NFL Insiders Ross Mandel & Ralph Mancini debate the hot topics from around the league.
DOLPHINS MAY KEEP TWO
The early suggestions that the Dolphins would rotate all of their quarterback options through work with the first-team offense have been scrapped, according to the Florida Sun Sentinel. For the past two days newly acquired veteran Chad Pennington has worked exclusively with the first team while rookie quarterback Chad Henne, who had an impressive exhibition showing on Saturday night, got the bulk of the work with the second team.
Mancini's Take: Prior to Pennington's arrival, Josh McCown was the favorite to win the starting job based on the fact that he outperformed everyone else and had a better grasp of OC Dan Henning's system. All of that went out the window with the former Jet in town. For all his physical attributes, McCown has serious accuracy and decision-making issues. Pennington is the safe pick here. This one's pretty much a no-brainer, wouldn't you say, Howie...er...Ross.?
Mandel's Take: Pennington is going to start this season--McCown is clearly not the answer and Henne isn't ready. Henne will be able to learn from Pennington, who is a good guy and an intelligent QB, and the former Michignan man should be ready--if he's ever going to be ready--next season. McCown and Beck seem to be on the outside looking in. That's not a bad thing.
S-JAX HOLDOUT: DAY 20
As of Wednesday afternoon, running back Steven Jackson's contract holdout had reached 20 days, easily the longest holdout in the 14-season history of the "St. Louis" Rams. Although nothing close to a breakthrough has occurred, the Post-Dispatch has learned that there have been low-key talks in the last day or two between Rams president of football operations-general manager Jay Zygmunt and Jackson's agent, Eugene Parker. That's the first indication of any dialogue between the parties since the first day of training camp - July 25.
Mancini's Take: Hey guys, wake me up when you've come to an agreement. Commenting on this story is rapidly becoming a tedious chore. It's getting late pretty early in St. Louis. If their first preseason game is any indication, the Rams appear to be a subpar team under the misguided direction of coach Scott Linehan, who's failed to inspire his players to put it all on the line for him. Without Jackson in the fold, this team suddenly becomes hopeless. Give me a reason to believe in this team, Brother Ross.
Mandel's Take: What exactly are "low-key talks"? Do they put on some Barry White and have some wine while they casually discuss dollars and years? To me, this whole thing idicates that Jackson is trying to take the Jerome Bettis route out of town. I'm not sure I can blame him. The rudderless ship that is the USS Rams has a poor coach, a broken down QB, and disinterested players. There's no reason to believe in this team whatsoever and Jackson figures if he's going to get smashed around, he may as well get paid.
RUDI RETURNS
Cincinnati Bengals RB Rudi Johnson says he'll return to practice tonight and play Sunday night vs. Detroit. Johnson has been out nearly two weeks with a hamstring injury. Johnson says the hamstring tightened up on him after he went through the heavy running of the first two sets of two-a-day practices during the first week of training camp. He said he brought it back slow because he believes he came back too soon from the hamstring injury he suffered in the third game of the regular season last year. "It could have been a pinch or anything, I was going to be careful," Johnson said. "Got to be smart. You live and learn a little bit. I came back too soon a few times last year. But when I came back too soon the first time, that was it for the rest of the year."
Mancini's Take: I was already lukewarm about Rudi's ability to bounce back this year, and with this latest physical setback, I can definitely tell you that I have zero faith in Johnson reemerging as a 1,200-yard runner on this Cincy team. Chris Perry looks strong so far. Both he and Kenny Watson will have a role in the Bengal offense that's reportedly looking to live off the running game a bit more.
Mandel's Take: Johnson simply cannot stay healthy and the Rev is correct--it's hard to imagine him getting 1,200 yards this season. Johnson's tread is wearing down rapidly, and the Bengals are going to have to lean on Kenny Watson as well as Perry this season. I'm not feeling good vibes from the Bengals.
