Give a general manager beaucoup bucks a few days before the NFL free-agent market opens and guess what he’s going to do? If he’s Jerry Angelo of the Chicago Bears, he’s going to spend it on upgrading his team.
Why is Bears GM Jerry Angelo smiling? Wouldn’t you after the day he had?
Backed by a $25 million windfall from the McCaskey family, Angelo made the biggest splash on the opening day of free agency Friday when he signed, in order, former San Diego Chargers tight end Brandon Manumaleuna, former Minnesota Vikings running back Chester Taylor, and — trumpet blast, please — former Carolina Panthers defensive end Julius Peppers.
Note to the rest of the NFC North teams: The Bears’ run for the 2010 playoffs officially has begun.
This is usually the time of year when Dan Snyder and the Washington Redskins dominate the NFL headlines. Instead, it was the Bears who surprised everyone on Day 1. With the Bears bereft of a draft pick until the third round, it would not be an exaggeration to say desperation drove Angelo’s spending; after all, if the team doesn’t make the playoffs next season, he and coach Lovie Smith likely will be fired.
"I’m not with everybody else, that it’s a sign of desperation," former Bears quarterback and current NFL Sirius Radio host Jim Miller said, "but I do think they had to make a splash because they don’t have a first- or second-round pick. So it makes sense they were pretty aggressive."
Not surprisingly, Angelo spent over his budget — way over his budget. If the additions help propel the Bears to a division title, it will have been worth it.
Here’s a breakdown on the three (new) Bears:
Julius Peppers
Reported contract: Six years, $72 million ($36 million to $40 million guaranteed in the first three years).
Chicago’s hope: Chester Taylor, Julius Peppers, Brandon Manumaleuna
Why his addition will work: One of the premier pass rushers in the NFL, Peppers instantly improves one of the Bears’ weaknesses last season. He has had double-digit sacks in six of his eight seasons.
Why his addition might not work: He has a reputation for not playing hard all the time, although he apparently played much of last season with a broken hand and still had 10 1/2 sacks. If defensive tackle Tommie Harris and middle linebacker Brian Urlacher can’t stay healthy or make their own impacts, opponents will double-team Peppers.
An observation: "The guy’s a monster, he’s an animal," Bears defensive end Alex Brown said, speaking on Chicago sports-talk radio show "Waddle and Silvy." "He’s the biggest guy and the fastest guy I think I’ve ever seen."
Chester Taylor
Reported contract: Four years, $12.5 million ($7 million guaranteed in the first year).
Why his addition will work: He’s a veteran back who can do everything — rush, catch passes and block. Injuries hampered second-year back Matt Forte last season, and the Bears didn’t have much of a running threat behind him.
Why his addition might not work: Taylor has averaged 97.5 carries over the past two seasons. He and Forte are similar backs; neither one offers a change of pace.
An observation: "I thought they would go after someone who’s more dynamic," Miller said. "I know he has the concussion issue, but Brian Westbrook is a little more dynamic. Although don’t get me wrong; Taylor is solid."
Brandon Manumaleuna
Reported contract: Five years, more than $17 million ($6 million guaranteed).
Why his addition will work: He played in the same offense new coordinator Mike Martz is installing in Chicago when he played for Martz in St. Louis. He’s one of the NFL’s best blocking tight ends.
Why his addition might not work: Manumaleuna has mainly been a situational player during his career. If his addition leads to the exit of Greg Olsen, the Bears’ leading receiver last season, quarterback Jay Cutler might not be happy.
An observation: "He’s 6-2, 295, perfect for what Mike Martz wants to do," Miller said.
In the three seasons since they lost to Indianapolis in Super Bowl 41, the Bears have gone 7-9, 9-7 and 7-9, and they haven’t been back to the playoffs. Miller believes they could have won at least three more games in ’09 if Cutler had made a few better decisions.
"That team is a little bit better than people give them credit for," Miller said. "They probably could have squeaked out three more wins just on their quarterback play alone."
One player who probably isn’t happy to see Peppers come to the NFC North is Vikings left tackle Bryant McKinnie. During a Week 15 game against the Vikings last season, Peppers had a sack and three quarterback hurries. He so overwhelmed McKinnie that the Pro Bowl tackle got benched during the second half.
Now, thanks to the generosity of Angelo and the Bears, McKinnie can look forward to playing against Peppers twice a season.
This story appears in March 6’s edition of Sporting News Today. If you are not receiving Sporting News Today, the only daily digital sports newspaper, sign up today.
Give a general manager beaucoup bucks a few days before the NFL free-agent market opens and guess what he’s going to do? If he’s Jerry Angelo of the Chicago Bears, he’s going to spend it on upgrading his team.
Why is Bears GM Jerry Angelo smiling? Wouldn’t you after the day he had?
Backed by a $25 million windfall from the McCaskey family, Angelo made the biggest splash on the opening day of free agency Friday when he signed, in order, former San Diego Chargers tight end Brandon Manumaleuna, former Minnesota Vikings running back Chester Taylor, and — trumpet blast, please — former Carolina Panthers defensive end Julius Peppers.
Note to the rest of the NFC North teams: The Bears’ run for the 2010 playoffs officially has begun.
This is usually the time of year when Dan Snyder and the Washington Redskins dominate the NFL headlines. Instead, it was the Bears who surprised everyone on Day 1. With the Bears bereft of a draft pick until the third round, it would not be an exaggeration to say desperation drove Angelo’s spending; after all, if the team doesn’t make the playoffs next season, he and coach Lovie Smith likely will be fired.
"I’m not with everybody else, that it’s a sign of desperation," former Bears quarterback and current NFL Sirius Radio host Jim Miller said, "but I do think they had to make a splash because they don’t have a first- or second-round pick. So it makes sense they were pretty aggressive."
Not surprisingly, Angelo spent over his budget — way over his budget. If the additions help propel the Bears to a division title, it will have been worth it.
Here’s a breakdown on the three (new) Bears:
Julius Peppers
Reported contract: Six years, $72 million ($36 million to $40 million guaranteed in the first three years).
Chicago’s hope: Chester Taylor, Julius Peppers, Brandon Manumaleuna
Why his addition will work: One of the premier pass rushers in the NFL, Peppers instantly improves one of the Bears’ weaknesses last season. He has had double-digit sacks in six of his eight seasons.
Why his addition might not work: He has a reputation for not playing hard all the time, although he apparently played much of last season with a broken hand and still had 10 1/2 sacks. If defensive tackle Tommie Harris and middle linebacker Brian Urlacher can’t stay healthy or make their own impacts, opponents will double-team Peppers.
An observation: "The guy’s a monster, he’s an animal," Bears defensive end Alex Brown said, speaking on Chicago sports-talk radio show "Waddle and Silvy." "He’s the biggest guy and the fastest guy I think I’ve ever seen."
Chester Taylor
Reported contract: Four years, $12.5 million ($7 million guaranteed in the first year).
Why his addition will work: He’s a veteran back who can do everything — rush, catch passes and block. Injuries hampered second-year back Matt Forte last season, and the Bears didn’t have much of a running threat behind him.
Why his addition might not work: Taylor has averaged 97.5 carries over the past two seasons. He and Forte are similar backs; neither one offers a change of pace.
An observation: "I thought they would go after someone who’s more dynamic," Miller said. "I know he has the concussion issue, but Brian Westbrook is a little more dynamic. Although don’t get me wrong; Taylor is solid."
Brandon Manumaleuna
Reported contract: Five years, more than $17 million ($6 million guaranteed).
Why his addition will work: He played in the same offense new coordinator Mike Martz is installing in Chicago when he played for Martz in St. Louis. He’s one of the NFL’s best blocking tight ends.
