Posts Tagged ‘michael vick’

Donovan McNabb on His Way Out of Philly?

Truth be told, the writing is on the wall for Donovan Mcnabb.

Sure, he helped get the Philadelphia Eagles back to the playoffs, yet again, but yet again, the season ended without a Super Bowl, and inevitably, in disappointment.

While it’s impossible to put all (or even most) of the blame on McNabb, rumors have been swirling all around Philadelphia lately, and for McNabb, they’re not good.

A Philadelphia radio station has reported that young Eagles players have been seeking out advice to back-up Kevin Kolb, and not starter Donovan McNabb. This has apparently been going on for much of the regular season, and led up into the post-season.

But this isn’t the beginning. Read more…

NFL Fantasy Football Player Updates

Michael Vick to Play For Eagles on Sunday

Don’t get too excited, it won’t be as the quarterback.

Still, the coaching staff is counting on Vick to make plays, projecting him to be involved in somewhere between 10-15 plays.

You can probably even count on more than that. Kevin Kolb is expected to start as it stands, but Vick will likely be deployed in a number of packages.

The problem is, just how effective can he be in his first regular season game in more than two years?

Wes Welker Back at Practice

As inspiring as this is, it still means nothing.

While he did participate in Thursday’s practice, he was limited, opening the door to a possible “target share” with rookie Julian Edelman.

Bill Belichick isn’t foolish. If Welker isn’t 100 percent, he’ll just use him as a decoy and get some production out of Edelman. The rookie clearly has talent, and the Patriots would be doing themselves a disservice to sit him the rest of the way.

Monitor this situation all the way up until their game with the Atlanta Falcons.

Jerry Jones Gives Tony Romo Vote of Confidence

Well, I should sure hope so.

They got rid of Terrell Owens, labeling him as the one and only problem in Dallas. And now the owner raises doubt by saying he’s “backing” Romo after one bad game?

Don’t be like Jones and get too excited. Romo was facing the Giants tough front-four and the Cowboys barely lost the game.

Start Romo with confidence this week in a favorable match-up with the Carolina Panthers.

Saints Running Backs Sharing Reps in Practice

Add Tynell Hamilton to the mix in the Saints backfield.

Who? Well, regardless of not being very well known, Hamilton figures to get some grind with Mike Bell (knee) out this week, and Pierre Thomas being slowly brought back from his own knee injury.

Reggie Bush also factors into the muddled equation, making all three Saints running backs risky starts. And you thought it was difficult to predict their production before.

Chargers Center Nick Hardwick Out Until December

It just keeps getting worse for the San Diego running game.

This doesn’t hurt Daren Sproles’ value that much, as most of his production comes from the passing game and bouncing runs outside.

LaDainian Tomlinson, who is dealing with his own injury, could find it even more difficult to run in the middle when he returns, however.

Hardwick has ankle surgery, and if things continue to work against San Diego, he could end up going on IR.

Jamal Lewis Misses Wednesday’s Practice

Lewis is dealing with a bad hamstring, as well as a horrid performance against the Broncos, rushing for just 38 yards on 14 carries.

If he’s out this week, a suddenly-healthy James David could split carries with Jerome Harrison, making both Cleveland back-ups interesting plays.

Well, they would be, if they weren’t facing the Baltimore Ravens.

Marion Barber Practicing, Wants to Play Monday Night

While this isn’t exactly earth-shattering news, it’s worth noting.

Knock Felix Jones’ value down a bit with Barber practicing, although a hindered Barber ensures at least a few more touches for Jones and Barber’s other back-up, Tashard Choice.

The way the Carolina Panthers rush defense is going, all three backs could field solid numbers on Monday night.

2009 Philadelphia Eagles: Five Things to Watch For

Things were looking a little rocky for Andy Reid and Donovan McNabb in the middle of 2008, but an infamous “benching” helped turn the tide, and the Eagles finished a win away from the Super Bowl.Make that five NFC championship appearances in the Reid/McNabb era and, can we say, counting?

