COWBOY CAMP IS TRULY WEIRD, BEARS DISAPPOINT THEIR FANS BIG TIME, WHAT "OUT OF CONTEXT" REALLY MEANS & SOME HOF THOUGHTS
Ever since Jerry Jones bought the Dallas Cowboys, I've always thought the franchise had a little circus element to it, with Jones being the ringmaster. Last year during training camp Kim Kardashian spent some time on field with the players. I never understood why Wade Phillips & Jones would allow such a distraction. Friday at San Antonio's Alamo Dome, the Cowboys took weird to a whole new level. I fail to see the connection, don't understand why, in a shortened training camp, they allow such distractions. This "person" goofed for the fans & players alike for nearly a half hour before posing for pictures with a number of Cowboys including head coach Jason Garrett & Jerry Jones. Whatta ya think?
Paul Rubens aka Pee-Wee Herman with Tony Romo
The NFL continues it's stance that there will not be a supplemental draft this year. Terrelle Pryor is said to be the only player wanting to enter this draft, while the league maintains it's position Pryor isn't eligible. NFL spokesman Greg Aiello claims a final decision will be coming soon. I don't like Pryor's chances.
For all you fantasy football players, I have a few updates that could interest you.
1. Tight end Bo Scaife signed with Cincinnati.
2. The NFL's leading rusher in 2010, Texan Arian Foster, suffered a hamstring injury yesterday & during his short appearance at practice today, his upper leg was heavily wrapped. He didn't participate in any activities.
3. Wide receiver Malcom Floyd will resign with the San Diego Chargers.
4. Carolina nose tackle Ron Edwards will be lost for the season after suffering a torn triceps on Friday. It was only his 2nd practice with the Panthers after coming over from Kansas City.
5. Former NYG tight end Kevin Boss signed with Oakland. Good player, just not as good as the guy he replaces, Zach Miller.
6. Bernard Pollard will be in a 3-way competition for a strong safety spot in the Ravens secondary. Tom Zbikowski & Haruki Nakamura will battle Pollard for a spot.
The NY Jets are close to signing wide receiver Derrick Mason. They better be, having already released Braylon Edwards, Brad Smith & yesterday, Jerricho Cotchery. That leaves the Jets with Santonio Holmes, Plaxico Burress, 5 rookies & Patrick Turner, who has 2 career NFL receptions. If Mason signs elsewhere, the Jets are really thin at wide receiver.
Mason claims his choices are down to the Jets, Ravens & Titans. The Jets may have tipped their hand too early on when they released Cotchery, now they appear desperate, which is exactly what they are.
Jaguar quarterback David Garrard will not participate in tonight's scrimmage. Taking the helm with the first team will be #1 draft pick Blaine Gabbert. Pete Prisco, of CBSSports.com, wrote a glowing piece about Gabbert in Jacksonville's training camp. He believes Gabbert is playing so well, even if David Garrard didn't have a sore back, the rookie will be the Jag's starter opening day. Tho Gabbert has been overly respectful & gracious when speaking of Garrard, the veteran QB refers to the rookie from Mizzou as "#11." Garrard is as tough a quarterback as there is in this league, but he doesn't throw the ball downfield with any consistent accuracy. Passes over 40-yards seldom are completed. Gabbert gives the Jaguars something they've never had, a big, powerful, accurate arm. Not Mark Brunell, or Leftwich or Garrard had a major league arm like Gabbert possesses. Prisco said you can see the excitement from his offensive teammates. "It appears Gabbert was issued a playbook back when the lockout was lifted for 2-days & he's been in hiding somewhere until he learned the entire thing" Prisco said.
The Chicago Bears have about 13,000 disappointed fans after their scheduled "Family Fest" at Soldier Field was cancelled last night. Making matter worse, the cancellation wasn't announced until most of the spectators had paid for their parking & ticket. The problem was the turf. It hadn't been watered much during the recent heatwave. The person in charge of Soldier Field's field is a city parks employee, not a high-priced groundskeeper. The field had been re-sodded after a recent U2 concert. But the lack of watering caused the sod to shrink & pull-apart at the seams. Brian Urlacher said "this field has been an embarrassment for years, either fix it right or put in field turf." The McCaskey family, who owns the Bears, are dead-set against any playing surface other than natural grass. Swell, how about turning the sprinklers on once & a while?
