NFL Week Nine

[Guest Arnold_OldSchool]

Packers cancel Favre press conference

 

 

 

 

 

 

Packers quarterback Brett Favre’s regularly scheduled Wednesday news conference was cancelled because of a cell phone incident earlier in the day during coach Mike Sherman’s news conference.

 

Sherman walked off the podium after someone’s cell phone rang in the media auditorium. The team’s public relations staff had asked reporters to turn off cell phones several times this season, including shortly before Sherman took the stage at 11:45 a.m.

 

In a written statement to the media, the team said Favre’s news conference “will not be conducted until someone takes responsibility for his or her cell phone going off during Mike Sherman’s press conference earlier.” Apparently, no one came forward.

 

It is unclear when news conferences at Lambeau Field will resume.

[Guest Vitamin X]

Here's a few NFL tidbits:

 

# A source with the USC Trojans confirmed that Green Bay has been scouting quarterback Matt Leinart – somewhat of a surprise considering it chose Cal's Aaron Rodgers in the first round of the 2005 draft. Should the 1-6 Packers end up with the No. 1 pick in next year's draft, conventional wisdom suggests the team would take a hard look at USC tailback Reggie Bush. But they have apparently been showing interest in Leinart, too.

 

That doesn't necessarily mean the Packers aren't happy with Rodgers, who has appeared to be further from starting than initially hoped. Many teams do their due diligence with top-rated players, even when they are stocked at a position. And with Leinart being considered a "franchise" quarterback, the No. 1 pick is expected to have plenty of value for trade. However, one NFC personnel source said he wouldn't be surprised if the Packers are legitimately interested in Leinart.

 

"He would have been taken (over Alex Smith)," he said of Leinart. "Who knows exactly what they've seen from Rodgers since he's gotten in there. I don't think anyone would have told you Rodgers had a better grade than Leinart going into the (2005) draft. Maybe they are interested in Leinart. I know this: If I thought one player was far better than another, especially at quarterback, I would take a long, long look at it. But considering they just spent a first-round pick on Rodgers and will have a year invested in him, they would have to think there's a huge disparity."

 

# Giants cornerback Will Allen is likely on his way out of New York. He's slated to become a free agent after the season, and coach Tom Coughlin continues to be disappointed that his cornerbacks haven't been bigger playmakers. Allen has recorded only one interception in his last 29 games, and that's not what the Giants were expecting from their highest paid cornerback (Allen is making $2.275 million this season).

 

# Return specialist Eddie Drummond's hopes of netting himself a lucrative, long-term deal from the Detroit Lions this season seem to be fading fast. One of the NFL's most electrifying return men last season, Drummond missed five games in 2004 and has once again been slowed by injuries. In five games this season, Drummond has averaged 3.9 yards per punt return and 20.3 yards per kick return, and he has no touchdowns – numbers far below the league's best returners.

 

# With wide receiver Bobby Engram slated to return to the Seattle Seahawks possibly as early as this week – and hopes that Darrell Jackson will come back from his knee injury by the end of November – Seahawks coaches think the early spate of injuries could be good for their team in the long run.

 

The loss of Engram and Jackson forced quarterback Matt Hasselbeck to develop better rapport with wideout Joe Jurevicius and tight end Jerramy Stevens, who have both stepped up their play in the last three weeks Should Jackson return, the Seahawks would have their most potent set of offensive weapons since Mike Holmgren arrived in Seattle.

 

# Talk in league circles persists that Chad Pennington's shoulder issues may end up sidelining him for much of next season, and that the New York Jets will explore every available option at the position this offseason – including drafting another quarterback or trading for a veteran starter.

 

UPON FURTHER REVIEW

 

It's official. Maurice Clarett's NFL aspirations can't get any lower. Even with the complete devastation of the Packers' backfield, Clarett didn't even get a sniff from Green Bay and apparently isn't close to getting an invite anywhere else, either.

 

Since his release from the Denver Broncos, rants about his character issues have once again run rampant, including one about Clarett drinking alcohol in the team's weight room. Now it looks as if he may never get a second chance to redeem himself (or third, fourth, fifth … for those who are still counting).

 

"He's a non-story, non-football player, non-anything in terms of this league," said one general manager. "Why is he even a topic of interest?"

 

For the same reason people slow down when they see car wrecks, I guess.

