NFL GridIron Gab Daily Digest

The Texans are not taking a very soft patient stance with Amobi Okoye, and they are saying they want to see a lot more from the 23-year-old this season, this 4th in the NFL for the former first round pick:

The Houston Texans are taking a hard line stance with Amobi Okoye: either produce or you won’t play. The 23-year-old was the 10th overall pick in the 2007 NFL Draft, but is yet to live up the potential that landed him a six-year, $15.4 million contract as a rookie. In an effort to improve his game, Okoye shed 32 pounds this offseason is playing well below the 315 pounds he was listed at last season but it’s going to take more than being lighter on his feet. It’s going to take production and numbers. “He’s got to find another level and I think he understands that,” Texans general manager Rick Smith told ESPN. “He’s got to find another level of production, he’s got to find another level of intensity, and I think he gets that. We’re expecting to see that.”

The Bucs have a new offensive linemen, as the team has inked veteran offensive guard Keydrick Vincent to a two-year contract. He comes with plenty of starts under his belt, as he was a starter with the Panthers, Ravens, and the Steelers.

Vincent is a 6-foot-5, 325-pounder who has started 79 NFL games. From where it stands, he should push incumbent left guard Jeremy Zuttah. He started for the Panthers for the past two years.

The Panthers cut undrafted rookie offensive guard Sergio Render to create a roster spot for Vincent. Vincent, 32, played collegiately at Ole Miss and had a previous sting with the Arizona Cardinals.

The season is over before it even started for veteran Redskins OL Mike Williams, who will be missing the season due to blood clots according to the Washington Post:

Veteran Redskins offensive lineman Mike Williams, who overcame weight problems to become a valuable member of the unit in his first season with the team, is expected to miss the 2010 season because of blood clots near his heart, two people familiar with the situation said late Friday night. Williams, projected to compete for a starting spot at right guard, was hospitalized recently because the problem, the team sources said. Although Williams has been released from the hospital, the organization is concerned that his condition could be career-threatening and likely will keep him off the field for at least the upcoming season, which gets underway July 29 when the team begins its first training camp under Coach Mike Shanahan. The loss of Williams would be a significant blow to an offensive line in transition in the Redskins’ first season under Shanahan, who also is the head of the team’s football operation.

Never one to step away from the spotlight, Bengals WR Chad Ochocinco is speaking out, saying that you might as well fit him now for a ring – a Super Bowl ring that is, as he and the team start to look forward to training camp at the end of the month:

“It will be this year,” Ochocinco said on The Dan Patrick Show. And he jokingly said he’ll win an NBA championship ring with LeBron James and Co. with the Miami Heat

“I might be the first player to get two rings in one year,” Ochocinco said. Ochocinco said he’s much better at basketball than Terrell Owens.

“Am I better than T.O.?” he said. “You didn’t see the one-on-one video when I beat LeBron and Kobe? Dude, I am the man.”

When asked to characterize his basketball game, Ochocinco replied: “I’m a little bit of Kobe. Just a little bit. I’m a little bit of LeBron. So, my nickname would be ‘Black King Robinson.’ Because I’m a little bit of Nate Robinson too. So my nickname is ‘Black King Robinson.’

The Bills QB spot remains wide open with camp getting close, and Friday The Courier-Journal spoke about Brian Brohm, who suddenly feels he’s ready to step in and run a Bills offense that has been as stale as month old bread the past few seasons.

Heading into his third season in the National Football League, Buffalo Bills quarterback Brian Brohm feels he’s ready to compete for a starting job. “I’ve had two years in the NFL to get used to everything and get myself prepared,” Brohm told Michael Grant of The Courier-Journal. “I feel like I can fully compete for this starting job. I feel like I’m ready to take charge out there. We’ll see what happens. But I feel like I’m at a position where I’ll be able to put my best foot forward and make a legitimate run at the starting job.” Injuries to Ryan Fitzpatrick and Trent Edwards thrust Brohm into his first NFL start in Week 16, where he completed 17-of-29 passes for 146 yards with a pair of interceptions in a 31-3 loss to the Atlanta Falcons in the Georgia Dome. Gailey plans to have a pecking order in place for training camp, which is expected to have Edwards first and either Brohm or Fitzpatrick second and third, with 2010 seventh-round pick Levi Brown fourth. Due to Brown’s upside, Edwards, Brohm, and Fitzpatrick may be vying for just two spots. “This offense is suited for me,” Brohm said. “I feel good about that. I’m comfortable with every read we have, every throw we have. Almost everything we’ve done, I’ve done it before either in college or my first couple of years in the league.”

Despite not being happy with his current deal, CB Darrelle Revis says he won’t be a camp holdout – we shall see:

Disgruntled Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis will not hold out from training camp as he seeks a new contract, sources have told NFL Network insider Michael Lombardi. His decision to report when camp begins on Aug. 1 in Cortland, N.Y., is not based on the progress of current contract talks, but rather on the fact that he does not want to jeopardize a future guarantee he already has in his present contract. Revis has plenty of incentive to report. He has the option to void his current contract at the end of the 2010 season, but the Jets have the right to buy back the remaining two years at $20 million, fully guaranteed.

