NFL GridIron Gab Daily Digest

Packers' outside linebacker Clay Matthews played the second half of the season with a stress fracture in his lower leg. The injury could explain why Matthews was listed on every injury report from Week 9 through the NFC championship game as probable with a shin injury. He wasn't listed on the injury report prior to Super Bowl XLV.

"I don't make a big deal of it," Matthews said on Tuesday. "(It happened) some time in the middle of the season. You can't do anything about it. I was just taking practices off and showing up on game day and giving it my all."

Matthews brought up the injury only because he was asked about how the loss of defensive end Cullen Jenkins, the Packers' best pass rusher on the defensive line who signed with the Philadelphia Eagles, would impact him. In the 15 games, including postseason, that Jenkins played last season, Matthews had 14 sacks. In the five games Jenkins missed because of injury, Matthews totaled just three sacks.

"I also had a stress fracture in four of those games," Matthews said. "But nobody knows that. I had a stress fracture in my leg. A sore shin as you guys call it, but that's all right. Obviously, I'm not making excuses. Cullen is a terrific athlete, and we're definitely going to take a hit in our defensive line, but at the same time I think they have confidence in the guys coming up."

Colt Brennan’s fans will need to cancel their reservations for Connecticut hotels this fall.

His angry armchair critics – who likely have a less-than-50% success rate in projecting QB’s – could wind up one step closer to seeing his comeback vanquished, thus giving them the temporary satisfaction of “knowing” that he couldn’t make it should he ever get the chance to play again.

The UFL’s Hartford Colonials have folded, coach Jerry Glanville has taken a consultant job with the UFL and the team will be reassigned in a dispersal draft this coming Monday. Also, the league announced the remaining four teams will now play merely a 6-game season.

I’ve heard some convinced that Brennan will go to the Las Vegas Locos and someone else believes the Sacramento Lions is the best fit.

What’s interesting is, the UFL has been hoping to get the NFL to sponsor them as a developmental league. Maybe the difficulty faced by the NFL GM’s and coaches slicing the 90-man roster down to 53 will prompt them to push for such a set-up.

It could definitely advance scouting during the season as front office people would have a lot of fresh tape to look at if they wanted or needed to go outside the practice squad for an addition.

It’s one day away from Arena Bowl XXIV in Arizona – which tickets are being given away from – and now the Arena Football League is hitting the NFL in a big way.

Former Tampa Bay Storm QB, Nashville Kats offensive coordinator and Orlando Predators head coach Jay Gruden will be seen on the sidelines as offensive coordinator for the Cincinnati Bengals in 2011. He does have experience as an assistant for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

In a surprising move, ex-Colorado Crush owner John Elway was hired by Pat Bowlen for the job of executive vice president of football operations of the Denver Broncos.

Arena Football League players still make the jump, also. Former AF2 WR Chris Manno – who was set to be a part of the Philadelphia Soul in 2009 before the hiatus – was recently signed by the Chiefs. I expect more to follow.

Maybe it was the lack of production from Roy Williams. Maybe it was the loss of lightning rod Terrell Owens. Maybe it was the fans looking for a spark or an underdog story. But, whatever the reason, it seemed that at this time two seasons ago, a young wideout by the name of Kevin Ogletree slipped his way into the heart's of Cowboys fans and became a hopeful hero, a player who could ignite the Cowboys receiving core.

Ogletree was an undrafted rookie who signed out of Virginia. While Ogletree only played three seasons at Virginia, he was quite productive. He totalled 117 receptions for 1,332 yards (11.4 avg.) and 9 touchdowns and passed on his senior season hoping to make it at the next level. In his last season with the Cavaliers he led the team with 58 receptions for 723 yards (12.5 avg.) and 5 touchdowns while also returning 15 kickoffs for 274 yards (18.3 avg.), starting all 12 games.

While Ogletree had ambitions of playing in the NFL, he hit a slight set back when his name wasn't called in the 2009 NFL Entry Draft. He saw his college teammate, TE Jon Phillips, drafted in the sixth round to the Dallas Cowboys which would end up being a blessing as Phillips became a lobbyist for the Cowboys to bring Ogletree in as a free agent.

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There’s not a lot left on the market. There are some talented free-agent quarterbacks – Jake Delhomme, Daunte Culpepper, Brodie Croyle, Jeff Garcia – but I will make a second part ranking them alongside UFL and CFL quarterbacks. There are also some good arena league receivers who I might put on the list but wanted to narrow it to NFL veterans. On this list are three members of the 2010 Bengals and three players on the Super Bowl XXXIX-losing Eagles team.