Why his addition might not work: Manumaleuna has mainly been a situational player during his career. If his addition leads to the exit of Greg Olsen, the Bears’ leading receiver last season, quarterback Jay Cutler might not be happy.
An observation: "He’s 6-2, 295, perfect for what Mike Martz wants to do," Miller said.
In the three seasons since they lost to Indianapolis in Super Bowl 41, the Bears have gone 7-9, 9-7 and 7-9, and they haven’t been back to the playoffs. Miller believes they could have won at least three more games in ’09 if Cutler had made a few better decisions.
"That team is a little bit better than people give them credit for," Miller said. "They probably could have squeaked out three more wins just on their quarterback play alone."
One player who probably isn’t happy to see Peppers come to the NFC North is Vikings left tackle Bryant McKinnie. During a Week 15 game against the Vikings last season, Peppers had a sack and three quarterback hurries. He so overwhelmed McKinnie that the Pro Bowl tackle got benched during the second half.
Now, thanks to the generosity of Angelo and the Bears, McKinnie can look forward to playing against Peppers twice a season.
This story appears in March 6’s edition of Sporting News Today. If you are not receiving Sporting News Today, the only daily digital sports newspaper, sign up today.
INDIANAPOLIS — The top two tight ends in this year’s NFL draft can’t wait to play football again. That’s because they were robbed of that opportunity in ’09.
Jermaine Gresham possibly improved his draft stock after working out at the Scouting Combine in Indianapolis on Saturday.
Arizona’s Rob Gronkowski suffered a back injury that required a microdisectomy, a procedure in which the doctor shaved off a disk that was sticking out on his spinal cord. Oklahoma’s Jermaine Gresham tore cartilage in his right knee during a practice. Neither player played a single snap last season.
"It was very tough watching my guys play and not being able to play with them," Gresham said. "That was the worst thing ever."
Gresham (6-5 1/4, 261) said he participated in all the drills at the Scouting Combine Saturday "because I’ve been away from football for so long." He ran a 4.76 40 — a little slower than some expected but a full second faster than Lions first-round tight end Brandon Pettigrew recorded last year — and completed 20 reps in the 225-pound bench press. Pettigrew had 22 reps at the 2009 Combine.
Rob Gronkowski chose to concentrate on interviewing and showing his imrpoved health at the Combine instead of working out.
By working out here, Gresham may have temporarily pulled ahead in the tight end duel. Gronkowski (6-6 1/4, 264) did not work out, opting to wait until Arizona’s pro day (March 12) or, more likely, his own personal workout in late March in Tucson. Gronkowski said his back is 100 percent but he has been running for only a few weeks.
"I need to get my conditioning back," Gronkowski said. "I feel like every single week my speed is improving, but I feel like I need about two or three more weeks to improve it to the fullest, where it was before my back injury."
Gronkowski, who performed only the bench press here and completed a solid 23 reps, said his main goals at the Combine were to interview well and prove he is healthy. "I believe I passed everything with flying colors," he said, referring to his medical exam.
Although they rank as the top two players at their position, Gronkowski and Gresham both acknowledged they have room for improvement. Gronkowski said his hands are his greatest strength but that he could sharpen his blocking.
"I believe I had some great games blocking, and I believe I had some all-right games blocking," Gronkowski said. "I can definitely work in that area with some technique and overall coaching."
Although he would have been Oklahoma’s top returning receiver last season — he caught 66 passes for 950 yards and 14 touchdowns in ’08 — Gresham believes he needs to be better at catching the ball. Asked to rate his hands on a scale of 1 to 10, he gave himself a 6.
"I need a lot of improvement," he said. "I’ve dropped balls before. That’s something I need to work on. I need to be more consistent."
Asked about the most number of balls he has dropped in a season, he simply said, "Too many." Gresham, who stood on the sideline with his crutches and played the role of cheerleader during games last season, says the time he missed gave him a greater appreciation for the game.
"Losing the game of football makes you appreciate what it is for you," he said. "It’s a getaway. It’s fun for me. It’s something you love. You don’t want to lose it."
So which tight end is the best?
Gronkowski said, "I believe I rank up in the top three, if not No. 1. I would say I’m a top tight end because I bring a lot to the table. I bring the whole package. I believe I’m ready to step in. I’m ready to take on the big D-ends, ready to go out there and catch some passes."
Asked for reasons he thinks he’s the top tight end, Gresham responded, "I don’t think I’m the best. I’ve got room for improvement. (Gronkowski’s) a great tight end. He’s big, he’s strong."
Gresham and Gronkowski will continue their duel through their pro days. Ultimately, though, it will be the NFL talent evaluators who determine who the best man is.
"It’s up to the G.M.s to do that," Gresham said. "We just play ball. I just want to go out there and prove that I’m healthy and I can play."
Ditto for Gronkowski.
Dennis Dillon is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at ddillon@sportingnews.com.
INDIANAPOLIS — The top two tight ends in this year’s NFL draft can’t wait to play football again. That’s because they were robbed of that opportunity in ’09.
Jermaine Gresham possibly improved his draft stock after working out at the Scouting Combine in Indianapolis on Saturday.
Arizona’s Rob Gronkowski suffered a back injury that required a microdisectomy, a procedure in which the doctor shaved off a disk that was sticking out on his spinal cord. Oklahoma’s Jermaine Gresham tore cartilage in his right knee during a practice. Neither player played a single snap last season.
"It was very tough watching my guys play and not being able to play with them," Gresham said. "That was the worst thing ever."
Gresham (6-5 1/4, 261) said he participated in all the drills at the Scouting Combine Saturday "because I’ve been away from football for so long." He ran a 4.76 40 — a little slower than some expected but a full second faster than Lions first-round tight end Brandon Pettigrew recorded last year — and completed 20 reps in the 225-pound bench press. Pettigrew had 22 reps at the 2009 Combine.
Rob Gronkowski chose to concentrate on interviewing and showing his imrpoved health at the Combine instead of working out.
By working out here, Gresham may have temporarily pulled ahead in the tight end duel. Gronkowski (6-6 1/4, 264) did not work out, opting to wait until Arizona’s pro day (March 12) or, more likely, his own personal workout in late March in Tucson. Gronkowski said his back is 100 percent but he has been running for only a few weeks.
"I need to get my conditioning back," Gronkowski said. "I feel like every single week my speed is improving, but I feel like I need about two or three more weeks to improve it to the fullest, where it was before my back injury."
Gronkowski, who performed only the bench press here and completed a solid 23 reps, said his main goals at the Combine were to interview well and prove he is healthy. "I believe I passed everything with flying colors," he said, referring to his medical exam.
Although they rank as the top two players at their position, Gronkowski and Gresham both acknowledged they have room for improvement. Gronkowski said his hands are his greatest strength but that he could sharpen his blocking.
"I believe I had some great games blocking, and I believe I had some all-right games blocking," Gronkowski said. "I can definitely work in that area with some technique and overall coaching."
Although he would have been Oklahoma’s top returning receiver last season — he caught 66 passes for 950 yards and 14 touchdowns in ’08 — Gresham believes he needs to be better at catching the ball. Asked to rate his hands on a scale of 1 to 10, he gave himself a 6.
"I need a lot of improvement," he said. "I’ve dropped balls before. That’s something I need to work on. I need to be more consistent."
Asked about the most number of balls he has dropped in a season, he simply said, "Too many." Gresham, who stood on the sideline with his crutches and played the role of cheerleader during games last season, says the time he missed gave him a greater appreciation for the game.
