TheDailyBlitz.com

Santonio Holmes: "We look forward to going back to the Super Bowl"

Pittsburgh Steelers receiver Santonio Holmes has added some weight this off-season. And it seems as though some of it has gone to his head.

Per John Harris of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, Holmes believes it's a matter of "when" - not "if" - the Steelers get back to the Super Bowl.

"We're not wondering will we make it back, if we'll make it back," said Holmes. "We look forward to going back to the Super Bowl."

"At the start of that first game, it's definitely going to be a blessing to see these guys (that) did it last year," Holmes said. "But we know (with) the hard work that we put in, we're looking forward to going."

Last year, Holmes caught the game-winning catch and was named the Most Valuable Player in Super Bowl XLIII.

While the Steelers may have as good of a chance to get (back) to the Super Bowl as any other team (technically, not true if you go by Vegas odds), you don't win a Super Bowl in July - you win 'em in June.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 07:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Mike Jenkins is the starter (in his own mind)

Mike Jenkins was named the starting right cornerback for the Dallas Cowboys. Earlier in the week, Jenkins posted on his blog that the job was his. Well, sort-of ... meaning Jenkins believes the job is his.

However, the Cowboys haven't officially designated Jenkins the starting right cornerback.

In a follow-up post on his blog, Jenkins says his statement was due more to confidence, according to Todd Davis of the Dallas Morning News. Jenkins writes:

I’m coming into camp with a chip on my shoulder and I think the job will be mine because of the confidence I have in myself and not because of anything else! Everyone is trying to make this a big issue when this is just a needle in a haystack. The big picture is to win our games no matter who the starter is and make the playoffs.

Jenkins, who was drafted in the first-round in 2008 by the Cowboys, is competing with Orlando Scandrick, who was drafted in the fifth round in 2008, for the starting cornerback vacancy created by Anthony Henry's departure.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 06:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Urlacher was surprised Bears were interested in Plaxico

Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher was surprised that the Bears were linked to being interested in the troubled receiver Plaxico Burress, per Vaughn McClure of the Chicago Tribune. But he's not surprised that the Bears are no longer interested.

"My first thought with [Burress] was, would he even be able to play this year?" Urlacher said. "You have to wonder how long you're going to have him or when he's going to be available.

"[But] he's a great receiver [and] I would have been open to it."

Burress faces a 3 1/2 year jail term for gun charges after shooting himself in the leg at a NYC nightclub and a possible indefinite suspsension from NFL commissioner Roger Goodell.

The receivers currently on the Bears' roster are Devin Aromashodu, Earl Bennett, John Broussard, Rashied Davis, Juaquin Iglesias, Derek Kinder, Johnny Knox, Eric Peterman, Brandon Rideau and Devin Hester.

Out of that group, their top four receivers are Hester, Davis, Bennett and Iglesias.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 07:46 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The Thursday Blitz

Ross Tucker of SI named three teams who have had the best off-seasons - Eagles, Patriots and Falcons - and the worst off-seasons - Bucs, Broncos and Redskins.

The Cowboys have waived tight end Jamar Hunt and center Matt Spanos.

Every year I predict a breakout season for Vernon Davis. And every year I'm disappointed. Will this be the year that a 49ers offensive coordinator figures out how to use Davis and his freakish athleticism correctly?

The Titans agreed to a four-year deal with tight end Jared Cook, who is the team's third-round pick.

Rick Gosselin of the Dallas Morning News points out that three of the past four teams to open a new stadium have lost. Will the Cowboys buck the trend against the New York Giants on September 20th?

Steelers linebacker James Farrior and cornerback Ike Taylor credit their off-season workout program for helping with their in-season durability.

The Panthers claimed tight end Andrew Davie off waivers from the Jets.

Titans running back LenDale White, who has lost 20 pounds this off-season, will work out with his uncle (Herman White) and his cousin (Chauncey Billups) for the next five weeks.

