08/31/05
- [NBA] Seattle Sonics sign Mikki Moore
- [San Diego Chargers] When the Chargers face the 49ers on Thursday, Ryon Bingham will get extended playing time on the inside to assure coaches that he is a valid choice as a backup to nose tackle Jamal Williams. (SDBoltReport.com)
- [CFL] After a bad outing in his first CFL game, kicker/punter Chuck Tack was released by the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Tack was a Husker walkon in the late 1990s but never lettered. (OurSportsCentral.com)
08/30/05
- [Houston Texans] OG Zach Wiegert (ankle) will not play against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Thursday. (HoustonTexans.com, KFFL)
- [Carolina Panthers] DE Mike Rucker (back) returned to practice Tuesday morning. (Shelby Star, KFFL)
- [NBA] Atlanta Hawks re-sign Tyronn Lue
- [Cut Downs] First Round of Cut Downs (updated): Tampa Bay released FB Steve Kriewald on Tuesday. Previous cuts included OG Mike Erickson, who was among those waived by the Tennessee Titans. Also, Redskins RB Dahrran Diedrick was released with an injury settlement.
- [Atlanta Falcons] While Falcons coach Jim Mora hasn't officially announced the team's season-opening starter at strongside linebacker, second-year man Demorrio Williams is expected to get the nod over Ike Reese.
"I think they may go with the young guy," said Reese, referring to the athletic Williams, who was the club's fourth-round pick in the 2004 draft and is nearly 7 years younger than him. (Philly.com)
08/29/05
- [Minnesota Vikings] The Vikings have just one interception this preseason - by reserve cornerback Ralph Brown in the opener against Kansas City. (Knight Ridder Newspapers)
- [CFL] In a mid-Season assessment of the CFL, Chris Schultz of TSN.ca states that Patrick Kabongo gives "Edmonton has an offensive lineman to work with for the next ten years".
- [Dallas Cowboys] The Star-Telegram listed LB Scott Shanle as a "lock" to make the team.
08/28/05
- [Seattle Seahawks] DE Grant Wistrom pushed the Chiefs’ left tackle into QB Trent Green, perhaps contributing to the interception Green threw on the play.
- [Seattle Seahawks] Seahawks coach Mike Holmgren unloaded on K Josh Brown and special teams coach Bob Casullo during a hastily called sideline conference. Holmgren was upset after Brown sent a kickoff out of bounds for the second time. Another kickoff threatened the sideline before bouncing into the end zone. (The News Tribune)
- [Green Bay Packers] Can Green still carry the load?
- [Tampa Bay Buccaneers] Among the Boston Globe's "Rookies Already Making Noise"- Barrett Ruud, Tampa Bay: Jon Gruden is enamored with this second-round pick out of Nebraska, who has done a nice job in exhibition games at middle linebacker. Ruud won't likely be among the top three starters, but Gruden said, "You never know what can happen during the course of a season."
08/27/05
- [Panthers vs Browns] The night’s No. 1 decleater was Carolina safety Mike Minter knocking wideout Antonio Bryant into the air after a sideline catch. Adding insult to injury, Bryant was caught for offensive interference before the catch. (CantonPrep.com)
- [Tennessee Titans] On mended knees: Vanden Bosch gets another shot with the Titans
- [CFL] Former Husker walkon Chuck Tack played in his first CFL game for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats after consistantly impressing coaches in practice with his punting skills- but his in-game performance was less than impressive. At a crucial point late in the game, with Hamilton hanging on to a 2-point lead over Winnipeg, Tack shanked a punt 16 yards giving the Bombers possession at its 43 with 2:31 to go. Winnipeg failed to score for the remainder of the game and the Ti-Cats hung on to their first win of the season. (CP)
08/26/05
- [Cardinals vs Raiders] TDs from Two NFL Huskers Lift Cards' over Oakland-- Raider QB Kerry Collins lost a fumble and on the subsequent drive, Kurt Warner hit Aaron Golliday for a 22-yard TD strike.
The second of two Marques Tuiasosopo second-half interceptions was plucked away by former Raiders linebacker Eric Johnson, who ran 35 yards for a touchdown with 9:04 remaining and put the undefeated Cardinals ahead for good, 17-16. (SF Chonicle)
- [Kansas City Chiefs] Chiefs' Shields ready for duty
- [Oakland Raiders] Raiders' top pick "coming along"
- [Minnesota Vikings] After getting burned for two TD passes last week, Brian Williams is facing a challenge from Ralph Brown for the nickel position on passing downs.
- [Tampa Bay Buccaneers] Rookie Ruud off to fast start
- [Green Bay Packers] Green may not see green from Green Bay
- [CFL] The Hamilton Ti-Cats' punter tonight will be 6-foot-5, 245-pound import Chuck Tack. Yes, those figures are correct.
