Boldin is a guy with an established reputation in the league

The sight of Anquan Boldin is bittersweet for San Francisco 49ers fans. On the one hand, he played a vital role in the first Super Bowl loss in the history of the franchise.

At the same time, however, none will complain if those same playmaking skills are displayed with his new team. Boldin is a guy with an established reputation in the league, his hands and physical style of play ranking among the elite.

With Michael Crabtree set to miss the majority of the season due to a torn Achilles tendon, those same skills that Boldin is renowned for have become even more important to his team. He will now be asked to be the No. 1 option on a Super Bowl contending team.

Now, on the surface level, this is nothing new for him. It’s a role he is very familiar with, having functioned as that with both the Arizona Cardinals (before being bumped to No. 2 by Larry Fitzgerald) and the Baltimore Ravens. Here’s the thing, though. Boldin is no spring chicken anymore.

Now 32 years old and entering his 11th season in the league, Boldin has endured an incomprehensible amount of punishment over the course of his career. That is the price he must pay to maintain his reputation as the toughest, most physical receiver in the league.

The inevitable question must then be asked: How much longer can he continue to play his style of game before the rigors of the NFL finally takes its toll? Well, when looking at the numbers, the answer might be sooner than what 49er fans might want to hear.

While he was the No. 1 option with Baltimore by title, the numbers don’t quite add up to that billing. In his three years with the team, not once did he crack the 1,000-yard benchmark, 921 last season serving as his highest total.

The touchdowns have diminished over the years as well. While he caught a respectable seven in his first year with the team, 2010, the last two seasons have brought three and four, respectively. Not quite what you would expect from your No. 1 option.

Many would argue that the Ravens had a dominant running back, Ray Rice, taking the bulk of the offense. That was more myth than reality last season. Rice carried the football 257 times last season, leaving him tied with Steven Jackson of the St. Louis Rams (now the Atlanta Falcons) for 13th in the league.

In comparison, Joe Flacco, his former quarterback, threw the ball 531 times, 317 of which were completed. Those numbers left him at 14th and 15th, respectively, in the league. That’s about as balanced an offense as you can get.

So who is Anquan Boldin? What will his role on this 49ers team be? Is he still capable of being the focal point of a teams passing game?

While I will never claim to be Nostradamus, I will offer my insight as to what I think the 49ers and their fans will receive from Boldin.

While Crabtree now appears to be the Boldin of old reincarnated, Boldin himself is not who he used to be. It’s not like his magnificent skills are gone. I still expect him to catch anything that hits his hands and break a great many of tackles.

I also, however, don’t expect him to be as open as much as he used to. Age and wear and tear does that to a player.

Football is a young man's game, and Boldin is no longer a young man. He’s lost a step. A small step, but a step nonetheless. And for a player like Boldin, that small step is the difference between being great and simply being good.

What I’m saying is that expectations should be tempered. 49er fans are thrilled that they’re getting the Boldin that they remember on their team. But the Boldin that they remember might not be there anymore.

He will be a consistent, steadying force for the offense. But he also is no longer the indestructible force that he once was. The statistics speak for themselves.

The Boldin that Ravens fans were treated to is most likely whom the 49er fans will get as well. About 800-900 yards and five or six touchdowns seems like a safe benchmark at this point in his career.

And for a player who has gone through the most extreme of NFL gauntlets over the course of his career, not much more should be expected. The same qualities that made him a dominant receiver with the Cardinals are what has made him who he now is: a very good No. 2 receiver.

Fans were expecting big things out of Crabtree and for Boldin to be the perfect compliment to the great things he would do. When Crabtree went down, the expectations for what Boldin would bring went up as a result. At this point in his career, those expectations are just not fair, and honestly, not likely.

A 32-year-old Boldin is not a 25-year-old Crabtree. As similar as their games may be, one was hitting the pinnacle of his career and the other is in the twilight of his.

Boldin has taken far more punishment than your average 32-year-old receiver. Expect the stats to reflect that.

Fortunately for the 49ers, they don’t need him to be great. Arguably the most talented roster in the NFL, they simply need him to be good. And that is exactly what he will be. For a man who has given as much as he has to the NFL, that will be good enough.

-- This article from: bleacherreport.com

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Wallace is widely regarded as the fastest player in the NFL

I couldn't wrap my head around it, as Mike Wallace had been one of the more spectacular offensive players on the team in many years. He is widely regarded as the fastest player in the NFL and was one of the few wide receivers to make an impact as a Steelers rookie and throughout his four years with the team.

There also can be no denying that Pittsburgh has very little in the way of proven pass catchers to take his place, and there seems to be no guarantees that his on-field production can be compensated for this upcoming season.

We're talking about a player that has 32 touchdown receptions in those four seasons, with 4,042 yards and an average yards per catch of 17.2. Throw in the fact that Wallace has the longest TD catch in Steelers history (95 yards), led the league in yards per catch in 2009 and the AFC in 2010 and the picture is clearly painted of a guy who can flat out ball in the National Football League. No matter how you slice it, those are exceptional numbers and ones that absolutely cannot be easily replaced.

The complaints that I heard vary to some degree. One recurring knock on Wallace was that his hands were poor and he dropped too many balls. The numbers don't show that to be true, though, as Wallace had a total of six dropped passes in 2012. That didn't even place him into the top 25 players with the most drops. And even if he had double-digit drops, he would be in the company of Jimmy Graham, Victor Cruz, Calvin Johnson and Brandon Marshall. That is not bad company to be in.

Others have said that Antonio Brown is simply the better receiver. Here again, the numbers don't show that to be true either. The most touchdowns that Brown had in a season was 5, while the least amount of touchdowns that Wallace had was 6. Brown also had fewer receiving yards than Wallace in each of the three seasons that they played together.

While Brown is an excellent player, it is not true to say that he is better than Wallace. Maybe 2013 is the year that Brown shows me otherwise, but the truest thing I can say about all of this is that Pittsburgh was better off having both Wallace and Brown, and they are certainly not a better team now that Wallace is gone, at least not on the field.

This, then, takes me back to my original assertion and those feelings of sour grapes. But these feelings were not just based on Wallace signing with a different team this offseason. It goes back to the attitude that Wallace had as a rookie, and being the leader of the "Young Money Crew."

For the uninitiated, the "Young Money Crew" was the name Wallace gave to himself and the other new receivers coming onto the team from 2010 to 2012 and included Brown and Emmanuel Sanders. Like the name implies, Wallace let everyone know early on what he was about: money. He backed up this sentiment last offseason, holding out of training camp in complaint of his contract.

That doesn't fly in Pittsburgh. There is one surefire way to become beloved in this town, and that is to work your butt off, every day and every game, without complaint and without braggadocio. See Heath Miller or Hines Ward. If you play for a team in this city and you're only about the money, then the fans will gladly see you leave, regardless of how good you are.

So there it is in a nutshell. Wallace was not our kind of person, plain and simple. So while I wasn't sad to see him leave, either, I still know that his absence will be felt on the field of play. While Wallace has indeed presented himself as a bum, it was in the newspapers and not on the gridiron.

-- This article from: sports.yahoo.com

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Jim Hudson,died

Jim Hudson, the former New York Jets safety who helped the team to its only Super Bowl title in 1969, has died. He was 70.

The team confirmed Thursday on its official site that Hudson died Tuesday in Austin. The cause of death was not disclosed.

Hudson was a starting safety against the Baltimore Colts, making a key play in the first half of the Super Bowl victory. The Colts were trailing 7-0 when they tried a flea-flicker from Earl Morrall to Tom Matte and back to Morrall, who never saw a wide-open Jimmy Orr waving his arms near the goal line. Instead, Morrall threw to Jerry Hill near the Jets 10, but Hudson stepped in front of the toss for an interception that ruined the Colts' potential scoring drive.

The former University of Texas player had six tackles in the 16-7 win, and finished with 15 career interceptions in six seasons with the Jets.

Hudson is the second member of the championship team to pass away in the last few months. Wide receiver George Sauer, Hudson's former college teammate who caught eight passes from Joe Namath in the Super Bowl, died in May at 69.

Hudson, born in Steubenville, Ohio, was a defensive back and quarterback for the Longhorns and helped lead them to the national championship in 1963. He also threw a 69-yard touchdown pass to Sauer in the 1965 Orange Bowl - a 21-17 victory over Namath's Alabama squad. Hudson later signed with the Jets as a free agent.

According to the Jets, Hudson and former NFL quarterback John Hadl went into real estate together in the Austin area after their playing careers were over. Hudson also trained quarterhorses and thoroughbreds in Texas and Louisiana.

Hudson, inducted into the Texas Men's Hall of Honor last year, is survived by wife Lise.

-- This article from: sports.yahoo.com

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Houston has been the model of consistency on both sides of the ball

Defensive end J.J. Watt and running back Arian Foster made the NFL Network’s ‘NFL Top 100’ top 10, checking in at 5th and 8th, respectively. The two were selected by their NFL peers. That duo joined wide receiver Andre Johnson (14th), safety Ed Reed (18th) and left tackle Duane Brown (48th) on the list.

Watt was the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year after leading the League in sacks (20.5) and batting down 16 passes.

Foster was the NFL’s touchdown king, finding the end zone 17 times in 2012.

Four Texans made the NFL Top 100 in 2012, as linebacker Brian Cushing ranked 54th and cornerback Johnathan Joseph was 73rd. Neither made it this summer.

Foster’s inclusion in the Top 10 meant that he was the first running back other than Adrian Peterson to earn that honor.

There’s something to be said for consistency, and in the AFC, few teams exemplify that better than the Houston Texans.

Yes, teams like the New England Patriots and Pittsburgh Steelers always seem to find a way into the late-round playoff picture. And yes, there are several teams capable of compiling a 12-plus-win season every single year.