 

The Matt Leinart story is, I'd say... interesting. I really don't like the sound of Leinart going to Green Bay, not just because I'd be conflicted as a Packer AND UCLA fan, but because I haven't seen anything from Matt in his athletic ability to be a true successor to Favre. And of course, the whole business of them drafting Aaron Rodgers last year with a first round pick, I'm pretty sure they must be kicking themselves (and rightfully fucking so) that they didn't trade the pick or try to get a defensive back or a starting lineman right about now, especially with the season in the tank. Had they done that, the rookie would have a year under his belt, and if he was any good, Green Bay would either have a better record or if they would still end up in the situation they're in now, they'd have a shot at Leinart next year. Rodgers was such a dumb fucking pick. Taking Leinart next year might be even worse, unless they can get decent trade value for Rodgers (and judging by the Chargers' situation with Philip Rivers, that being trying to unload a QB of the future who hasn't played a single down in the league yet, it doesn't seem likely).

[Guest Arnold_OldSchool]

The NFL's 10 ten over paid players:

 

10. RB Kevan Barlow, San Francisco 49ers

2004 salary: $455K base, $1.6M signing bonus, $2.1M total, $900K cap value

2005 base salary: $1.6M

 

In a part-time role two seasons ago, Barlow rushed for 1,024 yards and averaged 5.1 yards per carry. That off-season the 49ers signed him to a five-year deal, including an $8 million signing bonus, and he promptly turned into Ki-Jana Carter. Maybe that's overstating it a bit. In 2004, San Francisco lost starters Terrell Owens (WR), Jeff Garcia (QB), Derrick Deese (LT), and Ron Stone (RG), and Barlow ended the season with 822 yards while his yards per carry dipped to 3.4.

 

 

According to DPAR, Barlow went from being the 15th best back in the NFL in 2003 to 48th last season. The fact that San Francisco's offensive line finished near the bottom of the league in every major statistical category didn't help his cause either. The only thing that could've made things worse for Barlow would've been playing for the Texans (see below).

 

 

9. QB Chad Pennington, New York Jets

2004 salary: $1.0M base, $18.0M signing bonus, $19.0M total, $5.0M cap value

2005 base salary: $1.0M

 

It's not Chad Pennington's fault that he's out for the season with a rotator cuff injury. The problem, however, is that he signed a seven-year, $67 million contract extension in September 2004, will count $15 million against the salary cap in 2006, and there are no guarantees he'll return to the form he displayed during the 2002 season when he finished first in DPAR among quarterbacks and led the Jets to the AFC East title.

 

 

Pennington's uncertain future, coupled with the fact that his 2006 cap charge is more than Matt Damon makes per movie, is enough to qualify him for this list.

 

 

8. QB Aaron Brooks, New Orleans Saints

2004 salary: $3.3M base, $0 signing bonus, $3.5M total, $5.4 M cap value

2005 base salary: $5.5M

 

Here's why Brooks, despite the occasional spectacular play, is overrated: In 2004, he led the league in "failed completes." These are passes that, despite being caught, do not achieve the number of yards needed to be considered a "successful play" according to our metrics (45 percent of needed yards on first down, 60 percent on second down, 100 percent on third down). This is why Brooks' raw yardage totals are always better than his actual value when it comes to winning. PROTRADE.com writer Mark Kamal also reminds us that last season Brooks led QBs in 1-yard TD runs while only half of his TD passes came from outside the 10-yard line. Consider as well that he had more sacks and turnovers than all but two NFL quarterbacks.

 

Brooks will make $5.5 million this season in base salary — good for fourth-best in the league — but last season he ranked as 19th best, just ahead of Kyle Boller.

 

 

7. LB LaVar Arrington, Washington Redskins

2004 salary: $535K base, $11.3M signing bonus, $11.8M total, $5.6M cap value

2005 base salary: $540K

In no time at all, LaVar Arrington has gone from being a star to being a non-factor in Washington. (Jamie Squire / Getty Images)

 

Arrington has had more success throwing lavish parties — and this includes the guy who was shot and wounded at a recent get-together — than finding his way on the football field since signing a new deal. A knee injury limited Arrington to just four games last season and he's still not at full strength.

 

Making matters worse are his accusations that the Redskins cheated him out of $6.5 million in bonus money when he signed his eight-year, $68 million contract extension in December 2003. It's probably a bad sign when you've got so much money you actually lose track of a couple million bucks only to realize later that your employer short-changed you. The two sides reached a settlement but there's still the question of whether Arrington will return to the form that made him one of the best outside linebackers in football a few seasons ago. (Having a coaching staff keep you on the bench certainly doesn't help your case.)

