If the Baltimore Ravens expect to get to the Dallas on February 6, 2011, they'll most likely have to do it without the services of S Ed Reed, their playmaker and perhaps their best defensive player. Reed is recovering from offseason hip surgery, and he has stated that he is nowhere close to being ready to start the season. Reed is expected to be placed on the physically unable to perform list, and if he is still on that list when the regular season starts, he has to miss the first six games. Reed told reporters he won't rush coming back, choosing to be 100% healthy.
LB Ray Lewis and WR Anquan Boldin have both talked about getting to the Super Bowl, and many analysts agree with the notion that they will be Super Bowl contenders. That is doomed is Reed isn't playing the entire season healthy. Lewis simply isn't enough to get the job done defensively. Reed is the defensive player who does the most, catching interceptions and always looking to make a play once the ball is in his hands. The Ravens have been known for their stout defense since winning Super Bowl XXXV back in 2001.
The Ravens have offensive weapons with Boldin, QB Joe Flacco, and RB Ray Rice. However, Flacco is still learning the ropes of the position at the NFL level. Also, Boldin is now on a team who likes to run the ball more than throw. In other words, this team has more question marks on offense than most teams. This is the primary reason why their defense needs to be reliable. With Reed out, everyone will have to step up their production. The play from the corners the past couple of seasons haven't been so stellar, which is why Reed's speed from the safety position is very important.
The Ravens can still get this done without Reed. However, I cannot foresee that happening because of Reed's impact on that defensive unit. Reed has to get healthy before the regular season starts. If not, the Ravens will be in trouble. In their first six games, they have to see teams like the New York Jets, New England Patriots, and Cincinnati Bengals, who all made the playoffs last season. That is in addition to playing division rivals Cleveland Browns and the Pittsburgh Steelers. A promising start to the season can easily turn into a 2-4 start, which will leave the Ravens in a bunch of trouble.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Russell Arrested
Former Oakland Raiders QB JaMarcus Russell has been arrested and released from jail after being caught with codeine syrup in his home in Alabama. He was charged with possession of a controlled substance, in an offseason which has been horrible for Russell. In May, Russell was released by the Raiders, after a couple seasons of erratic play and a non-chalant work ethic. Russell was drafted with the first overall pick by the Raiders in the 2007 NFL Draft, and has not lived up to his contract.
Russell even held out of training camp his rookie season to get the contract he wanted. That makes it even worse for him, as he failed miserably to live up to the contract. Russell was so terrible that he couldn't even last the duration of his rookie contract. Only one other top pick has been released that quickly, and that was QB Steve Emtman, when the Indianapolis Colts released him three seasons after he was drafted first overall.
Russell has also played so terribly that there probably isn't a team that's interested in signing him as a backup. Former overall top pick QB David Carr was released by the Houston Texans after several unproductive years with them, but he has been able to latch on to other teams as a backup quarterback. Russell may never get the chance to play in the NFL again. Even QB Ryan Leaf was able to go to a second team before his career was over. Russell will have to prove that he is willing to condition and work hard to get his body right. Also, more importantly, Russell has to work on his accuracy, which was a major problem.
Russell even held out of training camp his rookie season to get the contract he wanted. That makes it even worse for him, as he failed miserably to live up to the contract. Russell was so terrible that he couldn't even last the duration of his rookie contract. Only one other top pick has been released that quickly, and that was QB Steve Emtman, when the Indianapolis Colts released him three seasons after he was drafted first overall.