The Best Available Free Agents (Non-Quarterbacks)
1. DE Antwan Odom: 7 years (52 starts), 23.5 sacks, 16 passes defensed, 5 forced fumbles; Last team: Bengals.
2. OLB Matt Roth: 7 years, 20 sacks, 9 passes defensed, 6 forced fumbles; Last team: Browns.
3. WR Terrell Owens (coming off torn ACL): 15 years, 15,934 yards (2nd all time), 153 TD (2nd all time) receiving; Last team: Bengals; 6-time Pro Bowler, 1 Super Bowl appearance.
4. WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh: 10 years, 7091 yards, 43 TD receiving; Last team: Ravens; 1-time Pro Bowler.
5. RB Clinton Portis: 9 years, 9923 yards, 75 TD (22nd all time) rushing; Last team: Redskins; 2-time Pro Bowler.
6. LB Dhani Jones: 10 years, 9.5 sacks, 5 INT, 44 passes defensed, 6 forced fumbles. 616 tackles; Last team: Bengals; 1 Super Bowl appearance.
7. RB Brian Westbrook: 9 years, 6335 yards, 41 TD rushing; 10275 yards from scrimmage; Last team: 49ers; 2-time Pro Bowler, 1 Super Bowl appearance.
8. DE Stylez G. White: 4 years (32 years old), 24 sacks, 10 forced fumbles, 104 tackles; Last team: Buccaneers.

MATCH-UP PREVIEW

Baltimore heads to Philadelphia for their first pre-season game, Thursday, August 11th. The Eagles, already a playoff contender, added some highly sought after free agents in cornerbacks Nnamdi Asomugha and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. The team also acquired defensive end Jason Babin (12.5 sacks in 2010), and tackle Cullen Jenkins and notable veteran running back Ronnie Brown. The Eagles selected first round pick Danny Watkins (OL) in the draft. Michael Vick is coming off one of his best years in the NFL, can he repeat the same success in 2011?

The Ravens are counting on some new and young talent to fill the void left by established veterans. There are also some key positions that need to be decided as well. With the 'Lockout' pushing training camp to only a few weeks, preseason games will be of great importance in determining the starters for 2011.

What to watch:

OFFENSE:

QB Joe Flacco and his new rookie receivers in Tandon Doss and second round speedster wideout Torrey Smith. Can the rookies step up and improve the passing game?

Tight End: Baltimore favorite Todd Heap was not resigned, that leaves Ed Dickson (injured) and Dennis Pitta to compete. Keep an eye on Davon Drew (drafted in 2009) he's vying for playing time. The team also brought in Kris Wilson and Jonathan Stupar.

QB Tryod Taylor. The Ravens drafted Taylor in the 6th round and is considered to be (for the time being) the back-up to Flacco. Taylor is expected to play much of the game.  QB Hunter Cantwell will be competing as well.

Center: Starter Matt Birk is recovering from a knee procedure (expected to start regular season). That leaves Brian Mattison, and rookie free agents Tim Barnes, Missouri and Ryan Bartholomew, Syracuse to fill in and compete for a back up role.

Right tackle: With Marshal Yanda moving back to guard, the Ravens feel they can be more physical running the ball. Yet, right tackle is up in the air. Rookie third round pick  Jah Reid is competing with fourth year back-up Oneil Cousins.

New Running Game: The Ravens added fullback Vonta Leach, considered one of the top blocking fullbacks in the game. Keep an eye on Ray Rice and see if the Ravens O-line running behind Leach and Marshal Yanda will improve.

Veteran Ricky Williams was just signed, so we'll se if he suits up for this game. In the mix are and Jalen Parmele, seventh round pick Anthony Allen and rookie free agent Damien Berry. 

DEFENSE:

New defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano has the defense fired up. Just how aggressive will this defense be?

Sergio Kindle: Slotted to play this Thursday night, outside linebacker Kindle overcame a serious head injury and missed all of 2010. Now he looks to add his speed and pass rush ability to the defense. Kindle has been practicing with no restrictions. 

Arthur Jones & Terrence Cody: Second year player Arthur Jones, DT/DE has been practicing with the first team defense. Terrence Cody is expected to be the starting nose tackle after long time Ravens Kelly Gregg was released.

Strong Safety:  Who will be starting next to Ed Reed has yet to be determined.  Competition will between Tom Zbikowski, Haruki Nakamura and hard hitting free agent Bernard Pollard.

Key Injuries: Out

First Round pick cornerback Jimmy Smith has been ruled out of Thursday's contest (groin injury). Smith practiced Tuesday, but the team does not want risk aggravating the injury with another setback.