The Bears agreed to refund everyone's parking($16) & admission($12) plus they offered free hot dogs & soft drinks. But after the booing stopped, the fans left the stadium, passing on the freebies. Many Chicago fans who do not go to the games on Sunday, drive in from 3-4 hours away every summer for the "Bears' experience." Nice way to treat them. Are you telling me someone from the team couldn't look at this field & know it was unplayable before 13,000 people were allowed to enter? Very nice.
Turns out I was more right about Braylon Edwards' plummeting free agent value than I thought. I said he received a 1-year deal worth $3.5 million. I said Mike Sims-Walker has a better deal with the Rams. I said Plaxico Burress got a better deal from the jets & he's been in prison for 23-months. Turns out Edwards' deal is worth just $1 million, the remaining $2.5 million are incentives I doubt he'll ever reach. To get the additional $2.5 million, Edwards will need to catch 90-passes, be a Pro Bowl starter & play 80% of the Niners offensive snaps. Not gonna happen.
Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk made a great observation today when he said "when people say a quote was taken out of context, it's a synonym for 'I disagree with anyone who uses my own words against me.'" Brilliant.
Tonight the Pro Football Hall of Fame will induct a new class, 7 in all. Here are a few quick thoughts.
Les Richter--guard, linebacker & placekicker
Once traded for 11 players, honest. Was also the director of operations for NASCAR after his retirement from football. Played for the Los Angeles Rams & made 8 Pro Bowls.
Ed Sabol--founder of NFL Films
An enterprising guy who kept after commissioner Pete Rozell until he was given exclusive rights to film every single play of every single NFL game. Sabol's company, now run by son Steve, has been there to document the ups & downs, the progress, the pitfalls, the remarkable comebacks & men that made them happen. NFL Films is truly an American Institution that deserves this type of honor.
Chris Hanburger--linebacker
Nine-time Pro Bowl player, consecutive playing streak stopped at 135 when he underwent a pregame emergency appendectomy. NFL defensive player of the year in 1972. Member of the Redskin "Over the Hill Gang."
Richard Dent--defensive end
Ranked third all-time in sacks with 137.5 when he retired. Part of the Chicago Bears' "46" defense that won Super Bowl XX. Later won a second ring with the '94 Forty-Niners.
Shannon Sharpe--tight end
Drafted as a wide receiver out of tiny Savannah State. Should have been a 1st ballot inductee IMO. When Sharpe retired, he led all tight ends in NFL history in receptions, yards & touchdowns, now second to Tony Gonzalez in every category. Great clutch player, 3 Super Bowl rings, 2 with the Broncos, 1 with Baltimore.
Marshall Faulk--running back
A New Orleans kid who barely got a college scholarship, had to go all the way out to San Diego State to play. One of the greatest dual-purpose running backs in NFL history. Rushing for 12,279 yards & 100 touchdowns plus 676 receptions for 6,875 yards & 36 more touchdowns. Three-time NFC offensive player of the year, NFL rookie of the year, 7-time pro bowl selection, 2000 NFL MVP, Super Bowl Champion etc etc etc. Faulk wil go down as one of the best 5 or 6 most productive runners in NFL history.
Deion Sanders--cornerback, kick & punt returner
Simply put the best ever at this position IMO. Even if you don't like his bluster & showboating, you can't deny his skill set. Sanders ran 4.23 at the NFL combine & he maintained that speed for most of his career. Originally drafted by the Kansas City Royals while in high school, Deion went on to become a two-sport star at Florida State. Deion was drafted 5th in the 1989 NFL draft by the Atlanta Falcons. He played for 5 different teams, scoring 22 touchdowns returning punts, kicks, interceptions & fumbles. He recorded 53 interceptions, was an 8-time pro bowl player & won two Super Bowl rings, one with Frisco, one with the Cowboys. NFL defensive player of the year in '94 with SF. Openly feuded with Jerry Rice while with the Niners. Also played Major league baseball for 8 seasons with 4 different teams. Sanders hit 39 home runs & stole 186 bases as a part time player. Deion rubs a lot of people the wrong way, but there's no denying his career was certainly first ballot-worthy.