This year, Rams running back Steven Jackson will play nine games against teams that finished in the bottom half of the league against the run last year.

The Tampa Tribune reports that Bucs training camp will be limited to 4,000 people per day.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 11:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Jason Taylor gets $1.5 million back from botched island sale

Miami Dolphins defensive end (and star dancer) Jason Taylor attempted to buy a private island off of St. Thomas named Great St. James in 2004.

However, the seller of the largely undeveloped private island couldn't comply with the requirements for the closing.

Five years later, a jury awarded Taylor and two partners the sum of $1.5 million (returned deposit), according to the Associated Press.

Coincidentally, that is the amount Taylor will earn this season as he returns to the Dolphins.

He would have earned roughly $7 million more this season if he weren't cut by the Redskins, who wanted Taylor to participate in the majority of their off-season program.

Personally, I feel for Taylor. Don't you just hate it when you can't smoothly acquire a private island? What's this world coming to?

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 10:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Calvin Pace gets four-game suspension

The NFL has suspended Jets linebacker Calvin Pace for the first four regular-season games of the 2009 NFL season for violating the league's policy on performance-enhancing drugs.

Although Pace will be allowed to participate in practices and games throughout the pre-season, Pace will miss games against the Texans, Patriots, Titans and Saints. He will be allowed to return to practice on October 5th, which is the day after the Jets' game against the Saints. (Full Jets' schedule here)

His regular-season debut will be against the Miami Dolphins on Monday Night Football (Oct. 12th). What are the chances that Dolphins linebacker Channing Crowder keeps quiet about one of Rex Ryan's linebackers failing a drug test?

"This is a situation that resulted from an over-the-counter dietary supplement that contained a substance that I did not know violated the League’s policy," Pace said. "I am responsible for what I put into my body and I should have paid closer attention to the league’s guidelines. I regret that this has happened and apologize to my teammates, the entire Jets organization as well as the fans. Hopefully, this does not distract from our ultimate goal of winning the Super Bowl."

Perhaps Pace is telling the truth and failed the test due to consuming an over-the-counter product that contains a banned substance. There is no way for me to know, but I do know that he failed a test.

And I also know that many other players who have failed drug tests claim it was from using over-the-counter products. While the NFL has been more proactive in their fight against PEDs than other sports' leagues, it's still a black eye for the league's reputation.

So, what I don't understand is, why isn't there a list of over-the-counter products that contain banned substances?

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 05:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Brandon Marshall "hates Denver"

In case you missed it yesterday, investigative reporters from ABC 7 (Denver) released a report about Brandon Marshall's arrest on Oct. 22, 2007 for DUI, which details Marshall's opinion of the city he now wants to leave.

The police report from the incident states that Marshall said, "Why aren't you guys out looking for Williams' killer? I hate Denver. I hope I get traded. I hate this f---ing city."

(Click here for the full police report).

“What we know about Brandon Marshall is he is a supremely talented football player on the field with the habit of getting in trouble off the field,” said Adam Schefter, NFL correspondent for ESPN.

That's the problem with Marshall. He's put up back-to-back seasons of 100+ receptions yet has a section on his Wikipedia page chronicling his "Legal Troubles."

Marshall, who wants out of Denver, wrote on his website a couple of weeks ago, "I thank the Denver fans who embraced my emotion and play on the field and showing me love every time I step outside my door."

Does Brandon Marshall hates all the cities in which he's been arrested or is Denver just special?

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 08:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The Tuesday Blitz

If the Lions sign Kevin Carter, he'll play both defensive end and defensive tackle.

The Detroit Free Press points out that Pete Prisco of CBS Sports thinks the Lions should "end the stupid debate ...and name [rookie QB Matthew Stafford] the starter.“

The Vikings have signed fifth-rounder Jasper Brinkley.

The Chiefs have signed Colin Brown, their fifth-round pick.