16. St. Louis Rams: 0-16?  This team is no better than the 2008-2009 Detroit Lions.  Potential to become be the most pathetic pass offense ever.  The Most Miserable Show On Turf?  Would’ve never drafted Sam Bradford #1 overall, he’s a complete waste of money and an injury waiting to happen.  Who’s their back-up, A.J. Feely?  Simply put, it’ll be an all-out circus come September.  On the other side of things, I can’t think of a more awful defense.  As a whole, can’t name anyone outside of Steven Jackson you would desire to watch.  Better days to spend your fall in St. Louis: Busch Stadium, Cardinals baseball.

15. Seattle Seahawks: Pete Carroll?  Can’t believe in Matt Hasselbeck.  How many games will he last?  The run game does not excite me whatsoever.  Pass rush is non-existent.  Every expert said Draft was one of the best, it was an OK draft on paper, too many safe picks, no playmakers.  Only thing going for ‘em: Qwest Field, 12th Man.

14. Arizona Cardinals: So are they going to be a more run-oriented offense?  Run first?  Is Matt Leinart ready to take over for Kurt Warner?  Larry Fitzgerald is going to have to be Jerry Rice, and then some.  On defense, secondary always seems to be hurt and shaky.  Darnell Dockett is too up and down, roll of the dice.  More questions than answers for yet another mediocre NFC West squad.

13. Atlanta Falcons: Matt Ryan is just an “average” NFL QB.  Michael Turner is “burned” out from 2008.  Best years behind him.  You have to wonder will he ever be the same?  Next Jamal Anderson, post-1999 Super Bowl year?  1-2 combo of Roddy White and Tony Gonzalez bring hope and points.  Defense gets no penetration when John Abraham is quiet.  He’s just about done.  LB corps need to play out of their minds.  5-6 wins sounds right.

12. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Josh Freeman has chance to become franchise QB.  Given the hand, cards he was dealt, encouraging rookie year.  OL has the potential of a formidable group.  Benn, Williams, Winslow will form a better trio of pass-catchers than people think.  Defense has some pieces and go-getters at each position.  Will Cadillac get you over 1,000 yards?  They have to be able to run the rock to keep pressure off Freeman.

11. Chicago Bears: Reliant upon Jay Cutler.  Depending too heavily on the rocket arm of an erratic QB who has a makeshift offensive line, decent running attack, and rag-tag group of unknown receivers.  They must think he’s the next Brett Favre in the Windy City.  Defense hings upon Urlacher, Harris, and Tillman.  Not a good sign.  Mike Martz expected to do wonders.  Don’t see more than 6 wins.

10. Carolina Panthers: Best bet: Start Jimmy Clausen.  By far the best signal caller in last April’s Draft.  Hands down, best option to reach .500.  Jonathan Stewart is ready to burst for 1,300+ yards and double-digit touchdowns.  DeAngelo Williams will rescind starting role, becoming best #2 back in the game.  Defense will miss Julius Peppers, but not as much as you would believe.  Jon Beason is outstanding, Thomas Davis will be healthy, and Chris Gamble can go to work.

9. Philadelphia Eagles: Stewart Bradley, LeSean McCoy, Jeremy Maclin, Kevin Kolb, Andy Reid.  5 on the hot seat.  Defense will get to the QB, secondary is solid, but will Bradley recover and return to 2008 form?  He’s the key to how good the defense plays.  McCoy and Maclin have the talent and skill to wow you and make you stand in awe, but to what extent can you count on second-year players?  Kolb has shown us the ability to throw, but how long will he survive in Andy Reid’s pass-happy system?  Can he flourish without a steady running game to support him?  Will he always be compared to Donovan?  Reid has to change his over-aggressive ways to a degree for this squad to succeed.

8. Detroit Lions: Really liking Jahvid Best.  Stafford-Best-Johnson has the Motor City doing cartwheels and backflips!  Offense is a definite strength.  Fun team to watch in 2010.  Points will come easy.  Defense?  Suh, Vanden Bosch, Levy, Peterson, Spievey, and Delmas is a good start.  Promising unit but still not good enough to compete for NFC North division crown.  To me, Schwartz is a fine head coach and will have his defense improved.  7-8 victories is surely within range.

7. Washington Redskins: Donovan still has game.  Pro-Bowl level year is not far-fetched.  McNabb has just enough weapons, just enough of a line, and an offensive genius in a head coach.  Just like in Philly, same scenario.  Imagine if Portis stays healthy, while Larry and Willie keep him fresh, ideal circumstances?  Utilizing this three-back rotation, offense would be tough to stop.  Will Shanahan put this in play?  With this being said, the defense could be the icing on the cake.  There’s more than enough reason to think the defense will do its job and considering all things you could see the Nation’s Capital rewarded with a winner.  Can they earn a Wild card berth?  Produce a 9-7, or 10-6 team?  The NFC is deep, and the NFC East is loaded.

