By: Joe Pinzone
Memo to Buffalo Bills GM: How about giving a call to Greg Ellis. Yes, he's 34-years old and his better days are behind him, but besides me begging the Bills to find nose tackle help, I've been asking them to find players who've been in a 3-4 defense. Ellis fits that bill, as he's played in both a 3-4 and 4-3 defense. Over the last three years, Ellis has 27.5 sacks and an NFL Comeback Player of the Year award on his resume.
He's not going to cost you much (maybe 2.5 million a year), Plus, he'd be a teacher for some of the Bills defensive lineman who haven't played in a 3-4. And considering that the Bills current defensive ends aren't exactly reeking in the speed department (Marcus Stroud and Spencer Johnson are the incumbent starters), Ellis would add to a defensive line that's in desperate need of a pass rusher.
===============================================
With all this talk about Ben Roethlisberger and Tiger Woods nightlife's being put into question. I was thinking...what would have happened if the 90's Buffalo Bills played in today's age of cell phones, Twitter updates and the media's unquenchable thirst for a good scandal? Now, before I dive into this 'Back to the Future' topic, I realize that none of the 90's Bills were investigated for sexual misconduct. So, ah salute to them.
However, considering that people in Pittsburgh are talking junk about Big Ben's nightlife issues and consider him to be a jerk to the general public, I can't help but flashback to the Bills of yesteryears. In case you didn't know, the Bills from the 90's were known to be a group that played hard and partied even harder. There are so many stories out there about what some of those players did in their extra curricular activities (Try googling some if you're curious)..and I'm not talking United Way (Even though some did do charity work).
I'm sure if it was today, The Buffalo News would run a TMZ style column daily about where they were spotted last night (Fat Cats or The Adam's Mark would be my guess).
As for the twitter world, I'd bet that Thurman Thomas wouldn't be twittering about his disdain towards the democratic party...more like twittering about his disdain towards the Canadian exchange rate at Mintz Gentleman's Night Club. I kid, Thurman.
But in all seriousness, back then, the Bills off the field stories were hardly covered by the media and because of their success, fans would not have cared how the players acted in public (Which is how I felt then and now). I'm sure if it was today, some media members and fans would chastise the Bills for their party habits. I mean, if they can do it to the greatest golfer in the world, why wouldn't they do it for the greatest players in Bills history.
=============================================
I don't know about you, but I'm thinking about unfollowing Peter King, John Clayton, Tim Graham, Adam Schefter and pretty much any NFL reporter on Twitter who happens to break NFL news. I mean, what is the point? The Bills aren't going to sign anyone whose significant. I also don't feel like living vicariously through the fans of the other 31 NFL teams that are signing players.
On a unrelated note, have you noticed how the Browns are finished with their two highly paid and highly disappointed quarterbacks on their roster? That's exactly how you blow up a team. You think Mike Holmgren or the other 30 NFL general managers would be receptive to Trent Edwards or Ryan Fitzpatrick as their starters? Yeah, I think not.
Read more of Joe at Joe in NYC
Monday, March 15. 2010
Buffalo Bills: Call Greg Ellis, 90's Bills Are Lucky Twitter didn't Exist
Posted by Joe Pinzone
in NFL Blog: The view from the End Zone
at
12:34
| Comments (0)
| Trackbacks (0)
Friday, March 12. 2010
Status Quo So Far For the Buffalo Bills This Offseason
I've written on previous articles that I wouldn't be harsh on the Buffalo Bills for not being active during free agency. Now, there are some free agents that I wouldn't have minded the Bills going after. However, like I've said all along, you have to build your team from within the draft.
Besides the draft, my biggest goal for the Buffalo Bills off-season was to see what they would do with some of their current veterans. I've made no bones about wanting this team to do a complete makeover. I'm not trying to be negative. I'm only asking for the Bills to do what other franchises have done after hiring a new GM and coach.
It's common knowledge that whenever you have a new regime take over a franchise, they are going to cut the team inside and out. Bill Parcells did it when he took over the Dolphins. Mike Holmgren is in the process of doing that in Cleveland as we speak. Jimmy Johnson did that with the Cowboys and Dolphins. You always hear media members say, "A new GM or coach wants to choose their own players." Well, I haven't exactly seen that yet.
