NFL GridIron Gab Daily Digest |  |
- Looking into the Future: The Long-term Option at Quarterback for Seattle (Part One)
- Will the Eagles injuries ruin them early in 2010?
- Seattle’s Offensive Line Loses another Starter
- Packers: Daily Coffee Mix
- Panthers QB Moore expected to practice this week
- Seven positives for the Bears in their win over the Lions
- Injury woes continue for the Rams
- Patriots trade RB Laurence Maroney to Denver
- Gridiron Power Rankings : Week 1
- Ines Sainz talks to FOX about the incident with the Jets
| Looking into the Future: The Long-term Option at Quarterback for Seattle (Part One) Posted: 15 Sep 2010 05:53 AM PDT The Seahawks are 1-0 after a 31-6 upset at home Sunday against San Francisco, but if there's one thing that head coach Pete Carroll has taught us, it's to never rest on your laurels. Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck is 34 years old and in the final year of his contract. He's also been a liability over the past two years, missing 11 games. The team's backup, Charlie Whitehurst, didn't do much during the preseason to make one feel at ease with the idea of him running the office in the future. Plus, his contract is up after next season. With uncertainty currently in the future at the position, solidifying the team's long-term option is paramount. With that in mind, SeahawksGab Editor Devon Heinen begins a five-part series that will run throughout the season breaking down the collegiate quarterback class that should have its members' names called on Draft Day in April 2011. THE WATCH LIST
*Courtesy of ESPN.com Jake Locker (Sr. at Washington) 6'3" 230 lbs.
*Courtesy of ESPN.com Andrew Luck (Jr. at Stanford) 6'4" 235 lbs.
*Courtesy of ESPN.com Case Keenum (Sr. at Houston) 6'2" 210 lbs.
*Courtesy of ESPN.com Nick Foles (Jr. at Arizona) 6'5" 245 lbs.
*Courtesy of ESPN.com Dane Crist (Jr. at Notre Dame) 6'4" 235 lbs.
*Courtesy of ESPN.com Jerrod Johnson (Sr. at Texas A&M) 6'5" 245 lbs.
*Courtesy of ESPN.com Taylor Potts (Sr. at Texas Tech) 6'5" 222 lbs.
*Courtesy of ESPN.com Don't see the passer that you think Seattle should tab as the team's quarterback of the future in Devon's watch list? Let your opinion be known in the comments section and by voting "Other" in the poll question! Can't get enough NFLGridironGab? Follow SeahawksGab Editor Devon Heinen on Twitter at http://twitter.com/DevonHeinen. surveys & polls | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Will the Eagles injuries ruin them early in 2010? Posted: 15 Sep 2010 05:42 AM PDT
To me, the most upsetting thing about losing the Packers wasn't actually losing. The thing that bothered me most were the injuries that came from the game. During Sunday's game, we lost two offensive starters for the season. We also saw two starters suffer concussions that may very well hold them out of the game this week against the Lions. I'm not mad at the players for being injured, that's not unfair. However, it is upsetting to lose such key guys this early in the season. It's not going to make anything easier the rest of the year. You have to feel really bad for Jamaal Jackson. Here's a guy who worked extremely hard to come back from his ACL injury, knowing that this team was much better with him. No one ever thought he'd be ready to start in Week One, but he was able to do it. However, Jackson suffered a torn tricep and was placed on the injured reserve, ending his 2010 season.