But in the last two seasons, Houston has been the model of consistency on both sides of the ball, never far from the top of the rankings in any particular category.

The Texans fielded the No. 7 offense and No. 7 defense in 2012, piecing together a 12-4 record and an AFC South title. But just like the year prior, they were unable to parlay that success into anything more than a first-round playoff win and a divisional round exit.

This offseason has been about sustaining that success, while taking an extra step to break through the barrier.

The Texans kept their core in place this offseason, losing only a couple key contributors to free agency, but they also infused additional talent on both the free agent market and via the NFL draft.

Connor Barwin and Glover Quin were arguably the biggest names to depart for new teams this offseason, but Houston did well to select a couple of replacements without skipping a beat. In the second round of the draft, general manager Rick Smith selected South Carolina safety D.J. Swearinger, and also added veteran safety Ed Reed in free agency to fill the hole left by Quin.

Barwin and his 19 sacks in four years with the team will arguably be a little harder to replace, but the Texans have some pieces in place to do so, including 2012 first-rounder Whitney Mercilus.

But apart from a couple of depth signings and the addition of All-Pro punter Shane Lechler, there wasn’t much more movement to speak of this offseason. All things considered, Houston did well in maintaining continuity on its roster, setting the table for another successful campaign in 2013.

-- This article from:houstontexans.com

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which two statistics Nelson thinks matter the most to his quarterback, Aaron Rodgers

After one of this spring’s OTA practices, wide receiver Jordy Nelson was asked by a reporter which two statistics he thinks matter the most to his quarterback, Aaron Rodgers.

Nelson’s first thought was interceptions. No surprise there.

Rodgers has made it clear time and time again how much he loathes throwing the ball to the other team, and with just 32 interceptions in 2,070 pass attempts over the past four regular seasons, Rodgers’ minuscule 1.55 interception percentage ranks first in the league from 2009-12. Only Tom Brady, at 1.61, is even close to him.

Nelson’s second choice, however, wasn’t the expected touchdowns or passer rating or yards. It was completion percentage.

The way Nelson explained it, the two key stats go hand in hand.

“The rest comes with it,” Nelson said. “If you don’t turn the ball over, you get more opportunities. If your completion percentage is high, that means as receivers we’re doing our job, he’s putting the ball in the right spots, and again, it allows you to get more opportunities.

“The more opportunities you get, the more yards you get and the more touchdowns you’ll get, so I think it all starts with those two.”

A closer look at Rodgers’ completion percentage tells a noteworthy tale, and helps to explain how the statistic – while important but never cited as often as TDs, INTs, yards and passer rating – has factored into his and the Packers’ success.

For his career, Rodgers has completed 65.7 percent of his passes, which ranks first in NFL history (just ahead of Drew Brees) among quarterbacks with at least 2,500 regular-season passing attempts. As a starter, his single-season low is 63.6, while his high is 68.3, a franchise record he set in his 2011 MVP year.

Looking outside that range is where it gets interesting. Including playoffs, Rodgers has a career record of 57-29 as a starter, a healthy winning percentage of .663, but that number jumps or falls considerably when his completion percentage lies outside his usual range.

In games Rodgers has completed 70 percent or more of his passes, the Packers are 26-4 (.867), but when Rodgers completes less than 60 percent of his passes, the Packers are just 7-13 (.350).

Perhaps the most remarkable thing about those figures is that in 86 career starts, including playoffs, Rodgers’ completion percentage has fallen below 60 just 20 times, or less than once every four games, while he has topped 70 percent 30 times, or more than once every three contests.

The correlation has its roots in Rodgers’ first season as the starter. In 2008, the Packers didn’t lose a game when Rodgers completed at least 70 percent (4-0), but they never won when he was under 60 percent (0-5).

“He hates throwing incompletions,” receiver James Jones said. “He feels like he has the arm that he can make every throw, so when he throws an incompletion or when we don’t connect on a route, we all think about it.

“We know our completion percentage after every game can be even better. The coaches tell us what we could have done better. Even if we had a game where it’s 70 percent, we’ve dropped about three balls in that game, so it could have been higher.”

The focus on completion percentage is most likely a reflection of the importance of one thing – rhythm. Rodgers and Green Bay’s offense are at their best when in a rhythm, and they get in a rhythm by completing passes, however short or long.

Throw in the low interception totals and, as Nelson said, the rest comes with it.

“He’s a competitor,” Jones said of his quarterback. “He thinks he can make every throw, and when he throws incompletions, he doesn’t like that. You can tell even out in practice. It’s good. He pushes himself every day.”

-- This article from: packers.com

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The Broncos were fortunate to have the talents of cornerback Chris Harris

Historically, middle linebackers represented the anchor of the defense.

Known as hard hitters who were key cogs against smashmouth run games, middle linebackers called out the plays and were the vocal leaders on defensive units.

In today’s NFL where passing yards per game are up nearly 10 percent over the past decade, defenses have had to adjust as offenses spread the field out and throw the ball more often.

That means more nickel and dime packages on the field to counter the three, four and five receiver sets that have become popular among offenses.

“Our third corner last year, our sub packages of at least three corners, we took up I believe 65, 66 percent of our snaps last year,” Defensive Coordinator Jack Del Rio said. “So you’re talking about a guy that’s playing the majority of the snaps as opposed to a third linebacker.”

The player most likely to come off the field in place of the extra cornerback was the team’s middle linebacker.

In Denver’s defense last year, the team’s middle linebackers combined to play about 70 percent of total snaps – roughly the same number as the team’s third cornerbacks.

“I think if you look at where the league is and where we are, 65 percent of our snaps last year were nickel,” Executive Vice President of Football Operations John Elway said. “I’m not trying to downplay the importance of (the middle linebacker position), but nickel is so important, too.”

With strongside linebacker Von Miller playing at an All-Pro level and as an every-down threat as both a pass-rusher and a run-stuffer, he wasn’t coming off the field. On the weakside, Wesley Woodyard also showed his versatility against both the run and pass as he was the only player in the league – and just the 12th player in the last 30 years – to record at least 100 tackles, five sacks and three interceptions in the same season.

“If you don’t have a guy who is a bona fide monster in the middle that’s never going to come off the field, he can be the first guy off,” Del Rio said. “If you’re going to leave two backers out there, he can be the first guy off. It’s just you’re going to play your two strongest guys all the time, if they can handle it. Then the third guy, whoever that is, needs to play when it’s base. Then when it goes sub, he can come off.”

The strategy there varies scheme-by-scheme and team-by-team around the league, based on club's strengths defensively.

The Broncos were fortunate to have the talents of cornerback Chris Harris and Tony Carter, who rotated as the team’s nickel cornerbacks in 2012. The two players combined for five interceptions and four defensive touchdowns last year.

For a team like San Francisco that has perennial Pro-Bowler Patrick Willis at middle linebacker, the coaches find ways to keep him on the field.

“If you have a special ‘Mike’ that’s a special player, he’s going to play every down,” Del Rio said. “Patrick Willis doesn’t come off the field for San Francisco. So there are guys out there that are superior players.”

“That just varies by team, by personnel.”

Joe Mays and Keith Brooking were the two players to start at middle linebacker for the Broncos last year. While the two did combine to start every single game, they played the lowest percentage of snaps of any of the team’s 11 typical defensive starters.

Brooking, who played in all of the team’s 16 regular-season games with 14 starts, participated in 42.3 percent of the defensive snaps in 2012. That number was fewer than Tony Carter, who rotated between nickel and dime cornerback and saw time on defense in only 13 of the Broncos games.

“The third corner is playing more like a starter now,” Del Rio said. “You still trot out your starters before the game, and the nickel typically doesn’t run out (of the tunnel), but if they start in 11-personnel, he will. So that position has become more and more important.”

-- This article from: denverbroncos.com

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24 years later, David LaFleur was chosen out of LSU

Playing behind Eric Bjornson as a rookie,David LaFleur moved into the starting lineup in 1998. He nearly doubled the statistics of his first two years combined the following season when in addition to being a key blocker for Dallas’ running game, he contributed 35 catches for 322 yards and a team-leading seven touchdowns. What was the reason for the increased productivity?

“It was a fun year. It was my first year that I was healthy,” LaFleur said. “I injured my back while I was in college and it progressively got worse the first couple of years. Then it finally got to the point where a disc ruptured and I had it repaired.

“And I had broken a leg along with it. During coaching sessions in the summer, I rolled my ankle and broke my fibula. So I had surgery and came back for the start of the season and stayed healthy all year and felt great. It was the first time my back had felt really good since early in my college career.”

In addition to having to go through a variety of injuries, LaFleur also experienced a variety of head coaches, three in four years to be exact: Barry Switzer, Chan Gailey and Dave Campo.

“I think it presented some challenges,” said LaFleur. “Obviously, everybody brings their own style of football to the organization. The one that probably stood out the most was Coach Gailey because it was a little bit different than what was there. Coach Campo had been in the Jimmy Johnson and Barry Switzer era, so it was familiar. Chan Gailey kind of brought in his own brand, which was a little bit different than what we’d done the year before.”

As unfortunate as it is, year in and year out, injuries play a role in the game of football. LaFleur knew that better than most.

After the “fun year” of 1999, he experienced disc problems in his lower back again, and also had to deal with a groin injury during the 2000 campaign. That led to him being placed on the physically unable to perform list. Prior to the 2001 season, he failed a physical and was released by Dallas.

“It was apparent that he was not going to be able to run,” Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said. “I think he gave us all he could give us. He was a warrior, he played hurt. When he was able to perform, he was very important to what we were trying to do.”

“That’s very pleasing,” said LaFleur, who finished his career with 85 receptions for 729 yards and 12 touchdowns. “I hold the Jones family and Mr. Jones in very high regards and respect. It was unfortunate that I did have a bad back and wasn’t able to perform at a higher level for them, but I certainly cherish those memories that I have with the organization.”