Paul Rubens aka Pee-Wee Herman with Tony Romo
The NFL continues it's stance that there will not be a supplemental draft this year. Terrelle Pryor is said to be the only player wanting to enter this draft, while the league maintains it's position Pryor isn't eligible. NFL spokesman Greg Aiello claims a final decision will be coming soon. I don't like Pryor's chances.
For all you fantasy football players, I have a few updates that could interest you.
1. Tight end Bo Scaife signed with Cincinnati.
2. The NFL's leading rusher in 2010, Texan Arian Foster, suffered a hamstring injury yesterday & during his short appearance at practice today, his upper leg was heavily wrapped. He didn't participate in any activities.
3. Wide receiver Malcom Floyd will resign with the San Diego Chargers.
4. Carolina nose tackle Ron Edwards will be lost for the season after suffering a torn triceps on Friday. It was only his 2nd practice with the Panthers after coming over from Kansas City.
5. Former NYG tight end Kevin Boss signed with Oakland. Good player, just not as good as the guy he replaces, Zach Miller.
6. Bernard Pollard will be in a 3-way competition for a strong safety spot in the Ravens secondary. Tom Zbikowski & Haruki Nakamura will battle Pollard for a spot.
The NY Jets are close to signing wide receiver Derrick Mason. They better be, having already released Braylon Edwards, Brad Smith & yesterday, Jerricho Cotchery. That leaves the Jets with Santonio Holmes, Plaxico Burress, 5 rookies & Patrick Turner, who has 2 career NFL receptions. If Mason signs elsewhere, the Jets are really thin at wide receiver.
Mason claims his choices are down to the Jets, Ravens & Titans. The Jets may have tipped their hand too early on when they released Cotchery, now they appear desperate, which is exactly what they are.
Jaguar quarterback David Garrard will not participate in tonight's scrimmage. Taking the helm with the first team will be #1 draft pick Blaine Gabbert. Pete Prisco, of CBSSports.com, wrote a glowing piece about Gabbert in Jacksonville's training camp. He believes Gabbert is playing so well, even if David Garrard didn't have a sore back, the rookie will be the Jag's starter opening day. Tho Gabbert has been overly respectful & gracious when speaking of Garrard, the veteran QB refers to the rookie from Mizzou as "#11." Garrard is as tough a quarterback as there is in this league, but he doesn't throw the ball downfield with any consistent accuracy. Passes over 40-yards seldom are completed. Gabbert gives the Jaguars something they've never had, a big, powerful, accurate arm. Not Mark Brunell, or Leftwich or Garrard had a major league arm like Gabbert possesses. Prisco said you can see the excitement from his offensive teammates. "It appears Gabbert was issued a playbook back when the lockout was lifted for 2-days & he's been in hiding somewhere until he learned the entire thing" Prisco said.
The Chicago Bears have about 13,000 disappointed fans after their scheduled "Family Fest" at Soldier Field was cancelled last night. Making matter worse, the cancellation wasn't announced until most of the spectators had paid for their parking & ticket. The problem was the turf. It hadn't been watered much during the recent heatwave. The person in charge of Soldier Field's field is a city parks employee, not a high-priced groundskeeper. The field had been re-sodded after a recent U2 concert. But the lack of watering caused the sod to shrink & pull-apart at the seams. Brian Urlacher said "this field has been an embarrassment for years, either fix it right or put in field turf." The McCaskey family, who owns the Bears, are dead-set against any playing surface other than natural grass. Swell, how about turning the sprinklers on once & a while?
The Bears agreed to refund everyone's parking($16) & admission($12) plus they offered free hot dogs & soft drinks. But after the booing stopped, the fans left the stadium, passing on the freebies. Many Chicago fans who do not go to the games on Sunday, drive in from 3-4 hours away every summer for the "Bears' experience." Nice way to treat them. Are you telling me someone from the team couldn't look at this field & know it was unplayable before 13,000 people were allowed to enter? Very nice.