After spending much of the offseason worrying about the center position, we now are forced to do so again. In Jackson's absence on Sunday, Mike McGlynn stepped in to the starting role. The Eagles will now have to decide whether or not to stick with someone they have or try to find someone from outside the organization. Along with McGlynn, they have the options of using Nick Cole or calling A.Q. Shipley up from the practice squad. Another guy you have to feel bad for is Leonard Weaver. He truly did everything the Eagles asked of him in 2009 and was able to earn some very high honors. Off the field, he's a tremendous person so you hate to see something like this happen to a guy like Weaver. He's a huge talent and will be missed this season. The Eagles already replaced Weaver by signing Owen Schmitt. He's not the player that Weaver is, but is a guy I enjoyed watching in college. Schmitt hit people so hard, he broke the face mask on his helmet a few times. I'm not sure how the Eagles will plan on using him. Weaver was a guy the Eagles liked getting the ball to, but I'm not so sure they'll do the same with Schmitt. LeSean McCoy and the other Eagles running backs will have to step it up and take on some of the touches that Weaver would have received. The injuries to Kevin Kolb and Stewart Bradley aren't as devastating because you know they'll be back. However, I think the time table for their return is very much up in the air right now. The Eagles have had experience dealing with concussions in the past and it's a big topic around the league. Players can't be rushed back too early which is why the return of these two guys is up in the air. On Kolb's end, we saw Michael Vick enter the game Sunday and play at a high level. Kolb will be the starter when he returns but I think people are pretty confident with Vick leading the team for the time being. On Bradley's end, we've seen how sour things can go when he's not in the lineup. He's a tough guy so you know he's going to come back as soon as he can. We saw the toughness out of him on Sunday when he re-entered the game after not being able to stand on his own power just shortly before that. Maybe it wasn't the smartest thing in the world, but the guy is a competitor. The linebacker situation isn't as bad as last year without Bradley, but he's still a guy that makes the team much better when he plays. Until then, someone else will have to step up. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Seattle’s Offensive Line Loses another Starter Posted: 15 Sep 2010 04:24 AM PDT A starting offensive guard’s second season in the National Football League is over after one game. According to Seahawks.com’s Clare Farnsworth, Seattle placed Max Unger, a 2009 second-round draft pick by the Seahawks, on the team’s Injured Reserve list Tuesday. Unger started all 16 games as a rookie for the Seahawks and was atop the depth chart prior to a toe injury that ended his 2010 season. With Unger out, Seattle resigned guard Mansfield Wrotto. Wrotto is a versatile veteran that saw time this preseason for the Seahawks as the team’s left tackle due to an ankle injury to Seattle’s regular starter at the position, rookie left tackle Russell Okung. Seattle released Wrotto September 5. OTHER NEWS Can't get enough NFLGridironGab? Follow SeahawksGab Editor Devon Heinen on Twitter at http://twitter.com/DevonHeinen. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Posted: 15 Sep 2010 03:32 AM PDT Jclombardi reviews Packers morning headlines. Guest senior writer jclombardi @ http://lombardiave.com Clipped from: www.jsonline.com (share this clip)
ESPN: Impact Of Grant’s Injury On Packers
Clipped from: espn.go.com (share this clip)
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| Panthers QB Moore expected to practice this week Posted: 14 Sep 2010 09:06 PM PDT With a home game vs the Bucs the Sunday, there’s already question about the Panthers QB spot, but that’s due to an injury to starting QB Matt Moore. Moore suffered a concussion late in the Sunday 31-18 loss to the Giants, but the good news is that Moore is expected to be able to practice and then of course start vs the Buccaneers. The QB was said to be doing “way better” on Monday according to coach John Fox. The coach normally keeps out players who have had a concussion, but the club needs Moore’s leadership Sunday, so one has to wonder if they will try to get the QB back quicker than normal. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Seven positives for the Bears in their win over the Lions Posted: 14 Sep 2010 07:44 PM PDT
