The Rise and Fall of JaMarcus Russell

JaMarcus at the 2007 NFL Draft Media Lunch-By Dr. Bill Chachkes

   The Rise and Fall of JaMarcus Russell-By J.P. Fox forFootball Reporters Online

    When people used to bring up the phrase “Draft Bust,” it used to signal the talk of Ryan Leaf. Nowadays, Leaf is basically an afterthought. There’s a new man holding down that crown of being the biggest draft bust in NFL History, and that man is JaMarcus Russell. Russell was just recently released by the Oakland Raiders, after playing only three seasons for the team. He was even shunned by “THE” Al Davis, the man who gave the go-ahead to draft him with the 1st pick in the 2007 draft. Davis is notorious for drafting players that have great speed, or had a great combine, or have many accolades. With this article, I’ll talk a little about what made Russell the 1st pick in the draft, and only three seasons later, being jobless.

    JaMarcus Russell went through his junior season at Louisiana State as a wonderkind. He was putting up unbelievable stats while leading the Tigers to a 10-2 record and a spot in the All-State Sugar Bowl game against Notre Dame. During the regular season, Russell threw for 3,129 yards 28 Touchdowns and 8 interceptions. In the bowl-game against Notre Dame, Russell accumulated 350 yards of total offense and had 3 touchdowns while being named the game’s MVP in  a 41-14 win. At LSU’s pro-day, Russell measured and weighed in at 6’5 ½ 265 pounds, and was throwing 60 yard bombs from his knees. When people heard of this, most of them were saying, “he did what?” Guys with that kind of arm-strength are basically not human. Can Chad Pennington throw the ball even 50 yards with a running start and full wind-up? I doubt it.

    But Russell was basically the topic of pre-draft chatter after what he did at the LSU pro-day. What puzzles me is that nobody was really talking too much about his weight. A quarterback coming in weighing 265 pounds….wouldn’t there be some concern over weight issues? In my mind, yes, there should have been. But the Raiders went ahead and drafted Russell with the 1st pick in the 2007 draft, over the likes of Calvin Johnson, who head coach Lane Kiffin wanted, Adrian Peterson, who is a perennial NFL rushing leader year in and year out, and even Patrick Willis, who just signed a 5 year extension with $29 million guaranteed with the 49ers because of how much of a beast he is. Passing on franchise WR’s, future hall-of-fame RB’s, and Brian Urlacher-type LB’s could set your franchise back years. In fact, in what is definitely a weird coincidence, in the next three drafts for the Raiders after Russell, they drafted a RB, WR, and LB. (Darren McFadden in ‘08, Darrius Heyward-Bey in ‘09, and Rolando McClain in ‘10, just for kicks)

    So back to JaMarcus Russell. He held out his rookie training camp before signing a huge contract in the range of 6 years for $68 million with $31.5 million guaranteed. Russell didn’t even take a snap from center until December 2, 2007 when he did so against the Denver Broncos. Russell went 4 of 7 for 56 yards. He didn’t play again until December 23 when he played against the Jacksonville Jaguars. In a disastrous statistical game, Russell completed only 7 of 23 passes for 83 yards to go along with 1 touchdown, 3 interceptions, and 1 lost fumble. OUCH. After that performance, and the Raiders only sporting a 4-11 record, Lane Kiffin decided to start Russell in the last game of the season against the San Diego Chargers.  On Russell’s first pass as a starting quarterback, he threw an interception. Russell couldn’t finish the game after leaving early in the third quarter after an apparent injury. He did, however, finish the game completing 23 of 31 passes for 224 yards and a TD. I failed to mention he had three turnovers which led to 17 Charger points in a 30-17 loss. Without those 17 points, the Raiders would have won that game 17-13.

    In the 2008 season, Russell was named the starting QB in training camp and ended up starting  15 games. In what was his best statistical season in the NFL thus far in a very short NFL career,  Russell threw for 2,423 yards, 13 TD and only 8 INT’s. That was not a bad year for a guy who is only starting his first full season in the league. The Raiders thought they had something now. They thought wrong. Coming into the 2009 season, Russell was again named the starting QB in training camp, which didn’t surprise anybody after the season he had in ‘08. Which would end up being the beginning of the downfall of JaMarcus Russell, he finished a horrible season completing 48.8 percent of his passes with an abysmal 3 TD’s and 11 INT’s in 9 starts. During the season, he was also benched for the likes of Bruce Gradkowski and journeyman Charlie Frye. Russell really soured in the Raiders’ front office with his mediocre play and nonchalant attitude. He was often seen on the sidelines looking not interested and non-caring. By the end of the ‘09 season, Russell was now the #3 QB on the Raiders depth chart.
   
    In the off season, Russell was criticized for his lack of conditioning and the talk was beginning that the Raiders front-office personnel was trying to convince Al Davis that they had to move on from Russell. Davis eventually agreed and on May 6, 2010, less than 3 years after drafting him #1 overall, JaMarcus Russell was released by the Oakland Raiders. With $36 million already collected in paychecks and guaranteed money, and another $3 million coming his way in the form of a guaranteed paycheck, Russell collected $39 million from the Raiders for completing 52% of his passes, a little over 4,000 yards passing with only 18 TD’s and 23 INT’s. Now, Russell is jobless. What a shame for a guy to have so much talent, make so much money, to just not care about his job and then subsequently be released so soon into his career.

