Browsing: New York Giants

Arthur Blank on Julio Jones’ absence: A process we have to go through

by admin on May 29, 2018

According to a report last week, Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones was expected to skip at least the start of the team’s OTAs as he looks for a contract adjustment that would bump up his take-home pay in 2018.

Jones has indeed been a no-show on the first two days of voluntary practice this week and that led to a question for team owner Arthur Blank at Tuesday’s league meetings in Atlanta.

“It will be fine. It’s just a process we have to go through,” Blank said, via Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com.

These teams either punched above their weight last year or did not make significant moves this offseason to change the path they were on in 2017.

Despite that, people still trust the brand of football these teams play entering 2018. We’ll take a look at these squads closely and pick apart why their perception doesn’t match the on-field reality.

Said Rovell on Twitter: “The NFLPA told at least one rookie that if he turned down today’s Rookie Premiere, where they take photos in their new team gear, they would not be let into their practice facility to work out.”

Said NFLPA spokesman George Atallah in response, also on Twitter: “NFLPA’s Rookie Premiere is more than a photo in the new team gear. You either don’t know that (which is hard to believe since you’re so smart) or you’re just being obtuse. 2. The CBA has dictated this rule since our union has had Rookie Premiere.”

Teams are required to allow the players to attend the Rookie Premiere if they want, and it makes sense that the players can’t choose both to not attend and to stay behind and work out at the team facility. Such a “voluntary” act would be every bit as “voluntary” as the “voluntary” offseason workouts.
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Broncos not ready to give up on Paxton Lynch

by admin on May 19, 2018

Many expected the Broncos to use their first-round pick on a quarterback, with Denver even contemplating a move to No. 2 overall. But the Broncos didn’t draft a quarterback in any round during the three days.

(In a statement to The MMQB, a team spokesperson for the Dolphins said:Ms. Ware brought some things to our attention when she was a cheerleader and they were addressed at that time. Some of her recent statements are new information to us and in some cases we believe they are misunderstandings. For example, SI Swimsuit and Victoria’s Secret was referenced in terms of the artistic vision of our cheer brand. We wanted to take it to another level of photography and quality, but this wasn’t a factor in our cheerleader selection process. ) Says Davis:Some of the best dancers I know don’t want to be NFL cheerleaders because it is degrading and it’s not an actual dance job.

The emphasis needs to be on what it is in college and high school, where dance team is a sport. Part of changing that emphasis is changing the outfits. Bedazzled push-bras and spandex booty shorts doesn’t portray the image of a serious athlete. At the risk of sounding like a cranky old lady: These women need to wear more clothes.

Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reports that O’Korn will try out for the Lions during their three-day rookie minicamp. O’Korn tweeted on Sunday night that he is “grateful for the opportunity.”

O’Korn transferred to Michigan after two years at Houston and took over as the starter after Wilton Speight was injured in each of the last two seasons. He completed 104-of-191 passes for 1,146 yards, four touchdowns and six interceptions while playing in 17 games. Jake Rudock and Matt Cassel are on the Detroit roster as backups to Matthew Stafford.

Zach Mettenberger, QB, LSU Hit. Miss. Hit. That’s how this draft went. Taylor Lewan is one of the league’s more nimble pass-blockers and also happens to play with a mean streak. Bishop Sankey became nothing of a pass-blocker, which is why coaches stopped caring about his agile running. DaQuan Jones is the type of player who looks better on film than on TV—a compliment in the football world. Marqueston Huff is someone you have to Google and then still might not remember.colts_015

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Matt Patricia reiterates his innocence during press conference

by admin on May 12, 2018

Lions coach Matt Patricia met with reporters on Thursday, as part of a previously-scheduled press conference. He opened by making a statement regarding the story that surfaced on Wednesday evening of an indictment from 1996 on a charge of aggravated sexual assault. After his statement ended, he took roughly 13 questions.

“I lived with the mental torture of a situation where facts can be completely ignored or misrepresented with disregard to the consequence and pain that it would create for another person. I find it unfair and upsetting that someone would bring up this claim over two decades later for the sole purpose of hurting my family, my friends, and this organization, with the intention of trying to damage my character and credibility. I was innocent then, and am innocent now.

“Let me be clear, my priorities remain the same. To move forward and strive to be the best teacher, coach, and man that I can possibly be.”

Patricia first was asked whether he thought the issue would never come up, especially in the wake of the #MeToo movement. He explained that he began interviewing for jobs not long after the incident was resolved, and that “it never was an issue.”

Next came the question of what happened on the night in question, which resulted in Patricia and a college football teammate/fraternity brother being accused of entering a woman’s hotel room and sexually assaulting her while on spring break.