Now, getting rid of veterans isn't about just killing off the team because I'm being irrational about the Bills failure to make the playoffs for the last 10 years. It's about knowing that change is on the horizon and that the organization realizes that they've been doing it wrong for years. That's all I've been asking from the Bills.
Core guys like Aaron Schobel, Marcus Stroud, Marshawn Lynch and Donte Whitner (to name a few) have failed to get the Bills over the hump. The Bills are acting as if their the Indianapolis Colts and are on the cusp of accomplishing something special. Sorry, but that ship sank two years ago.
Now, I haven't been asking for Julius Peppers or Anquan Bolden. All you have to do is go back and read my GM series to see what I wanted the team to do. I know that Rome wasn't built in a day, but the Romans sure as hell started building a pillar or two after Julius Caesar took over.
There are a number of vets on this team that make too much money, who haven't been able to give an adequate return on the investment. I know free agency isn't even a week old and things can change. Unfortunately, all of my gripes have been manifested by the recent news about a Bills player who looks to be staying put.
Does anyone want to tell me why Chris Kelsay is returning to the Bills? In case you didn't know, on March 5th, the Bills paid a roster bonus of $500,000 that was due to Kelsay. Why in the world are the Bills interested in a player whose never played a down as an outside linebacker and is going to be 31 in October? Makes absolutely no sense. I don't want to hear how guys like Kelsay are bridge-gaps to younger talent.
The problem with that assertion is that Kelsay's bridge has collapsed. You want veterans who can teach a young player what it takes to be a pro at their position. What's Kelsay going to teach Aaron Maybin? How not to jump up and down when you make a tackle? Hell, they are both going to learn how to be outside linebackers this offseason. I've said it before and I'll say it again, the Bills need to blow up their roster.
There's only two reasons I can think of for why Kelsay is coming back.
1) He's only going to cost the Bills 3.7 million dollars this season.
2) The Bills are still being run by the same people.
As for reason one, everyone knows that even though there isn't a cap anymore, the Bills are still operating with their cash to the cap philosophy. Kelsay was never worth the 6 million dollars a year that the Bills paid him in 2007, but luckily for the Bills, his salary goes down this year.
As for reason two, I said it when the Bills went in house to hire their GM. The move reeked of damage control in showing the general public that change was happening. It was obvious to me that the Bills just rearranged a couple of office titles and just gave Buddy Nix a sexy secretary and a key to the executive bathroom. I know fans and media members were even naive to think that Brandon and Wilson wouldn't have a big say in the team's personnel because they weren't at Chan Gailey's introduction press conference. Please...
Like I said earlier, when you have a new regime in charge they normally rip the roster apart. Something tells me that guys like Brandon and Modrak are putting in their two cents that Aaron Schobel and Kelsay can still play. Maybe their trying to justify giving those players their long term deals by keeping them around. The same can be said for a number of other players on the Bills roster.
I know it has only been two months into the Nix/Gailey partnership, and maybe I should give them more time to operate. I assure you, I'm looking for any sort of reason to think that the Bills are changing. Hell, it could be something as minuet as the Bills changing uniforms or flying in a free agent that hasn't played for the Chiefs. Instead, the only news the Bills are making is signing retread offensive lineman from the Oakland Raiders.
Besides wanting change, I wanted the Bills to stop trying to fit a square peg into a round hole by making players play out of position or bringing in players that don't fit the new scheme.
Kelsay and Schobel at OLB? Kyle Williams at NT? I haven't even gotten to Trent Edwards possibly starting next year. Again, wouldn't a new GM/Coach combo want a new quarterback? New regimes should bring in change; not follow the game plan of their predecessors.
The more things change the more they say the same with the Buffalo Bills. All I have to say is the Bills draft better be as good as the early Bill Polian years or this isn't going to change. Better yet, maybe we should start Googling mock drafts for top 5 picks for 2011 through 2014.
