Until Favre is settled, nothing else will get done Matt Bowen
APWinfield won't get a new deal until the Favre drama is settled in Minnesota.
Something seems amiss in Minnesota with Antoine Winfield. Despite his age (32), he’s by far one of the top Tampa 2 corners in the game. So why the delay in getting a contract extension?
We have to understand that this entire franchise is hung up on Brett Favre right now, and unfortunately, that takes precedence over every other deal that has to be made. Once Favre signs a contract — or walks away — this team will know where it stands financially. But until the Vikings know what they have to pay to bring in Favre as a starting quarterback, I doubt they’ll make a move with Winfield.
But they’d better be careful because if you turn on the tape, there’s no denying that Winfield is crucial to the success of this defense, and as long as they play Tampa 2 as their core coverage, there isn’t a better option going into camp. However, this team needs to make some decisions soon. There are too many distractions right now during a time when the best teams are quiet.
News out of Detroit that Matthew Stafford could start in Week 1 shouldn’t really surprise anyone. It’s no secret that first-year head coach Jim Schwartz is high on Stafford’s abilities, and I don’t see any reason he shouldn’t be on the field if he’s the best option at quarterback.
Sitting a guy because he isn’t ready for the pro game is one thing, but I find it hard to believe that last year’s starter, Daunte Culpepper, can beat out anyone in an actual camp competition. If I’m coaching that team, I give Stafford the football and let him try and win some games. You already know that Culpepper isn’t the answer. Why delay the inevitable, folks?
APJames may have to wait for his opportunity to get back in the league.
If I’m Edgerrin James, Derrick Brooks or Marvin Harrison, I spend the next month getting in the best football shape possible. There’s a reason that no one even thought about floating a contract to these guys, and as of now, most camp rosters are set.
In saying that, each of these former stars is most likely going to have to wait for injuries during camp to get an invitation. However, the last thing a coach or personnel man wants to see is an aging veteran come into camp and struggle physically in his first practice. The next few weeks, it’s crucial for them to do football-specific exercises in the weight room and on the field in order to simulate some sort of a practice setting because, when they get their chance, it might be their last chance to impress — if they even get a phone call.
Isn’t it obvious that Junior Seau is searching for a Super Bowl ring after he announced that he would make a return to action in late October if he found the right suitor? Look, I’m all for playing for goals, but the issue here isn’t the desire by Seau -- which we can’t question — but his ability.
I highly doubt that he can come in during October and provide anything more than the occasional pass rush in certain packages. And why would a coach design a scheme, or a personal package, around a guy who is very limited? I only call Seau if I my team is decimated by injuries.
APWhy take the football out of McNabb's hands in the Wildcat?
Why would Philly even think of taking the ball out of Donovan McNabb’s hands and run the wildcat on offense? This is the exact reason we don’t see this offense run in Indy or New Orleans, or why we don’t expect to see it in New England this season — because the teams with the top franchise players don’t take opportunities away from their quarterbacks.
Sure, we could still see the Eagles use this as some sort of gimmick to force teams to waste practice time preparing for it, but if I’m the Eagles, I realize that my best opportunity to win on Sundays is to run the west coast system through McNabb -- and not screw around with the window dressing that the wildcat has become in the NFL.
I love it. Favre already causing problems with his new team. Just wait, it only gets better....
As a Bear fan I would rather see Culpepper than Stafford. Time and time again, he has proven to be washed up and juts holding on.
He was a product of a big arm and Cris Cater/ Randy Moss. That's it.
The Lions would be foolish not to go with Stafford
Bring it on Brett... That's all I have to say. Pack sweeps the Vikings and goes 11-5...
Think D Brooks has no wear to go but retirement.
As a fan of the game as well as the Packers, I have to admit I'm getting excited for the Lions. As I said before the draft - the only way you take Stafford #1 is if you're committed to bringing in the pieces for the rest of the offense as well. They went about it differently but I love what they've done on offense. Morris is a great fit to spell Smith at RB. Bryant Johnson, Curry and Northcutt should be able to manage to get some of the heat off of Calvin Johnson. Throw in Pettigrew at TE and that's on offense. Murtha and Cherilus, with the right coaching, could solidify their tackle position for years. Plus they picked up some mid-level FA defenders.
This team could shock some people this season if they can get some breaks.