Jamie Boreham had been doing both the placekicking and punting, but Hamilton head coach Greg Marshall said Tack is a better punter. Tack's leg is needed, Marshall said, because Bombers P Jon Ryan gets Winnipeg points with his league-leading 51.2-yard average. (Winnipeg Sun)
Tack was a walk-on kicker for the Huskers in 1998. At the time, he was listed as 6'4", 195-pounds.
Tack may be an unknown even to Husker fans but has apparently earned a following in Hamilton.
08/25/05
- [Tennessee Titans] Vanden Bosch Shoring Up Titans' Defense
- [Chicago Bears] Mike Brown knows pain of serious injury
- [Kansas City Chiefs] Shields finally on field[
08/24/05
- [Philadelphia Eagles] More bad news for Eagles' Buckhalter
- Eagles talk to press about Buckhalter
- [Philadelphia Eagles] Out Again: Knee Surgery Benches Buckhalter for Year
- [Tampa Bay Buccaneers] Ruud's mentor also is his competition
08/23/05
- [CFL] DeAngelis joins the club
- [St. Louis Rams] DeJuan Groce had a strong outing Sunday as he takes over for Jerametrius Butler as a first-team cornerback alongside Travis Fisher. Butler underwent knee surgery Monday in New York and is out for the season.
"I thought DeJuan was exceptional," Martz said. "He really played very well. He had a number of breakups on deep balls. (Post-Dispatch)
- [New Orleans Saints] Play of the Day-- Josh Bullocks showed his range and ball skills on a beautiful interception of a Todd Bouman pass intended for Zack Hilton during the two-minute offense drills. The rookie free safety plucked the ball at his knees with outstretched arms. (The Times-Picayune)
- [Tampa Bay Buccaneers] Kriewald trying to make roster of Tampa Bay Buccaneers
08/22/05
- [Carolina Panthers] Minter free once again
- [Tampa Bay Buccaneers] Ruud Already Living Up To His Reputation
- [St. Louis Rams] Groce holds strong in start
- [Tennessee Titans] Vanden Bosch contributes to Tillman Foundation
- [Tennessee Titans] Veteran End Vanden Bosch Looking Sharp In Pre-Season
- [Tampa Bay Buccaneers] Ruud makes noise
- [Tampa Bay Buccaneers] Rookie giving Bucs linebacker corps a Ruud welcome
08/21/05
- [Buffalo Bills] CBS SportsLine.com's Clark Judge with Five Observations from Bills camp: #4-- Defensive end Chris Kelsay has been one of the stars of this year's camp. Kelsay, who began to emerge the second half of last season, has won the starting left-end position -- separating himself from backup Ryan Denny. "He's a man on a mission," coach Mike Mularkey said of Kelsay, whose hit on Chad Pennington last year forced the Jets quarterback to leave with a shoulder injury -- later diagnosed as a torn rotator cuff.
- [Seattle Seahawks] Seahawks.NET's Les Norton looks back at the Seahawks' 2005 training camp. As always, there were many fond memories to recall...
"The defense? A cross between focused and happy-go-lucky. The defensive linemen worked their asses off all the time. The guy that made sure of that was Grant Wistrom. First up for drills, always ready and always prepared. He kept the defensive line going - leading by example. An injury-free year with him would be a dream come true for us... When you see a healthy Wistrom in his first 2 steps you realize that he was worth every penny."
Josh Brown, always with a ready smile, is the question and the answer at at the kicking position. Good location and distance. (Seahawks.NET)
- [Texans vs Raiders] The Texans got their kicks against Oakland on Saturday night when Kris Brown's 46-yard field goal with eight seconds remaining provided them with a 19-17 preseason victory at Reliant Stadium.
After Chris Snyder kicked a 31-yard field goal in the third quarter that pulled the Texans to within 17-10, Brown connected from 20, 53 and 46 yards.
"Any time you can get a game-winning field-goal opportunity in preseason, you have to savor it because it's hard to simulate it in practice," Brown said. "I just went through my routine, and, fortunately, the ball went through." (Houston Chronicle)
- [Oakland Raiders] CB Fabian Washington committed a pass-interference penalty that resulted in a 39-yard gain for Houston. The penalty aided a Texans drive ended in a 20-yard field goal by Kris Brown.
