From one of Peter King’s recent columns:
Worst NFL Records Since 2003
1 Oakland 13-35
1 San Francisco 13-35
3 Houston 14-34
4 Arizona 15-33
4 Cleveland 15-33
Ouch. What really sucks is that in 2002 there was a sense that the Browns, though far from perfect, were back to being a competitive team.
If Jamal Lewis is not resigned by the Ravens (and really, why would they overpay for him as Lewis seems to expect), you think Phil Savage will make some noise about potentially signing him? The Former Raven Factor is the trickiest thing about having Savage as GM. All I can say is I hope Lewis does not play for the Browns at any price. But I wouldn’t mind it if Savage convinced the Ravens FO he might take a run at him. In any event, it looks like another bad year to be a free agent running back.
And you know, the other Lewis, Ray, is making some noise too. If he gets released (which seems unlikely to me) you’d have to think Savage would be interested in him as a player. I don’t know though. He hasn’t been a big impact player for a couple years. And I can not stand the guy. But it’s not like Ray Lewis back in a 3-4 is going to suck.
The Houston Texans have are stayiing the course by
keeping Carr -- but is it to victory or disaster? What’s the better 1-2 punch -- David Carr and Reggie Bush? Or Vince Young and Domanick Davis? I’m probably wrong, but I view Reggie Bush as a high-risk prospect. I see Eric Metcalf much more than I see LaDanian Tomlinson. And if I were the Texans I probably would dump Carr, pick Young, keep Davis, and sign a veteran QB. But not without first looking hard to trade down 4-5 spots. As it stands, Texans opponents are still going to stack the line unless Bush becomes a big threat when split out wide like, uh, Eric Metcalf.
Check out this
Football Outsider’s review of the AFC North. It’s a pretty accurate representation.
ESPN is trying to make
Koren Robinson’s trip to Hawaii a feel good story. While I do in fact feel good for the guy, the fact that he made the team as a kick returner means he’s not really a Pro-Bowl WR. And is the big story of the Pro Bowl, providing further proof where no further proof was required -- the Pro Bowl is beyond meaningless.
If free agency is pushed back due to snags in negotiating a new CBA, there is going to be a truly insane flurry of activity just prior to the draft. Not sure if this is good or bad as far as the Browns are concerned, but I do feel like Savage will at least be more prepared than the previous regime.
Everytime I read about how Randle El is likely to sign with a team other than Pittsburgh, I wonder who the Steelers will replace him with. As a starting WR he’s only adequate and is pretty replaceable. But not if you factor in how the Steelers use him on option plays. Plus he’s a pretty good punt returner. The Steelers will remain a very good team, but the offense might be more conventional without Randle El in 2006. Of course, I doubt the people in Pittsburgh are too troubled by this right now.
I hadn’t heard before that the Cardinals are opening a new stadium this fall. When did this happen?
Apparently Culpepper is now on the trade block. Forget about that guy. Besides the fact that he is hurt and probably won’t do much of anything in 2006, he’s just not that good. And it’s stupid to trade for and invest big money in a player who’s not that good. Maybe the Ravens will get him. Better yet, maybe the Ravens will give up some draft picks and pay him a lot of money.
It’s about time for a Ross Verba sighting, isn’t it? I can just feel it coming. Best guess on the context: Las Vegas, tax evasion, a criminal investigation? Or a possible return to the NFL? Hehe.