Football Rivals Network

Good Camp Battles to Watch

2007-05-19T13:57:00.000-05:00

While there's already some great intrigue created by this past mini camp session, the truth always finds a way to come to the surface - once the pads get on, its a different story. Let's look at a few key "camp battles" to watch at this year's training camp and preseason.

The top camp battle for me is going to be in the secondary, Watkins vs. Hamlin

Let's be real here, the Hamlin signing is a short-term insurance policy, that provides us with a good veteran and solid depth at FS. Its still likely that Hamlin will lineup opposite Roy Williams, but don't count out Patrick Watkins. Watkins was miffed when he fell to the 5th round last year, came to camp with a chip on his shoulder, and eventually cracked into the starting lineup. For a rookie he played well, sure he had a few mess ups, but that's to be expected from a rookie.

Either way you cut it though, Watkins will see significant playing time, and should Hamlin falter in training camp or the preseason, you can feel good about Watkins getting back in the lineup.

According to our readership 50% believe Hamlin will be the starter, 44% believe Watkins will be the starter, and 5% are not sure. Those numbers are close. We'll see how this one unfolds, its going to be a good one.

The San Antonio Express recently chimed in on the topic as well:

Dallas believes Pat Watkins can still emerge as a starter down the line.

The Cowboys may have settled for Ken Hamlin on a one-year deal because they're planning on Watkins as their starting free safety in 2008 and beyond. An athletic freak, the 6-5 Watkins should benefit from his season to learn.

Carpenter vs. James

If you look at how the starting LBs in the Phillips 34, its safe to assume the starters will be:
OLB Demarcus Ware
MLB Bradie James*
MLB Akin Ayodele
OLB Greg Ellis*

The (*) meaning those in jeopardy of losing their starting spot. In this discussion we're focusing on James. James is the incumbent, but there's evidence the Cowboys are preparing for a scenario that would have Carpenter overtaking James at MLB. Carpenter worked at MLB last offseason, and again this offseason.

James has had one solid season, and has been adequate, and last year did not help his cause with several busted plays directed right at him. Sean Payton knew the weakness in the LB core, and tore it up. Then came Detroit later, and they tore it up. James was horrible in coverage and got ate up regularly.

Is 2nd year player, Carpenter ready to man the spot. Carpenter ran the 2nd team defense and called the plays on defense during mini camp. According to Coach Phillips, he wants the best players on the field and wants to utilize their skills as best as possible. If there's a chink in the armor then its Bradie James, and it would be ludicrous not to want competition there. Carpenter was rated much higher at MLB than James coming out of college, and is way more athletic. You can bet Carpenter is going to be out there more and more.

Worst case scenario, you'd see Carpenter play extensively in nickel packages. Either way you cut it, you gotta have this explosive sideline-to-sideline player on the field somewhere and I think Phillips already recognizes this.

Ellis vs. Spencer

We've all read the same old news, and its a broken record...Ellis wants an extension, and he wants a commitment from the Cowboys. The stark reality is that the Cowboys are not going to redo the contract and Ellis needs to get over that. Sure he can ask for a trade, but the Cowboys are not inclined to make a trade. Ellis is a solid player, and performed pretty good in his new position at OLB in the 3-4, and this year should be no different, so just get out there and play Greg.

Ellis' latest tirades mostly stem from the Cowboys drafting Anthony Spencer, who right now looks to be the real deal and will indeed provide a dynamic one-two death blow punch as he lineups up opposite Ware.

Ellis is the starter according to Coach Phillips, but this is going to be a camp battle to watch. I expect Spencer to overcome Ellis this offseason, and at the latest sometime early in the season. Spencer was brought here to attack the QB, and its hard to envision the Cowboys holding him back.

Jones vs. Barber

The media wants to make this into something sensational, but the reality here is going to be that these two RBs will contribute similarly as they did last year; however, I honestly believe this will be Julius Jones' season. All his talk about 1600 yards and 20tds can come true in this new offense. Garrett likes how Jones runs and sees the same elusiveness that Emmitt had. Back when Jones was drafted his highlight reel looked like Emmitt Smith, and he looked like that player his rookie year, then came his "robotic" running style, overcoached or whatever you want to call it. Garrett is going to let Jones be that instinctive runner again, and watch out.

Jones thinks he won't be extended; so, not only does he want to play well this season, this is his time to show off his skills for potential teams for 2008. Its not something I personally want to see happen, but its very possible. Some rumors apparently already have Arkansas' RB Darren McFadden penciled in as our starter next season, far fetched? Maybe, maybe not. But let Jones get his run on and see what fans think then. I see the mood changing should Jones have an explosive season.