Read more of Joe at Joe in NYC
Besides the draft, my biggest goal for the Buffalo Bills off-season was to see what they would do with some of their current veterans. I've made no bones about wanting this team to do a complete makeover. I'm not trying to be negative. I'm only asking for the Bills to do what other franchises have done after hiring a new GM and coach.
It's common knowledge that whenever you have a new regime take over a franchise, they are going to cut the team inside and out. Bill Parcells did it when he took over the Dolphins. Mike Holmgren is in the process of doing that in Cleveland as we speak. Jimmy Johnson did that with the Cowboys and Dolphins. You always hear media members say, "A new GM or coach wants to choose their own players." Well, I haven't exactly seen that yet.
Now, getting rid of veterans isn't about just killing off the team because I'm being irrational about the Bills failure to make the playoffs for the last 10 years. It's about knowing that change is on the horizon and that the organization realizes that they've been doing it wrong for years. That's all I've been asking from the Bills.
Core guys like Aaron Schobel, Marcus Stroud, Marshawn Lynch and Donte Whitner (to name a few) have failed to get the Bills over the hump. The Bills are acting as if their the Indianapolis Colts and are on the cusp of accomplishing something special. Sorry, but that ship sank two years ago.
Now, I haven't been asking for Julius Peppers or Anquan Bolden. All you have to do is go back and read my GM series to see what I wanted the team to do. I know that Rome wasn't built in a day, but the Romans sure as hell started building a pillar or two after Julius Caesar took over.
There are a number of vets on this team that make too much money, who haven't been able to give an adequate return on the investment. I know free agency isn't even a week old and things can change. Unfortunately, all of my gripes have been manifested by the recent news about a Bills player who looks to be staying put.
Does anyone want to tell me why Chris Kelsay is returning to the Bills? In case you didn't know, on March 5th, the Bills paid a roster bonus of $500,000 that was due to Kelsay. Why in the world are the Bills interested in a player whose never played a down as an outside linebacker and is going to be 31 in October? Makes absolutely no sense. I don't want to hear how guys like Kelsay are bridge-gaps to younger talent.
The problem with that assertion is that Kelsay's bridge has collapsed. You want veterans who can teach a young player what it takes to be a pro at their position. What's Kelsay going to teach Aaron Maybin? How not to jump up and down when you make a tackle? Hell, they are both going to learn how to be outside linebackers this offseason. I've said it before and I'll say it again, the Bills need to blow up their roster.
There's only two reasons I can think of for why Kelsay is coming back.
1) He's only going to cost the Bills 3.7 million dollars this season.
2) The Bills are still being run by the same people.
As for reason one, everyone knows that even though there isn't a cap anymore, the Bills are still operating with their cash to the cap philosophy. Kelsay was never worth the 6 million dollars a year that the Bills paid him in 2007, but luckily for the Bills, his salary goes down this year.
As for reason two, I said it when the Bills went in house to hire their GM. The move reeked of damage control in showing the general public that change was happening. It was obvious to me that the Bills just rearranged a couple of office titles and just gave Buddy Nix a sexy secretary and a key to the executive bathroom. I know fans and media members were even naive to think that Brandon and Wilson wouldn't have a big say in the team's personnel because they weren't at Chan Gailey's introduction press conference. Please...
Like I said earlier, when you have a new regime in charge they normally rip the roster apart. Something tells me that guys like Brandon and Modrak are putting in their two cents that Aaron Schobel and Kelsay can still play. Maybe their trying to justify giving those players their long term deals by keeping them around. The same can be said for a number of other players on the Bills roster.
I know it has only been two months into the Nix/Gailey partnership, and maybe I should give them more time to operate. I assure you, I'm looking for any sort of reason to think that the Bills are changing. Hell, it could be something as minuet as the Bills changing uniforms or flying in a free agent that hasn't played for the Chiefs. Instead, the only news the Bills are making is signing retread offensive lineman from the Oakland Raiders.
Besides wanting change, I wanted the Bills to stop trying to fit a square peg into a round hole by making players play out of position or bringing in players that don't fit the new scheme.
Kelsay and Schobel at OLB? Kyle Williams at NT? I haven't even gotten to Trent Edwards possibly starting next year. Again, wouldn't a new GM/Coach combo want a new quarterback? New regimes should bring in change; not follow the game plan of their predecessors.
