D-Hall calls out Smith, plans to contact league office

"Washington cornerback DeAngelo Hall was still steaming hot over a skirmish on the Falcons' sideline during the game Sunday.

After Washington safety LaRon Landry hit Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan out of bounds in the second quarter, Hall, a former Falcon, got into a jostling match with several Falcons, strength coach Jeff Fish and head coach Mike Smith.

"I ran over there to kind of pull my guy away," Hall said. "One of their strength and conditioning coaches put his hands on me and started grabbing me. Then it went to various other guys pulling at me and grabbing me. Through the whole time, I'm trying to get the guys' hands off of me."

Falcons coach Mike Smith said he didn't know who the player was from the Redskins who was involved in the incident."

Click here for full article

Chiefs release Larry Johnson

"The Chiefs released running back Larry Johnson on Monday, his first day back from a two-week suspension for conduct detrimental to the team.

Johnson called out coach Todd Haley two weeks ago in a Twitter post before using a pair of gay slurs on his Twitter profile and, a day later, to a group of reporters. He missed Sunday’s game at Jacksonville, and the suspension cost him about $330,000. He also ended his Chiefs career 74 yards short of the franchise rushing record, set by Priest Holmes.

Johnson’s high point with the Chiefs was in 2006, when he established an NFL single-season record with 416 rushing attempts and a franchise single-season mark with 1,789 rushing yards. He was the Chiefs’ first-round selection at 27th overall in the 2003 NFL draft out of Penn State."

Click here for full article

Pennington Out for 2009 Season

"Miami Dolphins quarterback Chad Pennington has been initially diagnosed with a torn capsule in his throwing shoulder and the Dolphins expect him to miss the rest of the season, sources familiar with the injury he suffered Sunday told ESPN Senior NFL Analyst Chris Mortensen.

Pennington will seek a second opinion from orthopedic specialist Dr. James Andrews, who has performed two shoulder surgeries on the quarterback.

Pennington underwent tests Monday on his right shoulder, which he hurt early in the third quarter of Sunday's 23-13 loss at San Diego. He missed the rest of the game, and coach Tony Sparano said he didn't know how long Pennington will be sidelined.

Pennington has already had surgery on the same shoulder in 2004 and 2005.

Chad Henne, who went 10 for 19 for 92 yards with an interception, will likely make his first NFL start Sunday when the winless Dolphins play host to Buffalo.

"We're going to have to go out there with Henne, who is a lot less experienced," tight end Anthony Fasano said. "There is definitely going to be a learning curve for Henne. He can learn as much as he wants in a classroom, but until he's out on the field, in-game experience he's not going to learn.

"But we have a lot of faith in Chad. He's a smart guy, a great leader and fun to play with. We're just going to have to move on."

A second-round draft choice in 2008, Henne has been considered Pennington's heir apparent for more than a year. The challenge for the offense will be to develop a chemistry with Henne, receiver Greg Camarillo said."

Click here for full article

Too Much Crunch Time For Favre

"Brett Favre has been sacked seven times in two games. That's four more wallops than an entire family of Mannings have suffered so far this season.

"Yeah, we need to do a better job of protecting Brett," center John Sullivan said Monday, the day after the Vikings beat the Lions 27-13 in Detroit. "I'm happy we're 2-0, but Brett doesn't need to take this many big hits."

Favre has been sacked four more times than Tarvaris Jackson was through two games last season. At this pace, Favre would be sacked 56 times in 16 games, assuming he survived, of course. That would be 16 more than his career high, which, ironically, came in 1996 when he led the Packers to a victory in Super Bowl XXXI.

"Protecting Brett is something we have to continue working on, across the board," left tackle Bryant McKinnie said. "Everybody always assumes it's just the offensive line. But it's all of us working to avoid sacks."

As coach Brad Childress explained Monday, that includes linemen blocking, running backs picking up blitzes, receivers getting open and Favre getting rid of the ball on time. Childress said the Lions' three sacks Sunday were the result of three breakdowns:

• With 4 minutes, 12 seconds left in the first quarter and the Vikings facing second-and-9 from their 32-yard line, the tackles were pushed back too far. Jason Hunter, a backup left end playing for the injured Cliff Avril, simply beat rookie right tackle Phil Loadholt."

