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Notes From Lombardi

Michael Lombardi

Bookmark and Share Print This Send This January 14, 2009, 04:36 PM EST
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FROM MICHAEL LOMBARDI:

FIVE THINGS I KNOW….

1.     I know the Cowboys are having serious internal discussions about releasing Terrell Owens very soon.  Serious discussions.  The $3.1-million roster bonus due Owens in March is also adding to the discussions.   It may affect the decision that Jason Garrett makes if he is offered a head coaching job. 

2.     I know the Broncos want to talk to linebackers coach Don Martindale, whose Raiders contract expired Tuesday, and are scheduled to interview him some time today.  Martindale has a few options available to him. 

3.     I know that after talking to multiple teams today, Chargers running back Darren Sproles is going to be a hot item if he makes it to the free-agent market in March.  Many teams would love to add his services, and the amount of cap room some of the teams have is staggering. 

4.     I know that whoever hires Rex Ryan is going to get a great head coach. The same goes for Jim Schwartz.  Both men have paid their dues and have built great defenses. 

5.     I know that Bill Romanowski, formerly of the Broncos, is serious about getting back into football and will have a talk with Denver’s brass soon to explore his possible return. 

FIVE THINGS I HEAR….

1.     I hear Todd Bowles was impressive in his interview with the Lions.  Not sure he has improved his position, but he was well liked.  And it helps having been a teammate of Lions GM Martin Mayhew. 

2.     I hear that Leslie Frazier might be a surprise choice for the Rams.  He was impressive in both of his interviews with Denver and St. Louis.

3.     I hear that the Rams are down to only three candidates -- Frazier, Garrett and Steve Spagnuolo of the Giants.  Just those three have a chance to get the job. 

4.     I hear that after Scott Pioli makes a change at head coach and Herm “Lets Build Something Together” Edwards is let go, he will have a tough time convincing Kirk Ferentz to leave Iowa.  Ferentz seems content to stay where he is right now. 

5.     I hear that Brian Westbrook’s re-injured left knee will not keep him from playing this weekend, but might it might curtail his effectiveness. 

Comments

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Steve Alt
Jan 14, 2009
08:30 PM

Wouldn't it be ironic if TO got cut and Detroit picked him up?

bozz_2006
Jan 14, 2009
10:33 PM

He won't end up in Detroit, unless he figures out a way to insert himself into the draft.

Long Ball
Jan 14, 2009
11:25 PM

Hey Mike, T.O.'s $3.1 MM roster bonus is not due until June '09!

JohnT
Jan 14, 2009
11:41 PM

I'm inclined to think Dallas keeps him this year, and lets him go before the (uncapped) 2010 season. If he leaves, my guess is Washington tries to sign him.

anthony palma
Jan 15, 2009
01:15 AM

Mike, great site! what will it take for the raiders to win again, consistantly (or is this an empire on the long slow path of decline excluding the Gruden years)? Also, why doesn't Mr. Davis seem to ever allow a head coach to lead the team versus being a powerless figurehead?
Also, since you left, are there any senior football people helping/advising Mr. Davis on football descions?
sorry, I'm just a frustrated fan.

Jim W.
Jan 15, 2009
01:17 AM

Any chance the Giants would try to sign T.O. if the Cowboys release him?

Aaron
Jan 15, 2009
09:38 AM

Wayne - Packer Pete's comment, while juvenile, didn't cross any lines. Why do you feel the need to police others' comments?

Peter
Jan 15, 2009
09:41 AM

Here in Dallas the general feeling seems to be TO's skills no longer outweigh his need to create drama. He is 80% of the way to ruining his relationship with a 3rd QB, and Romo isn't a big enough locker room force to keep him in check. Jones has to go forward with one or the other, not both. If TO is here 1 more year, they are at best 8-8 next year, and given their propensity to quit on Phillips (see: game 16 v. Phil), more likely worse.

Pro Football America
Jan 15, 2009
09:51 AM

Well, Mike, this story is certainly heating up now. Can't wait to see what happens. Nice work -- you should have headlined this instead of sticking it in this column!

-- Mike

Cudahy Pete
Jan 15, 2009
11:05 AM

Of all the news Dallas and TO dominate. I for one am happy the Packers didn't attempt to get him in uniform. Love fest between Witten and Romo? If TO was as open and dependable as Witten I am sure the ball would have gone to him more often.
'girls, 'queens, whatever.

Mr.Murder
Jan 15, 2009
11:07 AM

Martindale is a value, often Al refuses to pay for that. He will get a coach ahead of the market, but once that pay grade matures, Al is looking for new blood....

Cudahy Pete
Jan 15, 2009
11:09 AM

Bill "spit in your face on national tv" Romanowski. Always be my memory of him. Regardless of how "pumped" he got for any game.
How can a team bring someone back like that?

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