 

 

6. CB Eric Warfield, Kansas City Chiefs

2004 salary: $2.5M base, $0 signing bonus, $3.0M total, $3.7M cap value

2005 base salary: $3.3M

 

In 2002, the Chiefs signed Warfield to a seven-year contract worth $27 million, including a $5 million signing bonus. Since then, the Chiefs' secondary has annually been one of the league's worst teams when it comes to giving up yardage to opposing No. 1 receivers. The fact that defensive coordinator Gunther Cunningham prefers to leave his cornerbacks in man coverage certainly doesn't play to Warfield's strengths. But that hasn't been a problem so far in 2005 because of Warfield's four-game suspension for a DUI conviction.

 

Warfield's base salary makes him the fifth-highest-paid cornerback in the league this season, which sounds a tad high for someone who could end up as the dime back. And just in case you need more proof that Warfield is overpaid, consider this: While under house arrest for a previous DUI conviction in 2001, his Martha Stewart-inspired tracking bracelet would occasionally go off when he strayed too far down one of the wings in his mansion.

 

 

5. DL Warren Sapp, Oakland Raiders

2004 salary: $660K base, $4.5M signing bonus, $5.2M total, $1.5M cap value

2005 base salary: $765K

 

Sapp and Ted Washington might be a formidable duo at a Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest, but the Raiders defensive line only registered seven sacks last season. In a 3-4 defense, the linemen should occupy blocks so that linebackers can make big plays, but Raiders linebackers recorded just 2 1/2 sacks in 2004. Sapp will only make $765,000 this season, but his $4.5 million signing bonus in 2004 coupled with his base salary jumping to $4.5 million next season means that the Raiders are probably looking for something more than a player who can only be used in obvious rushing situations, and as an occasional lead blocker in short-yardage situations.

 

 

4. WR Charles Rogers, Detroit Lions

2004 salary: $305K base, $5.3M signing bonus, $5.6M total, $3.6M cap value

2005 base salary: $514K

 

Some might argue that Charles Rogers could more accurately be described as a draft bust, but when you consider that he was taken second overall in 2003, and received a $14 million signing bonus — more than No. 1 overall pick Carson Palmer — it's a little easier to conclude that he's a two-fer: a draft bust and grossly overpaid.

 

Rogers has had just as many touchdowns in his career (3) as he's had broken collarbones (2), and failed drug tests (1). And much like the Steelers are haunted by taking Gabe Rivera over Dan Marino, one of Matt Millen's many legacies could be passing on Andre Johnson in favor of Rogers (although Johnson might not consider playing with the other franchise quarterback from the 2002 draft an upgrade).

 

 

3. K Mike Vanderjagt, Indianapolis Colts

2004 salary: $535K base, $1.1M signing bonus, $1.6M total, $1.6M cap value

2005 base salary: $1.8M

 

The Colts could find better ways to spend the money they are using on Mike Vanderjagt. (Andy Lyons / Getty Images)

 

It's hard to argue with the year Vanderjagt had in 2003. He was a perfect 39-for-39 on field-goal tries, including three game-winners. But 2003 was more of an anomaly than the norm when you consider he made 82 percent of his attempts the season before, and only 80 percent last season. And here's something else to keep in mind: Vanderjagt is listed on the depth chart as a "kicker," not just "field-goal specialist," which means that he should also be responsible for kickoffs. In 2003 he averaged 60.2 yards per kickoff, which ranked 23rd. In 2004, when he shared the duties, he was even worse, averaging 58.1 yards per kickoff, which dropped him to 43rd.

 

For the $1.8 million the Colts are paying Vanderjagt this season, they could sign a kickoff specialist and a field-goal kicker, have some money left over to get Edgerrin James some new gold fronts, and also not worry about the "idiot kicker" upsetting the star quarterback.

 

 

2. CB Charles Woodson, Oakland Raiders

2004 salary: $8.8M base, $0 signing bonus, $8.8M total, $8.8M cap value

2005 base salary: $10.6M

 

If NFL statistics were based on the Stableford scoring system, the Raiders would have been the best defense in football last year. Unfortunately, NFL stats aren't. And the Raiders weren't. The secondary was the weakest part of a decidedly mediocre unit, and Woodson had the dubious honor of piling up nine penalties all by himself.

 

He will make $10.5 million in base salary this season — the highest in the league — but Oakland's DVOA against opposing teams' No. 1 receivers only ranked 24th in the league. With the new chuck rule favoring the offense, shutdown corners are going the way of the dinosaur, which means that the Raiders might have been better off using the $10.5 million to address other needs. (Like maybe finding someone to spell the anti-Olsen twins: Washington and Sapp — see above.)

 

 

1. Houston Texans Offensive Line

First, a little perspective on this unit. In Superman: The Movie, a teenage Clark Kent punted a football out of his high school stadium. If he played behind this line, it wouldn't matter how far he could kick the ball because he would lead the league in punts blocked. That's how inept this bunch has been since 2002 — just ask quarterback David Carr.