Russell has also played so terribly that there probably isn't a team that's interested in signing him as a backup. Former overall top pick QB David Carr was released by the Houston Texans after several unproductive years with them, but he has been able to latch on to other teams as a backup quarterback. Russell may never get the chance to play in the NFL again. Even QB Ryan Leaf was able to go to a second team before his career was over. Russell will have to prove that he is willing to condition and work hard to get his body right. Also, more importantly, Russell has to work on his accuracy, which was a major problem.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Colon Tears Achilles
Pittsburgh Steelers OT Willie Colon has reportedly torn his Achilles tendon, making it unlikely that he'll play at all in the 2010 season. Colon will undergo more tests today to check the extent of the injury. If it is revealed that he has torn his Achilles tendon, he will need surgery and about six months to rehab, which pretty much runs up until December or January. It's a big blow to a team who already won't see QB Ben Roethlisberger for the first couple of games due to suspension. The Steelers also got rid of reliable WR Santonio Holmes, trading him to the New York Jets in the offseason.
This could really be the difference between an okay start and a horrible start for the Steelers. Colon was a mainstay on their offensive line, and with QB Byron Leftwich or QB Dennis Dixon having to play the first couple of games, protection will be more important. The Steelers struggled last year to defend their title, missing the playoffs on poor defense and poor special teams play. Their defense might get back on track, but with Colon's absence, in addition to Holmes' departure and Roethlisberger's suspension, they could be off to a bad start.
The Cincinnati Bengals won the AFC North division, sweeping the Steelers in the season series last season. The Bengals haven't really changed their roster, so they're poised to make another run at the AFC North crown. The Baltimore Ravens came in second and made the playoffs. They also upgraded their offense by acquiring WR Anquan Boldin. They are poised, and probably the front-runner, to take the AFC North division. The Steelers should just prepare for the 2011 season, because it's looking pretty bleak for them this upcoming season.
This could really be the difference between an okay start and a horrible start for the Steelers. Colon was a mainstay on their offensive line, and with QB Byron Leftwich or QB Dennis Dixon having to play the first couple of games, protection will be more important. The Steelers struggled last year to defend their title, missing the playoffs on poor defense and poor special teams play. Their defense might get back on track, but with Colon's absence, in addition to Holmes' departure and Roethlisberger's suspension, they could be off to a bad start.
The Cincinnati Bengals won the AFC North division, sweeping the Steelers in the season series last season. The Bengals haven't really changed their roster, so they're poised to make another run at the AFC North crown. The Baltimore Ravens came in second and made the playoffs. They also upgraded their offense by acquiring WR Anquan Boldin. They are poised, and probably the front-runner, to take the AFC North division. The Steelers should just prepare for the 2011 season, because it's looking pretty bleak for them this upcoming season.
Friday, June 18, 2010
Lawson Asks For New Contract
San Francisco 49ers LB Manny Lawson is the latest football player to ask for a new contract in the middle of an existing deal. Lawson is entering the final season of a five-year deal worth $7.5 million he signed as a rookie. Lawson led the 49ers this past season with a career-high 6.5 sacks. The 49ers would like more production from Lawson, as they utilize a 3-4 defense which places emphasis on the outside linebackers' ability to get to the quarterback. Lawson did not attend voluntary workouts but has showed up for the mandatory minicamp.
Like with other free agents and other teams, the 49ers are going to tell him that with the league not having a collective bargaining agreement right now, it's hard to give players new contracts. Lawson is probably wasting his time asking for a new contract. Also, Lawson hasn't proved much to the 49ers yet, so there's no reason for him to want a new contract. The 49ers want more from him, and that is understandable because he should've had at least 10 sacks as a pass rusher at the linebacker position. Lawson needs to play out his contract and play well in order for him to get a new deal.
Among the players asking for new deals are Houston Texans WR Andre Johnson, Indianapolis Colts WR Reggie Wayne, New York Jets CB Darrelle Revis, and Tennessee Titans RB Chris Johnson. Those guys are on another level compared to Lawson. Those guys have produced very well at their positions, and have earned the right to be paid among the highest at their respective positions. Lawson has not earned that right yet, and the 49ers have not produced at all in the past several years. They need to focus on building on their mediocre season and make the push to the playoffs this upcoming season. No new contracts need to be handed to anyone on that team.
