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Raiders make progress in talks with No.1 pick JaMarcus?
For the first time, there are subtle signs that the icy relationship between the Oakland Raiders and No. 1 overall pick JaMarcus Russell might be thawing. Ever so slightly. But maybe enough to help consummate a deal. Another face-to-face meeting between the two sides is expected to take place in the next 24-48 hours that could provide the necessary push for the No. 1 overall pick to be the last one to sign. Both sides still are talking, both know the talks are down to their final key points, and both know a deal is not as far off as it was throughout the summer. Both sides recognize the season is about to kick off, and it could be more difficult than ever to hammer a deal if one is not in place before this weekend's games commence. -- NFL Network
Vick's dogfighting was an open secret?
Michael Vick's deep engagement in dogfighting was widely rumored in certain circles long before the guilty plea last week that will send him to prison and may end his professional football career. But no one, apparently, shared those rumors with Vick's employer, the Atlanta Falcons, according to interviews with animal advocates and law enforcement officials in several states. The advocates say they feared telling the Falcons would only drive Vick's dogfighting activities deeper underground. Investigators, meanwhile, say they either lacked the evidence to expose Vick or considered him irrelevant to the cases they were pursuing. Even those who could link Vick to dogfighting didn't share that information with each other before news broke of the criminal case against the Falcons quarterback. Inadvertently, they helped Vick keep his open secret. -- Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Ex-Pats WR Caldwell meets with Jets
The Jets met Tuesday with former Patriots wide receiver Reche Caldwell, whom New England released last weekend. The Jets didn't stop with Caldwell. New York also signed to its practice squad Tuesday former New England guard/center Mike Elgin, whom the Patriots drafted in the seventh round in April and then released last weekend. Elgin reported to work immediately for the Jets, with an innate and up-to-date knowledge of the Patriots defense. And the Jets didn't stop with Elgin and Caldwell. Last week, they met with former Patriots defensive back Artrell Hawkins, whom New England released earlier this summer. Seemingly anyone that spends some time in Foxboro, Mass., has a decent chance of winding up in Hempstead, N.Y., even if it is for so much as an informal visit. -- NFL Network
Upshaw defends handling of disabled former players
Gene Upshaw, the National Football League Players Association's executive director who is under withering criticism for the union's treatment of injured and disabled former players, yesterday defended his handling of the issue, saying he is being unfairly treated. "It's like I've been branded," he said in his first extensive interview since last spring. "I can't remove the brand. It's like a tattoo. I've been tattooed. Whatever I do, that tattoo is there." -- Washington Post
Ravens favorites to land QB Leftwich?
Three days after the Jacksonville Jaguars released quarterback Byron Leftwich, the Ravens have emerged as the leaders to sign him. Leftwich would like to pick a new home as soon as possible. ... Baltimore is looking for a quarterback to one day succeed the 34-year-old Steve McNair, who is entering his 13th NFL season. Leftwich could be an ideal replacement, though Baltimore also has other ideas. Knowing backup quarterback Kyle Boller is entering the last year of his contract, the Ravens have been working to sign him to an extension. Baltimore has made him its offer, what it thinks is a fair offer, and it would like to prevent Boller from hitting the market.-- NFL Network
Pacman's attorney wants Georgia case continued
The attorney for Titans cornerback Pacman Jones has asked Georgia officials to have his client's felony obstruction case continued to a later date. The case was expected to be heard this month after it was continued from March, but attorney Manny Arora wants it postponed until later this fall or possibly early next year. -- Tennessean
Cowboys looking to replace Jones with Chargers RB Turner?
With the plan set for Julius Jones to share the load with Marion Barber again, Jones at least needs to maintain status quo. Maybe more. He's no different than any potential free agent who eyes the type of payday that could set him for life. But he's no fool. Share-the-load backs don't receive the type of money the single, feature back does. With two first-round draft picks next year, the Cowboys could always spend one on a running back... say, Darren McFadden from Arkansas. Or the Cowboys could pursue a back such as Chargers backup running back Michael Turner. -- Star-Telegram
Seahawks could add another Hasselbeck at QB?
