HEAV
12-18-2005, 10:57 AM
With the emergence of Chris Chambers -- who's signed through 2009 -- there's no need to overpay for a free agent like Indy's Reggie Wayne. ESPN's Chris Mortensen predicts Terrell Owens will be a Dolphin next season but said off-air he has no inside information to support that. A friend of Owens tells us Miami appeals to him.
Ron Wolf, the architect of the Green Bay Packers' 1990s renaissance, is not making a comeback. Period. He will not be resurrecting the Detroit Lions or any other downtrodden NFL franchises. "Let's just stop," says Wolf, who retired as the Packers' general manager in June 2001. "No one's contacted me, and I have no desire to get back into it. I feel flattered by all this, but no one from Detroit's contacted me, no one from the other 31 teams has contacted me. Nor do I anticipate they will. "Somebody called me today (and said they heard) that I'm coming back to work for the Green Bay Packers. It makes no sense. You would think somebody would think that through. What am I coming back as, Santa Claus?"
New York Jets CB Ty Law has made a nice return after his injury-marred 2004, leading the Jets with six interceptions. But don't expect Law to be with the Jets much longer. He has an $11 million bonus due in March. While the Jets would like to rework the contract and keep him, Law is of the belief that he can do much better in free agency, even though he's 31 and is still somewhat hobbled by a sore foot. Law is also hoping the Dolphins come calling because he has a house in nearby Plantation. He had hoped during the offseason that the Dolphins would sign him, but the team showed only minimal interest.
Green Bay Packers coach Mike Sherman said Saturday he put no stock in an NFL Network report that said he's assured of returning in 2006. At the same time, Sherman wouldn't say the report was wrong. "As far as I know I'm under contract until I'm otherwise told," Sherman said. "At the beginning of the season, they had me gone. Now they have me back. There's no credibility to that whatsoever either way." The report said Green Bay might have been interested in exploring the coaching market this off-season. But when the Packers weren't enamored of the list of potential candidates, they decided to retain Sherman. The story didn't have any sources or attribution.
The rumors are getting louder that Minnesota quarterback Daunte Culpepper might have taken his last snap for the Vikes. With Brad Johnson proving the club can win without Culpepper, as well as the recent charge of indecent, lewd and disorderly conduct against the injured signal-caller, Culpepper might just be looking for a new employer in the near future.
It's becoming clearer that Packers linebacker Na'il Diggs is playing his final three games with Green Bay. "I try not to think about that," Diggs said. "I kind of think I'm being naïve looking at it that way, but then again, you got to be real I guess. You might have to admit, 'Hey, they're not looking at you that way.' You got to do what you do and prove to, if not them, then to other people that you're starting quality and that you can play."
Looking to upgrade over Sam Madison and Reggie Howard at cornerback, the Dolphins will study a free agent list, including Oakland's Charles Woodson, Chicago's Jerry Azumah, the Giants' Will Allen, Minnesota's Brian Williams and Buffalo's Nate Clements. There are several good safeties available, such as Minnesota strong safety Corey Chavous. There's likely a need to improve over Travares Tillman and injured Tebucky Jones at strong safety, but Miami will be fine at free safety if Lance Schulters re-signs.
Browns GM Phil Savage wants Trent Dilfer to come back next season. Dilfer is under contract. The Browns believe that Dilfer is more than just a very good backup; that he is capable of starting and that he has enormous respect from Frye and the other players. After the third game of the season, Dilfer played on a sore knee -- but never complained. The Browns really believe that the Dilfer/Frye combination can work well the next few years.
At one of the most critical times in his career, Adam Vinatieri is a man without representation. His agent, Neil Cornrich, is serving a one-year suspension for violating NFL Players Association rules after it was revealed he was paid to testify as an expert witness on behalf of General Motors in a suit filed by the estate of the late Derrick Thomas. As a result, Cornrich is not allowed to negotiate with the Patriots. And there's no documentation at the NFLPA that Vinatieri has retained a new agent. The kicker said all he can do is wait until the season is over and then make a decision on who will represent him.