CADILLAC UPDATE
Charlie Campbell and Scott Reynolds, of PewterReport.com, report Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Jon Gruden said RB Cadillac Williams (knee) is rehabbing and getting close to returning to practice. "He's getting really close. I can't tell you how excited we are about how far he's come in such a short period of time. I have to keep it in perspective, but we're going to be very smart here and I'm not going to do anything until the trainers give the green light. Right now we're still on yellow and we're still working hard. There's a little bit of caution but boy, he's looking good and we're excited and happy for him," Gruden said.
Mancini's Take: I don't know what to make of this. I thing we know for sure is that this Caddy is no SUV. He isn't built to take the constant pounding that NFL backs are subject to when trying to grind out yardage. If Williams wants to have any sort of career in the league, he must be used as a third down scatback, which sort of eliminates the need of having Warrick Dunn around. Caddy looks like a good kid, and I wish him luck.
Mandel's Take: What's the rush? Put him on PUP and if he's ready by week 8, it's a bonus and a great story. The reward is dwarfed by the risk here and I can't see Gruden or the Bucs bringing Williams back to start the season.
JORDAN CONTRACT UPDATE
Mike Reiss, of the Boston Globe, reports New England Patriots RB LaMont Jordan did not receive a signing bonus when he signed with the Patriots. His deal will pay him a base salary of $850,000 in 2008. Jordan, however, can earn up to $1.15 million through performance-based incentives. That is one of the highest incentive figures on the Patriots' roster.
Mancini's Take: After two uninspiring seasons with the lowly Raiders, Jordan didn't exactly have any...um...leverage. Playing without a signing bonus is extremely risky, especially for a running back. That being said, Jordan has landed in the perfect spot to revive his career. If New England decides to utilize him in a Sammy Morris-type role, you can be sure that the burly back will see several carries and passes go his way, not mention a number of goal-line carries as 1A runner behind Laurence Maroney.
Mandel's Take: I agree that Jordan could be a useful member of the Pats, but I'm not so sure that he's going to wind up in that role with all the horses in New England. Morris has provided the Pats with exactly what they've needed and while I do see Jordan getting involved at some point, I think it will come later in the season, barring injury.
NEAL MAKES PRESENCE FELT
The Associated Press reports the Baltimore Ravens signing of FB Lorenzo Neal (Chargers) gives the team more flexibility. "He's been in the system, which helps, but he gives us another physical guy," offensive coordinator Cam Cameron said. "He gives us some flexibility at running back with Willis (McGahee) being dinged up. It also allows (fullback) Le'Ron McClain to play tailback if we need him to." Neal worked in Cameron's system from 2003 to 2006 while both were with the San Diego Chargers.
Mancini's Take: Neal will immeasurably help a young offensive line in providing that extra thump in the running game. If you don't believe me, just ask Eddie George, Rudi Johnson, LaDanian Tomlinson and Adrian Murrell about Neal's impact as a road grater in shoulder pads. Yes, Ross, I said Adrian Murrell. Lots of people seem to forget that Neal was a Jet for one year.
Mandel's Take: Please. I had forgotten about Murrell. Just kidding Rev. Don't get those green panties in a bunch! This signing is a good one I guess, but the fact that no one scooped Neal up until an injury demanded it makes me wonder just how much he can help the Ravens and their sure-to-be-ugly offense. Is there a need for a back who is so limited? The NFL isn't the same as it was when the 37-year-old Neal started smashing heads.
CENTER BATTLE HEATS UP
As the Pittsburgh Steelers training camp enters its third week, coach Mike Tomlin is still looking to find a starting center. Offseason free-agent acquisition Justin Hartwig will start Thursday night against the Buffalo Bills in Toronto after last season's starter, Sean Mahan, started the preseason opener against Philadelphia last week. "I'd like to have it solved yesterday," Tomlin said Tuesday. "But you don't always get what you want. We'll have clarity, certainly, when we do make that decision." Sean Mahan, Pittsburgh's starting center last season, is facing some stiff competition from seven-year veteran Justin Hartwig. Mahan-Hartwig is the hottest competition for a Pittsburgh starting spot.