“Again, I think what’s important here is what happened 22 years ago is what didn’t happen,” Patricia said. “As I said, I was innocent then, I am innocent now. I was falsely accused of something I did not do.”

A picture recently making the rounds on social media shows Jason Witten, Tony Romo, Dez Bryant and DeMarco Murray sitting in the locker room after a victory over the Colts on December 21, 2014. The players are all smiles, having clinched the NFC East.

It seems like only yesterday that Witten, Romo, Bryant and Murray were teammates on the Cowboys.

Romo and Witten’s departures in particular have left a hole in Jones’ heart and a leadership void on the team.
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Oblique injury lands Brewers’ Christian Yelich on DL

by admin on April 25, 2018

Christian Yelich took some swings in the batting cage, but his right oblique was still sore.

So the Milwaukee Brewers placed him on the 10-day disabled list on Sunday, four days after one of their prized offseason acquisitions got hurt during a 6-0 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals. Yelich went on the DL retroactive to Thursday.

The fact I don’t remember doing it on a specific swing is probably good news, Yelich said before the Brewers played the Chicago Cubs. Discomfort kind of grew, and as a precaution, to make sure it wasn’t worse, we kind of toned it back a little bit. It’s really frustrating, you know? That’s the biggest thing.

The Brewers are well prepared to withstand a short-term injury to one of their core players. Stocked with outfield depth, Milwaukee can give more playing time to slugger Domingo Santana.

Jesus Aguilar could also get more time at first base, with starter Eric Thames able to play the outfield.

We’re going to miss [Yelich’s] left-handed bat, I think that’s the big thing, Counsell said. But we’re equipped that way roster-wise obviously [to] have another really capable player get some playing time.

It has been a tough week with injuries for the Brewers, who placed All-Star closer Corey Knebel on the disabled list on Friday with a strained right hamstring.

They’ve added three new right-handed relievers over the weekend, with Adrian Houser called up from Double-A Biloxi to replace Knebel.

On Saturday, J.J. Hoover’s contract was selected from Triple-A and starter Brandon Woodruff was optioned to Colorado Springs.

Williams pitched in one game at Colorado Springs, getting a save on Thursday at Omaha.

Smith was arraigned Thursday on three charges of violating a protective order, which was issued when he was arraigned March 12 for his original domestic violence charges stemming from a March 3 incident with his fiancée. He turned himself in on those charges on March 23 but failed to show for a court appearance two weeks ago before making his appearance Thursday. He was ordered to wear an ankle monitor, which monitors alcohol use through sweat, and released.

Smith was booked for violating a condition of his electronic monitoring, Sheriff’s spokeswoman Nancy Crowley told the San Francisco Chronicle.

Smith’s fiancée, Shawna McKnight, said in a statement to TMZ Sports that, Unfortunately through these circumstances Aldon and I are no longer together.

Although it’s with a heavy heart, I truly wish him the best and pray he gets the help he needs. I will always have love for him, but at this point I’m simply the victim in this ongoing case, she said.
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Owen Daniels confirms Duane Brown’s account of Bob McNair’s comments about Barack Obama

by admin on April 23, 2018

When former Texans tackle Duane Brown said last year that owner Bob McNair expressed dismay and disappointment to the team after the election of Barack Obama in 2008, the Texans and McNair did not dispute the claim. Nearly six months later, McNair has taken issue with Brown’s remarks, essentially claiming that Brown is lying.

“I don’t go into meetings and express views like that,” McNair told the Wall Street Journal. “I never said that. He has no problem saying things that are not true.”

Here’s what Brown told PFT last October, after McNair’s “inmates running the prison” remarks came to light: “He came to talk to the team. He was visibly upset about [the election of Barack Obama]. He said, ‘I know a lot of y’all are happy right now, but it’s not the outcome that some of us were looking for.’ That was very shocking to me.”

McNair now dismisses Brown’s version of the events by claiming that “all Duane was trying to do was be a troublemaker.” Based on some of the comments McNair has made in recent weeks, however, he’s apparently making enough trouble for himself.

Per a source with knowledge of the situation, Ozzie Newsome and John Harbaugh will be questioned at the team’s facility on Thursday, as part of Colin Kaepernick‘s collusion grievance. Kaepernick has the right to be present for the event, if he so chooses. (He attended the deposition of Texans owner Bob McNair in Houston.)