Regardless of what the media, Lovie Haters and Lions fans say about Sunday's nail-biting Bears victory – a win is a win. Let the record show the Bears are 1 and O, tied with the Packers for first place in the NFC North. While it wasn't pretty, Sunday's 19-14 win gave Bears fans a reason to hope for (moderate) success in 2010. Here are 7 things Grabowski's across the nation should feel good about this week: 1. An offense in attack mode. Think Ron Turner would've called the RB fly route on third and short that ended up being the game-winner? The Bears racked up 463 yards in Martz's play-calling debut. The last time the Bears O was that prolific? 1997 in an overtime game vs. the Dolphins. 2. Julius Peppers. Peppers had a sack and a forced turnover in his first game as a Bear. That means in the 4 games he's suited up in the orange and blue, he's had a sack in all but one. If he's not careful, Bears fans will expect #90 to make a run at the NFL sack record… 3. Rejuvenated Matt Forte. Number 22 matched his 89-yard TD run in the preseason vs. the Raiders with a momentum-changing 89-yard screen pass for a TD late in the 1sthalf. While his running numbers were pedestrian (17 carries for 50 yards), Martz took full advantage of Forte's receiving skills in the passing game. 4. 'Old man' Urlacher still has some gas in the tank. The Captain made a few open field tackles we haven't seen around here since 2008 - the last time he played at home. With Urlacher manning the middle and running mate Briggs loose on the outside, the defense looked dangerous once again. 5. Devin Aromashodu will be Jay Cutler's lifeline. DA's stats weren't eye-popping (5 catches, 71 yards), but he kept drives alive and was targeted by Cutler 10 times. While Knox and Hester are bigger big-play threats, Aromashodu looked like he could be Cutler's go-to guy in crunch time. Speaking of Cutler… 6. Assuming he can remain upright, Jay will put up huge numbers in this offense. Cutlers 372 yards, 2 TDs and 108 QB rating have to be tempered because he was playing the Lions, who gave up the most yards in the league last year. But Cutler was sharp on touch passes, short throws and deep balls (i.e. the bomb to DA on the first drive that should've been a TD). And instead of forcing throws that weren't there, he used his feet to bail himself out of trouble. 7. A stout run defense. Dangerous rookie runner Javhid Best was stifled (20 yards on 14 carries). The Lions never got their ground game going. If the Bears can keep teams one dimensional, Peppers, Anderson and Harris can pin their ears back and get after the opposing QB. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Injury woes continue for the Rams Posted: 14 Sep 2010 06:34 PM PDT
The Rams dressed only 4 cornerbacks against Arizona, which seems ill-advised to start with, but then when they lost both Justin King and Kevin Dockery to hamstring injuries during the game – that plan seems like a mistake waiting to happen. As Jim Thomas said, the lack of corners required the Rams to go to a zone late in the game when the Cardinals opened the game up to 4+ wide receivers. And open it up they did. The Rams were forced to bring in James Butler, who was still hobbled and was not 100%. He was unable to get over to Larry Fitzgerald in time to prevent the game winning touchdown pass as Derek Anderson's pass went just over the outstretched hand of Ron Bartell. We can second guess a lot of decisions from the Rams first game, but the moral of the story is that the Rams are snakebit by injuries yet again. The two most major injuries are Chris Chamberlain special teams ace and nickel LB is out 6-8 weeks with turf toe and Michael Hoomanawanui should be out for a while with a high ankle injury. There is the possibility that both Justin King and Kevin Dockery will miss the Rams game this week at Oakland, leaving rookie Jerome Murphy as the Rams 3rd and last corner on the roster. If the Rams will address their corner position for this week with an outside pickup, they will do that today. With the Rams so thoroughly exposed in the secondary against 4+ wide receivers, you can bet your bottom dollar that other teams will repeat the same strategy. The Rams need to get healthy or fix their secondary depth quickly. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Patriots trade RB Laurence Maroney to Denver Posted: 14 Sep 2010 06:02 PM PDT
According to several sources, the New England Patriots have traded running back Laurence Maroney and their 2011 sixth-round pick to the Denver Broncos for their fourth-round pick in 2011, team sources told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter. Maroney was inactive for Sunday's game with a thigh injury and saw limited action in the preseason. By all indications, he had fallen behind Fred Taylor, Sammy Morris and Kevin Faulk on the team's depth chart at running back. Maroney had a tumultuous career as a Patriots filled with highs and lows, but had obviously fallen out of favor with the club after fumbling problems last season. Maroney, the Patriots first round selection in the 2006 NFL Draft, has to be considered a major bust because he never lived up to the high expectations the team had for him. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gridiron Power Rankings : Week 1 Posted: 14 Sep 2010 05:07 PM PDT