Click here for full article

Jets accused of tampering with Crabtree

"As if the Michael Crabtree negotiations weren't acrimonious enough, the 49ers reportedly are accusing the New York Jets of meddling.

The New York Daily News reported in Monday's editions that the 49ers have filed tampering charges with the NFL. Citing sources, the paper said the Jets might have contacted agent Eugene Parker about the No. 10 pick out of Texas Tech.

Asked about the report, 49ers coach Mike Singletary declined to confirm or deny that tampering charges had been filed. Singletary said only: "That's something that the league is going to handle internally. And I'm not going to handle that. We'll let that play out, the process, we'll see what happens."

Crabtree, who turned 22 last Monday, has missed all of training camp and the first two victories of the 49ers' season because of a contract impasse.

Jets coach Rex Ryan, addressing the tampering charges to reporters in New York on Monday, said:

"My understanding is (the 49ers) filed charges with the league. I'm saying my response is it's not true. I mean, it's not accurate. It's not true, but, hey, we'll let the league figure this out."

Earlier, on the ESPN radio show "Mike

Click here for full article

Patriots WR Randy Moss refuses to credit Darrelle Revis for shutdown

"Randy Moss was a nonfactor in the Patriots' 16-9 loss Sunday to the Jets, but he refused to give many props to the man who covered him, CB Darrelle Revis.

"All week he was talking about being a shutdown corner, but there really are no shutdown corners in the league because they have help most of the game," Moss said. "I probably could be a shutdown corner if I had (Patriots S Brandon) Meriweather over the top for the whole game. I think I could be a corner."

Moss gave credit to the Jets' entire defense, saying they "did a hell of a job."

The Jets offered a different view, saying Revis neutralized Moss.

"I just covered him any way I could," said Revis, joking that he followed Moss to the bathroom. "When he went to the sidelines and he sat down, I saw right across from him wherever he was sitting on the bench.""

Click here for full article

Jaguars' Troy Williamson Out For Season

"A day after the Jaguars lost their home opener to Arizona, the team learned that veteran receiver Troy Williamson will be out for the season with a torn labrum, and released wide receiver Nate Hughes, who dropped a key pass in the game.

A source close to Williamson revealed the severity of the receiver's injury to the Times-Union.

Williamson suffered the injury after catching an 11-yard pass in the second quarter. Williamson fumbled on the play and in the scramble for the loose ball, an Arizona player fell on the receiver's shoulder."

Click here for full article

Favre's 271 Consecutive Starts Sets Record

"Somehow it seems fitting that in the game in which Brett Favre established an NFL record for durability, the veteran quarterback came away hurting.

Favre, who broke former Viking Jim Marshall's record with his 271st consecutive start Sunday, hurt his throwing hand in the fourth quarter on an 8-yard pass to wide receiver Bernard Berrian deep in Lions territory.

Favre appeared to hit his hand on either linebacker Larry Foote or defensive tackle Sammie Hill as they applied pressure. Favre remained on the Ford Field turf for a moment but got up and threw a 3-yard touchdown pass to rookie Percy Harvin on the next play.

Tarvaris Jackson replaced Favre on the next possession, but that didn't come as a surprise with the Vikings leading by 14 points.

"It's all right," Favre said afterward when asked about his hand. Coach Brad Childress also dismissed the notion that Favre might have done some damage.

One thing that wasn't dismissed was Favre's consecutive-starts streak -- a mark that dates to the third game of the 1992 season.

"It's hard to put into perspective," Childress said. "I had a discussion with Jim Marshall this week. Jim was going to try to travel with us to this game. However this happens to be a first wedding anniversary for him and he kind of thought that maybe that would not be a good idea. ... [But] perspective is hard to have. When you go back to whatever it is, 1992. All you guys in this room think about what you were doing in 1992. That's a long time.""

Click here for full article

Giants Win At Last Second, Spoiling Stadium Debut

"This game had a little bit of everything and a lot of people to see it. The crowd of 105,121 was a regular-season record for the N.F.L. on a night of celebration for Texas football culture.