From all appearances, Brian Billick looks as if he will return as the Ravens' coach next season. Billick talks once or twice a week with owner Steve Bisciotti about the future of the Ravens and, despite being mired in a troubling 4-9 season, the two were seen laughing over a leisurely dinner at the team complex Monday. These are not signs that the Ravens are trying to distance themselves from Billick, one of five coaches currently with the teams they guided to the Super Bowl title. So why is there a sense of uncertainty that stretches from the coaching staff to the players?
With a bunch of uncertain coaching situations as well as potential front-office vacancies, keep an eye on Eagles offensive coordinator Brad Childress and personnel director Tom Heckert.
Some scouts can't help but wonder if Alex Smith, the No. 1 overall pick, is going to turn out to be a dud. Even the great ones such as Troy Aikman and Peyton Manning struggled as rookies, but at least they showed flashes of potential. Smith hasn't even done that. In fact, he doesn't have a single touchdown pass (with nine INTs) for the 49ers.
The Jets will be looking for a veteran quarterback in the offseason, and don't be surprised if they consider the Saints' Aaron Brooks and the Raiders' Kerry Collins. We told you a few weeks ago that Brooks was on the bubble for next year, and his benching all but ensures he'll be out of New Orleans. The Raiders might be ready to part ways with Collins, who was benched for the Jets game before being named the starter this week.
A Baltimore source told The Post that there's no truth to the recent report that Ravens running back Jamal Lewis is on non-speaking terms with coach Brian Billick. With Lewis unhappy over his contract status and light workload, the two certainly aren't sharing many laughs. However, according to the source, "There was no major blowout where they now don't even talk at all."
With the Reggie Bush stakes coming down the stretch, Giants GM Ernie Accorsi said it's absurd to think Houston or any other club is losing on purpose in order to get USC's Heisman Trophy-winning running back. And he thinks those who have recently started clamoring for a draft lottery to determine the top pick, as held in basketball and hockey, are way off base, as well. "I have never seen - ever in 45 years in this league and a lot longer watching it - anybody ever do anything but try to win a football game," Accorsi told The Post. "It's absolutely absurd."
Figure on Miami signing at least one veteran linebacker to replace Junior Seau. A deep list includes San Francisco's Julian Peterson and Carolina's Will Witherspoon.
Atlanta's Michael Vick, who some people think is better than Donovan McNabb, has thrown less touchdown passes (13-16) than McNabb and more interceptions (10-9). Vick, whose team is going to struggle to make the playoffs, might not even be the best quarterback in Atlanta.
Reggie McKenzie, Green Bay's director of pro personnel, said the Packers had no interest in receiver Rod Gardner. Carolina released Gardner, a first-round draft choice in 2001, last week.
If his father needs him, Shawn Springs says he will walk away from the money, the celebrity and the glamorous lifestyle of a professional athlete. The Washington Redskins cornerback, upon learning several years ago that his father needed a kidney transplant, offered one of his own, knowing he would not be allowed to play pro football with just one kidney. But his father, Ron, the former Dallas Cowboys fullback who suffers from complications related to diabetes -- he had a foot amputated this year -- declined the offer and would not let his son even be tested to see if he is a transplant match.
Of the 14 coaches who have won the Super Bowl since the 1980 season, only three have been forced out by their teams (and none since 1997): the Dallas Cowboys' Barry Switzer, San Francisco 49ers' George Seifert and Chicago Bears' Mike Ditka.
The Houston Texans appear determined to win the Reggie Bush Derby. No teams have called the NFL office to accuse the Texans of tanking. And with the jobs of Houston's coaches, players and executives tenuous, it's hard to imagine any of them risking their livelihood to get the No. 1 pick. Still, the way they've lost the last three weeks makes it seem that they have Bush's jersey hanging in the locker room waiting for him. Texans GM Charley Casserly, whose job is on the line, says any suggestion that the team is losing on purpose is "ridiculous. This isn't the NBA before the lottery.
Former Giants punter Sean Landeta, now with the Eagles, will play in his 300th NFL game (including the postseason), becoming only the eighth player to reach the milestone. Former kicker Gary Anderson is the leader with 375
As usual, the competition for NFL Coach of the Year has many worthy candidates, from Indianapolis to Chicago to Cincinnati to New York to Tampa Bay. What's different about this year's competition is that most of the best jobs have been done by black coaches. Tony Dungy's Colts are 13-0 and threatening to become only the second unbeaten team in league history. Marvin Lewis has the Bengals at 10-3 atop the AFC North. Lovie Smith's Bears are 9-4 and lead the NFC North. In my mind, they're 1-2-3, with Tom Coughlin of the Giants and Jon Gruden of the Bucs next.