Curtis Painter, the QB drafted by the Colts since Jim Sorgi, hopes to make the roster as Peyton Manning's back-up.

Per the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Falcons safety Antoine Harris had "a minor surgical procedure performed on his groin area." Is groin-area surgery ever "minor"?

The Panthers waived a pair of undrafted rookie linebackers - Mike Juergens and Brit Miller.

The Giants signed rookie running back Andre Brown to a four-year contract.

Bucs QB Luke McCown says: "I'm going into my sixth year with only seven starts. I've got a lot of football in me, just not on the field."

The Titans signed linebacker Gerald McRath, their fourth-round pick, to a multi-year contract.

The Titans also signed third-round cornerback Ryan Mouton.

The Dolphins have agreed to a four-year deal worth $2.46 million with Patrick Turner, their third-round pick from USC.

Vikings first-round pick Percy Harvin, who was sent home from the NFL Rookie Symposium, might need to attend it next year.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 11:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Vince Young can learn something from Kerry Collins

Despite all of his God-given abilities and hype entering the NFL, Tennessee Titans QB Vince Young has earned his way down the Titans' depth chart.

Meanwhile, starting QB Kerry Collins understands what it means to be a team leader.

“In the past, I’ve gone home for a week or so and not been around for a week or two at a time, but it’s more important for me to be here day in and day out,” Collins tells Terry McCormick of the Nashville City Paper. “The young guys, I think I’m more aware of how guys see me and how they view me as a leader of this team. I try to show them that I’m willing to do what it takes in the off-season to get ready for a season.”

“Usually this time of year, I go home and I wait till the very last minute to come back to camp, but I’m going to come back at least 10 days early and make sure that I’m here and doing all the things necessary to make sure I’m ready once camp starts,” Collins said.

Instead of whining, complaining, pouting or whatever, Young, who was named the 2006 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, should be observing and taking notes.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 09:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Mike Jenkins to start at RCB?

The Dallas Morning News has reported that Mike Jenkins is calling the starting right cornerback job his. He did so on his blog:

It’s my job to lose, but there’s a guy behind me with nothing to lose. If he makes a mistake, it’s not going to cause him to lose his job. If I make a mistake, the coaches are going to take a long, hard look at me in that position.

That’s the nature of being a starter in the NFL. You have to keep proving you’re good enough, that you deserve it. Some guys, like Terence Newman, Nnamdi Asomugha, Asante Samuels, they’re solidified. But until you get to that level you have to come out and prove yourself every day.

With Jenkins starting at right corner and Terence Newman starting a left corner, Orlando Scandrick will be the slot corner.

Both Jenkins and Scandrick were drafted last year in the first and fifth rounds, respectively.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 04:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Indefinite suspensions to come for Burress and Vick?

According to Jason Cole of Yahoo! Sports!, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell is going to come down hard on ex-Giants receiver Plaxico Burress and ex-Falcons quarterback Michael Vick.

Per three sources, Cole writes, "Goodell is leaning toward indefinitely suspending" both players.

Vick, who was released from jail for dog-fighting conspiracy charges, will complete home confinement on July 20th while Burress faces a jail term for gun charges that carries a minimum sentence of 3 1/2 years.

“[Vick] is not just walking out one day and playing again,” the source close to Vick said. “I don’t know if he understands that yet, but that’s what it looks like right now if you really pay attention. … Yeah, he served his time, but he has to prove himself. When the commissioner talks about wanting to see remorse, he’s not kidding.”

In the case (literally) of Burress, Goodell is frustrated by how slow the process is moving. Plaxico's case was adjourned (again) until September 23rd even though it seems as though it should be an open-and-closed case.

While Plaxico's agent Drew Rosenhaus keeps tweeting when new teams are "interested in Plaxico," I haven't heard a tweet when the teams that were rumored to be interested aren't any more.

For example, Bucs GM Mark Dominik has "no interest" in Plaxico, per Rick Stroud of the St. Petersburg Times. In addition to the Bucs, the Jets and Bears were the initial three teams reported to be interested in Burress.