Agreed on Seau. The scenario you describe is basically what the Patriots experienced last year--their defense was decimated by injuries especially at the LB position and bringing in Junior Seau from the beach was just about the best option under the circumstances. He didn't play badly in those last few games and the Pats' defense certainly tightened up down the stretch (though the weather had something to do with that).
Oh, Brettina my girl. The consternation you cause the Viqueens. You are a naughty, naughty, girl. But it gives us some jollies in Packerland.
all the reports that Favre has signed a contract must not be true. Winfield will not hold out, he simply has everything to lose and nothing to gain. He also knows that Farve will lead them to the NFC North title, as the Packers will be their only competition. Sorry Cutler fans, Da Bears simply do not have the weapons.
the wildcat offense is just a gimmick offense and a fad, like the run and shoot, it will soon pass. As far as jackson running into some big bad cowboy, Dallas better hope so, as he put up 8-156 combined in their 2 meetings last season
Seau-Rumblings from a 40 year old linebacker, yawn.
The edge has been finished for sometime, but people around him must be telling him different.
Brooks-Would he be a great fit for the young LBs in Seattle to do some teaching?
Marvin-I do not want him to take the route of Rice his last couple of seasons where he does not see the field at all.
Now for the grand finale-Stafford should sit, period. What is he going to learn from having Backus not block? Let him sit for 6-8 weeks and get used to the offense and the speed of the game. With Kampman, Allen and the Bears LBs rolling in, no reason to mess his confidence up on getting pounded upon.
They open in NO, not an easy place to play as I am sure it would be very loud. Their next games are, Minn., Wash., Chi., Pitt. and at GB. Bring him in after their week 7 bye week and let him play against an equally hapless Rams. they have tough games, but not nearly as tough as their first 6 are. I find it so foolish that teams bring in QBs their first games and they get crushed. Yup, everyone is looking at ryan and Flacco's success. for every Ryan, there are 15 QBs that are drafted in the first round, who fail. Take it nice and easy on the kid, let him sit and learn.
Flip,
So Jim Schwartz should tell his team that they are going to sit Stafford just because he is a rookie, even though he is the best player at QB and won the competition?
That's smart.... please.
I'm sure the vets will love the coach after that. You play to win.
Start Stafford as soon as possible... this team has some weapons and the kid isn't going to learn anything by watching Culpepper fumble, throw picks, and miss receivers down the field.
Matt, you're way off the mark on this one. I happen to believe Favre's deal is already done and it has nothing to do with Winfield getting an extension. He may be at the top of his game but at 32 things could head south in a heartbeat. I'd say he and Al Harris are in the same boat as far as wanting to get paid but old age is getting in the way.
Po'ed,
You making deals now as an agent for Favre?
Brutal guy.
DeSean Jackson is great running the ball but he's better served on the end arounds than behind center. Too much traffic there. And the 1 time I remember him throwing a pass was the MNF game vs the Browns where he threw an interception in the end zone. So, yeah, lets not get crazy trying this Wild Cat stuff.
I can't believe there's not a single team that wants Derrick Brooks. Is he THAT washed up???
Men of Troy,
Yup, you play to win, but you also certainly have to understand what position your team is in as well. With rebuilding, you simply have to think more of the long term.
I have heard how Stafford is impressing, but when I actually believe one single thing that comes out of OTAs, is when I send my terrible towel to get signed by Lendelle White. All the crap that comes out of OTAs means nothing.
Everyone is simply enamored by how Flacco and Ryan have performed. Stafford is in a way different position as the Lions are not nearly as good of a team as the falcons or Ravens are.
Lastly, I do not think that Stafford has been handed the reins yet.
Look at all the flops on this list who were thrown into starting for very bad teams
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfldraft/story?id=1539344
Men of Troy,
Yup, you play to win, but you also certainly have to understand what position your team is in as well. With rebuilding, you simply have to think more of the long term.
I have heard how Stafford is impressing, but when I actually believe one single thing that comes out of OTAs, is when I send my terrible towel to get signed by Lendelle White. All the crap that comes out of OTAs means nothing.
Everyone is simply enamored by how Flacco and Ryan have performed. Stafford is in a way different position as the Lions are not nearly as good of a team as the falcons or Ravens are.
Lastly, I do not think that Stafford has been handed the reins yet.
Look at all the flops on this list who were thrown into starting for very bad teams
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfldraft/story?id=1539344
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Jul 06, 2009
05:53 PM
I would love to see DeSean Jackson take the direct snap in the Wildcat and then run right into D Ware... game over.