It was the first official game in the new Cowboys Stadium, a sports palace showy even by 21st-century standards. Among the witnesses for America's team were former president George W. Bush and various entertainment celebrities. There was music, dancing, boasting, and also fireworks, appropriate for the action that followed. "

Click here for full article

Seahawks' Hasselbeck With Rib Fracture

"Medical tests have determined that Seattle Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck, who took a hard hit in the first half of Sunday's loss to the San Francisco 49ers, has a fractured rib, a league source said Monday.

It is not clear whether the injury will sideline Hasselbeck for Seattle's Week 3 game against the Chicago Bears, but the Seahawks are encouraged that the injury was not more severe, the source said.

Hasselbeck rejoined his teammates for the two-hour flight home shortly after Seattle's 23-10 loss in San Francisco.

Doctors tested him for lung, liver and kidney damage and did not find any, according to the source, but they did discover the rib fracture, making Hasselbeck the second quarterback in two weeks to fracture a rib. Philadelphia's Donovan McNabb suffered the same fate in the Eagles' opener and sat out his team's game against New Orleans on Sunday."

Click here for full article

Bills Feels Fans' Wrath

"It wasn't quite the public wrath lashed out at Scott Norwood after his famous wide right miss at the end of Super Bowl XXV.

But bitter Buffalo Bills fans did go too far Monday night when they spraypainted an obscenity on the lawn of kick returner Leodis McKelvin in the town of Hamburg, just outside Buffalo.

It was McKelvin's fumble with about two minutes remaining that led to the New England Patriots' winning score in the Bills heartbreaking 25-24 loss in front of a national TV audience on Monday Night Football.

VANDALISM

That score also was spraypainted on the grass by the vandals, who were warned by Bills linebacker Kawika Mitchell to stay away from the players' residences. "

Click here for full article

Tom Brady, Patriots Win Stunner

"They missed him. For most of the past year, while attempting to move forward, they missed him.

Patriots players can admit it now.

Tom Brady sat out most of last season with torn knee ligaments, a surreal experience that left players with no choice but to blindly move forward. The blinders came off in last night's opener, allowing them to see what a nation did and realize what they temporarily lost.

Brady is back, a fact he punctuated in the Patriots' dramatic 25-24 win against the Bills in front of a delirious crowd of 68,756 at Gillette Stadium. All the quarterback did was lead an 11-point comeback with 5:32 left.

"It's a great feeling to have that rhythm, that aspect of the game back," left tackle Matt Light said. "He was out there making all the right plays, delivering the ball downfield, those guys were all making huge catches, and we were able to hang in there and get the job done."

With 50 seconds left, Brady found tight end Benjamin Watson in the back of the end zone for a 16-yard touchdown to seal the comeback - Brady's and the team's. The defense made it stand with two sacks of Bills quarterback Trent Edwards on Buffalo's final attempt.

Despite an uneven, often-sloppy performance, it was the Pats' 12th straight win against the Bills.

"I'm glad it's over," said Brady, who turned in his 29th career comeback. "I'm glad we're moving on, and I'm glad we got the win."

Perhaps the only negative was that star linebacker Jerod Mayo suffered a right knee injury in the first quarter, hobbling off the field and not returning.

Brady tied a career high in completions, going 39-of-53 for 378 yards with two touchdowns and an interception that was returned for a touchdown. None of it would have been possible without a huge special teams play.

After Brady led an 81-yard drive that also ended with the ball in Watson's hands for an 18-yard score, Pierre Woods stripped Bills returner Leodis McKelvin with the Pats down 24-19. Kicker Stephen Gostkowski dove in and recovered it.

"Can't say more about the kicker, man," Woods said. "He was all awkwardly bent like a pretzel. One of the guys from Buffalo tried to get it, but I pulled him off him. It was chaos."

Even with the large deficit, there was no panic. Certainly not from Brady.

"There's 5:32 left in the game," receiver Randy Moss said, "and you see Tom coming off the sideline. He comes in the huddle talking about, 'We're going to win this game.' "

Moss had 141 receiving yards, and Wes Welker had 93 - both on 12 catches. It all ended with heartbreak for Buffalo.