The more things change the more they say the same with the Buffalo Bills. All I have to say is the Bills draft better be as good as the early Bill Polian years or this isn't going to change. Better yet, maybe we should start Googling mock drafts for top 5 picks for 2011 through 2014.
Read more of Joe at Joe in NYC
Posted by Joe Pinzone
in NFL Blog: The view from the End Zone
at
13:09
| Comments (4)
| Trackbacks (0)
Thursday, March 11. 2010
Terrell Owens kept mouth shut in Buffalo, but dropped the ball
The T.O. to B-Lo experiment could have worked, had the veteran got a grip on the ball.
By Charles Roberts, Sports Reporter
-Credit free agent wide receiver Terrell Owens with living up to his promise to be a model citizen while he was a member of the Buffalo Bills. He did almost everything possible to fly under the radar in hopes of landing one last big contract, ideally on a winning organization. The one thing he didn’t do however was catch the football. Although many attribute Owens’ lousy production in 2009 to a lack of stable quarterback on the Bills, plain and simple, the highly glamorized receiver was dreadful and at times, painful to watch. His mechanics – which have never been anything to write home about – seemed to have regressed even further last year and on plays that didn’t involve him – his body language let the defense know just that. It’s a pretty obvious point to make, but if the Buffalo Bills, one of the league’s most abysmal franchises over the last decade don’t see room for you on their roster, who really should?
-LaDainian Tomlinson’s recent visit to Minnesota should be the only such sit down he participates in. The Vikings were a legitimate Super Bowl contender last season and all signs point to them returning to that form in 2010, assuming their gray-haired, stubble-faced quarterback returns.
-After releasing quarterback Derek Anderson, the latest rumor out of Cleveland is that they are shopping Brady Quinn to a handful of teams. No specific teams were listed, but I would have to assume Buffalo, St. Louis, Oakland, Seattle and Washington were among those the Browns reached out to. It would seem as though new team general manager Mike Holmgren wants to clean house and bring in his own crew, which makes perfect sense. The one thing that has me scratching my head however is why former Carolina Panthers quarterback Jake Delhomme is the first guy Holmgren reached out to for the possibly soon-to-be-available spot in Cleveland. It would seem like you already had a stationary guy with more upside in Anderson. I can see releasing Anderson to avoid that gaudy contract, but why not resign him for less? Drafting Quinn was the public relations move the team had to make a couple seasons ago, being the hometown kid, but now that it looks like they are going to dump him anyway, what’s the difference? And what value does the unproven Quinn really have? A third, perhaps fourth round pick?
-Little Ben gets Big Ben in trouble again. I wish these athletes would smarten up and stop putting themselves in compromising situations, like hanging out in college bars or scantily strip clubs, but it just doesn’t seem like that will ever happen. The saga continues.
Posted by Matthew Ondesko
in NFL Blog: The view from the End Zone
at
13:05
| Comments (9)
| Trackbacks (0)
Tuesday, March 9. 2010
Buffalo Bills free agent tackle Cornell Green assaulted woman
By: Joe Pinzone
Meet your new Buffalo Bills right tackle. According to USA Today, Green assaulted the mother of his children in March of 2009.
Tampa police say Green became violent during an argument at his home with the mother of his two children. Police say Green slammed 30-year-old Teriyonal Ebony Flowers into a wall, then struck her right arm with an aluminum mop handle.
Judging by his salary (9 million over 3 years), Green looks to be taking over for Brad Butler. Of course, there are a couple of red flags around this guy, other than beating women of course. For one, he's played on six NFL teams in 10 years. The last team he played for was the Raiders, which may make fans flashback to the Langston Walker signing. He also didn't exactly have an all-pro season last year, giving up 6.5 sacks and 12 penalties in 12 starts.
Marv Levy must be rolling over his eyes over this move. So much for the Buffalo Bills valuing character. Kind of ironic that the guy had to use a mop handle to beat up his wife, since it seems like he was getting mopped up all over the field by defensive players.