Turns out I was more right about Braylon Edwards' plummeting free agent value than I thought. I said he received a 1-year deal worth $3.5 million. I said Mike Sims-Walker has a better deal with the Rams. I said Plaxico Burress got a better deal from the jets & he's been in prison for 23-months. Turns out Edwards' deal is worth just $1 million, the remaining $2.5 million are incentives I doubt he'll ever reach. To get the additional $2.5 million, Edwards will need to catch 90-passes, be a Pro Bowl starter & play 80% of the Niners offensive snaps. Not gonna happen.
Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk made a great observation today when he said "when people say a quote was taken out of context, it's a synonym for 'I disagree with anyone who uses my own words against me.'" Brilliant.
Tonight the Pro Football Hall of Fame will induct a new class, 7 in all. Here are a few quick thoughts.
Les Richter--guard, linebacker & placekicker
Once traded for 11 players, honest. Was also the director of operations for NASCAR after his retirement from football. Played for the Los Angeles Rams & made 8 Pro Bowls.
Ed Sabol--founder of NFL Films
An enterprising guy who kept after commissioner Pete Rozell until he was given exclusive rights to film every single play of every single NFL game. Sabol's company, now run by son Steve, has been there to document the ups & downs, the progress, the pitfalls, the remarkable comebacks & men that made them happen. NFL Films is truly an American Institution that deserves this type of honor.
Chris Hanburger--linebacker
Nine-time Pro Bowl player, consecutive playing streak stopped at 135 when he underwent a pregame emergency appendectomy. NFL defensive player of the year in 1972. Member of the Redskin "Over the Hill Gang."
Richard Dent--defensive end
Ranked third all-time in sacks with 137.5 when he retired. Part of the Chicago Bears' "46" defense that won Super Bowl XX. Later won a second ring with the '94 Forty-Niners.
Shannon Sharpe--tight end
Drafted as a wide receiver out of tiny Savannah State. Should have been a 1st ballot inductee IMO. When Sharpe retired, he led all tight ends in NFL history in receptions, yards & touchdowns, now second to Tony Gonzalez in every category. Great clutch player, 3 Super Bowl rings, 2 with the Broncos, 1 with Baltimore.
Marshall Faulk--running back
A New Orleans kid who barely got a college scholarship, had to go all the way out to San Diego State to play. One of the greatest dual-purpose running backs in NFL history. Rushing for 12,279 yards & 100 touchdowns plus 676 receptions for 6,875 yards & 36 more touchdowns. Three-time NFC offensive player of the year, NFL rookie of the year, 7-time pro bowl selection, 2000 NFL MVP, Super Bowl Champion etc etc etc. Faulk wil go down as one of the best 5 or 6 most productive runners in NFL history.
Deion Sanders--cornerback, kick & punt returner
Simply put the best ever at this position IMO. Even if you don't like his bluster & showboating, you can't deny his skill set. Sanders ran 4.23 at the NFL combine & he maintained that speed for most of his career. Originally drafted by the Kansas City Royals while in high school, Deion went on to become a two-sport star at Florida State. Deion was drafted 5th in the 1989 NFL draft by the Atlanta Falcons. He played for 5 different teams, scoring 22 touchdowns returning punts, kicks, interceptions & fumbles. He recorded 53 interceptions, was an 8-time pro bowl player & won two Super Bowl rings, one with Frisco, one with the Cowboys. NFL defensive player of the year in '94 with SF. Openly feuded with Jerry Rice while with the Niners. Also played Major league baseball for 8 seasons with 4 different teams. Sanders hit 39 home runs & stole 186 bases as a part time player. Deion rubs a lot of people the wrong way, but there's no denying his career was certainly first ballot-worthy.
David Mims was as dominate in last nights game pancaking defenders on several plays and not giving up a sack in his first game as a pro.
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BigDaddy,
How did your David Mims comment wind up down here? Anyway, if you'll check your game tape, Mims was beaten twice by outside rushers. He was also the only Chief flagged for a penalty, holding, but the call was nullified with off-setting penalties. If you visit this site regularly, you would know I'm a big supporter of David Mims, way back before the draft I made it clear I thought he had a future with the Chiefs.
Mims did not give a sack at Virginia Union after opening day his junior year. I promise you his string is over, he was beaten twice last night.
That being said, I still believe in this young man, if they can get him onto the practice squad, I believe he has a decent upside.
Thanks for reading & as always I appreciate your comments.
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