NFL Quick Hits

 

Tennessee Titans Work-out Receiver Matt Jones

The ex-Jaguar is getting his first official look from an NFL club, even after a humbling interview on ESPN about a month ago.

Jones still has outstanding size and speed, and even though he knows nothing of Tennessee’s offense, he could still emerge as their top receiver if signed.

As it stands, he’d probably step in behind Justin Gauge and Kenny Britt, while surpassing the injured Nate Washington.

The Chicago Bears and Dallas Cowboys, both in need of an impact receiver, are reportedly keeping a close watch on the situation.

No Progress in Brandon Marshall Trade Talks

The heat is on Josh McDanies and the Broncos, as they have heard plenty of interest from the New York Jets, but still have a hefty asking price on the table.

The reported offer has been Marshall for a New York first round pick, along with veteran linebacker, David Harris.

If Denver doesn’t budge on either Harris or the pick, the reportedly won’t happen.

Bengals’ Carson Palmer Expected to be Ready for Opener

Isn’t this the same news we got all of last season?

Palmer was apparently at full health heading into pre-season, but then arm questions again emerged.

This time the concern is over his ankle, but with soid practices lately, head coach Marvin Lewis is holding him out of the final pre-season game, merely as a precaution.

Brett Favre to Sit for Minnesota’s Final Pre-season Game

This isn’t news, but since it’s Favre, it still makes headlines.

Add the arm surgery, his age, and the reported cracked rib all together, and you’ve got a concerned Brad Childress.

Besides, they may want to give Tarvaris Jackson the full stage as they try to up his value in the wake of trade rumors.

Favre will be more than ready to go for the season opener at Cleveland.

Michael Vick Signs With Eagles: Now What?

You can call him a dog killer, a highlight reel waiting to happen, or a running back in a quarterback’s body.

Frankly, you can call him anything you want.

Just make sure now that you preface his name with “Philadelphia Eagle’s quarterback”.

Of all the possible destinations, Vick lands in a cozy environment where he’s unlikely to be used, and will likely see dust collect on his hands and legs, while Donovan McNabb and co. make another run at an NFC Championship game appearance.

While the signing is both controversial and exciting, very little of it makes any sense, quite honestly, for either side.

The Eagles won’t be using Vick in any packages that would have him line up at receiver. No, he was too much of a risk for something is useless as that.

Besides, their receiver depth stretches all the way out to California, with stud burners like DeSean Jackson, Kevin Curtis, and Jeremy Maclin lining up for McNabb slants and bombs.

And then they even have Jason Avant to think about.

No, a receiver, Michael Vick is not.

Running back, then?

Again, it just doesn’t fit.

Sure, there will be a few plays where Vick steps in under center and is used in a Philly’ version of the Wildcat, but how much of that can we realistically expect to see without it disrupting the cohesiveness of the offense?

Not a whole lot.

And let’s not even get started on Donovan McNabb and his infant-like maturity when it comes to other quarterbacks taking the field.

The truth is, when it’s all said and done, Vick is, at the very worst, a sensational player on the Eagles shelf, ready and able to make an impact if he is needed.

Kevin Kolb, congratulations, (and I’m sorry) but you just lost your job.

Vick should, in due time, make his way to the “number two quarterback” clipboard section, master the offense, get acquainted with his future receiving weapons, and start to dream of all the possibilities that go along with being a Philadelphia Eagle.

Let’s face it. Kolb may have talent, but up until this point, has shown nothing spectacular, and no true signs of “coming around”.

He wasn’t exactly blowing people away with his performance against the Baltimore Ravens last year, either.

So, while there will be plenty of Kolb defenders/promoters out there, I beg of you (all of you) to take a good, hard look at Kolb during the pre-season, and tell me with an honest, blank face, that you’d prefer him over Vick.

