THREE MORE ACHILLES INJURIES, 'HORNS & IRISH MAY SQUARE OFF & ARE MANNING & BRADY WORTH $80 MILLION? PLUS YOUR MAIL
Three more NFL players suffered season-ending Achilles tendon injuries. Miami kickoff returner Kory Sheets, Jacksonville defensive tackle D'Anthony Smith & Chargers' linebacker Donald Butler will all undergo surgery. Smith & Butler were drafted in the 3rd round of last April's draft. The Chargers were already thin at linebacker, this certainly won't help.
Sergio Kindle, one of Baltimore's 2nd round selections, remains in the hospital after falling down two flights of stairs two weeks ago. He suffered a skull fracture & his recovery is slower than anticipated. Kindle is one of the remaining three unsigned players from April's draft.
Look for the Houston Texans to sign former Buffalo OLB/DE Aaron Schobel, who was released by the Bills on Wednesday. A $6.2 million salary had a lot to do with it, plus Schobel had more success playing DE before the Bills switched over to a 3-4 defense last season. The Texans are looking for pass rushing help & they still employ a 4-3 defense. Schobel has 78 sacks in 7 full seasons, that's how he got that inflated salary, he can get to the quarterback.
On a sad note, former Charger great, Gary "Big Hands" Johnson, passed away on Wednesday after suffering a stroke two weeks ago. Johnson was the 8th overall selection in the 1975 NFL Draft out of Grambling. Johnson was a 4-time Pro Bowl performer & along with fellow '75 draftees, Fred dean & Louis Kelcher, he helped the Chargers to a league-leading 60-sacks in 1980. Johnson recorded 17.5 sacks from his defensive tackle position, an unheard of number & still a Charger team record. After 10 seasons with San Diego, Johnson was traded to the Niners where he picked up a Super Bowl ring before he retired after the 1986 season. He is in the Grambling Hall of Fame as well as the Chargers'. Johnson was 57.
LenDale White has finally landed with a new team. The former USC power back was cut by the Titans after last season. He was quickly signed by his former college coach, Pete Carroll, to play for the Seahawks, but that marriage ended abruptly with his release after Seattle was informed White was to be suspended four games this season for violating the league's substance abuse policy. The real reason he was cut in Seattle, it came out just recently, was he gave a very poor effort & was out of shape. He worked for about 3 months & was signed Wednesday by the Broncos. Both Knowshon Moreno & Correll Buckhalter went down with injuries over the weekend. Moreno strained his hamstring & won't practice for at least 3 weeks & Buckhalter has back spasms & his return is unknown. To make room on the roster for White, Denver cut former Chiefs' running back Kolby Smith. This signing is a little puzzling to me, White can play in the preseason, but then he has to vanish for four weeks while he's on suspension. But then there's a lot of personnel moves made in Denver over the last 18 months that leave me scratching my head.
The Chiefs had a full house last night for their first evening practice. Missouri Western officials put the attendance at 8,000 in Spratt Stadium. According to Kent Babb of The Kansas City Star, cornerback Brandon Carr got lit up again, twice by Chris Chambers & once by rookie Dexter McCluster. This continues to be a big concern for the coaching staff.
Think a Texas-Notre Dame series would be a big draw? The two football powerhouses have been in talks to sign a 4-year, home & home series starting in 2015. These two are the 2nd & 3rd winningest teams in college football history & altho the Irish hold an 8-2 lead in their games, this would be a win-win for both schools financially.
Two days ago Colts President Bill Polian said the rookie wage scale had to go in the next CBA, not a revelation to anyone at the negotiating table. It's ridiculous for a rookie like Sam bradford to receive a $50 million guaranteed deal before he ever takes a snap in the NFL. The Rams are obligated to pay Bradford the entire guarantee if he remains healthy & stays out of trouble. That means he'll make more money than several of the leagues premiere signal callers. Guys who have already won MVP awards & Super Bowls. This morning I watched Tony Dungy, former Colts' coach, on ESPN's Mike & Mike in the Morning. He said "if Bradford got $50 million, Peyton Manning & Tom Brady have to make $70-$80 million." I'm sure Dungy's former employer was thrilled to hear his endorsement while the team is in negotiations for what should be Manning's last professional contract. But he was right in his analogy, which shows you how totally out of touch the rookie wage scale is in reality. It has to go.