"Losing the game of football makes you appreciate what it is for you," he said. "It’s a getaway. It’s fun for me. It’s something you love. You don’t want to lose it."
So which tight end is the best?
Gronkowski said, "I believe I rank up in the top three, if not No. 1. I would say I’m a top tight end because I bring a lot to the table. I bring the whole package. I believe I’m ready to step in. I’m ready to take on the big D-ends, ready to go out there and catch some passes."
Asked for reasons he thinks he’s the top tight end, Gresham responded, "I don’t think I’m the best. I’ve got room for improvement. (Gronkowski’s) a great tight end. He’s big, he’s strong."
Gresham and Gronkowski will continue their duel through their pro days. Ultimately, though, it will be the NFL talent evaluators who determine who the best man is.
"It’s up to the G.M.s to do that," Gresham said. "We just play ball. I just want to go out there and prove that I’m healthy and I can play."
Ditto for Gronkowski.
Dennis Dillon is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at ddillon@sportingnews.com.
Golden Tate, who will run the 40 and go through drills with the other wide receivers today at the Combine, is one of the top-ranked wideouts and played in a pro-style offense under Charlie Weis at Notre Dame. Tate talked about how that helped him, and about other topics with Sporting News’ Dennis Dillon and other reporters in Indianapolis.
Question: What was it like playing for Charlie Weis?
Golden Tate: That’s one of the reasons I accepted a scholarship to Notre Dame. I knew the situation I was going into was that coach Weis was a professional caliber coach, (so) the system’s got to be similar (to the NFL). He came from the Patriots and won championships. So I knew I was going to have a head start when I decided to pursue my dream and play professional football.
Golden Tate had 1,496 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns for Notre Dame in 2009.
Q: Why did you decide to come out early?
GT: I spoke with coach Weis before the season, and he told me, "Unless you have around 1,500 yards and around 16 or 17 touchdowns, I would not leave early." I had 1,500 yards (1,496 to be precise) and 15 touchdowns, so I was right there. After the season, before I made any decisions, we sat down and spoke. The pros were better than the cons, we thought. So I made the decision to enter the draft early.
Q: Which NFL receiver do you try to emulate?
GT: Steve Smith (of the Panthers). We have similar size, a similar build. I think I model my game after him. I’m not afraid to go over the middle and catch the ball or throw a block. Also, a newcomer to the game — Percy Harvin. I really liked what Minnesota did with him last year — moving him around in the backfield, reverses, in motion, the Wildcat. Hopefully, a team will see that in me and draft me.
Q: Why did your parents name you Golden?
GT: I don’t know where it came from. I don’t know what they were thinking. I’m actually the third, so there’s other Goldens running around here somewhere. It worked out. I guess you could say it fits me. A lot of people say, Golden Domer. Notre Dame. It was destined.
Q: What part of the on-field drills are you most looking forward to on Sunday?
GT: I’d say the 40. Running straight is my thing. I can do that. So I’m excited to see how my times come out. I think I’m going to run a sub 4.5, a decent time.
Dennis Dillon is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at ddillon@sportingnews.com.
Golden Tate, who will run the 40 and go through drills with the other wide receivers today at the Combine, is one of the top-ranked wideouts and played in a pro-style offense under Charlie Weis at Notre Dame. Tate talked about how that helped him, and about other topics with Sporting News’ Dennis Dillon and other reporters in Indianapolis.
Question: What was it like playing for Charlie Weis?
Golden Tate: That’s one of the reasons I accepted a scholarship to Notre Dame. I knew the situation I was going into was that coach Weis was a professional caliber coach, (so) the system’s got to be similar (to the NFL). He came from the Patriots and won championships. So I knew I was going to have a head start when I decided to pursue my dream and play professional football.
Golden Tate had 1,496 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns for Notre Dame in 2009.
Q: Why did you decide to come out early?
GT: I spoke with coach Weis before the season, and he told me, "Unless you have around 1,500 yards and around 16 or 17 touchdowns, I would not leave early." I had 1,500 yards (1,496 to be precise) and 15 touchdowns, so I was right there. After the season, before I made any decisions, we sat down and spoke. The pros were better than the cons, we thought. So I made the decision to enter the draft early.
Q: Which NFL receiver do you try to emulate?
GT: Steve Smith (of the Panthers). We have similar size, a similar build. I think I model my game after him. I’m not afraid to go over the middle and catch the ball or throw a block. Also, a newcomer to the game — Percy Harvin. I really liked what Minnesota did with him last year — moving him around in the backfield, reverses, in motion, the Wildcat. Hopefully, a team will see that in me and draft me.
Q: Why did your parents name you Golden?
GT: I don’t know where it came from. I don’t know what they were thinking. I’m actually the third, so there’s other Goldens running around here somewhere. It worked out. I guess you could say it fits me. A lot of people say, Golden Domer. Notre Dame. It was destined.
Q: What part of the on-field drills are you most looking forward to on Sunday?
GT: I’d say the 40. Running straight is my thing. I can do that. So I’m excited to see how my times come out. I think I’m going to run a sub 4.5, a decent time.
Dennis Dillon is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at ddillon@sportingnews.com.
Tony Pike knows the variables and decides it best to show scouts what he can do.
Is there any quarterback who’s ready and willing to throw to real, live receivers inside Lucas Oil Stadium this weekend?
Well, yes. Tony Pike and Jevan Snead said they would throw during their workouts. Several others probably will join them. But the highest-profile quarterbacks will postpone throwing until their pro days in March.
Players at all positions routinely don’t participate in the Combine’s on-field activities — the 40-yard dash, the vertical jump, positional drills, et al — but it always seems to create bigger headlines when the quarterbacks decline to show off their guns.
Why is it that players at the most important position are hesitant to perform one of the most fundamental skills of their position?
"I think it’s mostly an insecurity from the quarterbacks’ side, and I think some of the agents push the fact you want to throw the ball at home on your pro day to wide receivers you know," NFL Network draft expert Mike Mayock said.
"There’s a comfort level waking up in your own bed, not being in a strange place. I get all that. But from my perspective, it’s all about the competition. It’s a controlled environment for the quarterbacks. You’re indoors in a dome. It’s never going to get any better as far as the type of conditions you’re throwing under.
"Scouts don’t really care if the ball hits the ground. What they want to see is the footwork, the ball come out of your hands, what kind of velocity you have — on the same field standing next to your competition. You get an apples-to-apples comparison that way."
Instead, it turns into a fruit medley of apples, oranges and, yes, some lemons when teams try to evaluate quarterbacks who throw on different days in different environments under different circumstances.
You can’t blame a guy for not throwing passes if he’s injured. But why would any healthy quarterback pass up the chance to make an impression when he has a captive audience comprised of general managers, coaches and scouts from all 32 NFL teams?
"A lot of guys aren’t comfortable throwing to different receivers," said Cincinnati’s Pike, who is projected to go in the second or third round. "But I understand the GMs know you’re throwing to new receivers.
He’ll let ’em fly: Javon Snead is looking at the Combine as a challenge.
"I want to go out and show solid footwork and a good release and throw some good balls, and just compete."
Mississippi‘s Snead, whose draft stock has fallen after an ’09 season in which he threw as many picks (20) as touchdown passes, is looking forward to trying to change some of the perceptions scouts have of him.
"It wasn’t a tough decision for me" to throw at the Combine, Snead said. "I love competition and I love the challenge — and that’s what I’m really looking forward to."
Just like it wasn’t a tough decision when Snead decided to transfer from Texas to Ole Miss. Sitting behind McCoy probably provoked that move.