The Seahawks are still in search of a third quarterback, a "flexible situation," as coach Mike Holmgren called it Monday. He has never started a season without three and indicated that a third quarterback would be added before too long. Among the possibilities to fill the position are Gibran Hamdan, who was the third quarterback in Seattle while Matt Hasselbeck was unable to play because of injury last season, and Hasselbeck's brother Tim, who was released by the New York Giants last week. "That would be a dream come true for me," Hasselbeck said when asked about the idea of his brother coming to Seattle. -- Seattle Times
Bears Urlacher not a fan of Chargers Merriman's dance?
Chargers LB Shawne Merriman's outrageous "Lights Out" bunny hop to celebrate a sack, a routine Merriman has vowed to tone down this season, indeed gets underneath Bears LB Brian Urlacher's skin. Not that Urlacher has something against the Chargers' sack king. Or maybe he does. "The thing is, if you're going to do it, do it all the time," Urlacher said. "Do it when you make a bad play too. You'll never see me doing any stupid [stuff] like that after a play. The only thing I'll do is get a little happy with my teammates." -- Chicago Tribune
Lions Martz will be a different head coach, if offered a chance
Lions offensive coordinator Mike Martz's downfall in St. Louis was an unwillingness to bend when necessary. It's a reputation that might have cost him this past off-season, when he received only one interview (Miami) for the seven head coaching openings. He has learned how to better use his time and stop sweating the insignificant stuff that once gnawed at him. He said he's better at identifying what's important when overseeing an entire team. "You're always putting out fires as a head coach," Martz said. "You're worried and stressed about so many things that you really don't need to worry about. It just saps you of energy and emotion, and you just need to move on. "It was really hard to learn. I was never in the public arena at all in my life. And then, all of a sudden, you're out there and things are said about you and you don't know why. And you concentrate too much on that." Martz won't say that he has been humbled. It's just part of the educational process. -- Free Press
Ravens McGahee says he's best back in NFL
Willis McGahee doesn't let the facts get in the way of a good boast. He believes, really believes, he is the best running back in the NFL, and is not the least bit bothered by the fact that the numbers don't support that claim. McGahee has never finished higher than 10th in the league in rushing and has yet to average more than 4 yards per carry. His 3,365 rushing yards over the last three seasons leave him about three-quarters of a mile behind the Chargers' LaDainian Tomlinson. "No doubt [I'm the best]," said the Baltimore Ravens running back. "There may be other guys who have done more [statistically] than me. But if you ask me, I'm always going to tell you I'm the best. I don't care if I rush for only 200 yards. I still feel I'm the best." -- Philadelphia Daily News
Dolphins not that interested in Ex-Pat Caldwell
The agent for Reche Caldwell -- the Patriots' leading receiver last season who was cut Monday -- called the Dolphins on Tuesday, but they were noncommittal. -- Miami Herald
Giants' Strahan takes $200,000 hit in the wallet
When Michael Strahan reported to the New York Giants, he was lighter everywhere, including in the wallet. One Giant said that when Strahan reported to the team Monday, he weighed in at under 250 pounds, slightly below his playing weight of 255 pounds. Where Strahan was even lighter –- though not as light as he could have been -– was in his bank account. The Giants reduced the $514,000 worth of fines that Strahan had racked up this summer to $200,000 instead. The Giants were more content with the lower number than Strahan was said to be. He was, in a word, miffed. Yet the Giants attempted to turn the negative into a positive, challenging Strahan to show them something and prove he is worth more money in the future. Strahan has one year remaining on his contract that contains a $500,000 roster bonus due March 1. -- NFL Network
Bills rookie Lynch committed to Buffalo?
Bills rookie rookie RB Marshawn Lynch has already shown a commitment to the region by moving his mother, Delisa, and his younger brother, Davonte, a freshman in high school, to a Buffalo suburb. "I am a full-time resident," he said. "I'm bringing my family here. I'm a family man." Lynch has the words "Mama's Boy" tattooed across his back in a tribute to his mother. He said she raised four children by herself in a tough section of Oakland. -- NY Times
Ravens Pryce considered retirement
Before defensive lineman Trevor Pryce considered signing a free-agent deal with the Ravens, another R-word popped into his head. Pryce, who spent his first nine seasons with the Denver Broncos before joining the Ravens before the start of last season, said he thought about retirement rather than endure the rigors of another training camp in a different city with a different coaching staff. "I was like, 'I don't know if I can go through this again,'" he said last week. Pryce ditched the idea and recorded a Pro Bowl-worthy campaign with 73 tackles, 13 sacks, three deflected passes and two forced fumbles last season. Pryce, who turned 32 a month ago, said one of the factors in his decision was the changes his body underwent after turning 31. -- Baltimore Sun
McFadden projected as '08 No.1 pick?
