NFL News and Notes
I’m working on a few new things I think will continue the development of this site to get it where it’s going, but while I’m working on those I’ll put out some interesting news and notes I’ve read today. A lot of them having to deal with the releases of yesterday.
The Jacksonville Jaguars have placed backup running back Reshad Jennings on injured reserve.
“A Big Thx to all my Fans for the prays & support. They have decided to place me on IR this yr. I promise i’ll return stronger.” Jennings said on Twitter.
The Jaguars had been hoping to limit Maurice Jones Drew’s carries this year and they seemed to like what Jennings brought to the table. It’ll be interesting to see who the Jaguars rely on now (Deji Karim?) or whether the Jaguars end up just not reducing Maurice Jones Drew’s workload. I don’t know if Jack DelRio is on the hot seat, but the seat is probably warm and it could force him to use MJD as much as has in the past.
Adam Caplan tweets that the Panthers have released Everette Brown Brown was suppose to replace some of the pass rush void that was left by the departure of Julius Peppers, but he didn’t excel with the Panthers. Brown is a speedy pass rusher and talented so he will definitely latch on with another team. All coaches think they can fix talented players, that’s what makes them so successful. Often that doesn’t happen, but there’s someone out there who will take a chance.
Chiefs tight end Tony Moeaki is reportedly out for the entire season with an A.C.L. tear.
As a rookie tight end, Tony Moeaki had a standout season, catching 47 passes for 553 yards and three touchdowns and helping run-block for Jamaal Charles. According to WREX reporter Jude Wilbers in Rockford, Ill., he won’t be much help this year, though, because Moeaki has a torn ACL that will keep him out for 2011.
Even though the Chiefs drafted Jon Baldwin in the first round this year they were still an offense in need of some weapons. This does not help. The Chiefs also have a pretty brutal schedule this year and it could be a down year for the Chiefs, but that powerful run game could keep things interesting.
The Jets originally had Aaron Maybin on their 53 man roster, but he was released today.
One offensive minded coach things he knows how to play the Eagles “Dream team” defense.
The offensive-minded coach was quick to say he would use a lot of 22 personnel (two tight ends, two running backs and one wide receiver) and build condensed formation packages that would keep the nickel defense off the field, consequently keeping one-third of the “Dream Team” on the bench and forcing at least one of the other two members to be in run support rather than coverage. The Rams have the running back in Steven Jackson, as well as the fullback and tight ends, to use this philosophy. As another coach said, “the Eagles want you to spread out your offense so they can match up; I wouldn’t do it.”
I think that’s an option for sure hat could work. The Eagles have four big question marks in my mind.
1). Do they have enough talent at linebacker (and specifically can the linebackers help out enough in run defense)
2). Will Michael Vick and DeSean Jackson stay healthy? Vick has at least a mild injury history and players like Vick and Jackson are irreplaceable.
3). How will the Eagles Kicking game be this season? David Akers has been one of the best and most consistent kickers in the league over the past decade. Will his departure cost the Eagles some games?
4) And this one could be tied in with question two. Will the offensive line play well enough this season?
The Eagles are talented for sure, but footballs great because “any given Sunday”. I’m just excited for the season to start
Rob Rang of CBS Draftscout put out his first 2012 NFL Mock draft.
Two of the most interesting picks to me are Andrew luck at first overall!
No, seriously. The first one I like is Jerel Worthy to the Cowboys at 22nd overall to the Dallas Cowboys.
Jerel Worthy, DT, Michigan State: Rob Ryan is expected to rejuvenate the Dallas defense, but he needs help. Other than superstar DeMarcus Ware and occasionally Anthony Spencer, the Cowboys simply haven’t scared opponents with their front seven in recent years. Worthy’s quickness and long arms could make him a solid early contributor at the five-technique.
What I like about this pick is to me Worthy is a later first round pick from what I’ve seen so far and not a top 10 pick that I often see him as on my draft websites. Maybe he can get to that point, but he’s not there yet.
The second one is Ryan Tannehill QB of Texas A and M #24 to the Colts.
Ryan Tannehill, QB, Texas A&M: It is entirely possible (and perhaps even probable) that Peyton Manning soon returns to be the NFL’s version of Cal Ripken, Jr. for the Colts. Bill Polian, however, is too astute a general manager to ignore the game’s most important position. Tannehill, once a very productive receiver for the Aggies, took over the starting position last year and could be on the verge of exploding into a first round prospect. His upside could test Polian’s resolve.
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