In recent years, the NFL has seen significant annual turnover in its head coaching ranks. And while plenty of men occupied flame-flecked seats in 2009, fewer than 10 percent of the teams opted to make a change once the dust of a failed season (for the three teams involved) settled.
With two Super Bowl rings and an All-Pro QB, the bar is set high for Mike Shanahan.
The question of whether each new coach succeeds in his first year will be based on specific expectations that apply to each team.
So let’s take a look at what it will take for each of the three new coaches to come out of 2010 as something other than abject failures.
Mike Shanahan, Redskins
The former Broncos coach faces the highest expectations, due both to his past accomplishments (two Super Bowl wins) and the team’s "win-now" offseason moves. The biggest of these moves resulted in the highest nudging of the bar north — the trade for quarterback Donovan McNabb.
But the Redskins remain in the most competitive division in the league. Move them to the NFC West, and they become the instant favorites. In the NFC East, it’ll be a challenge to get out of the basement.
That doesn’t mean the fan base (or the owner) will settle for another fourth-place finish. In the days when all teams squat on a 0-0 record, optimism builds. And bringing in a guy like McNabb will make the locals expect the Redskins to contend for a wild-card berth.
Complicating matters has been the ill-advised decision to shift from a 4-3 defense to a 3-4. The Redskins had the personnel for a 4-3, and the defense wasn’t the problem in 2009. Changing philosophies already has proven to be a mistake, given that defensive lineman Albert Haynesworth has seized on the shift to support a boycott of the offseason program and a public attempt to get out of town.
In the end, Shanahan likely needs to get close to .500, if not above it, to be regarded a success in Year One. Given that six games will be played within the division, that may be too tall an order.
Pete Carroll, Seahawks
Carroll returns to the NFL with the kind of rah-rah rhetoric that doesn’t often resonate with grown men who are motivated mainly by money. (Then again, money apparently was one of the motivations at Carroll’s last collegiate stop, too.)
The problem with talking big? Fans hear it, and they begin to believe it.
Regardless of what the talent (or lack thereof) on the roster suggests.
That said, Carroll and GM John Schneider have brought in talented new faces, like left tackle Russell Okung, safety Earl Thomas, and receiver Golden Tate. Carroll’s decision to trade for former USC running back LenDale White and then cut him shows that there will be no sacred cows, and that the only way to get paid will be to do things Carroll’s way.
Whether it works remains to be seen. But Carroll’s success at Southern Cal (which has been tempered a bit by the sanctions imposed against the program) and his high-energy confidence raise the stakes, especially in a weak division.
It’ll be a surprise if the Seahawks can muster more than six wins, but failure to do so will still be met with disappointment in a city that believes a new coach can create the same turnaround that Mike Smith brought to the Falcons, Tony Sparano brought to the Dolphins, and John Harbaugh brought to the Ravens in 2008.
The best news for Carroll? Even if he doesn’t win a game, the Seahawks won’t be likely to fire a head coach after only one season for a second straight year.
Chan Gailey, Bills
Gailey has a long history of being associated with successful football programs. He now runs a team that hasn’t had much success since the last of those four straight Super Bowl appearances.
Of the three new coaches, Gailey faces the lowest expectations. And for darn good reason. The cupboard generally is regarded as dog-bone bare in Buffalo, with a three-headed, none-of-the-above quarterback situation and an offensive line that does few offensive things to opposing defensive linemen.
With three high-quality teams in the AFC East, no one expects the Bills to do much. And this means that the bar will be very, very low for Gailey in his first season on the job.
Still, it’s possible that Gailey is the most vulnerable of the three new coaches. With owner Ralph Wilson well into the Leon Hess phase of his tenure, the average male life expectancy nearly two decades into the rear-view mirror, Wilson could decide after yet another bad season to push the chips into the middle of the table and go after a big-name coach who possibly would be able to deliver that long-coveted Super Bowl title.
Mike Florio writes and edits ProFootballTalk.com and is a regular contributor to Sporting News. Check out PFT for up-to-the minute NFL news.
In recent years, the NFL has seen significant annual turnover in its head coaching ranks. And while plenty of men occupied flame-flecked seats in 2009, fewer than 10 percent of the teams opted to make a change once the dust of a failed season (for the three teams involved) settled.
With two Super Bowl rings and an All-Pro QB, the bar is set high for Mike Shanahan.
The question of whether each new coach succeeds in his first year will be based on specific expectations that apply to each team.
So let’s take a look at what it will take for each of the three new coaches to come out of 2010 as something other than abject failures.
Mike Shanahan, Redskins
The former Broncos coach faces the highest expectations, due both to his past accomplishments (two Super Bowl wins) and the team’s "win-now" offseason moves. The biggest of these moves resulted in the highest nudging of the bar north — the trade for quarterback Donovan McNabb.
But the Redskins remain in the most competitive division in the league. Move them to the NFC West, and they become the instant favorites. In the NFC East, it’ll be a challenge to get out of the basement.
That doesn’t mean the fan base (or the owner) will settle for another fourth-place finish. In the days when all teams squat on a 0-0 record, optimism builds. And bringing in a guy like McNabb will make the locals expect the Redskins to contend for a wild-card berth.
Complicating matters has been the ill-advised decision to shift from a 4-3 defense to a 3-4. The Redskins had the personnel for a 4-3, and the defense wasn’t the problem in 2009. Changing philosophies already has proven to be a mistake, given that defensive lineman Albert Haynesworth has seized on the shift to support a boycott of the offseason program and a public attempt to get out of town.
In the end, Shanahan likely needs to get close to .500, if not above it, to be regarded a success in Year One. Given that six games will be played within the division, that may be too tall an order.
Pete Carroll, Seahawks
Carroll returns to the NFL with the kind of rah-rah rhetoric that doesn’t often resonate with grown men who are motivated mainly by money. (Then again, money apparently was one of the motivations at Carroll’s last collegiate stop, too.)
The problem with talking big? Fans hear it, and they begin to believe it.
Regardless of what the talent (or lack thereof) on the roster suggests.
That said, Carroll and GM John Schneider have brought in talented new faces, like left tackle Russell Okung, safety Earl Thomas, and receiver Golden Tate. Carroll’s decision to trade for former USC running back LenDale White and then cut him shows that there will be no sacred cows, and that the only way to get paid will be to do things Carroll’s way.
Whether it works remains to be seen. But Carroll’s success at Southern Cal (which has been tempered a bit by the sanctions imposed against the program) and his high-energy confidence raise the stakes, especially in a weak division.
It’ll be a surprise if the Seahawks can muster more than six wins, but failure to do so will still be met with disappointment in a city that believes a new coach can create the same turnaround that Mike Smith brought to the Falcons, Tony Sparano brought to the Dolphins, and John Harbaugh brought to the Ravens in 2008.
The best news for Carroll? Even if he doesn’t win a game, the Seahawks won’t be likely to fire a head coach after only one season for a second straight year.
Chan Gailey, Bills
Gailey has a long history of being associated with successful football programs. He now runs a team that hasn’t had much success since the last of those four straight Super Bowl appearances.
Of the three new coaches, Gailey faces the lowest expectations. And for darn good reason. The cupboard generally is regarded as dog-bone bare in Buffalo, with a three-headed, none-of-the-above quarterback situation and an offensive line that does few offensive things to opposing defensive linemen.
With three high-quality teams in the AFC East, no one expects the Bills to do much. And this means that the bar will be very, very low for Gailey in his first season on the job.
Still, it’s possible that Gailey is the most vulnerable of the three new coaches. With owner Ralph Wilson well into the Leon Hess phase of his tenure, the average male life expectancy nearly two decades into the rear-view mirror, Wilson could decide after yet another bad season to push the chips into the middle of the table and go after a big-name coach who possibly would be able to deliver that long-coveted Super Bowl title.
Mike Florio writes and edits ProFootballTalk.com and is a regular contributor to Sporting News. Check out PFT for up-to-the minute NFL news.