- Raiders C Adam Treu returned as the team's long-snapper on Sebastian Janikowski's first two PATs and his 39-yard field goal as time expired in the first half. (SF Chron)
- [Rams vs Chargers] Pre-Game Article: Rams Have Plenty to Prove in San Diego (Groce)
- Mid-Game comments: "San Diego is making offense look pretty easy right now. Cornerback DeJuan Groce made a couple of nice plays when challenged deep, though." (StLouisRams.com)
- [Tampa Bay Buccaneers] Bucs Fans Adopt Ruuuuuud Response: When rookie linebacker Barrett Ruud made his first tackle at Raymond James Stadium, it sounded like the fans booed. In fact, they were saying "Roooood." Ruud was drafted in the second round and is being groomed as the eventual replacement for middle linebacker Shelton Quarles, who turns 34 this year. (The Ledger)
08/20/05
- [Giants vs Panthers] Giants reserve linebacker T.J. Hollowell injured a shoulder in the second half and was taken for X-rays. (AP)
- [Packers vs Bills] Packers quarterback Brett Favre went 4-of-6 for 41 yards, capping a 75-yard, 13-play opening drive with a 12-yard touchdown pass to Ahman Green. It was the Packers lone touchdown in a 27-7 loss to the Bills. (AP)
- [Tennessee Titans] One concerns for Tennessee was, for the second game in a row, the Titans defense gaving up a TD in the opening series. However, the defense had its share of positives later in the game, one being two sacks from DE Kyle Vanden Bosch. "This win means a lot," said Vanden Bosch. "For the most part we played well as a team and I think some young guys gained confidence. It was definitely a step in the right direction." (GoTitans.com)
- [CFL] DeAngelis has "Pull" with teammates
- [Arizona Cardinals] Quarterback Kurt Warner said he likes what he sees in Adam Bergen in the passing game and Aaron Golliday as a blocker. Bergen has seen the most time with the first-team offense, but Golliday showed this past week with some tough catches that his hands weren't made entirely of stone. (AZCentral.com)
- [New Orleans Saints] Josh Bullocks trying to get a grip
- [Green Bay Packers] Packers Green to see more action
- [Etc] Dishman finally finishes what he started
08/19/05
- [MLB] Stern hurts thumb, may visit DL
- [CFL] DeAngelis the hero of Week 9 in the CFL
- [Philadelphia Eagles] Buckhalter's future may be decided this weekend
- [Buffalo Bills] Hard work is what fuels Kelsay
- [Houston Texans] Release still gnaws at Foreman
- [CFL] Sandro DeAngelis' 38-yard field goal with no time remaining lifted the Calgary Stampeders past the Montreal Alouettes, 40-37 in a thrilling matchup at Molson Stadium. DeAngelis was connected on all four of his field goal attempts. (Herald News)
08/18/05
- [Carolina Panthers] Panthers players held a chess tournament this week and safety Mike Minter, fresh off his Madden 2006 football video game tournament title, won the chess crown as well.
"I'm the champ," he said, stopping to brag a bit on his way to lunch. "So I'm going to get a special belt made up with `Chess Champion' and `Madden Champion' on it. I'm the only man in history to hold both belts." Minter said he beat cornerback Ken Lucas, Short and defensive tackle Charles Hill to take his latest title.
"I went right through 'em," he said. "I'm the only man to hold both. It's a rare double. When I get my belt made up, I'm going to let everybody see what it looks like." (Charlotte.com--SO)
- [Kansas City Chiefs] Groce steps in at cornerback with Butler out
- [Etc] Ex-Husker mates say Phillips was "doing fine"
- [Detroit Lions] Fights are common in NFL training camps, and most coaches choose to see it positively. Not Lions coach Steve Mariucci.
The Lions had a few skirmishes during Tuesday's morning workout and, apparently, center Dominic Raiola was kicked out of practice. Mariucci, who has a policy of booting players who fight, refused to comment. "That's between me and the team," he said. (MLive.com)
- [Green Bay Packers] Ryan Longwell, Ahman Green, and Mike Flanagan will be the Packers’ three key free agents after this season.
Green faces longevity issues because, at 28, he’s near or at the age where some premier running backs begin to decline. He’s openly stated he expects his next contract to be an elite deal, which means a signing bonus in the $12 million range. But if the Packers had any intention of paying him anywhere near that, they would have done so in previous negotiations.
If Green’s price doesn’t come down, he could end up a free agent, though he also could be a candidate for the Packers’ franchise tag next year.(PackersNews.com)
- [Etc] SDPD looking for Lawrence Phillips
08/17/05
- [San Diego Chargers] Defensive coordinator Ron Rivera said Wednesday that Jerrell Pippens has a step on Rashied Davis in the battle to provide depth and play in nickel situations.
