely nothing” and looks forward to proving the accusations false.
The player is free on $10,000 bond.
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.
PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (AP) — Buffalo Bills fullback Corey McIntyre has been arrested in Florida on accusations he fondled himself outside a Port St. Lucie woman’s home.
The incident allegedly happened about two months ago, but the 29-year-old McIntyre was arrested Thursday and charged with exposing sexual organs.
A spokesman for the Port St. Lucie Police says a woman claimed the player knocked on her window during the act, then fled. Police later spotted him on a bicycle.
The charge is a misdemeanor and required a warrant for his arrest, which led to the lag time until McIntyre was jailed.
A man listed as McIntyre’s agent did not return calls seeking comment. The player was released from Martin County Jail on $10,000 bond.
