NFL Takeaways From Latest News and Rumors
By Erik Lambert
Jan 4, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; New Orleans Saints tight end Jimmy Graham (80) carries the ball during the first quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles during the 2013 NFC wild card playoff football game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Another NFL week is has passed and the news keeps on coming. What are some takeaways to consider?
Cam Newton stuck in neutral at bad time with contract
Getting a big contract is next on the agenda for Cam Newton but the two-time Pro Bowler for the Carolina Panthers is not exactly in the best position to help himself. His left tackle is gone and his wide receiving corps underwent a lot of changes since last year. At this point experts aren’t sold on many of the moves, including 1st round pick Kelvin Benjamin. If anything else the Panthers offense is stuck in neutral, which means Newton might not be able to maximize his dollar value as hoped.
Drew Brees picked bad time to minimize Jimmy Graham
Everybody listens when New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees has something to say. He’s earned that right as one of the best in pro football. However, even he can overstep his bounds from time to time with certain statements and that may have happened when he plainly stated the offense would be fine with or without All-Pro tight end Jimmy Graham. Considering he accounted for 1,215 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2013, both easily team highs, that might be a quote worth retracting especially with Graham on the eve of a possible holdout.
Sean Weatherspoon injury continues scourge at linebacker position
Every NFL years there is always a position group that seems to bear the brunt of the losses. The 2014 campaign may go down as the Year of the Linebacker. Already prominent names like Daryl Washington (suspension) and Sean Lee (ACL) have been lost for the season. The Atlanta Falcons now feel that same pain as their top linebacker Sean Weatherspoon went down with an Achilles tear. In the immortal word of former Falcon Bill Goldberg, “Who’s next?”
Jon Bostic and Brock Vereen signal youth surge on Bears defense
One interesting thing to take note of on the defensive news circuit is the rumblings going on in the Windy City. There the Bears, in an effort to improve what was the worst defense in franchise history last season, spent a considerable amount of coin in free agency on proven veterans. Yet with practices in full swing it seems a youth movement is on the rise for Chicago. Second-year man Jon Bostic is making a strong push for the middle linebacker position, putting 32-year old D.J. Williams on notice. Meanwhile rookie Brock Vereen has worked his way up to the first team free safety position, outpacing veteran and former Packers starter M.D. Jennings.
Josh Gordon remains an ulcer to the Cleveland Browns
It’s impossible to deny the fact Josh Gordon is one of the most talented receivers in the NFL after what he accomplished in 2013. However, after yet another series of head-scratching blunders that could land him a one-year suspension, it’s also fair to point out that he might be more trouble than he’s worth. That was rammed home when head coach Mike Pettine added fuel to the Gordon Hater fire when he said the receiver didn’t go as hard in practice as coaches would like. Given what he’s already put Cleveland fans through, the fact he isn’t working hard too could become the final straw.