Tight End, Ed Dickson: Hamstring (possible out for 2 to 3 games)

When Will Smith Be Ready To Play?

The Eagles couldn’t get their hands on one former Giant pass catcher (Plaxico Burress), so they tried their luck on another and succeeded.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Philadelphia Eagles have signed ex-Giant wide receiver Steve Smith to a one-year deal.

The USC product missed seven contests last season, and is currently rehabbing from the microfracture surgery he underwent on his knee back in December.

Smith made the Pro Bowl in 2009 and is an outstanding, sure-handed receiver when healthy.

#39 Top 100 NFL Players

No more controversy surrounding New England Patriots Pro Bowl guard Logan Mankins.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Mankins has inked a six-year contract to stay in New England.

The final first round draft pick of 2005 from Fresno State is a two-time All-Pro selection.

Braylon Bay Area Ballin’

Arizona Cardinals

Unsigned players: FB Nehemiah Broughton (UFA), DT Keilen Dykes (UFA), OG Alan Faneca (UFA-retired), DE Kenny Iwebema (UFA), NT Bryan Robinson (UFA), RB Jason Wright (UFA-retired).

Key arrivals: Ex-Ravens UFA TE Todd Heap, July 31; Ex-Panthers UFA CB Richard Marshall, July 30; Ex-Browns UFA WR Chansi Stuckey, July 30; Ex-Browns UFA OG-OT Floyd Womack, July 30; Ex-Eagles UFA LB Stewart Bradley, July 29; Ex-Packers UFA OG Daryn Colledge, July 29; Ex-Panthers UFA TE Jeff King, July 29; Traded for ex-Eagles QB Kevin Kolb, July 28 (Eagles get CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and second-round pick; Kolb agrees to new five-year contract worth $63 million with more than $20 million guaranteed).

Key departures: RFA CB Trumaine McBride, Aug. 4 (to Saints); UFA DT Gabe Watson, Aug. 2 (to Giants); Traded RFA RB Tim Hightower to Redskins, July 31 (Cardinals get DE Vonnie Holliday and an undisclosed draft pick); UFA DE Alan Branch, July 29 (to Seahawks); Traded CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie to Eagles, July 28 (Cardinals get QB Kevin Kolb); UFA WR Steve Breaston, July 29 (to Chiefs); Cut QB Derek Anderson, LB Gerald Hayes, July 28.

Key re-signings: UFA S Matt Ware, Aug. 6; UFA OG Deuce Lutui, July 31 (one year); UFA FB Reagan Maui’a, July 29; UFA TE Stephen Spach, July 29; UFA C Lyle Sendlein, July 29; UFA P Ben Graham, July 29; UFA S Hamza Abdullah, July 29; UFA CB Michael Adams, July 29; UFA OT D’Anthony Batiste, July 29; UFA C Ben Claxton, July 29; RFA WR Early Doucet, July 29; RFA OT Brandon Keith, July 29.

Grade: A+

Comment: Whenever you upgrade from Derek Anderson/Max Hall to Kevin Kolb it’s a major win.  Larry Fitzgerald receives a more accurate quarterback to throw him the ball; but it doesn’t stop there for Fitzgerald, Cardinals.  Todd Heap gives the team their first legit tight end since Freddie Jones.  Daryn Colledge is an above-average guard who’s used to pass blocking for a pass-first team.  Stewart Bradley, if he can stay healthy, is a more than capable inside linebacker, a position the team has been looking to fill since the departure of Karlos Dansby.  Although they lost injury-prone Steve Breaston, second-year pro Andre Roberts is ready to take over his role.  Richard Marshall makes up for the loss of Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, who at times, showed style, yet, left substance to be desired.  Who needs DRC when you draft Patrick Peterson?  Overall, this free agency period has turned the Cards from NFC West cellar-dwellers to potential division champs.

St. Louis Rams

Unsigned players: CB Quincy Butler (UFA), WR Mark Clayton (UFA), RB Kenneth Darby (UFA), CB Kevin Dockery (UFA), DT Chris Hovan (UFA), TE Darcy Johnson (UFA), S Michael Lewis (UFA), DT Clifton Ryan (UFA), TE Derek Schouman (UFA).

Key arrivals: Ex-Vikings OLB Ben Leber, Aug. 9 (one year); Ex-Patriots UFA OT Quinn Ojinnaka, Aug. 6; Ex-Buccaneers UFA RB Cadillac Williams, Aug. 3; Ex-Packers LB Brady Poppinga, Aug. 2; Ex-Falcons RB Jerious Norwood, Aug. 2 (one year); Ex-Broncos DT Justin Bannan, July 30 (three years); Ex-Jaguars UFA WR Mike Sims-Walker, July 29; CB Al Harris, July 29 (one year); Ex-Falcons UFA OG Harvey Dahl, July 29; Ex-Eagles UFA S Quintin Mikell, July 29 (four years); Ex-Texans UFA OLB Zac Diles, July 29; Ex-Colts UFA DT Daniel Muir, July 29 (one year, $1.85 million).