“The commissioner would rather have the prosecutors take some action before he does anything, but he’s prepared to do something regardless if he has to,” the league source told Yahoo! Sports.

Burress deserves an indefinite suspension. While Burress may have only (physically) hurt himself with the gunshot, he could have very easily shot someone else. After all, he didn't shoot himself on purpose.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 12:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Santonio Holmes adds weight and strength for 2009

Pittsburgh Steelers receiver Santonio Holmes has added some bulk for the 2009 season. He currently weighs an all-time high of 201 pounds, per John Harris of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.

He expects to lose some of the added weight when training camp starts and play the season at 195 pounds.

"The weight is starting to come on,'' he said. "I really need that strength in the upper body because I know I'm going to start getting more and more Cover-2 this season. I'm going to face a lot more bigger corners this year than I did in previous years, so I've got to get off those jams and separate myself from those guys."

"I think there's definitely going to be more attention with the performance I put up in the Super Bowl and throughout the playoffs. Those guys are going to say let's try to hold him (down).''

As Harris points out, Holmes will likely face an increased amount of double coverage with Hines Ward moving to the slot.

Holmes was named the Super Bowl MVP in the Steelers' win over the Arizona Cardinals in Super Bowl XLIII.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 08:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Davone Bess impersonated on Twitter

Dolphins receiver Davone Bess was being impersonated on Twitter under the name "Lambo_Weezy," which currently shows a Twitter page that doesn't exist. However, on Monday night, Lambo_Weezy had 1200 followers, per Edgar Thompson of the Palm Beach Post.

Lambo_Weezy challenged Titans RB Chris Johnson to a foot race and Johnson accepted. Johnson, who ran a 4.24 forty at the NFL Combine, accepted the challenge from "Bess," who ran a 4.8 forty.

"Relatively speaking, I don't know what the damage is, but no one wants to be impersonated," [Bess' agent Kenny] Zuckerman said. "It's not identify theft in the true sense, with someone using their credit or opening up accounts in his name, but it definitely can be troublesome to someone who is famous."

NFL teams should set up a page on their team websites that lists all players and their Twitter account user names, if they have one. Or if they don't. They can do the same with other social-networking sites like Facebook, MySpace, Tumblr, etc.

Then, it's easy for the media or whomever to verify when a player is making real claims, statements, etc. And when they are not.

* Note: You can follow us on Twitter @EDSFootball. Alternatively, you can follow us on Twitter (for all things Miami Dolphins - for example, our blog posts, forum threads, etc.) @NFL_Miami.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 07:42 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The Monday Blitz

Matt Bowen of the National Football Post named his four impact players in the NFC West: Arizona's Chris "Beanie" Wells, San Francisco's Nate Clements, Seattle's Matt Hasselbeck and St. Louis' Chris Long.

The Steelers have signed guard Kraig Urbik, one of the team's three third-round picks, to a three-year contact.

The Jets claimed Mike Fladell off waivers from the Giants. The Rutgers product will continue playing football in NJ.

The Saints have released long snapper Kevin Houser and signed Jason Kyle.

Will Packers LB Brady Poppinga be earning too much as a back-up? Per Rob Demovsky of the Green Bay Press Gazzette, that's "a question General Manager Ted Thompson will have to ponder." The Jaguars have signed TE Zach Miller, who played QB in college.

Several coaches are heading to the Middle East to visit troops.

Vikings rookie Percy Harvin left the rookie symposium after feeling ill.

Ozzie Guillen called Cubs' fans "stupid."

The Giants signed third-rounder Travis Beckum although terms of the deal were unknown.

Browns receiver David Patten calls his ability to last 13 years in the league a "blessing."

The Eagles signed LeSean McCoy, their second-round pick, to a four-year contract.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 11:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Ronnie Brown feels like he's "more explosive"

Miami Dolphins running back Ronnie Brown, who made his first Pro Bowl last year, has even bigger expectations for himself in 2009, per David Neal of the Miami Herald.

