Shanahan Continues To Show His Colors, cuts Mike Bell

by | Jul 22, 2008 | NFL Random Thoughts

In 2006, Mike Bell went from undrafted free agent to starting tailback for his hometown Denver Broncos in the first week of training camp.  Despite eventually losing the starting role to Tatum Bell, he still put up a respectable 677 yards and scored 8 TDs in his rookie season.

Prospects looked decent for the Broncos, with a backfield of Bell and Bell splitting the load.  But Mike Shanahan wasn’t satisfied–acting on his apparently insatiable desire to add players of questionable work effort, talent and intelligence into the fold, he acquired Travis Henry and drafted Selvin Young, which upset one Bell (Tatum) to the point of demanding a trade, and forced the other (Mike) to fullback.

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Favre story to go away?

by | Jul 22, 2008 | NFL Rumors

I almost regret writing most of the soap opera script that I have on the Brett Favre saga over the last week and change and nothing would make me more sorry than if ProFootballTalk.com’s post from last night is true.

That post suggests that the Packers gave Favre a list of three teams they would consider trading him to and that Favre didn’t like any of the three so he now plans to stay retired. What a horribly boring way for this saga to end.

In today’s early hours PFT has cited the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel and the NFL Network in reporting on separate posts that the Packers have called the Baltimore Ravens and at least one NFC team about dealing the bipolar quarterback.

Whether Favre does or doesn’t ultimately come back apparently doesn’t change the Packers’ tampering charge against the rival Minnesota Vikings. So – as PFT puts it – this story isn’t going away for months and months whether they want to cover it or not.

We, on the other hand, will just choose to ignore it if it continues to bore us. After all – training camps are starting and games are just around the corner. It won’t be long before we’re sitting at the sports book in the Wynn or Caesar’s Palace or the Golden Nugget — or all of the above — enjoying week one of the NFL regular season – and hoping the red eye flight home Sunday night doesn’t get canceled so I make my wife’s Monday birthday.

Saints grab Shockey from Giants

by | Jul 21, 2008 | Fantasy Football, NFL Breaking News

The New Orleans Saints offense has added another weapon after agreeing to send two draft picks to New York in exchange for Jeremy Shockey.

Jay Glazer from FoxSports.com reports that, pending league approval, the Giants will receive a 2nd round pick and a 6th round pick in exchange for the moody tight end.

Shockey joins an offense that stars Marques Colston at wide receiver and has a trio of running backs that will share duties in Deuce McAllister, Reggie Bush and Aaron Stecker while the Giants rid themselves of a potential headache.

Shockey definitely adds a weapon to Drew Brees’ arsenal. He has caught 371passes for 4,228 yards and added 27 touchdowns in six years. At a minimum he’ll draw some coverage away from Colston. But is he worth it?

The Giants went on their Super Bowl run after Shockey broke his leg last season. While he was active the team played like a playoff pretender. And Kevin Boss’ performance during Shockey’s absence was likely a major part of why the team felt okay about trading the TE.

Additionally, while Shockey has generally been considered among the top tight ends in the game he’s a hot head – possibly a cancer – and his numbers indicate that he’s never been worthy of that high ranking. He’s never reached 900 yards receiving nor has he caught more than seven touchdowns in any one season. While he’s not as overrated as, say, Deion Branch, Shockey remains outside of the top tier of tight ends until proven otherwise.

A change of scenery will probably do him good and he should give the Saints offense a boost. But fantasy players should stick with Jason Witten, Antonio Gates, Kellen Winslow Jr., and Tony Gonzalez. Players also could justify taking guys like Dallas Clark, Chris Cooley and up-and-comers like Tony Scheffler or Vernon Davis ahead of the new Saint as well.

Redskins trade for Taylor

by | Jul 20, 2008 | NFL Breaking News

The Washington Redskins lost defensive end Philip Daniels to a season-ending knee injury Sunday morning but less than half-a-day later the team was better than it was when the day started.

Washington traded a 2009 second rounder and a 2010 sixth round pick to Miami for disgruntled defensive end Jason Taylor. The six-time pro bowler, who spent the offseason Dancing with the Stars rather than Training with the Dolphins, had wanted to spend his last years playing for a contender.

In the tough NFC East it’s hard to see whether or not the Skins can compete with New York or Dallas for the division title. But at minimum, in a division where last place’s fourth-place team finished 8-8, Washington now has to be considered AT LEAST a wild card contender.

Chainsaws and quarterbacks don’t mix

by | Jul 16, 2008 | NFL News

Josh McCown has a shot to be the Miami Dolphins starting quarterback this season – but not if he keeps messing with chainsaws.

Josh and brother/fellow quarterback Luke McCown were cutting a tree stump two weeks ago when he cut the index finger of his throwing hand, according to CBSSports.com. The injury required six stitches.

McCown has promised the team he’s done with chainsaws at least for now. He’s got a two-year, $6.25 million contract to protect – and a chance to beat out Chad Henne and John Beck for a year or so.