Key departures: UFA WR Laurent Robinson, Aug. 3 (to Chargers); UFA TE Daniel Fells, July 31 (to Broncos); Released OG Jacob Bell, July 29; RFA OG John Greco (traded to Browns), July 29.

Key re-signings: UFA OG Adam Goldberg, Aug. 6; UFA DT Gary Gibson, Aug. 4; RFA OLB David Vobora, July 29; RFA OT Renardo Foster, July 29; RFA LB Chris Chamberlain, July 29.

Grade: A

Comment: Sam Bradford is a happy camper.  The Rams provided him with a big-play threat at receiver (Sims-Walker), a fighter on the interior line (Dahl) and two third-down backs (Cadillac, Norwood) who will save Steven Jackson wear and tear.  The defense picked up serviceable depth everywhere and a rock-solid consistent safety in Quintin Mikell.  Nothing too dramatic, but certainly a very efficient free agent showing for St. Louis.

Seattle Seahawks

Unsigned players: QB J.P. Losman (UFA), WR Ruvell Martin (UFA), S Lawyer Milloy (UFA), OT Chester Pitts (UFA), OT-OG Tyler Polumbus (RFA), DE Jay Richardson (UFA), WR Brandon Stokley (UFA), DT Craig Terrill (UFA).

Key arrivals: Ex-49ers PK Jeff Reed, Aug. 3; Ex-Raiders TE Zach Miller, Aug. 2 (five years, $34 million, $17 million guaranteed); Ex-Saints UFA DE Jimmy Wilkerson, Aug. 2; Ex-Vikings UFA WR Sidney Rice, July 29 (five years, $41 million, $18.5 million guaranteed); Ex-Raiders UFA OG Robert Gallery, July 29 (three years); Ex-Vikings UFA QB Tarvaris Jackson, July 29 (two years, $8 million); Ex-Cardinals UFA DL Alan Branch, July 29.

Key departures: UFA DL Amon Gordon, Aug. 6 (to Chiefs); UFA OT Ray Willis, Aug. 6 (to Dolphins); UFA OT Sean Locklear, Aug. 5 (to Redskins); UFA S Jordan Babineaux, Aug. 5 (to Titans); UFA C Chris Spencer, July 31 (to Bears); UFA QB Matt Hasselbeck, July 29 (to Titans); UFA LB Will Herring, July 29 (to Saints); UFA PK Olindo Mare, July 29 (to Panthers).

Key re-signings: UfA DE Raheem Brock, Aug. 6; UFA CB Kelly Jennings, Aug. 1 (one year); UFA DT Brandon Mebane, July 29; UFA LB Leroy Hill, July 29; UFA DT Junior Siavii, July 29; UFA RB Michael Robinson, July 29; UFA LB Matt McCoy, July 29 (one year).

Grade: B-

Comment: Tarvaris Jackson was the best you could get at QB?  Going from Hasselbeck to Jackson was a major downgrade.  Questionable priorities for the Seahawks, who you wonder why didn’t go after a more sure thing under center.  If they had shown as much ambition going for a replacement for Hasselbeck like they did addressing other positions, they would have received a higher grade.  What does the Pro-Bowl caliber combo of Sidney Rice and Zach Miller do for you when T-Jax is your main man?  Regardless, Rice and Miller were key coups that will give new offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell a nice cast of weapons to work with.  As the ex-Vikings OC, does Bevell see things in Jackson that we may overlook?  Either way, the potential is there, yet, it’s hard to see the reasoning giving Tarvaris the keys to the offense other than his ties to the coordinator.  Nonetheless, I walk away from Seattle’s free agency impressed with their aggressiveness – despite wishing they kept Lofa Tatupu and made more of an effort to improve a secondary; which ranked sixth-worst and allowed the second-most touchdowns last season.

San Francisco 49ers

Unsigned players: DE Demetric Evans (UFA), CB Will James (UFA), OT Chris Patrick (UFA), OT Barry Sims (UFA), QB Troy Smith (UFA), RB Brian Westbrook (UFA).

