From Pro Football Weekly online.....
Russell’s red flags could make Quinn the first QB drafted in ’07
In the minds of many evaluators, including PFW resident draft analyst Nolan Nawrocki, there is a considerable gap between QBs JaMarcus Russell and Brady Quinn.
The way we hear it, it is Quinn, not Russell, who Nawrocki and a growing contingent of teams think will be the better pro. And perhaps to the surprise of many draft fans, more of the teams we consulted had finished their pre-Combine draft meetings thinking Quinn would be the better pro.
Multiple teams that have begun digging into Russell's background have been turned off by his lazy work habits and immaturity. When he took off his shirt at the Combine weigh-ins and exposed a very soft, fleshy body filled with baby fat, the concerns immediately heightened for one top-10 team that PFW spoke with, revealing what some consider to be the tip of the iceberg.
Much like Vince Young a year ago, whose poor Wonderlic test result was leaked and wound up setting in motion a lot of questions about how far he would fall, the significance of Russell's unshapely physique may be way overblown.
Our sources say Oakland’s Al Davis, who holds the top pick, is still chafed he decided not to take Matt Leinart a year ago and is dead-set on finding a signalcaller of the future to replace the recently released Aaron Brooks, whose option was not exercised after one year with the team.
Davis is widely assumed to favor the more strong-armed Russell, who better fits the vertical offense the Raiders have long run. However, had Davis made the call a year ago, our sources say he would have selected the more cerebral, NFL-ready Leinart, not the more strong-armed Jay Cutler, whom the Broncos traded up to select one pick later.
Said one astute, high-ranking evaluator, whose team has no need for a quarterback, of the draft's top two quarterbacks: “Physically, arm-strength-wise, there is no question who has the advantage. But if you want to talk about mental aptitude, ability to escape pressure and make good decisions, it's not even close. There is a big ‘miss’ factor on Russell. He had a lot of up-and-down games, and he makes a lot of bad decisions. He's sitting in the middle of the second round right now on our board. He'll never make it that far, but that’s where his value is. After Quinn, I would be sweating if I needed a quarterback from the rest of this crop.”
If Davis fails to land a veteran passer such as Houston’s David Carr, who has been thrown on the trading block after his struggles last year, or Byron Leftwich, who may be dealt despite Jack Del Rio’s statement that he is the Jaguars’ starter for 2007, don't be surprised if Quinn, not Russell, winds up becoming the first overall pick. Davis could be among those who are scared off by the red flags surrounding Russell and thus opt for Quinn. That could leave Russell, despite the concerns, falling only, like Young, to the No. 3 spot, where fellow Mobile, Ala., native and Browns GM Phil Savage would be waiting with open arms, the way we hear it.
Sources close to the Browns have even speculated that Savage, who helped advise Russell on his decision to enter the draft, has already informed Russell that he would not fall any further than the spot where the Browns were picking, and that he would be a lock top-four pick.
Friday, March 09, 2007
Broncos Sign Ramsey as Backup QB
Report: Broncos, Ramsey Reach Agreement-see my comment!
By Associated Press
DENVER -- The Denver Broncos agreed to a two-year contract with veteran backup quarterback Patrick Ramsey, according to a published report Thursday.
The Denver Post quoted Ramsey's agent as saying Ramsey, who replaces Jake Plummer as Jay Cutler's backup, agreed to a deal worth between $4 million to $5 million.
"Patrick thinks it's the right place for him," Sexton said.
Sexton did not return messages left by The Associated Press. Team officials declined comment.
The 28-year-old Ramsey, a first-round draft pick by Washington in 2002, was cut by the New York Jets earlier this week. Ramsey started 24 games for the Redskins, but threw only one pass for the Jets last season, his only year in New York.
Ramsey has 34 touchdown passes and 29 interceptions and a career passer rating of 74.9.
So remember last summer when the JETS signed Ramsey and Head coach Eric"the Mangenuis" Mangini insistet that there was an open competition at QB?? They were So eanmored with 2nd round draft pick Kellen Clemens and Ramsey that they let Brooks Bollinger go bye bye. So now Ramsey is gone as well. I'm just wondering why he thinks he's not capable of being a starter in this leauge anymore? Did something happen before he left Washington? or did it happen in NY last year?
By Associated Press
DENVER -- The Denver Broncos agreed to a two-year contract with veteran backup quarterback Patrick Ramsey, according to a published report Thursday.
The Denver Post quoted Ramsey's agent as saying Ramsey, who replaces Jake Plummer as Jay Cutler's backup, agreed to a deal worth between $4 million to $5 million.
"Patrick thinks it's the right place for him," Sexton said.
Sexton did not return messages left by The Associated Press. Team officials declined comment.
The 28-year-old Ramsey, a first-round draft pick by Washington in 2002, was cut by the New York Jets earlier this week. Ramsey started 24 games for the Redskins, but threw only one pass for the Jets last season, his only year in New York.
Ramsey has 34 touchdown passes and 29 interceptions and a career passer rating of 74.9.
So remember last summer when the JETS signed Ramsey and Head coach Eric"the Mangenuis" Mangini insistet that there was an open competition at QB?? They were So eanmored with 2nd round draft pick Kellen Clemens and Ramsey that they let Brooks Bollinger go bye bye. So now Ramsey is gone as well. I'm just wondering why he thinks he's not capable of being a starter in this leauge anymore? Did something happen before he left Washington? or did it happen in NY last year?
Thursday, March 08, 2007
GDC San Francisco - Day Four Of Five Days
I am writing from the lobby of the W Hotel waiting for my friend Randy and after my attendance at Day Four of this five-day Game Developers Conference, or GDC.
Now, I found out about the conference via Randy, who's in the business of placing ads in games. Well, he was in the business. His company AdSacpe Media was just purchased by Google for about $23 million. So now it seems Randy's not going to be retained by the firm. He came to the conference in search of a job.