It has been another tough year for NFL quarterbacks. Entering this weekend, only 13 of the 32 teams had started the same quarterback in every game this season. It will be 12 when Todd Bouman replaces the benched Aaron Brooks today for New Orleans against Carolina. The remaining Durable Dozen QBs are Drew Bledsoe (Dallas), Tom Brady (New England), David Carr (Houston), Jake Delhomme (New Orleans), Brett Favre (Green Bay), Trent Green (Kansas City), Matt Hasselbeck (Seattle), Eli Manning (New York Giants), Peyton Manning (Indianapolis), Kyle Orton (Chicago), Carson Palmer (Cincinnati) and Jake Plummer (Denver). It is no coincidence that only Carr and Favre are playing for teams not in contention for the playoffs.
Since being named general manager of the New York Jets in 2001, Terry Bradway has yet to obtain a player, either in the draft or free agency, who has made the Pro Bowl.
The Arizona Cardinals have the worst rushing offense in the NFL this season. In fact, it's the third-worst running game in the league since 1970. The Cardinals are averaging 68.8 rushing yards a game, and only the 2000 San Diego Chargers (66.4) and the 2000 Browns (67.8) have been worse in the past 35 seasons.
Sen. Richard Cohen, DFL-St. Paul, chairman of the Minnesota Senate Finance Committee, has been a Vikings season-ticket holder for more than 25 years. He will be at the Vikings-Steelers game today at the Metrodome. But he wants action off the field. "I will not hear any stadium bill involving the Vikings until appropriate disciplinary action has been taken against the four players publicly identified with the Lake Minnetonka boat incident," Cohen said.
Indianapolis coach Tony Dungy is getting a lot of advice these days. Mr. October, Reggie Jackson, called him last week and left a voicemail. ''He said that he's been following [Indianapolis's unbeaten season] and he said that he was pretty good at going through the stretch run and then having success in the playoffs, so if I needed any advice to call him," Dungy said. ''I've put him on my to-do list."
Ron Wolf, the architect of the Green Bay Packers' 1990s renaissance, is not making a comeback. Period. He will not be resurrecting the Detroit Lions or any other downtrodden NFL franchises. "Let's just stop," says Wolf, who retired as the Packers' general manager in June 2001. "No one's contacted me, and I have no desire to get back into it. I feel flattered by all this, but no one from Detroit's contacted me, no one from the other 31 teams has contacted me. Nor do I anticipate they will. "Somebody called me today (and said they heard) that I'm coming back to work for the Green Bay Packers. It makes no sense. You would think somebody would think that through. What am I coming back as, Santa Claus?"
New York Jets CB Ty Law has made a nice return after his injury-marred 2004, leading the Jets with six interceptions. But don't expect Law to be with the Jets much longer. He has an $11 million bonus due in March. While the Jets would like to rework the contract and keep him, Law is of the belief that he can do much better in free agency, even though he's 31 and is still somewhat hobbled by a sore foot. Law is also hoping the Dolphins come calling because he has a house in nearby Plantation. He had hoped during the offseason that the Dolphins would sign him, but the team showed only minimal interest.
Green Bay Packers coach Mike Sherman said Saturday he put no stock in an NFL Network report that said he's assured of returning in 2006. At the same time, Sherman wouldn't say the report was wrong. "As far as I know I'm under contract until I'm otherwise told," Sherman said. "At the beginning of the season, they had me gone. Now they have me back. There's no credibility to that whatsoever either way." The report said Green Bay might have been interested in exploring the coaching market this off-season. But when the Packers weren't enamored of the list of potential candidates, they decided to retain Sherman. The story didn't have any sources or attribution.
The rumors are getting louder that Minnesota quarterback Daunte Culpepper might have taken his last snap for the Vikes. With Brad Johnson proving the club can win without Culpepper, as well as the recent charge of indecent, lewd and disorderly conduct against the injured signal-caller, Culpepper might just be looking for a new employer in the near future.