The great college runners all seem to come out after their junior seasons. Emmitt Smith, Barry Sanders, Curtis Martin and Jerome Bettis all skipped their senior years and all now rank among the NFL's top five all-time rushers. McFadden won the Doak Walker Award as the nation's best running back as a sophomore at Arkansas and picked up right where he left off in the 2007 opener with a 151-yard outing against Troy. Pencil him in as the first overall pick of the 2008 NFL draft … to the Oakland Raiders. -- Dallas Morning News
Robbery of Texans player puzzles officers
Detectives were trying to determine Tuesday how two gunmen who robbed Houston Texans cornerback Dunta Robinson were able to get into the gated community where he lives. Robinson, 25, was robbed Saturday afternoon at his home in the Sienna Plantation community near Missouri City. Fort Bend County Sheriff's Sgt. Dominic Sodolak said the pair managed to slip undetected into the neighborhood and then walked into Robinson's home on Steve Fuqua Place through an unlocked door. Sodolak said the neighborhood is guarded by a gate that requires a code to open. Officers said the men, wearing bandanas across their faces, confronted Robinson and bound him with duct tape. Armed with pistols, they stole some jewelry and left the house. Robinson, who was alone at the time, was not injured, Sodolak said. -- Houston Chronicle
Seahawks to have LT Jones for opener with Bucs?
When the Seahawks began practicing for their regular-season opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Qwest Field on Sunday, Walter Jones was standing where he had been for the past three weeks: on the sideline. But the best indication that the Pro Bowl left tackle will play against the Bucs was not coach Mike Holmgren's declaration that Jones will practice Wednesday for the first time since Aug. 10. It was that Sean Locklear was at right tackle in practice Monday, with Floyd "Pork Chop" Womack subbing for Jones. -- Seattle P-I
Animal Welfare group wants $10 mil of Michael Vick's money?
The Animal Welfare Institute is calling on NFL quarterback Michael Vick to immediately surrender $22 million of his signing bonus back to the Atlanta Falcons. The organization in turn urges the Falcons to commit at least $10 million to an independent, self-operating charity overseen by AWI. -- Animal Welfare Institute
NFL suspension list for '07
Quarterback Mike Vick, running back Dominic Rhodes, wide receiver Chris Henry, offensive tackle Ryan Tucker, defensive end Jared Allen, defensive tackle Tank Johnson, linebacker Odell Thurman, cornerback Adam "Pacman" Jones and safety Rodney Harrison are all veteran NFL starters who will open the 2007 season under NFL suspension for a variety of violations of the league's conduct policy. -- Dallas Morning News
Harlan says Packers need CEO who knows the league
As far as Bob Harlan is concerned, it's imperative that the next CEO of the Green Bay Packers knows the ropes in the National Football League. Harlan, who is staying on as chairman of the franchise while a search committee looks for his successor, said the new Packers leader had to be someone who understands the league, knows the 31 other owners and is knowledgeable about the league's collective bargaining and revenue-sharing agreements. -- Journal Sentinel
Bills sign QB Eakin to practice squad
The Bills signed quarterback Kevin Eakin to their practice squad. Eakin was among the Bills' first round of cuts. He played for Frankfurt in the now defunct NFL Europa last spring. The Bills now have nine players on the practice squad. The league limit is eight, but defensive lineman Daniel Watts is exempt as an NFL international allocation. The Bills are going with just two quarterbacks, J.P. Losman and Trent Edwards on their 53- man roster. They are one of 15 NFL teams carrying two quarterbacks. -- Buffalo News
Raiders Moses highest drafted player to be released
Georgia defensive end Quentin Moses was the highest drafted player last April to get cut by an NFL team this summer. The Raiders took him with the first pick of the third round, the 65th overall selection. James "Buster" Davis wasn't far behind. The Arizona Cardinals took him with the 69th overall pick and he also got whacked in the final roster cutdown. -- Dallas Morning News
Colts have more of a physical defense in '07?