 

In 2004, the Texans had the third-highest total payroll in the NFL ($97.5 million), and 19 percent of it was devoted to one of the worst offensive lines in football. Carr might have had more success stacking the $12 million between him and the defense and praying that the sight of free money would at least allow him to complete a five-step drop.

 

After not being able to lure Orlando Pace away from the Rams, the Texans settled on former Saints left tackle, Victor Riley. Left guard Chester Pitts is a penalty machine who led the league with 21 penalties in 2003 and then was tied for second with 14 penalties in 2004. Steve McKinney, Zach Wiegert, and Todd Wade round out a bunch that has given up 33 sacks through six games this season.

 

Domanick Davis, Vernand Morency, or even Clark Kent won't make much of a difference in the running game as long as there is no one to block for them.

[The Czech Republic 0]

Sherman walked off the podium after someone’s cell phone rang in the media auditorium. The team’s public relations staff had asked reporters to turn off cell phones several times this season, including shortly before Sherman took the stage at 11:45 a.m.

 

In a written statement to the media, the team said Favre’s news conference “will not be conducted until someone takes responsibility for his or her cell phone going off during Mike Sherman’s press conference earlier.” Apparently, no one came forward.

Hey, don't sweat the small stuff, Mike. I'm gonna get press credentials and try and get the Super Bowl Shuffle as a ringtone now.

[KingPK 0]

That's ironic of you to say, since most Pats fans at this board celebrated more over beating the Colts last year than they did when they won the SB.

 

I didn't celebrate more, but after having all the "experts" pick Indy and then having the Pats hold them to three points yeah, the victory was a bit sweeter.

 

In this game, the pressure is definitely more on the Colts to win than the Patriots. This is the Colts' best chance to slap NE around on their own field and get that monkey off their back. If they lose, the mental effect will be huge.

[Robert 0]

If we look at anybody from USC, we look at Reggie Bush, not Matt Leinart. In my opinion, Leinart will be a Houston Texan because they will the number one pick. X, Nothing wrong with the Rodgers, and that pick was smart. What if Favre went down? Craig Nall is a great guy, but he ain't a proven QB. He's shown potential in the pre-season, and did good in limited time. He won't be thrown to the wolves like alot of rookie QB's, and has time to learn. He can't sit and observe from a proven veteran, and that's a good thing. I thought that the line could survive, and all the good DB's were taken. Spend a first-round pick on Nick Collins? No, and there was no good linemen that were first-round caliber players when we were up. If we picked him with a top five-ten pick, it would've been stupid. He was there, and he has played a down or three in the NFL. He came in against New Orleans, and played. When Bart Starr got hurt (alot) we had a 30+ year old back-up. We had Zeke Bartowski, who did good and is a fun guy to talk with. Sherm should just worry about where he's gonna get a new job next year.

[sfaJack 0]

The Texans are not drafting Leinart. They're going to pick up the option/extension on David Carr's contract for either 2 yrs/$5.5 mil or 3 yrs/$8 mil after this season is over and go from there because Carr is not the problem with that team.

[2GOLD 0]

If the Texans don't draft Ferguson or ANY offensive lineman that is halfway decent in the first round, they deserve to be eliminated from the NFL for being the dumbest franchise in sports.

[Guest *KNK*]

I'll call it right now, Baltimore wins the Matt Leinart sweepstakes, be it via draft or trade.

 

Houston, SF, GB-The likely top three picks as of right now aren't in need of a QB.

[Guest Vitamin X]

If the Texans don't draft Ferguson or ANY offensive lineman that is halfway decent in the first round, they deserve to be eliminated from the NFL for being the dumbest franchise in sports.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

No, I don't even think they'd qualify as the dumbest team in the NFL. (Hornets would probably beat em for that honor in all of sports). Hell, what about the Browns? They've made the playoffs like what, once? Smartest move they've had was the hiring of Romeo Crennel as coach. Hell, Romeo even looks like a Cleveland Brown. Look!

 

[4hartthreat 0]

I'll combine the two recent topics into one post. Matt Leinart to the NEW ORLEANS Saints to replace the way over-paid Aaron Brooks.

[Cartman 0]

...and then move the Aints to LA where Leinart is already a hero and a huge draw.

[Kinetic 0]

I think Leinart goes to Cleveland. Dilfer is obviously a placeholder at QB and they don't currently have a young up-and-comer waiting in the wings to take his spot. Baltimore is an interesting possibility, but I think that, with a lot of the pieces already in place, they'd be more likely to try to get Matt Schaub or someone like that, rather than start from scratch with a rookie. Both Green Bay and Houston would be stupid to draft him, seeing as the QB position (even assuming that Favre retires after this season) is not their most glaring weakness.