Me?
I came not because Randy told me about it -- I could have stayed away -- but because a deep curiousity over what was done at these large meetings and a desire to find a real good student or students who would take the "interface" design of our Sports Business Simulation products The Oakland Baseball Simworld and The XFL Simworld and totally update and redesign it.
Or as Randy would say "Take it to The Next Level."
After some poking around, I'm certain I founds that person -- or rather school. Actually, I discovered three programs: The Savanah Art College, The University of California Business R&D Program, and The Academy Of Art College in San Francisco.
There may be more programs, and I'm sure there are -- for example, USC has a program -- but I've at least found three to start.
As for the conference itself, it's hoot. When I combine this experience with WonderCon, which I just attended over the weekend, I've now got a full dose of what's new and hot in entertainment pop-culture. There must be between 30,000 and 50,000 people here, mostly male by far, and with most of but not all of the women attendees models from different promotion agencies hired to staff the various booth events.
I've got a lot of video to upload and edit from this, so stay tuned.
Now, I found out about the conference via Randy, who's in the business of placing ads in games. Well, he was in the business. His company AdSacpe Media was just purchased by Google for about $23 million. So now it seems Randy's not going to be retained by the firm. He came to the conference in search of a job.
Me?
I came not because Randy told me about it -- I could have stayed away -- but because a deep curiousity over what was done at these large meetings and a desire to find a real good student or students who would take the "interface" design of our Sports Business Simulation products The Oakland Baseball Simworld and The XFL Simworld and totally update and redesign it.
Or as Randy would say "Take it to The Next Level."
After some poking around, I'm certain I founds that person -- or rather school. Actually, I discovered three programs: The Savanah Art College, The University of California Business R&D Program, and The Academy Of Art College in San Francisco.
There may be more programs, and I'm sure there are -- for example, USC has a program -- but I've at least found three to start.
As for the conference itself, it's hoot. When I combine this experience with WonderCon, which I just attended over the weekend, I've now got a full dose of what's new and hot in entertainment pop-culture. There must be between 30,000 and 50,000 people here, mostly male by far, and with most of but not all of the women attendees models from different promotion agencies hired to staff the various booth events.
I've got a lot of video to upload and edit from this, so stay tuned.
Steelers Head Coach Let's LB Joey Porter Go - To The Miami Dolphins
I think Tomlin should have met face-to-face with Porter, rather than just calling him on the telephone. Now, he's a Dolphin. Still, Porter's not the most effective linebacker he used to be and it may be that getting a ring had impacted his intensity. We'll see. The Miami weather could do the same!
Porter thinks he'd be a Steeler if Cowher had stayed
Thursday, March 08, 2007
By Ed Bouchette, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Joey Porter believes he might have remained with the Steelers had Bill Cowher not quit as their coach in January.
"I would like to say that he would have made an effort to get something done over there. I just feel that way," said Porter at a news conference yesterday in Miami after he signed a five-year, $32 million contract with the Dolphins.
Last summer, Cowher talked Porter out of a planned training-camp holdout over unhappiness with his contract, which then had two years to go.
The Steelers released Porter, who turns 30 March 22, last Thursday rather than pay him a $1 million roster bonus and another $4 million in salary for 2007. New coach Mike Tomlin told Porter of their decision in a telephone call.
The Steelers feared he would go through with a holdout this year. Porter scoffed at reports that the Steelers believed his play had slipped last season after he made three Pro Bowls in eight years with them and climbed to fourth on their career sack list with 60.
"They have to have something to write so it doesn't bother me at all," Porter said. "I know what I can do. The reality of it, you put me in a situation to do my job, I can do my job well.
"The reality of last year, our whole season last year, the team didn't get it done. We didn't play well enough to be successful. I think as a whole team we never had that many third downs; we never were ahead of a team to get after the quarterback like we normally would.
"As far as my play, my play will be there. I am not worried about it. If they look at it as a down year -- we had a whole down year as a team so we all failed in getting the job done that we wanted to get done, but I feel like I can still play this game at a Pro Bowl level, and that's the type of player I am."
The Dolphins plan to team Porter at one outside linebacker with Jason Taylor on the other side. The Dolphins will give Porter a $12 million signing bonus with a reported $20 million of his contract guaranteed.
"This was a blessing in disguise for me, me having the opportunity to come play here in Miami," Porter said. "I think it is going to be a perfect fit. I am excited about the transition."
Dom Capers, Cowher's first defensive coordinator with the Steelers, holds the same job with the Dolphins and plans to run a 3-4 defense more often next season. He said he saw no falloff in Porter's play in 2006.
"I'm still fairly familiar with a number of the people in the Steelers' organization," Capers said. "There was a period of time, I think, with Joey that he had a hamstring pull. It affected him, I think, in a number of games. When you watched him early in the season and you watched him late in the season, you saw somewhat the same player that you did during the playoff run and their run to the Super Bowl the year before. He impacted those games probably as much as any player that they had. I thought he was outstanding in their playoff stretch run there and in the Super Bowl."
Capers said he was surprised the Steelers released him.
"Anytime that there is a player who's been an impact player and he's done it fairly consistently throughout his career, you're going to take a good look. The minute that I saw he was released, we tried to gather as much information as we could so we could certainly talk about him and, hopefully, make a good decision."
Capers compared Porter's situation on the Steelers to the one when the team did not attempt to re-sign outside linebacker Kevin Greene when he became a free agent after the 1995 season. Capers was by then the head coach of the Carolina Panthers, who signed Greene.
"Different organizations look at things differently," Capers said. "There was a very similar situation where Kevin Greene was released and Jason Gildon stepped in, and Kevin Greene came to Carolina and led the league in sacks the next year. We were able to pick up a football player who was still very productive -- went to the Pro Bowl.