Like with other free agents and other teams, the 49ers are going to tell him that with the league not having a collective bargaining agreement right now, it's hard to give players new contracts. Lawson is probably wasting his time asking for a new contract. Also, Lawson hasn't proved much to the 49ers yet, so there's no reason for him to want a new contract. The 49ers want more from him, and that is understandable because he should've had at least 10 sacks as a pass rusher at the linebacker position. Lawson needs to play out his contract and play well in order for him to get a new deal.
Among the players asking for new deals are Houston Texans WR Andre Johnson, Indianapolis Colts WR Reggie Wayne, New York Jets CB Darrelle Revis, and Tennessee Titans RB Chris Johnson. Those guys are on another level compared to Lawson. Those guys have produced very well at their positions, and have earned the right to be paid among the highest at their respective positions. Lawson has not earned that right yet, and the 49ers have not produced at all in the past several years. They need to focus on building on their mediocre season and make the push to the playoffs this upcoming season. No new contracts need to be handed to anyone on that team.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Young In Trouble
Tennessee Titans QB Vince Young has publicly apologized to his team, his fans and his family after receiving a misdemeanor assault citation at a Dallas strip club. Surveillance video shows Young scuffling with another member, who happened to be Creiton Kinchen, who is the manager of the strip club. It is believed that an upside down Texas Longhorns sign he taunted him with started the altercation. Young said there was more to the altercation than that, and he stated that no punches were thrown. According to the video, it didn't appear as if punches were thrown.
While this is not a good thing for Young, this is just a simple mistake and the media should not add anything to it. Young said that he hoped NFL commissioner Roger Goodell does not punish him for the incident. Goodell shouldn't even speak with Young about it. It's an issue that has already been taken care of by Dallas police, with Young's full cooperation. These kinds of things happen all the time, and no other league makes a big deal out of it.
I would be extremely shocked if Goodell decides to suspend Young for the incident. Young has never been involved in any other incident which involved police. Young has had emotional issues as he adapted to being the starting quarterback in the NFL. This is Young's first involvement, far less serious than rape and sexual assault allegations Pittsburgh Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger got. Goodell did not talk with Roethlisberger after the Las Vegas hotel employee filed a civil suit charging him of rape. So there would be no reason for Goodell to talk to Young.
While this is not a good thing for Young, this is just a simple mistake and the media should not add anything to it. Young said that he hoped NFL commissioner Roger Goodell does not punish him for the incident. Goodell shouldn't even speak with Young about it. It's an issue that has already been taken care of by Dallas police, with Young's full cooperation. These kinds of things happen all the time, and no other league makes a big deal out of it.
I would be extremely shocked if Goodell decides to suspend Young for the incident. Young has never been involved in any other incident which involved police. Young has had emotional issues as he adapted to being the starting quarterback in the NFL. This is Young's first involvement, far less serious than rape and sexual assault allegations Pittsburgh Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger got. Goodell did not talk with Roethlisberger after the Las Vegas hotel employee filed a civil suit charging him of rape. So there would be no reason for Goodell to talk to Young.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Muhammad Retires
Carolina Panthers WR Muhsin Muhammad has finally decided to hang up the cleats, calling it quits after 14 years in the NFL. Muhammad spent most of his career with the Panthers, setting numerous receiving records with the team. He was drafted in the second round by the Panthers out of Michigan State in 1996. The Panthers were only in their second season of existence, and Muhammad saw tough times early in his career. Rae Carruth, teammate of Muhammad's with the Panthers, was convicted of conspiring to kill his pregnant girlfriend, and sentenced to 18 years in prison. A year before that, teammate Fred Lane was murdered by his girlfriend in what was believed to be a way to obtain Lane's insurance policy.