And now some mail:
To John C., thanks for reading. You wanted an honest opinion on Eagles' wide receiver Jeremy Maclin so here goes. He has rare speed, but much of it doesn't translate to some of his routes, especially over the middle. He has above average hands & hasn't shown any ball security problems. Not a physical player, doesn't like going over the middle or returning punts. Not a great redzone receiver because he can get pushed off his route & is barely 6-foot tall. Last year in preseason he got two good ass-chewings from Andy Reid when he complained about having to return both punts & kickoffs in a game. He's not a pouter & he will should mature into a very solid pro, one who catches 75-80 passes a season. He can score from anywhere on the field & should be a major weapon in the Eagles offense. Maclin has a squeaky-clean off-field reputation & has always been a good teammate. Hope that answers your question.
To KCKrissy, thanks for reading & keeping it clean for your third email in a row. You know I hate the Kansas Jayhawks & yet you ask for my honest opinion on your team. I do talk some sh*t about Kansas, but I am honest in my evaluation of any team. I don't see good things on the horizon in Lawrence, but I do see a team, that with the leadership of new head coach Turner Gill, will change the mindset of the players & the fans. He was the right man for the job as this program needed a paradigm shift. They lost all of their skill position players on offense & the new starters are a long way from the previous starters in talent & experience. Reesing, Meier & Briscoe played about every snap for three seasons. Two O-line starters are already injured & will miss playing time. The defense wasn't much to begin with. The Jayhawks return only 10 starters, it's going to be a long season with Georgia Tech & a trip to Southern Miss before the Big-12 grind begins, but I like Gill & he'll right the ship, eventually.
To RB, thanks for reading & yes, I just might be "whacko for Flacco." But I don't see Joe Flacco "looking over his shoulder" at Mark Bulger, as you put it. This is Joe Flacco's team & nothing short of an injury will put him on the bench. Baltimore & San Diego were my AFC Super Bowl favorites, but the injuries in the Raven secondary & to offensive tackle Jared Gaither have me rethinking things.
To BigRed1, thank you for reading. I'm going to wait until training camp is over & I see how the quarterback situation shapes up before I forecast your Huskers. The defense will be solid, I think they have the best CB in the country in Prince Amukamara, but replacing Suh is a very tall order, I think you're minimizing it. I'm not a fan of QB Zak Lee altho he has two good weapons in RB Roy Helu & WR Niles Paul. Beware the trip out west to play Jake Locker & the Huskies. Their conference slate is easier with Texas & Mizzou in Lincoln & no OU or Tech. This is definitely a top-20 team, but I doubt they're a top-10 team, just not enough difference makers plus everyone they play is going to be sky-high to take one last shot at the Huskers before they leave the Big-12.
To JayJ, thanks for reading. Where do I get my information? Every major newspaper in the country & their football blogs. Every NFL team website(32), every Division I school's website(120). Every local paper covering a college team & their blogs. Major periodical websites, The Sporting News, Sports Illustrated, Pro Football Weekly & Rivals. All of the Division 1 recruiting sites. All of the networks' websites, watching Sportscenter, College Football Live, NFL Live, College Game Day, NFL Total Access & Outside the Lines. Various gaming websites, a couple of other independent football blogs & my own notes from viewing thousands of football games over the years. I currently have 381 football related bookmarks on my computer. I also have a couple of "insiders" of my own who pass me information from time to time. This way I can give you the scoop on stories you wouldn't see watching an hour of Sportscenter or your local sports on the 10 o'clock news. So whether you are a Chiefs' fan, interested in the Big-12, looking for an edge in your fantasy football league, picking winners in your office pot, looking for one winner to beat your "man" or all of the above, you can find what you're looking for right here at rfr.