These days LaFleur is involved with another organization, but ironically is still working with pain. He is a part-owner and the managing member of COL Management, a health care company based in his hometown of Lake Charles, La.

“We have 15 out-patient imaging facilities – MRI [Magnetic Resonance Imaging], CT [Computed Tomography], PET (Positron Emission Tomography),” LaFleur said. “We got our start in 1997 right after my rookie season. We opened up an out-patient imaging center and from there we rolled it out to Baton Rouge and then to where we are today. We’re all over Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and in a couple of states [California and Oregon] on the West Coast.

-- This article from: dallascowboys.com

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The Steelers don't have much quality depth behind Hood

The two candidates for extensions for the Pittsburgh Steelers are wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders and defensive lineman Ziggy Hood. Neither has really established himself yet in the league, but Sanders should be the priority because he'll draw more demand if he hits the free-agent market. As a restricted free agent, Sanders received an offer sheet from the New England Patriots this year. Sanders' agent indicated other teams were interested as well.

Sanders confirmed in May that the sides have begun talking about an extension. The Steelers were able to sign wide receiver Antonio Brown before his contract expired, agreeing to a six-year, $43.04 million contract (including $8.5 million signing bonus) in late July. It could be difficult to find the right value for Sanders, who has eight career starts and has never caught more than 44 passes in a season. He should easily surpass that total this year in taking over for Mike Wallace. Reaching a deal with Sanders would solidify the Steelers at wide receiver for the future. Beyond Brown and Sanders, the Steelers have rookie third-round pick Markus Wheaton and two over-30 veterans in Jerricho Cotchery (31) and Plaxico Burress (35).

The Steelers don't have much quality depth behind Hood, but they should be able to retain him in free agency. Hood hasn't lived up to expectations of being a first-round pick, which makes signing him to an extension right now a little risky. Last year, Hood was hit or miss. He recorded four one-tackle games and went two games without a tackle. But he made 24 tackles over a five-game span in December. The starting defensive front next year for Pittsburgh will likely be Hood, Cameron Heyward and Steve McLendon, who signed a three-year, $7.25 million contract extension in April.

Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker LaMarr Woodley created headlines in June 2011, when he said Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco wouldn't go to the Super Bowl "in his lifetime." As you know, Flacco didn't just go to the Super Bowl last season. He won it and was the game's Most Valuable Player.

When I asked Woodley about those comments a few days ago, he said he doesn't regret saying it even though he still hears about it from fans on Facebook and Twitter.

"I don't take it back at all," Woodley told the AFC North blog. "As a player on any team, you're never going to say your rival is going to win the Super Bowl. That's knocking you out of the tournament that year. Somebody on their team pretty sure would say that as well. That's the nature of what it is. A lot of people don't understand. They're going to take it the way they want to take it."

To his credit, leading up to the Super Bowl between the Ravens and the San Francisco 49ers, Woodley told a radio station in Florida that he was rooting for the Ravens because he wanted to see Ray Lewis get a ring in his final game.

"The year we beat Baltimore in the AFC Championship Game, I saw Ray Lewis out in Tampa (before the Super Bowl). He was telling me to go out there and win the game," Woodley said. "That speaks a lot coming from a rival. But, early in the season, you just can't never say your rival is going to win the Super Bowl."

Woodley was also the target of a quote from a anonymous teammate, who said Woodley's lack of production stemmed from him not working out in the offseason. According to The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, safety Ryan Clark convinced Woodley to work with his trainer in Arizona this year.

"Whatever he's doing appears to be right," linebackers coach Keith Butler said. "We'll see when we get to training camp. The biggest thing for him is we have to keep him on the field. We've talked to him about that, and he understands that. Lamar is a prideful man, and he understands that he has to play at a certain level to fulfill his contract, you might say. He's working at it."

-- This article from: espn.go.com

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The three key goals the Jets must achieve

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Geno Smith's chances of starting for the New York Jet this season directly are connected to how quickly he can pick up a pro offense.

Smith believes he's off to a fine start as he transitions from a spread offense at West Virginia to Marty Mornhinweg's West Coast offense in New York.

"I've already made a giant leap," Smith told NFL Network's Andrew Siciliano on Monday from the NFL Rookie Symposium in Aurora, Ohio. "Coming from a spread system where the biggest transition for me is going to be the footwork. It's not as if I can't do it, it's the fact that I haven't done it enough. The good amount of reps that I got in rookie camp, minicamp, OTAs has helped me make that leap and transition, and make giant strides."

"I have an opportunity to fight for a starting job in a great place right now, so I look forward to it."

Siciliano asked Smith if his time off before the start of training camp would include a trip to California, a reference to Mark Sanchez's Jets West camp.

"We'll see," he replied.

Smith said during minicamp that Sanchez hadn't "officially extended the hand to me, but I'm pretty sure there's no problem there." Smith's open-ended response to Siciliano makes us wonder if he's still waiting for that invite.

The true key to the New York Jets' 2013 season will be their defense. With head coach Rex Ryan re-focusing himself on the defensive side of the ball, and with two new first-round draft picks to bolster the defense, the Jets will be successful only if their defense is great.

With the changes in personnel this offseason, the goal for New York should not be to replicate the defense from 2012, but instead to create a new identity. The following are the three key goals the Jets must achieve.

Reinvigorated Pass Rush

As veteran inside linebacker and defensive leader David Harris said recently, "We're going to do a lot of blitzing and getting after people. There should be a different brand of football than you were used to seeing the last couple of years."

In 2012, the Jets got away from the type of defense they played in 2009 and 2010. The pass rush that had been elite in the past was average or perhaps even below-average. Part of that was the decision to blitz less, possibly motivated by the loss of shutdown cornerback Darrelle Revis. But part of it was personnel.

With the Jets now having a retooled and young defensive line—including Sheldon Richardson, Kenrick Ellis, Muhammad Wilkerson and Quinton Coples—a poor pass rush will not be acceptable in 2013.

Set the Edge

Setting the edge has always been a staple of a Rex Ryan defense, both in Baltimore and in New York. Setting the edge is when the outside contain player (either an outside linebacker or a defensive end) closes off the outside and forces running backs to run toward the middle, usually resulting in a loss or short gain.

The players who used to do this expertly (Bryan Thomas and Calvin Pace) have aged, and the Jets suffered from poor outside linebacker play in 2012. Between Quinton Coples and Antwan Barnes, the Jets need to see a renewed devotion to setting the edge effectively in 2013.

Quality Safety Play

Perhaps most important of all, the Jets will need quality safety play. The lack of quality safeties has hurt them in each of the past two seasons, especially against key rivals like the New England Patriots. While the Patriots might not press safeties as hard if they do not have tight ends Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez, the trend has been set, and many NFL teams make heavy use of tight ends and routes in the middle of the field.

The Jets have let both starters at safety, LaRon Landry and Yeremiah Bell, leave since last year. Their current young group of safeties, including Antonio Allen, Josh Bush and Dawan Landry, will have to do better than last year's counterparts.

If New York can finally get a strong group of safeties to go along with its reinvigorated front seven, then the Jets might once again look like the Jets.

-- This article from: bleacherreport.com

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The team needs to sort through candidates for two of its four starting linebacking spots

When the Houston Texans drafted Sam Montgomery and Trevardo Williams in the third and fourth rounds, respectively, they talked of giving both a chance to win the strongside linebacker spot.

The team needs to sort through candidates for two of its four starting linebacking spots -- an outside linebacker to replace Connor Barwin, who went to Philadelphia as a free agent, and an inside guy to play beside Brian Cushing, with the team moving on from Bradie James.

In his second year, Whitney Mercilus is in line to start at weakside linebacker, where Barwin played. Brooks Reed can remain the strongside starter if an inside guy like Darryl Sharpton or Tim Dobbins seizes the inside job. Or Reed can go inside if Montgomery or Williams has a strong camp and the Texans feel best about starting one of them.

I found one twist in that, however, when I spoke to Williams last week.

I asked him about simultaneously becoming friends with and competing against Montgomery.

“He’s playing a different position now, he’s on the Will, I’m on the Sam,” Williams said. “We both compete in pass rushing, but other than that he’s basically working on honing his skills on that side of the field while I’m working on dropping back.”

Williams doesn’t know how much the team will ask him to drop into coverage, but plans on being ready when asked.

“I believe it will be more of a pass-rush deal, setting the edge at times,” he said.

Williams said he and Montgomery get along very well, that they kind of have the same personality.

“Whatever comes to our minds, we pretty much say and do,” he said.

Like Montgomery, Williams is a college defensive end shifting to 3-4 linebacker. That transition will be something to watch in the middle of the linebacker competition during training camp.

"It’s taking some time, a gradual change,” Williams said of starting plays off the line of scrimmage, standing up. “I don’t think it’s completely different than a three-point stance. It takes a lot of balance and building habits. I don’t feel it’ll be a problem, I’ll be practicing it over the next several weeks …

“The big difference is the initial attack. Usually in a three-point stance you have a more explosive attack. In a two-point stance you’re required to use a little more technique, using your arms and your footwork. It needs to be more coordinated. It’s not difficult.”

-- This article from: espn.go.com

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What's that all about, Warren Sapp? You already won. So why be a loser?

 

It wasn't enough for Warren Sapp to beat Michael Strahan into the Hall of Fame. Both were on the ballot this year. Only one made it into Canton. It wasn't Michael Strahan.

But that's not enough for Sapp. He lays down every night and rises every morning as an immortal, a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, but apparently his life has a void that he tries to fill by trashing the guy he beat to Canton.

What's that all about, Warren Sapp? You already won. So why be a loser?

I'm asking the same thing of Serena Williams, who has dominated Maria Sharapova for eight years. They have played 13 times since 2005. Serena has won all 13 of them, most recently June 8 in the French Open final. That was Serena's 16th major title, fourth in the open era, and she's far from done. Sharapova is a tremendous talent herself, winner of four majors, but she's no Serena -- and Serena knows it.