[Guest Vitamin X]

Cleveland took Charlie Frye last year as the future franchise quarterback. He was an early 2nd round pick I believe, so that's set.

[Guest *KNK*]

Let's say Indy gets over the NE mountain this weekend, are you prepared for the "16-0" talks that are bound to follow up? I mean here's Indy's schedule after Week Nine against NE

 

Houston, @ Cincy, Pittsburgh, Tennessee, @ Jax, San Diego, @ Seattle, Arizona.

 

I don't see 16-0 when you got at 4 sure-fire playoff teams heading your way (Cincy, Pitt, Seattle and Jax/SD)...but the hype machine should start rolling tuesday morning, should they beat NE.

[alfdogg 0]

I can assure you that you'll hear none of that absurdity from me, at least.

[Guest Vitamin X]

If Indy beats NE, I say they lose to either Pittsburgh or Jacksonville.

[Fökai 0]

Anyone have stone cold locks to share this week?

 

I need one or two more straight-up picks - so far, I've got the Giants (at SFG), Bears (at N'Awlins), Chargers (at NYJ) and Carolina (at Tampa). I want to take the Bengals, but people have this ridiculous idea that the spread should be set at 3 against the Ravens, so I'm weary of what I do/don't know about the match-up. If you'd also like to refute any, let me know. DET/MIN and PIT/GB are off the board, by the way.

 

And yes, I'm a web-gambling junkie.

[USC Wuz Robbed! 0]

If Indy beats NE, I say they lose to either Pittsburgh or Jacksonville.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

No way. I see San Diego beating Indy more than Jacksonville or Pittsburgh. Though I don't think Indy will win any of the 3 games.

[Cartman 0]

Amazing how Indy has such a cookie laden schedule this year.

 

San Diego needs to win a close game and hold a lead for a chance to beat Indy, Jacksonville just lost to a sad version of the Rams with none of their WR's or QB, and Pittsburgh...who has the best chance...needs Ben healthy to beat Indy. Indy is a very good team this year but until they win in the playoffs nothing matters.

[USC Wuz Robbed! 0]

Nah I have faith in SD. If they do as well as they did vs Eli, they'll be fine, especially now that Peyton dumbed down the offense a little.

[Gert T 0]

Chris Simms didn't play well last week, I'd take Carolina in that game, close to a lock.

[therealworldschampion 0]

Anyone have stone cold locks to share this week?

 

I need one or two more straight-up picks - so far, I've got the Giants (at SFG), Bears (at N'Awlins), Chargers (at NYJ) and Carolina (at Tampa). I want to take the Bengals, but people have this ridiculous idea that the spread should be set at 3 against the Ravens, so I'm weary of what I do/don't know about the match-up. If you'd also like to refute any, let me know. DET/MIN and PIT/GB are off the board, by the way.

 

And yes, I'm a web-gambling junkie.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

Same here, I'm flip-flopping on what picks to make...

 

I might take the under on PIT/GB and DET/MIN. I'm pretty confident on Seattle -4 at Arizona.

[KingPK 0]

I played all colleges in my pool this week. I absolutely suck at picking pros this year.

[Vampiro69 0]

Well Terrell Owens has been suspended indefinetely from the team today. The Eagles are now starting Reggie Brown in place of Owens against the Redskins.

[therealworldschampion 0]

My big parlay for tomorrow:

 

Bears -3,

Bengals -3

Chargers -6.5

Falcons-Dolphins under 43.5

Giants -11

Lions-Vikings under 40.5

Panthers -1

Seattle -4

 

$1400 payout

 

Backup parlay, $68 payout:

 

Bengals -3

Panthers -1

Seattle -4

[Vampiro69 0]

That is alot of cash right there you could get.

[Guest *KNK*]

I got 'Nati/Ravens, Pit/GB and NO/Chicago (God hates me)

[Dogbert 0]

WHY are they torturing me with the Vikings and Lions?

 

As an aside, tonight's CFL game is huge. The Edmonton Eskimos play the Calgary Stampeders in Calgary, and the outcome will decide all three playoff spots in the Western division.

 

IF CALGARY WINS:

 

1) B.C.

2) Calgary

3) Edmonton

 

IF EDMONTON WINS:

 

1) Edmonton

2) B.C.

3) Calgary

 

It's an exciting day.

[USC Wuz Robbed! 0]

So the outcome decides which order they are in? FEEL THE EXCITEMENT!