    There was talk that the Cincinnati Bengals were interested in bringing him in as a backup, and there was also speculation some teams were interested in bringing him in and playing another position. Russell is not budging.  The New Orleans Saints have already said they are not interested in bringing Russell back to his home town to backup Drew Brees. Russell has said that he is not at all interested in signing with the Arena Football League or the Canadian Football League. I believe he should leave all doors open. Even if he tried to boost his stock in the newly developed United Football League, I think that’d be great for him. Daunte Culpepper has just signed with a team out in Sacramento. Having two big-name guys in the league would be good for exposure and be good for Russell. He shouldn’t say, “I’m only going to play in the NFL, or nothing.” I truly believe a team in the UFL should definitely try to woo him into playing a year or two with them. He is only 24 years old and doesn’t turn 25 until August. Playing a year in another league where he could work on his conditioning, keeping his weight under control, and even his skills, he could benefit in all aspects. But with that said, having $39 million in the bank is unreal, maybe he’ll just retire. Who knows? Only JaMarcus does.

Black Friday

Black Friday
By Michael – Louis Ingram
BASN/FRO
 
“Attention Wal-Mart shoppers – you are now free to buy cheap 50-inch televisions, IPods and laptop computers without guilt…”
 
PHILADELPHIA (BASN/FRO): In a courtroom in Kennett, Missouri, the “Show – Me” state showed everyone the antediluvian attitudes which accelerated the influx of assholes there are alive – in hell.
 
The trial of Heather Ellis, a 24 year old schoolteacher who stood to do 15 years in prison – for allegedly cutting in line at a local Wal–Mart – was concluded when lawyers for Ms. Ellis agreed to a plea bargain of a year’s unsupervised probation; as part of a lesser sentence for disturbing the peace and resisting arrest.    
 
While it seems a victory of sorts was won for Ms. Ellis, let’s not get this twisted: the people involved – and much credit to Dr. Boyce Watkins, Ms. Ellis legal team and everyone who helped stand up to defend her – only managed to nick a draw before final whistle.
 
Surely, if Heather Ellis were a white woman, this scenario would be very unlikely to happen; no need for security to step in, no calling the police, no outcry over cutting in line; it would be “thank you for shopping at Wal-Mart” and have a nice day.
 
In the race for humanity’s soul, the forces running toward 1850 seems to have a slight lead over those running toward 2010. That Heather Ellis almost became the new Dred Scott wasn’t lost on the few who spoke up and rallied to her defense.
 
I can still hear Dame Shirley Bassey singing in the background, “and it’s all just a little bit of history repeating…” 
 
 
Welcome to New Congo Square Mall
 
 
Now, before I hear, “what does this have to do with sports?” let’s mosey on over to the New Congo Square Mall – site of the NCAA (Negroes Carrying Athletic Aspirations) Claim Center Store.    
 
Looks like University of Kansas head football coach Mark Mangino is at the Returns Desk – let’s listen in, shall we?
 
 
(Male voice: May I help you, Coach Mangino?)
 
“Let’s take a look at this,” Mangino said. “We’ve improved graduation rates here for football. We have set semester records for team GPA. We’re graduating kids, we’re putting kids out into the world that are prepared. But I can’t do the work of some parents, what they should have done before they got to me.
 
“There’s some things for 18 years that happened in their lives that I can’t change in four years of college. Can’t change their behaviors, can’t change their attitudes.”  
 
 
(MV: Oh, so you’re saying your Negroes are defective? Well, given the four-year warranty has run out, I’m afraid we can’t offer a refund on them; but then again, you could have bypassed those people if you didn’t have such a hard-on for making a seven figure salary off these same Black men you treat like Niggers because they don’t bow and scrape.
 
That a scum-sucking parasite like you would stoop to blaming parents is the reason why your Negroes won’t work, muthafucka; and if I were the parent of any of those kids you made the negative asides about, I would bounce your fat ass up and down this mall.
 
What those parents should have done was avoid KU altogether. How many lies did you tell; how many times behind closed doors did you complain about how “those people” are lazy and stupid?  Well, attention shoppers – Niggers are on sale right now at the University of Kansas! Our Black Friday Special – Shot Homies, alcoholics and ghetto trash - now 50% - offed! Prices are slashed because products were slightly used by a self-serving, smug sonuvabitch who should be stomped into submission by the very people he looks to belittle.
 
Now stick that up your BCS, you punk-ass muthafucka!)
 
 
A tall young Black man (and, yes, he fits the description) named Alshon Jeffrey had the chance to choose between several schools, and had decided on the University of South Carolina. New Tennessee head coach Lane Kiffin, in an effort to convince Jeffrey to come to UT, put on his best rap – and it didn’t work.
 
According to accounts by Jeffrey, who had committed earlier to Southern Cal, later told head man Pete Carrill he changed his mind. Carrill, who many felt showed his true colors in his bitch-fit press conference after quarterback Mark Sanchez left early to go pro, threatened to flex on Jeffrey, but his efforts failed.
 
 Kiffin, however, was even worse. After Jeffrey made it clear he was going to play for the Gamecocks, Kiffin told Jeffery that if he chose the Gamecocks, he would end up pumping gas for the rest of his life; like all the other players from that state who would  dare to choose somewhere other than his school.
 
With that, we now go back to our Help Desk and our Claim Center Customer Service Department…
 
(MV: Young Jeffrey’s situation is a clear case of Bait-and-Beeyotch. The would-be coach gets all hot and bothered when he thinks he’s caught something when wooing the talent. Then, depending on the level of pettiness after finding out otherwise, insults the prospect, letting him know in his own special way that he was just another Nigger he wanted to help him win games – and get paid. Hey - cop-and-blow – every pimp would know. Next, please?)
 