It’s possibly not a coincidence that the Ravens disclosed that they’ve worked out Griffin that they’ll sign him next week one day before these depositions. With the Ravens offering Griffin a contract last year (but not offering one to Kaepernick), Newsome and Harbaugh already were going to be grilled about their preference of Griffin to Kaepernick. texans_130

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Kevin Byard wears “Just a Fan” shirt in shot at Deion Sanders

by admin on April 21, 2018

Beckham remains a great player. The Giants have to ask whether they want to make a long-term financial commitment to him soon, or risk having him stay away from OTAs, training camp, the preseason, and possibly regular-season games. If they’re not willing to make a financial commitment, they should trade him to a team that will, and get what they can for him. Otherwise, the distractions will continue — whether originating with Beckham or with those who have tried to boost their own relevance by forcing their way into his story.

“It’s disappointing, some of the things that happened,” he told ESPN, “but nevertheless, it’s a huge step for me. I put pads back on. A lot of people wrote me off just to even get to this point. I’m definitely emotional about it. I’m definitely happy about it. This isn’t the end goal for me, but I’m having fun again. I have a smile on my face.”

Manziel says he’s hoping an NFL team will sign him, but if not he’d likely play in the Canadian Football League.

“The message that I’m sending is showing up every day and going to meetings,” he said. “Being engaged in everything that is going on during practice and in the game. I can’t control what is going on [with NFL teams’ interests] and I don’t know what’s going on in NFL meetings. If that’s the case, if the NFL is something that pops up, cool. If not, I’m going to work until I get back there. We’ll see how things play out.”

The 25-year-old Manziel last played in 2015, when he started six games for the Browns.

Smith, who has been arrested for violating the terms of a protective order arising from a domestic violence arrest and who had a bench warrant issued for his arrest after failing to appear at hearing in court, was jailed this time around with bail of $500,000. Public records indicate that he currently remains incarcerated, in advance of an April 11 court hearing.

The list of pending charges against Smith now includes three separate counts of contempt of court.

Smith last played in the NFL in 2015, before the league implemented a permanent banishment with the ability to apply for reinstatement after a year. It’s a dramatic fall for a player who had 42 sacks in his first 43 regular-season games.
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Calais Campbell: We’re starting back at zero

by admin on April 19, 2018

After the Jaguars lost to the Patriots in the AFC title game in January, veteran defensive lineman Calais Campbell said that he wanted his teammates to “use this as fuel” as they got ready for the 2018 season.

The loss is the only thing from last season he wants to be part of the team’s mindset this year. The Jaguars made a big jump from the bottom of the barrel to a division title last year, but Campbell wants the team to realize that those gains don’t carry over into the next season.

The Alliance’s salary structure provides players a way to keep their careers alive while they also pursue far greater NFL greenbacks. Polian said Alliance contracts would pay $50,000 for the season and as much as an additional $35,000 that could be earned based upon “wins and statistical achievements.”

Another potentially appealing element of the Alliance: post-secondary scholarship stipends and education programs for those who stay in the Alliance long enough to qualify.

The Cowboys signed Brendel as an undrafted free agent out of UCLA in 2016 but waived him out of the preseason. He signed to their practice squad September 22, 2016, but the Cowboys cut him a week later.

He signed with the Dolphins’ practice squad two weeks later.

Bottom line is that this is a virtually new Marlins lineup, and how they fare against deGrom remains to be seen.

Miami will counter with rookie left-hander Caleb Smith, who came over in a trade with the New York Yankees this past winter. Smith, 26, broke into the majors last year with the Yankees, posting a 7.71 ERA in 18 2/3 innings.

This year, he is 0-1 with a 4.32 ERA in two starts, and his big issue has been bases on balls. He has allowed six hits and nine walks in 8 1/3 innings, striking out 12.

Since Smith is a left-hander, the Mets could use right-handed-hitting Wilmer Flores in place of Adrian Gonzalez at first base. Flores hit 18 homers in 336 at-bats last year but has yet to get untracked in 2018.texans_084

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Steve Kerr says Warriors’ effort better despite dropping second straight

by admin on April 17, 2018

After saying his team put forth a “pathetic effort” in a blowout loss Thursday to the Indiana Pacers, Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr said his squad’s effort was better after Saturday night’s 126-120 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans at Oracle Arena.

“We’re going to be all right,” Kerr said, as his team now has a 6-9 record since March 9. “Tonight, we [were] playing a team that desperately needs to win. You can tell the teams around the league that have to win, they’re getting after it. They’re playing for their season. And our season begins next week, and we know that. So I’m not disappointed with the effort. I always want to win. We always want to win. But I liked the fight, especially in the second half, and I think we can take something out of this game.”

Speaking of the Warriors’ sub.-500 record in recent weeks, Kerr said, “I’m not too worried about the record at this point, especially with all the injuries. These last couple weeks has been disjointed, lineup-wise, and from one night to the next, it has been different. I don’t worry about that. We know the position we’re in. We’re in a good spot. We’ve just got to get a little better and start that fight from the beginning of the game and stay connected, and we’re in good shape.”