"You would say then, 'Why did that happen?' So you never really know. Certain teams, when they've been running schemes as long as they have up there in Pittsburgh -- 15 years it's been the same scheme. So they've had a long line of the Kevin Greenes, the Jason Gildons, the Joey Porters -- Pro Bowl players at those positions."
Porter thinks he'd be a Steeler if Cowher had stayed
Thursday, March 08, 2007
By Ed Bouchette, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Joey Porter believes he might have remained with the Steelers had Bill Cowher not quit as their coach in January.
"I would like to say that he would have made an effort to get something done over there. I just feel that way," said Porter at a news conference yesterday in Miami after he signed a five-year, $32 million contract with the Dolphins.
Last summer, Cowher talked Porter out of a planned training-camp holdout over unhappiness with his contract, which then had two years to go.
The Steelers released Porter, who turns 30 March 22, last Thursday rather than pay him a $1 million roster bonus and another $4 million in salary for 2007. New coach Mike Tomlin told Porter of their decision in a telephone call.
The Steelers feared he would go through with a holdout this year. Porter scoffed at reports that the Steelers believed his play had slipped last season after he made three Pro Bowls in eight years with them and climbed to fourth on their career sack list with 60.
"They have to have something to write so it doesn't bother me at all," Porter said. "I know what I can do. The reality of it, you put me in a situation to do my job, I can do my job well.
"The reality of last year, our whole season last year, the team didn't get it done. We didn't play well enough to be successful. I think as a whole team we never had that many third downs; we never were ahead of a team to get after the quarterback like we normally would.
"As far as my play, my play will be there. I am not worried about it. If they look at it as a down year -- we had a whole down year as a team so we all failed in getting the job done that we wanted to get done, but I feel like I can still play this game at a Pro Bowl level, and that's the type of player I am."
The Dolphins plan to team Porter at one outside linebacker with Jason Taylor on the other side. The Dolphins will give Porter a $12 million signing bonus with a reported $20 million of his contract guaranteed.
"This was a blessing in disguise for me, me having the opportunity to come play here in Miami," Porter said. "I think it is going to be a perfect fit. I am excited about the transition."
Dom Capers, Cowher's first defensive coordinator with the Steelers, holds the same job with the Dolphins and plans to run a 3-4 defense more often next season. He said he saw no falloff in Porter's play in 2006.
"I'm still fairly familiar with a number of the people in the Steelers' organization," Capers said. "There was a period of time, I think, with Joey that he had a hamstring pull. It affected him, I think, in a number of games. When you watched him early in the season and you watched him late in the season, you saw somewhat the same player that you did during the playoff run and their run to the Super Bowl the year before. He impacted those games probably as much as any player that they had. I thought he was outstanding in their playoff stretch run there and in the Super Bowl."
Capers said he was surprised the Steelers released him.
"Anytime that there is a player who's been an impact player and he's done it fairly consistently throughout his career, you're going to take a good look. The minute that I saw he was released, we tried to gather as much information as we could so we could certainly talk about him and, hopefully, make a good decision."
Capers compared Porter's situation on the Steelers to the one when the team did not attempt to re-sign outside linebacker Kevin Greene when he became a free agent after the 1995 season. Capers was by then the head coach of the Carolina Panthers, who signed Greene.
"Different organizations look at things differently," Capers said. "There was a very similar situation where Kevin Greene was released and Jason Gildon stepped in, and Kevin Greene came to Carolina and led the league in sacks the next year. We were able to pick up a football player who was still very productive -- went to the Pro Bowl.
"You would say then, 'Why did that happen?' So you never really know. Certain teams, when they've been running schemes as long as they have up there in Pittsburgh -- 15 years it's been the same scheme. So they've had a long line of the Kevin Greenes, the Jason Gildons, the Joey Porters -- Pro Bowl players at those positions."
Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin Lets LB Joey Porter Go - To The Miami Dolphins
I think Tomlin should have met face-to-face with Porter, rather than just calling him on the telephone. Now, he's a Dolphin. Still, Porter's not the most effective linebacker he used to be and it may be that getting a ring had impacted his intensity. We'll see. The Miami weather could do the same!
Porter thinks he'd be a Steeler if Cowher had stayed
Thursday, March 08, 2007
By Ed Bouchette, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Joey Porter believes he might have remained with the Steelers had Bill Cowher not quit as their coach in January.
"I would like to say that he would have made an effort to get something done over there. I just feel that way," said Porter at a news conference yesterday in Miami after he signed a five-year, $32 million contract with the Dolphins.
Last summer, Cowher talked Porter out of a planned training-camp holdout over unhappiness with his contract, which then had two years to go.
The Steelers released Porter, who turns 30 March 22, last Thursday rather than pay him a $1 million roster bonus and another $4 million in salary for 2007. New coach Mike Tomlin told Porter of their decision in a telephone call.
The Steelers feared he would go through with a holdout this year. Porter scoffed at reports that the Steelers believed his play had slipped last season after he made three Pro Bowls in eight years with them and climbed to fourth on their career sack list with 60.
"They have to have something to write so it doesn't bother me at all," Porter said. "I know what I can do. The reality of it, you put me in a situation to do my job, I can do my job well.
"The reality of last year, our whole season last year, the team didn't get it done. We didn't play well enough to be successful. I think as a whole team we never had that many third downs; we never were ahead of a team to get after the quarterback like we normally would.
"As far as my play, my play will be there. I am not worried about it. If they look at it as a down year -- we had a whole down year as a team so we all failed in getting the job done that we wanted to get done, but I feel like I can still play this game at a Pro Bowl level, and that's the type of player I am."
The Dolphins plan to team Porter at one outside linebacker with Jason Taylor on the other side. The Dolphins will give Porter a $12 million signing bonus with a reported $20 million of his contract guaranteed.