"We're pleased that one of those guys is stepping up," Rivera said. "And the other is continuing to improve. That's important because there will be situations where one of those guys plays the fourth quarter. And we've got the veteran in Todd McMillon back there as well." (Chicago Tribune)
- [Atlanta Falcons] Demorrio Williams, who came off the bench behind Ike Reese in last week's 16-3 victory over Baltimore, will make his second start at strong side linebacker against the Titans. Reese, who is battling Williams for the starting strong side spot, will open at weak side linebacker. (AJC.com)
- [Philadelphia Eagles] According to Andy Reid-- "Correll Buckhalter did practice today. We are getting the swelling out of that knee. It’s not completely out, but we are getting it down. He is rehabbing that knee and he is going to do that for a week, then be reevaluated."
- [Chicago Bears S Mike Brown was excused from practice Wednesday for personal reasons. (AP,KFFL)
- [Philadelphia Eagles] Eagles RB Correll Buckhalter was pegged by SI.com as the "Shallow sleeper" at running back-- "A knee injury kept Buckhalter off the field in 2004, but he's back to redeem himself and be at least a good No. 2 back in Philadelphia. He's more of an every-down, between-the-tackles back than Brian Westbrook, which could mean more touches, especially at the goal line if he stays healthy."
- $$ Oakland A's Prospect Profile: Shane Komine, RHP
- [Detroit Lions] Steve Mariucci spoke about the health of center Dominic Raiola, who came out of practice for a bit. Raiola has been nagged by a hand injury.
"He finished practice. He starts getting heated a little bit, so he took a drink and felt better and finished practice. He has had that cast and he played with it last game. He has a fractured finger, so he has a couple of fingers taped together with a cast on it to immobilize it. He is going to have that cast for several weeks. He has been playing with it and practicing with it each day."
- [Carolina Panthers] Minter relishes video-game championship
08/16/05
- [Carolina Panthers] Rucker expects big things
- [Carolina Panthers] DE Mike Rucker no longer seems concerned with the irregular heartbeat that kept him out of parts of two games last season. Doctors never came up with a definitive explanation of why Rucker's heart began racing during games, but Rucker said he believes he just needs to remain calm on the field.
"It was the adrenaline of being hyped up for the game and out there running around might have thrown it offbeat," Rucker said. "When we got back, we did tests. Everything was cool. We just kind of left it alone and monitored it for the rest of the year.
"Once you start thinking about it, you can psyche yourself out.... So I had to stop thinking about it." (AP)
- [MLB] Erstad's RBI single in 11th lifts Halos over Toronto
- [Carolina Panthers] Mick's Bag: Minter Madden-ness
- [Tampa Bay Buccaneers] Bucs Set at Linebacker (Ruud)
- [Seattle Seahawks] Wistrom v. Jones helping make both Seahawks better
08/15/05
- [Buffalo Bills] The Rochester Democrat & Chronicle designated Chris Kelsay as the Buffalo Bill's "Most Improved" player-- "With Ryan Denney in his rearview mirror, he seems to get better every day."
- [Dallas Cowboys] Bradie James and Scott Shanle have been alternating first-team reps at the inside linebacker spot for the Cowboys, who will employ a 3-4 scheme this season. (TheNewsStar.com)
- [New Orleans Saints] Rookie defenders Josh Bullocks and Alfred Fincher were on the wrong end of the Times-Picayune Who's Hot & Who's Not in Saints first preseason game-- "(They) showed just how far they are from contributing during the second half of Friday's exhibition loss to Seattle. Both players need to show improvement in an exhibition game at New England on Thursday night to restore their confidence."
- [St. Louis Rams] Groce Settling in to Starting Role
- [Oakland Raiders] Raiders long snapper Adam Treu (calf strain) will return to practice today for the first time since July 29. (SabBee.com)
- [Detroit Lions] Who Will Fill In For Cory? (Schlesinger)
- [Tennessee Titans] Mizzou's Nash had a scuffle with Vanden Bosch, and a few others
08/14/05
- [San Diego Chargers] Defensive tackle Ryon Bingham missed practice as his wife gave birth to a girl. (Union-Tribune)
- [MLB] Rookie right fielder Adam Stern was a bright spot for Boston in an eventual rain out against the White Sox. Stern made one spectacular diving catch, and barely missed another. What would have been his third major league hit, and first since July 22, was washed away by the rainout. (The Republican)
- [Houston Texans] Zach Wiegert suffered a high ankle sprain against the Broncos. The MRI showed no break, but the injury does not have a short recovery time. Wiegert is expected to miss 2-3 weeks. (Houston Chronicle)
- [MLB] Stern stands ready to start
- [Texans vs Broncos] Texans RG Zach Wiegert left the game with an injury. He went in for x-rays and was later diagnosed with a high left ankle sprain. (HoustonTexans.com)
- 08/14/05 - Raiders vs 49ers] SilverandBlack.com player evaluations-
Jay Foreman: Not much of a factor at linebacker and missed his block in a punting situation that caused Shane Lechler to be on the run.
