Jason Taylor seeking trade

by | Jun 1, 2008 | NFL Breaking News, NFL Random Thoughts

Media reports, including one just broadcast by ESPN, indicate that Miami Dolphin Jason Taylor thinks it would be best if he could be traded.

John Clayton reporting on ESPN says Taylor isn’t threatening to hold out of training camp but just believes it would be best for both parties to split.

Is anyone really surprised by this? And does anyone really think it’s wrong?

This just seems like Taylor coming out publicly and saying out loud what pretty much every observer has been saying under the table for months. Come on, Dolphins. You’re not going anywhere for a couple years and Taylor isn’t getting any younger. Go get yourself a couple draft picks and give him a chance to chase a ring.

ADDED LATER: Interesting. Sounds like the press conference Taylor called had less to do with demanding a trade and more to do with expressing a willingness to accept a trade, announcing that he hopes to play one more year and clarifying at least some of the conjecture that has been spread regarding his football future.

According to the Associated Press, he announced that he has not spoken with Bill Parcells or Head Coach Tony Sparano, though he also reportedly said Sparano would be a good head coach. He didn’t confirm whether or not he would be at training camp and he did say he wants to play with a winner in 2008, perhaps a backhanded way of saying he would prefer a trade.

The Dolphins have made some interesting moves this offseason, but nothing that is going to turn them into instant winners. So if the future is still a couple or more years away it would seem best for player and team to part, hopefully on better terms than it would seem they are on at the moment.

Lucas Oil Stadium looks sharp

by | Jun 1, 2008 | NFL Random Thoughts

I’m in Indianapolis for a couple days attending a conference for the day job. But on the cab ride from the airport I had an opportunity to drive past the Colts’ new venue, Lucas Oil Stadium.

It was a brief glimpse but from the outside the retractable roof facility looks extremely sharp. It’s made of brick and glass, almost more like a combination of a giant baseball park/basketball arena. And it seems to blend in well with the neighborhood, unlike the RCA Dome which stands out like a swollen marshmallow.

Not sure how much down time I’m going to have over the next couple days, but if I do I hope to wander over for a closer, more detailed look. But at first glance, the Colts are moving into one of the sharpest stadiums I’ve had the opportunity to lay eyes on.

Vikings Defensive Line–Not As Big As It Seems?

by | May 27, 2008 | NFL Random Thoughts

Not to sound to Perez Hilton-ish, but we were at the local giant retail store tonight, getting a few last things before the trip to Vegas, when we thought we saw a familiar face–and gut.  As I approached checkout, I noticed the Vikings logo on his shirt, and figured “Damn, it is Pat Williams.”

Funny thing, though–the reason that I wasn’t sure if it was him initially was that he appeared much smaller than I expected.  Don’t get me wrong–he’s a big guy–but he didn’t appear nearly as large as announcers always like to claim that he is.  I’d say much closer (if not below) the 317 listed on his profile.  He also didn’t have the neck that he has in his official picture.

So, the question should be raised–if Williams is going to come to camp in better shape, will that affect his ability to so effectively clog holes and devour running backs?  Could it add another dimension to his game, by allowing him to rush the passer more effectively?  Or is he just not up to his playing weight yet?  Is it possible that I’m just a horrible judge of the size of the guy?  I was distracted trying to find a tin of mints for the trip…

By the way, the guy who checked me out said that he’s seen Williams 3-4 times in the last month–and a friend has served him at a local resteraunt (one that is known for it’s salad bar, of all things), and that he’s a really nice guy.  Not that I’ve heard otherwise, but with all the bad you hear about NFL players, it’s nice to hear something good once in a while.  Oh, and for anyone who might be interested, he was buying Mountain Dew and energy drinks.  And driving a really sweet car (which isn’t surprising).

Lito landing in Cleveland?

by | May 23, 2008 | NFL Random Thoughts

The Cleveland Browns took a gigantic leap forward last season under the leadership of Derek Anderson. The Browns added to fan excitement this offseason by adding Shaun Rogers, Corey Williams and Donte Stallworth, among others, to a team that had plenty of offensive firepower but not quite enough to get it done consistently on defense.

With expectations high in 2008 the Browns have too much at stake to let up now. So, with the knee injury suffered this week by expected-starter CB Daven Holly, it would make some sense for them to pursue an upgrade at cornerback.

(more…)

Will Packers Draft a QB Just to Keep Favre Away

by | Apr 25, 2008 | NFL News, NFL Random Thoughts, NFL Rumors

In our 2008 NFL Mock Draft, we have the Packers taking a late 1st round flier on another QB, because they are feeling uncomfortable enough about their backup situation to have recently brought in Daunte Culpepper for a looksee.

Now, according to PFT (we didn’t bother to watch), Brett Favre has hinted AGAIN about coming out of retirement (even though he hasn’t really started retirement):

“I think when training camp gets close, something’s bound to happen,” Favre said Thursday night.

Asked to elaborate, he added the eloquant:

“I don’t know,” Favre said.  ”Did I just say that?”

There’s been little doubt in our mind that Favre would return, or at least want to.  Question is, will the Packers want him to?  They’ve already set up the plan to retire his number at the opening Monday night game against the Minnesota Vikings–but it might be kind of tough to retire the jersey if Favre is still wearing it.

And, given how quickly the team has moved on, and the fact that Brett has (officially or unofficially) said part of the reason he moved on was the feeling that he wasn’t sure the team wanted him, maybe the Packers really will go for a first round QB, just to further prove their point?

Of course, it would probably be even tougher yet to retire old #4 if Favre is wearing it for some other team…although, given their recent moves to strengthen the team, I wonder if another team that will be at Lambeau on that opening Monday night might be willing to find a spot for him…