Chris Bahr, Sporting News
What to expect in the major leagues today:
NL East showdown
After winning two of three at Citizens Bank Park, the NL East-leading Braves will visit Citi Field this weekend. The second-place Mets have won four of the five games between the teams this season, though they haven’t met since mid-May. The season series has featured three one-run games, and no team has scored more than five runs in any game.
Tonight’s pitching matchup features the surprising R.A. Dickey, who wasn’t in the Mets’ rotation when these teams last met, and the up-and-down Tommy Hanson, who lost to the Mets earlier this season despite not allowing an earned run. Mets rookie first baseman Ike Davis is just 2-for-12 against Atlanta, though both hits were homers.
AL Central showdown
Minnesota has won six of the nine games against Detroit this season. However, the first-place Tigers have been the hotter team recently, winning seven of their past 10 games overall. The rivals will begin a three-game series at Comerica Park tonight.
Miguel Cabrera, a Triple Crown threat, has homered twice and driven in eight runs against Minnesota this season. For the Twins, Jim Thome has abused Tigers pitching for three homers and seven RBIs. But speedy Denard Span has done arguably the most damage, with five triples and nine RBIs. In the teams’ previous series, Span tripled three times and drove in five runs in one game.
NL West showdown
In another intriguing weekend matchup, the first-place Padres will travel to Coors Field. Although San Diego is 7-1 against the Giants, it is 1-4 versus the Dodgers and 3-6 against the Rockies.
Colorado has won three consecutive series overall and has a chance to close the N.L. West gap a bit more. To prevent that, the Padres must silence Clint Barmes, who has five doubles, two homers and 12 RBIs against them this season.
Chris Bahr, Sporting News
What to expect in the major leagues today:
NL East showdown
After winning two of three at Citizens Bank Park, the NL East-leading Braves will visit Citi Field this weekend. The second-place Mets have won four of the five games between the teams this season, though they haven’t met since mid-May. The season series has featured three one-run games, and no team has scored more than five runs in any game.
Tonight’s pitching matchup features the surprising R.A. Dickey, who wasn’t in the Mets’ rotation when these teams last met, and the up-and-down Tommy Hanson, who lost to the Mets earlier this season despite not allowing an earned run. Mets rookie first baseman Ike Davis is just 2-for-12 against Atlanta, though both hits were homers.
AL Central showdown
Minnesota has won six of the nine games against Detroit this season. However, the first-place Tigers have been the hotter team recently, winning seven of their past 10 games overall. The rivals will begin a three-game series at Comerica Park tonight.
Miguel Cabrera, a Triple Crown threat, has homered twice and driven in eight runs against Minnesota this season. For the Twins, Jim Thome has abused Tigers pitching for three homers and seven RBIs. But speedy Denard Span has done arguably the most damage, with five triples and nine RBIs. In the teams’ previous series, Span tripled three times and drove in five runs in one game.
NL West showdown
In another intriguing weekend matchup, the first-place Padres will travel to Coors Field. Although San Diego is 7-1 against the Giants, it is 1-4 versus the Dodgers and 3-6 against the Rockies.
Colorado has won three consecutive series overall and has a chance to close the N.L. West gap a bit more. To prevent that, the Padres must silence Clint Barmes, who has five doubles, two homers and 12 RBIs against them this season.
By Kevin Acee, Sporting News correspondent
This is the 28th in a series of team-by-team breakdowns that will run on SportingNews.com before the start of training camp.
As if it matters, the San Diego Chargers are poised to win a fifth consecutive AFC West title. Yawn. Any success these Chargers have before January is moot. The Chargers — whose 67 regular-season victories since ’04 are third most in the NFL — will be measured by their playoff triumphs.
Philip Rivers runs a potent passing game, but running the ball won’t be overlooked.
In fact, anything short of a Super Bowl will be seen as failure. Into this ever-mounting pressure, San Diego will begin its season without two franchise cornerstones — running back LaDainian Tomlinson and nose tackle Jamal Williams.
While the rest of the division appears to have improved, it can’t yet measure up to the Chargers’ depth and diversity. So another foray into the postseason — their sixth in seven seasons — is likely. It is there that the core group of Chargers will cement their legacies.
"If you want to be remembered," coach Norv Turner said, sounding a refrain he has often voiced to his team, "you have to perform in the postseason."
What’s new
Offense: For the first time in nine seasons, someone besides Tomlinson will be the primary ballcarrier. This should have a minimal effect on the look of the offense, though. This is Philip Rivers’ offense, and he has big-play receivers in Malcom Floyd, Antonio Gates and Vincent Jackson, though Jackson’s status is unclear because of a three-game league suspension and contract issues. But the team would like to run the ball more than it did last season, particularly in the fourth quarter.
The Chargers moved up 16 spots in the first round to find Tomlinson’s replacement. And Ryan Mathews has many of Tomlinson’s on- and off-field traits that prompted San Diego to invest so much in him. The Chargers also will rely on Darren Sproles at times, particularly on third down. Mathews likely will get about 250 carries this season, and Sproles could have as many as 100. Both will catch the ball plenty, too. The shifty and elusive Sproles will provide a contrast to Mathews, who is at his best between the tackles.
Defense: Once the pride of the Chargers’ defense, the linebacker corps is in need of polish. Not an overhaul, just a reassertion of its dominance. Now that Shawne Merriman is in his second year back from knee surgery, he should return to Pro Bowl form and help the Chargers bounce back as an upper-tier defense. A resurgence by Merriman also would benefit fellow outside ‘backers Shaun Phillips and Larry English, the team’s ’09 first-round pick.
Cornerback Quentin Jammer might have had his best season in ’09. He should see fewer passes as opponents test Antoine Cason. The trade of Antonio Cromartie to the Jets hastened the ascension of Cason, a ’08 first-round pick.
Breakout player
Buster Davis, WR
If he stays healthy, Buster Davis will take minutes from Vincent Jackson.
If he can stay healthy, Davis is poised to become a threat in the Chargers’ offense. A ’07 first-round pick, Davis was limited to 30 receptions for 299 yards in three seasons largely because of injuries. He has had a fantastic offseason, displaying his immense talent and speed. And he could get extended playing time in the wake of Jackson’s suspension/holdout.
"This is the best I’ve ever felt, especially my body. But I feel lot more confident, too. My attitude has changed as far as getting down on myself. Especially last year, it was hard not playing, but now I can’t look backward anymore. It’s not about the past. It’s about what’s in front of me. I’m still young. I have a bright future." — Davis
Opponent’s view
(An anonymous opponent breaks down the Chargers)
"How has this team not won a Super Bowl? Every team has talent. What that team has had four or five years running is ridiculous. I think their window is closing, which probably means they’ll win the Super Bowl this season. …
"Forget Tomlinson. You saw he wasn’t the same runner in ’09. They’ll be fine on offense. But is Merriman going to be that great player again? Jammer doesn’t get his due; he gets to everything. But they don’t have anyone who can make plays back there in the secondary. They haven’t been the same since Williams started getting hurt in ’07 and wouldn’t show up some games. …
"They’re a little lucky their division is so weak."
Bottom line
There is little reason to believe San Diego can’t follow the Colts’ path to a Super Bowl victory — as in, just keep reaching postseason and eventually win. But the Chargers no longer can be considered the most talented team in the NFL, as they have more roster holes than in the past.
However, the team still has several core players — including a franchise quarterback — in their prime and a number of young players who got experience last season because of the rash of injuries the team sustained. It might be imprudent to continue to give this group the benefit of the doubt, but it is hardly a stretch to predict the Chargers have a shot at going deep into the postseason.