But that's not enough for Serena Williams, who trashes one of the women she thrashes on the court. What's that all about? You already won. So why be a loser?

While I'm at it, I'll ask the same thing of boxer Adrien Broner, who beat Paulie Malignaggi on Saturday for Malignaggi's WBA welterweight belt and did it in Malignaggi's hometown of Brooklyn. Athletic conquests get no more visceral, especially after all the trash talk from both sides leading up to the fight. Malignaggi didn't take the high road before the fight, but make no mistake: Broner was the instigator and the escalator, the one who bragged about dating Malignaggi's ex-girlfriend and even put her on speaker phone during a pre-fight press conference.

But all of that wasn't enough for Adrien Broner. After the fight -- right there in the ring, in front of 11,461 people at Barclays Center -- Broner told the Brooklyn crowd, "I left with his belt and his girl."

Adrien Broner: Big winner. Bigger loser.

So I ask everyone: Why isn't winning enough? What's with the stupid stuff afterward? The examples I've given, the bigger picture what I'm talking about, isn't the same thing as an NFL player scoring a touchdown and spiking the ball or dunking it over the crossbar or pulling out a Sharpie and pretending to autograph the damn thing. That's celebration, self-centered as it may be, but it isn't cruel.

That's what bothers me about Sapp, Serena and Broner -- the cruelty. The piling on. Being ahead by three touchdowns and trying an onsides kick. Winning has been accomplished, so now the goal is abject humiliation.

Winning wasn't enough for Warren Sapp. He wanted to elevate the Hall of Fame candidacy of Simeon Rice, which is a fine and noble thing to do, but he chose the most dishonorable way to do it, by knocking down Michael Strahan.

Sapp and Strahan have a history, see. A history of Sapp's creation. He didn't like the way Strahan set the single-season record for sacks on that infamous play in 2001 when unprotected Packers quarterback Brett Favre took a dive. Sapp has ripped Strahan several times for Favre's dive, as if that was Strahan's fault.

Now this. Last week Sapp talked up his buddy Rice's Hall of Fame candidacy by talking down the candidacy of Michael Strahan: "When they were putting the label on him as a bust, they put B-U-S. 'OK, let's transition him on the other side and see if he can play in his fourth year.' They put him at right end and he couldn't do it [against the left tackle], so they moved him to the weak guy."

In my business we tell people -- as people have told me -- "only swing up." In other words, defend yourself against anyone that attacks, but if you're going to go on the offensive for whatever (stupid) reason, don't swing at a guy at a smaller paper, or a smaller website, and so on. Picking on someone like that? It's not tough. It's pathetic.

That's Hall of Famer Warren Sapp, picking on a Hall of Fame hopeful Michael Strahan. It's pathetic.

And it's Serena Williams, picking on a player who hasn't beaten her in eight years. She mocked Sharapova's personality, of all things, saying Sharapova is "so boring" and that she's "still not going to be invited to the cool parties."

Still not going to be invited to the cool parties?

Who talks like that? Other than silly high school kids, I mean.

Ah ... you know what? I think I've stumbled onto something here. This is why people such as Sapp and Serena -- and Adrien Broner -- do what they do and say what they say, stealing defeat from the jaws of victory by being unnecessarily cruel. Because they're juvenile. Being that good, that historically incredibly inimitably good, comes with a price: You never get to grow up. You don't have to. The people around you, the lemmings who surround you, will laugh at your juvenile humor and nod at your juvenile wisdom because they're as pathetic, Sapp and Serena and Broner, as you are.

So maybe some rare honesty will help: Grow up, you three. And the same goes for the rest of you out there, athletes or writers or lawyers or whoever you are. Defend yourself if necessary, but if you're going to go on the attack, only swing up. If there's nobody above you, guess what? You've won.

So shut up, loser.

-- This article from:cbssports.com

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Williams plans to keep that same mentality when the Ravens begin training camp next month

Brandon Williams made an impression on his coaches and new teammates as soon as they met him.

Just taking a look at Williams, one point is clear: He’s big. And he has huge arms.

“God has blessed that young man with a big set of arms,” veteran lineman Chris Canty said during a recent interview. “When he starts learning how to use them, he’s going to be really, really impressive.”

Williams, 6-foot-1, 335 pounds, is used to people commenting on his size.

“I’ve always been a big kid, but when I got a little older I found the weight room and I just lived in there,” Williams said.

Those physical tools have helped Williams make the transition to the NFL over the last couple months. He held his own during offseason practices, and the third-round pick made it clear from the time he arrived in Baltimore that he was not going to be intimidated by the big stage of the NFL.

The defensive lineman out of Division II school Missouri Southern State said “I’m here to stay,” during his first press conference at rookie minicamp, and added that he expects to make an immediate impact on the defense.

Williams plans to keep that same mentality when the Ravens begin training camp next month.

“I just keep that passion and go in there with a mindset that, ‘No one can stop you. No one can block you,’” Williams said.

The Ravens players and coaches currently have a break before training camp opens in late July. Williams will use the time to visit with his family and continue training on his own so that he’s ready to compete for a job.

“My mentality going into training camp is to just play your game,” Williams said. “Don’t get psyched out just because it’s training camp, and you have pads on. It’s what you’ve been doing since you’ve been little.”

Williams received positive reviews of his play during Organized Team Activities (OTAs) and minicamp in May and June. Before he even put on a Ravens helmet, the YouTube video of him walking on his hands became a talking point in the locker room.

He has the size and power to be a block eater in the middle of the line, and his new teammates see significant potential in him.

“He’s big, strong, stout,” Canty said. “He’s going to be able to take up a lot of space in that defensive interior. I’m really looking forward to seeing what he’s able to do.”

Williams is expected to compete for the starting nose tackle job in training camp along with fourth-year veteran Terrence Cody, who is working his way back from offseason hip surgery. Pro Bowler Haloti Ngata could also end up starting at nose tackle depending how the Ravens want to arrange their defensive front.

Williams showed during the offseason that he has the talent to earn a starting job, and now it’s a matter of refining his game so that he can make the jump to the NFL level.

“I know that his game is going to go to that next level once we put the pads on and get into training camp,” Canty said. “He’s got some physical gifts, and we’ve just got to get him using them the right way and he’ll be alright.”

-- This article from: baltimoreravens.com

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Allen said it's an exciting challenge to be thrust into the starting position

It takes a unique individual to be able to handle the pressure of being a starting cornerback in the NFL. You have to be confident in your abilities, but not cocky. You have to be disciplined. And you have to have a short memory, because there will be times you are going to get beat, and you have to line up on the next play with nothing but confidence.

Cortez Allen appears to be cut out to handle the job. His days at The Citadel prepared him not just physically, but also mentally to attack any challenge that comes his way, and that is a good thing. Allen is a favorite to take over the starting left cornerback spot vacated when Keenan Lewis signed with the New Orleans Saints this offseason. It’s a job that he has always wanted, and a job he isn’t afraid to tackle.

“I feel ready,” said Allen. “Anybody who plays the game of football has dreams of one day being a starter. At least they should have those kinds of aspirations. Since day one this is what I wanted. If that is not your mindset, to compete at that high of a level, then you are in the wrong sport. Athletics is not your thing.

“Everyone should have that aspiration to one day be a starter. That is my goal. That is what I work for, to compete with the best.”

Allen started three of the last four games in 2012 when Ike Taylor was injured, and quickly put up some impressive numbers. In the final two games he caused five turnovers -- two interceptions and three forced fumbles. 

“I prepare every day like I am going to be a starter,” said Allen. “You never know, especially with the position I play and the nature of the game. Any given moment you could be thrown in there. You have to prepare like that, like last year when I started you have to be ready.”

Starting a full NFL season, when every week you will be facing the best receivers in the game, could have any young player a little on edge. It doesn’t rattle Allen.

“It’s an exciting challenge to be thrust into the starting position,” said Allen. “It’s something you work for. It’s here.

“There isn’t pressure. It’s a game I love. Being able to do this is fun. I just have to keep doing what I do. I have to work hard and give my all to this team and my teammates. Everything else will handle itself.”

-- This article from:steelers.com

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Cortez Allen ,Keenan Lewis , Ike Taylor ,New Orleans Saints ,Pittsburgh Steelers,NFL

Skuta learns the nuances of the outside linebacker position

Inside, outside, 3-4 or 4-3, Dan Skuta has now lined up at every linebacker position in his NFL career.

The 6-foot-2, 250-pound linebacker signed a two-year contract with the 49ers this offseason expecting to contribute on special teams and as a reserve inside linebacker.

While special teams has continued to be one of the calling cards of the six-year veteran, he hasn’t been lining up as an inside linebacker.

Instead, Skuta joined the first-team defense as an outside linebacker, something that initially caught him by surprise. With Ahmad Brooks and Aldon Smith both nursing injuries, Skuta stepped into the first-team huddle along with Parys Haralson as outside linebackers in San Francisco’s 3-4 alignment.

“I thought inside would be more of the positon for me, but I’ve played some outside in the past with Cincinnati,” Skuta said.

The Bengals ran a 4-3 defense, so the role with the 49ers hasn’t been nearly the same. Skuta, however, has no problem with learning a new spot on defense. Versatility has never been a problem for the special teams standout.

“I enjoy it,” Skuta said of his outside linebacker responsibilities. “I’m picking it up pretty good I think.”

Skuta has also lined up as a fullback during his time with the Bengals. Being asked to play outside linebacker really isn’t a shock at this point of his career.

“I’ve done all kinds of stuff,” Skuta said. “This is another addition to that.”