6. Green Bay Packers: One of the most talented teams in the NFL.  Just not confident enough in their ability to win the ugly game or the close game consistently.  Run game leaves much to be desired.  Lacks the punch and power to get the tough yards on third and short.  Defense has the play makers but doesn’t hold the fort down like it should.  Overall, as a whole, too finesse and up and down? Lacking a true leader on the field?  I don’t see them getting that much better.  Quite frankly, the better teams are more balanced and I feel this team is missing a Dorsey Levens, an Ahman Green, a Reggie White, or a LeRoy Butler to take ‘em to the next level.  One week they look like world beater, the next week they lose to a winless team.

5. New York Giants: Under the radar.  All the talk is about Big D, Donovan leaving Philly for Washington, and #4.  Coughlin likes this.  They still possess the run game to control the clock.  Aerial fireworks should be in full effect mode.  And, why not?  Hakeem Nicks, Steve Smith, and Mario Manningham will display one of the top trios.  Defense looking for leader with Pierce gone.  Tuck?  Line can be a vaunted unit once again.  Secondary is the best its been in awhile.  That helps against pass-happy NFC East.  Don’t know if Eli is a top 10 QB.  Has to prove it and outpeform Romo and Donovan.  Best chance to make Playoffs: Balance.  Eli needs to settle down from time to time and let run game and defense do work.  More is less.  If they find and achieve level of balance, they will contend with Dallas for NFC East.

4. San Francisco 49ers: Pieces are in place on offense.  Defense is stifling.  Alex Smith can be above-average, and if he is this team can win beyond the Regular Season.  Frank Gore is the 2nd best back in the NFC behind Adrian Peterson.  Vernon Davis and Michael Crabtree will make Alex Smith’s life easier.  Willis and friends will create havoc and make things difficult for opposing offenses.  Mike Singletary is the perfect coach for this team.  This is the year.  49ers football is back!

3. New Orleans Saints: Offensive line concerns, average run game, and problems stopping the run will be too hard to overcome again in 2010.  I’ll side with history and say they will not make it back to the Super Bowl.  Can we really expect Drew Brees to carry the team on a magic carpet ride again?  The party’s over New Orleans.  Defense better be prepared to do more heavy lifting.  Two players who have to have Pro-Bowl years: Pierre Thomas and Darren Sharper.  Does Sharper have another healthy high level year?  Can Reggie Bush pick up the slack and complement Pierre Thomas if he comes back down to earth?  Don’t count out Sean Payton.  Yet, how many tricks does he have up his sleeve?  Any more rabbits to pull out of his hat?

2. Dallas Cowboys: Stacked from top to bottom.  Any reason not to be at home come February?  This year its the only goal.  Destination: Super Bowl XLV.  Dallas or Bust.  Romo has all the weapons in the world at his disposal.  3-4 defense led by DeMarcus Ware can get to any QB.  The secondary looks good on paper.  Jenkins/Newman are good in man coverage.  I believe Felix Jones and Dez Bryant could be the players to get them over the top.  Two dynamic threats with the breakaway speed to burn and change a game.

1. Minnesota Vikings: Funny how Adrian Peterson is rarely ever mentioned other than for his well-documented and overly discussed fumbling habits.   Do we forget he possibly could be the NFL’s most electrifying player?  The player who could get the Vikings to the Super Bowl?  Look for Adrian and Percy Harvin to make the Vikings even better than they were in ‘09.  It’s hard to find a team that holds two explosive game breakers like “All Day” and Percy.  Is there a better duo you can offer in the open field?  Can’t forget to include Sidney Rice to the mix.  He’s near unstoppable in jump-ball scenarios.  Defensively, you have a unit that is well-rounded and pressures the QB at will.  When was the last time they were outside the Top 5 stopping the run?  This team reminds me of the 1999 Denver Broncos.  I think they have the opportunity to be that dominant.

Haran Knight wrote an article a few weeks ago about the importance of Brandon Graham being signed before training camp, and I must agree with him.

Graham has the chance to be an opening day starter and I think that's exactly where the Eagles want him to be. However, if Graham does not sign before the start of Training Camp, he will be putting that opportunity in jeopardy.

Being picked so high, Graham is more than likely waiting to see what kind of contracts players who got drafted near him get, especially players of the same position. The longer these players hold out, the longer it may take to sign Graham.

You'd hate to see a guy like Graham hold out and miss a significant amount of time. He could have a real big impact for this team right out of the gate but won't be able to do so if he's not in Training Camp.

Rookie holdouts also give fans a sour taste in their mouth and will just make it tougher for Graham to play at a "respectable" level. People, including myself, are already expecting a lot of out the kid since the Eagles went up to 13 to get him, passing on safety Earl Thomas. If Graham holds out, fans will want even more out of him and will be more critical of his mistakes.

The Eagles have done a good job of getting all their picks signed early and have had substantial time to work on Graham's contract. Hopefully the two sides come to an agreement before the Eagles report to Lehigh.