Barber will be used the same as last year, he too will get his chances to run instinctively, and this can only help Barber.

At the end of the day, there's not a camp battle here, just some interesting topics for fans to argue over.

FACT: Jones and Barber will share the load and BOTH will take this running attack to another level, the best duo in the league. Other teams are installing the two back system, but we have one if the better duos in the league.

Somehow its good to have these type of problems, its good to have this type of depth and competition in areas were it seems incumbents are locks, but not this year. The Cowboys are doing a great job in the scouting department and continue to inject quality players to an already full roster of pretty good players.

Steve Bovard: 2006 NFL Mock Draft - Article 3 (Feb 10)

2006-02-11T14:09:00.000-06:00

Steve Bovard: 2006 NFL Mock Draft - Article 3
by Steve Bovard
February 10, 2006

Hello fellow Dolphins fans, the draft is less then 3 months away and with the combine quickly approaching and college pro days to come shortly after there will be lots of information and opinions to review. The draft gices us the chance to be the GM for a little while and any fan of an NFL team will be quick to add their 2 cents when it comes to the draft and what his/her team needs. Unlike my other mock drafts I did not include commentary in this one but starting shortly after the combine I will be back to doing commentary with my picks. I wanted to touch on a few other things that relate to the Miami Dolphins in this article. I hope you enjoy it.

>>>Full Story

Who is the #1 QB in the Draft Now?

2006-01-05T13:00:00.000-06:00

By Paul Donaghy
LIONBACKER

After his incredible Rose Bowl record 467 total yards (267 passing, 200 rushing) and three touchdown performance, including the game winner, in the Rose Bowl Vince Young has made a case for himself being the first quarterback taken in the 2006 draft. In what was labeled as the biggest college football game ever, it was Young outshining the flash of two USC Heisman trophy winners and putting his team on his back in one of the most memorable performances in NCAA football history.

The biggest play on the biggest stage came with 19 seconds left. Facing a 4th-and-5 from the 8, Young dropped back to pass and saw all his receivers covered. Young then scrambled untouched into the corner of the end zone and the Longhorns were #2 no more. For good measure, Young then ran up the middle for a two-point conversion putting Texas up by three with little time left. Texas shocked the #1 Trojans 41-38. “Do whatever it takes,” Young said. That is exactly what he did and then some ending USC’s 34-game winning streak and ending their dreams of an unprecedented third-straight National Championship.

Lionbacker's new NFL Draft Blog takes a look at Young's Rose Bowl performance, its impact on his draft status, and whether he should stay in college or turn pro.

>>>Full Story

Steve Bovard's Looks Ahead to the 2006 NFL Draft (Oct 29)

2005-10-29T06:54:00.000-05:00

2006 NFL Draft Preview (Oct 29)
by Steve Bovard
October 29, 2005

It has been a while since my last article and since we are almost half way through the NFL season you can start to see who the contenders and the pretenders are going to be come December and January. Even better, we can start to see what teams will hold those first few draft picks for the 2006 NFL Draft. Add in an exciting year of college football with some solid talent heading to the NFL next season and the draft looks to be an exciting one. I know personally that I look forward to the NFL Draft about as much as I look forward to the Super Bowl. No matter how much time and effort you put into your research, there is always something that surprises even the experts and leaves the fans just shaking their heads.

>>>Full Story

A Sneak Peak at the 2006 Free Agent Quarterbacks

2005-10-20T08:57:00.000-05:00

By Paul Donaghy
LIONBACKER

After four years in Detroit, Joey Harrington has failed to prove he was worthy of the number three overall pick in the 2002 draft. After showing improvement in each of his first three seasons, Harrington has taken a major step backwards in 2005 after "finally having the supporting cast" to be a top tier quarterback in the NFL. After seeing his quarterback rating rise from 59.9 in 2002, to 63.9 in 2003, to 77.5 last season, Harrington's 2005 quarterback rating is at a career-low 55.6 with twice as many interceptions as touchdowns. His decision making, field vision, accuracy, and leadership abilities are all being questioned by fans, fellow players, and the head coach.

Lionbacker brings you the list of every 2006 Free Agent NFL quarterback. Anyone on there that can help your team?

>>>Full Story

Time For Some Changes

2005-10-13T20:41:00.000-05:00

by Mike Perkins
The Kansas Viking

My, how a few months seem to change things. It wasn't all that long ago that Viking fans had a renewed optimism for the coming season. We had finally jettisoned Red McCombs and had a new owner in Zygmunt Wilf. We also added some top free agents to an ailing defense that looked like it would be top rated for a change. And on top of everything else, we were brining back an offense that could put up points with the best of them.