I’m sure Alshon Jeffrey takes comfort in knowing that three other young men who chose to come to Tennessee won’t be pumping gas, either; at least not for the moment. Nu’Keese Richardson, Michael Edwards and Janzen Jackson went from assets to assholes when they attempted to rob someone outside of a convenience store.
 
Robbing someone is bad enough, and the people involved deserve to be punished; but what would motivate three collegiate football players to rob someone? After playing in front of thousands of fans on Saturday afternoon, they’re broke Saturday evening – and the school, the coach, the networks – everyone except the players – get paid.
 
As if that weren’t bad enough, Richardson was the subject of a situation that marked Kiffin’s indoctrination into the Southeastern Conference, whereas Kiffin implied Florida head coach Urban Meyer cheated to secure Richardson. The statement resulted in Kiffin being reprimanded by the SEC, but keeping Richardson.
 
Now, Richardson has been kicked off the team – and will be lucky if he gets to pump gas; so much for taking care of his recruit – gee, thanks, Coach…
 
Meanwhile, back at the mall, Boise State head coach Chris Petersen slinks into the Claim Center…
 
(MV:  Afternoon, coach – are you having a problem with your Negroes? I heard that nasty Negro person LeGarrette Blount is coming back to Oregon. Heavens to Nike! Aren’t you concerned?
 
"We have tremendous respect for Oregon. Those coaches, we know most of those guys very well. And so, whatever they decide we're 100 percent behind. I think that's good for all involved if that's what they chose to do."


It appears Coach Petersen wasn’t as much worried about Blount as he was whitewashing his own team’s involvement in one of the nastiest episodes in collegiate sport. Not since Johnny Bright’s being savaged in broad daylight by scumbags from Oklahoma A&M, has there been such a polarizing event.
 
It is also interesting how most mainstream sports media labeled this the LeGarrette Blount incident and not the Byron Hout/LeGarrette Blount incident, Hout being the jackass from Boise State who pulled on Blount’s jersey and called him Nigger after winning a decisive 19-8 victory against Oregon earlier this season.
 
Hout was summarily knocked on his ass, and all hell broke loose.
 
Now – how do we know Blount was called Nigger? My friend and colleague Zennie Abraham, in his City Lights column for the San Francisco Chronicle, produced the following information:   
 
Abraham writes: This is the contents of the blog post I wrote outlining my source’s claim that Hout said the N-word to Blount:
 
 
Twitter was the source of the latest information torpedo in the (unfortunately) still unfolding story behind the "punch seen round the sports World" by Oregon Running Back LeGarrett Blount to Boise State Defensive End Byron Hout.
 
Track athlete E.J. Prince used Twitter to blast this:
 
@realskipbayless Just talked to Jamere Holland (from Oregon WR) said that L. Blount socked dude from Boise State cuz he called him a n_____
 
Jamere Holland is Oregon's wide receiver.
 
Prince also tweeted this:
 
@q17 yeah I just hope the news about LaGarett Blount being censored gets out to people like @jemelehill
 
@jemelehill is ESPN Columnist and Analyst Jemele Hill.
 
There's no indication that she responded to Prince's Twitter feed. He also sent a tweet to Skip Bayless; no tweet back to Prince from Bayless. Basically it seems that Prince's story is being ignored by certain mainstream media people. I can't confirm that, but it seems that way.
 
The main problem has been that none of the main actors in this play are talking. LeGarrette Blount's not moving his lips. Byron Hout's lost his voice. Both schools are silent on the question.
 
(And on that note, my first blog post speculated on the use of the N-word, not claimed that Hout used it as one blogger inaccurately wrote; this is different.)
 
E. J. Prince's value in this story rests on his tweet that he talked to (not tweeted) a friend of Oregon receiver Jamere Holland who plays for Oregon and who I will not name here.
 
Abraham’s contention about mainstream media’s silence is significant. A writer with the Denver Post and a University of Oregon graduate, when told of the incident, said he “couldn’t believe Hout said the N-Word.” After revealing our source in this matter, he would later say, “If Hout did call Blount the N-word, he deserved to get hit.”
 
The same reporter would later contact my colleague Tony McClean, advising that according to his sources, Hout never called Blount the N-word; as if our source couldn’t possibly be correct …
 
Abraham, however, was later hit with a deluge of negative comments implying he “played the race card” - but let’s be real here – who played whom?
 
Let’s review: Boise State won the game, fair and square; but showed they had no fucking class; the scoreboard said everything needed to be said. They could’ve walked off and partied or whatever behind closed doors.
 
If Hout doesn’t go seeking out Blount, pulling on his jersey and calling him Nigger, we have no incident; and we would have no sociologists coming on prime time news to attempt to ascertain the mindset of the “savage Black beast “that lurketh under the helmet.
 
And let’s be frank – with Hout being a D-lineman, he figured no little running back was man enough to take him out; it just goes to show everybody’s got somebody’s number.
 
But Hout or Coach Petersen was never publicly disgraced for their poor sportsmanship and lack of moral character; nor was Coach Petersen punished for losing control of his team. Boise State didn’t punish Hout for instigating the situation, nor did the WAC or NCAA punish Boise State for their role in this travesty.
 