Depth chart
* – Unsigned player whose status is unclear
OFFENSE
QB: Philip Rivers, Billy Volek
FB: Mike Tolbert, Jacob Hester
RB: Ryan Mathews, Darren Sproles
WR: Vincent Jackson*, Buster Davis
WR: Malcom Floyd, Legedu Naanee
TE: Antonio Gates, Kris Wilson
LT: Marcus McNeill*, Tra Thomas
LG: Kris Dielman, Brandyn Dombrowski
C: Nick Hardwick, Scott Mruczkowski
RG: Louis Vasquez, Tyronne Green
RT: Jeromey Clary, Dombrowski
DEFENSE
DE: Luis Castillo, Alfonso Boone
NT: Antonio Garay, Cam Thomas
DE: Jacques Cesaire, Vaughn Martin
OLB: Shawne Merriman, Antwan Applewhite
ILB: Stephen Cooper, Brandon Siler
ILB: Kevin Burnett, Donald Butler
OLB: Shaun Phillips, Larry English
CB: Quentin Jammer, Nathan Vasher
CB: Antoine Cason, Donald Strickland
SS: Steve Gregory, Darrell Stuckey
FS: Eric Weddle, C.J. Spillman
SPECIAL TEAMS
K: Nate Kaeding
P: Mike Scifres
KR; Darren Sproles
PR: Darren Sproles
LS: Dave Binn
By Kevin Acee, Sporting News correspondent
This is the 28th in a series of team-by-team breakdowns that will run on SportingNews.com before the start of training camp.
As if it matters, the San Diego Chargers are poised to win a fifth consecutive AFC West title. Yawn. Any success these Chargers have before January is moot. The Chargers — whose 67 regular-season victories since ’04 are third most in the NFL — will be measured by their playoff triumphs.
Philip Rivers runs a potent passing game, but running the ball won’t be overlooked.
In fact, anything short of a Super Bowl will be seen as failure. Into this ever-mounting pressure, San Diego will begin its season without two franchise cornerstones — running back LaDainian Tomlinson and nose tackle Jamal Williams.
While the rest of the division appears to have improved, it can’t yet measure up to the Chargers’ depth and diversity. So another foray into the postseason — their sixth in seven seasons — is likely. It is there that the core group of Chargers will cement their legacies.
"If you want to be remembered," coach Norv Turner said, sounding a refrain he has often voiced to his team, "you have to perform in the postseason."
What’s new
Offense: For the first time in nine seasons, someone besides Tomlinson will be the primary ballcarrier. This should have a minimal effect on the look of the offense, though. This is Philip Rivers’ offense, and he has big-play receivers in Malcom Floyd, Antonio Gates and Vincent Jackson, though Jackson’s status is unclear because of a three-game league suspension and contract issues. But the team would like to run the ball more than it did last season, particularly in the fourth quarter.
The Chargers moved up 16 spots in the first round to find Tomlinson’s replacement. And Ryan Mathews has many of Tomlinson’s on- and off-field traits that prompted San Diego to invest so much in him. The Chargers also will rely on Darren Sproles at times, particularly on third down. Mathews likely will get about 250 carries this season, and Sproles could have as many as 100. Both will catch the ball plenty, too. The shifty and elusive Sproles will provide a contrast to Mathews, who is at his best between the tackles.
Defense: Once the pride of the Chargers’ defense, the linebacker corps is in need of polish. Not an overhaul, just a reassertion of its dominance. Now that Shawne Merriman is in his second year back from knee surgery, he should return to Pro Bowl form and help the Chargers bounce back as an upper-tier defense. A resurgence by Merriman also would benefit fellow outside ‘backers Shaun Phillips and Larry English, the team’s ’09 first-round pick.
Cornerback Quentin Jammer might have had his best season in ’09. He should see fewer passes as opponents test Antoine Cason. The trade of Antonio Cromartie to the Jets hastened the ascension of Cason, a ’08 first-round pick.
Breakout player
Buster Davis, WR
If he stays healthy, Buster Davis will take minutes from Vincent Jackson.
If he can stay healthy, Davis is poised to become a threat in the Chargers’ offense. A ’07 first-round pick, Davis was limited to 30 receptions for 299 yards in three seasons largely because of injuries. He has had a fantastic offseason, displaying his immense talent and speed. And he could get extended playing time in the wake of Jackson’s suspension/holdout.
"This is the best I’ve ever felt, especially my body. But I feel lot more confident, too. My attitude has changed as far as getting down on myself. Especially last year, it was hard not playing, but now I can’t look backward anymore. It’s not about the past. It’s about what’s in front of me. I’m still young. I have a bright future." — Davis
Opponent’s view
(An anonymous opponent breaks down the Chargers)
"How has this team not won a Super Bowl? Every team has talent. What that team has had four or five years running is ridiculous. I think their window is closing, which probably means they’ll win the Super Bowl this season. …
"Forget Tomlinson. You saw he wasn’t the same runner in ’09. They’ll be fine on offense. But is Merriman going to be that great player again? Jammer doesn’t get his due; he gets to everything. But they don’t have anyone who can make plays back there in the secondary. They haven’t been the same since Williams started getting hurt in ’07 and wouldn’t show up some games. …
"They’re a little lucky their division is so weak."
Bottom line
There is little reason to believe San Diego can’t follow the Colts’ path to a Super Bowl victory — as in, just keep reaching postseason and eventually win. But the Chargers no longer can be considered the most talented team in the NFL, as they have more roster holes than in the past.
However, the team still has several core players — including a franchise quarterback — in their prime and a number of young players who got experience last season because of the rash of injuries the team sustained. It might be imprudent to continue to give this group the benefit of the doubt, but it is hardly a stretch to predict the Chargers have a shot at going deep into the postseason.
Depth chart
* – Unsigned player whose status is unclear
OFFENSE
QB: Philip Rivers, Billy Volek
FB: Mike Tolbert, Jacob Hester
RB: Ryan Mathews, Darren Sproles
WR: Vincent Jackson*, Buster Davis
WR: Malcom Floyd, Legedu Naanee
TE: Antonio Gates, Kris Wilson
LT: Marcus McNeill*, Tra Thomas
LG: Kris Dielman, Brandyn Dombrowski
C: Nick Hardwick, Scott Mruczkowski
RG: Louis Vasquez, Tyronne Green
RT: Jeromey Clary, Dombrowski
DEFENSE
DE: Luis Castillo, Alfonso Boone
NT: Antonio Garay, Cam Thomas
DE: Jacques Cesaire, Vaughn Martin
OLB: Shawne Merriman, Antwan Applewhite
ILB: Stephen Cooper, Brandon Siler
ILB: Kevin Burnett, Donald Butler
OLB: Shaun Phillips, Larry English
CB: Quentin Jammer, Nathan Vasher
CB: Antoine Cason, Donald Strickland
SS: Steve Gregory, Darrell Stuckey
FS: Eric Weddle, C.J. Spillman
SPECIAL TEAMS
K: Nate Kaeding
P: Mike Scifres
KR; Darren Sproles
PR: Darren Sproles
LS: Dave Binn
Free agent wide receiver Terrell Owens joined WGFX in Nashville to talk about a wide variety of topics, including his entertainment career, his Hall of Fame credentials, and what he wants his legacy to be.
To listen to the interview, go to Sports Radio Interviews. Responses below have been edited for brevity and clarity.
Free agent wide receiver Terrell Owens says he still has the ability to succeed in the NFL.
Where will LeBron James decide to play?
Owens: Wow. Well, obviously, right now LeBron is the hot topic. My gut feeling is he’s either going to stay in Cleveland or possibly go to Chicago – although the things in New York are very, very enticing.
Does Owens plan to use hour long show on ESPN to announce his plans for 2010?
Owens: Uhhh, no.
What are some of the differences and similarities between football and acting?
Owens: If there was a parallel between football and acting, I would say it’s definitely hard work that has to go into it, and that’s where you get the great players and the great actors. The ones that are the great actors, obviously, they perfect their craft by really putting in the long hours and the acting classes. And sometimes you have people out there that have that natural ability to do it, but they don’t really progress. And that’s when you see you have the good and then the great actors. So I’m definitely at the bottom of the totem pole right now and I’m just starting to get my feet wet.