Fabian Washington, Stuart Schweigert and Stanford Routt: Schweigert has a good handle on the free safety job but not even the speed of Routt and Washington could prevent big plays.
- [Oakland Raiders] First-round selection Fabian Washington entered the game with the rest of the second-team defense at the start of the second half, as the right cornerback, and defended at least one pass while missing a tackle. (SacBee.com)
08/13/05
- [Falcons vs Ravens] Atlanta OLB Reese is competing with second-year strong-side linebacker Demorrio Williams for the starting job. Williams started the preseason opener against the Indianapolis Colts and had been working primarily with the first unit in practice until this past week. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
- [New Orleans Saints] The rookies found out quickly that the transition from the college game isn't as seamless as they would have hoped.
"It was a fast-paced game," said safety Josh Bullocks, a second-round pick. "You've got to be patient."
There were several gaffes by the Saints rookies. Defensive end Jimmy Verdon was called for a defensive holding penalty in the red zone in the third quarter. Bullocks missed a tackle that led to a touchdown.
"Safeties can't miss tackles," Haslett said. "He's a young kid, he needs to keep working on that."
After trailing 24-3 at the half, the Saints limited the Seahawks' reserves to a field goal in the third quarter. Verdon had three tackles and linebacker Alfred Fincher and Bullocks had two tackles each. (NOLA.com)
- [Buccaneers vs Titans] The Bucs’ defensive depth, particularly at linebacker and on the defensive line, may be as good as advertised. Linebackers Barrett Ruud and Marquis Cooper, first-day draft picks in 2005 and 2004 respectively, ranged all over the field and finished with six and three tackles respectively. Ruud also set up Bryant McNeal’s first-half sack with a fine blitz, and Cooper recorded a pass breakup with a quick move on an attempted slant. (Buccaneers.com)
- [Detroit Lions] Schlesinger out 6-8 weeks
08/12/05
- [Calgary vs BC Lions] Lions DB Barron Miles picked up a fumble and ran it to the one-yard line before being forced out of bounds. The Lions scored on the following play. Calgary K Sandro DeAngelis made his only field goal attempt, a 16-yarder. (Canadian Press)
- [Bears vs Rams] Pisa Tinoisamoa forced a fumble early in the second quarter on a carry by Chicago running back Thomas Jones. Cornerback DeJuan Groce, who was starting in place of the injured Jerametrius Butler, recovered for the Rams. "We just did a good job of pursuing to the ball," Groce said. "Big things happen when you get to the ball." (Post-Dispatch)
- [San Diego Chargers] With Jerry Azumah (hip surgery) out, cornerback Jerrell Pippens started in the Bears' nickel defense package.
Pippens, a converted college safety, had saved the Bears' 27-24 win over Miami in the preseason opener with an interception in the end zone with 44 seconds left. However, Smith wasn't exactly complimentary of Pippens after the game.
"I get frustrated at times," Pippens said. "But I just have to keep pushing because Lovie and those guys are really pushing me to get better." (DailySouthtown.com)
- Mike Brown picked off a pass and ran it back for a big gain, but saw the play erased on a penalty by Charles Tillman. (BearsReport)
- [Vikings vs Chiefs] Minnesota was able to thwart a late Chiefs scoring threat with under a minute remaining the first half when Vikings CB Ralph Brown picked off a pass intended for TE Kris Wilson. (KCChiefs.com)
- [Detroit Lions] Lions FB Cory Schlesinger (shin) was injured during the team's preseason game against the New York Jets on Friday. Team officials were awaiting results of tests performed at the stadium, but it was feared that Schlesinger's shin was broken. (Detroit News,KFFL)
- ...an Update on Schlesinger: Cory is expected to miss six-eight weeks with a broken bone in his leg. "That's a tough one on us, but he'll be back early in the season," head coach Steve Mariucci said. (AP,KFFL)
- [Dallas Cowboys] Cowboys LB Scott Shanle is one of the team's best coverage linebackers, according to head coach Bill Parcells. (Dallas Morning News,KFFL)
- [] The Cardinals will open their exhibition schedule Saturday against Dallas with Aaron Golliday, who spent last year on Kansas City's practice squad after playing in NFL Europe, as the starter. Golliday and rookie Adam Bergen may share playing time with the first offensive unit.
"When we use two tight ends, which we do sometime, they'll both be in the game," Dennis Green said. "Bergen, he's done well. You're always going to find some guys that were not drafted that come on and look pretty good, particularly in that tight end position. So we're pleased with them. (AP)
- [Oakland Raiders] Washington struggles to get on field
- [Philadelphia] Buckhalter knee becomes more of a concern
- [Tampa Bay Buccaneers] For those like second-round draft pick Barrett Ruud, a former middle linebacker at Nebraska, tonight will be his first game in a Bucs uniform. Aside from the historical significance, there is the ulterior motive of a couple days away from the routine of training camp.