Those expectations come from Brown losing some weight this off-season and feeling like he's "more explosive.''

As far as Pro Bowls are concerned, he says "that I want to go back every year. Obviously, I've got to build on what I did.'' The next Pro Bowl - and Super Bowl - will be played in Miami.

''As far as shape goes, he's outstanding right now,'' said Dolphins coach Tony Sparano. "That sounds like a company line, but I mean it. In the weight room the guy is super right now. He weighs 230 pounds, he's running better, he is stronger, so all of those things from a progress standpoint I see as positives.''

''He knows our system right now, understands what we expect from him, that is a positive too,'' Sparano said. "I would expect that without hesitations, without any of those things right now from a physical standpoint, and without any of those limitations, that he takes the next step in having a super year.''

Perhaps, it'll lead to a "super" start to the season for Brown for a change.

In Brown's four seasons, he has struggled in the first two weeks of the year. And then had a big week three.

Game 1: 4 games, 54 carries, 142 rushing yards (2.63 avg), 2 rushing touchdowns
Game 2: 4 games, 49 carries, 163 rushing yards (3.33 avg), 0 rushing touchdowns
Game 3: 4 games, 89 carries, 447 rushing yards (5.02 avg), 7 rushing touchdowns

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 09:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Edwards gets second chance at first pitch

After his "pitchout" in the Blue Jays-Yankees game earlier this year, Bills QB Trent Edwards is getting a second chance to make a first pitch.

Edwards will throw the first pitch at the Dodgers game against the Rockies tonight, per Dodgers.com.

After Edwards' first (wild) pitch at the Rogers Center, it's not a bad idea for the Dodgers to have actor Zac Levi of "Chuck" (NBC) throw out a ceremonial first pitch as well.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 07:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Brian Mitchell fired for being critical of 'Skins?

Ex-Redskin Brian Mitchell lost his job with ESPN-980, which is a radio station in the Red Zebra radio network. Redskins' owner Daniel Snyder owns Red Zebra.

While Red Zebra CEO Bruce Gilbert says that Mitchell was let go due to the economy, Mitchell claims it was due to critical remarks directed towards the Redskins.

"If you never discuss any money, or any changes in my money with me, then you already have your minds made up. This didn't have a damn thing to do with the economy," Mitchell told [Michael] McCarthy [of USA Today].

"When people turn on the radio, they want to hear what they truly see. Not what the company line is."

While we'll likely never know the "real" reason - economy or criticism - for Mitchell's dismissal, it's likely that his criticism didn't help his causes.

In either event, Mitchell guest hosted with Howard Eskin on WIP in Philadelphia.

According to Sheil Kapadia of Philly.com, Marc Rayfield, who is the station manager, said via e-mail: "When he became available, we decided to take a look. Where we might potentially use him is yet to be determined but the feedback from our listeners has been tremendous."

Stay tuned (pun intended) ...

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 06:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Bucs GM doesn't want Freeman to start right away

There were three quarterbacks drafted in the first round of the 2009 NFL Draft: Matthew Stafford (Detroit), Mark Sanchez (NY Jets) and Josh Freeman (Tampa Bay).

Of those three, the least likely to be under center on September 13th to start the season is Freeman. That is, if GM Mark Dominik gets his way, according to Rick Stroud of the St. Petersburg Times.

He'd prefer to let Freeman, who was the least NFL-ready out of the big three, to "sit back and learn."

"I still think he's a 21-year-old quarterback who came out as a true junior,'' Dominik said of Freeman. "You'd like for him to grow and mature into his role and not be forced into it.''

Freeman still isn't under contract, but Dominik expects that the two sides will be able to work out a deal before training camp, which starts on July 31st.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 07:21 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The London Patriots?