Tebow, who has been working on his motion change at Peyton Manning’s D1 Sports Training Facility near Nashville, won’t throw any passes here but will perform the other drills. He could have waited until after the Combine — or even after he got drafted — to work on his technique, but that’s not in his nature.
"I’m someone who’s raring and ready to go, so I’m going to work on whatever I need to work on now," Tebow said. "I’m going to do it now, and I’m not scared of what people are going to say or anything else."
Pike, Snead and some other quarterbacks are ready to put their draft reputations on the line this weekend. Bradford, Clausen, McCoy and Tebow will do it later, when they’re healthier and more comfortable.
Bottom line: It will just take the NFL player evaluators a little longer to separate the fruit at the quarterback position.
This story appears in Feb. 27’s edition of Sporting News Today. If you are not receiving Sporting News Today, the only daily digital sports newspaper, sign up today.
Tony Pike knows the variables and decides it best to show scouts what he can do.
Is there any quarterback who’s ready and willing to throw to real, live receivers inside Lucas Oil Stadium this weekend?
Well, yes. Tony Pike and Jevan Snead said they would throw during their workouts. Several others probably will join them. But the highest-profile quarterbacks will postpone throwing until their pro days in March.
Players at all positions routinely don’t participate in the Combine’s on-field activities — the 40-yard dash, the vertical jump, positional drills, et al — but it always seems to create bigger headlines when the quarterbacks decline to show off their guns.
Why is it that players at the most important position are hesitant to perform one of the most fundamental skills of their position?
"I think it’s mostly an insecurity from the quarterbacks’ side, and I think some of the agents push the fact you want to throw the ball at home on your pro day to wide receivers you know," NFL Network draft expert Mike Mayock said.
"There’s a comfort level waking up in your own bed, not being in a strange place. I get all that. But from my perspective, it’s all about the competition. It’s a controlled environment for the quarterbacks. You’re indoors in a dome. It’s never going to get any better as far as the type of conditions you’re throwing under.
"Scouts don’t really care if the ball hits the ground. What they want to see is the footwork, the ball come out of your hands, what kind of velocity you have — on the same field standing next to your competition. You get an apples-to-apples comparison that way."
Instead, it turns into a fruit medley of apples, oranges and, yes, some lemons when teams try to evaluate quarterbacks who throw on different days in different environments under different circumstances.
You can’t blame a guy for not throwing passes if he’s injured. But why would any healthy quarterback pass up the chance to make an impression when he has a captive audience comprised of general managers, coaches and scouts from all 32 NFL teams?
"A lot of guys aren’t comfortable throwing to different receivers," said Cincinnati’s Pike, who is projected to go in the second or third round. "But I understand the GMs know you’re throwing to new receivers.
He’ll let ’em fly: Javon Snead is looking at the Combine as a challenge.
"I want to go out and show solid footwork and a good release and throw some good balls, and just compete."
Mississippi‘s Snead, whose draft stock has fallen after an ’09 season in which he threw as many picks (20) as touchdown passes, is looking forward to trying to change some of the perceptions scouts have of him.
"It wasn’t a tough decision for me" to throw at the Combine, Snead said. "I love competition and I love the challenge — and that’s what I’m really looking forward to."
Just like it wasn’t a tough decision when Snead decided to transfer from Texas to Ole Miss. Sitting behind McCoy probably provoked that move.
Tebow, who has been working on his motion change at Peyton Manning’s D1 Sports Training Facility near Nashville, won’t throw any passes here but will perform the other drills. He could have waited until after the Combine — or even after he got drafted — to work on his technique, but that’s not in his nature.
"I’m someone who’s raring and ready to go, so I’m going to work on whatever I need to work on now," Tebow said. "I’m going to do it now, and I’m not scared of what people are going to say or anything else."
Pike, Snead and some other quarterbacks are ready to put their draft reputations on the line this weekend. Bradford, Clausen, McCoy and Tebow will do it later, when they’re healthier and more comfortable.
Bottom line: It will just take the NFL player evaluators a little longer to separate the fruit at the quarterback position.
This story appears in Feb. 27’s edition of Sporting News Today. If you are not receiving Sporting News Today, the only daily digital sports newspaper, sign up today.
INDIANAPOLIS — He’s the best guard in the NFL draft. And he has been working out at tackle. But he would really like to play defense.
Meet Mike Iupati, a 6-5, 331-pound hulk who seemingly could line up at any position on the line on either side of the ball and bust your chops. Really bust ’em.
"I really love defense. That’s my favorite passion of the game," the Idaho offensive lineman said. "I know I’m physical enough to hold up two gaps and take on double-teams. I always pushed my coach to make me a defensive player because I am pretty good at it, but they needed me on offense."
Whichever team drafts Iupati — he’s expected to go in the middle of the first round — will get a player with an easy-going demeanor off the field but with a nasty DNA on it. He smiled frequently and spoke softly during an interview at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday. But listen to his game plan.
"When it comes to football, I like to destroy a lot of people," he said. "It’s fun."
Iupati’s road to the NFL has taken some unusual turns. A native of American Samoa, he came to the U.S. when he was 14 because his parents knew he and his siblings would have a better opportunity in this country. For a year, the family stayed in a garage at his aunt’s house — living from one paycheck to the next.
Iupati played football at Western High School in Anaheim, Calif., but struggled in the classroom — English was his second language — and didn’t meet the NCAA academic requirements. He considered attending Cerritos College, a junior college in Norwalk, Calif., and, in fact, was attending a barbecue there one night when a recruiter from Idaho stopped by and spotted him.
The recruiter offered to make Iupati a Proposition 48 student at Idaho. At first, Iupati resisted because he didn’t want his parents taking out a loan for college. But he finally relented and wound up becoming one of the best offensive linemen in the country (last season, he was one of three finalists for the Outland Trophy, which went to Nebraska defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh).
"He’s a really fine person. Kind of an easy-going, gentle giant," and AFC college scouting director told Sporting News. "That’s a guy who could solidify himself (at the Combine). Not that he hasn’t helped himself already."
Iupati, who will have his Combine workout Saturday at Lucas Oil Stadium, said, "I’m hoping to run a great 40, bench 30 reps (in the 225-pound bench press) and show them how quick I am for how big I am. I know they really like me and respect me, so I want to kind of add icing to the top."
Although he played left guard throughout his career at Idaho, Iupati was moved to right guard in the Senior Bowl. He even played some snaps at right tackle during practice. He believes versatility will only make him more valuable.
That’s one reason Iupati has been working out with Pro Football Hall of Fame tackle Jackie Slater in Irvine, Calif. Slater has been focusing on Iupati’s technique at left tackle — just in case an NFL team wants him to play there.
"I think it’s pretty good to be the best guard," Iupati said, " but being versatile will mean a great deal and hopefully move me up the draft boards.
"Whatever team picks me, and wherever they want me to play, I will definitely give them 110 percent and be the best at that position."
Iupati described his family as being "well off" when it lived in Samoa. The family owned a house and some land, his father was the top-paid mechanic at his company, and his mother helped at a relative’s restaurant. Because Iupati appreciates what his father and mother did for him by moving to the U.S., he’s planning on repaying them after he signs his first NFL contract.
"They made a big sacrifice, and I’m thankful for that," he said. "My parents want to go back to Samoa, and I want to take care of their dreams. Having a house built there for them would be the biggest thing I’d want to do for them."
Dennis Dillon is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at ddillon@sportingnews.com.
INDIANAPOLIS — He’s the best guard in the NFL draft. And he has been working out at tackle. But he would really like to play defense.
Meet Mike Iupati, a 6-5, 331-pound hulk who seemingly could line up at any position on the line on either side of the ball and bust your chops. Really bust ’em.