Well, so much for optimism.

>>>Full Story

Tom Eddie: The Fantasy Life (Oct 6)

2005-10-06T07:58:00.000-05:00

The Fantasy Life (Oct 6)
by Tom Eddie
October 6, 2005

With 4 weeks of the NFL season completed, now is a good time to see who's hot and who's not in the NFL: where it relates to Fantasy Football. Donovan McNabb leads all Quarterbacks with 110 completions in 174 attempts for 1,333 yards and 11 Touchdowns. Shaun Alexander is 5 yards ahead of LaDanian Tomlinson with 455 yards rushing with 6 Touchdowns. And surprise, Terrell Owens has caught 32 passes for 506 yards with 4 Touchdowns. As for scoring, LaDanian Tomlinson leads all Running backs with 8 TDs, Keenan McCardell is the leading Wide receiver with 5, and Donovan McNabb leads Quarterbacks with 11.

>>>Full Story

Without a Paddle?

2005-10-05T13:08:00.000-05:00

By Bob Guina
LIONBACKER

I believe that it just occurred to Steve Mariucci that someone is paying him $5 Million a year to develop and coach a winning NFL football franchise; and that he's not getting the job done; and his retirement plan might be in jeopardy. I know that those three things occurred to him in one moment at his Monday press conference the day after the Lions were beaten like a rented mule by the Bears. I know those three things collided in his head all at the same time because of the look on his face. It was that look of shock, bewilderment and fear. It was the look of Macaulay Culkin on the 'Home Alone' movie poster.

>>>Full Story

Game 3 Review: Dolphins 27, Panthers 24

2005-09-26T04:08:00.000-05:00

Game 3 Review: Fins vs Panthers
by Dave Blake
September 26, 2005

I usually temper September Dolphins wins down a bit as the Dolphins traditionally start off fast and slow down in December. Still, Sunday's 27-24 win over a very good Carolina Panthers team that propels us to a 2-1 record putting us in a first place tie with the Patsies is something I didn't expect at ths point this year. So, get excited, but don't get wacko if we lose the next game in a couple of weeks. COACH SABAN has a lot of work still to do with this team, but Sunday the team showed off a lot of improvements along with a serious weakness. I'm going to address just a couple issues going into the bye week.

>>>Full Story

Game 2 Review: Fins vs Jets

2005-09-19T17:24:00.000-05:00

Game 2 Review: Fins vs Jets
by Dave Blake
September 19, 2005

The 17-7 score in favor of the Jets says a lot. First off these aren't the 2004 Dolphins as even Jets linebacker Jonathan Vilma said the Fins are "tougher, more athletic and discilined than the 2004 version." In fact, it was a close game and either team had a chance to win or lose it even halfway through the 4th quarter. It was also an "all defensive" game which was about as boring as you could stand it. Most of the shouts of joy came while the defense was on the field and most of the groans came following the misfires while the offense was on the field. So, let's face it, everyone: the better team won on Sunday ... but don't expect to see the same Fins the next time they meet in Miami on December 18th. These Miami Dolphins are a well coached and hard playing team that will improve throughout this year. While I hate losing to the Jets, I'm pleasantly surprised by this team. They're better than I expected at this point of the season. Let me tell you what I like and dislike so far.

>>>Full Story

A Look at the Dolphins 2005 Offense

2005-08-30T16:44:00.000-05:00

A Look at the Dolphins 2005 Offense
by Richard Rodriguez
September 1, 2005

The 2005 Dolphins will field an offensive unit full of promise but full of huge question marks. While the offense has a lot of size and speed, it seems that performance might be the huge weakness. Let's take a look at some of the key players on offense and grade them. Keep in mind that we have not seen this particular unit perform, therefore any grade is at best an educated guess. At the end of the season, I will revisit these grades and see how on or off I am.

>>>Full Story

Oh! The Possibilities

2005-08-19T20:55:00.000-05:00

Oh! The Possibilities
by Richard Rodriguez
August 15, 2005

Two games into the pre-season and some things are becoming clear. We're supposed to take these preseason games with a grain of salt. But they do offer a glimpse into what this team will do this year and who will make the team. There have already been a few surprises, but two stand out to me.

>>>Full Story

All-NFL Bad Boy Team

2005-08-14T23:02:00.000-05:00

By Paul Donaghy
LIONBACKER

Bad Boy, Bad Boy, what you gonna do? Lionbacker's first NFL Bad Boy team is here. Through hours of research, we have compiled a list of felons and downright disgraces to the NFL. While some positions, like wide receiver, had plenty of candidates to choose from, others such as offensive linemen were much tougher. While we attempted to only use current NFL players, in some cases we had to go back in time to find a truly worthy bad boy. While no Lions made the list, wide receiver David Kircus and defensive end Kalimba Edwards received some consideration after their "off-the-field" efforts this summer.