Mancini's Take: The Pittsburgh running attack looked impressive last week versus the Eagles last week. The one player who really stood out was left tackle Marvel Smith who was blowing defenders off the ball. As far as the two centers are concerned, none of them possess the skills to anchor a running game. If Hartwig shows anything in pass protection, he'll probably win the job. The Steelers have yet to find a center capable of performing to the level of the retired Jeff Hartings.
Mandel's Take: Can Hartwig shake off the poor stint he had in Carolina? Perhaps it took him longer to recover from the surgery he had back in 2006, but if the Steelers can't get more out of him than the Panthers did, he won't be starting for long if at all. Mahan is mediocre and the fact that the Steelers brought Hartwig in speaks volumes about their feelings for Mahan at center. However, Pittsburgh always seems to come up with a successful plan so perhaps they have seen something encouraging/fixable in Hartwig.
FALCONS PUSH HALL
Jason Jones, of the Sacramento Bee, reports Oakland Raiders CB DeAngelo Hall (hand) has a broken bone in his right hand. "I've got a little broken bone in there," Hall said. " ... I don't even feel like I should be out here practicing or going into the preseason, but it's something nobody else feels like is affecting anything, so I'm out there practicing and playing games." Hall is practicing because the team has told him to.
Mancini's Take: That's the spirit, DeAngelo. It's disturbing to witness one of the highest-paid players who needs to have his arm twisted to get him out on the practice field. Between Javon Walker, who had to be talked out of retirement and Hall, who doesn't want to practice, the Raiders have assembled a real motley crew of players whose sole motivation to play for the Silver and Black is to pocket a few more Benjamins. Is the future looking bright for this dynamic duo, Rosstradamus?
Mandel's Take: Hall told the paper that he had a broken bone. Coach Kiffen reported that the MRI Hall had revealed only a sprain. It makes one wonder just what medical school the newly-traded-for DB graduated from. Hall is practicing so at least there's that...you've got to take the positives where you can get them where the Raiders are concerned. I'm done with Walker--he's unworthy of comment at the moment.
LYNCH TO SIGN WITH PATS
ESPN's John Clayton reports that the Patriots are interested in signing John Lynch as long as he passes a physical.
Mancini's Take: The Patriots do an excellent job of signing players at the twilight of their careers and maximizing their remianing skills. If Lynch does sign, look for him to be an effective role player that will typically be used on running downs.
Mandel's Take: They lose Tank Williams, they plug in John Lynch. Was anyone surprised by this? I'll wager we will see a revitalized John Lynch--the ring is the thing.
Showing posts with label steven jackson. Show all posts
Showing posts with label steven jackson. Show all posts
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Thursday, July 10, 2008
ALL ACCESS: DAILY DOSE
SB CHAMPION RETIRES
Quarterback Trent Dilfer, who played the last of his 13 NFL seasons with the San Francisco 49ers last year, announced Wednesday he is retiring from football. The former Fresno State player who won a Super Bowl with the Baltimore Ravens said a recent injury to his Achilles helped make up his mind. "I was going to retire anyway. This just gives clarity to the situation," he told reporters on a conference call promoting the 19th annual American Century Celebrity Golf Championship that begins Friday at Lake Tahoe.
Mancini's Take: The man has had a remarkable career to say the least when you consider the fact that he's played for 13 years despite his shortcomings as a passer. Dilfer was never a bad player, but he wasn't very good especially when you take into account that he was drafted sixth overall in the 1994 NFL Draft. His arm was nothing special, his accuracy was subpar and his mobility was also lacking, but Dilfer knew how to lead and he was fearless. His passes weren't always a pretty sight, but he made the right decisions. In summary, you'd have to say he's had a pretty successful run.
