Sunday, February 8, 2009

FSH: MORE FOOTBALL DIARY

February 8th, 2008 9:30am PST




More Football Diary


This Week in football...

Cassel signs tender...
The Patriots quarterback has signed a franchise tender which will guarantee him over $14 million next season. With the signing there are all signs that Cassel will return to New England for the 2009 season, unless another team makes a worthwhile offer that he and the Pats can't refuse. Two things to consider before any deal would be entertained, one the trade itself (of course) and two, the health of Brady.

Cards let go of Pendergast...
Following an impressive run by the defense in the post season, the Cardinals have decided to go in another direction by firing Defensive Coordinator Clancy Pendergast. This move comes as a bit of a surprise, considering how well the defense defended the run throughout the playoffs, shutting down; Michael Turner (Falcons), DeAngelo Williams (Panthers), Brian Westbrook (Eagles), and Willie Parker (Steelers). It's hard to figure why this move came when it did, other than to suspect it was coming all along. It is also fair to note that Pendergast was hired by previous Cardinal's head coach Dennis Green and not Whisenhunt. With the coaching position now vacant, there have yet to be any whispers of possible names that could fill it, but I wouldn't imagine that will last long.

Haley now a Chief...
The Chiefs made an offer and former Arizona Offensive Coordinator Todd Haley accepted. It wasn't much of a surprise as there were hints before the Super Bowl that KC was interested in Haley. Now that Haley has signed a four-year deal, it's not hard to see that new GM Scott Pioli is wasting little time to rebuild the once proud franchise in Kansas City. Haley brings with him some impressive credentials that include the huge turnaround in Arizona that included a franchise record 427 points scored in 2008 and an appearance in this past Super Bowl. He'll face an uphill battle in KC with some disgruntled veteran players, but will have plenty cap space to tackle the huge task.

Raiders hire Cable...
Was there really any surprise to hear Cable named the Raider's new head coach? It seemed like the longer owner AL Davis took to consider candidates and "other" options, the more it felt like there just weren't any takers. Let's face it, this gig can't be one of the easiest to hold in the league and over the past couple of seasons, this franchise has appeared more dysfunctional than anything else. While the team announced their choice, I can not help but think they had little choice and took what they could. Considering all things, I'm sure Cable is probably the best option for the Raiders right now.

Broncos could make changes...
According to the Denver Post, the Broncos could be looking to make some big changes to the defense. With a new head coach in town, the team is expected to revert back to a 3-4 alignment that could move defensive linemen Elvis Dummerville to outside linebacker. The changes won't likely end there. Linebacker DJ Williams could be moving his position back inside as well, but it is likely that the team won't make that call until after the NFL draft. Williams has played both inside and outside linebacker, so this will give defensive coordinator Mike Nolan and his staff some flexibility with selection in the draft and movement of DJ. The team using a 3-4 defense will obviously be looking for more size on the line and more speed and athletic ability on the edges. It would not surprise to see the team audition defensive lineman Jarvis Moss at the outside linebacker position as well.

What's Spinning round the "Rumor Mill"....

The 2009 offseason as expected has been anything but boring thus far and on the eve of the Pro Bowl, there are rumors abound.

What's the latest:
Marshall's growing up!...
The Bronco's 2nd year wide receiver Brandon Marshall is apparently growing up fast. While enjoying his stay in the Hawaii, Marshall has decided to take a big step towards growing up, by getting hitched. Maybe this is a smart move, who knows, but it's nice to see the kid thinking about the big picture and keeping all things in perspective. Perhaps his days of off-the-field distractions will finally be put behind him. Time will tell.

Lewis in the Big Apple?...
That seems to be the latest word on the net. Ray Lewis called the Jets "an attractive option." It certainly makes sense with Rex Ryan the new sheriff in town. Ryan was a Defensive Assistant with Baltimore from 1999-2004 before being promoted to the Defensive Coordinator in 2005. Lewis has been with him the entire time, being drafted by the team in 1996. There's no question Lewis has been the heart and soul of the Ravens defense. It would be hard to imagine Ryan not entertaining the thought of having Lewis lead his defense again.

Martz to Arizona?...
Could this be true? There are some rumblings from the Santa Rosa Press Democrat that the team (Cardinals) may have inquired with the Niners about Mike Martz. The former Niner's offensive coordinator was fired just two days after the end of the regular season. There have been no further reports confirming or suggesting any validity to this rumor, but it's not too hard to imagine Martz and Warner reuniting in the desert. Warner's prolific rise to stardom started with his days in St.Louis when he ran the Mike Martz offense.

Smith to sign with Niners?...
Amazingly is appears that quarterback Alex Smith may sign a new deal with the Niners. I say amazing, because this kid has been in the league for four seasons, started 30 games and in that time has not proven or shown that he is "the guy." Last season quarterback Shaun Hill seemed to have played well for the team down the stretch, so it's surprising to see that the team is not showing confidence in him as their starter. Hill may not be a great option right now, but Smith does not seem to be the right answer either. According to the Sacramento Bee Smith is expected to ink a new contract. I would be surprised, not shocked, but surprised.

Owens out in Big D?...
Now this is a surprising rumor that has been floating around. For quite a few weeks, several sources have been playing the angle that the Cowboys could be looking to release Terrell Owens. While nothing concrete has managed to surface just yet, there are many opinions flying around weighing in on the subject. I happen to share the same opinion of NFL Network's Jaime Dukes. I can't imagine the team or owner Jerry Jones releasing T.O., taking a cap hit, and not having a suitable replacement. Owens is still a great talent and big playmaker. It just makes more sense for him to stay put.


By David G. Ortega


2 comments:

Anonymous said...

LOVE the rumor mill you are doing here!

specially TO HA! with any luck he's GONE!

The Prodigy said...

So I take it we don't care for the former Eagle much do we? LoL

Yeah, he was too much talent for his own good in Philly....but Jerry Jones' ego may be too big to release him too.

;o)

Thanks for the comments btw.