"This was a blessing in disguise for me, me having the opportunity to come play here in Miami," Porter said. "I think it is going to be a perfect fit. I am excited about the transition."
Dom Capers, Cowher's first defensive coordinator with the Steelers, holds the same job with the Dolphins and plans to run a 3-4 defense more often next season. He said he saw no falloff in Porter's play in 2006.
"I'm still fairly familiar with a number of the people in the Steelers' organization," Capers said. "There was a period of time, I think, with Joey that he had a hamstring pull. It affected him, I think, in a number of games. When you watched him early in the season and you watched him late in the season, you saw somewhat the same player that you did during the playoff run and their run to the Super Bowl the year before. He impacted those games probably as much as any player that they had. I thought he was outstanding in their playoff stretch run there and in the Super Bowl."
Capers said he was surprised the Steelers released him.
"Anytime that there is a player who's been an impact player and he's done it fairly consistently throughout his career, you're going to take a good look. The minute that I saw he was released, we tried to gather as much information as we could so we could certainly talk about him and, hopefully, make a good decision."
Capers compared Porter's situation on the Steelers to the one when the team did not attempt to re-sign outside linebacker Kevin Greene when he became a free agent after the 1995 season. Capers was by then the head coach of the Carolina Panthers, who signed Greene.
"Different organizations look at things differently," Capers said. "There was a very similar situation where Kevin Greene was released and Jason Gildon stepped in, and Kevin Greene came to Carolina and led the league in sacks the next year. We were able to pick up a football player who was still very productive -- went to the Pro Bowl.
"You would say then, 'Why did that happen?' So you never really know. Certain teams, when they've been running schemes as long as they have up there in Pittsburgh -- 15 years it's been the same scheme. So they've had a long line of the Kevin Greenes, the Jason Gildons, the Joey Porters -- Pro Bowl players at those positions."
Porter thinks he'd be a Steeler if Cowher had stayed
Thursday, March 08, 2007
By Ed Bouchette, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Joey Porter believes he might have remained with the Steelers had Bill Cowher not quit as their coach in January.
"I would like to say that he would have made an effort to get something done over there. I just feel that way," said Porter at a news conference yesterday in Miami after he signed a five-year, $32 million contract with the Dolphins.
Last summer, Cowher talked Porter out of a planned training-camp holdout over unhappiness with his contract, which then had two years to go.
The Steelers released Porter, who turns 30 March 22, last Thursday rather than pay him a $1 million roster bonus and another $4 million in salary for 2007. New coach Mike Tomlin told Porter of their decision in a telephone call.
The Steelers feared he would go through with a holdout this year. Porter scoffed at reports that the Steelers believed his play had slipped last season after he made three Pro Bowls in eight years with them and climbed to fourth on their career sack list with 60.
"They have to have something to write so it doesn't bother me at all," Porter said. "I know what I can do. The reality of it, you put me in a situation to do my job, I can do my job well.
"The reality of last year, our whole season last year, the team didn't get it done. We didn't play well enough to be successful. I think as a whole team we never had that many third downs; we never were ahead of a team to get after the quarterback like we normally would.
"As far as my play, my play will be there. I am not worried about it. If they look at it as a down year -- we had a whole down year as a team so we all failed in getting the job done that we wanted to get done, but I feel like I can still play this game at a Pro Bowl level, and that's the type of player I am."
The Dolphins plan to team Porter at one outside linebacker with Jason Taylor on the other side. The Dolphins will give Porter a $12 million signing bonus with a reported $20 million of his contract guaranteed.
"This was a blessing in disguise for me, me having the opportunity to come play here in Miami," Porter said. "I think it is going to be a perfect fit. I am excited about the transition."
Dom Capers, Cowher's first defensive coordinator with the Steelers, holds the same job with the Dolphins and plans to run a 3-4 defense more often next season. He said he saw no falloff in Porter's play in 2006.
"I'm still fairly familiar with a number of the people in the Steelers' organization," Capers said. "There was a period of time, I think, with Joey that he had a hamstring pull. It affected him, I think, in a number of games. When you watched him early in the season and you watched him late in the season, you saw somewhat the same player that you did during the playoff run and their run to the Super Bowl the year before. He impacted those games probably as much as any player that they had. I thought he was outstanding in their playoff stretch run there and in the Super Bowl."
Capers said he was surprised the Steelers released him.
"Anytime that there is a player who's been an impact player and he's done it fairly consistently throughout his career, you're going to take a good look. The minute that I saw he was released, we tried to gather as much information as we could so we could certainly talk about him and, hopefully, make a good decision."
Capers compared Porter's situation on the Steelers to the one when the team did not attempt to re-sign outside linebacker Kevin Greene when he became a free agent after the 1995 season. Capers was by then the head coach of the Carolina Panthers, who signed Greene.
"Different organizations look at things differently," Capers said. "There was a very similar situation where Kevin Greene was released and Jason Gildon stepped in, and Kevin Greene came to Carolina and led the league in sacks the next year. We were able to pick up a football player who was still very productive -- went to the Pro Bowl.
"You would say then, 'Why did that happen?' So you never really know. Certain teams, when they've been running schemes as long as they have up there in Pittsburgh -- 15 years it's been the same scheme. So they've had a long line of the Kevin Greenes, the Jason Gildons, the Joey Porters -- Pro Bowl players at those positions."
Bills Trade Willis McGahee to Ravens- Oh BoY!!!!Hot off the Press....
By JOHN WAWROW
AP Sports Writer
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- Running back Willis McGahee was traded to the Baltimore Ravens by Buffalo for three draft choices Thursday, a day after Jamal Lewis signed with Cleveland.
Two of the picks will be in this year's draft and another one next year.