Mogollon’s Take: Successful is a relative term. Dilfer is the epitome of mediocre quarterback. Even during his Super Bowl run with the Baltimore Ravens, the career 55 percent passer completed more than half his passes only once in four playoff games. I’ll agree with the good reverend on this…give the Fresno St. product kudos for mental toughness…most top ten picks that flop as NFL quarterbacks go away rather quietly. Dilfer has already dipped his toe into the announcing waters providing color analysis for the NFL Network on the Senior Bowl.
S-JAX UPDATE
St. Louis Rams RB Steven Jackson says he is "100 percent healthy" and ready for the start of training camp. He will be in the final year of the five-year contract. "A contract year is big for anyone, but especially for the last year of a rookie deal," Jackson said. "I'm looking to have a great year and lengthen my career with St. Louis. Hopefully, I'll retire as a Ram."
Mancini's Take: Retire as a Ram? That's a pretty lofty statement from SJax, who has all the talent in the world to earn that new contract he's seeking...but. Action Jackson's not exactly a finesse runner. His upright, take-no-prisoners technique has led to a number of injuries throughout his pro career. A partially torn groin cost him four games last season, and it took him a while to regain his usual form, but once he did the 25-year-old was tremendous by surpassing 100 yards in seven of his last eight games and hitting pay dirt five times during that stretch. All things considered, this player is a difference maker and deserves to get paid. Are you with me on this one, Mogo?
Mogollon’s Take: On all accounts Mancini. Contract year or not, Jackson is primed for an All-Pro caliber season, as long as he is healthy. His breakout year came in 2006 when he put up 2,300 all-purpose yards and 16 touchdowns. At 6’2, 230 pounds with excellent speed and ability as a receiver, the former Beaver has turned out to be the ideal replacement for future Hall of Famer Marshall Faulk. As for retiring a Ram, sounds nice and naive, I’m sorry Mr. Jackson, but it ain’t always your call…unless you’re Brett Favre of course.
JOHNSON FAST LEARNER
Long before the NFL Draft, the Titans knew Chris Johnson had quick feet. Now they know he's a quick study. Before, during and after minicamp practice sessions, Johnson has looked the part of a first-round draft choice. He accelerates through traffic. He cuts on a dime. He catches passes effortlessly. Just as important, he has grasped the nuances of Mike Heimerdinger's offense. "Everything they're throwing at me, I've got down," he said. "If I execute everything they've given me, that will let them go ahead and start adding more ways to get the football in my hands." This is encouraging on several fronts. Rookies usually face a serious learning curve. Johnson has digested everything and is asking for more.
Mancini's Take: Johnson will be called upon early and often on an offense short on playmakers. Look for the rookie to be lined up in a variety of different ways, including split out wide. Johnson's blistering speed makes him the most electrifying back in this year's rookie class. He may very well become the back that Reggie Bush was supposed to be. It wouldn't hurt him, however, to add a few extra pounds.
Mogollon’s Take: All his abilities as a student aside, what makes Johnson a difference maker is he can do things you cannot teach – like be the fastest man in the NFL. His 4.24 40-time at the NFL Scouting Combine was almost a full tenth of a second faster than Run DMC. I like the Bush analogy—Johnson will be an impact player as a runner, receiver and returner. He may not be the receiver the Titans desperately crave, but is dynamic player who was a steal in the bottom third of the first round.
DUNGY SPEAKS ON HARRISON
Colts head coach Tony Dungy said Marvin Harrison, who's coming off knee surgery, "is doing really well" and reiterated the receiver is not a suspect in an April 29 Philadelphia shooting about which he was questioned. "Right before we closed out our OTAs he was there and he was running," Dungy said. "For the first time in a long time I saw a smile on his face because he was running pain free. So we feel good about where he's going to be physically opening up this year. Everything we've heard and communicated from the Philadelphia police department, he's not a suspect in what's going on there. So again, we feel pretty good about where he's going to be."