"I'm frustrated, disappointed," said Edwards, who was 15-of-25 for 212 yards with two scores. "We put, I feel, all our eggs in one basket and to come up one point short is frustrating.""

Click here for full article

Chargers' Streak Continues, Barely

"Bloodied and walking gingerly, Philip Rivers made his way through a locker room in which relief hung like a fog.

"Whew!" he said.

He would say more, but that pretty much summed it up.

The Chargers limped from the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum with a 24-20 victory, achieved with a patchwork offensive line helping Rivers and his receivers to a brisk and impressive 89-yard drive in the final 2½ minutes, culminating in Darren Sproles' 5-yard touchdown run with 18 seconds remaining. "

Click here for full article

Brian Urlacher Out For 2009 Season

"Brian Urlacher appears to be out for the season after dislocating his right wrist, the linebacker said Monday. The team has not given the official word, but Lovie Smith is expected to address the issue during his afternoon press conference.

Urlacher injured his wrist in the first quarter of Sunday's 21-15 loss to the Packers. He was ruled out after halftime.

When asked about his status Monday, Urlacher said in a text message that his ``season is over.''

He was scheduled to undergo surgery Monday morning upon the team's arrival back in Chicago from Green Bay. A dislocated bone had to be surgerically put back in. The surgery might have revealed more extensive damage.

The Bears defensive co-captain and team leader entered the season healthy again coming off back and neck injuries. He had three tackles before leaving Sunday's game. Hunter Hillenmeyer replaced Urlacher in the lineup Sunday. "

Click here for full article

Madden 2010 Curse 1/2 Way There. MCL Sprain Sidelines Polamalu

"Safety Troy Polamalu is expected to miss anywhere from three to six weeks with a sprained medial collateral ligament in his left knee, which forced him from last night's game just before halftime and sent him, in street clothes, to a hospital for further tests.

"They are reading the scans and so forth," coach Mike Tomlin said early this morning. "Those things have a [recuperation] range of three to six [weeks]. It is speculation at this point. I'm sure there is a possibility, but I don't have any concrete evidence that there is anything more than that."

Polamalu ended an up-and-down first half -- a one-handed interception sandwiched between two 15-yard penalties -- by slowly coming off the field of a tie score that the Steelers ultimately won without him in overtime, 13-10. He apparently hurt the knee in a scrum while chasing a blocked Tennessee field goal. Soon after, he walked off the field, without assistance and without a detectable limp, and went into the Steelers' locker room with 1:15 left in the first half. Tyrone Carter replaced him at strong safety.

"Nobody on this team is Troy," safety Ryan Clark said. "For a guy of his caliber, more of his character, to go down is unfortunate. You just pray he's better soon."

While Polamalu finished with six first-half tackles -- enough to rank him third on the Steelers' final stats on the game -- Carter had an assist in relief."

Click here for full article

Shawne Merriman Arrested

"A week before the Chargers are set to open what they hope is a Super Bowl season, the team faces an off-the-field distraction as one of its star players stands accused of domestic violence.

Sheriff's deputies arrested linebacker Shawne Merriman early Sunday morning for allegedly choking, restraining and throwing MTV star Tila Tequila to the ground as she tried to leave his Poway home.

The Sheriff's Department said Tila Nguyen, who is known professionally as Tila Tequila, signed a citizen's arrest complaint charging Merriman with battery and false imprisonment. Both are felonies.

Merriman and his lawyer said the player was trying to keep Nguyen from driving while intoxicated. Merriman said in an interview Sunday night that he is confident he will cleared of any wrongdoing.

"I was trying to help her, not hurt her," Merriman said. "I'm still glad I did what I did." "

Click here for full article

Sore Knee Keeps Jackson Off The Field

"Vikings coach Brad Childress said Sunday there is "a chance" that Tarvaris Jackson could return to the practice field today, but judging from the looks of things it wouldn't be a surprise if the injured quarterback remains on the sideline.

Jackson, who will compete with Sage Rosenfels for the starting job, suffered a Grade 1 sprain of the medial collateral ligament in his left knee during the morning practice Saturday.

After receiving treatment inside the Vikings' training room during the team's lone practice Sunday, Jackson emerged from the locker area following the session wearing a brace on his knee.