McGahee, with whom the Bills had become dissatisfied, is to travel to Baltimore to meet with team officials later in the day. McGahee had one year left on his five-year contract with Buffalo, and had been seeking an extension.
"This is a runner who can make people miss and has the explosion and speed to take it the distance," said Baltimore general manager Ozzie Newsome. "He also has the power and size to run inside. He's a viable receiver out of the backfield and is a good pass blocker, not something every back can do.
"He also plays physical and with toughness, which are things we pride ourselves on here."
Lewis, whose productivity had been declining, was released last week by the Ravens.
McGahee will take over as the No. 1, ahead of veteran backup Mike Anderson and Musa Smith, who has primarily been used on special teams.
The Bills were not immediately available for comment.
Buffalo's first-round pick out of Miami in 2003, McGahee is coming off a season in which he finished with a career-low 990 yards rushing, but led the team with six rushing touchdowns in 14 starts.
In 2005, he had ran for 1,247 yards and five touchdowns in 15 starts. He established himself as the Bills starter in 2004 with 1,128 yards rushing and 13 touchdowns in 11 starts. That performance led the team to trade Travis Henry to Tennessee the following summer.
McGahee sat out his rookie season recovering from major knee surgery.
The Bills are now left searching for a starting running back to play in front of a revamped offensive line that features two new starters -- guard Derrick Dockery and tackle Langston Walker -- signed on the first day of free agency last week.
Third-stringer Shaud Williams is the only experienced running back currently on the team's depth chart.
The Bills have expressed interest in at least two free agents, meeting this week with Chris Brown, formerly of the Tennessee Titans, and Dominic Rhodes, a member of the Super Bowl champion Indianapolis Colts.
Brown spent the past two days visiting the team's Orchard Park headquarters, but left for Detroit on Thursday without a deal.
So I guess he Giants can forget getting a Runingback. McGahee is a good Move for Baltimore though. Billick is Smart
By JOHN WAWROW
AP Sports Writer
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- Running back Willis McGahee was traded to the Baltimore Ravens by Buffalo for three draft choices Thursday, a day after Jamal Lewis signed with Cleveland.
Two of the picks will be in this year's draft and another one next year.
McGahee, with whom the Bills had become dissatisfied, is to travel to Baltimore to meet with team officials later in the day. McGahee had one year left on his five-year contract with Buffalo, and had been seeking an extension.
"This is a runner who can make people miss and has the explosion and speed to take it the distance," said Baltimore general manager Ozzie Newsome. "He also has the power and size to run inside. He's a viable receiver out of the backfield and is a good pass blocker, not something every back can do.
"He also plays physical and with toughness, which are things we pride ourselves on here."
Lewis, whose productivity had been declining, was released last week by the Ravens.
McGahee will take over as the No. 1, ahead of veteran backup Mike Anderson and Musa Smith, who has primarily been used on special teams.
The Bills were not immediately available for comment.
Buffalo's first-round pick out of Miami in 2003, McGahee is coming off a season in which he finished with a career-low 990 yards rushing, but led the team with six rushing touchdowns in 14 starts.
In 2005, he had ran for 1,247 yards and five touchdowns in 15 starts. He established himself as the Bills starter in 2004 with 1,128 yards rushing and 13 touchdowns in 11 starts. That performance led the team to trade Travis Henry to Tennessee the following summer.
McGahee sat out his rookie season recovering from major knee surgery.
The Bills are now left searching for a starting running back to play in front of a revamped offensive line that features two new starters -- guard Derrick Dockery and tackle Langston Walker -- signed on the first day of free agency last week.
Third-stringer Shaud Williams is the only experienced running back currently on the team's depth chart.
The Bills have expressed interest in at least two free agents, meeting this week with Chris Brown, formerly of the Tennessee Titans, and Dominic Rhodes, a member of the Super Bowl champion Indianapolis Colts.
Brown spent the past two days visiting the team's Orchard Park headquarters, but left for Detroit on Thursday without a deal.
So I guess he Giants can forget getting a Runingback. McGahee is a good Move for Baltimore though. Billick is Smart
McGahee to The Ravens
Bills Trade Willis McGahee to Ravens- Oh BoY!!!!Hot off the Press....
By JOHN WAWROW
AP Sports Writer
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- Running back Willis McGahee was traded to the Baltimore Ravens by Buffalo for three draft choices Thursday, a day after Jamal Lewis signed with Cleveland.
Two of the picks will be in this year's draft and another one next year.
McGahee, with whom the Bills had become dissatisfied, is to travel to Baltimore to meet with team officials later in the day. McGahee had one year left on his five-year contract with Buffalo, and had been seeking an extension.
"This is a runner who can make people miss and has the explosion and speed to take it the distance," said Baltimore general manager Ozzie Newsome. "He also has the power and size to run inside. He's a viable receiver out of the backfield and is a good pass blocker, not something every back can do.
"He also plays physical and with toughness, which are things we pride ourselves on here."
Lewis, whose productivity had been declining, was released last week by the Ravens.
McGahee will take over as the No. 1, ahead of veteran backup Mike Anderson and Musa Smith, who has primarily been used on special teams.
The Bills were not immediately available for comment.
Buffalo's first-round pick out of Miami in 2003, McGahee is coming off a season in which he finished with a career-low 990 yards rushing, but led the team with six rushing touchdowns in 14 starts.
In 2005, he had ran for 1,247 yards and five touchdowns in 15 starts. He established himself as the Bills starter in 2004 with 1,128 yards rushing and 13 touchdowns in 11 starts. That performance led the team to trade Travis Henry to Tennessee the following summer.
McGahee sat out his rookie season recovering from major knee surgery.
The Bills are now left searching for a starting running back to play in front of a revamped offensive line that features two new starters -- guard Derrick Dockery and tackle Langston Walker -- signed on the first day of free agency last week.