While Skuta learns the nuances of the outside linebacker position, he’s brushing up on his special teams coverage techniques under respected coordinator Brad Seely. Skuta joined the 49ers with quite the reputation for covering kicks. He has totaled 56 special teams tackles in 56 games.

Skuta’s assimilation into San Francisco’s system has been a positive experience so far.

The physical special teams player also can’t help but notice the veteran talent signed by the 49ers this offseason. Players like Raymond Ventrone, Kassim Osgood and Marlon Moore, all represent the level of commitment being made to special teams.

“The guys they’ve been bringing in here,” Skuta began, “I’m impressed with their dedication to that part of the game. I just feel like they really want to be great at it here and we’ve got the guys to do it. We’ve got the coaches to do it, so I’m excited for that.”

In particular, Skuta is eager to play alongside Ventrone after being AFC North opponents for the past five seasons.

If football fans don’t know about Ventrone, Skuta is happy to give them insight on the special teams dynamo.

“They should know about him because he’s a beast out there,” Skuta said. “I played against him twice a year when I was with Cincinnati and he was in Cleveland and I knew where he was every time we were on the field. He was their guy. He’s a great player. I definitely knew who he was and I think the fans should know about him, too.”

Before Skuta and Ventrone can get back to work as members of San Francisco’s kick-off and punt teams, they’ll enjoy the month-long break before training camp begins.

For Skuta, pre-camp training will take place in his home state of Michigan.

The veteran linebacker already has his month of July perfectly planned.

“Train all day for four hours and then go out on the boat in Michigan, that’s not too bad, is it?”

Skuta’s role on the 49ers will be one to watch when training camp begins in late July. For now, the ability to play both inside and outside bodes well for his future with a new team.

-- This article from:49ers.com

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Canty’s presence was evident as soon as he stepped on the field

At the conclusion of the Ravens’ offseason program, free-agent acquisition Chris Canty stood out from the pack.

The defensive lineman caught the eye of his teammates, coaches and media members, showing off athleticism and versatility that is part of an overhaul of the Ravens’ defensive front.

“Very positive impressions of Chris Canty,” Head Coach John Harbaugh said at the end of minicamp. “He can do a lot of things along the line of scrimmage. He’s a good player, very good player.”

Canty’s presence was evident as soon as he stepped on the field.

At 6-foot-7, he’s the tallest player on the defense, standing almost a head above most of his counterparts. And he isn’t just tall. The nine-year veteran weighs 317 pounds, and that unique blend of length, power and speed makes him difficult to block.

“He’s bigger than I thought,” Senior Defensive Assistant Steve Spagnuolo admitted.

Canty is active at the line of scrimmage and knows how to use his size to his advantage. One of the highlights of minicamp came when he worked off a block and then leapt in the air to intercept a pass from quarterback Tyrod Taylor. Canty made the catch and rumbled his way back on a return before getting brought down just before the end zone.

“You can’t coach that height,” Spagnuolo said. “He puts his hands up, man. There’s not a coach in the world that can take a six-foot guy and do that. He’s been very impressive to me.”

The Ravens signed Canty this offseason after he was cut by the New York Giants as part of a salary cap purge. Canty had spent the last four seasons in New York, registering nine sacks in his time with the Giants.

He missed seven games with a knee injury last year, but showed no lingering signs of the injury during minicamp practices open to the media.

Bringing him to Baltimore was part of an overall effort by the organization to rebuild the defensive front with players who can stuff the run and also get after the quarterback. Canty can play defensive end and defensive tackle, which will allow the Ravens to use multiple looks up front and also slide Pro Bowler Haloti Ngata into the middle of the line.

In addition to signing Canty, the Ravens also added veterans Marcus Spears and Elvis Dumervil, and drafted Brandon Williams. The additions – along with players like Terrell Suggs, Arthur Jones, Pernell McPhee, Terrence Cody and DeAngelo Tyson – give the Ravens plenty of depth up front.

“We’ve got a tremendous group of talent up front,” Canty said during an interview on 105.7 The Fan. “We’re starting to put it together. I think toward the end of OTAs and minicamp, we were starting to put some of those things together and I’m just excited about continuing to build that rapport going into training camp.”

With several players who can play multiple positions, the Ravens have the ability to mix up their schemes and assignments on the line, making it tough for offenses to know what to expect.

“I’m curious to see it,” Canty said when asked about how offenses will match up against them. “I’m glad I don’t have to worry about gameplanning against us.”

Canty was a regular participant in the offseason program, and his veteran presence was an attractive component to signing him. He won a Super Bowl with the Giants in 2012, and he knows what it’s like playing a season tabbed as the “defending champions.”

Canty’s experience and work ethic has already shined during the offseason, and the Ravens are excited to see his production this fall.

“He’s a really good worker – tremendous attitude,” Harbaugh said. “I really like him a lot.” 

-- This article from:baltimoreravens.com

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Packers are instead counting on the development of several young players

Rather than make major personnel changes on defense after last season's 579-yard playoff debacle against the San Francisco 49ers, the Green Bay Packers are instead counting on the development of several young players whose efforts in 2012 were incomplete at best. Atop that list is linebacker Nick Perry, who was a part-time player in the first six games of his rookie season before missing the rest because of knee and wrist injuries.

As a result, Perry was on my list of players to inquire about earlier this month at Packers minicamp. The bad news was that he was still wearing a brace on his left wrist, which he had surgery on last November. But he was participating throughout minicamp and coach Mike McCarthy said he is expected to be at full strength by the start of training camp.

Outside linebackers coach Kevin Greene, who last year detailed for us the long road Perry had in front of him as he transitioned from defensive end, rained effusive praise when asked about his development.

"He looks different," Greene said. "He moves different to me. He moves with more sense of urgency and purpose. His eyes are different. His gaze is different. I can just look at his face and look at in his eyes and know he's not happy with what transpired last year and he's determined not to let that happen again this year."

Perry played only 198 snaps in six games before his injuries, a modest average of about 33 (or roughly half) per game. But in looking back to that relatively short stint, Greene said he felt confident Perry had made progress -- most notably in the unfamiliar realm of pass coverage.

Greene pointed to the Week 5 game against the Indianapolis Colts as evidence. Perry, of course, had one sack in that game and lost another due to penalty. But what caught Greene's eye was an effort in pass defense against Colts receiver Reggie Wayne.

"He carried Reggie Wayne vertical up the field in a Cover 2 concept and it was as good as I can coach it," Greene said. "He carries an All-Pro vertical up the seam in a hip-trail position. That tells me: You know what, he can do everything coverage-wise. He progressed during his time last year as a player."

Proficiency in pass coverage will keep Perry on the field in 2013. But his pass rush and speed on the edge are why the Packers drafted him last season and how he can best help them address the issues that surfaced in the playoffs. Greene sees them as all part of a larger picture.

"This position takes a little time to settle into," he said. "It's hard to come out of the gate at this position because there's so much involved with the eyes. Nick is going to get better with more time on the job. That's the bottom line. He's got to be in the cleats. Smelling the grass. Having fun. Opening his eyes. Making good plays. Building confidence. And that's just the natural progression of a player."

-- This article from:espn.go.com

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Ride off into the sunset together

When the Arizona Cardinals hired Bruce Arians as their head coach, one of the criteria that was used to make the hire was getting results right away. Team president Michael Bidwill cited the quick turnarounds of Seattle and San Francisco, desiring the same thing for his team.

Arians was interviewed by Ian Rapoport and stated that the team is not using the word "rebuild" to describe what they are doing.

"Just like last year with the Colts, we refused to use that world 'rebuild,' " Arians said. "It's reload. We're in it to win now."

This isn't the first time we have heard it. Arians has said it. Carson Palmer has said it. Neither are young by NFL standards. They would like to "ride off into the sunset together."

I know it is a simple thing to do for motivational purposes. It is easier to get veteran buy in when you say "reload" because "rebuild" seems to connote that will take years.

Truthfully, it is the same thing. Plus, the team isn't just "reloading." They are trying to win now and sustain it, which is a rebuild. They are trying to build through the draft and also win with young contributors.

They certainly have a tall task. They are in a very, very tough division. When the Colts pulled off a nine game improvement, it came in a relatively weak division.

Over the course of the NFL supplemental draft, we have seen big name guys get drafted. Whether or not they succeed is an unknown. Take for example two guys who made the Supplemental Draft over the last two season, intriguing. Terrell Pryor, selected by the Raiders, and Josh Gordon, selected by the Browns.

Two guys, who, if they had been eligible for the NFL Draft, would have made waves. Looking throughout the 36 year history of this particular draft, the Cardinals have only taken two players... QB Timm Rosenbach in 1989 (Which was THE busiest year in Supplemental Draft history), and OG Willie Williams in 1990.

The Cardinals actually took Rosenbach in the first round of the Supplemental Draft, but in that same round, the Cowboys took Steve Walsh, and the Broncos took Bobby Humphrey.

Rosenbach had potential, but injuries cut his career short and he was out of the league by 1992.

Humphrey took off in his first two seasons in the NFL. Putting up back to back 1000 yard seasons, while making the Pro Bowl in 1990. However, while he was putting up yards, and finding pay dirt, he was also coughing up the ball at an equal rate. 17 career touchdowns, to 14 career fumbles put his career to an end in 1992.

Steve Walsh was the most success of the three. His career came to an end in 1999 but during that span, he played for six different teams, ending his career at 20-18 in terms of wins and losses.

The Cardinals took Willie Williams, the little known Offensive Guard) in 1990, in the ninth round of the Supplemental Draft. He played only two seasons in the NFL, once in 1990, playing in all 16 games, but only starting three games, and once again in 1994 for the New Orleans Saints, playing in all 16 games, and only starting in five games.

There were times over the last few years I wanted us to go draft a guy. Terrell Pryor for example. He's got talent, he's shown promise, but Ken Whisenhunt and staff didn't want to pull the trigger. This year, with a more aggressive front office and coaching staff, could we possibly see someone taken?