Colts DE Dwight Freeney expects any doubt regarding the defense to linger "until we string like 10 (good games) together.'' "Then you'll want to know what we're going to do in the 11th game,'' he said. One good game would be an encouraging start, and optimism permeates the defensive huddle. "We just look like a more physical defense,'' tackle Raheem Brock said. That has a lot to do with the availability of safety Bob Sanders, whose return for the playoffs after missing 12 games during the 2006 season with a knee injury was so critical, and the presence of four new starters. Freddy Keiaho fills Cato June's vacancy at weak-side linebacker while Marlin Jackson and Kelvin Hayden step in for departed starting cornerbacks Nick Harper and Jason David. Rookie Ed Johnson inherited one of the starting tackle spots following the season-ending injury to Anthony "Booger'' McFarland. When he considered the Colts' secondary, Morris challenged a reporter to single out "the weak link.'' "You've got Antoine (Bethea) and Bob and Kelvin and Marlin,'' Morris said. "Those guys will come up and hit you.'' -- Indy Star
How About That?
Brett Favre's 273 career interceptions are just four shy of George Blanda's league record of 277. In his 16 NFL seasons, Favre has averaged an interception every 30.1 attempts. The Eagles' Donovan McNabb has averaged one every 45.3, the Patriots' Tom Brady one every 39.3 and the Colts' Peyton Manning one every 35.2. -- Philadelphia Inquirer
Cowboys Wade has chance at NFL history
Wade Phillips is one of five coaches to take two different NFL franchises to the playoffs in his first season as coach. Phillips coached Denver to the playoffs in 1993 and Buffalo in 1998. If he can take the Cowboys to the playoffs this season, he will become the first coach in NFL history to take three different franchises to the playoffs in his first season as coach there. -- Dallas Morning News
Steelers coach noncommittal on personnel decisions
Coach Mike Tomlin does not have all the answers yet, or at least he did a good job of not providing them in his first news conference of the regular season. The Steelers, for example, traded for veteran return specialist Allen Rossum on Saturday and list him No. 1 on their depth chart on kickoff and punt returns. Yet all Tomlin would commit to is that Rossum was added "to the mix." Tomlin said his staff will figure out who the backup center is as the week goes on, and he would not commit to Willie Colon staying at right tackle or if free safety might change. It sounded as if the new coach wants to keep his players on their toes, especially those who may think they've arrived by winning starting jobs and/or roster spots to open the season. -- Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Six original Texans remain from '02
When the Texans took the field for their first minicamp in 2002, 103 players suited up. Six of them remain. Steve McKinney, Chester Pitts, Fred Weary, Jason Simmons, Demarcus Faggins and Kris Brown were there on day one. And they will start Sunday when the Texans open their sixth season as a franchise against the Kansas City Chiefs at Reliant Stadium. -- Houston Chronicle
Steelers Ike may cover Braylon
Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said he would consider assigning cornerback Ike Taylor to cover Browns receiver Braylon Edwards no matter where he lines up. -- Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
NFL could add two regular-season games?
The NFL exhibition schedule remains the same as it has been since 1978 — four games. For veteran players, four games in August are way too much. One solution, of course, would be to drop two exhibition games and add two regular-season contests. The network television money gained by adding two regular-season games to the schedule would dwarf any money the owners received for charging regular-season prices for practice games. And the resulting salary cap increase would mean more money for players. "That would be fine," Hall said. "Make them count, at least, instead of going out there and wearing yourself down for games that have no significance. If you're going to play 20 games, make 18 of them count." -- St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Who Knew?
The last two seasons, Brett Favre has turned out two of the three lowest passer ratings of his career, with 38 touchdown passes as against 47 interceptions. Last season, he ranked 30th with a rating of 72.7. In 2005, he was 36th with a 70.9. They are grim numbers that have prompted some to call for his retirement. -- Philadelphia Inquirer
Did You Know?
Ten NFL teams averaged more than 31 minutes time of possession last season and six of them made the playoffs. Baltimore led the way with an average of 32 minutes, 49 seconds of ball control en route to a 13-3 record. The other playoff teams were Dallas, New England, New Orleans, the New York Jets and San Diego. -- Dallas Morning News
How About That?
Julius Jones believes he's good enough to carry the Cowboys. An inside-the-numbers look at Jones: The Cowboys are 5-4 when he runs for 100 or more yards, including the postseason. In 35 regular-season starts, he has rushed for 70 or more yards 23 times. He is averaging 81.8 yards per start. He owns two of the top four single-game rushing performances in club history (198 and 194). -- Star-Telegram
Who Knew?