Mancini's Take: He may be pain free now, but there are too many question marks involved in assessing the 36-year-old. In addition to undergoing knee surgery in the offseason, Harrison suffered a mysterious knee ailment last season that plagued him all year. There are no guarantees that his ruptured bursa sack is completed healed to the point where he won't experience any pain. I can defintely see number 88 fading back into a lesser role as Anthony Gonzalez and Dallas Clark step to the forefront. Am I overreacting here, Danny Boy?
Mogollon’s Take: Marvin Harrison smiles? I don’t believe I’ve ever seen that, even when the Syracuse product was on his way to a whopping 143 receptions in 2002, the first of four straight 100-grab campaigns for the Colt. His off the field issues came as a surprise, while 17 straight years playing on turf (13 as a pro) may be finally catching up to him. I’m not a doctor or an attorney and I don’t play one on the web, but it’s safe to say his days as a number one option are over. With Clark and Gonzalez stepping up, not to mention Reggie Wayne and Joseph Addai, Peyton Manning’s clubhouse is well stocked with weapons, so Harrison is more of a complimentary player, the icing not the cake. No overreaction Rev.
DUNGY ON FREENEY
Colts head coach Tony Dungy said he is hopeful that defensive end Dwight Freeney (foot) will be back on track soon. "We've got, fortunately, one of the best foot doctors in the country, Dr. Dave Porter, who's working on this," he said. "He tells us Dwight should make a complete recovery. But it's always kind of scary with a guy like that whose speed is his big asset. He needs to come back full strength, but everything right now indicates that he's going to do that." Freeney probably won't be ready at the start of training camp but the team's been told he should be good to go for the regular season opener against Chicago Sept. 7.
Mancini's Take: It is vital for Indy to get Freeney back at all full stregth. The Syracuse product IS their pass rush. Without him, the Colt defense looked rather ordinary versus the Chargers in the playoffs, as a hobbled Philip Rivers carved up the unit for 264 yards and three TDs. Freeney is a force that every offense has to scheme around.
Mogollon’s Take: There is little doubt that Freeney’s return to dominance is far more critical than that of his fellow Orangeman Harrison. They have a plethora of playmakers on offense, but not so much on the defensive side of the ball. After putting up 51 sacks in his first four seasons, Freeney has been limited to nine over the past two, due in part to his seven missed games in 2007. A return to form is necessary if Peyton is to regain his Super Bowl lead on little bro Eli.
TRAINING CAMP BATTLE TO WATCH
The Tampa Tribune does not expect rookie Aqib Talib or Eugene Wilson to overtake Phillip Buchanon as the Bucs' starting left cornerback.
Mancini's Take: Buchanon resurrected his career by doing an excellent job of digesting D-coordinator Monte Kiffin's Cover-2 scheme. Wilson is a versatile player who can be used at both safety and corner, while Talib is a Cover-2 prototype with outstanding size, hands and anticipatory skills. The rub with him is his attitude. The young corner has a reputation for being a bit on the cocky side. This concern has already come to light as Talib reportedly engaged in a scuffle with fellow rookie Cory Boyd at a recent NFL symposium.
Mogollon’s Take: I can’t tell if this is about Phillip Buchanan finally living up to his potential or as the good Reverend hinted, rookie Aqib Talib coming in assuming that getting drafted in the first round means an automatic invitation into the starting lineup. Of course this is just speculation, it could be Talib is still learning the nuances of the Cover-2 or the Bucs are using this as motivation for the former Jayhawk. Either way I expect Talib to learn from Ronde Barber, whom he most reminds of, and have an impact in year one.
Quarterback Trent Dilfer, who played the last of his 13 NFL seasons with the San Francisco 49ers last year, announced Wednesday he is retiring from football. The former Fresno State player who won a Super Bowl with the Baltimore Ravens said a recent injury to his Achilles helped make up his mind. "I was going to retire anyway. This just gives clarity to the situation," he told reporters on a conference call promoting the 19th annual American Century Celebrity Golf Championship that begins Friday at Lake Tahoe.