I just did a movie a couple of months ago. It was a comedy with a nice cast, so I’m looking forward to making that transition.
Was there a make-out scene in that movie [titled "Dysfunctional Friends"], in which Stacy Dash plays his wife?
Owens: My first. My first.
Is Owens surprised or frustrated that he’s not on a team yet?
Owens: I think a little bit of both. And for whatever it’s worth, I think a lot of people have listened to a lot of the commentary through the media outlets, mainly ESPN, that question my character, as far as things that have happened in the past. And I think I may do 99 good things right, if I do one thing wrong, ESPN and the people on there are going to make it to be the worst thing ever.
So I think with the years that I’ve had, the last three to four years, I’ve tried to turn over a new leaf and do things the right way, but still everybody won’t let things go of what I did in the past. And I think a perfect example is what I did last year – or didn’t do – in Buffalo. There was definitely a lot of opportunity for me to fly off the handle with the way things went… but I stayed composed.
And I know there are some things in the past that probably could have been handled better, and that comes with growth, and that comes with maturity, and I understand that. I know, for one, I’m staying in shape. I’m probably in the best shape of my life. I’m out here in L.A., I’m working out, I’m playing with a lot of NBA guys on the basketball court on a daily basis. So I’m definitely ready for a call and an opportunity to help a team get to a Super Bowl, and I know I still have the ability to do that, especially with the way the season went last year.
Considering we had so many injuries, we had coaching changes, we had offensive coordinator changes, we had a rash of things happen throughout the course of the year and still, as you said, I caught 55 balls for 829 yards. And you think about all the injuries we had along the offensive line, I easily could have had another 1,000 yard season and more touchdowns. But you know, the rash of injuries it hindered our offense.
Has he visited any teams?
Owens: I haven’t made any visits, but I’ve talked to my agent, and like I said, there are some teams that are interested. And again, sometimes it has to play itself out.
Obviously, I know that teams in training camp know there are going to be injuries, which is unfortunate, but that’s the nature of the game. So I’m hoping that some team will realize that I do have a lot of ability, I still can play this game at a high level, and I can be a number one or number two receiver. So it’s not about, what I’ve heard, an ego thing with me. I know that I can come in and be a number two if I need to. In my eyes, that’s what I was in Buffalo last year. It was just so unfortunate with the rash of injuries and things that happened last year.
Is there a possibility he’ll be reunited with Donovan McNabb in Washington?
Owens: You know what? That’s definitely something that was on the radar, and if that’s a possibility, and they want to bring me in and make that happen, then I’m open to it.
And I think Donovan has come out and said that things that have happened in the past were sometimes overblown in the media. It’s surprising how it takes some years to go by for things like that to come out, but Donovan and I, we’re friends now.
Are there any other quarterbacks he’d love to play with?
Owens: That’s funny that you mention that, because as I’m going through this process and trying to figure out where I may land, looking at teams that may be potential contenders to win the championship, you look at a team like San Diego with Philip Rivers. I know they’re having some receiver problems out there in San Diego.
You mentioned reuniting with Donovan. I think going to Washington and playing with him, obviously, would be a good thing because I feel that their team is really on the cusp of getting to the playoffs and making things happen…
Vince Young has showed tremendous upside, as far as what he can be as a quarterback, with the situations that he’s been through, and the way he came on last year. I definitely would love the opportunity to play with Vince if that was a possibility. Again, I’m just looking for a team that’s in the hunt to get to the playoffs and win it all. Because, honestly, once you get into the playoffs, anything can happen…
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Free agent wide receiver Terrell Owens joined WGFX in Nashville to talk about a wide variety of topics, including his entertainment career, his Hall of Fame credentials, and what he wants his legacy to be.
To listen to the interview, go to Sports Radio Interviews. Responses below have been edited for brevity and clarity.
Free agent wide receiver Terrell Owens says he still has the ability to succeed in the NFL.
Where will LeBron James decide to play?
Owens: Wow. Well, obviously, right now LeBron is the hot topic. My gut feeling is he’s either going to stay in Cleveland or possibly go to Chicago – although the things in New York are very, very enticing.
Does Owens plan to use hour long show on ESPN to announce his plans for 2010?
Owens: Uhhh, no.
What are some of the differences and similarities between football and acting?
Owens: If there was a parallel between football and acting, I would say it’s definitely hard work that has to go into it, and that’s where you get the great players and the great actors. The ones that are the great actors, obviously, they perfect their craft by really putting in the long hours and the acting classes. And sometimes you have people out there that have that natural ability to do it, but they don’t really progress. And that’s when you see you have the good and then the great actors. So I’m definitely at the bottom of the totem pole right now and I’m just starting to get my feet wet.
I just did a movie a couple of months ago. It was a comedy with a nice cast, so I’m looking forward to making that transition.
Was there a make-out scene in that movie [titled "Dysfunctional Friends"], in which Stacy Dash plays his wife?
Owens: My first. My first.
Is Owens surprised or frustrated that he’s not on a team yet?
Owens: I think a little bit of both. And for whatever it’s worth, I think a lot of people have listened to a lot of the commentary through the media outlets, mainly ESPN, that question my character, as far as things that have happened in the past. And I think I may do 99 good things right, if I do one thing wrong, ESPN and the people on there are going to make it to be the worst thing ever.
So I think with the years that I’ve had, the last three to four years, I’ve tried to turn over a new leaf and do things the right way, but still everybody won’t let things go of what I did in the past. And I think a perfect example is what I did last year – or didn’t do – in Buffalo. There was definitely a lot of opportunity for me to fly off the handle with the way things went… but I stayed composed.
And I know there are some things in the past that probably could have been handled better, and that comes with growth, and that comes with maturity, and I understand that. I know, for one, I’m staying in shape. I’m probably in the best shape of my life. I’m out here in L.A., I’m working out, I’m playing with a lot of NBA guys on the basketball court on a daily basis. So I’m definitely ready for a call and an opportunity to help a team get to a Super Bowl, and I know I still have the ability to do that, especially with the way the season went last year.
Considering we had so many injuries, we had coaching changes, we had offensive coordinator changes, we had a rash of things happen throughout the course of the year and still, as you said, I caught 55 balls for 829 yards. And you think about all the injuries we had along the offensive line, I easily could have had another 1,000 yard season and more touchdowns. But you know, the rash of injuries it hindered our offense.
Has he visited any teams?
Owens: I haven’t made any visits, but I’ve talked to my agent, and like I said, there are some teams that are interested. And again, sometimes it has to play itself out.
Obviously, I know that teams in training camp know there are going to be injuries, which is unfortunate, but that’s the nature of the game. So I’m hoping that some team will realize that I do have a lot of ability, I still can play this game at a high level, and I can be a number one or number two receiver. So it’s not about, what I’ve heard, an ego thing with me. I know that I can come in and be a number two if I need to. In my eyes, that’s what I was in Buffalo last year. It was just so unfortunate with the rash of injuries and things that happened last year.
Is there a possibility he’ll be reunited with Donovan McNabb in Washington?
Owens: You know what? That’s definitely something that was on the radar, and if that’s a possibility, and they want to bring me in and make that happen, then I’m open to it.
And I think Donovan has come out and said that things that have happened in the past were sometimes overblown in the media. It’s surprising how it takes some years to go by for things like that to come out, but Donovan and I, we’re friends now.
Are there any other quarterbacks he’d love to play with?
Owens: That’s funny that you mention that, because as I’m going through this process and trying to figure out where I may land, looking at teams that may be potential contenders to win the championship, you look at a team like San Diego with Philip Rivers. I know they’re having some receiver problems out there in San Diego.
You mentioned reuniting with Donovan. I think going to Washington and playing with him, obviously, would be a good thing because I feel that their team is really on the cusp of getting to the playoffs and making things happen…
Vince Young has showed tremendous upside, as far as what he can be as a quarterback, with the situations that he’s been through, and the way he came on last year. I definitely would love the opportunity to play with Vince if that was a possibility. Again, I’m just looking for a team that’s in the hunt to get to the playoffs and win it all. Because, honestly, once you get into the playoffs, anything can happen…
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Steve Corkran, Sporting News correspondent
This is the 27th in a series of team-by-team breakdowns that will run on SportingNews.com before the start of training camp.