Laveranues Coles is the only receiver in the National Football League to start every regular-season game between 2001 and 2006. -- NY Times
LINK
For the first time, there are subtle signs that the icy relationship between the Oakland Raiders and No. 1 overall pick JaMarcus Russell might be thawing. Ever so slightly. But maybe enough to help consummate a deal. Another face-to-face meeting between the two sides is expected to take place in the next 24-48 hours that could provide the necessary push for the No. 1 overall pick to be the last one to sign. Both sides still are talking, both know the talks are down to their final key points, and both know a deal is not as far off as it was throughout the summer. Both sides recognize the season is about to kick off, and it could be more difficult than ever to hammer a deal if one is not in place before this weekend's games commence. -- NFL Network
Vick's dogfighting was an open secret?
Michael Vick's deep engagement in dogfighting was widely rumored in certain circles long before the guilty plea last week that will send him to prison and may end his professional football career. But no one, apparently, shared those rumors with Vick's employer, the Atlanta Falcons, according to interviews with animal advocates and law enforcement officials in several states. The advocates say they feared telling the Falcons would only drive Vick's dogfighting activities deeper underground. Investigators, meanwhile, say they either lacked the evidence to expose Vick or considered him irrelevant to the cases they were pursuing. Even those who could link Vick to dogfighting didn't share that information with each other before news broke of the criminal case against the Falcons quarterback. Inadvertently, they helped Vick keep his open secret. -- Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Ex-Pats WR Caldwell meets with Jets
The Jets met Tuesday with former Patriots wide receiver Reche Caldwell, whom New England released last weekend. The Jets didn't stop with Caldwell. New York also signed to its practice squad Tuesday former New England guard/center Mike Elgin, whom the Patriots drafted in the seventh round in April and then released last weekend. Elgin reported to work immediately for the Jets, with an innate and up-to-date knowledge of the Patriots defense. And the Jets didn't stop with Elgin and Caldwell. Last week, they met with former Patriots defensive back Artrell Hawkins, whom New England released earlier this summer. Seemingly anyone that spends some time in Foxboro, Mass., has a decent chance of winding up in Hempstead, N.Y., even if it is for so much as an informal visit. -- NFL Network
Upshaw defends handling of disabled former players
Gene Upshaw, the National Football League Players Association's executive director who is under withering criticism for the union's treatment of injured and disabled former players, yesterday defended his handling of the issue, saying he is being unfairly treated. "It's like I've been branded," he said in his first extensive interview since last spring. "I can't remove the brand. It's like a tattoo. I've been tattooed. Whatever I do, that tattoo is there." -- Washington Post
Ravens favorites to land QB Leftwich?
Three days after the Jacksonville Jaguars released quarterback Byron Leftwich, the Ravens have emerged as the leaders to sign him. Leftwich would like to pick a new home as soon as possible. ... Baltimore is looking for a quarterback to one day succeed the 34-year-old Steve McNair, who is entering his 13th NFL season. Leftwich could be an ideal replacement, though Baltimore also has other ideas. Knowing backup quarterback Kyle Boller is entering the last year of his contract, the Ravens have been working to sign him to an extension. Baltimore has made him its offer, what it thinks is a fair offer, and it would like to prevent Boller from hitting the market.-- NFL Network
Pacman's attorney wants Georgia case continued
The attorney for Titans cornerback Pacman Jones has asked Georgia officials to have his client's felony obstruction case continued to a later date. The case was expected to be heard this month after it was continued from March, but attorney Manny Arora wants it postponed until later this fall or possibly early next year. -- Tennessean
Cowboys looking to replace Jones with Chargers RB Turner?
With the plan set for Julius Jones to share the load with Marion Barber again, Jones at least needs to maintain status quo. Maybe more. He's no different than any potential free agent who eyes the type of payday that could set him for life. But he's no fool. Share-the-load backs don't receive the type of money the single, feature back does. With two first-round draft picks next year, the Cowboys could always spend one on a running back... say, Darren McFadden from Arkansas. Or the Cowboys could pursue a back such as Chargers backup running back Michael Turner. -- Star-Telegram
Seahawks could add another Hasselbeck at QB?
The Seahawks are still in search of a third quarterback, a "flexible situation," as coach Mike Holmgren called it Monday. He has never started a season without three and indicated that a third quarterback would be added before too long. Among the possibilities to fill the position are Gibran Hamdan, who was the third quarterback in Seattle while Matt Hasselbeck was unable to play because of injury last season, and Hasselbeck's brother Tim, who was released by the New York Giants last week. "That would be a dream come true for me," Hasselbeck said when asked about the idea of his brother coming to Seattle. -- Seattle Times
Bears Urlacher not a fan of Chargers Merriman's dance?
