Is Favre going to Minnesota? Will T.O. be big in Buffalo? I wonder… Matt Bowen
Here’s a rundown of some NFL thoughts for you to digest as you sit back and enjoy your Fourth of the July parties this weekend. …
APWhere is Marshall going to end up in 2009?
The Drama in Denver is getting pretty old in the national media right now, especially since reports are surfacing that troubled receiver Brandon Marshall mouthed off about the city back in ’07 after a DUI arrest. But if I’m the Broncos, I don’t give this guy anything he asks for.
He’s under contract, and yes, he’s a star — on the field. But until he shows this team some respect, I don’t meet any of his demands. Trust me, I have never seen an NFL player “sit out” a season and risk not getting a paycheck.
A decision between Brett Favre and the Vikings has to come soon — hopefully this week if I’m a member of that team. As a player, you want no controversy at the quarterback position, and right now, no one in Minnesota has any idea what’s going on. Where is the leadership on the coaching staff and the front office? Time to wrap this up, folks. Just make a decision and go with it.
Camps start later this month and this team needs a leader.
APWill Brady Quinn win the starting job?
If I’m Brady Quinn or Derek Anderson, I don’t take a day off for the next three weeks heading into camp. One bad practice does not make a bad player, but neither of these two guys can afford to start off slowly when the horn blows to start that first morning practice.
I would work on my accuracy with the football every day, and I would continue to strengthen my arm in the weight room. Plus, I’d pull out my notebook and draw up coverages and blitz schemes that I might see in practice so I know what to check to at the line of scrimmage. Mental mistakes are the quickest way to the bench at this level.
If I’m Packers GM Ted Thompson, I might want to make it clear that there will be no negotiations with safety Nick Collins or WR Donald Driver — because there are sure to be some jealous faces when WR Greg Jennings walks into that first meeting of training camp with a big new contract.
The last thing this team needs is guys worrying about their own money while they’re trying to get ready to compete in the NFC North. Avoid all distractions in August. They always lead to bad things.
APMcCown may be on the outside looking in.
If I’m Bucs QBs Byron Leftwich or Luke McCown, I can’t wait for training camp to start. Rookie Josh Freeman already has made some brash comments since the draft, and there have been several reports that the team wants to start him. Fans love hope when it comes to the quarterback position.
But there hasn’t been one practice in pads, and both of these veterans deserve a shot to compete, not only against each other but to show the rookie that jobs aren’t just handed out in this league.
I’m curious to see safety Mike Brown compete this summer in camp with the Chiefs. He goes from being a mainstay — and a captain — of the Bears’ defense to basically not only fighting for playing time, but also maybe fighting for a roster spot.
We can’t go a week without seeing T.O. on TV, and we all can pretty much agree that the Cowboys knew they had to release him to make QB Tony Romo more comfortable. But I wouldn’t be surprised to see Owens put up big numbers in Buffalo.
The number of receptions might not be as high as they were in ’08, but the Bills would be foolish not to look his way every time in the red zone — because that’s where he’s still great. And as long as he catches touchdown passes, he’ll be a seller on TV.
Did we forget about the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC West? Everything you read mentions the Arizona Cardinals. Don’t count out the Seahawks and don’t count out Matt Hasselbeck when he’s healthy.
Enjoy the holiday weekend. I’ll catch you all on Monday.
Brandon Marshall is like a child throwing a temper-tantrum. The Broncos should treat him as that and just ignore him. He'll tire of whining and have to show up and play.
I can't see Leftwich not being the opening day starter in Tampa. The Browns QB battle will be interesting. I see that truly as a 50-50 tossup.
Best of luck to Mike Brown, its ashame how all the injuries derailed his career. I'd like to see him make it back.
It sure would be nice if the Broncos got tough with Marshall but I doubt very much that this will be the case. Time and time again the disgruntled player gets his way.
As far as Driver and Collins wanting more money I say more power to them, not because I think that they are deserving based on their efforts, I just like to see Thompson squirm like the worm that he is. The sooner he's out of Green Bay the better in my opinion. Same goes for Mark Murphy.
So you don't care about team unity or locker room chemistry as long as you get revenge on TT?
Did you even notice that #4 QUIT after the 2007 season?
Did you think all the drama of 'I might retire - I might play' for 4 prior pre-seasons had no impact on mgt decisions?
I'm on the player's side in most cases.
Ted Thompson is a guy that makes me nervous - too much 'deer in the headlights'.
But he came in to situation where the Packers were WAY over the salary cap.
His 2 starting guards were paid RIDICULOUS salaries in free agency.
The article is right. Make clear to Driver & Collins (both of whom I think are terrific players) that contracts are not subject to a vote. Make BUSINESS decisions about business.
Of course I hope your new favorite team (the Purple cross-dressers) will follw your advice.
The mistake Thompson made was caving in so quickly to Ryan Grant's contract demands prior to last season, even though Grant had only a half season as a starter under his belt.
It'd be refreshing if the players and their agents could simply quietly work out any contract details in the background, but I'm sure they feel that public comments can increase pressure on the team administration to cave in to player demands.
The jury is still out on Collins. He certainly showed improvement last year, but interceptions aren't the total measure of a safety. The secondary's overall play diminished greatly in the second half of the season, and the team's coaches are well aware of each player's contribution to that group decline.
As for Driver, he got a good contract on his last go round. If his contract demands are too high for an aging receiver, the Packers need to let him go. I love Driver, but it's a tough business.
Po'ed Citizen: It sure would be nice if the Broncos got tough with Marshall but I doubt very much that this will be the case. Time and time again the disgruntled player gets his way.
Huh? We're in an offseason where Jay Cutler was pretty much the ONLY guy to get his way. The Broncos have said they aren't seeking offers, but they will listen, same policy as always.
Doubt very much? Based on what?
"I would continue to strengthen my arm in the weight room."...r u kidding me? strengthening their throwing arm is done by lifting weights??? Lou Ferrigno must have had a cannon of an arm! if he didnt was all his talents playing The Incredible Hulk!
Whitey-
Actually, the weight room in crucial to the success of a quarterback by what they exactly do with their throwing arms and upper body.
It is the farthest thing from muscle bound body building exercises, and it is aimed at flexibility, range of motion, and building up the muscles around the shoulder joint.
So, in saying that, yes-- the weight room is a big deal for QBs.
Thanks.
CK-
I think that Jerry Jones felt the pressure from the media when it came to T.O.'s release, and had to give them an answer as to why he would release a guy who was the best WR on the team...
But, in doing that, the pressure of the entire franchise is now on Romo...
Should be fun to watch.
I have come to expect nothing good to happen in Denver with the inane front office that has done almost nothing right since it took power. Might as well trade Marshall to the Bears also , that will surely make for more laughs .
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Jul 04, 2009
10:19 AM
MB-Do you think it was a bit foolish of JJ to make that so public that TO was released because of Romo? If anything, it puts more pressure on Romo (which he certainly doesn't need). I think he should have just shut up about it myself.
I agree about Hass, he's been a favorite of mine for awhile.
KC sure has brought in some vet leader types on D. I don't think it's a bad idea because when there's a new staff, I think it's beneficial to have guys in there who can speak with veteran respect and authority to help the new guys buy into the program.
Hope you and everyone else have a great 4th!