He declined to comment after getting into a golf cart that took him back to the dormitory in which the Vikings stay.

"The first 24 hours are a big time to treat those things," Childress said. "He spent some time with all the modalities they do in the swimming pool. There are several things they can do for him. He is better staying inside than he is out here. He gets a chance to look at the tapes tonight."

A decision on whether Jackson practices today will be made this morning.

"We will see how he feels when he wakes up and see what he has got going," Childress said.

Jackson sprained the MCL in his right knee in a preseason game at Baltimore last year and missed the final two exhibitions before returning for the regular-season opener."

Click here for full article

Lighter, Faster Beanie Hurt At Camp

"Ken Whisenhunt wasn't crazy about Beanie Wells' decision to arrive at training camp at about 3 a.m. Saturday, but he sure liked the way the rookie running back looked when he got there.

Wells, who signed a five-year contract Friday night, checked in at 224 pounds, 22 fewer than he weighed when the Cardinals drafted him with the 31st pick in April. It was 14 pounds lighter than he played last year as a junior at Ohio State.

"I definitely want to stay at this weight," Wells said. "I feel a lot faster and quicker. And I don't get tired as much."

But the lighter weight doesn't guarantee against injury, as Wells found out in his first practice. He suffered a left ankle injury during a simple run drill about halfway through practice and left the field on a cart with about 15 minutes remaining. Wells was able to walk after the injury and was to undergo X-rays Saturday night.

Whisenhunt was not available for comment after practice and an update on Wells condition was not available.

Wells lost weight at the Cardinals suggestion, agreeing that less of him might result in more playing time. He blamed his weight gain on a predraft travel schedule that had him meeting, and eating, with several NFL teams.

Now the only thing hefty about Wells is his wallet. Wells' contract is worth $11.8 million, including $6.3 million guaranteed, and one of Wells' agents, Adam Heller, said the fifth year of the contract is a team option.

The player taken behind Wells, Steelers defensive tackle Evander Hood, recently signed a five-year deal worth $11.1 million, including $6.1 million guaranteed.

Wells spent the past few days in Phoenix, nervously awaiting the completion of the deal, which reportedly had been close for a few days. Wells was driven to Flagstaff in the wee hours Saturday, although Whisenhunt tried to talk him into coming later in the morning.

Wells insisted on leaving right away, however, passed a conditioning test a few hours later and participated in his first practice that afternoon.

He ended up missing just two practices.

"He won't be far behind," running backs coach Curtis Modkins said. "

Click here for full article

DAILY NFL PLAYER UPDATE #21 07/26/2009

Vonnie Holliday
The Dolphins reportedly haven't ruled out re-signing free agent Vonnie Holliday, despite releasing him in March.

Holliday drew some interest from Denver and Detroit immediately after he was cut, but it's been quiet since. Holliday, 33, would obviously be a short-term solution for anyone, but he's coming off a very productive season.

Source: Palm Beach Post


Cadillac Williams
Cadillac Williams' recovery from a torn patellar tendon is reportedly ahead of schedule.

We're still not sure he's going to be on the Week 1 roster. The Bucs have three backs ahead of Williams (Derrick Ward, Earnest Graham, Clifton Smith) they consider capable of contributing in a variety of ways, and we doubt they would've paid Ward substantial money if there were plans to rely on Cadillac.

Source: National Football Post



Yamon Figurs
The Baltimore Sun suggests that third-year return man Yamon Figurs could be on the roster bubble in Ravens camp.

The Ravens made Figurs the 74th overall pick after he ran the fastest forty time at the 2007 Combine, but he adds little on offense and is in danger of losing his return duties. If Baltimore doesn't want him, perhaps Al Davis will.

Source: Baltimore Sun


Derrick Burgess
Beat writer Jerry McDonald indicates in his blog that the Raiders are serious about not starting DE Derrick Burgess this year.

McDonald expects Burgess, who barely practices anyway due to constant nagging injuries, to only see about "12-15 snaps" a game behind Greg Ellis and whoever wins Oakland's other starting defensive end job. This is going to hurt Burgess' IDP value immensely. His tackle numbers will be way down.