Look, I get that this guy isn't going to be the cornerstone on the Bills line for the next 5 years (turns 34 in August). I totally agree that the Bills needed to address the offensive right tackle position at some point. However, couldn't they find a better stop-gap offensive right tackle that wasn't arrested and had the exact same number of penalties as starts? I don't know, maybe the guy will play like Geoff Hangartner. Hey, at least the Bills signed someone!...and he wasn't even from KC.
Read more of Joe at Joe in NYC
Meet your new Buffalo Bills right tackle. According to USA Today, Green assaulted the mother of his children in March of 2009.
Tampa police say Green became violent during an argument at his home with the mother of his two children. Police say Green slammed 30-year-old Teriyonal Ebony Flowers into a wall, then struck her right arm with an aluminum mop handle.
Judging by his salary (9 million over 3 years), Green looks to be taking over for Brad Butler. Of course, there are a couple of red flags around this guy, other than beating women of course. For one, he's played on six NFL teams in 10 years. The last team he played for was the Raiders, which may make fans flashback to the Langston Walker signing. He also didn't exactly have an all-pro season last year, giving up 6.5 sacks and 12 penalties in 12 starts.
Marv Levy must be rolling over his eyes over this move. So much for the Buffalo Bills valuing character. Kind of ironic that the guy had to use a mop handle to beat up his wife, since it seems like he was getting mopped up all over the field by defensive players.
Look, I get that this guy isn't going to be the cornerstone on the Bills line for the next 5 years (turns 34 in August). I totally agree that the Bills needed to address the offensive right tackle position at some point. However, couldn't they find a better stop-gap offensive right tackle that wasn't arrested and had the exact same number of penalties as starts? I don't know, maybe the guy will play like Geoff Hangartner. Hey, at least the Bills signed someone!...and he wasn't even from KC.
Read more of Joe at Joe in NYC
Posted by Joe Pinzone
in NFL Blog: The view from the End Zone
at
12:43
| Comments (4)
| Trackbacks (0)
Kelly Likes Tim Tebow & Joey Porter on the Buffalo Bills Radar
By Joe Pinzone
I know it's only March, but it looks as if the Buffalo Bills may have a tentative plan in finding a quarterback. NFL.com is reporting that the Bills (along with the Seahawks) want to have a private workout with Tim Tebow after his pro day on March 17th. I wrote a long blog over a month ago stating that I wasn't exactly thrilled about Tim Tebow coming to Buffalo. I think he has too many throwing issues, plus working in the shotgun exclusively at Florida worries me. However, my disdain towards the possibility of Trent Edwards starting in 2010 has soften my stance. Hell, at this juncture, I'd take JP Losman back over Captain Checkdown
Now, from a marketing stand point, it wouldn't shock me if the Bills drafted Tebow in the 2nd or 3rd round. I didn't think much of Tebow's popularity after his college career ended. However, after seeing all the hoopla over him changing his throwing motion and being surrounded by 100's of reporters at the NFL Combine, I knew that Tebow's fame had become a monster. Hell, he may be the reason the NFL decided to go prime time for the 2nd and 3rd rounds of the Draft. If the Bills drafted him, ESPN would be all over this story from mini-camp to the regular season. We'd get Erin Andrews camping out at One Bills Drive. College football fans from throughout the land who've adored Tebow would tune into games. Not to mention, you can probably put him up there as the #1 selling jersey for the Bills.
Mark my words, the national hoopla would be a lot BIGGER if Tebow was drafted by the Bills than T.O. coming to Buffalo. Plus, there's already strong support for Tebow to play from fans and members of the media in Buffalo. Lets not forget he has the backing of Jim Kelly, which is like being blessed by the pope around here. I'm not saying that I believe in Tebow. Quite honestly, I don't. But, from a marketing stand point, selling merchandise, luxury boxes, and team endorsements it's a gold mine.
================================================
There was a rumor that made its way across the web this weekend about the Bills bringing in Joey Porter for a workout on Tuesday. The rumor was reported by Buffalorumblings.com, but soon after was retracted. Anyways, we can still talk about it because it would make total sense for the Bills to sign Porter. I know, I've been saying to get younger, but this 3-4 experiment has me worried.