Chargers LB Shawne Merriman's outrageous "Lights Out" bunny hop to celebrate a sack, a routine Merriman has vowed to tone down this season, indeed gets underneath Bears LB Brian Urlacher's skin. Not that Urlacher has something against the Chargers' sack king. Or maybe he does. "The thing is, if you're going to do it, do it all the time," Urlacher said. "Do it when you make a bad play too. You'll never see me doing any stupid [stuff] like that after a play. The only thing I'll do is get a little happy with my teammates." -- Chicago Tribune
Lions Martz will be a different head coach, if offered a chance
Lions offensive coordinator Mike Martz's downfall in St. Louis was an unwillingness to bend when necessary. It's a reputation that might have cost him this past off-season, when he received only one interview (Miami) for the seven head coaching openings. He has learned how to better use his time and stop sweating the insignificant stuff that once gnawed at him. He said he's better at identifying what's important when overseeing an entire team. "You're always putting out fires as a head coach," Martz said. "You're worried and stressed about so many things that you really don't need to worry about. It just saps you of energy and emotion, and you just need to move on. "It was really hard to learn. I was never in the public arena at all in my life. And then, all of a sudden, you're out there and things are said about you and you don't know why. And you concentrate too much on that." Martz won't say that he has been humbled. It's just part of the educational process. -- Free Press
Ravens McGahee says he's best back in NFL
Willis McGahee doesn't let the facts get in the way of a good boast. He believes, really believes, he is the best running back in the NFL, and is not the least bit bothered by the fact that the numbers don't support that claim. McGahee has never finished higher than 10th in the league in rushing and has yet to average more than 4 yards per carry. His 3,365 rushing yards over the last three seasons leave him about three-quarters of a mile behind the Chargers' LaDainian Tomlinson. "No doubt [I'm the best]," said the Baltimore Ravens running back. "There may be other guys who have done more [statistically] than me. But if you ask me, I'm always going to tell you I'm the best. I don't care if I rush for only 200 yards. I still feel I'm the best." -- Philadelphia Daily News
Dolphins not that interested in Ex-Pat Caldwell
The agent for Reche Caldwell -- the Patriots' leading receiver last season who was cut Monday -- called the Dolphins on Tuesday, but they were noncommittal. -- Miami Herald
Giants' Strahan takes $200,000 hit in the wallet
When Michael Strahan reported to the New York Giants, he was lighter everywhere, including in the wallet. One Giant said that when Strahan reported to the team Monday, he weighed in at under 250 pounds, slightly below his playing weight of 255 pounds. Where Strahan was even lighter –- though not as light as he could have been -– was in his bank account. The Giants reduced the $514,000 worth of fines that Strahan had racked up this summer to $200,000 instead. The Giants were more content with the lower number than Strahan was said to be. He was, in a word, miffed. Yet the Giants attempted to turn the negative into a positive, challenging Strahan to show them something and prove he is worth more money in the future. Strahan has one year remaining on his contract that contains a $500,000 roster bonus due March 1. -- NFL Network
Bills rookie Lynch committed to Buffalo?
Bills rookie rookie RB Marshawn Lynch has already shown a commitment to the region by moving his mother, Delisa, and his younger brother, Davonte, a freshman in high school, to a Buffalo suburb. "I am a full-time resident," he said. "I'm bringing my family here. I'm a family man." Lynch has the words "Mama's Boy" tattooed across his back in a tribute to his mother. He said she raised four children by herself in a tough section of Oakland. -- NY Times
Ravens Pryce considered retirement
Before defensive lineman Trevor Pryce considered signing a free-agent deal with the Ravens, another R-word popped into his head. Pryce, who spent his first nine seasons with the Denver Broncos before joining the Ravens before the start of last season, said he thought about retirement rather than endure the rigors of another training camp in a different city with a different coaching staff. "I was like, 'I don't know if I can go through this again,'" he said last week. Pryce ditched the idea and recorded a Pro Bowl-worthy campaign with 73 tackles, 13 sacks, three deflected passes and two forced fumbles last season. Pryce, who turned 32 a month ago, said one of the factors in his decision was the changes his body underwent after turning 31. -- Baltimore Sun
McFadden projected as '08 No.1 pick?