But enough about Kolb. He’s just a speed-bump. A mere pebble in the way of Vick’s path back to fantasy and NFL greatness.

Ah, but the great Donovan McNabb. Now there is a true task.

Well, at least that’s what we’re led to believe.

After last season’s near-meltdown, McNabb is still very much in limbo as far as the Eagles’ front office is concerned, and adding Vick could be a quiet sign that McNabb won’t be around after 2009, and Vick could be a potential candidate to take over the reigns.

Vick isn’t even 30 yet, and while his speed and athleticism will start to fade around 34 or 35, he still has a little under a decade to prove himself worthy of his number one overall selection in 2003.

That is, of course, if he hadn’t already done so.

Regardless, Vick isn’t a publicity stunt, an offense/coach/team crying for help or attention, and he isn’t exactly a replacement.

Not yet, anyways.

No, Vick is an insurance policy. It’s hard to believe we’re saying and reading about Vick being a possible savior to a team, especially one with a possible future Hall of Famer still under center, but that could very well eventually be the case.

But we’re getting ahead of ourselves.

The fact is, all we know about Vick and the Eagles is that he’ll be wearing green in September.

What happens after that is anyone’s guess.

Michael Vick: Five Potential Suitors

With his partial reinstatement back in the NFL, Michael Vick suddenly has a lot to think about. Or worry about, depending on your outlook on his financial situation, as well as his professional football career.

Regardless, some team out there in the NFL will be interested enough to take him on. After all, despite some bad PR for taking on such a risk, there is always the good PR for being the team that “rescued” Vick, and gave him another chance.

While conventional picks for a Vick signing, San Francisco, Seattle, Washington, and Oakland all being ruled out (thanks to NFL Insider, Adam Schefter) Vick’s landing spot just got a little more difficult to predict.

Vick is currently under a special reinstatement that will allow him to participate in all team activities, including the entire training camp, as well as the final two pre-season games. His current suspension until week six is reportedly not a “done deal”, and could erode into no suspension at all.

Depending on Vick’s behavior, he could be able to play in week one.

However, that doesn’t do fans much good, considering teams aren’t exactly lining up to pay for his services.

Still, he’s still too talented to not have a place in this league, and as long as a team believes he’s truly remorseful and a changed person, he will definitely be suiting up for someone in 2009, and very possibly as the starter.

Here’s a look at five teams that could pull the trigger:

Miami Dolphins

Current Starter: Chad Pennington

True, the Dolphins have a capable starter in Pennington, and have two young signal callers, Chad Henne and Pat White, who they would probably prefer to have on the roster, rather than the controversial Vick.

However, if Vick’s speed and explosiveness haven’t left him, he would potentially be a perfect fit for their Wildcat offense.

Again, White was drafted both for that, as well as a possible quarterback that could out-perform Henne.

But if Vick was just signed to a one-year deal, the Dolphins could mold the rest of their offense around him, and give it a go.

The worst case scenario would be that the team upsets the 33-year old Pennington. And considering they’ve already stated that Henne is their guy for 2010, they won’t be too worried about that.

Verdict: If it’s all about the Wildcat in Miami, then why not? Very possible.

St. Louis Rams

Current Starter: Marc Bulger

The Rams are moving in different directions on both sides of the ball. They are trying to be more defensive-minded, while changing their air attack offense into a more time-controlled ground attack.

With Steven Jackson, that’s entirely possible. With Marc Bulger? Not so much.

The Rams could really use an extra explosive weapon on offense, as well as an athletic and elusive passer that can help their line grow as a unit, rather than take sack after sack.

Bulger has been ineffective for two straight years, is mobile as a rock, and is older than Vick.

The Rams play indoors and with their current rebuilding project, would be a fine place for Vick to start over.

Verdict: If you can upgrade over Bulger, you should. Unless the Rams hate him, it’s a perfect fit.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Current Starter: David Garrard

Garrard regressed last season, but also showed improved passing skills and the ability to take over games with both his arm and legs.