Remember, you can read any post I've written(574 in all) by accessing the archives, they're all there. Got a question or complaint, let me know in the comments section or by email, rich@richsfootballreport.com.
Sergio Kindle, one of Baltimore's 2nd round selections, remains in the hospital after falling down two flights of stairs two weeks ago. He suffered a skull fracture & his recovery is slower than anticipated. Kindle is one of the remaining three unsigned players from April's draft.
Look for the Houston Texans to sign former Buffalo OLB/DE Aaron Schobel, who was released by the Bills on Wednesday. A $6.2 million salary had a lot to do with it, plus Schobel had more success playing DE before the Bills switched over to a 3-4 defense last season. The Texans are looking for pass rushing help & they still employ a 4-3 defense. Schobel has 78 sacks in 7 full seasons, that's how he got that inflated salary, he can get to the quarterback.
On a sad note, former Charger great, Gary "Big Hands" Johnson, passed away on Wednesday after suffering a stroke two weeks ago. Johnson was the 8th overall selection in the 1975 NFL Draft out of Grambling. Johnson was a 4-time Pro Bowl performer & along with fellow '75 draftees, Fred dean & Louis Kelcher, he helped the Chargers to a league-leading 60-sacks in 1980. Johnson recorded 17.5 sacks from his defensive tackle position, an unheard of number & still a Charger team record. After 10 seasons with San Diego, Johnson was traded to the Niners where he picked up a Super Bowl ring before he retired after the 1986 season. He is in the Grambling Hall of Fame as well as the Chargers'. Johnson was 57.
LenDale White has finally landed with a new team. The former USC power back was cut by the Titans after last season. He was quickly signed by his former college coach, Pete Carroll, to play for the Seahawks, but that marriage ended abruptly with his release after Seattle was informed White was to be suspended four games this season for violating the league's substance abuse policy. The real reason he was cut in Seattle, it came out just recently, was he gave a very poor effort & was out of shape. He worked for about 3 months & was signed Wednesday by the Broncos. Both Knowshon Moreno & Correll Buckhalter went down with injuries over the weekend. Moreno strained his hamstring & won't practice for at least 3 weeks & Buckhalter has back spasms & his return is unknown. To make room on the roster for White, Denver cut former Chiefs' running back Kolby Smith. This signing is a little puzzling to me, White can play in the preseason, but then he has to vanish for four weeks while he's on suspension. But then there's a lot of personnel moves made in Denver over the last 18 months that leave me scratching my head.
The Chiefs had a full house last night for their first evening practice. Missouri Western officials put the attendance at 8,000 in Spratt Stadium. According to Kent Babb of The Kansas City Star, cornerback Brandon Carr got lit up again, twice by Chris Chambers & once by rookie Dexter McCluster. This continues to be a big concern for the coaching staff.
Think a Texas-Notre Dame series would be a big draw? The two football powerhouses have been in talks to sign a 4-year, home & home series starting in 2015. These two are the 2nd & 3rd winningest teams in college football history & altho the Irish hold an 8-2 lead in their games, this would be a win-win for both schools financially.
Two days ago Colts President Bill Polian said the rookie wage scale had to go in the next CBA, not a revelation to anyone at the negotiating table. It's ridiculous for a rookie like Sam bradford to receive a $50 million guaranteed deal before he ever takes a snap in the NFL. The Rams are obligated to pay Bradford the entire guarantee if he remains healthy & stays out of trouble. That means he'll make more money than several of the leagues premiere signal callers. Guys who have already won MVP awards & Super Bowls. This morning I watched Tony Dungy, former Colts' coach, on ESPN's Mike & Mike in the Morning. He said "if Bradford got $50 million, Peyton Manning & Tom Brady have to make $70-$80 million." I'm sure Dungy's former employer was thrilled to hear his endorsement while the team is in negotiations for what should be Manning's last professional contract. But he was right in his analogy, which shows you how totally out of touch the rookie wage scale is in reality. It has to go.