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Guys the Patriots may have some interest in signing

 

Here's a list of guys the Patriots may have some interest in signing:

Ray Edwards, DE (ATL Falcons) - Edwards is on this list strictly because his talent is so intriguing. It wasn't that long ago that Edwards was widely considered one of the best up-and-coming edge rushers in the game. But after some injury concerns and a pair of disappointing seasons with the Falcons, his hype has all but fizzled out.

This would be a typical low-risk/high-reward signing for the Patriots. Character concerns aside, if things panned out, having another young, lengthy, and explosive defensive end with plenty of NFL experience opposite Chandler Jones would be an incredible addition.

Amobi Okoye, DT (Chicago Bears) - With Tommy Kelly most likely starting next to Vince Wilfork, the top of the Patriots' depth chart at defensive tackle looks as strong as it has in a long time. While there are some high hopes for CFL import Armond Armstead as well, he's still an unknown at this point. The Patriots may want to bring in another veteran to shore things up.

Okoye is an athletic defensive tackle who could potentially be a big presence as an interior rusher in passing situations, but he could also start in a pinch given his experience. If they could get the dollars right, this former first-round pick could be a huge addition at this point in free agency.

Brandon Moore, G (New York Jets) - The Patriots are returning all five starters on their offensive line from a season ago--a unit that was one of the best in the NFL.

However, their depth is a little thin, particularly at the guard spot. As Reiss and Yates pointed out , after playing primarily at tackle in his first two seasons, Marcus Cannon seems to be working exclusively at guard in absence of an injured Dan Connolly. However, a veteran presence could go a long way, especially with top backup Donald Thomas signing with the Colts this offseason.

Moore has a been a good guard in this league for a long time, and you can bet that Bill Belichick knows all about this former Jet. At the back end of his career, don't be surprised if Moore joined a division rival for cheap dollars, with the hope of finally getting a ring before retirement.

Dallas Clark, TE (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) - With Rob Gronkowski's recovery from back and forearm surgery putting his availability for the start of the season in jeopardy and legal issues surrounding Aaron Hernandez with regard to a homicide investigation, the Patriots may be looking for some help at tight end.

The Patriots may want to see what they have in a healthy Jake Ballard and rookie Zach Sudfeld, but Dallas Clark--a proven veteran who was once considered the best in the game--may be an affordable insurance policy.

Vonta Leach, FB (Baltimore Ravens) - With Wes Welker gone and the availability of the TEs in question, the Patriots may rely on the ground game a lot more in 2013.

Looking it's best since the Corey Dillon days, the Patriots running game had a resurrection last season, led by Stevan Ridley's breakout sophomore year (1,263 rushing yards, 12 touchdowns).

Leach is probably the best fullback in the league and he is just sitting out there waiting for a job.

The only down side of signing Leach would be cutting someone else--likely a running back--to make room for him on the roster. The Patriots have a lot of talent at RB behind Ridley (Shane Vereen, LaGarrette Blount, Leon Washington, Brandon Bolden) so it'd be tough to cut one of them. Bolden looks like he'd be the most likely to go, though.

John Abraham, DE (Atlanta Falcons) - Abraham has been linked to the Patriots in free agency since the get-go, and for good reason. Though he's 35 years old, Abraham is still playing some real good football, coming fresh off a ten-sack season in 2012.

At this point in his career Abraham would probably be most effective in a pass-rushing specialist role, though if need be, he could step in as a starter. It's unclear if Abraham is waiting for the right dollar amount or some kind of playing-time commitment, but if the two sides could meet in the middle, Abraham could push the Pats' defense over the top.

Israel Idonje, DE (Chicago Bears) - If things don't get done with Abraham, Idonje would be a solid--and less expensive--addition. He's been productive as a pass rusher over the last few years (7.5 sacks in 2012, 5 in 2011, 8 in 2010) and is effective against the run. At 6'6'', 270 lbs, he also has some versatility with the ability to play 4-3 end, 4-3 defensive tackle and even 3-4 defensive end.

He wouldn't be asked to start, but the Pats could use a seasoned vet to provide some leadership to a rather young group of ends. It would be surprising if Idonje was looking for top dollar, so if the Pats want him, they could probably get him.

It's Golden Tate's chance to weigh in on the Seattle-San Franchise rivalry

While Seahawks coach Pete Carroll seemingly has nothing but nice things to say about 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh, it has become clearer in recent weeks that these two squads really don't like each other.

Seattle cornerback Brandon Browner recently said he'd like to get his hands around Harbaugh's neck in response to Harbaugh saying he wasn't sure he believed Adderall was the root of a rash of PED problems in Seattle (perhaps Harbaugh should enlist Judge Judy in helping him with his investigation).

Now, it's Seahawks receiver Golden Tate's chance to weigh in on the Seattle-San Franchise rivalry. And, specifically, what type of bodily harm that he'd enjoy performing on Harbaugh.

“Well, I'd be on offense trying to score a touchdown on him. Defensively, that's a little different because they tackle and they can really be aggressive,” Tate said on Friday. “But I would try and give him the Sean Lee treatment. I would do that.”

Authorities continue to investigate, but not talk about, the killing of a semi-pro football player whose body was found a mile from New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez.

A spokeswoman for the Bristol County district attorney's office said Sunday that officials are not releasing details. Spokeswoman Yasmina Serdarevic said officials also are not talking about the cause of death of 27-year-old Odin Lloyd, whose body was found on Monday. His death was ruled a homicide.

Hernandez was questioned and his home searched as part of the police investigation into the Dorchester man's death.

State police officers and dogs searched Hernandez's North Attleboro home for more than three hours on Saturday.

An attorney for Hernandez has said he would not comment on the searches.

New England Patriots spokesman Stacey James has said the team does not expect to comment during the police investigation. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell was waiting for the legal process to take its course.

The Patriots drafted Hernandez out of Florida in 2010. He has since combined with Rob Gronkowski to form one of the top tight end duos in the NFL. He missed 10 games last season with an ankle injury and had shoulder surgery in April but is expected to be ready for training camp. Last summer, the Patriots gave him a five-year contract worth $40 million.

The best all-purpose player in Ravens history

Ray Rice has been the best all-purpose back in the NFL for the past four years.

Now here’s nearing the distinction as the best all-purpose player in Ravens history.

The sixth-year running back has racked up 8,233 yards from scrimmage throughout his career, which ranks No. 2 in franchise history. Running back Jamal Lewis, a 2012 Ring of Honor inductee, currently holds the record with 9,166 yards from scrimmage. 

Rice needs just 933 yards to catch Lewis, which should happen about midway through this year if Rice is able to stay healthy. Rice has averaged 1,876.5 yards from scrimmage in each of the last four seasons.

While Rice is getting close to Lewis in total yards, he still has a ways to go in terms of rushing yards. Lewis leads the way with 7,801 career rushing yards compared to 5,520 for Rice.

Rice, a second-round draft pick out of Rutgers, has spent his entire career in Baltimore and he’s started to pile up the records. He’s the only Raven to rush for 1,000 yards in four straight seasons and his 15 touchdowns in 2011 are the most in franchise history.

A strong season in 2013 will have him sitting atop another category, and likely land him back in the Pro Bowl for the fourth time of his career.

And then there are some another Ravens Top Fantasy Players

1.) Dennis Pitta

As far as tight ends go Pitta is a steady riser on all fantasy draft boards. He could easily lead the Ravens in touchdown catches this season as his chemistry with Joe Flacco continues to grow and he is and will be for the foreseeable future, Joe Flacco's favorite target.

There has been some speculation that Jim Caldwell will attempt to increase the use of tight end Ed Dickson in the passing game in 2013 but it is doubtful that this could effect Pitta's production.

2.) Torrey Smith

Having transitioned into one of, if not, the best deep threat in the NFL has made Smith a hot commodity for fantasy owners. While he may not be as valuable in PPR leagues his touchdowns and yards per game will most likely take another step forward in 2013.

Without Anquan Boldin in the mix this season Smith may be asked to do much more than just run deep routes all game. This could add to his value in PPR leagues as well.

3.) Joe Facco

Flacco could easily be number two on this list if he continues to progress under Jim Caldwell but he will need to finally show consistency throughout a 16 game season to move up the list. I toyed with the idea of putting him ahead of Smith but again he has been known to have some real clunkers during the regular season. Perhaps that will be a thing of the past but for now here he sits at number five.

4.) Ravens defense and special teams

Special teams needs no explaining with Jacoby Jones again returning kicks in Baltimore but this season they will also have Lardarius Webb and David Reed able to chip in as well. All are top flight return men and stand to keep the Ravens return game at the top of the NFL.

The once vaunted Ravens defense is a complete enigma at this point but the strong defensive line and combination of Terrell Suggs and Elvis Dumervil could return this unit to turn over glory. With such a powerful duo of pass rushers and the teams best corner returning from injury this unit could turn out to be a real steal on draft day.

5.) Justin Tucker

Kickers are a pure luxury in fantasy and often are changed week in and out but Tucker is about a sure thing as there is in the NFL right now. As kickers go, he should be one of the first picked.

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Vladimir Putin offers to get Robert Kraft a new 'expensive' ring

Former Alabama running back Glen Coffee had a brief NFL career, strangely retiring after only a single season with the San Francisco 49ers.

As it turns out, Coffee said afterwards, he wanted more from life than the fame and fortune afforded to NFL players.

"I don't want to sound mean or attack the NFL, but I'm not an entertainer," Coffee told the Sacramento Bee after his abrupt retirement. "I see football as being the same as being a singer, being a dancer or something along those lines. When we fill out our W2s, we're in that category of entertainers, man. That's not me. I want to be doing something to better myself, to better someone else. Glen Coffee's not an entertainer."