The great college runners all seem to come out after their junior seasons. Emmitt Smith, Barry Sanders, Curtis Martin and Jerome Bettis all skipped their senior years and all now rank among the NFL's top five all-time rushers. McFadden won the Doak Walker Award as the nation's best running back as a sophomore at Arkansas and picked up right where he left off in the 2007 opener with a 151-yard outing against Troy. Pencil him in as the first overall pick of the 2008 NFL draft … to the Oakland Raiders. -- Dallas Morning News
Robbery of Texans player puzzles officers
Detectives were trying to determine Tuesday how two gunmen who robbed Houston Texans cornerback Dunta Robinson were able to get into the gated community where he lives. Robinson, 25, was robbed Saturday afternoon at his home in the Sienna Plantation community near Missouri City. Fort Bend County Sheriff's Sgt. Dominic Sodolak said the pair managed to slip undetected into the neighborhood and then walked into Robinson's home on Steve Fuqua Place through an unlocked door. Sodolak said the neighborhood is guarded by a gate that requires a code to open. Officers said the men, wearing bandanas across their faces, confronted Robinson and bound him with duct tape. Armed with pistols, they stole some jewelry and left the house. Robinson, who was alone at the time, was not injured, Sodolak said. -- Houston Chronicle
Seahawks to have LT Jones for opener with Bucs?
When the Seahawks began practicing for their regular-season opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Qwest Field on Sunday, Walter Jones was standing where he had been for the past three weeks: on the sideline. But the best indication that the Pro Bowl left tackle will play against the Bucs was not coach Mike Holmgren's declaration that Jones will practice Wednesday for the first time since Aug. 10. It was that Sean Locklear was at right tackle in practice Monday, with Floyd "Pork Chop" Womack subbing for Jones. -- Seattle P-I
Animal Welfare group wants $10 mil of Michael Vick's money?
The Animal Welfare Institute is calling on NFL quarterback Michael Vick to immediately surrender $22 million of his signing bonus back to the Atlanta Falcons. The organization in turn urges the Falcons to commit at least $10 million to an independent, self-operating charity overseen by AWI. -- Animal Welfare Institute
NFL suspension list for '07
Quarterback Mike Vick, running back Dominic Rhodes, wide receiver Chris Henry, offensive tackle Ryan Tucker, defensive end Jared Allen, defensive tackle Tank Johnson, linebacker Odell Thurman, cornerback Adam "Pacman" Jones and safety Rodney Harrison are all veteran NFL starters who will open the 2007 season under NFL suspension for a variety of violations of the league's conduct policy. -- Dallas Morning News
Harlan says Packers need CEO who knows the league
As far as Bob Harlan is concerned, it's imperative that the next CEO of the Green Bay Packers knows the ropes in the National Football League. Harlan, who is staying on as chairman of the franchise while a search committee looks for his successor, said the new Packers leader had to be someone who understands the league, knows the 31 other owners and is knowledgeable about the league's collective bargaining and revenue-sharing agreements. -- Journal Sentinel
Bills sign QB Eakin to practice squad
The Bills signed quarterback Kevin Eakin to their practice squad. Eakin was among the Bills' first round of cuts. He played for Frankfurt in the now defunct NFL Europa last spring. The Bills now have nine players on the practice squad. The league limit is eight, but defensive lineman Daniel Watts is exempt as an NFL international allocation. The Bills are going with just two quarterbacks, J.P. Losman and Trent Edwards on their 53- man roster. They are one of 15 NFL teams carrying two quarterbacks. -- Buffalo News
Raiders Moses highest drafted player to be released
Georgia defensive end Quentin Moses was the highest drafted player last April to get cut by an NFL team this summer. The Raiders took him with the first pick of the third round, the 65th overall selection. James "Buster" Davis wasn't far behind. The Arizona Cardinals took him with the 69th overall pick and he also got whacked in the final roster cutdown. -- Dallas Morning News
Colts have more of a physical defense in '07?
