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NFL quick hits: the holdup with Winfield

Until Favre is settled, nothing else will get done Matt Bowen

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Antonine Winfield 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?

Edgerrin JamesAPJames 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.

Donovan McNabbAPWhy 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.

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Romo4MVP
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.

andy
Jul 06, 2009
06:44 PM

I love it. Favre already causing problems with his new team. Just wait, it only gets better....

Da Coach
Jul 06, 2009
08:18 PM

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

Brat Man
Jul 06, 2009
08:19 PM

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.

Scott M.
Jul 06, 2009
08:42 PM

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.

Ghando
Jul 06, 2009
09:06 PM

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).

10thcavalry
Jul 06, 2009
10:06 PM

Oh, Brettina my girl. The consternation you cause the Viqueens. You are a naughty, naughty, girl. But it gives us some jollies in Packerland.

Flip
Jul 07, 2009
01:55 AM

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.

Men of Troy
Jul 07, 2009
07:43 AM

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.

Harold
Jul 07, 2009
08:27 AM

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.

Po'ed Citizen
Jul 07, 2009
08:45 AM

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.

Da Coach
Jul 07, 2009
10:23 AM

Po'ed,

You making deals now as an agent for Favre?

Brutal guy.

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