And now some mail:
To John C., thanks for reading. You wanted an honest opinion on Eagles' wide receiver Jeremy Maclin so here goes. He has rare speed, but much of it doesn't translate to some of his routes, especially over the middle. He has above average hands & hasn't shown any ball security problems. Not a physical player, doesn't like going over the middle or returning punts. Not a great redzone receiver because he can get pushed off his route & is barely 6-foot tall. Last year in preseason he got two good ass-chewings from Andy Reid when he complained about having to return both punts & kickoffs in a game. He's not a pouter & he will should mature into a very solid pro, one who catches 75-80 passes a season. He can score from anywhere on the field & should be a major weapon in the Eagles offense. Maclin has a squeaky-clean off-field reputation & has always been a good teammate. Hope that answers your question.
To KCKrissy, thanks for reading & keeping it clean for your third email in a row. You know I hate the Kansas Jayhawks & yet you ask for my honest opinion on your team. I do talk some sh*t about Kansas, but I am honest in my evaluation of any team. I don't see good things on the horizon in Lawrence, but I do see a team, that with the leadership of new head coach Turner Gill, will change the mindset of the players & the fans. He was the right man for the job as this program needed a paradigm shift. They lost all of their skill position players on offense & the new starters are a long way from the previous starters in talent & experience. Reesing, Meier & Briscoe played about every snap for three seasons. Two O-line starters are already injured & will miss playing time. The defense wasn't much to begin with. The Jayhawks return only 10 starters, it's going to be a long season with Georgia Tech & a trip to Southern Miss before the Big-12 grind begins, but I like Gill & he'll right the ship, eventually.
To RB, thanks for reading & yes, I just might be "whacko for Flacco." But I don't see Joe Flacco "looking over his shoulder" at Mark Bulger, as you put it. This is Joe Flacco's team & nothing short of an injury will put him on the bench. Baltimore & San Diego were my AFC Super Bowl favorites, but the injuries in the Raven secondary & to offensive tackle Jared Gaither have me rethinking things.
To BigRed1, thank you for reading. I'm going to wait until training camp is over & I see how the quarterback situation shapes up before I forecast your Huskers. The defense will be solid, I think they have the best CB in the country in Prince Amukamara, but replacing Suh is a very tall order, I think you're minimizing it. I'm not a fan of QB Zak Lee altho he has two good weapons in RB Roy Helu & WR Niles Paul. Beware the trip out west to play Jake Locker & the Huskies. Their conference slate is easier with Texas & Mizzou in Lincoln & no OU or Tech. This is definitely a top-20 team, but I doubt they're a top-10 team, just not enough difference makers plus everyone they play is going to be sky-high to take one last shot at the Huskers before they leave the Big-12.
To JayJ, thanks for reading. Where do I get my information? Every major newspaper in the country & their football blogs. Every NFL team website(32), every Division I school's website(120). Every local paper covering a college team & their blogs. Major periodical websites, The Sporting News, Sports Illustrated, Pro Football Weekly & Rivals. All of the Division 1 recruiting sites. All of the networks' websites, watching Sportscenter, College Football Live, NFL Live, College Game Day, NFL Total Access & Outside the Lines. Various gaming websites, a couple of other independent football blogs & my own notes from viewing thousands of football games over the years. I currently have 381 football related bookmarks on my computer. I also have a couple of "insiders" of my own who pass me information from time to time. This way I can give you the scoop on stories you wouldn't see watching an hour of Sportscenter or your local sports on the 10 o'clock news. So whether you are a Chiefs' fan, interested in the Big-12, looking for an edge in your fantasy football league, picking winners in your office pot, looking for one winner to beat your "man" or all of the above, you can find what you're looking for right here at rfr.
Remember, you can read any post I've written(574 in all) by accessing the archives, they're all there. Got a question or complaint, let me know in the comments section or by email, rich@richsfootballreport.com.
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