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The Dolphins recently modified their trade offer for Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Trent Green, his agent, Jim Steiner, said Thursday morning. And although the Chiefs didn't immediately accept, Steiner said he continues to believe Green will end up with the Dolphins. ''I think we will get a deal done,'' Steiner said. ``There have been a lot of conversations.'' But Steiner said he has no idea when Green will become a Dolphin or whether it will be in time for the team's final minicamp June 8-10. According to Steiner, the Dolphins offered a conditional sixth-round pick that would become a fifth-rounder if Green meets certain undisclosed conditions. But the Chiefs have asked for a fourth-round pick.
This year, June 3 is a key date -- specifically to the Dallas Cowboys and wide receiver Terrell Owens. If T.O. is on the Cowboys roster June 3 -- meaning the team does not release him June 1 or 2 -- then the mercurial wide receiver will earn a $3 million roster bonus, officially assuring his presence in Dallas for the coming season. But barring any unforeseen events, the bonus is expected to be paid. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones already has stated he expects T.O. to return to Dallas for 2007, one year after the wide receiver caught 85 passes for 1,180 yards and 13 touchdowns for Dallas. Owens even participated in the Cowboys' mandatory mid-May minicamp, despite undergoing two operations this offseason to repair a torn tendon in his right ring finger.
Now with the 49ers about $10 million under the cap and with three inviting roster spots open, the team is in a buying mode. Colts defensive tackle Corey Simon could be available. A Pro Bowl player in 2003 with Philadelphia, Simon didn't play last season after his placement on the non-football injury list with a knee problem that lingered from 2005. After filing a grievance, he's now trying to get money out of the Colts. Nevertheless, apples could tumble from the June 1 tree. Fullback/tight end/special teams player Obafemi Ayanbadejo of the Cardinals might get his release. He's from Santa Cruz and could be a backup to starting fullback Moran Norris and could also provide competition to Delanie Walker as the team's backup "F-back," a hybrid fullback/tight end spot filled by Norris and Vernon Davis last year. Others who could be released are Eagles defensive lineman Jerome McDougle, Seahawks safety and former 49er Kelly Herndon (still recovering from a fractured ankle sustained in the season finale) and former Cal and Bengal cornerback Deltha O'Neal, whose commitment to the game may be wavering. Even if these players aren't released today, they could come available in training camp, which also is a possibility with Jets cornerback David Barrett.
Jets CB David Barrett ($3.6 million cap number in 2007) and WR Justin McCareins ($2.9 million) appear to be safe, although each may be asked to rework their contracts. Barrett, who was slowed by a sports hernia last season that required off-season surgery, worked with the first-team yesterday over rookie first-round pick Darrelle Revis.
The Eagles announced yesterday that tight end L.J. Smith underwent surgery Wednesday to repair a sports hernia, the same injury that eventually ended quarterback Donovan McNabb's 2005 season. Smith, who is entering the final year of his contract, will miss the team's final full-squad minicamp, which begins Tuesday and runs through June 14. The Eagles said his condition would be evaluated over the next several weeks to determine whether he will be ready for training camp. The Eagles said they found out about Smith's abdominal pain a week ago Wednesday, when he reported it to team trainer Rick Burkholder. A team source said that Smith's surgery was not as involved as the surgery that McNabb required after his season was cut short two years ago. A league source indicated that Smith, 27, would be recovered by the start of training camp.
There remains no sign of Pats cornerback Asante Samuel, but that shouldn’t come as a surprise. While he was given the franchise tag, he’s technically not under contract, given he hasn’t signed the one-year tender. The team can’t fine him for missing a voluntary camp, or next week’s mandatory minicamp. They held that leverage over Deion Branch last year, given the receiver was a holdout, with a contract in place. The two sides have until mid July to strike a long-term deal. Then Samuel will only be allowed to sign his one-year tender, or hold out.
Pacman Jones will be allowed inside Baptist Sports Park today for the first time since April 10, when NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell suspended the Titans cornerback for a year.
According to terms of the suspension, Jones will be permitted to spend one day a week at the team facility for conditioning, film study and other "similar activities.'' He is required to meet with Tina Tuggle, the team's player development director, once a week. The Titans wrapped up May minicamps Thursday, so most players and coaches aren't expected to be at Baptist Sports Park today and there are indications Jones may not make his first appearance until next week.