Mancini's Take: The man has had a remarkable career to say the least when you consider the fact that he's played for 13 years despite his shortcomings as a passer. Dilfer was never a bad player, but he wasn't very good especially when you take into account that he was drafted sixth overall in the 1994 NFL Draft. His arm was nothing special, his accuracy was subpar and his mobility was also lacking, but Dilfer knew how to lead and he was fearless. His passes weren't always a pretty sight, but he made the right decisions. In summary, you'd have to say he's had a pretty successful run.
Mogollon’s Take: Successful is a relative term. Dilfer is the epitome of mediocre quarterback. Even during his Super Bowl run with the Baltimore Ravens, the career 55 percent passer completed more than half his passes only once in four playoff games. I’ll agree with the good reverend on this…give the Fresno St. product kudos for mental toughness…most top ten picks that flop as NFL quarterbacks go away rather quietly. Dilfer has already dipped his toe into the announcing waters providing color analysis for the NFL Network on the Senior Bowl.
S-JAX UPDATE
St. Louis Rams RB Steven Jackson says he is "100 percent healthy" and ready for the start of training camp. He will be in the final year of the five-year contract. "A contract year is big for anyone, but especially for the last year of a rookie deal," Jackson said. "I'm looking to have a great year and lengthen my career with St. Louis. Hopefully, I'll retire as a Ram."
Mancini's Take: Retire as a Ram? That's a pretty lofty statement from SJax, who has all the talent in the world to earn that new contract he's seeking...but. Action Jackson's not exactly a finesse runner. His upright, take-no-prisoners technique has led to a number of injuries throughout his pro career. A partially torn groin cost him four games last season, and it took him a while to regain his usual form, but once he did the 25-year-old was tremendous by surpassing 100 yards in seven of his last eight games and hitting pay dirt five times during that stretch. All things considered, this player is a difference maker and deserves to get paid. Are you with me on this one, Mogo?
Mogollon’s Take: On all accounts Mancini. Contract year or not, Jackson is primed for an All-Pro caliber season, as long as he is healthy. His breakout year came in 2006 when he put up 2,300 all-purpose yards and 16 touchdowns. At 6’2, 230 pounds with excellent speed and ability as a receiver, the former Beaver has turned out to be the ideal replacement for future Hall of Famer Marshall Faulk. As for retiring a Ram, sounds nice and naive, I’m sorry Mr. Jackson, but it ain’t always your call…unless you’re Brett Favre of course.
JOHNSON FAST LEARNER
Long before the NFL Draft, the Titans knew Chris Johnson had quick feet. Now they know he's a quick study. Before, during and after minicamp practice sessions, Johnson has looked the part of a first-round draft choice. He accelerates through traffic. He cuts on a dime. He catches passes effortlessly. Just as important, he has grasped the nuances of Mike Heimerdinger's offense. "Everything they're throwing at me, I've got down," he said. "If I execute everything they've given me, that will let them go ahead and start adding more ways to get the football in my hands." This is encouraging on several fronts. Rookies usually face a serious learning curve. Johnson has digested everything and is asking for more.
Mancini's Take: Johnson will be called upon early and often on an offense short on playmakers. Look for the rookie to be lined up in a variety of different ways, including split out wide. Johnson's blistering speed makes him the most electrifying back in this year's rookie class. He may very well become the back that Reggie Bush was supposed to be. It wouldn't hurt him, however, to add a few extra pounds.
Mogollon’s Take: All his abilities as a student aside, what makes Johnson a difference maker is he can do things you cannot teach – like be the fastest man in the NFL. His 4.24 40-time at the NFL Scouting Combine was almost a full tenth of a second faster than Run DMC. I like the Bush analogy—Johnson will be an impact player as a runner, receiver and returner. He may not be the receiver the Titans desperately crave, but is dynamic player who was a steal in the bottom third of the first round.