Since taking over as the Raiders’ head coach in 2008, Tom Cable has amassed a 9-19 overall record.
Coach Tom Cable is fond of saying he can see the mountaintop and that the Oakland Raiders are on the verge of cresting the summit.
After seven years of scaling that proverbial mountain, it’s enough to make one wonder if the mountain Cable is talking about keeps growing as the Raiders progress toward their goal of getting back to the Super Bowl.
"The next step is to be a playoff team," Cable said. "We have changed the attitude. We’ve cleaned up the locker room. We’re all pulling for each other in the same direction now and we’ve become very competitive.
"We’re losing games that we shouldn’t. We’ve got to win a little more on the road; we’ve got to win more period. Those things, if that’s what you accomplish next, then you become a playoff team. That’s the goal, period."
There is a legion of people skeptical of the Raiders’ chances of scaling that mountain. If the Raiders are to win more than five games for the first time since their 2002 Super Bowl season, it will be with many of the same players who played pivotal roles in last year’s 5-11 season.
What’s new
Offense: After finally talking owner/G.M. Al Davis into cutting draft bust JaMarcus Russell, Cable can move forward with new QB Jason Campbell. First-year offensive coordinator Hue Jackson has a good feel for Campbell, and they are working every day to get up to speed with the offense. Jackson is credited with the rapid development of Carson Palmer and Joe Flacco in previous college and pro stints. Campbell is far more accurate than Russell, more mobile and has more experience.
Defense: The Raiders traded for outside linebacker Kamerion Wimbley, who will be used at the strongside spot in hopes of solving the revolving-door policy in place the past several years. Wimbley provides an upgrade at the strong side based on his experience, production and versatility.
Rookie first-round pick Rolando McClain will supplant Kirk Morrison in the middle, and Trevor Scott will get a shot to unseat Thomas Howard at the weakside spot. The Raiders want more game-altering plays out of Howard than they received last season and are counting on McClain to provide a huge boost against the run.
Breakout player
Darren McFadden, RB
McFadden, the fourth-overall pick of the ’08 draft, has 856 yards and five touchdowns in two seasons with the Raiders. But Justin Fargas is no longer around to take the bulk of the carries, and McFadden is finally healthy. Coach Tom Cable says he is committed to maximizing McFadden’s potential as an all-around threat, and McFadden has been working on protecting the ball and getting past initial contact.
"Every time he’s gotten himself going and had pretty good production, something has happened to either take him out of that game or not let him be as big a part in the next one. He’s a fine player, and as he’s able to stay healthy for longer periods of time you’ll see more for what we all hope." — Cable
Opponent’s view
(An anonymous opponent breaks down the Raiders)
"The Raiders are one of those teams that make you scratch your head because their record never seems to match their talent level. This is a team that is loaded with first-round picks—and high first-rounders at that—the best cornerback in the game, one of the more dominant defensive linemen in Richard Seymour, and as much team speed as any other team around. Their problems transcend JaMarcus Russell, but he deserves as much blame as anyone else for their inability to realize their potential because of the importance of that position. Now you see why Rich Gannon was so valuable when he was the quarterback. …
"You never look forward to playing the Raiders because of their speed and size, but they almost always find a way to beat themselves, so that part is nice. They haven’t done real well with their first-round draft picks the past several years. One of these years, they’re going to hit a home run and that will make a big difference. The bottom line is, they’re still Al Davis’ Raiders, so you know you’re in for a physical game against a team with a lot of speed and a desire to go for the big play."
Bottom line
The Raiders remain a work-in-progress. The belief is they are on the cusp of turning the corner, which seems possible with the trade for Campbell. However, McFadden and others must mature into the kind of players they were projected to be out of college before Oakland can get over the hump. That’s a lot to ask when there hasn’t been ample evidence of those players doing so during the first few years of their NFL careers.
The AFC West remains the domain of the San Diego Chargers until further notice, and the Raiders are stuck in a group of three teams fighting for second place, at best.
Depth chart
OFFENSE
QB: Jason Campbell, Bruce Gradkowski
FB: Oren O’Neal, Luke Lawton
RB: Darren McFadden, Michael Bush
WR: Chaz Schilens, Louis Murphy
WR: Darrius Heyward-Bey, Johnnie Lee Higgins
TE: Zach Miller, Brandon Myers
LT: Mario Henderson, Khalif Barnes
LG: Robert Gallery, Langston Walker
C: Samson Satele, Chris Morris
RG: Cooper Carlisle, Erik Pears
RT: Khalif Barnes, Langston Walker
Defense
DE: Matt Shaughnessy, Trevor Scott
DT: Tommy Kelly, Chris Cooper
DT: Desmond Bryant, William Joseph
DE: Richard Seymour, Jay Richardson
OLB: Kamerion Wimbley, Ricky Brown
MLB: Rolando McClain, Slade Norris
OLB: Thomas Howard, David Nixon
CB: Nnamdi Asomugha, Stanford Routt
CB: Chris Johnson, Stanford Routt
SS: Tyvon Branch, Mike Mitchell
FS: Michael Huff, Hiram Eugene
Specialists
K: Sebastian Janikowski
P: Shane Lechler
KR: Jacoby Ford, Tyvon Branch
PR: Jacoby Ford, Johnnie Lee Higgins
LS: Jon Condo, Chris Morris
Steve Corkran, Sporting News correspondent
This is the 27th in a series of team-by-team breakdowns that will run on SportingNews.com before the start of training camp.
Since taking over as the Raiders’ head coach in 2008, Tom Cable has amassed a 9-19 overall record.
Coach Tom Cable is fond of saying he can see the mountaintop and that the Oakland Raiders are on the verge of cresting the summit.
After seven years of scaling that proverbial mountain, it’s enough to make one wonder if the mountain Cable is talking about keeps growing as the Raiders progress toward their goal of getting back to the Super Bowl.
"The next step is to be a playoff team," Cable said. "We have changed the attitude. We’ve cleaned up the locker room. We’re all pulling for each other in the same direction now and we’ve become very competitive.
"We’re losing games that we shouldn’t. We’ve got to win a little more on the road; we’ve got to win more period. Those things, if that’s what you accomplish next, then you become a playoff team. That’s the goal, period."
There is a legion of people skeptical of the Raiders’ chances of scaling that mountain. If the Raiders are to win more than five games for the first time since their 2002 Super Bowl season, it will be with many of the same players who played pivotal roles in last year’s 5-11 season.
What’s new
Offense: After finally talking owner/G.M. Al Davis into cutting draft bust JaMarcus Russell, Cable can move forward with new QB Jason Campbell. First-year offensive coordinator Hue Jackson has a good feel for Campbell, and they are working every day to get up to speed with the offense. Jackson is credited with the rapid development of Carson Palmer and Joe Flacco in previous college and pro stints. Campbell is far more accurate than Russell, more mobile and has more experience.
Defense: The Raiders traded for outside linebacker Kamerion Wimbley, who will be used at the strongside spot in hopes of solving the revolving-door policy in place the past several years. Wimbley provides an upgrade at the strong side based on his experience, production and versatility.
Rookie first-round pick Rolando McClain will supplant Kirk Morrison in the middle, and Trevor Scott will get a shot to unseat Thomas Howard at the weakside spot. The Raiders want more game-altering plays out of Howard than they received last season and are counting on McClain to provide a huge boost against the run.
Breakout player
Darren McFadden, RB
McFadden, the fourth-overall pick of the ’08 draft, has 856 yards and five touchdowns in two seasons with the Raiders. But Justin Fargas is no longer around to take the bulk of the carries, and McFadden is finally healthy. Coach Tom Cable says he is committed to maximizing McFadden’s potential as an all-around threat, and McFadden has been working on protecting the ball and getting past initial contact.