Lionbacker brings you the worst of the NFL in the form of our Bad Boy team, see who made the list.

>>>Full Story

Blocking key for Cooley, others

2005-08-06T12:13:00.000-05:00

By Joe Crisp / Special to The Daily Progress

August 5, 2005

Ashburn- Last season, the Redskins struggled mightily to open up holes for star runningback Clinton Portis, so if you ask Redskins tight ends coach Rennie Simmons where his charges need to make the most improvement, his answer is a quick one:

"Right now, we need to improve on our run-blocking."

Simmons is looking for a few strong blockers from his group of players, which includes H-backs Chris Cooley, Mike Sellers and Manuel White, and tight ends Robert Royal, William Palmer, Billy Baber and Brian Kozlowski.

"When we're looking at a tight end, number one, they've got to have the strength," says Simmons. "Toughness and strength. [Cooley] shows a lot of strength, even though he's labeled as an 'H' back, and he's doing a really good job in the passing game, but he's as good a blocker. He's doing a real good job blocking. I think if he continues to improve on that, he's one of those guys that could stay in there on all packages."

Due to his prowess as a receiver, Cooley is often compared by the media and seasoned Redskins fans to one of Simmons' former proteges, Clint Didier, who led Redskins tight ends in receiving four straight years ('84-'87) during the Redskins' reign as one of the top offenses of the 1980s.

However, Didier was a lankier tight end not particularly well-known for his blocking ability-- at 6'5, 240 lbs he was built more like an overgrown wide receiver-- whereas Cooley (6'3, 250 lbs) brings a sturdier, more powerful build, better suited for battling in the trenches of the running game if the play design calls for it.

Asked whether Cooley's success last season has changed the way the coaching staff looks at the tight end position in their offense, Simmons says Cooley's emergence wasn't unexpected.

"It wasn't a big surprise for us," Simmons says. "We drafted him and we thought he was a heck of a player. We knew we needed some help there at the 'H' position. He comes in and works hard and we think he's improving. He makes good decisions in the passing game, he's got good strength in the running game. He can play a dual role: he can be a tight end, he can be an 'H'. If he continues to develop he may not come off the field."

Cooley is a bit of an exception in that respect. The other players on the roster are more defined in their roles.

"Robert basically can play 'Y' end," says Simmons. "But Billy's mostly just an 'H' back. His strength lies in the passing game, but he's really got to work on the running game.

"Robert does well in both areas. He's just got to get a little stronger. He fights the weight thing. He's pretty lean right now."

The Redskins drafted another player this year, Manuel White, Jr., out of UCLA, to play H-back in Gibbs's offense, but since he played as a fullback in college, he faces a somewhat difficult transition to his new role.

"If you're a fullback, you're not really used to being on the line of scrimmage, blocking someone right on your nose," says Simmons. "You get a running start at them, and you have to make adjustments from the backfield. That's what Manuel White's facing right now, because he's been a guy out of the backfield at UCLA-- and he's a good runningback also-- so his whole thing right now is learning how to line up in a three-point stance or two-point stance and blocking somebody at the line of scrimmage, and understanding the [pass] protections and all the line calls in the running game. That takes a lot of time."

Asked how the enhancement of the overall speed of the wide receiving corps with the additions of blazers Santana Moss and David Patten would affect the role of the tight end in Gibbs's re-vamped offense, Simmons said it could free up the tight ends to make more plays.

"Your tight end becomes very valuable, especially if you're one-dimensional-- if you've got one [good] receiver-- your tight end becomes a big factor," says Simmons. "If you've got two good receivers, most of the time your tight end gets singled-up or isolated on linebackers, so he becomes even more of a viable factor, or in our case, the 'H-back'.

"The theory that we go by is that the H-back is really our tight end down the field. If you've got three wide receivers going down the field [in a two-tight end set], our H-back is the tight end going down the field, and our 'Y' tight end is really the blocker or fullback. That's how we look at it in the passing game."

But that still leaves open the question of whether these tight ends are up to the task of helping Clinton Portis find more room to run this season.

"In the running game, hopefully we can get two guys out there that can block, and that just adds to our offense when we can go in either direction," says Simmons.