However, he’s not the explosive player that Vick is. He may have better accuracy and is currently a better fit for the offense, but Vick’s potential in an offense that already doesn’t really rely on it’s air attack is quite interesting.

With a player like Vick, a patchwork offensive line turns into “not such a big deal”, while opening things up for newly acquired Torry Holt, Maurice Jones-Drew, and possibly turning the inconsistent Marcedes Lewis into a more reliable target.

The Jaguars are said to be remotely interested in his availability, and if his suspension is lifted, Jack Del Rio just might try this one last dash to save his job.

Verdict: Vick is about as good as Garrard as a passer, but blows him away in athleticism. Slightly possible.

Dallas Cowboys

Current Starter: Tony Romo

There’s no way Dallas would bring in Vick to take over for Romo, but if they’re truly adamant about implementing the Wildcat offense, signing Vick to a one-year deal wouldn’t be a bad decision.

After all, Jerry Jones has already shown he likes to take chances with both Terrell Owens and Adam “Pacman” Jones.

The real question isn’f if Dallas wants Vick or if he’ll fit in. We know Jones and co. loves talent.

The question is, has Jones learned his lesson?

Verdict: Jones will probably continues to take silly chances, but this is still unlikely. Vick wants a starting gig at all costs.

Minnesota Vikings

Current Starter: Undecided

If Brett Favre does indeed come back, this drops from unlikely to completely unrealistic.

However, if the Vikings are even slightly worried about Favre making it through a full 16 -game season, adding Vick as a situational passer wouldn’t be a terrible idea.

After all, if Favre does indeed sign, Tarvaris Jackson has reportedly said he’d want to be traded, which would leave the door open for another athletic quarterback to run special packages-if that’s something Minnesota would be interested in.

My gut tells me Favre signs, Jackson leaves, and Sage Rosenfels does what he does best: holds a clipboard and refrains from helicopter dives.

Verdict: Vick’s best shot at starting in the NFL is in St. Louis, with Miami taking the immediate backseat. Favre is likely to sign, making this move almost impossible.

Overall, there could still be random interest in Vick across the league, depending on injuries in pre-season, as well as poor play.

For example, if the Jets suddenly weren’y happy with Kellen Clemens or Mark Sanchez, it’s not too crazy to imagine them bringing Vick in.

I’m still not sold on Washington, Oakland, Seattle, and San Francisco all having no desire to even bring Vick in for a tryout.

Monitor these five situations, however, as they currently appear to be the most logical.

Michael Vick: 10 Possible Destinations

Although this article, as many are, is based on hypotheticals, let’s not indulge ourselves into any more than are necessary. For example, start now by ridding yourself of what “remorse” means, or what Commissioner Roger Goodell thinks it means.

When predicting the future of the league, or it’s players, one cannot get themselves caught up in legal drama, possible suspensions, or trivial things like contracts, money, and position status.

No, especially not when that player is a convicted dog-killer, as well as one of the most hated athletes in the nation.

While Vick likely still has the talent to dazzle us all and see himself littered across ESPN every Sunday, the question is, do we care to see it?

If you’re a true football fan, the answer is a resounding, yes.

Vick will be 29 when the season begins, will be playing like a 27-year old, and still has a lot to show us. But if Goodell let’s him play, will there actually be any takers?

Uh, yeah.

It’s time for us to think outside the box, America (and all other countries). Did Buffalo pop into our heads as Terrell Owens’ landing spit upon his release? No.

Did we start getting Jets fever when we heard Favre wanted to come back last year? Not likely.

So, as Vick will likely keep his options and mind open, so too, shall you.

Here’s a look at ten teams that would give Vick a serious look, for one reason or another, in no particular order:

1. New England Patriots

Bill Belichick drafted Kent State’s Justin Edelman to use in a new wildcat package, but what if he had Vick as his disposal?

If Vick would be willing to play primarily receiver and running back, the Patriots could grab that extra bit of talent to get them back to where they were in 2007.