Look, there's no way Chris Kelsay or Aaron Schobel should be allowed to play outside linebacker for this team or any other. The team needs to bring in someone who knows how to be the quarterback of a 3-4 defense. Porter is that guy. He's been in the 3-4 for the majority of his career and has thrived in it. I know some may think he's washed up, but he did have 26.5 sacks over the last two years. Yes, it should be noted that he only had 9 sacks in 14 games last year, but even that sack total would have counted for 2nd most by a Bills player.
Now, I know what some people are thinking: "Porter is an old-washed up, arrogant punk who wouldn't mesh with Buffalo's blue-collar work ethic." Yes, Porter is in the twilight of his career. However, if Aaron Maybin is suppose to thrive the most in a 3-4 defense, it would be nice if he could have an all-pro tutoring him at a position he's never played at before.
As for Porter's personality issues, you know how I feel about spitfires. I love them! You need guys with attitude in professional sports. If there's one thing I was hoping that Terrell Owens could bring to the Bills last season, it was someone who would hold the team's feet to the fire if they played poorly. Unfortunately, T.O. didn't care about setting a precedent with the team because he was more interested in where he would end up playing in 2010 and didn't want to jeopardize that (You could probably put in cereal, modeling and a reality show in activities that peaked his interest more so than playing for the Bills).
Something tells me that Porter doesn't give a crap about reality shows and being a model. He's the type of player that's going to say what's on his mind and talk trash to the opposition. That's something the Bills haven't had in a long time. In the beginning of free agency, I wanted the Bills to make a run at Larry Foote to help with the 3-4 defense. Now, I wouldn't mind substituting Porter for that spot
Read more of Joe at Joe in NYC
I know it's only March, but it looks as if the Buffalo Bills may have a tentative plan in finding a quarterback. NFL.com is reporting that the Bills (along with the Seahawks) want to have a private workout with Tim Tebow after his pro day on March 17th. I wrote a long blog over a month ago stating that I wasn't exactly thrilled about Tim Tebow coming to Buffalo. I think he has too many throwing issues, plus working in the shotgun exclusively at Florida worries me. However, my disdain towards the possibility of Trent Edwards starting in 2010 has soften my stance. Hell, at this juncture, I'd take JP Losman back over Captain Checkdown
Now, from a marketing stand point, it wouldn't shock me if the Bills drafted Tebow in the 2nd or 3rd round. I didn't think much of Tebow's popularity after his college career ended. However, after seeing all the hoopla over him changing his throwing motion and being surrounded by 100's of reporters at the NFL Combine, I knew that Tebow's fame had become a monster. Hell, he may be the reason the NFL decided to go prime time for the 2nd and 3rd rounds of the Draft. If the Bills drafted him, ESPN would be all over this story from mini-camp to the regular season. We'd get Erin Andrews camping out at One Bills Drive. College football fans from throughout the land who've adored Tebow would tune into games. Not to mention, you can probably put him up there as the #1 selling jersey for the Bills.
Mark my words, the national hoopla would be a lot BIGGER if Tebow was drafted by the Bills than T.O. coming to Buffalo. Plus, there's already strong support for Tebow to play from fans and members of the media in Buffalo. Lets not forget he has the backing of Jim Kelly, which is like being blessed by the pope around here. I'm not saying that I believe in Tebow. Quite honestly, I don't. But, from a marketing stand point, selling merchandise, luxury boxes, and team endorsements it's a gold mine.
================================================
There was a rumor that made its way across the web this weekend about the Bills bringing in Joey Porter for a workout on Tuesday. The rumor was reported by Buffalorumblings.com, but soon after was retracted. Anyways, we can still talk about it because it would make total sense for the Bills to sign Porter. I know, I've been saying to get younger, but this 3-4 experiment has me worried.
Look, there's no way Chris Kelsay or Aaron Schobel should be allowed to play outside linebacker for this team or any other. The team needs to bring in someone who knows how to be the quarterback of a 3-4 defense. Porter is that guy. He's been in the 3-4 for the majority of his career and has thrived in it. I know some may think he's washed up, but he did have 26.5 sacks over the last two years. Yes, it should be noted that he only had 9 sacks in 14 games last year, but even that sack total would have counted for 2nd most by a Bills player.