"I really love defense. That’s my favorite passion of the game," the Idaho offensive lineman said. "I know I’m physical enough to hold up two gaps and take on double-teams. I always pushed my coach to make me a defensive player because I am pretty good at it, but they needed me on offense."
Whichever team drafts Iupati — he’s expected to go in the middle of the first round — will get a player with an easy-going demeanor off the field but with a nasty DNA on it. He smiled frequently and spoke softly during an interview at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday. But listen to his game plan.
"When it comes to football, I like to destroy a lot of people," he said. "It’s fun."
Iupati’s road to the NFL has taken some unusual turns. A native of American Samoa, he came to the U.S. when he was 14 because his parents knew he and his siblings would have a better opportunity in this country. For a year, the family stayed in a garage at his aunt’s house — living from one paycheck to the next.
Iupati played football at Western High School in Anaheim, Calif., but struggled in the classroom — English was his second language — and didn’t meet the NCAA academic requirements. He considered attending Cerritos College, a junior college in Norwalk, Calif., and, in fact, was attending a barbecue there one night when a recruiter from Idaho stopped by and spotted him.
The recruiter offered to make Iupati a Proposition 48 student at Idaho. At first, Iupati resisted because he didn’t want his parents taking out a loan for college. But he finally relented and wound up becoming one of the best offensive linemen in the country (last season, he was one of three finalists for the Outland Trophy, which went to Nebraska defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh).
"He’s a really fine person. Kind of an easy-going, gentle giant," and AFC college scouting director told Sporting News. "That’s a guy who could solidify himself (at the Combine). Not that he hasn’t helped himself already."
Iupati, who will have his Combine workout Saturday at Lucas Oil Stadium, said, "I’m hoping to run a great 40, bench 30 reps (in the 225-pound bench press) and show them how quick I am for how big I am. I know they really like me and respect me, so I want to kind of add icing to the top."
Although he played left guard throughout his career at Idaho, Iupati was moved to right guard in the Senior Bowl. He even played some snaps at right tackle during practice. He believes versatility will only make him more valuable.
That’s one reason Iupati has been working out with Pro Football Hall of Fame tackle Jackie Slater in Irvine, Calif. Slater has been focusing on Iupati’s technique at left tackle — just in case an NFL team wants him to play there.
"I think it’s pretty good to be the best guard," Iupati said, " but being versatile will mean a great deal and hopefully move me up the draft boards.
"Whatever team picks me, and wherever they want me to play, I will definitely give them 110 percent and be the best at that position."
Iupati described his family as being "well off" when it lived in Samoa. The family owned a house and some land, his father was the top-paid mechanic at his company, and his mother helped at a relative’s restaurant. Because Iupati appreciates what his father and mother did for him by moving to the U.S., he’s planning on repaying them after he signs his first NFL contract.
"They made a big sacrifice, and I’m thankful for that," he said. "My parents want to go back to Samoa, and I want to take care of their dreams. Having a house built there for them would be the biggest thing I’d want to do for them."
Dennis Dillon is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at ddillon@sportingnews.com.
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — For those general managers, coaches and scouts who believe the most important part of the NFL Scouting Combine is the player workouts, the big days are coming up.
Tight ends and offensive linemen work out on Saturday. Quarterbacks, running backs and wide receivers will display their skills on Sunday. Defensive linemen and linebackers will be on the field Monday. The defensive backs will then take the stage on Tuesday.
Although some players will choose to bypass the drills here — opting to work out at their pro days — many NFL personnel men feel that’s a mistake.
"If you get a chance to compete, then compete," 49ers G.M. Scot McCloughan said. "It doesn’t matter if it’s dominoes, the Senior Bowl or coming here. My personal feeling is you can’t hurt yourself; you can only help yourself."
Here are some players who can help themselves in workouts:
His mission: Show he can throw accurately and make good decisions.
The skinny: Snead was a top prospect heading into the ’09 season, but a disappointing performance and some questionable decision-making in games has caused his stock to fall.
His mission: Prove he has top speed.
The skinny: Scouts don’t have much recent information on Blount, who was suspended for most of the ’09 season and had only 22 carries for 82 yards and two touchdowns.
His mission: Show deep speed.
The skinny: Bryant is the top wideout on a lot of teams’ draft boards, but he missed the ’09 season because of a suspension and scouts question his speed. "If he doesn’t run well, he’s probably going to slide," an AFC college scouting director said.
His mission: Prove he has regained his agility and speed after missing the ’09 season with a knee injury.
The skinny: Gresham and Arizona’s Rob Gronkowski are considered the top two tight ends. Gronkowsi, who also missed the ’09 season (back surgery), has decided to wait until his pro day to work out. Gresham could gain an edge with a good workout.
Their mission: Burn the scouts’ stopwatches.
The skinny: Both players are considered instinctive defenders, but teams would like them to show improved speed.
This story appears in Feb. 26’s edition of Sporting News Today. If you are not receiving Sporting News Today, the only daily digital sports newspaper, sign up today.
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — For those general managers, coaches and scouts who believe the most important part of the NFL Scouting Combine is the player workouts, the big days are coming up.
Tight ends and offensive linemen work out on Saturday. Quarterbacks, running backs and wide receivers will display their skills on Sunday. Defensive linemen and linebackers will be on the field Monday. The defensive backs will then take the stage on Tuesday.
Although some players will choose to bypass the drills here — opting to work out at their pro days — many NFL personnel men feel that’s a mistake.
"If you get a chance to compete, then compete," 49ers G.M. Scot McCloughan said. "It doesn’t matter if it’s dominoes, the Senior Bowl or coming here. My personal feeling is you can’t hurt yourself; you can only help yourself."
Here are some players who can help themselves in workouts:
His mission: Show he can throw accurately and make good decisions.
The skinny: Snead was a top prospect heading into the ’09 season, but a disappointing performance and some questionable decision-making in games has caused his stock to fall.
His mission: Prove he has top speed.
The skinny: Scouts don’t have much recent information on Blount, who was suspended for most of the ’09 season and had only 22 carries for 82 yards and two touchdowns.
His mission: Show deep speed.
The skinny: Bryant is the top wideout on a lot of teams’ draft boards, but he missed the ’09 season because of a suspension and scouts question his speed. "If he doesn’t run well, he’s probably going to slide," an AFC college scouting director said.
His mission: Prove he has regained his agility and speed after missing the ’09 season with a knee injury.
The skinny: Gresham and Arizona’s Rob Gronkowski are considered the top two tight ends. Gronkowsi, who also missed the ’09 season (back surgery), has decided to wait until his pro day to work out. Gresham could gain an edge with a good workout.
Their mission: Burn the scouts’ stopwatches.
The skinny: Both players are considered instinctive defenders, but teams would like them to show improved speed.
This story appears in Feb. 26’s edition of Sporting News Today. If you are not receiving Sporting News Today, the only daily digital sports newspaper, sign up today.
All of the 329 players invited to the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis have questions they need to answer. Some have bigger questions than others.
These five players will be among those who undergo the most scrutiny by NFL general managers, coaches and scouts during interviews and drills in Indy.
As Ricky Ricardo would say, they have some ‘splainin’ to do.
LeGarrette Blount will need to answer to prospective employers at the Combine.
LeGarrette Blount, RB, Oregon
After being suspended indefinitely last February by former Oregon coach Mike Bellotti for "failure to fulfill team obligations," Blount was reinstated by new coach Chip Kelly before the 2009 season. Then, after the Ducks’ season-opening loss, Blount punched a Boise State player, confronted fans and was suspended again.