"Once you're in camp you always look forward to that first game," Ruud said. "It's like in high school when you go to camp and get sick of practice. I think it's going to be fun and real enjoyable to go out there and play. It's always good to hit somebody else." (Bredenton Herald)
- [Houston Texans] Jay Foreman bides time on 2nd team
- [Dallas Cowboys] Shanle could see more time on the field
- [Green Bay Packers] Ahman Green and many of the Packers’ reserves had trouble hanging onto the ball against the Chargers Thursday night in Green Bay.
"We've been practicing in great weather all camp, and then the first game is a torrential downpour," Green said with a chuckle. "The odds were against us. But we're pros. They are still mistakes. I just adjusted and did what I needed to do. I made a mistake but I'm going to fix it by running the ball and keeping my head in the game."
"On Ahman Green's, I asked him about it immediately on the sidelines and he told me, 'Coach, I was squeezing that ball as hard as I could and it just squirted out of my arms,'" Mike Sherman said. "We had three today that were on the ground. I don't believe they had any. So we really need to look at ourselves." (PackersReport)
08/11/05
- [Jacksonville Jaguars] Benard Thomas makes no apologies for his lofty goals
- [Kansas City Chiefs] OL Will Shields (back) will not play in the team's first preseason game. (Kansas City Star,KFFL)
- [New York Giants] LB T.J. Hollowell (ankle) will not travel with the team to Cleveland for their Saturday preseason game against the Cleveland Browns. (Giants.com,KFFL)
- [Philadelphia Eagles] During Andy Reid's Thursday press conference, former Eagles WR Irving Fryar asked what Reid was telling his receivers to make them play better. Reid responded, "I'm telling them that if they don't get in gear, I'm bringing in Irving Fryar." (Philly.com)
- [Kansas City Chiefs] Waiting for Will (Shields)
- [MLB] Johnson has great respect for fellow Cornhusker Erstad
- [Oakland Raiders] Washington savoring shot at 49ers' Smith
- [Oakland Raiders] Washington just wants to compete
- [Philadelphia Eagles] Buckhalter's ailing knee hurts Reid
- [Philadelphia Eagles] News isn't good on Buckhalter
08/10/05
- [Tennessee Titans] Vanden Bosch turning heads in practice
- [St. Louis Rams] Parrella Looks, Plays the Part
- [Chicago Bears] Chicago CB Jerrell Pippens has taken over from CB Rashied Davis as the team's number one nickel back. Davis struggled Monday night, August 8, against the Miami Dolphins. (Chicago Tribune,KFFL)
- [Jacksonville Jaguars] Most of the Jaguar's rookies had their heads shaved by the team's veterans, getting their dose of hazing 11 days into training camp. However, undrafted defensive end Benard Thomas from Nebraska angrily refused to let anyone cut his dreadlocks. (AP)
- [Chicago Bears] The good news is Arena League veteran Rashied Davis led all players with eight tackles. The bad news is he had to make that many plays as a cornerback. Davis is head and shoulders above Jerrell Pippens in the battle for the No. 4 corner job, but that's not a person you want on the field a whole lot. Pippens preserved the victory by intercepting Brock Berlin in the end zone but was beaten the play before that for a 23-yard gain. He has good size at 6-2, 190 pounds, but probably isn't fast enough for the job. (Chicago Sun-Times)
08/09/05
- [Kansas City Chiefs] CB Eric Warfield has started 63 of the past 64 games for the Chiefs, producing four INTs each of the past four seasons. CB Dexter McCleon is currently working with the first unit defense at the cornerback position opposite Surtain in anticipation of Warfield missing the season’s first four regular season games. (KCChiefs.com)
- [Chicago Bears] Jerrell Pippens clinched Monday's victory with an interception, but the reserve cornerbacks struggled to replace Jerry Azumah. "It's good the way he finished," coach Lovie Smith said. "I'll say that. But in between, we have a long ways to go." (Chicago Tribune)
- [Chicago Bears] Pippens recovered just in time to save game
- [Seattle Seahawks] Brown is only kicker in town
08/08/05
- [St. Louis Rams] Incognito update (scroll)
- [Dolphins vs Bears] A pass interference penalty on Jerrell Pippens gave the Dolphins first and goal from the one. Two plays later, Sage Rosenfels hit Jason Rader for a score that put the Dolphins up 17 to 7. Bears reserve QB Kyle Orton, the former Purdue standout who wears #18 in honor of Brook Berringer, rallied the bears to a a 27-24 lead. In the game's waning moments, Dolphins rookie QB Brock Berlin marched his team to the 15 before Pippens secured the Bears victory by intercepting a pass in the end zone with 44 seconds to play. (AP, Chicago Tribune)
- [Buffalo Bills] Kelsay Among Elite in Draft Class
- [MLB] A's getting big production from rookie Johnson
- [MLB] Johnson undergoes major makeover
- [Seattle Seahawks] Seahawks kicker Brown confident of success
- [Chicago Bears] Opportunity knocks for young corners Davis, Pippens
- [MLB] From Mychael Urban's MLB.com mailbag:
Q. You wrote about Nick Swisher and Huston Street as Rookie of the Year frontrunners in your last mailbag. Where's the love for Dan Johnson? ---Dennis M., Benecia, Calif.