DUNGY SPEAKS ON HARRISON
Colts head coach Tony Dungy said Marvin Harrison, who's coming off knee surgery, "is doing really well" and reiterated the receiver is not a suspect in an April 29 Philadelphia shooting about which he was questioned. "Right before we closed out our OTAs he was there and he was running," Dungy said. "For the first time in a long time I saw a smile on his face because he was running pain free. So we feel good about where he's going to be physically opening up this year. Everything we've heard and communicated from the Philadelphia police department, he's not a suspect in what's going on there. So again, we feel pretty good about where he's going to be."
Mancini's Take: He may be pain free now, but there are too many question marks involved in assessing the 36-year-old. In addition to undergoing knee surgery in the offseason, Harrison suffered a mysterious knee ailment last season that plagued him all year. There are no guarantees that his ruptured bursa sack is completed healed to the point where he won't experience any pain. I can defintely see number 88 fading back into a lesser role as Anthony Gonzalez and Dallas Clark step to the forefront. Am I overreacting here, Danny Boy?
Mogollon’s Take: Marvin Harrison smiles? I don’t believe I’ve ever seen that, even when the Syracuse product was on his way to a whopping 143 receptions in 2002, the first of four straight 100-grab campaigns for the Colt. His off the field issues came as a surprise, while 17 straight years playing on turf (13 as a pro) may be finally catching up to him. I’m not a doctor or an attorney and I don’t play one on the web, but it’s safe to say his days as a number one option are over. With Clark and Gonzalez stepping up, not to mention Reggie Wayne and Joseph Addai, Peyton Manning’s clubhouse is well stocked with weapons, so Harrison is more of a complimentary player, the icing not the cake. No overreaction Rev.
DUNGY ON FREENEY
Colts head coach Tony Dungy said he is hopeful that defensive end Dwight Freeney (foot) will be back on track soon. "We've got, fortunately, one of the best foot doctors in the country, Dr. Dave Porter, who's working on this," he said. "He tells us Dwight should make a complete recovery. But it's always kind of scary with a guy like that whose speed is his big asset. He needs to come back full strength, but everything right now indicates that he's going to do that." Freeney probably won't be ready at the start of training camp but the team's been told he should be good to go for the regular season opener against Chicago Sept. 7.
Mancini's Take: It is vital for Indy to get Freeney back at all full stregth. The Syracuse product IS their pass rush. Without him, the Colt defense looked rather ordinary versus the Chargers in the playoffs, as a hobbled Philip Rivers carved up the unit for 264 yards and three TDs. Freeney is a force that every offense has to scheme around.
Mogollon’s Take: There is little doubt that Freeney’s return to dominance is far more critical than that of his fellow Orangeman Harrison. They have a plethora of playmakers on offense, but not so much on the defensive side of the ball. After putting up 51 sacks in his first four seasons, Freeney has been limited to nine over the past two, due in part to his seven missed games in 2007. A return to form is necessary if Peyton is to regain his Super Bowl lead on little bro Eli.
TRAINING CAMP BATTLE TO WATCH
The Tampa Tribune does not expect rookie Aqib Talib or Eugene Wilson to overtake Phillip Buchanon as the Bucs' starting left cornerback.
Mancini's Take: Buchanon resurrected his career by doing an excellent job of digesting D-coordinator Monte Kiffin's Cover-2 scheme. Wilson is a versatile player who can be used at both safety and corner, while Talib is a Cover-2 prototype with outstanding size, hands and anticipatory skills. The rub with him is his attitude. The young corner has a reputation for being a bit on the cocky side. This concern has already come to light as Talib reportedly engaged in a scuffle with fellow rookie Cory Boyd at a recent NFL symposium.
Mogollon’s Take: I can’t tell if this is about Phillip Buchanan finally living up to his potential or as the good Reverend hinted, rookie Aqib Talib coming in assuming that getting drafted in the first round means an automatic invitation into the starting lineup. Of course this is just speculation, it could be Talib is still learning the nuances of the Cover-2 or the Bucs are using this as motivation for the former Jayhawk. Either way I expect Talib to learn from Ronde Barber, whom he most reminds of, and have an impact in year one.
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