Now, I know what some people are thinking: "Porter is an old-washed up, arrogant punk who wouldn't mesh with Buffalo's blue-collar work ethic." Yes, Porter is in the twilight of his career. However, if Aaron Maybin is suppose to thrive the most in a 3-4 defense, it would be nice if he could have an all-pro tutoring him at a position he's never played at before.
As for Porter's personality issues, you know how I feel about spitfires. I love them! You need guys with attitude in professional sports. If there's one thing I was hoping that Terrell Owens could bring to the Bills last season, it was someone who would hold the team's feet to the fire if they played poorly. Unfortunately, T.O. didn't care about setting a precedent with the team because he was more interested in where he would end up playing in 2010 and didn't want to jeopardize that (You could probably put in cereal, modeling and a reality show in activities that peaked his interest more so than playing for the Bills).
Something tells me that Porter doesn't give a crap about reality shows and being a model. He's the type of player that's going to say what's on his mind and talk trash to the opposition. That's something the Bills haven't had in a long time. In the beginning of free agency, I wanted the Bills to make a run at Larry Foote to help with the 3-4 defense. Now, I wouldn't mind substituting Porter for that spot
Read more of Joe at Joe in NYC
Posted by Joe Pinzone
in NFL Blog: The view from the End Zone
at
12:31
| Comments (17)
| Trackbacks (0)
Monday, March 8. 2010
NFL Free Agency: Antwaan Randle El back with Pittsburgh Steelers
-Wide receiver Antwaan Randle El, who was released by the Washington Redskins last week, has resigned with his old team the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Randle El had 50 receptions for 530 yards in 16 games playing for Washington last season. The receiver never really lived up to the expectations that came with signing the seven-year contract worth $31 million that included $11.5 million in bonuses back in 2006.
Many people around the league thought the Redskins over paid for Randle El in the first place considering he only averaged 40 catches and less than two touchdowns a year over his four seasons with the Steelers. He did improve on those numbers slightly during his four seasons with the Redskins, averaging 46 receptions and two touchdowns a season. But, after a year that saw him catch zero touchdowns in 2009, the Redskins felt they no longer needed his services.
The deal with Pittsburgh is rumored to be for three years, with terms not yet available.
Randle El had 50 receptions for 530 yards in 16 games playing for Washington last season. The receiver never really lived up to the expectations that came with signing the seven-year contract worth $31 million that included $11.5 million in bonuses back in 2006.
Many people around the league thought the Redskins over paid for Randle El in the first place considering he only averaged 40 catches and less than two touchdowns a year over his four seasons with the Steelers. He did improve on those numbers slightly during his four seasons with the Redskins, averaging 46 receptions and two touchdowns a season. But, after a year that saw him catch zero touchdowns in 2009, the Redskins felt they no longer needed his services.
The deal with Pittsburgh is rumored to be for three years, with terms not yet available.
Posted by Sports Blogger
in NFL Blog: The view from the End Zone
at
21:59
| Comments (3)
| Trackbacks (0)
Terrell Owens & Ochocinco = Bad For Palmer; Patriots & Reed talk
By: Joe Pinzone
I know the big talk is that the Terrell Owens and Chad Ochocinco combination may end up becoming a reality with the news that the Cincinnati Bengals are interested in the former Buffalo Bills wide receiver. I know some fans will think that Owens and Ochocinco would be dominant on the field and in media sessions. I'm more than willing to say it's going to be the latter that results in domination. This isn't a knock against Owens, it's actually a knock against Carson Palmer.
The Bengals franchise quarterback hasn't been the same since 2007. In 2008, Palmer was mired in injuries and only played four games because of a partially torn ligament and tendon in his elbow. Palmer decided to elect NOT to have Tommy John surgery (Which ISN'T a good surgery for a quarterback to have), instead, he choose to rest the injury to allow it to heal.
Last year, Palmer played OK, throwing for 21 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. Yes, those numbers seem fine, but considering the three years prior to his injury plagued 2008 season, Palmer regressed (Palmer had 86 touchdown passes from 2005-2007). He also barley got over the 3,000 yard mark after playing all 16 games last year. I know all of this because he was on my fantasy football team and cost me major dough!