"When you can line up with a tight end on both sides, that makes it tough [to defend]. A conventional offense will line up with a tight end on one side and open on the other side, and there's only so many plays they can run over that side with a fullback, and defenses know that and [defend] it pretty well. So [the two-tight end set] gives us a lot of flexibility. We can line up with two backs in the backfield as well, so the tight ends have to be able to adjust to being both on and off the line of scrimmage."

Obviously, the success of the Redskins' offense this season relies heavily on how successful Simmons will be in coaching his players to make those adjustments.

Joe Crisp is a writer for TheWarpath.net

Chalkboard: Detroit's Three-Headed Monster

2005-07-28T08:28:00.000-05:00

By Tom Boogaart
LIONBACKER

The selection of Mike Williams all but guarantees that the Lions' offense will feature the three wide receiver set. Mariucci's notorious conservatism and public statements about remaining faithful to West Coast principles notwithstanding, the Lions figure to line up three wide receivers early and often. This is because historically offensive execution depends less upon fitting players into systems than grafting your system to fit the talent of your players. For better or worse, the talent of the Detroit Lions' squad is unusually concentrated at the wide receiver position. Whether this investment was wise remains an open question, but it would be foolish not to put your best players on the field.

>>>Full Story

2005 Camp Preview: Good News/Bad News

2005-07-26T19:54:00.000-05:00

2005 Camp Preview: Good News/Bad News

by Tom Shane ~ JetNation Editor

If you’re like me, you read too much about the NFL. And if you’re like me, you’ve already read four-hundred team and NFL previews. You’ve searched the web, you’ve bought every Street and Smith’s guide you can, you’ve even gotten so desperate as to look at the Jets official website for news. Yes, if you’re like me, you’re that hungry for the season to start. So, with that in mind, here is the JetNation camp preview, but with a slight twist–we’re going to tell you everything that could go wrong with the Jets this season. Consider this our own version of Boston’s 2004 ‘reverse-the-curse’ campaign. P.S. Does anyone know where we can exhume that piano that John Riggins threw into New York Harbor when he was traded to the Skins, btw?

Quarterback:
The Bad News: Torn Labrums Are Bad–
Chad Pennington, going into camp, lists himself at “about 85%.” This is clearly the story of training camp. If Penny is hampered throughout camp by a cranky shoulder, look for him to struggle mightily in picking up new offensive coordinator Mike Heimerdinger’s system. Penny has been both fortunate and unfortunate to have been in Paul Hackett’s offense for the majority of his career: putting up impressive stats, but falling into the bad habit of looking to his dumpoff receiver way too quickly. Dinger’s offense is a downfield, stretch the field type O that will force Pennington to have to take more chances with the ball and will really put a ton of pressure on that shoulder, especially early on in the season. If Chad’s health or his inability to break out of his dumpoff habits are still a factor by the time camp breaks, Dinger is going to have a tough call to make on whether or not to start Jay Fiedler. One thing that Dinger does not tolerate is a quarterback who does not, or cannot, execute the gameplan–just ask Steve McNair. I’m not suggesting that Penny is fighting for his job in camp, but Dinger came here to get a head coaching gig somewhere–as soon as next season. If Penny’s shoulder is hurting the team, Dinger isn’t going to waste time pulling him.

>Full Story

Our boy Jake!

2005-07-16T12:15:00.000-05:00

Our boy Jake!
by TrueD
PanthersFanz.com

Our boy Jake Delhomme will show off his skills and prove to the rest of the NFL that the Carolina Panthers are not hurting at all at the quarterback position.

Jake was labeled a one-hit-wonder last year after the Panthers failed to make the play-offs to defend their NFC crown. Now Jake will be looking to prove that the real reason the Panthers didn’t make the play-offs last season was because of their mass injuries, not because of his arm.

Jake has a chance to prove it before the season even starts as he takes the stage with some of the NFL's top quarterbacks, past and present.

In its 16th year, the EA SPORTS NFL Quarterback Challenge tests the NFL's premier quarterbacks, which this year include: Jake Delhomme (Carolina Panthers), Drew Brees (San Diego Chargers), Matt Hasselbeck (Seattle Seahawks), Byron Leftwich (Jacksonville Jaguars), Carson Palmer (Cincinnati Bengals), Joey Harrington (Detroit Lions)and Ben Roethlisberger (Pittsburgh Steelers).

The quarterbacks will compete in four different skills competitions: accuracy, speed and mobility, long distance throw and "No Huddle." Participating in the "No Huddle" timed event in which the quarterback must complete passes to receivers are Torry Holt (St. Louis Rams), Joe Horn (New Orleans Saints), Chad Johnson (Cincinnati Bengals) and Keenan McCardell (San Diego Chargers).