Per Mike Reiss of the Boston Globe, Patriots "owner Robert Kraft told Britain’s The Times last week that he believes an NFL team based in London would be a success and that he’d be interested in an ownership stake through his sons if possible."

London has hosted a regular-season NFL game for the past few years and the NFL is considering a second game there. Moreover, there are rumors that London will submit a bid to host the Super Bowl as early as the 2014 Super Bowl.

I suppose a road game in [Olde] England (compared to a road game in San Diego) is just as close for an east coast team like New England.

But if there were an NFL franchise in London, that franchise would have to travel a minimum of six hours (for U.S. east coast games) for eight regular-season away games plus two pre-season away games. I suppose that disadvantage would be somewhat counterbalanced by their distinct home-field advantage as other teams would have to travel the same distance for London's home games.

That being said, if the NFL were to expand abroad, which I don't think is necessary, it would make more sense to base a team in Canada or Mexico (to a lesser degree). As it is, Buffalo plays some home games in Toronto.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 10:56 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The Saturday Blitz

The Dolphins are close to signing safety Chris Clemons, their fifth-round pick in this year's NFL draft, per Mike Berardino of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

Lions offensive lineman Jon Jansen on playing anywhere on the line: "Right now, I'm just trying to get the playbook down, but I anticipate getting reps at just about ever spot on the line. If I can be the right tackle, that's great. If I can be the center or left guard or right guard, I just want to be on the field. And I want to be part of a quality line."

Andrew Hawkins, who was a finalist on the Cowboys reality show 4th and Long, has signed with the Montreal Alouettes of the CFL.

Chiefs QB Matt Cassel and Jets LB Larry Izzo joined Wes Welker, their former Patriots teammate, for a football camp at Welker's former high school in Oklahoma City.

New Browns defensive coordinator Rob Ryan will try to be creative in using Kamerion Wimbley, who has seen his rookie sack production (11) decline over the past two seasons (nine in total).

Per Matt Sohn of Pro Football Weekly, the Patriots are high on their collection of safeties - rookie Patrick Chung, Brandon McGowan and Tank Williams.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 11:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Changes to Bengals offense in '09?

Expect the Bengals' offense to look a little different in 2009 as they incorporate some new (secret) changes to the offense, per Chick Ludwig of the Dayton Daily News.

Offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski won't go into the details saying you'll "have to wait and see."

“We are going to be different. We’ve got some things that are changed, and we have things that are very similar, too," said Bratkowski. "There are a lot of things we had on film that we’re going to be doing, and doing a lot better.”

“We’re still running Brat’s offense,” quarterback Carson Palmer said. “There’s really just a few new wrinkles. He’s inserted some different ideas and some different schemes to replace and fill in for some of the things we’ve cut out.”

Although the Bengals finished as the worst-ranked offense in the league (245.4 yards per game), they have a healthy Carson Palmer, a healthy and motivated Chad Ochocinco and Cedric Benson, who finished the year strong.

In fact, Benson had 462 combined rushing and receiving yards in the final three games (all wins) of the season.

With or without new wrinkles, the Bengals offense should be dramatically better than it was in 2008.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 11:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Jags trade Dennis Northcutt to Lions

The Jacksonville Jaguars have traded receiver Dennis Northcutt to Detroit Lions for safety Gerald Alexander, per Nicholas Cotsonika of the Detroit Free Press..

The deal is contingent upon both players passing their physicals and won't be official until Monday, per Michael C. Wright of The Florida Times-Union.

Four of the Jaguars' receivers from last year's roster won't be back with the team in 2009. Aside from Northcutt, the Jaguars parted ways with Matt Jones, Jerry Porter and Reggie Williams.

Alexander provides depth at safety for the Jaguars while Northcutt will likely be the slot receiver and return punts for the Lions.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 12:51 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The Friday Blitz

The Senate has confirmed Steelers' owner Dan Rooney as ambassador to Ireland.