Palmer really struggled down the stretch with the Bengals and had a very poor playoff showing against the Jets. If Palmer gets Owens and Ochocinco on his team together, you can definitely put the quarterback in the same discussion as one of the players with the most pressure going into next season. All I'm saying is that this move would have been a slam dunk if it took place three years ago. Now...It's going to be a very contested lay-up. I hope for Palmer's sake he gets back to his previous numbers or Owens and Ochocinco will eat him alive.
=====================================================
Profootballtalk is reporting that Josh Reed is set to visit the New England Patriots on Sunday. Josh Reed signing with the Patriots would be like peanut butter and jelly. I use to always tell my friends that Reed reminded me of Wes Welker with his size and route running ability. Say what you will about Reed, but if he's in an offense that relies on the slot position, he can be a huge asset.
Mark my words, if Wes Welker isn't 100% from his torn ACL and MCL injury, Josh Reed will catch 10 balls a game. Reed fits in perfectly with what the Patriots offense needs out of their slot receiver. Even when Welker went down, unknown wide receiver Julian Edelman was able to pick up where Welker left off. The rookie wide receiver caught 16 passes for three touchdowns in just two games. If I'm Josh, I would jump at the opportunity to sign a 1-year deal with the Patriots for whatever amount of money they'd pay him. If he catches 10 balls a game, he'll more than likely double his status as a free agent in 2011.
Read more of Joe at >Joe in NYC
I know the big talk is that the Terrell Owens and Chad Ochocinco combination may end up becoming a reality with the news that the Cincinnati Bengals are interested in the former Buffalo Bills wide receiver. I know some fans will think that Owens and Ochocinco would be dominant on the field and in media sessions. I'm more than willing to say it's going to be the latter that results in domination. This isn't a knock against Owens, it's actually a knock against Carson Palmer.
The Bengals franchise quarterback hasn't been the same since 2007. In 2008, Palmer was mired in injuries and only played four games because of a partially torn ligament and tendon in his elbow. Palmer decided to elect NOT to have Tommy John surgery (Which ISN'T a good surgery for a quarterback to have), instead, he choose to rest the injury to allow it to heal.
Last year, Palmer played OK, throwing for 21 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. Yes, those numbers seem fine, but considering the three years prior to his injury plagued 2008 season, Palmer regressed (Palmer had 86 touchdown passes from 2005-2007). He also barley got over the 3,000 yard mark after playing all 16 games last year. I know all of this because he was on my fantasy football team and cost me major dough!
Palmer really struggled down the stretch with the Bengals and had a very poor playoff showing against the Jets. If Palmer gets Owens and Ochocinco on his team together, you can definitely put the quarterback in the same discussion as one of the players with the most pressure going into next season. All I'm saying is that this move would have been a slam dunk if it took place three years ago. Now...It's going to be a very contested lay-up. I hope for Palmer's sake he gets back to his previous numbers or Owens and Ochocinco will eat him alive.
=====================================================
Profootballtalk is reporting that Josh Reed is set to visit the New England Patriots on Sunday. Josh Reed signing with the Patriots would be like peanut butter and jelly. I use to always tell my friends that Reed reminded me of Wes Welker with his size and route running ability. Say what you will about Reed, but if he's in an offense that relies on the slot position, he can be a huge asset.
Mark my words, if Wes Welker isn't 100% from his torn ACL and MCL injury, Josh Reed will catch 10 balls a game. Reed fits in perfectly with what the Patriots offense needs out of their slot receiver. Even when Welker went down, unknown wide receiver Julian Edelman was able to pick up where Welker left off. The rookie wide receiver caught 16 passes for three touchdowns in just two games. If I'm Josh, I would jump at the opportunity to sign a 1-year deal with the Patriots for whatever amount of money they'd pay him. If he catches 10 balls a game, he'll more than likely double his status as a free agent in 2011.
Read more of Joe at >Joe in NYC
Posted by Joe Pinzone
in NFL Blog: The view from the End Zone
at
12:09
| Comments (0)
| Trackbacks (0)