Source: Oakland Tribune



Alphonso Smith
Broncos agreed to terms with rookie CB Alphonso Smith, the No. 37 overall pick, on a four-year contract.

Mike Nolan's staff envisions Smith as a playmaking nickel back behind aging Champ Bailey and Andre' Goodman, with the potential to eventually take over one of the starting positions. Smith is small (5'9") and has below average speed, however. Covering the slot may prove his niche long term.

Source: Drew Rosenhaus on Twitter



Jeff George
Free agent Jeff George reiterated that he still wants back in the NFL.

"I feel like I can still play, and if there's someone out there to give me a shot, that would be wonderful," he said. "Age is only a number. It's about how you feel and how you feel when you keep throwing." George has gotten next to no interest because he's 41 and wasn't even very good when he was young.

Source: Illinois Sports Headquarters



Hollis Thomas
Free agent DT Hollis Thomas is reportedly considering signing with four teams, and plans to make a decision this week.

We know the Eagles are one. Other suitors could be the Lions, Falcons, Rams, and Vikings (who may be without starting DTs Pat and Kevin Williams for the first four games). Thomas, 35, can add depth at the nose tackle spot.

Source: Profootballtalk on NBC Sports



Michael Crabtree
According to beat writer Matt Maiocco, "there are indications that it will be a challenge for the 49ers to get (Michael Crabtree) signed before the start of training camp."

The sides are still far apart in contract negotiations and Crabtree's agent, Eugene Parker, is known for holdouts. Crabtree wants to be paid like a top-five player because that's where he "should have" gone. Crabtree is already far behind the 49ers' other receivers as he missed the entire offseason program (foot). This could be more trouble.

Source: Santa Rosa Press Democrat

DAILY NFL PLAYER UPDATE #20 07/25/2009

Mike Thomas
Jaguars rookie WR Mike Thomas has reportedly been "penciled in" for the slot receiver job.

The fourth-round pick got his chance when Dennis Northcutt was traded to the Lions. Thomas is tiny but will catch some quick-hitters from David Garrard and impressed with his speed in the spring. He won't be much of a fantasy factor unless something happens to Torry Holt or Mike Walker.

Source: Profootballweekly.com


James Hardy
Bills placed WRs James Hardy and C.J. Hawthorne on active/PUP.

Hardy, last year's second-round pick, is recovering from January ACL surgery. Hawthorne had an undisclosed surgery on his leg during June minicamp action. Both players can re-join the active roster as soon as they pass a physical. Considering the Bills depth at wide receiver, we still expect Hardy to open the season on the PUP list.

Source: buffalobills.com



Vaughn Martin
Chargers signed fourth-round DE Vaughn Martin to a four-year contract.

Martin, out of the University of Western Ontario, was the first Canadian collegiate underclassman ever to declare himself eligible for the draft. Born in Jamaica, Martin didn't take up football until 10th grade. He's an interesting developmental project.

Source: The Globe and Mail



Josh Cribbs
Josh Cribbs will reportedly be in attendance for the start of Browns training camp Friday.

There have been conflicting reports about whether or not Cribbs would hold out, but he couldn't even bring himself to stay away from minicamp. Even if he does report on time, this situation has the potential to turn ugly if the Browns don't tear up his old contract.

Source: Akron Beacon-Journal



Everette Brown
Panthers signed second-round DE Everette Brown to a four-year, $4.3 million contract, according to Scout.com. The deal includes $2.7 million in guarantees.

The Panthers gave up their 2010 first-round pick to select the ACC sack leader. Brown will play a situational passing-rush role this season, and he's insurance in case the team can't re-sign Julius Peppers next offseason.

Source: Scout.com



Evander Hood
Steelers agreed to terms with first-round DT Evander "Ziggy" Hood on a five-year, $11.3 million contract. The deal comes with $6.1 million in guarantees and a base package of $8.7 million.

The Steelers now have all of their rookies locked up. The defending champs can afford to take it slowly with Hood since they have Aaron Smith and Brett Keisel as returning starters. Keisel is a free agent after the season, so Hood could step in next year.

Source: Profootballtalk at NBCSports.com