Blount rejoined the team late in the season but played in only two more games — the Civil War contest against Oregon State and the Rose Bowl against Ohio State. He finished the ’09 season with only 22 carries for 82 yards and two touchdowns. Not only did Blount force scouts to dig into the past to evaluate his ability — they had to go back to tape from the ’08 season — but he raised a major red flag with his physical and emotional outburst in Boise.
"I think that is a concern," an AFC college scouting director said. "It’s one thing to just snap and throw a punch. That happens in the NFL; you see it. It’s another thing to absolutely go off the handle and start getting into it with the crowd. Because of that moment, the doubt is going to be on him for a long, long time. Everybody is going to be waiting for the shoe to drop again."
Jevan Snead, QB, Mississippi
The 2009 NFL draft had barely ended when some pundits started putting out mock drafts for ’10. Back then, Snead was considered a top 10 pick based largely, perhaps, on one good half’s performance against Florida. Since then, Snead’s stock has fallen.
After throwing 26 touchdown passes, getting intercepted only 13 times and finishing with a 145.50 passer rating in ’08, Snead’s corresponding numbers were 20, 20 and 124.82 this past season. Snead is big and has a strong arm, but many talent evaluators question his accuracy and decision making.
"This is a guy who’s got a lot riding (on his Combine performance)," the AFC college scouting director said. "He’s going to have to show accuracy (in the passing drills). He’s going to have to show a mental aptitude for the game for people to feel comfortable with him."
Carlos Dunlap, DE, Florida
The defensive MVP of the national championship game a year ago, Dunlap has the size, athleticism and long arms you want in a defensive end. But scouts wonder if he has the passion and competitiveness to be a consistent playmaker. It seemed like Dunlap would make two or three outstanding plays every game, then would disappear the rest of the time.
"There are teams thinking he’s almost a Vernon Gholston bust waiting to happen," the War Room’s Russ Lande said, referring to the Jets’ first-round pick in ’08 who thus far has been a failure in the NFL.
Greg Hardy, DE, Mississippi
Hardy has first-round talent and seventh-round attitude. During his four-year career, he had 39 tackles for losses and 26 1/2 sacks, including a Southeastern Conference-leading 10 sacks in ’07. But some scouts question his passion for the game. He often was late for practice, and he didn’t perform consistently.
"His work ethic is terrible," another AFC college scouting director said. "He’s a guy who likes to play on Saturday but doesn’t like to do the stuff in between."
Brandon LaFell, WR, LSU
After catching 57 passes for 792 yards and 11 touchdowns last season, LaFell skipped the Senior Bowl — the most prestigious college all-star game‹deciding it wasn’t in his best interests to participate. That puzzled many scouts, who already were skeptical about LaFell’s speed.
"A lot of teams view him as more of a second- or third-round type guy despite the fact he was a first-rounder when the year began," Lande said. "Some people wonder since he didn’t come to the Senior Bowl if he’s going to pull a ‘no workout’ at the Combine and just leave it all on his pro day. I think it would be terrifyingly risky for a guy who can’t run."
This story appears in Feb. 24’s edition of Sporting News Today. If you are not receiving Sporting News Today, the only daily digital sports newspaper, sign up today for free.
Dennis Dillon is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at ddillon@sportingnews.com.
All of the 329 players invited to the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis have questions they need to answer. Some have bigger questions than others.
These five players will be among those who undergo the most scrutiny by NFL general managers, coaches and scouts during interviews and drills in Indy.
As Ricky Ricardo would say, they have some ‘splainin’ to do.
LeGarrette Blount will need to answer to prospective employers at the Combine.
LeGarrette Blount, RB, Oregon
After being suspended indefinitely last February by former Oregon coach Mike Bellotti for "failure to fulfill team obligations," Blount was reinstated by new coach Chip Kelly before the 2009 season. Then, after the Ducks’ season-opening loss, Blount punched a Boise State player, confronted fans and was suspended again.
Blount rejoined the team late in the season but played in only two more games — the Civil War contest against Oregon State and the Rose Bowl against Ohio State. He finished the ’09 season with only 22 carries for 82 yards and two touchdowns. Not only did Blount force scouts to dig into the past to evaluate his ability — they had to go back to tape from the ’08 season — but he raised a major red flag with his physical and emotional outburst in Boise.
"I think that is a concern," an AFC college scouting director said. "It’s one thing to just snap and throw a punch. That happens in the NFL; you see it. It’s another thing to absolutely go off the handle and start getting into it with the crowd. Because of that moment, the doubt is going to be on him for a long, long time. Everybody is going to be waiting for the shoe to drop again."
Jevan Snead, QB, Mississippi
The 2009 NFL draft had barely ended when some pundits started putting out mock drafts for ’10. Back then, Snead was considered a top 10 pick based largely, perhaps, on one good half’s performance against Florida. Since then, Snead’s stock has fallen.
After throwing 26 touchdown passes, getting intercepted only 13 times and finishing with a 145.50 passer rating in ’08, Snead’s corresponding numbers were 20, 20 and 124.82 this past season. Snead is big and has a strong arm, but many talent evaluators question his accuracy and decision making.
"This is a guy who’s got a lot riding (on his Combine performance)," the AFC college scouting director said. "He’s going to have to show accuracy (in the passing drills). He’s going to have to show a mental aptitude for the game for people to feel comfortable with him."
Carlos Dunlap, DE, Florida
The defensive MVP of the national championship game a year ago, Dunlap has the size, athleticism and long arms you want in a defensive end. But scouts wonder if he has the passion and competitiveness to be a consistent playmaker. It seemed like Dunlap would make two or three outstanding plays every game, then would disappear the rest of the time.
"There are teams thinking he’s almost a Vernon Gholston bust waiting to happen," the War Room’s Russ Lande said, referring to the Jets’ first-round pick in ’08 who thus far has been a failure in the NFL.
Greg Hardy, DE, Mississippi
Hardy has first-round talent and seventh-round attitude. During his four-year career, he had 39 tackles for losses and 26 1/2 sacks, including a Southeastern Conference-leading 10 sacks in ’07. But some scouts question his passion for the game. He often was late for practice, and he didn’t perform consistently.
"His work ethic is terrible," another AFC college scouting director said. "He’s a guy who likes to play on Saturday but doesn’t like to do the stuff in between."
Brandon LaFell, WR, LSU
After catching 57 passes for 792 yards and 11 touchdowns last season, LaFell skipped the Senior Bowl — the most prestigious college all-star game‹deciding it wasn’t in his best interests to participate. That puzzled many scouts, who already were skeptical about LaFell’s speed.
"A lot of teams view him as more of a second- or third-round type guy despite the fact he was a first-rounder when the year began," Lande said. "Some people wonder since he didn’t come to the Senior Bowl if he’s going to pull a ‘no workout’ at the Combine and just leave it all on his pro day. I think it would be terrifyingly risky for a guy who can’t run."
This story appears in Feb. 24’s edition of Sporting News Today. If you are not receiving Sporting News Today, the only daily digital sports newspaper, sign up today for free.
Dennis Dillon is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at ddillon@sportingnews.com.
Free agency begins on March 5 and the draft — expanded to three days this year — starts on April 22, but there could be plenty of player movement before either of those dates.
Last year, tight end Kellen Winslow, linebacker Mike Vrabel, quarterbacks Matt Cassel and Sage Rosenfels and defensive backs Lito Sheppard and Anthony Henry all were traded in February. Several other players, including quarterback Jay Cutler, offensive tackle Jason Peters and tight end Tony Gonzalez, were dealt before the draft.