And let’s not let Oregon off the hook, either. If it weren’t for the glare under which this event manifested itself, they would’ve (in my humble opinion) tried to force Blount off the team and kill his scholarship; I moreover believe Blount’s parent’s were ready to layeth the legal Smackethdown on Oregon’s ass – hence Blount staying put.
 
If I am the parent of a potential student-athlete, I’m thinking, “Fuck Boise State - and double Duck fuck Oregon - for what they did and didn’t do.”
 
Abraham goes on to explain his rationale in highlighting this incident:
 
“I do it also because I've received a number of subsequent messages and emails explaining that many Boise State Football fans were referring to Blount using the N-word in online forums. That lends weight to the assertion that Boise State fans uses of racial slurs in taunting Blount.
 
Since Boise State never officially explained exactly what Hout said, the speculation plus the assertions of my sources that he did use a racist term have been given more and more value.
 
That was bad PR on Boise State's part, plus the news that Hout would not be punished as Blout was and that it would be handled "internally" by the Boise State Football team gave rise to more speculation on what Hout said and did.
 
I also press this because of the desire by some to cover it up. People need to see society as it is before it can become what we want it to be. We've still got a lot of problems to straighten out. Hiding from the truth in any situation does not allow us to make progress in making ourselves better.
 
LeGarrette Blount took his punishment and reportedly proved himself in the classroom and in the Oregon college community during his suspension. I welcome him back, but with the sad realization that the "tests" he had to pass to rejoin the team are the same ones that should be applied to many of the people who taunted him in the first place, but they never will be.”
 
So, with words like “contrition” and phrases like the deadly “role model” inserted into the discourse like suppositories up one’s ass, the phrase parents of potential student-athletes should be caveat emptor; beware of those smiling faces who come into your life promising the moon, then taking the star from your child because they refuse to work the plantation the way Massa wants.
 
Do your research and find out about the school’s graduation rate, curricula offered, and, most important – when that coach looks you in the eye and tells you he will take care of your son or daughter like he or she was his own – you make sure he ante’s up and does just that.
 
I’ll conclude by saying this: the likelihood that a young Black man is going to be told he will be “sent back to the ‘hood to be shot by his homies,” will be significantly less likely to be uttered by a Black head coach or a coach at a historically Black college or university – an HBCU.
 
Because, if you can play, they will find you; and if they find you at an HBCU, they will also likely find you – graduated, and with a degree.
 

mike@footballreportersonline.com
 
 

THE FANTASY FIXX week 7

THE FANTASY FIXX-By David Ortega

“Craving more fantasy football notes and numbers, get your weekly fix here.”-Thee Prodigy


Target Practice: Week Seven in the NFL

As we get deeper into the fantasy season, mistakes are magnified and each loss becomes monumental. There’s no room for error and every owner hoping to extend the fantasy season needs to be on top of the numbers as well as the injuries.

With week seven next on the slate, it’s too late into the season to be counting on luck, it’s time to start doing your homework. If you are hoping to set that winning lineup, then you have once again targeted the right place, because we have your weekly fix right here!

Who’s worried….
The signs are there and it appears his time could be coming now. The Bears tight end Greg Olsen still has yet to put up number one tight end numbers, but his time could be nearing closer than you think. Last Sunday Olsen caught five passes for 57 yards and a touchdown, ranking 5th in fantasy scoring for tight ends. The bigger number to pay attention looking ahead is the 11 passes thrown in his direction (ranked tops for TE’s in week six).

The Chiefs wide receiver Dwayne Bowe has yet to set any fantasy scoring sheets on fire this season, but his dormant beginnings could be changing soon. In his last two starts Bowe has managed to snag 11 passes for 183 yards and a touchdown. The hidden value here is the 24 passes that have gone in his direction as well. Expect Bowe to only get better.

Despite the past two relatively quiet weeks for Giant’s receiver Steve Smith, fantasy owners should take comfort in knowing he’s still on Eli’s radar every Sunday. In his last two starts Smith has only seven receptions, but he was targeted 11 times; a slight drop from what he had seen. With Hixon a healthy return and the rookie Nicks emerging, Smith is still Eli’s go-to and should find an easier time this weekend to get open. Smith leads the NFL with 41 receptions and ranks in the top five in passing targets; don’t worry.

The Vikings and quarterback Brett Favre’s newest weapon this season appears to be their 3rd year receiver Sidney Rice. Over the past four weeks Rice has been seeing a steady diet of seven targets per game and when he’s been on the radar, he’s been productive. Over the same span he’s averaged 4.5 catches, 91-yards, and a half touchdown per game (that’s 12 fantasy points per game).

It’s a gradual and steady growth for the Bronco’s wide receiver Brandon Marshall. Week six was hardly a big week after going three straight with a touchdown. Marshall only caught five passes for 49 yards last Sunday, but over his last four starts he has had no fewer than six targets in each game while averaging eight over that stretch. The biggest key for the Bronco’s receiver is his level of efficiency; catching nearly 70 percent of the passes thrown his direction and averaging over nine fantasy points per game.


Keep your Eye on these gems…

On Monday night against the San Diego Chargers, the Bronco’s tight end Tony Scheffler had his 2009 coming out party. Scheffler caught six passes for over 100 yards and scored an important touchdown in the Monday night matchup. It was the tight end’s first big game this season and more importantly over the past two weeks, he has seen an increased activity in the Bronco’s passing game. In his last two starts Scheffler has seen 12 balls thrown his way and in that stretch he’s grabbed 10 of those throws. Keep your eye on Scheffler, it’s starting to look more and more like the Broncos will be getting him more involved in the vertical game.