Torgersen played for the University of Pennsylvania in college and signed with the Falcons as an undrafted free agent last year. He was waived in September and spent time on the practice squad in Washington before closing out the year with the Lions. He was 8-of-20 for 95 yards and two interceptions in the preseason with Atlanta.

Torgersen will likely have to be pretty impressive over the next few months to have a chance of sticking on the active roster and any hope of that will take a hit if the Cardinals draft another quarterback later this month.

Spurs coach Gregg Popovich agreed.

“It was a pretty exciting time,” Popovich said. “Manu’s done that over the years. It was great.”

Ginobili’s teammates often joke the veteran is bringing the “grandpa juice” when he produces such game-defining moments. The typically self-deprecating 40-year-old, meanwhile, credited an afternoon nap and nine hours of sleep the previous night for the strong performance.cardinals_014

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NFL free agency: Worst of Cowboys’ salary cap hell still to come

by admin on April 12, 2018

There is one huge problem with kicking the can down the road when it comes to the NFL salary cap. Eventually, it stops rolling — and so do a team’s chances of upgrading its roster via free agency with splashy signings.

The 2018 Dallas Cowboys are experiencing this first-hand.

Had the Cowboys sealed that deal, the cap space needed to sign Watkins would have come from more contract restructures and player releases. Potential targets included wide receiver Dez Bryant, who likely would have been asked to trim his $12.5 million base salary or even jettisoned if an agreement could not be reached.

And on an aside: I don’t think the rookie class beyond Ohtani will remain uninspiring all year, especially not after some of the bigger names like Ronald Acuna and Nick Senzel are promoted. Good things are on the way!

AJ Mass: Colin Moran came over to the Pittsburgh Pirates from Houston in January’s Gerrit Cole trade. He probably wouldn’t still have rookie status, were it not for the freak injury he suffered last July, fouling a ball off his own face. He’s firmly entrenched at third base with his new team and, after going 0-for-6 on Opening Day, is now batting .345 on the season, with hits in his last six starts and a total of 8 RBI. Moran is rostered in just 11.6 of ESPN leagues, but has as many fantasy points as Manny Machado and Jose Altuve.

Even that may be an understatement.

Unlike the 43-year-old Wuerffel, the 29-year-old Harvey is still young enough to realistically attempt a successful NFL comeback. The 2009 first-round pick retired last March after injuries derailed an eight-year career highlighted by his impactful contributions on offense and special teams during Seattle’s blowout win over Denver in Super Bowl 48.

Wuerffel was nothing to sneeze at in his day, either. The 1996 Heisman Trophy winner lasted in the NFL for six years as a journeyman quarterback.

Wuerffel is now trying to adjust to a different form of football that continues to grow in popularity, especially among youth hoping to mitigate the increased concussion risk that comes with playing padded tackled football.
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Mel Kiper Jr.’s comments about Josh Allen highlight terrible double standard against Lamar Jackson

by admin on April 10, 2018

On Wednesday, Mel Kiper Jr., with a straight face, lauded Wyoming product Josh Allen for improving his throwing mechanics and accuracy during the pre-draft process. While doing so, he legitimately said of completion percentage and accuracy issues, That’s history now.

It’s worth pointing out that he also recently said that pro days don’t matter. But back to his comment about Allen, it’s pretty easy to be accurate when there’s no pressure in your face.

Watson then signed with the Baltimore Ravens in 2016. He missed his entire first season in the Charmed City due to a torn Achilles. In 2017, Watson corralled 61 receptions for 522 yards and four TDs.

Entering his 15th NFL season, Watson rejoins Brees on a New Orleans team poised to make another playoff run. The Saints attempted to bring back Jimmy Graham in free agency. After striking out, they settled for the trusty Watson instead. The Saints add Watson to a tight end corps currently comprised of Coby Fleener, Josh Hill, Michael Hoomanawanui, Garrett Griffin and Alex Ellis.

While the Giants have said over and over that their intention is to sign Beckham to an extension, it appears they have reservations about not only paying a wide receiver low-end quarterback money, but also to a player who they seemingly don’t trust to be a franchise-level man. Now that we’ve established the Giants’ apparent reasoning for reportedly listening to offers for Beckham – including one from the Los Angeles Rams which included their first-round pick – let’s pick it apart. Firstly, there is literally no argument for trading Beckham from an on-field standpoint, so we’ll be brief.

The Giants’ offense – and quarterback Eli Manning especially – are simply better when Beckham is on the field. Manning has a passer rating close to that of Joe Montana’s career average when playing with Beckham, but transforms into essentially Chad Henne without him. broncos_011-500x500

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