On Friday, Coffee will graduate from Airborne School at Fort Benning (Ga.) with his eyes set on becoming a member of the U.S. Army Special Forces.

“I know my motivation and I know my focus,” Coffee said. “I just felt like being in an elite unit would pretty much weed out anybody who didn't have the drive and focus that I believe I have. I feel like if I make it in [Special Forces], that guy to my left and my right is somebody I could depend on with my life and vice versa.”

Coffee said he has no regrets about leaving Alabama early or retiring from football. And after drifting somewhat aimlessly for the last few years, it appears the 26-year-old has found his calling.

“I've always considered myself a warrior, somebody who would fight for what he believed in,” Coffee said. “It hit me like, ‘What do you think the military does, and what do you think the military is full of?' Warriors. All of a sudden, I had this respect for the military, and I just realized that there is no America without the men and women who serve this country.

“I figured that if I'm able, the Lord's blessed me with an able body while I'm young, to get out there and get dirty.”

Last week, Patriots owner Robert Kraft said Vladimir Putin had pocketed his $25,000 Super Bowl XXXIX ring. A Putin spokesman came out a few days later and said the ring had actually been a gift.

Either way, Putin now wants to make amends, though he claims he doesn't actually remember Kraft.

“You know, I do not remember either Mr. Kraft or the ring," Putin said. “They handed out some sorts of souvenirs. But if it is such a valuable thing to Mr. Kraft and his team, I have a proposal.

"We will ask our enterprises to craft a really good, noticeable thing -- so it is clear that it is expensive, made of a good metal, with a rock -- so that this jewel is passed on from generation to generation in the team whose interests Mr. Kraft represents.

"I think that this would be the most intelligent ... solution to such a difficult international problem.”

The AFP reports Putin said that “with a hint of a smile” so it's unclear if Putin is just trolling Kraft or if he thinks the storyline is somewhat silly (either way, here's proof that Putin did have possession of the ring at one point -- though here's one theory: maybe the bust looking over Putin's shoulder is the person who actually took Kraft's ring).

But Kraft apparently was displeased enough by the original incident that he saw fit to mention it eight years later.

"I took out the ring and showed it to [Putin], and he put it on and he goes, 'I can kill someone with this ring,'" Kraft said. "I put my hand out, and he put it in his pocket, and three KGB guys got around him and walked out."

Kraft then said the Bush White House told him to downplay the issue in the interest of international relations. And so, Kraft called the ring a gift to Putin.

Which Putin says he doesn't remember (with a hint of a smile!!).

At this point, though, will Kraft even want a new ring? Does he need it? Even if it's made of good metal with a rock? After all, even without a ring that can be passed on from generation to generation, the company that Kraft has been keeping lately has been pretty lavish, anyway.

 

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Football fever was in full force on Friday at All-City Stadium in Denver

It may have been the first day of summer, but football fever was in full force on Friday at All-City Stadium in Denver.

With the opportunity to play on the same field where NFL icons Peyton Manning and Champ Bailey practice hanging in the balance, high school athletes from schools across Colorado hauled in finger-tip catches, dove through the air to swat away passes, and raced through the sweltering heat to score go-ahead touchdowns for their teams.   

The bustling atmosphere and incessant action were part of the third-annual High School 7-on-7 Tournament hosted by the Denver Broncos and sponsored by Nike, Colorado National Guard and Panorama Orthopedic and Spine Center.

The touch football tournament, which began on Wednesday at All-City Stadium and will conclude on Saturday at the Broncos' Dove Valley headquarters, pitted 64 teams from all different high school football classification levels against one another in a fun and competitive environment.        

“The great thing about this is that this one is free and we invite every school that plays high school football in the state of Colorado,” Broncos Manager of Fan Development Bobby Mestas said. “Every team is invited. We have a lot of 5A and 4A schools, but also some 3A, 2A and 1A schools. It’s a chance for everyone to get some practice in and play teams that they’ve never even seen before.”

The 64 teams were broken into four-team pools during preliminary play on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday – and with four games ongoing at any given time, there were no shortage of spirals filling the air or high fives being slapped on the sidelines. 

One team from each pool will advance to a 16-team, single-elimination tournament on Saturday at the Broncos Training Facility, where a champion will be crowned by the end of day.

Play will begin at 9 a.m. and the public is welcome to attend.

“You can tell that the kids really get excited,” Mestas said. “I think that when they’re playing their third and final pool play game, and they realize that they get to move onto Dove Valley if they win, you can just tell it’s a really big deal to them. It’s just exciting. You can tell from their interactions, their excitement, their enthusiasm.”

Mestas noted that the winner of the tournament will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to represent the Broncos at the 2013 HSPD National Tournament in Cleveland, Ohio in July, where every NFL franchise will be represented by a high school team.

Last year’s champion, Horizon High School, had a strong showing at the national level.

“Horizon competed awesomely at the national finals. I think they finished fourth overall,” Mestas said. “They really competed well and they had a great experience. They got to play against some of the best athletes in the country. They had a lot of great character development. It’s just a great overall experience on and off the field for a winner.”

Ultimately, it’s a fun and active environment for high school teams to hone their skills and start bonding early on.

It’s also the opportunity for players to run in the footsteps of football superstars and represent an NFL franchise at a national tournament. 
And for high school football players on summer vacation, it’s about as good as it gets.  

“It’s great practice, there’s a lot to play for, and the kids get to see teams that they would never get to play against in the regular football season,” Mestas said. “It’s just an awesome environment and an awesome tournament.”

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Thurman's happy to fade into the background

It was far from a ringing endorsement, but LaDainian Tomlinson expects Mark Sanchez to be the Jets starting quarterback.

“I think early on by default because I don’t believe Geno Smith will be ready to play,” Tomlinson, who played alongside Sanchez for the Jets from 2010-11.

“[Smith] comes from an offense where they rarely huddle; they play from the shotgun, the spread system so I don’t know if he’s ready to take over Marty Mornhinweg’s offense.”

Smith, who was taken in the second round out of West Virginia, and Sanchez both struggled with inconsistency in OTAs, but that was helped along by plenty of drops by an inexperienced receiving corps. The competition will pick up when the team starts training camp at Cortland at the end of July.

“This is a West Coast offense, and really Mark Sanchez has that type of DNA in him because he played at USC in a West Coast offense,” Tomlinson said. “Early on, we probably will see Sanchez take the snaps at the starting spot. But here’s the thing: in preseason, if Mark Sanchez doesn’t show the ability to improve from turning the football over and that race is close between the two, Geno Smith will be the starter.”

The two years Tomlinson played for the Jets saw Sanchez lead them to back-to-back AFC Championship games in the quarterback’s first two seasons in the league. Since Tomlinson retired, Sanchez has struggled with turnovers and the team went 8-8 and 6-10.

“Mark has to start to trust himself. Mark does a great job in the film room but when he comes out on the field, he doesn’t trust what he sees out there in terms of coverages and the timing with his receivers,” Tomlinson said. “If he starts to trust himself and not hesitate in throwing the football, then he possibly could turn his career around. I think it’ll be tough at this point because rarely does a zebra change his stripes.”

Thurman -- who possesses a rare talent for delivering blunt honesty and a well-timed one-liner at the same time -- ran the Jets' secondary the past four years. But now, after his promotion to defensive coordinator this offseason, he's happy to fade into the background. Now the stage is set for McDonald, 48, to improve upon the foundation laid by Thurman and Rex Ryan.

On the surface, the personalities of the seemingly reserved McDonald and the straight-talking Thurman appear to clash. "But once he gets to know you, we're much more alike than we are different," Thurman said. "He thinks he's a comedian, actually, and he doesn't realize he'd be starving if that was his job."

Jets players are quick to point out that it's impossible to compare anyone to Thurman. But McDonald's NFL credentials speak for themselves: 13 seasons, six Pro Bowls and a Super Bowl championship in 1994 with the 49ers.

"He commands immediate respect," second-year safety Josh Bush said. "Whatever he says you're going to listen to right off the bat."

But before McDonald was hoisting the Lombardi Trophy, he was in St. Louis and Tempe, Ariz., under the tutelage of Thurman, a position coach for the Cardinals starting in 1988.

The Cardinals traded defensive back Leonard Smith to Buffalo that year in order to get McDonald, the 34th overall pick in the NFL draft, into the starting lineup.

"Not saying Leonard wasn't easy to coach," Thurman said. "But Tim was easier."

And from there a bond was born.

Asked to share what he's learned from Thurman over the years, McDonald smiled and replied, "The game, pretty much."

When Thurman, 57, describes his friendship with McDonald, two simple words come to mind.

"Powerful. Inspirational,'' he said. "He listens. It's important that if you're going to talk to someone that they're listening and your conversation can go back and forth. It's never been one-sided."

After coaching two years at his alma mater, Edison High School in Fresno, Calif., McDonald coached Fresno State's secondary in 2012. But when former Jets defensive coordinator Mike Pettine left to join the Bills, McDonald called Ryan to interview with the Jets. In January, he was hired.

Soon after, McDonald called Thurman to tell him the good news. "I'm coming to New York to take a bite out of the apple," he said.

But Thurman is adamant that McDonald was on the Jets' radar because of his credentials, not their friendship.

"It wasn't just, 'OK, we're friends. You get the job,' " said Thurman, who helped mold future Hall of Fame safety Ronnie Lott during their playing days at USC. "He had to go through the process, and in going through the process, he didn't just impress me. I knew what he was made of. But he obviously impressed Rex and the new GM and the other people he had come in contact with. So he earned the job."

Though the Jets' defense ranked second against the pass (189.8) and eighth overall in 2012, McDonald has inherited a secondary with only three players (Antonio Cromartie, Kyle Wilson, Isaiah Trufant) with three years of experience in the system.

The new position coach also doesn't have the luxury of a healthy Darrelle Revis at his disposal.