Third-stringer Shaud Williams is the only experienced running back currently on the team's depth chart.
The Bills have expressed interest in at least two free agents, meeting this week with Chris Brown, formerly of the Tennessee Titans, and Dominic Rhodes, a member of the Super Bowl champion Indianapolis Colts.
Brown spent the past two days visiting the team's Orchard Park headquarters, but left for Detroit on Thursday without a deal.
So I guess he Giants can forget getting a Runingback. McGahee is a good Move for Baltimore though. Billick is Smart
By JOHN WAWROW
AP Sports Writer
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- Running back Willis McGahee was traded to the Baltimore Ravens by Buffalo for three draft choices Thursday, a day after Jamal Lewis signed with Cleveland.
Two of the picks will be in this year's draft and another one next year.
McGahee, with whom the Bills had become dissatisfied, is to travel to Baltimore to meet with team officials later in the day. McGahee had one year left on his five-year contract with Buffalo, and had been seeking an extension.
"This is a runner who can make people miss and has the explosion and speed to take it the distance," said Baltimore general manager Ozzie Newsome. "He also has the power and size to run inside. He's a viable receiver out of the backfield and is a good pass blocker, not something every back can do.
"He also plays physical and with toughness, which are things we pride ourselves on here."
Lewis, whose productivity had been declining, was released last week by the Ravens.
McGahee will take over as the No. 1, ahead of veteran backup Mike Anderson and Musa Smith, who has primarily been used on special teams.
The Bills were not immediately available for comment.
Buffalo's first-round pick out of Miami in 2003, McGahee is coming off a season in which he finished with a career-low 990 yards rushing, but led the team with six rushing touchdowns in 14 starts.
In 2005, he had ran for 1,247 yards and five touchdowns in 15 starts. He established himself as the Bills starter in 2004 with 1,128 yards rushing and 13 touchdowns in 11 starts. That performance led the team to trade Travis Henry to Tennessee the following summer.
McGahee sat out his rookie season recovering from major knee surgery.
The Bills are now left searching for a starting running back to play in front of a revamped offensive line that features two new starters -- guard Derrick Dockery and tackle Langston Walker -- signed on the first day of free agency last week.
Third-stringer Shaud Williams is the only experienced running back currently on the team's depth chart.
The Bills have expressed interest in at least two free agents, meeting this week with Chris Brown, formerly of the Tennessee Titans, and Dominic Rhodes, a member of the Super Bowl champion Indianapolis Colts.
Brown spent the past two days visiting the team's Orchard Park headquarters, but left for Detroit on Thursday without a deal.
So I guess he Giants can forget getting a Runingback. McGahee is a good Move for Baltimore though. Billick is Smart
Browns Ink Jamal Lewis and Other FA News
Browns Corral Running Back Jamal Lewis plus other Free Agent Moves-See my Notes Below
By The Associated Press
Jamal Lewis will have to find another team for his personal patsy. The former 2,000-yard rusher joined the Cleveland Browns on Wednesday night, agreeing to a one-year deal with the club he set an NFL single-game rushing record against.
In 2003, Lewis torched the Browns for 295 yards on the ground. He rushed for 2,066 yards, the second-highest total in league history, that year, and was the league's offensive player of the year.
The free agent was released last week in a salary-cap move by Baltimore, which elected not to pay its career rushing leader a $5 million roster bonus. He'll now try to boost the Browns, who were last in the league in rushing in 2006.
"We are pleased to add Jamal Lewis to our team," Browns general manager Phil Savage said in a statement. "He is a proven NFL back who brings a toughness and demeanor to the game that his teammates and our fans will appreciate."
With the 27-year-old Lewis on board, the Browns must decide what to do with incumbent Reuben Droughns. They owe Droughns a $1.75 million roster bonus later this month.
Slowed by injuries, Droughns rushed for just 758 yards last season after gaining 1,232 yards in 2005 -- the first Cleveland back to eclipse 1,000 yards since 1985.
Coach Romeo Crennel recently said he isn't dissatisfied with Droughns. Of course, he didn't have Lewis on the team then.
"He has shown us that he does have the ability, that he can be a productive runner for us," Crennel said. "I expect him to get back to that form that he had. That 1,200-yard form. That's what I'm looking for."
Denver was looking for a tight end to boost its offense, and got the best available in Daniel Graham. He agreed to a five-year, $30 million deal that includes $15 million in guaranteed money.
New England drafted Graham 21st overall in 2002. He caught 120 passes for 1,393 yards and 17 touchdowns with the Patriots, but recently was primarily a blocker.
The 6-foot-3, 257-pound Graham grew up in Denver and attended the University of Colorado. His father, Tom Graham, played linebacker for the Broncos from 1972 to 1974.
He joins newly signed running back Travis Henry plus two players the Broncos obtained in trades: cornerback Dre' Bly and defensive tackle Dan Wilkinson. Bly is balking at playing for Denver.
Outside linebacker Joey Porter passed his physical and signed a five-year, $32 million contract with the Dolphins. Porter, a three-time Pro Bowler, spent his first eight seasons with the Steelers, who released him last week in a salary-cap move. He ranks fourth in Steelers history with 60 sacks, including seven last year.
Porter joins a defense that ranked fourth in the NFL in yards allowed and included defensive player of the year Jason Taylor.
"It's great that we were able to acquire a player of Joey's caliber," Taylor said. "He has been an impact player in this league for many years, and when you add someone who has the ability to make plays like he does, it will help not just the defense, but the entire team."
First: Phil Savage has to be one happy camper! He's got the Rusher he's always wanted ever since"the Big 295" a few years back, and he's in line to Grab Russell In the Draft if he slips past Al Davis and The Raiders.