Colts DE Dwight Freeney expects any doubt regarding the defense to linger "until we string like 10 (good games) together.'' "Then you'll want to know what we're going to do in the 11th game,'' he said. One good game would be an encouraging start, and optimism permeates the defensive huddle. "We just look like a more physical defense,'' tackle Raheem Brock said. That has a lot to do with the availability of safety Bob Sanders, whose return for the playoffs after missing 12 games during the 2006 season with a knee injury was so critical, and the presence of four new starters. Freddy Keiaho fills Cato June's vacancy at weak-side linebacker while Marlin Jackson and Kelvin Hayden step in for departed starting cornerbacks Nick Harper and Jason David. Rookie Ed Johnson inherited one of the starting tackle spots following the season-ending injury to Anthony "Booger'' McFarland. When he considered the Colts' secondary, Morris challenged a reporter to single out "the weak link.'' "You've got Antoine (Bethea) and Bob and Kelvin and Marlin,'' Morris said. "Those guys will come up and hit you.'' -- Indy Star
How About That?
Brett Favre's 273 career interceptions are just four shy of George Blanda's league record of 277. In his 16 NFL seasons, Favre has averaged an interception every 30.1 attempts. The Eagles' Donovan McNabb has averaged one every 45.3, the Patriots' Tom Brady one every 39.3 and the Colts' Peyton Manning one every 35.2. -- Philadelphia Inquirer
Cowboys Wade has chance at NFL history
Wade Phillips is one of five coaches to take two different NFL franchises to the playoffs in his first season as coach. Phillips coached Denver to the playoffs in 1993 and Buffalo in 1998. If he can take the Cowboys to the playoffs this season, he will become the first coach in NFL history to take three different franchises to the playoffs in his first season as coach there. -- Dallas Morning News
Steelers coach noncommittal on personnel decisions
Coach Mike Tomlin does not have all the answers yet, or at least he did a good job of not providing them in his first news conference of the regular season. The Steelers, for example, traded for veteran return specialist Allen Rossum on Saturday and list him No. 1 on their depth chart on kickoff and punt returns. Yet all Tomlin would commit to is that Rossum was added "to the mix." Tomlin said his staff will figure out who the backup center is as the week goes on, and he would not commit to Willie Colon staying at right tackle or if free safety might change. It sounded as if the new coach wants to keep his players on their toes, especially those who may think they've arrived by winning starting jobs and/or roster spots to open the season. -- Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Six original Texans remain from '02
When the Texans took the field for their first minicamp in 2002, 103 players suited up. Six of them remain. Steve McKinney, Chester Pitts, Fred Weary, Jason Simmons, Demarcus Faggins and Kris Brown were there on day one. And they will start Sunday when the Texans open their sixth season as a franchise against the Kansas City Chiefs at Reliant Stadium. -- Houston Chronicle
Steelers Ike may cover Braylon
Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said he would consider assigning cornerback Ike Taylor to cover Browns receiver Braylon Edwards no matter where he lines up. -- Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
NFL could add two regular-season games?
The NFL exhibition schedule remains the same as it has been since 1978 — four games. For veteran players, four games in August are way too much. One solution, of course, would be to drop two exhibition games and add two regular-season contests. The network television money gained by adding two regular-season games to the schedule would dwarf any money the owners received for charging regular-season prices for practice games. And the resulting salary cap increase would mean more money for players. "That would be fine," Hall said. "Make them count, at least, instead of going out there and wearing yourself down for games that have no significance. If you're going to play 20 games, make 18 of them count." -- St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Who Knew?
The last two seasons, Brett Favre has turned out two of the three lowest passer ratings of his career, with 38 touchdown passes as against 47 interceptions. Last season, he ranked 30th with a rating of 72.7. In 2005, he was 36th with a 70.9. They are grim numbers that have prompted some to call for his retirement. -- Philadelphia Inquirer
Did You Know?
Ten NFL teams averaged more than 31 minutes time of possession last season and six of them made the playoffs. Baltimore led the way with an average of 32 minutes, 49 seconds of ball control en route to a 13-3 record. The other playoff teams were Dallas, New England, New Orleans, the New York Jets and San Diego. -- Dallas Morning News
How About That?
Julius Jones believes he's good enough to carry the Cowboys. An inside-the-numbers look at Jones: The Cowboys are 5-4 when he runs for 100 or more yards, including the postseason. In 35 regular-season starts, he has rushed for 70 or more yards 23 times. He is averaging 81.8 yards per start. He owns two of the top four single-game rushing performances in club history (198 and 194). -- Star-Telegram
Who Knew?
Laveranues Coles is the only receiver in the National Football League to start every regular-season game between 2001 and 2006. -- NY Times
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