Key arrivals: Ex-Jets UFA WR Braylon Edwards, Aug. 4 (one year, $3.5 million); Ex-Bills UFA SS Donte Whitner, Aug. 4; Ex-Browns LB Blake Costanzo, Aug. 4 (one year); Ex-Saints UFA C Jonathan Goodwin, Aug. 3 (three years); Ex-Redskins CB Carlos Rogers, Aug. 2 (one year); Ex-Vikings S Madieu Williams, Aug. 1; Ex-Chargers OLB Antwan Applewhite, July 31; Ex-Eagles UFA David Akers, July 29.

Key departures: UFA PK Jeff Reed, Aug. 3 (to Seahawks); UFA NT Aubrayo Franklin, Aug. 2 (to Saints); UFA OLB Manny Lawson, Aug. 2 (to Bengals); UFA DE Travis LaBoy, July 29 (to Chargers); Cut PK Joe Nedney, July 29; Cut C Eric Heitman, July 29; Cut CB Nate Clements, July 28 (to Bengals); UFA ILB Takeo Spikes, July 29 (to Chargers); UFA C David Baas, July 29 (to Giants).

Key re-signings: UFA OG Tony Wragge, July 29 (one year); UFA DE Ray McDonald, July 29 (five years, up to $20 million, $7 million guaranteed); UFA QB Alex Smith, July 29 (one year, $5 million); UFA FS Dashon Goldson (one year).

Grade: C

Comment: Two words describe the 49ers free agency: Aubrayo Franklin.  Such a huge (no pun intended) loss, for a team that’s relied on a strong run defense.  Ray McDonald over Franklin?  I’m perplexed concerning this bad decision by the San Fran front office.  Aside from the Franklin debacle, the team avoided a disaster by re-signing Alex Smith.  Imagine Colin Kaepernick starting as a rookie; thankfully, we don’t have to witness this.  In the secondary, the team made a huge turnaround; adding Carlos Rogers, Donte Whitner and Madieu Williams.  Underachieving Nate Clements could be considered addition by subtraction.  Dashon Goldson came back, which is surprisingly when you look at the team’s depth at safety, but still a good move to retain Goldson’s services.  As for the departures of Spikes and Lawson, the former was getting up there in age, while the latter did not live up to his expectation level.  Lastly, the one-year snag of Braylon Edwards was a brilliant haul because he’s going to prove his worth in attempt to vie for a long-term deal.  In the end, all what was accomplished could go back to the club’s strange move to keep the less effective defensive lineman.  Who knows, we also could look back and remember it for the steal of Braylon.

By Eagles Gab Columnist Chet Cashley

The Philadelphia Eagles have the most explosive offense in the National Football League in 2011. Hands down. End of story.

That's a bold statement, I know, so I'll back it up.

The Eagles have maintained their 2010 starting offensive roster, and made improvements in the depth chart where necessary. That same 2010 offense, by the way, ranked 3rd in total points scored per game, averaging 27.4, and second in total yards per game, averaging 389.4. The 2010 Eagles also had the most 40+ yard plays in the NFL, with 15 long-ball receptions of 40 yards or more and 6 rushes that broke the 40 yard barrier (league bests in both categories). The 2011 Eagles' offense has the same homerun hitters, and a few wildcard additions.

Jackson and Vick: NFL's Most Dangerous Duo

For starters, the Eagles have two of the NFL's most dangerous big-play threats in Michael Vick and DeSean Jackson. Every time each of these guys touches the ball, there's potential for an ESPN Play of the Week. Jackson accounted for 8 of those 40 yard bombs last season on just 47 receptions, averaging 22.5 yards every time he caught the ball and racking up 33 first downs.

DeSean can score from anywhere on the field, as we saw him backpedaling into the end-zone after a bomb from Vick on his own 12 yard-line in Week 10 last year against Washington. And who could forget Jackson's 10-yard out-route reception from a pass that Michael Vick threw with his foot on the border of his own end-zone against Dallas in week 14? Need a memory jogger?

You probably remember him sprinting up the left sideline, and then crossing the field to the opposite sideline, outrunning everybody on the field with a bum ankle, and then stopping on a dime and spinning around and falling into the end-zone backwards, capping off a 91-yard touchdown as only Desean Jackson can. The kid is electrifying.

Vick racked up 676 yards and 9 touchdowns on the ground last season while maintaining a 62.6% completion ratio, throwing for 3,018 yards, and only giving up 6 picks. Vick ranked 9th in the league in rushing touchdowns, ahead of powerhouse runners such as Darren McFadden, Steven Jackson, and Cedric Benson. Vick also had more 20+ yard gains on the ground than home-run hitting RB's Maurice Jones-Drew and Frank Gore. His passing and leadership skills have improved dramatically over the past two seasons, and don't be surprised if he ranks as one of the top passers in the NFL in 2011.

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