Verdict: The Patriots could think about it, but with Brady back, they don’t need Vick to scare the opposition.

2. Miami Dolphins

Miami took Pat White to further advance their offense, but what if Vick could step in and be their primary back-up quarterback, as well as their wildcat signal caller?

Once again, if Vick is open to playing other spots on the field, he shouldn’t have too much of a problem getting a shot somewhere.

Verdict: Bill Parcells probably wouldn’t spend more than five minutes on this conversation. They drafted White for a reason, and they’ll stick with what they’ve got.

3. Cleveland Browns

New coach Eric Mangini isn’t sold on either one of his quarterbacks, so depending on his opinion of Vick, this wouldn’t be too outlandish of a landing spot.

Besides, Mangini has been toying with his own ideas for a wildcat package.

Verdict: With two solid quarterbacks battling for the top spot, Vick would bring unwanted media exposure. Mangini isn’t going to risk a blow-up in his first year.

4. Jacksonville Jaguars

If you don’t jump to conclusions, you’d probably stick to the thinking that David Garrard is a pretty good quarterback. However, his and the Jaguars’ awful 2008 would suggest otherwise.

If Jack Del Rio is scared and afraid of losing his job, a desperate signing of Vick wouldn’t be surprising.

Verdict: Can’t rule it out.

5. Oakland Raiders

You can’t predict anything in Raider Nation, and you sure can’t predict what Al Davis will do, or what he is thinking.

He’s marching into 2009 with a shaky quarterback, and a 39-year old veteran behind him.

Seriously, what could it hurt to add Vick?

Verdict: Unless Davis says no, it will forever remain a possibility.

6. Washington Redskins

Like Al Davis, with Daniel Snyder, almost anything is possible. Just look at Albert Haynesworth’s $100 million contract if you need further evidence.

The Redskins haven’t exactly been voicing their confidence in starter, Jason Campbell, this off-season, so Vick could be tempting.

Verdict: If Campbell doesn’t look like the right guy in pre-season, Vick could be targeted.

7. Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings have three options.

They can ride it out with either of the average guys they have at quarterback, take their chance on Brett Favre’s 39-year old arm, or grab up the dog-killing Vick.

Verdict: If Favre can play, he’s their guy. If not, Vick is a bigger possibility than people think.

8. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Let’s see. It’s Luke McCown, or…?

Yeah, Vick is on the radar.

However, with a new regime in Tampa, it’s actually fairly unlikely they’d take a chance on a guy like Vick. They’re establishing youth and character under Raheem Morris, so landing Vick wouldn’t make much sense.

Verdict: Jon Gruden is gone, and the Bucs are done collecting quarterbacks. At least, we hope.

9. San Francisco 49ers

If you’re satisfied with Shaun Hill, Alex Smith, and Nate Davis, then stop me here.

But I doubt that.

Davis has potential, but he’s likely going to take at least 2-3 years to fully develop both the physical and mental parts of the game.

If Vick could come in and bring a strong arm, leadership, and game-changing ability, why stop him?

Singletary would look like an absolute genius if it worked out.

Verdict: It’d be strange, considering Singletary’s big “character” out-burst on Vernon Davis, but maybe he’s not a dog lover.

10. St. Louis Rams

If the Rams are completely comfortable going into 2009 with Marc Bulger as their starter, they clearly have no intentions of competing at a high level.

It’s arguable that Vick wouldn’t change their playoff fortunes much, but he’d at least bring some excitement and pure talent back to this franchise.

Verdict: The Rams are starting over at almost every other position. What’s the hold-up at quarterback? Plain and simple: Bulger has to go; why not start by adding Vick?

There are a few other teams that could be slight possibilities, while I am completely ruling out Jim Mora Jr. and his Seattle Seahawks.

Vick already ruined his career one time. Mora won’t let him do it again.

All we know is Vick won't be in Atlanta