"Don't get me wrong; Darrelle Revis is a great, great player and will go down in history as one of the best players to ever come through here. But this defense was pretty good last year," McDonald said. "There's some good football players here and we will respond in the ways that we need to respond.

"But you know," he added with a laugh, "I thought he would be here. I thought [safety] LaRon Landry would be here. But I do understand this: In the NFL, the only thing that stays the same is change. No one is immortal . . . As long as we can get the most out of the guys, I really believe that we have a chance to be pretty good."

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RG3 is the most important piece to the Redskins' roster

Former NFL player Sam Huff will be retiring from doing color commentary for the Washington Redskins’ radio broadcasts after 38 years.

ESPN 980 announced the retirement on their Facebook page earlier on Friday. Huff’s final game was in the playoffs against the Seattle Seahawks last season, his 770th broadcast. He was teamed up with play-by-play man Sunny Jurgensen six years after he began calling games for the team on the Redskins Radio Network.

“I’ve enjoyed every game that I played, coached and provided color commentary over the last 50 years with the Washington Redskins,” Huff said in his statement on the Facebook page. “I look forward to joining Larry, Sonny and Doc on the pre-game show a few times this season.”

The color commentator will be honored during a Redskins game to be determined later.

Huff started in the NFL with the New York Giants back in 1956, where he switched positions from defensive guard at West Virginia to linebacker. After seven seasons, he joined the Washington Redskins in 1964 at a salary of $35,000. After he retired in 1968, Vince Lombardi convinced him to play one more season when the coach joined the Redskins. Huff did just that and officially retired for good.

The five-time Pro Bowl selection finished his career with 30 interceptions, 17 fumbles recovered, five touchdowns, and a championship back in 1956.

Washington Redskins fans have been on the edge of their seats during Robert Griffin III’s recovery from knee surgery, and the young passer hit a milestone this past week during organized team activities.

RG3 was able to cut and change directions without any inhibitions for three consecutive days this week. He has experienced zero setbacks during his recovery, and this was a big step.

He has been progressing through his rehab like a champ, and has even been referred to as “superhuman” by Dr. James Andrews. There has been much speculation as to whether or not he will be ready for the season, but given this news, it seems like the questions have been answered.

RG3 is the most important piece to the Redskins’ roster, and his recovery has been the hottest story of Washington’s offseason.

The difference between when Griffin III is in the lineup and when he is not is drastic, although Kirk Cousins did well in his place. Cousins may be solid, but Griffin III is special.

Following a 10-6, division championship season, expectations are high for the burgundy and gold going into the 2013 season. If RG3 is in healthy and in the lineup, then the Redskins have a good chance of repeating as division champions, something no one has done since the Philadelphia Eagles did it from 2001-2004.

Given the uncertainty of how competitive the rest of the division will (it could be good or bad), it will be a major boost to have Griffin III back in action, and will also be good for them as they do have some tough games on the schedule, including a date with Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers in Week 2.

Washington is a much more dangerous team with the former Heisman winner on the field, and it looks like Redskins nation can breathe easy.

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Browns haven't exactly been rich with offensive talent since re-entering the NFL as an expansion team

The Cleveland Browns haven't exactly been rich with offensive talent since re-entering the NFL as an expansion team. And then this offseason happened.

If we weren't already convinced that new offensive coordinator Norv Turner had a major undertaking ahead, well, one look around now closes that case. Make no mistake, none of this has anything to do with the Joe Banner/Mike Lombardi/Rob Chudzinski regime now in place, but after this spring it's increasingly clear just how little they inherited from preceding drafts. And Turner -- maybe the NFL's best offensive play-caller -- will need all of his creativity to overcome a dramatic lack in talent on that side of the ball.

To review, 2011 top pick Trent Richardson, a running back who seems highly over-drafted given modern offenses, has done little this offseason as concerns about his durability grew. Incumbent starting quarterback Brandon Weeden, another 2012 first-round selection, hasn't exactly put a stranglehold on the job. Another quarterback, Brian Hoyer, was recently signed. And receiver Josh Gordon, the closest thing the Browns have to a No. 1 receiver, got himself suspended for two games next season by testing positive for codeine. And he didn't exactly put together the kind of excuse that will appease skeptics.

So, while the previous brain trust in Cleveland -- president Mike Holmgren and general manager Tom Heckert -- received praise (some in the local media took Heckert's departure particularly personally), the reality is this: Aside from center Alex Mack and left tackle Joe Thomas, the new regime didn't inherit one above-average offensive talent. No one has proven he is, as training camp looms, a standout skill player.

Yes, from a personnel standpoint, it really is that bleak. The buzzword within the front office is "evaluation," as in the team needs to spend more time figuring out its own roster -- who can play, and who can't -- above all else. They're taking self-scouting very seriously, trying not to fall prey to preconceived notions and knowing that there are precious few building blocks.

It also explains why the team still has ample reserves for 2014 when it comes to cap space and draft selections, because the chore of finally getting the Browns to be a big-boy, explosive offensive outfit will be a lengthy process. Turner can overcome some of it with his mind and preparation, and he has a history of getting the deep passing game going and developing receivers and tight ends. Banner and Lombardi are banking on more of the same, but with each passing week the knocks on the recent draft picks they inherited have grown.

The good news with Richardson is that, despite reports he would miss all of August recovering from injuries, I'm told there is every expectation that he will be taking reps when camp opens. Will he appear to be more of a plodder? Will his yards-per-carry be where it needs to be? Will the wear and tear from his use at Alabama continue to manifest itself? And will he remain susceptible to nagging injuries? Well, those are certainly valid questions to ask after his rookie season. And there is a reason the Browns have stockpiled running backs this offseason as well.

Weeden may not quite be in an "open" quarterback competition in the truest sense of the word. He enters camp as the starter, and it's his job to lose. But no one I've talked to would be stunned if his spot on the depth chart grows increasingly tenuous. He just may lose it. Hoyer's intellect and enthusiasm already has impressed the staff; he quickly absorbed Turner's playbook and concepts upon his late arrival to town after his release by the Cardinals. And Hoyer has many of the assets Banner and Lombardi look for in a quarterback. And journeyman Jason Campbell has enough quality play and big throws in this league that he also poses a real threat to Weeden.

The reality is the quarterback of the future for the Browns probably isn't on this roster and the quarterback of the present may not even be the guy drafted in the first round a year ago.

Gordon clearly has talent and showed flashes as a rookie after the Browns surprised many by taking him in the second round of the 2011 supplemental draft, but there were always serious off-field concerns, as manifested with this suspension. Blaming the positive test on medicine he took for strep throat raised some eyebrows inside and outside the organization, and Gordon will have to avoid any such missteps in the future to avoid concerns he may have a bigger problem in regards to Purple Drank.

His failed drug test came before this group took over, and the Browns are trying to give Gordon as much support as they can, monitoring him and hoping he associates with the right kind of people with NFL vacation now in full swing. But this was hardly the kind of first impression he needed to make.

On the bright side, inconsistent but talented receiver Greg Little has showed well in OTAs, but, as staffers there note, this team can't afford to make too much of anything accomplished in shorts and no contact. And the Browns clearly have some pieces on defense, but in a division where the Ravens, Steelers and Bengals can put up big offensive numbers, this roster is just not equipped to hang with them for several years.

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Broncos signed free-agent center Dan Koppen

 

 

The Denver Broncos signed free-agent center Dan Koppen, bringing the 11-year veteran back after J.D. Walton had offseason surgery on his left ankle.

Koppen signed with the Broncos last October and started 12 regular season games after Walton first hurt his ankle. Walton was expected back this season but needed more surgery this offseason.

Koppen played his first nine seasons with the Patriots.

The Broncos have injury issues on their offensive line, with guard Chris Kuper (ankle) and tackle Ryan Clady (shoulder) still recovering from surgery. Backup Manny Ramirez took most of the snaps at center during Denver's offseason practices, but the Broncos decided to bring back Koppen, whose teams have gone 108-28 in games he has started.

The Dallas Cowboys have released defensive end Anthony Hargrove, a little more than a month after signing the nine-year NFL veteran to a one-year deal.

The Cowboys announced Hargrove's release Thursday.

Hargrove sat out the 2012 season after he was suspended as part of the New Orleans Saints' bounty scandal. Hargrove was given an eight-game ban after the NFL said the Saints paid cash rewards to defensive players for hits that injured opponents from 2009-11.

Hargrove's suspension was eventually reduced to two games, but he never signed with another team after Green Bay released him during the preseason last year.

The nine-year veteran was with Seattle the season before the bounty scandal broke. He was suspended the entire 2008 season for violating the league's substance abuse policy.

A pit bull rehabilitated after being used as a top fighter in the dogfighting ring bankrolled by quarterback Michael Vick has died.

Officials at the Best Friends Animal Society say Lucas was euthanized Wednesday because of accumulating health problems.

Nearly two dozen of the Vick dogs were rehabilitated at Best Friends in Kanab, Utah. Lucas was one of two not allowed to be adopted because of his history as a fighter.

So, he spent most of his time lounging in the administrative offices at Best Friends, where he was widely known as one of the friendliest dogs at the sanctuary.

Gregory Castle, the CEO at Best Friends, says it was ``a blessing in every way to be around him and to witness the wonderful effects on everyone he met.''

The Tennessee Titans have signed cornerback Blidi Wreh-Wilson to a contract, leaving only guard Chance Warmack as their remaining draft selection still to sign a deal.

The Titans announced the deal Thursday, though Wreh-Wilson tweeted a photo of himself signing his contract Wednesday night.

The 6-foot-1 cornerback was the first of two draft selections for Tennessee in the third round. They took the four-year starter from Connecticut at No. 70 overall, and he had eight interceptions and 181 tackles in his career.

Warmack was the Titans' first-round draft selection at No. 10 overall out of Alabama.

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