I have nothing but love for Johnson, but keep in mind that he yet hadn't turned into the second coming of Ted Williams when I wrote my last mailbag. If Johnson stays this hot, certainly he's going to be a factor in the ROY race. But I still say that Swisher and Street will reach the magic numbers -- for Swisher, 25 homers; for Street, 25 saves -- that will get the most attention from voters.
- [Seattle Seahawks] Grant Wistrom's son, Wyatt, who was born this summer, met him at the gate after morning practice, and while it's too much to say that Wistrom is feeling reborn himself this season, he is feeling better after a year in which he missed seven games because of injuries. "This is the best I've felt in two or three years, honestly," Wistrom said on Saturday. (Seattle Post-Intelligencer)
- Asked if Josh Brown was a typically odd kicker, coach Mike Holmgren said: "He's right in there with the great quirks I've ever seen." (Seattle Times)
- [Seattle Seahawks] Josh Brown always knew a strong leg was his ticket to NFL
08/07/05
- [MLB] Stern's learning on run
- [CFL] Calgary Stampeders K Sandro DeAngelis had another impressive game, hitting on field goals of 45, 44 but missing at the end for a 27-yarder. DeAngelis is now 15-for-17 on the season for a 88.2% average. (Calgary Sun)
- [Tennessee Titans] Veteran free agent addition DE Kyle Vanden Bosch truly has a motor that never – ever -- stops in practice. Even when he’s standing waiting for his next turn in drills, he can get fidgety looking for more action. (goTitans.com)
- [Chicago Bears] Bears’ Brown eager to get back on field after Achilles tear
- [Chicago Bears] Nate Vasher will start in Azumah's place Monday against the Dolphins, and backups Rashied Davis and Jerrell Pippens are expected to play about a half for an early indicator on who has the lead on the No. 4 corner job. (Chicago Sun-Times)
08/06/05
- Seattle Seahawks] Josh Brown made a 40 and 45-yard field and his 55-yard attempt was just wide right, but had the leg to be good from 60. (SeattlePI.com)
08/06/05
- [Buffalo Bills] Rams sign DT Parrella
- [Carolina Panthers] Minter's durability streak appears safe for now
- [Cincinnati Bengals] Punter Kyle Larson has enjoyed a good camp so far, showing a consistency that he hopes will carry over into the regular season. As a rookie in 2004, Larson averaged 42.2 yards on 83 punts, the best average by a Cincinnati punter since Lee Johnson's 44.7 in 1998.
"Towards the end of the season I felt this way," said Larson. "Getting back in camp this year it takes some time to get yourself acclimated to the team concept again. This year it has worked out great just because I'm able to get all of the team reps. That has been a huge advantage this year." (Cincinnati Post)
- [Arizona Cardinals] Tyrone Byrd's ride to NFL overturned on Interstate 40
- [MLB] Johnson's two-run homer is his third in three games
- [Oakland Raiders] Cornerback Fabian Washington, the Raiders' first-round draft pick, made a nice interception during Friday's morning practice. He won a jump ball in the end zone against receiver John Stone on a pass from rookie quarterback Andrew Walter. Center/long-snapper Adam Treu (calf) is improving and might return to practice next week, Turner said. (Mercury News)
08/05/05
- [Cincinnati Bengals] Kyle Larson punted 10 times with a 42.4-yard average and had three punts inside the 20-yard line. (Cincinnati Enquirer)
- [Seattle Seahawks] Wistrom looking for better second season in Seattle
- [Dallas Cowboys] Bill Parcells said he is impressed with linebacker Scott Shanle, who started the final three games of 2004 at strong-side linebacker in place of Al Singleton (abdominal/groin) and currently is playing behind Dat Nguyen at the Jack linebacker spot weak side) inside. Parcells said Shanle is better in pass coverage than Bradie James, who is working with the first team at the Mike linebacker spot. (DallasCowboys.com)
- [NBA] A Few Minutes With Tyronn Lue
- [Kansas City Chiefs] CB Warfield languishes among Chiefs' reserves
- [MLB] Erstad feels pain in hip
- [New England Patriots] Veteran Russ Hochstein, who has been a spot starter over the past two seasons, is the favorite to take over at left guard, though the team would like first-round draft choice Logan Mankins (Fresno State) to settle into a starting job sooner rather than later. (Sports Network)
- [Carolina Panthers] Minter's Knee Injury Limited to Sprain
- [Chicago Bears] Pippens intrigues Bears
- [CFL] It's all on the wrist (DeAngelis)
- [CFL] Canadians abound in playoffs (Karina LeBlanc)
- [MLB] Rookie has homecoming blast (Dan Johnson
- [Jacksonvilel Jaguars] Video: Crunk Juice is Hungry
- [Tampa Bay Buccaneers] The Bucs announced that they have signed FB Steve Kriewald. Terms were not disclosed. The move is a bad sign for seventh-round draft pick Rick Razzano, who has missed several days with a hamstring injury.