After learning a few tricks last year Jake has confidence going in, and as the fans in the Carolinas know when Jake is confidant, he is as good as any quarterback in the league, so you can be looking for Jake to bring home the prize.

"I can't really say I have too much strategy or gameplan for the drills” Jake said “but there is one, the two minute drill that I have some ideas for, I did OK with it last year but Matt Hasselbeck had the advantage of having done it before. But this year I know what to expect and I found out what to do."

"We are thrilled to host some of the current and former stars of the National Football League in Greater Fort Lauderdale for the 2005 Quarterback Challenge," said Nicki E. Grossman, president of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau. "It's the perfect event for Greater Fort Lauderdale to host as we gear up for Super Bowl XLI in 2007."

The event will air nationally on CBS Sports as two, one-hour specials on Saturday, July 16 (5 - 6 p.m. ET), and Sunday, July 17 (2-3 p.m. ET). Rich Eisen of NFL Network will team with CBS Sports' Esiason and Bonnie Bernstein as the event broadcasters.

The event is produced by the NFL, PLAYERS INC and NFL QB Greats.

CBS SPORTS TV SCHEDULE

Sat., July 16th
NFL EA Sports NFL Quarterback Challenge: Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. (taped 5/13)
5:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.

Sun., July 17th
NFL EA Sports NFL Quarterback Challenge: Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. (taped 5/13)
2:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.

Article pending

2005-07-05T14:25:00.000-05:00

Article pending

The Fantasy Life

2005-07-03T15:51:00.000-05:00

The Fantasy Life
by Tom Eddie

I joined my first Fantasy Football League about 7 or 8 years ago. I don't even remember how I found out about it, because it was a few years before I discovered online Football Forums and Fan Sites. Somehow I found Sandbox.com and that's where it all began. The first season I had one team. I jumped to 4 teams the next season, and each season the number of leagues I am in increases. Actually winning the leagues, which I have done numerous times each season, used to be the primary focus for me. But as I join more and more leagues, it's become quite clear to me that the draft might very well be the thing that drives me to overdo it. There's just something about drafting that provides a cheap thrill. Often, drafts provide more than the thrill, sometimes they create laughs or simply make me scratch my head.

>>>Full Story

Playing Free Safety for the Cowboys in 2005

2005-07-02T12:45:00.000-05:00

By ParcellsGuy

Sign Lance Schulters, sign Reggie Tongue, sign Izell Reese, sign Ty law and convert him, sign anyone you want – the job is mine people. I am Keith Davis.

Davis took three bullets, two in his arm and one to the leg, in 2003. He was in the wrong place at the wrong time and we all know the rest of that story. It seemed his career as a Cowboy was going to be over before it even began. Oh well, just another story about a young athlete not knowing what is right for him and what is wrong for him.

Here’s what Davis said at the time of the incident...>>Read More

2006 Draft Class Looks Loaded

2005-06-29T11:42:00.000-05:00

By Brian Diez
LIONBACKER

The 2006 draft class will be remembered as one of the best ever. The depth in the later rounds isn't great, but the first round is as solid as it can be. Numerous underclassmen who nearly declared for last year's draft (D'Brickashaw Ferguson, Ahmad Brooks, Matt Leinart) line the top of the draft, whereas players who would have been first rounders close out the top round (Jason Allen, Orien Harris). There are also your "relatively unknown" players in this draft. Darrell Hunter of Miami (OH) is vastly underrated and could be a first rounder in 2006. DeAngelo Williams, albeit from Memphis, may be the most polished back in the draft class. And Omar Jacobs appears to be the next in a line of great MAC quarterbacks.

Too early for a 2006 NFL mock draft? We don't think so.

>>>Full Story

NFL Labor Crisis?

2005-06-22T18:50:00.000-05:00

NFL Labor Crisis?
by Marc Degman

I have been a big fan of the NFL, not just because I love the Dolphins and football in general, but because I have a lot of respect for what they have accomplished. I love not worrying about if the spoiled millionaires are going to strike against the spoiled billionaires. I lost interest in MLB years ago for that reason and many others.

If you look at the major sports, the NHL is dead, but nobody's claimed the body. The word around is that the NBA is not far behind. MLB has had the worst relationship between the players and owners of any sport. Surprisingly the baseball players and owners have been agreeing more often lately, with the help of a kick-in-the-ass from Congress. The NFL has been the leader in labor relations, leading with revenue sharing and a hard salary cap. The system in the NFL is the best compromise between the players and owners and by far the best for the fans of all of the teams.

What you may not have heard is that the NFL is in a near-crisis situation regarding the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). This is not a joke, there are dark clouds on the horizon if something is not done soon.