"Every time he’s gotten himself going and had pretty good production, something has happened to either take him out of that game or not let him be as big a part in the next one. He’s a fine player, and as he’s able to stay healthy for longer periods of time you’ll see more for what we all hope." — Cable
Opponent’s view
(An anonymous opponent breaks down the Raiders)
"The Raiders are one of those teams that make you scratch your head because their record never seems to match their talent level. This is a team that is loaded with first-round picks—and high first-rounders at that—the best cornerback in the game, one of the more dominant defensive linemen in Richard Seymour, and as much team speed as any other team around. Their problems transcend JaMarcus Russell, but he deserves as much blame as anyone else for their inability to realize their potential because of the importance of that position. Now you see why Rich Gannon was so valuable when he was the quarterback. …
"You never look forward to playing the Raiders because of their speed and size, but they almost always find a way to beat themselves, so that part is nice. They haven’t done real well with their first-round draft picks the past several years. One of these years, they’re going to hit a home run and that will make a big difference. The bottom line is, they’re still Al Davis’ Raiders, so you know you’re in for a physical game against a team with a lot of speed and a desire to go for the big play."
Bottom line
The Raiders remain a work-in-progress. The belief is they are on the cusp of turning the corner, which seems possible with the trade for Campbell. However, McFadden and others must mature into the kind of players they were projected to be out of college before Oakland can get over the hump. That’s a lot to ask when there hasn’t been ample evidence of those players doing so during the first few years of their NFL careers.
The AFC West remains the domain of the San Diego Chargers until further notice, and the Raiders are stuck in a group of three teams fighting for second place, at best.
Depth chart
OFFENSE
QB: Jason Campbell, Bruce Gradkowski
FB: Oren O’Neal, Luke Lawton
RB: Darren McFadden, Michael Bush
WR: Chaz Schilens, Louis Murphy
WR: Darrius Heyward-Bey, Johnnie Lee Higgins
TE: Zach Miller, Brandon Myers
LT: Mario Henderson, Khalif Barnes
LG: Robert Gallery, Langston Walker
C: Samson Satele, Chris Morris
RG: Cooper Carlisle, Erik Pears
RT: Khalif Barnes, Langston Walker
Defense
DE: Matt Shaughnessy, Trevor Scott
DT: Tommy Kelly, Chris Cooper
DT: Desmond Bryant, William Joseph
DE: Richard Seymour, Jay Richardson
OLB: Kamerion Wimbley, Ricky Brown
MLB: Rolando McClain, Slade Norris
OLB: Thomas Howard, David Nixon
CB: Nnamdi Asomugha, Stanford Routt
CB: Chris Johnson, Stanford Routt
SS: Tyvon Branch, Mike Mitchell
FS: Michael Huff, Hiram Eugene
Specialists
K: Sebastian Janikowski
P: Shane Lechler
KR: Jacoby Ford, Tyvon Branch
PR: Jacoby Ford, Johnnie Lee Higgins
LS: Jon Condo, Chris Morris
Whenever someone complains about the money paid to NFL players, I resort to the basic truth that we’re all worth precisely whatever someone will pay us.
Do players like Tom Brady earn enough money considering the phyiscal toll their body’s take?
The concept applies to all athletes, musicians and actors. When folks do something that other people gladly will surrender money to watch them do, the dollars necessarily skyrocket — and the producers of such events typically pocket a tidy profit even after paying out those supposedly exorbitant salaries.
Recently, it’s become clear that football players fall on the very low end of the entertainment-dollar spectrum. The news cycle contains repeated references to multiple basketball players who are considering whether to "settle" for $20 million per year, the maximum a new team can pay them, or to stay put for the tidy sum of $26 million per year.
Meanwhile, no NFL player earns $20 million per year, even though the NFL has become, far and away, the most popular and profitable sport in America.
Sure, pro football rosters have roughly five times the number of players as NBA teams. And the NFL season contains far fewer opportunities to charge folks top dollar for a ticket, a program, a beer and processed pig parts painted pink. Still, how can so many NBA players earn $20 million per year with not a single NFL player cracking that threshold?
It gets even better. The Orlando Magic signed a backup point guard, Chris Duhon (if you’ve never heard of him, you’re not alone), to a deal worth $3.75 million per year. In 2010, Patriots quarterback Tom Brady will earn a base salary of $3.5 million.
Though Brady has made plenty more via bonuses and restructures and other payments in prior years of his contract, it doesn’t change the fact that one of the best players in pro football history will have a base salary worth less than the average annual payout to a guy who begins each game wearing warm-ups, and who need not worry about getting his knee blown out by a low hit or his head taken off by a high one.
So while the NFL has articulated good reasons for its hard-line stance regarding the next labor deal, insisting that the players take a smaller piece of the pie in the hopes of growing a much bigger one, the players earn every dollar they get — and it’s hard to fault them for trying to get more, especially when compared to the dollars players get in other sports.
The recent findings regarding the inner workings of the late Chris Henry’s brain increase the importance of football players getting full and fair compensation. Not only do they risk, on every snap, acute injury that could cause serious and immediate harm, but they also risk, on every snap, cumulative, chronic harm.
Though NFL players receive more than sufficient pay in comparison to the rest of society, the disparity between the money they make and the dollars paid to men who play less profitable sports like basketball and baseball, combined with the growing sensitivity to the risks inherent to playing football, could prompt more and more elite athletes to look first to one of the other sports, with football only as a fallback.
Then again, maybe they already do. Maybe the best athletes are playing baseball and basketball.
Unless and until playing pro soccer is worth $20 million per year, the NFL should be fine. Still, no one should ever say that football players make too much money, unless they’re prepared to complain even more loudly about the salaries generated by other sports.
Mike Florio writes and edits ProFootballTalk.com and is a regular contributor to Sporting News. Check out PFT for up-to-the minute NFL news.
Whenever someone complains about the money paid to NFL players, I resort to the basic truth that we’re all worth precisely whatever someone will pay us.
Do players like Tom Brady earn enough money considering the phyiscal toll their body’s take?
The concept applies to all athletes, musicians and actors. When folks do something that other people gladly will surrender money to watch them do, the dollars necessarily skyrocket — and the producers of such events typically pocket a tidy profit even after paying out those supposedly exorbitant salaries.
Recently, it’s become clear that football players fall on the very low end of the entertainment-dollar spectrum. The news cycle contains repeated references to multiple basketball players who are considering whether to "settle" for $20 million per year, the maximum a new team can pay them, or to stay put for the tidy sum of $26 million per year.
Meanwhile, no NFL player earns $20 million per year, even though the NFL has become, far and away, the most popular and profitable sport in America.
Sure, pro football rosters have roughly five times the number of players as NBA teams. And the NFL season contains far fewer opportunities to charge folks top dollar for a ticket, a program, a beer and processed pig parts painted pink. Still, how can so many NBA players earn $20 million per year with not a single NFL player cracking that threshold?
It gets even better. The Orlando Magic signed a backup point guard, Chris Duhon (if you’ve never heard of him, you’re not alone), to a deal worth $3.75 million per year. In 2010, Patriots quarterback Tom Brady will earn a base salary of $3.5 million.
Though Brady has made plenty more via bonuses and restructures and other payments in prior years of his contract, it doesn’t change the fact that one of the best players in pro football history will have a base salary worth less than the average annual payout to a guy who begins each game wearing warm-ups, and who need not worry about getting his knee blown out by a low hit or his head taken off by a high one.
So while the NFL has articulated good reasons for its hard-line stance regarding the next labor deal, insisting that the players take a smaller piece of the pie in the hopes of growing a much bigger one, the players earn every dollar they get — and it’s hard to fault them for trying to get more, especially when compared to the dollars players get in other sports.
The recent findings regarding the inner workings of the late Chris Henry’s brain increase the importance of football players getting full and fair compensation. Not only do they risk, on every snap, acute injury that could cause serious and immediate harm, but they also risk, on every snap, cumulative, chronic harm.