Here are 10 high-profile players who could wind up on the trading block — or the waiver wire — in the coming weeks:
Cardinals WR Anquan Boldin
The skinny: Boldin, who caught 84 passes for 1,024 yards last season, has wanted out of Arizona for a while now. The Cardinals may have enough receivers behind Larry Fitzgerald to fill the void if Boldin leaves.
Scout’s take: "Just from a talent standpoint, I would think teams would be interested in him because he’s still a No. 1 receiver on a lot of teams."
Panthers DE Julius Peppers
The skinny: He can be a dominating pass rusher — when he wants to be. Putting the franchise tag (more than $20 million) on Peppers again probably isn’t an option for the Panthers — unless they could turn around and trade him.
Scout’s take: "The main issue with Julius is he doesn’t give it to you all the time. His price tag is going to be astronomical. If I were to spend that kind of money, I’d hope that the guy’s motor was going to run hot all the time."
Brandon Marshall’s days in Denver could be numbered.
Broncos WR Brandon Marshall
The skinny: Marshall is one of only two players (Wes Welker is the other) to catch at least 100 passes in each of the last three seasons. But his distractive behavior sometimes overshadows his prolific production.
Scout’s take: "He’s a beast. The guy can turn a game and dominate a game. Obviously, the attitudinal and away-from-the-field issues are question marks."
Dolphins OLB Joey Porter
The skinny: After putting up an AFC-leading 17 1/2 sacks in ’08, Porter had less impact last season as he was reduced to a role player. The Dolphins already tried to cut him but had to hold off because of cap issues. He will go in March.
Scout’s take: "I think he’s hit the wall. Maybe he finds a 3-4 team where he can spot play."
Giants DE Osi Umenyiora
The skinny: It’s been a tough couple of years for Umenyiora, who missed the ’08 season with a knee injury and lost his starting job late in the ’09 season. He wants to be assured that he will be a starter, not a situational pass rusher.
Scout’s take: "He’s a talented rush guy who can flat-out come off the edge. I would think there would be a market for him just from a talent standpoint."
Jets FS Kerry Rhodes
The skinny: Rhodes, who lost his starting job to Eric Smith for two games last season, may not be Rex Ryan’s type of player. He reportedly is due to make $4.8 in 2010, including a $2 million roster bonus payable in March.
Scout’s take: "He’s physical. He blows people up coming downhill. There should be a market out there for him."
Rams QB Marc Bulger
The skinny: He is the NFL’s poster boy for battered quarterback syndrome. The Rams rewarded him with a lucrative contract after a career season in ’06, but his performance has deteriorated after being hit — and injured — so often.
Scout’s take: "He’s kind of come to the end. I see his role as coming in behind a young starter, where he can be a mentor and an emergency starter or insurance policy type of guy."
Seahawks DE Patrick Kerney
The skinny: The Seahawks need to upgrade a pass rush that accounted for only one sack in the final four games last season. Kerney is 33 and has lost a step, so he no longer looks like a good fit in Seattle.
Scout’s take: "In terms of playing at the level he’s played in the past, I don’t necessarily see that. You can start him, but you (should) play him in a rotation where he doesn’t have to take all the snaps."
Titans RB LenDale White
The skinny: White lost more than 30 pounds coming into last season as he expected to play a big part in the offense. But he became lost in the shadow of Chris Johnson’s run to 2,000 yards. Javon Ringer, a fifth-round pick in ’09, could make White expendable.
Scout’s take: "He lost all that weight last year and was supposed to be rejuvenated, but I really didn’t see it. I think there will be a spot for him somewhere in the league, but I don’t know if people will be knocking down his door."
Redskins RB Clinton Portis
The skinny: Injuries limited him to eight games in ’09, and even when he did play he was largely ineffective (494 rushing yards). Poor line play accounted for some of the problems, but there also is a perception that Portis’ work ethic has declined.
Scout’s take: "He’s not the back he was three or four years ago. He’s 28, but he’s a bit of an old 28. He’s got some miles on him. If you play him in a rotation, where you have another young back to go with him, he’s still got enough to help a team."
Dennis Dillon is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at ddillon@sportingnews.com.
Free agency begins on March 5 and the draft — expanded to three days this year — starts on April 22, but there could be plenty of player movement before either of those dates.
Last year, tight end Kellen Winslow, linebacker Mike Vrabel, quarterbacks Matt Cassel and Sage Rosenfels and defensive backs Lito Sheppard and Anthony Henry all were traded in February. Several other players, including quarterback Jay Cutler, offensive tackle Jason Peters and tight end Tony Gonzalez, were dealt before the draft.
Here are 10 high-profile players who could wind up on the trading block — or the waiver wire — in the coming weeks:
Cardinals WR Anquan Boldin
The skinny: Boldin, who caught 84 passes for 1,024 yards last season, has wanted out of Arizona for a while now. The Cardinals may have enough receivers behind Larry Fitzgerald to fill the void if Boldin leaves.
Scout’s take: "Just from a talent standpoint, I would think teams would be interested in him because he’s still a No. 1 receiver on a lot of teams."
Panthers DE Julius Peppers
The skinny: He can be a dominating pass rusher — when he wants to be. Putting the franchise tag (more than $20 million) on Peppers again probably isn’t an option for the Panthers — unless they could turn around and trade him.
Scout’s take: "The main issue with Julius is he doesn’t give it to you all the time. His price tag is going to be astronomical. If I were to spend that kind of money, I’d hope that the guy’s motor was going to run hot all the time."
Brandon Marshall’s days in Denver could be numbered.
Broncos WR Brandon Marshall
The skinny: Marshall is one of only two players (Wes Welker is the other) to catch at least 100 passes in each of the last three seasons. But his distractive behavior sometimes overshadows his prolific production.
Scout’s take: "He’s a beast. The guy can turn a game and dominate a game. Obviously, the attitudinal and away-from-the-field issues are question marks."
Dolphins OLB Joey Porter
The skinny: After putting up an AFC-leading 17 1/2 sacks in ’08, Porter had less impact last season as he was reduced to a role player. The Dolphins already tried to cut him but had to hold off because of cap issues. He will go in March.
Scout’s take: "I think he’s hit the wall. Maybe he finds a 3-4 team where he can spot play."
Giants DE Osi Umenyiora
The skinny: It’s been a tough couple of years for Umenyiora, who missed the ’08 season with a knee injury and lost his starting job late in the ’09 season. He wants to be assured that he will be a starter, not a situational pass rusher.
Scout’s take: "He’s a talented rush guy who can flat-out come off the edge. I would think there would be a market for him just from a talent standpoint."
Jets FS Kerry Rhodes
The skinny: Rhodes, who lost his starting job to Eric Smith for two games last season, may not be Rex Ryan’s type of player. He reportedly is due to make $4.8 in 2010, including a $2 million roster bonus payable in March.
Scout’s take: "He’s physical. He blows people up coming downhill. There should be a market out there for him."
Rams QB Marc Bulger
The skinny: He is the NFL’s poster boy for battered quarterback syndrome. The Rams rewarded him with a lucrative contract after a career season in ’06, but his performance has deteriorated after being hit — and injured — so often.
Scout’s take: "He’s kind of come to the end. I see his role as coming in behind a young starter, where he can be a mentor and an emergency starter or insurance policy type of guy."
Seahawks DE Patrick Kerney
The skinny: The Seahawks need to upgrade a pass rush that accounted for only one sack in the final four games last season. Kerney is 33 and has lost a step, so he no longer looks like a good fit in Seattle.
Scout’s take: "In terms of playing at the level he’s played in the past, I don’t necessarily see that. You can start him, but you (should) play him in a rotation where he doesn’t have to take all the snaps."
