HEAV
03-22-2005, 07:22 AM
In the wake of the Randy Moss trade, NFL V.P. of media relations Greg Aiello attempted to sooth concerns that the Vikings would attract fewer nationally-televised games, explaining that "The scheduling focuses on teams, not individuals."
So why will the Raiders be featured in the NFL's marquee season-opening game? Because they now have on the "team" an "individual" who has been a prime-time performer in prime-time games.
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Given that the NFL wanted to start the season at the home field of the two-time defending champs, there were other more compelling "teams" that could have gotten the nod. The Colts, for example, are scheduled to return to Peyton Manning's personal Waterloo for the fourth time in less than two years. The Chargers, who shocked the NFL in 2004 by winning the AFC West crown, are slated to play at New England.
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The NFL will re-evaluate its policies for distribution of Super Bowl tickets this spring, Commissioner Paul Tagliabue said Monday as an investigation continues into ticket scalping by Vikings employees.
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Dolphins coach Nick Saban has suggested to Ricky Williams that he get psychological counseling as a means for getting back into the NFL (and there are plenty of former players and assistant coaches of Saban's who likely would make the same suggestion . . . to Saban).
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An undisclosed team has jumped into the bidding for Fins CB Patrick Surtain -- and the team in question apparently plans to offer him a deal that averages $7 million per season with $12 to $13 million in guaranteed money.
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Former Miami FB Rob Konrad has agreed to a one-year contract with the Raiders.
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The Ravens matched the Browns' offer sheet to RB Chester Taylor.
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The 'Skins are trying to put on a happy face as they return for offseason workouts without two key defenders who have left for greener (literally) pastures.Pierce and Smoot scored sizeable contracts from the New York Giants and Minnesota Vikings, respectively. Their exits, along with that of No. 1 wide receiver Laveranues Coles, led many observers to proclaim Washington's offseason the worst to date of any NFL club.
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Ravens LB Edgerton Hartwell picked the Falcons over the Seahawks.
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KAPALUA, Hawaii -- The Steelers, virtually done in free agency, will turn their attention toward the man Art Rooney said is their top priority, wide receiver Hines Ward.
After another Pro Bowl season, Hines Ward (86) is the Steelers' off-season focus. *HEAV INFO* The deal is basically done. They are waiting till after June 1st to make it official!
Ward, nose tackle Casey Hampton and receiver Antwaan Randle El will become free agents next year unless they sign extensions and that is what the Steelers would like them to do.
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After hosting defensive end Courtney Brown Monday, the Jaguars have a visit scheduled today with defensive tackle Tony Williams of the Cincinnati Bengals.
Like Brown, Williams will meet with defensive coordinator Mike Smith and defensive line coach Ray Hamilton because coach Jack Del Rio and James "Shack'' Harris are at the annual March league meetings in Maui this week.
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The Redskins have signed reserve LB Chris Clemons.
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Defensive ends Courtney Brown and Marcellus Wiley will be at Seahawks headquarters in Kirkland today to meet coaches and personnel people.
The Seahawks contacted Brown last week after he was released by the Cleveland Browns. The No. 1 overall pick in 2000 has had problems with injuries throughout his career, but he has drawn interest from the Jacksonville Jaguars, Washington Redskins, Denver Broncos and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Browns also would like Brown back — at a much lower price.
Wiley visited the Seahawks during free agency last year but signed with the Dallas Cowboys after Seattle signed Grant Wistrom. The 30-year-old has 44 sacks in eight seasons with the Buffalo Bills, San Diego Chargers and Cowboys.-------
Here we go again C. Brown making more tours...........
So why will the Raiders be featured in the NFL's marquee season-opening game? Because they now have on the "team" an "individual" who has been a prime-time performer in prime-time games.
---------
Given that the NFL wanted to start the season at the home field of the two-time defending champs, there were other more compelling "teams" that could have gotten the nod. The Colts, for example, are scheduled to return to Peyton Manning's personal Waterloo for the fourth time in less than two years. The Chargers, who shocked the NFL in 2004 by winning the AFC West crown, are slated to play at New England.
-----------
The NFL will re-evaluate its policies for distribution of Super Bowl tickets this spring, Commissioner Paul Tagliabue said Monday as an investigation continues into ticket scalping by Vikings employees.
-----------
Dolphins coach Nick Saban has suggested to Ricky Williams that he get psychological counseling as a means for getting back into the NFL (and there are plenty of former players and assistant coaches of Saban's who likely would make the same suggestion . . . to Saban).
-----------
An undisclosed team has jumped into the bidding for Fins CB Patrick Surtain -- and the team in question apparently plans to offer him a deal that averages $7 million per season with $12 to $13 million in guaranteed money.
-----
Former Miami FB Rob Konrad has agreed to a one-year contract with the Raiders.
------
The Ravens matched the Browns' offer sheet to RB Chester Taylor.
--------
The 'Skins are trying to put on a happy face as they return for offseason workouts without two key defenders who have left for greener (literally) pastures.Pierce and Smoot scored sizeable contracts from the New York Giants and Minnesota Vikings, respectively. Their exits, along with that of No. 1 wide receiver Laveranues Coles, led many observers to proclaim Washington's offseason the worst to date of any NFL club.
------
Ravens LB Edgerton Hartwell picked the Falcons over the Seahawks.
------------
KAPALUA, Hawaii -- The Steelers, virtually done in free agency, will turn their attention toward the man Art Rooney said is their top priority, wide receiver Hines Ward.
After another Pro Bowl season, Hines Ward (86) is the Steelers' off-season focus. *HEAV INFO* The deal is basically done. They are waiting till after June 1st to make it official!
Ward, nose tackle Casey Hampton and receiver Antwaan Randle El will become free agents next year unless they sign extensions and that is what the Steelers would like them to do.
-----------
After hosting defensive end Courtney Brown Monday, the Jaguars have a visit scheduled today with defensive tackle Tony Williams of the Cincinnati Bengals.
Like Brown, Williams will meet with defensive coordinator Mike Smith and defensive line coach Ray Hamilton because coach Jack Del Rio and James "Shack'' Harris are at the annual March league meetings in Maui this week.
---------
The Redskins have signed reserve LB Chris Clemons.
-----------
Defensive ends Courtney Brown and Marcellus Wiley will be at Seahawks headquarters in Kirkland today to meet coaches and personnel people.
The Seahawks contacted Brown last week after he was released by the Cleveland Browns. The No. 1 overall pick in 2000 has had problems with injuries throughout his career, but he has drawn interest from the Jacksonville Jaguars, Washington Redskins, Denver Broncos and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Browns also would like Brown back — at a much lower price.
Wiley visited the Seahawks during free agency last year but signed with the Dallas Cowboys after Seattle signed Grant Wistrom. The 30-year-old has 44 sacks in eight seasons with the Buffalo Bills, San Diego Chargers and Cowboys.-------
Here we go again C. Brown making more tours...........