The Lions gave center Dominic Raiola a four-year extension worth $20 million with $9 million guaranteed that will keep him in Detroit until 2013.

Seahawks fullback Owen Schmitt, who was arrested for DUI Saturday and had a blood-alcohol level of .151 and .161, said in a statement: “I sincerely apologize to the team, the NFL, the fans and my family and friends for my actions and my poor judgment. I fully understand the seriousness of this matter, and I am disappointed in myself. I am committed to earning back the trust of everyone affected.”

Is Chris Henry's time in Tennessee nearing an end?

Per Carlos Monarrez of the Detroit Free Press, the Lions have signed undrafted free-agent receiver Kenneth Harris.

The Jets claimed 6-foot-6 receiver Mario Urrutia off waivers (from the Bengals).

The Titans have agreed to terms with rookie receiver Dominique Edison, one of their sixth-round pick.

The Chiefs have signed seventh-round draft pick TE Jake O’Connell.

Jake Delhomme and Jon Beason are excited to have Julius Peppers back in a Panthers uniform in 2009. Can the Panthers keep Peppers in town beyond the 2009 season?

The Panthers signed a pair of fourth-round picks - RB Mike Goodson and FB Tony Fiammetta.

Jim Schwartz sent a message to the Lions by extending the final practice of the team's three-day mini-camp. Gassers anyone?

To get his arm strength back, Bengals QB Carson Palmer plans to: "Throw. It’s just like when a track guy needs to get faster. You don’t do 5,000 squats, you run and run some more. To get your arm in shape you throw and continue to throw. So I will be throwing all summer long as well as in training camp.”

Three Titans' rookies that Gary Estwick of The Tennessean expects to have a big impact in 2009 are WR Kenny Britt, CB Ryan Mouten and LB Gerald McRath.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 11:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Peterson would welcome Favre "with open arms"

If, I mean when, Brett Favre becomes the Minnesota Vikings quarterback, running back Adrian Peterson would welcome him with open arms.

"I know our coach is going to do his job, and at the end of the day his job is having the best team possible to win games," Peterson said. "That's his job, so I'm going to let him handle his job and I'm going to do my job."

"You're talking about a Hall of Fame quarterback, a guy that I grew up watching. I love just the passion he played with," Peterson said. "If he is a part of our team when the season comes around, when training camp comes around, we're going to welcome him with open arms and see where the chips fall."

In 2008, the Vikings derived 44.11 percent of their offense on the ground. Only three teams in the league (Ravens, Raiders and Giants) had a higher percentage.

Stated differently, the Vikings derived only 55.92 percent of their offense through the air, which ranks 29th in the NFL. The "average" NFL team had a split of 64.57 percent passing and 35.44 percent rushing.

With or without Favre, the Vikings should be better balanced between run and pass in 2009.

The addition of Percy Harvin, their rookie play-maker, will force defenses to be more honest this year. A healthy Favre would force opposing defenses to play them more honestly (healthy being the operative word, no pun intended).

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 10:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Rosenhaus tweets "5 teams" interested in Plaxico

Is agent Drew Rosenhaus trying to pull the 2009 version of his Willis McGahee draft showmanship with Plaxico Burress?

He tweeted, "There are now 5 teams interested in Plaxico. I expect more teams to enter the mix over the next few weeks as well."

Today the NFL notified Burress that they are reviewing his incidents under the league's personal conduct policy.

Burress, who shot himself in the leg at a nightclub last November, faces gun possession charges that carry a minimum sentence of 3 1/2 years. Although Goodell and the league were waiting for the legal process to run its course, Plaxico's case was adjourned until September 23rd.

The Bears, the Jets and the Bucs have shown interest in Plaxico. However, there were reports earlier in the month that indicated interest in Burress by those teams was waning.

So, if you were to believe Rosenhaus (which I don't), interest in Burress is increasing around the league at the same time the NFL is beginning the process that will likely lead to a lengthy suspension for Burress?

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 08:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)