Titans RB LenDale White
The skinny: White lost more than 30 pounds coming into last season as he expected to play a big part in the offense. But he became lost in the shadow of Chris Johnson’s run to 2,000 yards. Javon Ringer, a fifth-round pick in ’09, could make White expendable.
Scout’s take: "He lost all that weight last year and was supposed to be rejuvenated, but I really didn’t see it. I think there will be a spot for him somewhere in the league, but I don’t know if people will be knocking down his door."
Redskins RB Clinton Portis
The skinny: Injuries limited him to eight games in ’09, and even when he did play he was largely ineffective (494 rushing yards). Poor line play accounted for some of the problems, but there also is a perception that Portis’ work ethic has declined.
Scout’s take: "He’s not the back he was three or four years ago. He’s 28, but he’s a bit of an old 28. He’s got some miles on him. If you play him in a rotation, where you have another young back to go with him, he’s still got enough to help a team."
Dennis Dillon is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at ddillon@sportingnews.com.
The Green Bay Packers pounded the Arizona Cardinals in August when it mattered not. They pounded them again last week when it mattered only a little. Now the teams will meet for a third time at Arizona in a game that matters a whole lot.
The winner of today’s playoff game will advance to the next round and keep its Super Bowl dream alive. The Cardinals know what they have to do to be that team.
"We have to play better than we played in the previous two games," Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt understated to reporters this past week.
Here are five story lines to follow in the final game of this wild-card weekend:
Arizona’s walking wounded
Three Cardinals starters are questionable after injuries in last week’s game. Wide receiver Anquan Boldin (high left ankle sprain, left knee sprain), cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (bruised left kneecap) and free safety Antrel Rolle (bruised thigh) all missed parts, or all, of practice this week. In addition, defensive end Calais Campbell has a broken thumb and is wearing a cast.
Losing Boldin would be a blow to Arizona’s passing attack. Without him, Steve Breaston would be the starter opposite Larry Fitzgerald and Early Doucet would step in as the No. 3 man.
"You don’t replace guys like that," quarterback Kurt Warner told reporters.
"You just can’t plug somebody else in and get the same productivity, the same leadership and the same competitiveness."
Third down, Packers
Trying to stop Green Bay from moving the chains and keeping drives alive will be a challenge for Arizona. Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers led the NFL in third-down passing this season. His statistics were eye-popping: 67.5 completion percentage, 14 touchdowns and no interceptions.
"I don’t like throwing interceptions, and I don’t like not converting third downs," Rodgers said. "It’s a heightened sense of focus and something we work on in practice Wednesday, Thursday and Friday."
Watch out for Woodson
Green Bay cornerback Charles Woodson is 33 and in his 12th season, but he has played lights out. He is a candidate for Defensive Player of the Year after tying for the league lead in interceptions (nine), including one he returned 45 yards for a touchdown in last week’s game.
Woodson just doesn’t line up and cover wide receivers. In Green Bay’s 3-4 defense, he’ll blitz from the slot, play the role of "rover" in the middle, and sometimes play safety.
"I think Charles is extraordinary," Packers coach Mike McCarthy told Arizona reporters during a conference call. "He has really given (coordinator) Dom Capers and our defensive staff a lot of flexibility as far as the way we can use him."
Covering Fitzgerald
Although Fitzgerald will be the biggest playmaker on the field, don’t expect him to be matched up against Woodson the whole game. When Woodson moves inside to the slot, the challenge of covering Fitzgerald will fall to cornerback Tramon Williams, who became a starter when Al Harris suffered a season-ending injury, or Jarrett Bush, who replaced Williams as the nickel back.
Bush has allowed several pass plays of 20 or more yards. He often appears to be in good coverage position but struggles to make a play on the ball.
Warner’s blind side
When Mike Gandy suffered a season-ending injury last month, Jeremy Bridges became the Cardinals’ left tackle. He played well against Vikings end Jared Allen in Week 13. Now he faces another pass-rushing threat in Packers rookie outside linebacker Clay Matthews (10 sacks).
The Cardinals can give Bridges occasional help with a tight end or a running back chipping Matthews, but with all of the spread formations they use, Bridges will be matched up one-on-one against Matthews often.
This story appears in Jan. 10’s edition of Sporting News Today. If you are not receiving Sporting News Today, the only daily digital sports newspaper, sign up today.
The Green Bay Packers pounded the Arizona Cardinals in August when it mattered not. They pounded them again last week when it mattered only a little. Now the teams will meet for a third time at Arizona in a game that matters a whole lot.
The winner of today’s playoff game will advance to the next round and keep its Super Bowl dream alive. The Cardinals know what they have to do to be that team.
"We have to play better than we played in the previous two games," Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt understated to reporters this past week.
Here are five story lines to follow in the final game of this wild-card weekend:
Arizona’s walking wounded
Three Cardinals starters are questionable after injuries in last week’s game. Wide receiver Anquan Boldin (high left ankle sprain, left knee sprain), cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (bruised left kneecap) and free safety Antrel Rolle (bruised thigh) all missed parts, or all, of practice this week. In addition, defensive end Calais Campbell has a broken thumb and is wearing a cast.
Losing Boldin would be a blow to Arizona’s passing attack. Without him, Steve Breaston would be the starter opposite Larry Fitzgerald and Early Doucet would step in as the No. 3 man.
"You don’t replace guys like that," quarterback Kurt Warner told reporters.
"You just can’t plug somebody else in and get the same productivity, the same leadership and the same competitiveness."
Third down, Packers
Trying to stop Green Bay from moving the chains and keeping drives alive will be a challenge for Arizona. Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers led the NFL in third-down passing this season. His statistics were eye-popping: 67.5 completion percentage, 14 touchdowns and no interceptions.
"I don’t like throwing interceptions, and I don’t like not converting third downs," Rodgers said. "It’s a heightened sense of focus and something we work on in practice Wednesday, Thursday and Friday."
Watch out for Woodson
Green Bay cornerback Charles Woodson is 33 and in his 12th season, but he has played lights out. He is a candidate for Defensive Player of the Year after tying for the league lead in interceptions (nine), including one he returned 45 yards for a touchdown in last week’s game.
Woodson just doesn’t line up and cover wide receivers. In Green Bay’s 3-4 defense, he’ll blitz from the slot, play the role of "rover" in the middle, and sometimes play safety.
"I think Charles is extraordinary," Packers coach Mike McCarthy told Arizona reporters during a conference call. "He has really given (coordinator) Dom Capers and our defensive staff a lot of flexibility as far as the way we can use him."
Covering Fitzgerald
Although Fitzgerald will be the biggest playmaker on the field, don’t expect him to be matched up against Woodson the whole game. When Woodson moves inside to the slot, the challenge of covering Fitzgerald will fall to cornerback Tramon Williams, who became a starter when Al Harris suffered a season-ending injury, or Jarrett Bush, who replaced Williams as the nickel back.
Bush has allowed several pass plays of 20 or more yards. He often appears to be in good coverage position but struggles to make a play on the ball.
Warner’s blind side
When Mike Gandy suffered a season-ending injury last month, Jeremy Bridges became the Cardinals’ left tackle. He played well against Vikings end Jared Allen in Week 13. Now he faces another pass-rushing threat in Packers rookie outside linebacker Clay Matthews (10 sacks).
The Cardinals can give Bridges occasional help with a tight end or a running back chipping Matthews, but with all of the spread formations they use, Bridges will be matched up one-on-one against Matthews often.
This story appears in Jan. 10’s edition of Sporting News Today. If you are not receiving Sporting News Today, the only daily digital sports newspaper, sign up today.
