|
Here are the latest NFL rumors from Pro Football Weekly:
|  | | The Seahawks' Sam Adams might want to test the free-agent market. |
Don't expect negotiations between the Seahawks and free-agent-to-be defensive tackle Sam Adams to produce a contract extension during the season. We hear Adams will probably force the team to either put the franchise tag on him or let him test the open market.
Vikings wide receiver Randy Moss said he is interested in playing in the NBA in the offseason, and neither coach Dennis Green nor GM Tom Connolly said they would stand in his way. However, Moss was not specific as to when he would try to begin his basketball career, saying, "It could be two years from now, three years from now. It could be the end of this season." Sacramento Kings guard Jason Williams had this to say about Moss' NBA prospects: "He was phenomenal in high school, and he's so gifted and talented, I think he can do anything. He'll probably struggle at first, but then he'll adapt and be OK. It'll all depend on what he does to prepare for basketball in the offseason."
Even though he fumbled three times in the first four games, the Colts are not concerned that rookie running back Edgerrin James has a fumbling problem. James said he fumbled the ball too often for a stretch early in his college career but was able to correct the problem.
Steelers cornerback Chad Scott has looked a step slower since coming back from a knee injury that sidelined him all of last season. Scott has been a little bit off in just about every area.
Injuries have prevented the Steelers from developing much continuity on the offensive line. Center Dermontti Dawson's play is down, in part because of a hamstring injury he recently suffered. Pittsburgh has really missed tough-guy left guard Alan Faneca, who has missed significant time with two bad ankles. New left tackle Wayne Gandy is a good athlete who's light on his feet, but he lacks toughness and feistiness, according to an NFL insider.
According to a published report, after wide receiver Troy Brown suffered a sprained ankle returning the opening kickoff in Week 5, some Patriots players privately were questioning coach Pete Carroll's decision to use Brown on kickoff returns. Carroll disputed the story and said that since special teams are one-third of the game, he would use regulars on special teams if necessary. With Brown sidelined, second-year wideout Tony Simmons has become a bigger part of the offense.
Expect the Dolphins to continue to utilize big receiver Oronde Gadsden, who is better-rested and running faster thanks to an offseason that did not include Arena League action. Gadsden, who played Arena ball in '98, wore down at the end of last season and was plagued by sore toes.
The fact that the newly acquired Omar Stoutmire was the Jets' first choice to replace injured free safety Steve Atwater (hamstring) was a sign that second-year man Scott Frost is nowhere near ready to be a starting safety. Frost played quarterback in college at Nebraska.
| |
|
| |
| 1999 SEASON STATISTICS | | FG | PAT | PTS | LNG |
| 19/20 |
9/9 |
66 |
53 |
|
|
After fading at the end of last season, Dolphins kicker Olindo Mare wants to maintain his fast start. Mare hopes that kicking less this past offseason will keep him fresh throughout the year. Mare is on pace to earn several incentives this season, and he could really cash in as a restricted free agent after this year. To discourage teams from going after him, the Dolphins might give Mare the first-round tender, which would push his salary over $900,000.
After watching film of the Broncos-Raiders game from Week 5, Packers QB Brett Favre said Denver "physically whipped" Oakland. "It was embarrassing. It wasn't as close as the score (16-13) indicated. I know (Raiders) coach (Jon) Gruden must have talked to them on Monday, because they got whipped at home." Favre and the Packers got the same treatment in their 31-10 loss at Denver in Week 6.
Seahawks quarterback Jon Kitna on the team's adjustment to Mike Holmgren's offense: "I don't think anybody here would say we're really comfortable with the system yet. I'd say we're on the right path. I think we're going in the right direction. I think we're where we should be at this point. I think it's going to take a little more time for us to fully understand the system. (I hope) we'll continue to win games until that point."
Chiefs coach Gunther Cunningham is thrilled with the toughness and physical play his team has displayed so far this season.
Seahawks middle linebacker DeShone Myles is finally healthy, and he might take some playing time away from starter Anthony Simmons. Seattle views Simmons as more of an outside 'backer even though he has been playing well in the middle.
Chargers running back Natrone Means has responded well physically to sitting out San Diego's Week 5 game at Detroit. Means, nursing an ankle injury, probably could have played vs. the Lions, but he skipped the game in an effort to get healthy enough to play at a high level over the remainder of the season. In practice the next week, Means said the rest had done a lot of good. He carried 17 times for 35 yards and one TD in the Chargers' 13-10 victory over the Seahawks in Week 6.
Redskins defensive coordinator Mike Nolan appears to be out of the loop in Washington. We hear that he wasn't in the know about the signing of backup middle linebacker Kurt Gouveia, and was not aware that the Redskins had contacted Ken Harvey about coming out of retirement. The team recently brought in Bill Arnsparger as a defensive assistant.
Keep an eye on Redskins fullback/tight end Mike Sellers, a former CFL player for three seasons who signed with Washington last year. Sellers has been drawing rave reviews for his blocking in short-yardage situations.
Redskins rookie cornerback Champ Bailey is not expected to be tried on offense this season. With the way Washington has been moving the ball, there's really no need for him to line up at receiver.
| |
|
| |
| 1999 SEASON STATISTICS |
| COMP |
ATT |
YDS |
TD |
INT |
RAT |
| 101 |
162 |
1439 |
10 |
2 |
106.5 |
|
|
The most overlooked factor on the Redskins this year is that they brought in veteran leader-type players who have had a tremendous influence on the youngsters. Brad Johnson, Larry Centers and Irving Fryar have given that offense great leadership. Fryar has done for Michael Westbrook and Albert Connell what Cris Carter has done for the Vikings' receivers. Charley Casserly could wind up as Executive of the Year without having a team.
Speaking of Centers, he is still bitter about his release from the Cardinals. In the week leading up to the Week 6 game at Arizona, Centers said he planned to do about a $1 million worth of damage in the game, and then do another $1 million worth of damage in the second meeting with the Cardinals this season. Centers was slated to earn $2 million in base salary from the Cardinals before he was cut.
After starting the season off slowly, Packers fullback William Henderson is making a nice comeback in the blocking department, but he's not where he once was.
Though Jaret Holmes had the best and strongest leg among available kickers, the Bears chose Chris Boniol because of his veteran experience. More specifically, Boniol's ability to handle pressure situations and the harsh conditions of Soldier Field. Holmes has never kicked in the NFL.
Ravens coach Brian Billick still believes in quarterback Stoney Case, despite the fact opposing defenses have shown little respect for the Ravens' passing game by constantly bringing safeties up to play the run.
Middle linebacker Jeff Kelly has gotten some significant playing time lately and appears to be good enough against the run to make the Falcons rethink their plan to move outside 'backer Henri Crockett to the middle next year if Jessie Tuggle isn't re-signed.
Material from Pro Football Weekly.
Visit PFW's web site at http://www.profootballweekly.com
| |
|