Though NFL players receive more than sufficient pay in comparison to the rest of society, the disparity between the money they make and the dollars paid to men who play less profitable sports like basketball and baseball, combined with the growing sensitivity to the risks inherent to playing football, could prompt more and more elite athletes to look first to one of the other sports, with football only as a fallback.
Then again, maybe they already do. Maybe the best athletes are playing baseball and basketball.
Unless and until playing pro soccer is worth $20 million per year, the NFL should be fine. Still, no one should ever say that football players make too much money, unless they’re prepared to complain even more loudly about the salaries generated by other sports.
Mike Florio writes and edits ProFootballTalk.com and is a regular contributor to Sporting News. Check out PFT for up-to-the minute NFL news.
Adam Teicher, Sporting News correspondent
This is the 26th in a series of team breakdowns to be published before the start of training camp.
After three seasons of a deep slumber, Kansas City appears headed for an awakening in 2010.
The Chiefs aren’t Super Bowl contenders yet, but the worst appears to be over for a franchise that had just 10 victories over the past three seasons. Certainly, they’ve run out of excuses if stuck again at the bottom of the AFC West when the ’10 season concludes.
Coach Todd Haley has had a season to learn the nuances of the job and institute his policies. With the hiring of new coordinators Charlie Weis and Romeo Crennel, he has veteran and trusted assistants running his offense and defense.
What’s new
Offense: Even though Weis is taking over as the coordinator from Haley, don’t look for much to change. The Chiefs will take their shots downfield, but they found an identity last year when Jamaal Charles emerged as the feature back. Kansas City will make plentiful use of Charles and free-agent pickup Thomas Jones in both the running and passing games. Jones lacks Charles’ big-play potential but is a complete and dangerous back.
The hiring of Weis and the addition of two veteran offensive linemen (right guard Ryan Lilja and Casey Wiegmann, who will compete for the starting center spot) and two wideouts (rookie Dexter McCluster and veteran Jerheme Urban) change the picture for quarterback Matt Cassel. The Chiefs should be better around him, so he will have to improve as well. His 55-percent completion percentage needs a huge boost.
Defense: The Chiefs began their move to the 3-4 system last year, so they have already suffered through many of the growing pains. Adding Crennel as coordinator shouldn’t have much of an impact. He will tailor the game plan each week for the specific opponent more than most coordinators, so the Chiefs could have a different look from week to week.
Cornerback Brandon Flowers is on the verge of being a Pro Bowl-caliber player.
The Chiefs could start two rookies at safety. They selected Eric Berry in the first round and will install him at free safety in hopes he can be the playmaker they’ve lacked. Another rookie, fifth-rounder Kendrick Lewis, could start at strong safety in place of Jarrad Page, who didn’t sign his tender this offseason and requested a trade. Lewis is a physical run defender. Kansas City drafted Javier Arenas in the second round to challenge for playing time at nickel back.
Breakout player
Brandon Flowers, CB. Flowers might have had a breakout season last year had he not been troubled all season by a shoulder injury. He is a complete player with excellent coverage and ball skills. Flowers is small (5-9, 187) but is physical. He is not afraid of contact and can be a factor against the run. If Flowers makes a few more big plays, he could attract Pro Bowl consideration.
"I left some plays on the field (last year). I could have had a lot more interceptions to give the ball back to the offense, so they could score some points. You can always get better. I think I had a solid season, but I’m ready to turn it up for this season." — Flowers
Opponent’s view
(An anonymous opponent breaks down the Chiefs)
"Haley had some problems as a rookie head coach last year, but hiring Weis and Crennel will help. That should stabilize things for Haley and let him concentrate on being a head coach. Their offense showed signs of life at the end of last year, and while they didn’t add any superstars to the mix I like some of the things they did there. …
"Adding Jones to their backfield gives them the ability to do a lot of different things. Urban gives them a receiver who will at least catch the ball. Lilja, if healthy, is a great addition on their line; he’s tough and he’s a winner. …
"They’ll have to be a lot better with the ball because I don’t think they did enough to improve their defense. They were way too easy to run against last year, and I don’t see how that’s changed. Crennel also will have to figure out a way to get more pressure on the passer than they did last year."
Bottom line
Although the Chiefs are at least another year away from being serious playoff contenders, this should be a season where major progress is made toward that goal. While they still are counting on a large number of developing players, the Chiefs added enough veterans to suggest they no longer are in a true rebuilding phase.
Rather than using the playoffs or any specific win total as a gauge of that progress, a better test might be improvement as the season goes along. If the Chiefs are clearly a better team in December than September and look ready to challenge for the AFC West title in 2011, this should be judged as a successful year.
Depth chart
Offense
QB: Matt Cassel, Brodie Croyle
FB: Mike Cox, Tim Castille
RB: Jamaal Charles, Thomas Jones
WR: Chris Chambers, Jerheme Urban
WR: Dwayne Bowe, Dexter McCluster
TE: Leonard Pope, Tony Moeaki
LT: Branden Albert, Barry Richardson
LG: Brian Waters, Jon Asamoah
C: Rudy Niswanger, Casey Wiegmann
RG: Ryan Lilja, Ikechuku Ndukwe
RT: Ryan O’Callaghan, Barry Richardson
Defense
DE: Tyson Jackson, Alex Magee
NT: Ron Edwards, Shaun Smith
DE: Glenn Dorsey, Wallace Gilberry
OLB: Mike Vrabel, Andy Studebaker
ILB: Derrick Johnson, Corey Mays
ILB: Demorrio Williams, Jovan Belcher
OLB: Tamba Hali, Cameron Sheffield
CB: Brandon Flowers, Mike Richardson
CB: Brandon Carr, Javier Arenas
SS: Kendrick Lewis, DaJuan Morgan
FS: Eric Berry, Jon McGraw
Specialists
K: Ryan Succop
P: Dustin Colquitt
KR: Dexter McCluster
PR: Javier Arenas
LS: Thomas Gafford
Adam Teicher, Sporting News correspondent
This is the 26th in a series of team breakdowns to be published before the start of training camp.
After three seasons of a deep slumber, Kansas City appears headed for an awakening in 2010.
The Chiefs aren’t Super Bowl contenders yet, but the worst appears to be over for a franchise that had just 10 victories over the past three seasons. Certainly, they’ve run out of excuses if stuck again at the bottom of the AFC West when the ’10 season concludes.
Coach Todd Haley has had a season to learn the nuances of the job and institute his policies. With the hiring of new coordinators Charlie Weis and Romeo Crennel, he has veteran and trusted assistants running his offense and defense.
What’s new
Offense: Even though Weis is taking over as the coordinator from Haley, don’t look for much to change. The Chiefs will take their shots downfield, but they found an identity last year when Jamaal Charles emerged as the feature back. Kansas City will make plentiful use of Charles and free-agent pickup Thomas Jones in both the running and passing games. Jones lacks Charles’ big-play potential but is a complete and dangerous back.
The hiring of Weis and the addition of two veteran offensive linemen (right guard Ryan Lilja and Casey Wiegmann, who will compete for the starting center spot) and two wideouts (rookie Dexter McCluster and veteran Jerheme Urban) change the picture for quarterback Matt Cassel. The Chiefs should be better around him, so he will have to improve as well. His 55-percent completion percentage needs a huge boost.
Defense: The Chiefs began their move to the 3-4 system last year, so they have already suffered through many of the growing pains. Adding Crennel as coordinator shouldn’t have much of an impact. He will tailor the game plan each week for the specific opponent more than most coordinators, so the Chiefs could have a different look from week to week.
Cornerback Brandon Flowers is on the verge of being a Pro Bowl-caliber player.
The Chiefs could start two rookies at safety. They selected Eric Berry in the first round and will install him at free safety in hopes he can be the playmaker they’ve lacked. Another rookie, fifth-rounder Kendrick Lewis, could start at strong safety in place of Jarrad Page, who didn’t sign his tender this offseason and requested a trade. Lewis is a physical run defender. Kansas City drafted Javier Arenas in the second round to challenge for playing time at nickel back.