Since his glory days as part of the “Greatest Show on Turf” the Jaguar’s wide receiver Torry Holt has not been as productive. Last season was his lowest totals for yards and receptions since his rookie season, but 2009 looks to be a different story. Holt is not lighting any fires at the moment, but he’s been very steady over the past couple of weeks. Holt has 12 receptions for 196 yards and has been targeted 21 times. He may not be considered a weekly must start or reliable fantasy starter, but ranking in the top 25 in both yards and receptions he’s worth watching.




Here is the breakdown for fantasy pass catchers (targets) this season;

Through Six weeks:

Top-30 Targeted Pass-catchers

Player Targt Recpt FPTS
Johnson, Andre WR HOU 66 36 78
Moss, Randy WR NE 58 38 71
Smith, Steve WR NYG 55 41 75
Burleson, Nate WR SEA 54 32 53
Houshmandzadeh, T.J. WR SEA 53 31 43
Ochocinco, Chad WR CIN 53 29 59
Ward, Hines WR PIT 52 41 67
Welker, Wes WR NE 52 36 54
Fitzgerald, Larry WR ARI 50 35 64
Holmes, Santonio WR PIT 49 28 48
Wayne, Reggie WR IND 48 32 68
Daniels, Owen TE HOU 47 32 58
Holt, Torry WR JAC 47 27 38
Smith, Steve WR CAR 47 21 26
Mason, Derrick WR BAL 46 26 53
Winslow, Kellen TE TB 46 29 51
Boldin, Anquan WR ARI 44 29 32
Clayton, Mark WR BAL 44 20 37
Gates, Antonio TE SD 44 29 52
Manningham, Mario WR NYG 44 24 61
Marshall, Brandon WR DEN 43 29 55
Rice, Ray RB BAL 43 33 93
Clark, Dallas TE IND 42 35 54
Sims-Walker, Mike WR JAC 42 28 55
White, Roddy WR ATL 42 27 61
Carlson, John TE SEA 41 24 38
Cooley, Chris TE WAS 41 27 40
Jackson, DeSean WR PHI 41 19 41
Johnson, Calvin WR DET 41 22 39
Royal, Eddie, WR DEN 41 18 13

[points based on traditional scoring]

Oakland Raiders Stink - New England Up 42 to 20 In Rain-Soaked Game

I've been an Oakland Raiders fan since I was little, and went to a lot of games.  I've seen bad years, but this one's too much to take.  For the second straight year, the Oakland Raiders are guaranteed of a high -- second pick in 2009 -- NFL Draft pick.   It's not that the Raiders need the players; the Raiders need a coach and a system.

Right now, they're losing 42 to 20 to the New England Patriots at the Raiders home, a windy, cold Oakland Coliseum.   The main problem is the defense; good in places, the Pats no-huddle strategy got them off guard.  What's the best answer?  Blitz and from different angles.  Make them think about what they're doing.  But the Raiders didn't do that.

Still, this 3 and 10 team could come back.  It's 3:30 in the third quarter, and the Raiders just need to score three more touchdowns and a field goal to win.  

Oh, and hold the Pats to zero additional points.

Let's see what happens.  

NFL Draft Bible Football Friday Podcast

The NFL Draft Bible's Football Friday Podcast crew Welcome in Zennie Abraham and Mike Ingram Live from Arizona with our Superbowl XLII(42) Preview Show. We will get you up to speed on all the Football news this week plus other special guests. Besides podcasting LIVE on Blog Talk Radio, the show is now available on iTunes as well.
We air Live at 6:30 EST every Friday...

NFL Injury Report - NFL Injury Report For Thursday October, 12 2007

From NFL Media.com

Following is a list of injured players for Week 6 Games (October 14-15):

(For updated practice information on Oakland, San Diego and Seattle please check NFLmedia.com Friday morning)


CAROLINA PANTHERS at ARIZONA CARDINALS

CAROLINA PANTHERS

Practice Report

DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
QB David Carr (back), RB Nick Goings (concussion), CB Ken Lucas (shoulder), LB Dan Morgan (ankle), LB Adam Seward (calf)

Thursday
QB David Carr (back), RB Nick Goings (concussion), LB Adam Seward (calf)


LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
LB James Anderson (thigh)

Thursday
CB Ken Lucas (shoulder), LB Dan Morgan (ankle)


FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Thursday
LB James Anderson (thigh)

ARIZONA CARDINALS

Practice Report

DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
WR Anquan Boldin (hip), WR Bryant Johnson (quadricep)

Thursday
WR Anquan Boldin (hip), T Levi Brown (ankle)


LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
T Levi Brown (ankle)

Thursday
DE Joe Tafoya (hamstring)


FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
G Elton Brown (knee), DE Joe Tafoya (hamstring)

Thursday
G Elton Brown (knee), WR Bryant Johnson (quadricep)



CINCINNATI BENGALS at KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

CINCINNATI BENGALS

Practice Report

OUT (DEFINITELY WILL NOT PLAY)

Wednesday
T Willie Anderson (knee), LB Rashad Jeanty (shin), S Ethan Kilmer (knee), WR Tab Perry (hip)

Thursday
T Willie Anderson (knee), LB Rashad Jeanty (shin), S Ethan Kilmer (knee), WR Tab Perry (hip)


DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
LB Ahmad Brooks (groin), DE Jonathan Fanene (knee), RB Rudi Johnson (hamstring), LB Caleb Miller (back)

Thursday
LB Ahmad Brooks (groin), DE Jonathan Fanene (knee), S Dexter Jackson (illness), RB Rudi Johnson (hamstring), LB Caleb Miller (back), DE Frostee Rucker (hand)


LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
S Dexter Jackson (illness), DE Frostee Rucker (hand), C Alex Stepanovich (knee)


FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Thursday
C Alex Stepanovich (knee)

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

Practice Report

DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
WR Eddie Kennison (hamstring), S Greg Wesley (knee)

Thursday
WR Eddie Kennison (hamstring)


LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
CB Dimitri Patterson (hamstring)

Thursday
CB Dimitri Patterson (hamstring), S Greg Wesley (knee)


FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
LB Keyaron Fox (hamstring), QB Damon Huard (right shoulder), CB Benny Sapp (ankle), T Kyle Turley (ankle)

Thursday
LB Keyaron Fox (hamstring), CB Benny Sapp (ankle), T Kyle Turley (ankle)



HOUSTON TEXANS at JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

HOUSTON TEXANS

Practice Report

DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
WR Andre Johnson (knee), LB DeMeco Ryans (ankle)

Thursday
K Kris Brown (left foot), WR Andre Johnson (knee)


LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
K Kris Brown (left foot), DT Travis Johnson (knee), WR Jacoby Jones (shoulder), DE Ndukwe Kalu (hand)

Thursday
DT Travis Johnson (knee), WR Jacoby Jones (shoulder), DE Ndukwe Kalu (hand), LB DeMeco Ryans (ankle)

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

Practice Report

OUT (DEFINITELY WILL NOT PLAY)

Wednesday
K Josh Scobee (right quadricep)

Thursday
K Josh Scobee (right quadricep)


DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
TE George Wrighster (knee)


LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
G Chris Naeole (knee)

Thursday
DE Reggie Hayward (hamstring), G Chris Naeole (knee), DE Paul Spicer (thigh), DT Marcus Stroud (ankle), RB Fred Taylor (groin), TE George Wrighster (knee)



MIAMI DOLPHINS at CLEVELAND BROWNS

MIAMI DOLPHINS

Practice Report

DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
QB Trent Green (concussion), WR Derek Hagan (hamstring), DT Vonnie Holliday (ankle), C Samson Satele (neck), S Travares Tillman (knee), DT Rodrique Wright (ankle)

Thursday
QB Trent Green (concussion), DT Vonnie Holliday (ankle), S Travares Tillman (knee)


LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
DE Jason Taylor (neck)

Thursday
WR Derek Hagan (hamstring), C Samson Satele (neck), DE Jason Taylor (neck), DT Rodrique Wright (ankle)

CLEVELAND BROWNS

Practice Report

DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
TE Darnell Dinkins (hand), RB Jamal Lewis (foot)

Thursday
TE Darnell Dinkins (hand), RB Jamal Lewis (foot)


LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
RB Charles Ali (toe), S Gary Baxter (knees), WR Joe Jurevicius (knee), S Brodney Pool (thigh), TE Kellen Winslow (shoulder)

Thursday
S Gary Baxter (knees), WR Joe Jurevicius (knee), S Brodney Pool (thigh), TE Kellen Winslow (shoulder)


FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Thursday
RB Charles Ali (toe)



MINNESOTA VIKINGS at CHICAGO BEARS

MINNESOTA VIKINGS

Practice Report

LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
QB Tarvaris Jackson (groin), LB Ben Leber (ribs), S Dwight Smith (hamstring)

Thursday
QB Tarvaris Jackson (groin), DE Erasmus James (shoulder), LB Ben Leber (ribs), S Dwight Smith (hamstring)

CHICAGO BEARS

Practice Report

DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
WR Bernard Berrian (toe), DT Tommie Harris (knee), T John Tait (ankle), CB Charles Tillman (ankle), CB Nathan Vasher (groin), DT Darwin Walker (knee)

Thursday
LB Brendon Ayanbadejo (foot), WR Bernard Berrian (toe), LB Lance Briggs (hamstring), DT Tommie Harris (knee), T John Tait (ankle), CB Nathan Vasher (groin), DT Darwin Walker (knee)


LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
G Ruben Brown (shoulder)


FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Thursday
G Ruben Brown (shoulder), CB Charles Tillman (ankle)



NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS at DALLAS COWBOYS

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

Practice Report

DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
T Wesley Britt (team decision), S Mel Mitchell (groin)

Thursday
T Wesley Britt (team decision), S Mel Mitchell (groin)


LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
QB Tom Brady (right shoulder), CB Randall Gay (thigh), C Dan Koppen (ankle), RB Laurence Maroney (groin), G Steve Neal (shoulder), CB Asante Samuel (foot), WR Donte' Stallworth (knee), LB Adalius Thomas (ankle), WR Kelley Washington (hamstring)

Thursday
QB Tom Brady (right shoulder), CB Randall Gay (thigh), C Dan Koppen (ankle), RB Laurence Maroney (groin), G Steve Neal (shoulder), CB Asante Samuel (foot), WR Donte' Stallworth (knee), LB Adalius Thomas (ankle), WR Kelley Washington (hamstring)

DALLAS COWBOYS

Practice Report

OUT (DEFINITELY WILL NOT PLAY)

Wednesday
WR Terry Glenn (knee)

Thursday
WR Terry Glenn (knee)


DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
CB Anthony Henry (ankle)

Thursday
CB Anthony Henry (ankle)


LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Thursday
CB Courtney Brown (biceps), RB Oliver Hoyte (neck)


FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
CB Courtney Brown (biceps), LB Kevin Burnett (thigh), S Keith Davis (shoulder), RB Oliver Hoyte (neck)

Thursday
LB Kevin Burnett (thigh), S Keith Davis (shoulder)



OAKLAND RAIDERS at SAN DIEGO CHARGERS

OAKLAND RAIDERS

Practice Report

Thursday Practice not complete



DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
QB Josh McCown (toe), DT Gerard Warren (quadricep)


LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
DE Derrick Burgess (calf), LB Isaiah Ekejiuba (foot), RB LaMont Jordan (back)

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS

Practice Report

Thursday Practice not complete



OUT (DEFINITELY WILL NOT PLAY)

Wednesday
WR Eric Parker (toe), RB Andrew Pinnock (knee)


DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
WR Vincent Jackson (shoulder), LB Brandon Siler (back), DT Jamal Williams (coaches decision)



PHILADELPHIA EAGLES at NEW YORK JETS

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

Practice Report

DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
S Brian Dawkins (neck), G Todd Herremans (knee), T Tra Thomas (knee)

Thursday
S Brian Dawkins (neck), WR Greg Lewis (ankle)


LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
WR Greg Lewis (ankle)

Thursday
G Todd Herremans (knee)


FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
CB Lito Sheppard (knee), TE L.J. Smith (hernia), RB Brian Westbrook (abdomen)

Thursday
CB Lito Sheppard (knee), TE L.J. Smith (hernia), T Tra Thomas (knee), RB Brian Westbrook (abdomen)

NEW YORK JETS

Practice Report

LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
T Anthony Clement (thigh), S Erik Coleman (concussion), WR Laveranues Coles (knee), DE Shaun Ellis (foot), WR Justin McCareins (ankle), QB Chad Pennington (ankle), DT Dewayne Robertson (knee), S Eric Smith (thigh)

Thursday
T Anthony Clement (thigh), S Erik Coleman (concussion), WR Laveranues Coles (knee), DE Shaun Ellis (foot), WR Justin McCareins (ankle), QB Chad Pennington (ankle), DT Dewayne Robertson (knee), S Eric Smith (thigh)


FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
RB Darian Barnes (thigh), TE Jason Pociask (back)

Thursday
RB Darian Barnes (thigh), TE Jason Pociask (back)



ST. LOUIS RAMS at BALTIMORE RAVENS

ST. LOUIS RAMS

Practice Report

OUT (DEFINITELY WILL NOT PLAY)

Wednesday
RB Steven Jackson (groin), WR Dane Looker (thigh), LB Raonall Smith (knee)

Thursday
WR Dante Hall (ankle), RB Steven Jackson (groin), WR Dane Looker (thigh), LB Raonall Smith (knee)


DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
WR Isaac Bruce (hamstring), WR Dante Hall (ankle), WR Torry Holt (knee)

Thursday
WR Isaac Bruce (hamstring)


LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
QB Marc Bulger (ribs), S Corey Chavous (pectoral), DE James Hall (pectoral)

Thursday
QB Marc Bulger (ribs), S Corey Chavous (pectoral)


FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
QB Gus Frerotte (ankle), CB Tye Hill (back), S Todd Johnson (neck)

Thursday
QB Gus Frerotte (ankle), DE James Hall (pectoral), CB Tye Hill (back), WR Torry Holt (knee)

BALTIMORE RAVENS

Practice Report

OUT (DEFINITELY WILL NOT PLAY)

Wednesday
DT Trevor Pryce (wrist)

Thursday
DT Trevor Pryce (wrist)


DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
WR Derrick Mason (illness), T Adam Terry (ankle), TE Daniel Wilcox (toe)

Thursday
C Mike Flynn (knee), QB Steve McNair (back), T Adam Terry (ankle), TE Daniel Wilcox (toe)


LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
C Mike Flynn (knee), TE Todd Heap (thigh), T Jonathan Ogden (toe), CB Samari Rolle (illness), LB Gary Stills (knee)

Thursday
TE Todd Heap (thigh), T Jonathan Ogden (toe), CB Samari Rolle (illness)


FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Thursday
WR Derrick Mason (illness), LB Gary Stills (knee)



TENNESSEE TITANS at TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

TENNESSEE TITANS

Practice Report

DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
DT Albert Haynesworth (ankle), WR Brandon Jones (knee), G Benji Olson (team decision)

Thursday
DT Albert Haynesworth (ankle), WR Brandon Jones (knee)

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

Practice Report

OUT (DEFINITELY WILL NOT PLAY)

Wednesday
RB Michael Pittman (ankle)

Thursday
RB Michael Pittman (ankle)


DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
CB Brian Kelly (groin)

Thursday
CB Brian Kelly (groin)


LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
WR Joey Galloway (team decision), LB Barrett Ruud (knee), DE Greg White (shoulder)

Thursday
WR Ike Hilliard (shoulder)


FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
WR Ike Hilliard (shoulder)

Thursday
LB Barrett Ruud (knee), DE Greg White (shoulder)



WASHINGTON REDSKINS at GREEN BAY PACKERS

WASHINGTON REDSKINS

Practice Report

OUT (DEFINITELY WILL NOT PLAY)

Wednesday
G Randy Thomas (triceps)