Week one of the NFL regular season brought a veritable onslaught of marquee match-ups, close fought wars of attrition, and stunning upsets. The Football Gods have smiled upon the NFL this week. The offering is good, and week two promises more of the same! As a result, the power rankings this week have seen a massive overhaul at the top of the order. As always if you think you can do better, leave your own rankings in the comments below. 1. New Orleans Saints (1-0). The Saints hold on to their number one ranking by knocking off the Minnesota Vikings in a sloppy defensive struggle. Last Week: #1 2. Green Bay Packers (1-0). Green Bay Defense makes a statement against the Philadelphia Eagles. By the fourth quarter there simply weren't enough stretchers to go around. Ryan Mathews is an absolute monster on the inside. The loss of Ryan Grant could play heavily down the road. Last Week: #3 3. Baltimore Ravens (1-0). The Ravens defense grew tired of being told it wasn't good enough, was too old, was too slow. The Jets were made to feel their pain. If the whole team clicks at the right time, look out. Last Week: #5 4. Indianapolis Colts (0-1). I should probably drop the Colts father than I have. Their Run Defense was nonexistent against Houston. Last Week: #2 5. New England Patriots (1-0). After decimating the Bengals, the Patriots rocket up the charts. Look absolute stellar against what is supposedly one of the top defenses in the league. Last Week: #12 6. Houston Texans (1-0). Arian Foster was hell on wheels against the Colts. If he keeps it up, this will be a franchise year for the Texans. Last Week: #14 7. Minnesota Vikings (0-1). Losing to the Superbowl Champs isn't anything to be ashamed of. However, Favre looked awfully creaky out there. Last Week: #4 8. Dallas Cowboys (0-1). Once again, the Cowboys fail to make a statement when one is due to be made. Loss to the Redskins will sting for some time. Last Week: #6 9. Pittsburgh Steelers (1-0). Dixon did nothing to impress. That being said, the Steelers Defense has made it their mission to preserve Ben some semblance of a season upon his return. Last Week: #13 10. New York Giants (1-0). Eli to Hakeem Nicks. Giants may be on to something. Last Week: #17 11. New York Jets (0-1). The pre-season champions of the world were stymied by the Ravens Defense early and often. I wonder if Dustin Keller remembers his name yet? Last Week: #8 12. Washington Redskins (1-0). With or without Haynesworth, the Redskins defense could be a force to be reckoned with. Looked very, very good against the Cowboys. Last Week: #18
13. Miami Dolphins (1-0). Managed to grind out a win against an inferior opponent. Will need to do much better to compete in the AFC East. Last Week: #11 14. Atlanta Falcons (0-1). Tough loss to Pittsburgh in OT. Should not have lost the game. Not by a long shot. Last Week: #10 15. San Diego Chargers (0-1). Stunning loss to Kansas City. Hopefully Phillip Rivers doesn't blame the weather. Last Week: #9 16. Cincinnati Bengals (0-1). Didn't even show up to play until the second half. By then it was far too late. Last Week: #7 17. Tennessee Titans (1-0). Passing game looked just fine against Oakland. We'll see if it lasts going forward.Last Week: #19 18. Kansas City Chiefs (1-0). Matt Cassel had a lot to prove. He answered the call. Last Week: #26 19. Philadelphia Eagles (0-1). Tough loss to Green Bay. With the loss of Kevin Kolb likely for the next game or two, will this be the opening Mike Vick craved? Last Week: #16 20. Seattle Seahawks (1-0). The Seahawks made a heck of a statement against the 49ers. Last Week: #23 21. Chicago Bears (1-0). Cutler didn't look great, but Bears get it done versus Detroit. Last Week: #21 22. Arizona Cardinals (1-0). Andersen was good enough to win the game. How long can he keep it up? Last Week: #22 23. Jacksonville Jaguars (1-0). Had to have felt good to ruin the homecoming of Tim Tebow. Just admit it. Last Week: #27 24. Detroit Lions (0-1). Tough loss to the Bears. Team better hope Stafford is back sooner rather than later. Last Week: #20 25. San Francisco 49ers (0-1). The 49ers were beaten like a drum by the Seahawks. Singeltary better get this team back on track and fast. Last Week: #15 26. Carolina Panthers (0-1). Simply over-matched by the Giants. Plain and simple. Last Week: # 24 27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-0). Hard fought win over Cleveland has to provide some optimism. Last Week: # 31 28. Denver Broncos (0-1). Out played by the Buccaneers, Tebow did little to wow the hometown faithful. Last Week: # 25 29. St. Louis Rams (0-1). Not an easy loss to swallow against Arizona. Bradford still has a ways to go in his development. Mark Clayton looking solid in his Rams debut. Last Week: #28 30. Cleveland Browns (0-1). Same old Browns. Last Week: # 29 31. Buffalo Bills (0-1). Fought hard against Miami. Moral Victories seem to be the name of the game this season. Last Week: #32 32. Oakland Raiders (0-1). Manhandled by Tennessee. Doesn't matter how good Jason Campbell may or may not be. If you can't keep him vertical, you're not going to win games. Last Week: #30 ? | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Ines Sainz talks to FOX about the incident with the Jets Posted: 14 Sep 2010 01:38 PM PDT |
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