Breakout player
Brandon Flowers, CB. Flowers might have had a breakout season last year had he not been troubled all season by a shoulder injury. He is a complete player with excellent coverage and ball skills. Flowers is small (5-9, 187) but is physical. He is not afraid of contact and can be a factor against the run. If Flowers makes a few more big plays, he could attract Pro Bowl consideration.
"I left some plays on the field (last year). I could have had a lot more interceptions to give the ball back to the offense, so they could score some points. You can always get better. I think I had a solid season, but I’m ready to turn it up for this season." — Flowers
Opponent’s view
(An anonymous opponent breaks down the Chiefs)
"Haley had some problems as a rookie head coach last year, but hiring Weis and Crennel will help. That should stabilize things for Haley and let him concentrate on being a head coach. Their offense showed signs of life at the end of last year, and while they didn’t add any superstars to the mix I like some of the things they did there. …
"Adding Jones to their backfield gives them the ability to do a lot of different things. Urban gives them a receiver who will at least catch the ball. Lilja, if healthy, is a great addition on their line; he’s tough and he’s a winner. …
"They’ll have to be a lot better with the ball because I don’t think they did enough to improve their defense. They were way too easy to run against last year, and I don’t see how that’s changed. Crennel also will have to figure out a way to get more pressure on the passer than they did last year."
Bottom line
Although the Chiefs are at least another year away from being serious playoff contenders, this should be a season where major progress is made toward that goal. While they still are counting on a large number of developing players, the Chiefs added enough veterans to suggest they no longer are in a true rebuilding phase.
Rather than using the playoffs or any specific win total as a gauge of that progress, a better test might be improvement as the season goes along. If the Chiefs are clearly a better team in December than September and look ready to challenge for the AFC West title in 2011, this should be judged as a successful year.
Depth chart
Offense
QB: Matt Cassel, Brodie Croyle
FB: Mike Cox, Tim Castille
RB: Jamaal Charles, Thomas Jones
WR: Chris Chambers, Jerheme Urban
WR: Dwayne Bowe, Dexter McCluster
TE: Leonard Pope, Tony Moeaki
LT: Branden Albert, Barry Richardson
LG: Brian Waters, Jon Asamoah
C: Rudy Niswanger, Casey Wiegmann
RG: Ryan Lilja, Ikechuku Ndukwe
RT: Ryan O’Callaghan, Barry Richardson
Defense
DE: Tyson Jackson, Alex Magee
NT: Ron Edwards, Shaun Smith
DE: Glenn Dorsey, Wallace Gilberry
OLB: Mike Vrabel, Andy Studebaker
ILB: Derrick Johnson, Corey Mays
ILB: Demorrio Williams, Jovan Belcher
OLB: Tamba Hali, Cameron Sheffield
CB: Brandon Flowers, Mike Richardson
CB: Brandon Carr, Javier Arenas
SS: Kendrick Lewis, DaJuan Morgan
FS: Eric Berry, Jon McGraw
Specialists
K: Ryan Succop
P: Dustin Colquitt
KR: Dexter McCluster
PR: Javier Arenas
LS: Thomas Gafford
Sporting News staff reports
Lou Piniella says he has every intention of being the Cubs’ manager through the end of this season, his last in Chicago.
"I’m not a quitter. No, I’m not a quitter," Piniella told reporters Tuesday before the club’s game in Arizona (per the Chicago Tribune). "In this business, you better be prepared to take the good with the bad. I mean, nobody wants the bad, but at the same time, it happens."
The Cubs are 37-47 after a 6-4 victory Tuesday night, 10 games behind the first-place Reds in the NL Central.
The Tribune notes that Cubs general manager Jim Hendry insists he won’t fire Piniella, who is expected to retire from managing after this year. ("I know that this will be my last managing job," he said. "I do know that for a fact.")
Piniella, 66, says he has no regrets about coming to Chicago.
"If I had to do it all over again, I would do the same thing," he said. "It has been a unique experience. It really has. This is going to be a good way for me to end my career because I’ll look at it with a lot of pleasant memories — and a little hurt, too."
Sweet Lou also had a few words of wisdom for Dodgers manager Joe Torre, who earlier this season was rumored to be interested in succeeding Piniella.
"He can come here. He’ll find out that it’s a little harder than what he thinks it is," Piniella said. "But that’s OK. When I leave here they can hire the best manager they can, and I wish him well."
Sporting News staff reports
Lou Piniella says he has every intention of being the Cubs’ manager through the end of this season, his last in Chicago.
"I’m not a quitter. No, I’m not a quitter," Piniella told reporters Tuesday before the club’s game in Arizona (per the Chicago Tribune). "In this business, you better be prepared to take the good with the bad. I mean, nobody wants the bad, but at the same time, it happens."
The Cubs are 37-47 after a 6-4 victory Tuesday night, 10 games behind the first-place Reds in the NL Central.
The Tribune notes that Cubs general manager Jim Hendry insists he won’t fire Piniella, who is expected to retire from managing after this year. ("I know that this will be my last managing job," he said. "I do know that for a fact.")
Piniella, 66, says he has no regrets about coming to Chicago.
"If I had to do it all over again, I would do the same thing," he said. "It has been a unique experience. It really has. This is going to be a good way for me to end my career because I’ll look at it with a lot of pleasant memories — and a little hurt, too."
Sweet Lou also had a few words of wisdom for Dodgers manager Joe Torre, who earlier this season was rumored to be interested in succeeding Piniella.
"He can come here. He’ll find out that it’s a little harder than what he thinks it is," Piniella said. "But that’s OK. When I leave here they can hire the best manager they can, and I wish him well."
Sporting News staff reports
Baseball commissioner Bud Selig said Tuesday he remains opposed to expanding the use of replay in the sport. He also has no plans to change the format of the All-Star Game in which the winning league gains home-field advantage in the World Series.
"I talked to a lot of players, talked to a lot of fans, quite frankly there is little appetite for more instant replay," Selig told reporters (per AOL FanHouse) during a conference call to promote next week’s All-Star Game. "At this point in time I agree with that. I said I’d continue to review it and I will. … I think where we are now is a very good balance."
Selig again invoked tradition as one reason why he’s hesitant to introduce more technology. "We have it to a point where if you go any further, you are really changing the sport. I’m very concerned about that," he said. Baseball uses replay to settle disputes about home runs and whether batted balls are fair or foul.
As for the All-Star Game, Selig claims no MLB officials have heard complaints about the changes he made after the 2002 game ended in a tie.
"What [home-field advantage] has done is added excitement to this thing. It has marketed the sport. It has done everything we thought it would. It’s been even better. … Anything that takes our All-Star Game and increases the intensity, why would you change that? Of course we wouldn’t."
Sporting News staff reports
Baseball commissioner Bud Selig said Tuesday he remains opposed to expanding the use of replay in the sport. He also has no plans to change the format of the All-Star Game in which the winning league gains home-field advantage in the World Series.
"I talked to a lot of players, talked to a lot of fans, quite frankly there is little appetite for more instant replay," Selig told reporters (per AOL FanHouse) during a conference call to promote next week’s All-Star Game. "At this point in time I agree with that. I said I’d continue to review it and I will. … I think where we are now is a very good balance."
Selig again invoked tradition as one reason why he’s hesitant to introduce more technology. "We have it to a point where if you go any further, you are really changing the sport. I’m very concerned about that," he said. Baseball uses replay to settle disputes about home runs and whether batted balls are fair or foul.
As for the All-Star Game, Selig claims no MLB officials have heard complaints about the changes he made after the 2002 game ended in a tie.
"What [home-field advantage] has done is added excitement to this thing. It has marketed the sport. It has done everything we thought it would. It’s been even better. … Anything that takes our All-Star Game and increases the intensity, why would you change that? Of course we wouldn’t."