It's becoming clearer that Packers linebacker Na'il Diggs is playing his final three games with Green Bay. "I try not to think about that," Diggs said. "I kind of think I'm being naïve looking at it that way, but then again, you got to be real I guess. You might have to admit, 'Hey, they're not looking at you that way.' You got to do what you do and prove to, if not them, then to other people that you're starting quality and that you can play."
Looking to upgrade over Sam Madison and Reggie Howard at cornerback, the Dolphins will study a free agent list, including Oakland's Charles Woodson, Chicago's Jerry Azumah, the Giants' Will Allen, Minnesota's Brian Williams and Buffalo's Nate Clements. There are several good safeties available, such as Minnesota strong safety Corey Chavous. There's likely a need to improve over Travares Tillman and injured Tebucky Jones at strong safety, but Miami will be fine at free safety if Lance Schulters re-signs.
Browns GM Phil Savage wants Trent Dilfer to come back next season. Dilfer is under contract. The Browns believe that Dilfer is more than just a very good backup; that he is capable of starting and that he has enormous respect from Frye and the other players. After the third game of the season, Dilfer played on a sore knee -- but never complained. The Browns really believe that the Dilfer/Frye combination can work well the next few years.
At one of the most critical times in his career, Adam Vinatieri is a man without representation. His agent, Neil Cornrich, is serving a one-year suspension for violating NFL Players Association rules after it was revealed he was paid to testify as an expert witness on behalf of General Motors in a suit filed by the estate of the late Derrick Thomas. As a result, Cornrich is not allowed to negotiate with the Patriots. And there's no documentation at the NFLPA that Vinatieri has retained a new agent. The kicker said all he can do is wait until the season is over and then make a decision on who will represent him.
From all appearances, Brian Billick looks as if he will return as the Ravens' coach next season. Billick talks once or twice a week with owner Steve Bisciotti about the future of the Ravens and, despite being mired in a troubling 4-9 season, the two were seen laughing over a leisurely dinner at the team complex Monday. These are not signs that the Ravens are trying to distance themselves from Billick, one of five coaches currently with the teams they guided to the Super Bowl title. So why is there a sense of uncertainty that stretches from the coaching staff to the players?
With a bunch of uncertain coaching situations as well as potential front-office vacancies, keep an eye on Eagles offensive coordinator Brad Childress and personnel director Tom Heckert.
Some scouts can't help but wonder if Alex Smith, the No. 1 overall pick, is going to turn out to be a dud. Even the great ones such as Troy Aikman and Peyton Manning struggled as rookies, but at least they showed flashes of potential. Smith hasn't even done that. In fact, he doesn't have a single touchdown pass (with nine INTs) for the 49ers.
The Jets will be looking for a veteran quarterback in the offseason, and don't be surprised if they consider the Saints' Aaron Brooks and the Raiders' Kerry Collins. We told you a few weeks ago that Brooks was on the bubble for next year, and his benching all but ensures he'll be out of New Orleans. The Raiders might be ready to part ways with Collins, who was benched for the Jets game before being named the starter this week.
A Baltimore source told The Post that there's no truth to the recent report that Ravens running back Jamal Lewis is on non-speaking terms with coach Brian Billick. With Lewis unhappy over his contract status and light workload, the two certainly aren't sharing many laughs. However, according to the source, "There was no major blowout where they now don't even talk at all."
With the Reggie Bush stakes coming down the stretch, Giants GM Ernie Accorsi said it's absurd to think Houston or any other club is losing on purpose in order to get USC's Heisman Trophy-winning running back. And he thinks those who have recently started clamoring for a draft lottery to determine the top pick, as held in basketball and hockey, are way off base, as well. "I have never seen - ever in 45 years in this league and a lot longer watching it - anybody ever do anything but try to win a football game," Accorsi told The Post. "It's absolutely absurd."
Figure on Miami signing at least one veteran linebacker to replace Junior Seau. A deep list includes San Francisco's Julian Peterson and Carolina's Will Witherspoon.
Atlanta's Michael Vick, who some people think is better than Donovan McNabb, has thrown less touchdown passes (13-16) than McNabb and more interceptions (10-9). Vick, whose team is going to struggle to make the playoffs, might not even be the best quarterback in Atlanta.