>>>Full Story

Renewed Optimism for Vikings Fans

2005-06-16T20:21:00.000-05:00

by Mike Perkins
The Kansas Viking

On Tuesday of this week, June 14, the sale of the Minnesota Vikings from Red McCombs to Zygmunt Wilf was official and the tenure of Red McCombs was over. Gone will be the days of garage sale events in the practice facility, selling bottles of Aqua Velva for .25 a bottle. Gone will be the days of the lowest paid coaches in the NFL. Gone should be the days of coaches pulling double duty coaching several positions to save money. Gone will be the threats to move our beloved Vikings out of the State of Minnesota. Gone should be the days of the owner yelling at players after a game in the locker room.

>>>Full Story

This Week's Dolphins Happenings (June 5)

2005-06-05T09:09:00.000-05:00

RICK SPIELMAN STEPS DOWN

I don't think anyone's surprised that GM RICK SPIELMAN stepped down as GM of the Miami Dolphins yesterday. When recently asked about Spielman's status, Coach Saban didn't actually give him a vote of confidence. Even before that I'm sure Spielman knew that Saban was going to go in a different direction with someone "fresh". While Spielman only had the job for one year, he actually shared those powers with Coach Wannstedt the previous years even though Wanny had the final word then...

FB HEATH EVANS GIVING BIRTH TO A KIDNEY STONE

You know the news is slow when a kidney stone to FB HEATH EVANS is one of the leading headlines in the Palm Beach Posts' sports section. Anyways, he's soon to give birth to the little rascal and will be back with the Fins shortly.

OWNER WAYNE HUIZENGA WINS AWARD

Great to hear that owner WAYNE HUIZENGA was awarded the Ernst & Young's 2005 World Entrepreneur of the Year. The only problem that I've ever had with him was not giving Coach Wannstedt the axe following the 2003 season.

RICKY WILLIAMS SITUATION GETS MORE COMPLICATED

The complicated life of RICKY WILLIAMS gets a little more complicated as he and the Fins are going to have to come to an agreement over his salary for the 2005 season, and he and the NFL are going to go head to head on when he can return to the Dolphins. Ricky's due a $3.4 million salary and we all know Saban's not going to want to pay all that for a guy who quit the team and has lost a year and 30 pounds of muscle.

KEITH TRAYLOR GETS GOOD WRITE UP FROM PATRIOTS PAPER

A Patriots paper actually wrote a good piece on their former defensive tackle, KEITH TRAYLOR. Traylor was their run stopper in the middle of their defensive line and he's hoping to the be Miami's starting DT despite his 34 year old body.

COACH SABAN BRINGS IN PLAYERS WITH QUESTIONABLE CHARACTER

I'm a little concerned with the questionable character traits of several of the players that Coach Saban brought to the Miami program since he got here.

Bills Fan Central's 2005 Rookie Analysis

2005-05-31T19:19:00.000-05:00

Submitted by Tyler Durden - BillsFanCentral.com

BFC's own Tyler Durden gives an overview of Buffalo's draft and free agent rookies for 2005, along with analyisis of the draft selections and his picks to stick for the upcoming season.

"Without a first rounder in this year's draft, Bills fans had to wait until pick #55 for Buffalo's first selection. Given the holes at LT and DT, most fans expected Tom Donahoe and company to select a monstrous lineman to compete for a starting job on Sundays in the upcoming season. Enter wide receiver Roscoe Parrish."

MORE...

Cowboys Mini Camp Report

2005-05-30T15:53:00.000-05:00

Mini Camp Report

The Cowboys wrapped up their mini camp and we came away with lots of insight as to where the team is right now. Mini camps are held to bring the whole team together and to see what the rookies and veterans can bring for the full scale training camp which will kick off July 30th, its all serious business for Bill Parcells. For the fan though, the mini camps mark the beginning of football, its more of a sneak preview for the fan. There’s a very long-agonizing stretch from early Feb. to August when the pre-season arrives. So, these mini camps wet the palates of the most die hard of fans until then. In this report, we’ll take an early look at the Cowboys and see what we came away with from the end of the mini camps.>>More

Wyche finds an eager pupil in Losman

2005-05-30T15:26:00.000-05:00

Submitted by BillsFanCentral.com
Courtesy of the Buffalo News

Sam Wyche has a favorite quotation from General Douglas MacArthur, one he has passed on to his prize pupil, new Buffalo Bills quarterback J.P. Losman: "You never give a command that can be understood. You always give commands that cannot be misunderstood."

"There's a lot of depth to that," Wyche said last week during the Bills' latest minicamp.