Next: If the Broncos aren't Gearing up for a 4-5 year playoff run, your not paying attention! Even if Dre Doesn't want to play in the Snow of Denver, they already are a better team, and they can trade him somewhere he wants to go and get 2 DB's in the Draft, even though this is a weak draft overall, the FA market isn't that thick either...
Last: Hey that AFC East can't be called the AFC "Least" anymore!! All 4 teams are making improvements, and it may come down to who adds the best depth in the draft and who has the least injuries going into the regular season.
By The Associated Press
Jamal Lewis will have to find another team for his personal patsy. The former 2,000-yard rusher joined the Cleveland Browns on Wednesday night, agreeing to a one-year deal with the club he set an NFL single-game rushing record against.
In 2003, Lewis torched the Browns for 295 yards on the ground. He rushed for 2,066 yards, the second-highest total in league history, that year, and was the league's offensive player of the year.
The free agent was released last week in a salary-cap move by Baltimore, which elected not to pay its career rushing leader a $5 million roster bonus. He'll now try to boost the Browns, who were last in the league in rushing in 2006.
"We are pleased to add Jamal Lewis to our team," Browns general manager Phil Savage said in a statement. "He is a proven NFL back who brings a toughness and demeanor to the game that his teammates and our fans will appreciate."
With the 27-year-old Lewis on board, the Browns must decide what to do with incumbent Reuben Droughns. They owe Droughns a $1.75 million roster bonus later this month.
Slowed by injuries, Droughns rushed for just 758 yards last season after gaining 1,232 yards in 2005 -- the first Cleveland back to eclipse 1,000 yards since 1985.
Coach Romeo Crennel recently said he isn't dissatisfied with Droughns. Of course, he didn't have Lewis on the team then.
"He has shown us that he does have the ability, that he can be a productive runner for us," Crennel said. "I expect him to get back to that form that he had. That 1,200-yard form. That's what I'm looking for."
Denver was looking for a tight end to boost its offense, and got the best available in Daniel Graham. He agreed to a five-year, $30 million deal that includes $15 million in guaranteed money.
New England drafted Graham 21st overall in 2002. He caught 120 passes for 1,393 yards and 17 touchdowns with the Patriots, but recently was primarily a blocker.
The 6-foot-3, 257-pound Graham grew up in Denver and attended the University of Colorado. His father, Tom Graham, played linebacker for the Broncos from 1972 to 1974.
He joins newly signed running back Travis Henry plus two players the Broncos obtained in trades: cornerback Dre' Bly and defensive tackle Dan Wilkinson. Bly is balking at playing for Denver.
Outside linebacker Joey Porter passed his physical and signed a five-year, $32 million contract with the Dolphins. Porter, a three-time Pro Bowler, spent his first eight seasons with the Steelers, who released him last week in a salary-cap move. He ranks fourth in Steelers history with 60 sacks, including seven last year.
Porter joins a defense that ranked fourth in the NFL in yards allowed and included defensive player of the year Jason Taylor.
"It's great that we were able to acquire a player of Joey's caliber," Taylor said. "He has been an impact player in this league for many years, and when you add someone who has the ability to make plays like he does, it will help not just the defense, but the entire team."
First: Phil Savage has to be one happy camper! He's got the Rusher he's always wanted ever since"the Big 295" a few years back, and he's in line to Grab Russell In the Draft if he slips past Al Davis and The Raiders.
Next: If the Broncos aren't Gearing up for a 4-5 year playoff run, your not paying attention! Even if Dre Doesn't want to play in the Snow of Denver, they already are a better team, and they can trade him somewhere he wants to go and get 2 DB's in the Draft, even though this is a weak draft overall, the FA market isn't that thick either...
Last: Hey that AFC East can't be called the AFC "Least" anymore!! All 4 teams are making improvements, and it may come down to who adds the best depth in the draft and who has the least injuries going into the regular season.
Notre Dame QB Brady Quinn's Pro Day Workout - Video
This video of Notre Dame QB Brady Quinn's Pro Day workout reveals a player who can make a throw from various steps -- 3, 5, 7 -- and roll-out. But according to the clip, some scouts questioned his arm strength.
I'm not personally sold on the idea of a strong-armed quarterback. I'm more interested in "guts" under pressure, and football intellect, and Brady Quinn certainly has that.
Here's the video:
I'm not personally sold on the idea of a strong-armed quarterback. I'm more interested in "guts" under pressure, and football intellect, and Brady Quinn certainly has that.
Here's the video:
Rosie O'Donnell Responds To Fox's Nigel Lythgoe Re: "Idol Racism" - "blah blah blah blha"
Not one to be "one-upped" The View's Rosie O'Donnell used her -- called the "r blog" (in lowercase) -- to respond to Fox Television's Nigel Lythgoe, Executive Producer of AMERICAN IDOL denouncing of her call of the shows actions with respect to the exhibitionist leanings of contestants Antonella Barba and Frenchie Davis, and the very different way the White singer was treated versus the Black Ms. Davis.
Nigel says "“Without wishing to add to the obvious self-promotion of Ms. O’Donnell, I feel as though I must refute her absurd and ridiculous claims that AMERICAN IDOL is racist and/or weightist.
“Ms. O’Donnell has, once again, spoken without thought or knowledge. Viewers need only look at the show tonight to realize that AMERICAN IDOL constantly confirms to America that talent has nothing to do with weight or color.”
Nigel Lythgoe, Executive Producer, AMERICAN IDOL"
In the blog, O'Donnell says "well…what can u say really from the coca-cola red couch
i call it as i see it nigel l - sam r same same same 1985 - 2007, blah blah blah blha
blha blha blah blha"
I love Rosie. Her blog's the bomb, too!
Fox Denounced Rosie For Calling American Idol's Treatment Of Frenchie Davis Racist
Well, I guess the truth hurts. You can tell when someone's upset because they respond to a comment.