"You can't come in as a seventh-round draft choice, or any kind of draft choice, never practice and expect to make this football team," Gruden said. "It's too bad, but he's got to get himself back out here in a hurry." Returning veteran Jameel Cook is atop the depth chart at fullback, and Earnest Graham has impressed coaches taking reps at fullback and halfback. (SPTimes.com)
08/04/05
- [UIF] Retzlaff named UIF Special Teams Player-of-the-Year: Ted Retzlaff, a 5'11", 200-pound graduate of the Nebraska, led the UIF in field goals, hitting on 25 of 49 attempts for 51 percent. He also ranked third in the league in extra points, connecting on 60 of 71 attempts for 84.5 percent. Retzlaff completed his first season with the Beef in 2005. (OurSportsCentral.com)
- [Carolina Panthers] Panthers' Free Safety Minter Injures Knee
- [Green Bay Packers] Running back Green wants to cash in
- [Philadelphia Eagles] Buckhalter shows he can take a hit
08/03/05
- [Kansas City Chiefs] Pro Bowl guard Will Shields returned to camp Tuesday after seeking a third medical opinion regarding his sore back. And while there is no firm timetable on when Shields will suit up for his first camp workout, Shields said media speculation that he would not play this year is unfounded.
"I don't think so," Shields answered when asked if the back problem makes him reconsider his decision to play this year. "I'm going to come back this year and do the best I can do." (TheKansan.com)
- [Kansas City Chiefs] Shields says he will play
- [Chicago Bears] Jerrell Pippens, who was moved from safety to cornerback last week, is getting an opportunity on the second team defense. He came up with an interception of QB Chad Hutchinson on Tuesday.
08/02/05
- [Kansas City Chiefs] Chiefs guard Will Shields says he feels better
- [Tennessee Titans] Rookie running back Damien Nash, who later left practice with cramps, managed to get into a minor scrape with defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch at the end of a rushing play. (NashvilleCityPaper.com)
- [Jacksonville Jaguars] Benard Thomas and George Wrighster locked up, and Thomas won the battle, but couldn’t wrap up Alvin Pearman on the play. Thomas came back for the next run vs. Ephraim Salaam. Salaam basically fell down, looking painfully done. (Jagzone.com)
- [Kansas City Chiefs] Q&A with Will Shields
08/01/05
- [Chicago Bears] Monday night's practice ended on an ominous note as second-round pick Mark Bradley remained flat on his back in the end zone for a few minutes, clutching his leg in pain after getting tangled up with a group of players on a Hail Mary pass. Bradley eventually walked off the field under his own power.
"Everybody's legs and arms and elbows started flying," said safety Jerrell Pippens, who was also shaken up on the play. "I took one to the stomach and I saw Bradley on the ground screaming.
"Everybody felt good when he got up and walked away. Hopefully it's not serious because we're going to need him this fall. He's getting better every single day." (ChicagoBears.com
- [New York Giants] The Giants think very highly of T.J. Hollowell, and have him backing up Green. (GiantInsider.net)
- [Carolina Panthers] Minter embracing change of position
- [Carolina Panthers] Lornell McPherson, an undrafted rookie free agent, apparently had enough of professional football after the Panthers' first practice Saturday morning. Shortly thereafter, McPherson surprised team officials by packing up his belongings and leaving. (JournalNow.com)
- [Jacksonville Jaguars] Oklahoma’ in debut (Benard Thomas)
- [Oakland Raiders] Center Treu, starter or not, has become mainstay
- [Philadelphia Eagles] Buckhalter looking good while recovery continues