Falcons quarterback Michael Vick said in 2004 that he wouldn't cut his hair until after the team won a Super Bowl. Thursday, he showed up to offseason workouts with his trademark braids sheared and his hair in a short, natural cut, much like the one he sported upon being drafted in 2001. Vick, who has been embroiled in a dogfighting investigation at a Virginia property he owns, said two weeks ago that he planned unspecified changes in his life and that people would have wait and see what those would be. The haircut apparently is one of those changes. Vick declined comment Thursday.
Legal proceedings continue dominating headlines, and probably will until training camp. The next one will involve Chicago defensive tackle Tank Johnson, whose suspension could come as soon as June 1 and no later than June 4. The NFL spent much of this past week wrapping up all the discussions it needed to have about Johnson. All that now remains is for NFL commissioner Roger Goodell to write his decision letter, which could happen June 1. When Johnson's suspension is handed down, it is expected to be between six and eight games. Some have speculated between two and four games; but based on the evidence and Johnson's legal history, there is next to no chance of that happening.
Jets left guard Pete Kendall, who's due to make about $2 million this season, feels he's underpaid and his absence is a statement to express his disdain. "He's extremely frustrated and disappointed and unhappy over the economic status of his contract," Kendall's agent, Neil Schwartz, told The Post yesterday. Schwartz said he believes the Jets should "make it right" with Kendall, who's been a good soldier as a Jet, changing positions in 2005 when center Kevin Mawae was injured and helping to tutor D'Brickashaw Ferguson and Nick Mangold. "It's easy," Schwartz said. "What we're asking for is extremely fair. It's not like we're asking for something that's unconscionable." Mangini did his best to downplay the situation yesterday, saying, "All these camps are voluntary."
The Vikings expect veteran cornerback Antoine Winfield to be at Winter Park today as they open their three-day minicamp. Winfield skipped last week's organized team activities (OTAs), but those were optional workouts; the minicamp is mandatory, and Winfield could be fined if he stays away. Winfield's agent, Richard Katz, told the NFL's website last week that his client would attend this camp, which will consist of two practices today and Saturday and a final session Sunday morning. Katz did not return calls or e-mails Thursday.
Packers QB Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers, who were limited in the off-season as they continued their recoveries from surgery, were cleared to resume full activity and took part in all portions of practice Thursday. "I thought they looked good," coach Mike McCarthy said. "I mean, (Favre) just anticipates so well, and those are valuable reps for the younger players. You can see, one or two to James Jones, coming out of the break and the ball's there, those are the little things that you just can't get enough of, and I thought he threw the ball well. "I think Aaron's throwing the ball extremely well. He's been throwing the ball well all spring, and now we've cut him loose medically. I'm very pleased with the progress he's made."
Jets rookie wide receiver Chansi Stuckey, a seventh-round pick out of Clemson, was one of two men reportedly with cornerback/kick returner Justin Miller the night he was charged with third-degree misdemeanor assault for allegedly striking a woman at a Manhattan night spot in the early morning of May 20, a team official told The Star-Ledger yesterday. The official requested anonymity because such matters are handled internally. Stuckey, who played with Miller at Clemson, has been fined an undisclosed amount, the official said. The team, however, is awaiting the outcome of police and NFL investigations before taking disciplinary action, the official said. Miller is expected to be fined as well. The league isn't expected to take any action against Miller because he's a first-time offender, the official said. Under terms of the league's conduct policy, a first-time offense generally doesn't result in discipline.
Veteran nose tackle Grady Jackson might be close to reaching an accord with the Falcons after skipping all voluntary workouts because of a legal dispute with the team. Jackson recently started physical training with the team's strength coaches in Flowery Branch. Jackson has not participated in offseason training activities, which are similar to mini-camp practices. Jackson is seeking damages from the Falcons for allegedly leaking private medical information to the media last summer after he failed a physical as part of a free-agent visit.
Sometime soon, maybe as early as June 1, Miami linebacker Joey Porter will be invited to NFL headquarters in New York to explain to the league's management council his version of events in the March fight he had with Cincinnati offensive tackle Levi Jones.
Those waiting for Roger Goodell's decision on Adam "Pacman" Jones' appeal of his season-long suspension will have to wait a while longer. The league is not expected to announce its verdict until the end of next week, at the earliest, and it could well be the week after, in mid-June.