Reggie McKenzie, Green Bay's director of pro personnel, said the Packers had no interest in receiver Rod Gardner. Carolina released Gardner, a first-round draft choice in 2001, last week.
If his father needs him, Shawn Springs says he will walk away from the money, the celebrity and the glamorous lifestyle of a professional athlete. The Washington Redskins cornerback, upon learning several years ago that his father needed a kidney transplant, offered one of his own, knowing he would not be allowed to play pro football with just one kidney. But his father, Ron, the former Dallas Cowboys fullback who suffers from complications related to diabetes -- he had a foot amputated this year -- declined the offer and would not let his son even be tested to see if he is a transplant match.
Of the 14 coaches who have won the Super Bowl since the 1980 season, only three have been forced out by their teams (and none since 1997): the Dallas Cowboys' Barry Switzer, San Francisco 49ers' George Seifert and Chicago Bears' Mike Ditka.
The Houston Texans appear determined to win the Reggie Bush Derby. No teams have called the NFL office to accuse the Texans of tanking. And with the jobs of Houston's coaches, players and executives tenuous, it's hard to imagine any of them risking their livelihood to get the No. 1 pick. Still, the way they've lost the last three weeks makes it seem that they have Bush's jersey hanging in the locker room waiting for him. Texans GM Charley Casserly, whose job is on the line, says any suggestion that the team is losing on purpose is "ridiculous. This isn't the NBA before the lottery.
Former Giants punter Sean Landeta, now with the Eagles, will play in his 300th NFL game (including the postseason), becoming only the eighth player to reach the milestone. Former kicker Gary Anderson is the leader with 375
As usual, the competition for NFL Coach of the Year has many worthy candidates, from Indianapolis to Chicago to Cincinnati to New York to Tampa Bay. What's different about this year's competition is that most of the best jobs have been done by black coaches. Tony Dungy's Colts are 13-0 and threatening to become only the second unbeaten team in league history. Marvin Lewis has the Bengals at 10-3 atop the AFC North. Lovie Smith's Bears are 9-4 and lead the NFC North. In my mind, they're 1-2-3, with Tom Coughlin of the Giants and Jon Gruden of the Bucs next.
It has been another tough year for NFL quarterbacks. Entering this weekend, only 13 of the 32 teams had started the same quarterback in every game this season. It will be 12 when Todd Bouman replaces the benched Aaron Brooks today for New Orleans against Carolina. The remaining Durable Dozen QBs are Drew Bledsoe (Dallas), Tom Brady (New England), David Carr (Houston), Jake Delhomme (New Orleans), Brett Favre (Green Bay), Trent Green (Kansas City), Matt Hasselbeck (Seattle), Eli Manning (New York Giants), Peyton Manning (Indianapolis), Kyle Orton (Chicago), Carson Palmer (Cincinnati) and Jake Plummer (Denver). It is no coincidence that only Carr and Favre are playing for teams not in contention for the playoffs.
Since being named general manager of the New York Jets in 2001, Terry Bradway has yet to obtain a player, either in the draft or free agency, who has made the Pro Bowl.
The Arizona Cardinals have the worst rushing offense in the NFL this season. In fact, it's the third-worst running game in the league since 1970. The Cardinals are averaging 68.8 rushing yards a game, and only the 2000 San Diego Chargers (66.4) and the 2000 Browns (67.8) have been worse in the past 35 seasons.
Sen. Richard Cohen, DFL-St. Paul, chairman of the Minnesota Senate Finance Committee, has been a Vikings season-ticket holder for more than 25 years. He will be at the Vikings-Steelers game today at the Metrodome. But he wants action off the field. "I will not hear any stadium bill involving the Vikings until appropriate disciplinary action has been taken against the four players publicly identified with the Lake Minnetonka boat incident," Cohen said.
Indianapolis coach Tony Dungy is getting a lot of advice these days. Mr. October, Reggie Jackson, called him last week and left a voicemail. ''He said that he's been following [Indianapolis's unbeaten season] and he said that he was pretty good at going through the stretch run and then having success in the playoffs, so if I needed any advice to call him," Dungy said. ''I've put him on my to-do list."