In this case, Fox Television, the American Idol producers are not happy that The View's Rosie O'Donnell called their show's treatment of former contestant Frenchie Davis racist, in that in 2003 they booted her from the show for the same exhibitionist behavior that Antonella Barba has shown and yet is still retained in 2007.
New Orleans Saints Joe Horn Goes To Atlanta Falcons - Switching Teams In Civil War Of NFC South
Wow. The Falcons get a leg up in their knoweldge of the Saint's offense by getting Joe Horn, a key player in their NFC South wars with the Falcons. Plus, he has something to prove and will play in a new system -- no one knows what they're going to do.
Receiver, leader added with acquisition of Horn
By STEVE WYCHE
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 03/08/07
Joe Horn has never lacked conviction. So when he told his agent he wanted to play for Atlanta after being released last week by its longtime rival, New Orleans, Horn was going to find a way to make it happen.
It took six days of conversations, three days of meetings, dinners and tours and more than 12 hours of contract negotiations, but at just past 11 p.m. Wednesday, Horn and the Falcons agreed to a multiyear contract, believed to be for at least three years, with guarantees in the $2 million range.
"I'm thrilled to have him as a player, and obviously his productivity in the NFL has been extraordinary," said team owner Arthur Blank, who spoke to Horn three times on the phone during the recruiting process. "Unfortunately, I've seen what he's done a number of times against the Falcons. It's been a source of frustration for a number of years.
"I'm very enthused about having him. He's achieved at the highest levels."
In acquiring the outspoken Horn, who was publicly upset with his release from the Saints, the Falcons address two vital needs: leadership and a wide receiver with a track record.
From 2000-04, Horn was one of the NFL's top wideouts, catching at least 78 passes and seven touchdowns each season and surpassing 1,000 yards in four. He also was one of its most flamboyant, most notably for drawing a $30,000 fine for pulling a cellphone he'd hidden under a goal-post pad and using it as part of a touchdown celebration.
Horn, 35, has missed 11 games the past two seasons with groin and hamstring injuries, which were concerns in the initial stages of conversations, which began last Friday. However, Horn passed a physical to alleviate worries about his health.
In the past two seasons, though, Horn has 86 receptions for 1,333 yards — 66 fewer yards than he had in his career-bestseason in 2004. He did not tail off vocally, though, emerging as one of the more provocative voices for the team and the city of New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina.
Though Horn played in only 10 games last season, he had 37 receptions, two fewer than Falcons leading wideout Michael Jenkins.
Horn, a four-time Pro Bowl pick, is a sure-handed receiver who should fit into new coach Bobby Petrino's system, in which three and four wideouts will be deployed at times.
Horn is friends with Falcons quarterback Michael Vick, according to Horn's agent, Ralph Vitolo. The two have known each other for years and have spoken during this process.
Horn also brings enough credibility to garner respect from young wide receivers Roddy White and Jenkins, first-round draft picks better known for inconsistency than playmaking. Atlanta lost starter Ashley Lelie to free agency but swill get back veteran Brian Finneran, who missed last season after tearing an anterior cruciate knee ligament.
"He's an overall leader but he's going to be a leader in that position room," Blank said of Horn. "I'm looking forward to the impact he's going to have on our team and our young receivers."
Receiver, leader added with acquisition of Horn
By STEVE WYCHE
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 03/08/07
Joe Horn has never lacked conviction. So when he told his agent he wanted to play for Atlanta after being released last week by its longtime rival, New Orleans, Horn was going to find a way to make it happen.
It took six days of conversations, three days of meetings, dinners and tours and more than 12 hours of contract negotiations, but at just past 11 p.m. Wednesday, Horn and the Falcons agreed to a multiyear contract, believed to be for at least three years, with guarantees in the $2 million range.
"I'm thrilled to have him as a player, and obviously his productivity in the NFL has been extraordinary," said team owner Arthur Blank, who spoke to Horn three times on the phone during the recruiting process. "Unfortunately, I've seen what he's done a number of times against the Falcons. It's been a source of frustration for a number of years.
"I'm very enthused about having him. He's achieved at the highest levels."
In acquiring the outspoken Horn, who was publicly upset with his release from the Saints, the Falcons address two vital needs: leadership and a wide receiver with a track record.
From 2000-04, Horn was one of the NFL's top wideouts, catching at least 78 passes and seven touchdowns each season and surpassing 1,000 yards in four. He also was one of its most flamboyant, most notably for drawing a $30,000 fine for pulling a cellphone he'd hidden under a goal-post pad and using it as part of a touchdown celebration.
Horn, 35, has missed 11 games the past two seasons with groin and hamstring injuries, which were concerns in the initial stages of conversations, which began last Friday. However, Horn passed a physical to alleviate worries about his health.
In the past two seasons, though, Horn has 86 receptions for 1,333 yards — 66 fewer yards than he had in his career-bestseason in 2004. He did not tail off vocally, though, emerging as one of the more provocative voices for the team and the city of New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina.
Though Horn played in only 10 games last season, he had 37 receptions, two fewer than Falcons leading wideout Michael Jenkins.
Horn, a four-time Pro Bowl pick, is a sure-handed receiver who should fit into new coach Bobby Petrino's system, in which three and four wideouts will be deployed at times.
Horn is friends with Falcons quarterback Michael Vick, according to Horn's agent, Ralph Vitolo. The two have known each other for years and have spoken during this process.
Horn also brings enough credibility to garner respect from young wide receivers Roddy White and Jenkins, first-round draft picks better known for inconsistency than playmaking. Atlanta lost starter Ashley Lelie to free agency but swill get back veteran Brian Finneran, who missed last season after tearing an anterior cruciate knee ligament.
"He's an overall leader but he's going to be a leader in that position room," Blank said of Horn. "I'm looking forward to the impact he's going to have on our team and our young receivers."
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