The Panthers were able to get past those tough times, and in 2004, they found glory when they beat the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Championship Game to get their first berth to the Super Bowl. In that Super Bowl, Muhammad set a Super Bowl record with an 85 yard touchdown reception. However, the Panthers still lost 32-29. Muhammad made another Super Bowl appearance as a member of the Chicago Bears, in 2007 against the Indianapolis Colts. He was again on the wrong end of the scoreboard, losing 29-17. However, he was a key contributor in both teams appearances in the Super Bowl.
Muhammad's contributions have gone mostly unnoticed, mainly because he wasn't a flashy guy. Muhammad has 860 catches in his career, and 62 career touchdowns, which are excellent receiving numbers. Muhammad probably won't get into the Hall of Fame because he never really dominated a season and wasn't talked about in the media that often. He didn't possess speed, but he certainly possessed toughness and was a hard worker for that franchise. Muhammad was the one bright spot for a franchise that doesn't have many up to this point. Muhammad's presence among the younger players will be missed.
The Panthers were able to get past those tough times, and in 2004, they found glory when they beat the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Championship Game to get their first berth to the Super Bowl. In that Super Bowl, Muhammad set a Super Bowl record with an 85 yard touchdown reception. However, the Panthers still lost 32-29. Muhammad made another Super Bowl appearance as a member of the Chicago Bears, in 2007 against the Indianapolis Colts. He was again on the wrong end of the scoreboard, losing 29-17. However, he was a key contributor in both teams appearances in the Super Bowl.
Muhammad's contributions have gone mostly unnoticed, mainly because he wasn't a flashy guy. Muhammad has 860 catches in his career, and 62 career touchdowns, which are excellent receiving numbers. Muhammad probably won't get into the Hall of Fame because he never really dominated a season and wasn't talked about in the media that often. He didn't possess speed, but he certainly possessed toughness and was a hard worker for that franchise. Muhammad was the one bright spot for a franchise that doesn't have many up to this point. Muhammad's presence among the younger players will be missed.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Revis Holding Out
New York Jets CB Darrelle Revis is holding out from the Jets' offseason training programs because he wants a better contract. Revis will make $1 million this season, in the fourth year of his six-year contract he received when he was drafted. Revis showed up for workouts at the Jets' facility yesterday, but was a no-show today, and it is not clear when he'll continue to be absent. Revis has been a key component of the dominant defense the Jets displayed this past season, when they advanced to the AFC Championship Game.
Revis said he expects to be paid like the top corner in the NFL. Currently, CB Nnamdi Asomugha of the Oakland Raiders is the top paid corner annually in the NFL, making $15 million per season. This could be trouble for the Jets because there are other players who will want their contracts re-worked. OL Nick Mangold has been talking about holding out as well if he doesn't get his contract re-worked. These are two important players for the Jets, and both are very deserving.
So what should the Jets do? The Jets thrived on the running game, mostly due to the success of the offensive line, led by OL Alan Faneca, who was released and now with the Arizona Cardinals, and Mangold. The Jets need to do what they can to keep Mangold locked for the long run. Revis's success playing single coverage against elite wide receivers has allowed coach Rex Ryan to come up with a lot of blitz packages to pressure the quarterback. The Jets' defense will not be the same without Revis.
Revis said he expects to be paid like the top corner in the NFL. Currently, CB Nnamdi Asomugha of the Oakland Raiders is the top paid corner annually in the NFL, making $15 million per season. This could be trouble for the Jets because there are other players who will want their contracts re-worked. OL Nick Mangold has been talking about holding out as well if he doesn't get his contract re-worked. These are two important players for the Jets, and both are very deserving.
So what should the Jets do? The Jets thrived on the running game, mostly due to the success of the offensive line, led by OL Alan Faneca, who was released and now with the Arizona Cardinals, and Mangold. The Jets need to do what they can to keep Mangold locked for the long run. Revis's success playing single coverage against elite wide receivers has allowed coach Rex Ryan to come up with a lot of blitz packages to pressure the quarterback. The Jets' defense will not be the same without Revis.
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