Thursday
G Randy Thomas (triceps)


DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
DE Phillip Daniels (shoulder), WR Antwaan Randle El (hamstring), RB Mike Sellers (heel), LB Marcus Washington (hamstring)

Thursday
DE Phillip Daniels (shoulder), WR Antwaan Randle El (hamstring), CB Fred Smoot (illness), LB Marcus Washington (hamstring)


FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
WR Santana Moss (groin)

Thursday
WR Santana Moss (groin), RB Mike Sellers (heel)

GREEN BAY PACKERS

Practice Report

OUT (DEFINITELY WILL NOT PLAY)

Wednesday
CB Will Blackmon (foot), C Scott Wells (eye)

Thursday
CB Will Blackmon (foot), C Scott Wells (eye)


DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE

Thursday
RB Vernand Morency (team decision)


LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
T Chad Clifton (knee), TE Bubba Franks (knee), CB Al Harris (back), WR Greg Jennings (shoulder), DE Mike Montgomery (knee), RB Vernand Morency (team decision), CB Charles Woodson (foot)

Thursday
T Chad Clifton (knee), TE Bubba Franks (knee), CB Al Harris (back), WR Greg Jennings (shoulder), DE Mike Montgomery (knee), CB Charles Woodson (foot)



NEW ORLEANS SAINTS at SEATTLE SEAHAWKS on Sunday night

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

Practice Report

DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
CB Jason David (forearm), K Olindo Mare (right groin)

Thursday
CB Jason David (forearm)




FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Thursday K Olindo Mare (right groin)

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

Practice Report
Thursday Practice not complete


OUT (DEFINITELY WILL NOT PLAY)

Wednesday
WR Deion Branch (foot), T Ray Willis (knee)


DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
DT Rocky Bernard (groin), WR D.J. Hackett (ankle), TE Marcus Pollard (knee)


LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
CB Josh Wilson (ankle)


FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
RB Shaun Alexander (wrist)



NEW YORK GIANTS at ATLANTA FALCONS on Monday night

NEW YORK GIANTS

Practice Report
Wednesday Team did not practice


OUT (DEFINITELY WILL NOT PLAY)

Thursday
WR Steve Smith (shoulder)


DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE

Thursday
WR Plaxico Burress (ankle), DE Osi Umenyiora (knee), RB Derrick Ward (ankle)

ATLANTA FALCONS

Practice Report

OUT (DEFINITELY WILL NOT PLAY)

Wednesday
T Todd Weiner (knee)

Thursday
T Todd Weiner (knee)


DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
LB Keith Brooking (hamstring), TE Alge Crumpler (knee, ankle), LB Stephen Nicholas (ankle)

Thursday
LB Keith Brooking (hamstring), LB Stephen Nicholas (ankle)


LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
DT Jonathan Babineaux (knee), TE Dwayne Blakley (pectoral), DT Roderick Coleman (knee), S Chris Crocker (knee), CB Lewis Sanders (shoulder)

Thursday
DT Jonathan Babineaux (knee), TE Dwayne Blakley (pectoral), DT Roderick Coleman (knee), S Chris Crocker (knee), TE Alge Crumpler (knee, ankle), QB Byron Leftwich (ankle), CB Lewis Sanders (shoulder)

An Email From The Animal Fighting & Cruelty Campaign On Michael Vick

For some reason I don't think this is an official organization; rather, it seems to be an email from a single person. Regardless, it explains the pain animal rights activists have over the entire Michael Vick Dog Fighting Issue. Here's the email.

Dear Friends of Animals,

We received your comments regarding the recent dogfighting allegations
against Michael Vick and we understand you disagree with our call for
the NFL to suspend the celebrity quarterback as well as our call for
Nike to drop him as a spokesperson. We apologize for the delayed
response. We wanted to take a moment to explain on position.

As you know, in late April Surry County Virginia Sheriff's Office raided
Vick's 15-acre property and massive evidence of animal fighting was
found. There were blood splatters on the floor of one room and a
blood-stained rolled-up carpet in the corner of another. Veterinarian
drugs and, according to one account, syringes were found in the house.
More than 60 dogs were also found, some of them heavily scarred with
gashes on their bodies. One had a severely injured leg that was bent
at a grotesque angle.

Since the raid, Vick has been indicted for charges related to
dogfighting. The indictment cites horrible instances of animal cruelty,
including killing dogs by means of electrocution and slamming one to the
ground several times. The NFL has taken these allegations seriously
enough to bench Vick and he has been dropped by many of his corporate
sponsors, including Nike.

The judicial system will determine whether or not Vick is guilty of
violating state or federal laws against animal fighting, but at the very
least, Vick turned a blind eye to the horrible animal cruelty on his
property. We believe that our nation should have a zero-tolerance policy
for dogfighting. Michael Vick has not been denied his right to due
process and in fact, he even has the means to hire top-dollar lawyers,
which is more than most people can do. He has his day in court.
Regardless, our nation should not just focus on this case, but the fact
that this blood-sport is an epidemic in our society and warrants our
immediate attention.

We appreciate your interest in dogfighting issues and we also encourage
you to contact the NFL to urge them to adopt a zero-tolerance police on
dogfighting.

https://community.hsus.org/campaign/US_2007_dogfighting_nfl

Thank you for your considerate thoughts on this issue.

Animal Fighting & Cruelty Campaign



Interested in taking action online to help animals? Then join our online community! Go to http://humanesociety.org/join