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Center of Affliction

2005-05-26T11:25:00.000-05:00

by Nick Newton - 49ersNews.com
05.23.05 -- Jeremy Newberry was supposed to be a much needed stability in this upcoming season’s offensive line. In fact, Coach Nolan has been saying how much he is looking forward to the return of the veteran Center (Though I’m sure not as much as our QB’s were looking forward to it.)

>>>Full Story

Welcome To "The Wall's" World!

2005-03-22T23:20:00.000-06:00

By Gregory Gibson Jr.
Saints Revolution.com

In a Saints Revolution Exclusive, we bring you 2005 NFL Draft Prospect and Southern University OT Myniya "The Wall" Smith. Ride with Myniya as he takes you along on his journey to the NFL! Check out his introduction by clicking on the link below!

>>>Full Story

Despite the Losses, Seahawks have made strides on defense

2005-03-21T12:04:00.000-06:00

Despite the popular perception that our Seattle Seahawks organization is in disarray, this is an organization that has made progress, and for that, are headed in the direction that may lead them to the Promised Land. While everyone else is looking for a magic button, the Seahawks have finally realized that there isn't one. What the Seahawks have learned is to make a map that will plan out this off season to accordance. The Seahawk organization, headed by new President of Football Operations Tim Ruskell has my seal of approval, and will eventually turn around this defense around.

What?

How can the doom and gloom mentality of you Seahawk boosters fathom this idea?

>>>Full Story

Deep Pockets & Impact Free Agents

2005-03-14T21:33:00.000-06:00



By Joe Rodriguez
TheDallasCowboys.Net

As hard as it is to believe, Cowboy Die Hards know we still have holes to fill via the remaing Free Agency Season or the NFL Draft. One thing is for sure, the Cowboys have set themselves up for a fantastic NFL Draft. Jerry Jones has opened up the Jones Vault and signed - sealed - and delivered the players.

By filling key positions with upper echelon players the Cowboys are set to further roster upgrades via the Draft.

Free Agency Holes:
DT - Filled with DT Jason Ferguson (Jets)
CB - Filled with CB Anthony Henry (Browns)
RG - Filled with RG Marco Rivera (Packers)
DE - ?
RT - ?
OLB - ?
SS - ?

Howard Trade and Merriman Selection:
With the trade for Darren Howard still in limbo, the Cowboys will most likely fill the remaining holes in the draft. If Howard is attained in a trade, the Cowboys will still be targeting DE/LB Shawne Merriman. If Howard is NOT added via trade, Merriman is still the favorite pick in most circles. Its not as easy as it seems though, there are several teams that are coveting Merriman, mainly the Lions who pick #11, and a handful of teams after us could very well tradeup and leapfrog to draft him.

Trading for Howard means giving up our 2nd rounder. In this case, we'll be trading down our #20 pick to recoup another 2nd rounder and somemore later picks.

Addition by Subtraction

2005-03-13T10:26:00.000-06:00

by Mike Perkins
The Kansas Viking

On March 2nd of this year, the start of the NFL Free Agency season, the Minnesota Vikings traded away possibly the best Wide Receiver in football. And if you are a Vikings fan, you more than likely thought he "WAS" the best receiver in the game. The hand wringing began, the sleepless nights, and a dark cloud began to form over Winter Park. The masses of fans were ready to hang the owner and staff for what they believed was the second coming of the Hershel Walker trade. How will we ever score again? And what will become of the team?

Well, recent events suggest that things are not as bad as once thought.

>>>Full Story

Reunited - Garcia/Lions agree to deal

2005-03-12T23:23:00.000-06:00

by Paul Donaghy
Editor-in-Chief, Lionbacker

The Detroit Lions and quarterback Jeff Garcia have agreed in principle to contract terms. No contract has been signed as of yet and no terms have been released. The Lions had also considered Kurt Warner and Brad Johnson, but in the end they went with the quarterback who has a history with head coach Steve Mariucci. ESPN's Len Pasquarelli announced the agreement Saturday afternoon. Garcia becomes the third free agent to sign this week, joining safety Kenoy Kennedy and tight end Marcus Pollard. Garcia had been in contract negotiations with the Broncos and was being pursued by the Seattle Seahawks.

>>>Full Story

Rice Not Needed

2005-03-03T16:25:00.000-06:00

Jeremy Burnham - 49ersNews.com

I love Rice as much as the next Niner fan. He is the greatest, and so it saddens me to say that I don't want him back. I'd love for him come sign a 1 day contract before retiring, but not to come back and play for a year, unless he'd agree to be the 4th WR. But that's not what he wants.

>>Full Story