NFLPA boss Gene Upshaw, who has headed the players association for nearly 24 years, has been reluctant to lash back at his critics, because he knows how it will sound. "If I speak the truth, I'm portrayed as a guy who isn't sympathetic, who has a million-dollar job and just cares about himself," he said this week during a 75-minute interview with the Daily News. The truth, Upshaw insists, is that he always has looked out for the welfare of retired players. The truth, he insists, is that thanks to the improvements in pension benefits in the last four labor extensions, many retired players make more today than they did as players. "Some of these [retired] guys have claimed that no one's representing them," Upshaw said. "That's crazy. We've always represented them. I'm the only one at the bargaining table who represents those retired players. "When I go in [to negotiate a new CBA], I've got to fight for our 60 percent [the players' cut of the league revenue]. When I fight for the 60 percent, I'm also fighting for their piece. Because their piece has to come out of our piece. That's the only place it's going to come from."
Falcons wide receiver Brian Finneran likely will have surgery to repair damage to his left knee in the coming weeks, if not days, according to Petrino. "He's had a couple different opinions, and he's probably going to have to get something done here quickly, in the near future," Petrino said. Petrino did not disclose the nature of Finneran's injury, the type of procedure expected to be performed or a projected return date. Finneran, who missed all of the 2006 season after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament, re-injured his knee at a May mini-camp while doing some rehabilitative running.
The moment the Cowboys signed receiver Terrell Owens to a three-year $25 million contract, the countdown began on when his services would be terminated. It doesn't appear it will be this season. The Cowboys are expected to pay Owens a $3 million roster bonus today to stay with the team. After last season ended, owner/general manager Jerry Jones told everyone who asked that Owens, the Cowboys' leading receiver, would return in 2007. Jones even got snippy on his weekly radio show at season's end. Asked if Owens would return, Jones replied, "I said yes, OK. I don't know how I can answer you any clearer."
Signed as a free agent to be the Broncos' backup quarterback, Patrick Ramsey has surprised even himself by how quickly he is learning the offense. Ramsey, a sixth-year pro who has 24 career starts in the NFL, isn't sure the smooth adjustment is a result of him being older and wiser, or because Mike Shanahan's offense makes so much sense. "It's my first time in this system, and I'm still adjusting," Ramsey said. "But I feel like I'm picking it up quicker than I have with other systems. "Maybe the teams I've been with ran kind of a hybrid of what we're doing. Everybody kind of takes from other teams."
New Vikings defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier said one of his goals this season will be keeping Kenechi Udeze at left end. Udeze shifted to the right side after Erasmus James suffered a season-ending knee injury in last year's second game. Udeze didn't have a sack all season. "That's where he feels most comfortable at," Frazier said of Udeze. "We need to let him be where he feels confident and give him the best chance to be successful. We're committed to doing that, and hopefully we'll get the results out of it that we're looking for." James is expected back for training camp, but it's uncertain how much of a workload he will be able to handle early in the season.
Jets QB Chad Pennington, who wants to cut down on the career-high 16 interceptions he threw last season, is enjoying his first rehab-free off-season in three years after back-to-back rotator cuff surgery. "It's fun," he said. "It's exciting for me to be a part of the team and to be able to come out here and work with my teammates ... focus on myself as a whole athlete and be able to get better as a quarterback."
It will be crucial for Brandon Jackson to catch on quickly if he is to unseat Vernand Morency, a third-year player who has the benefit of a year's experience in Green Bay's offense from which to draw. He's familiar with the broad strokes, having played in a West-Coast attack in college that utilized zone blocking, as the Packers do. Still, he left school after his junior season, and has barely more than a half-season's experience as a starter. "I feel like I'm on track right now with learning the plays," Jackson said. "I feel like when the new installation comes in, I kind of know what to do because coming from Nebraska . . . I got the grasp of it. It's just a little different terminology. When I get that, everything's cool."
DeAngelo Williams was brimming with enthusiasm Thursday about the Carolina Panthers' new zone blocking scheme, which he said mirrors the style that made him a college All-American. "It's exactly like the Memphis offense when I was running there," he said. Williams, the Panthers' 2006 first-round draft pick, had a mildly successful rookie season last year with 501 yards rushing and scored two touchdowns. He's hoping for much better results and believes the scheme being installed by new offensive coordinator Jeff Davidson will suit his strengths. It gives him and the team's other running backs the ability to choose their own holes rather than having a more designated area at which to run. "That's something a lot of running backs love doing," he said. "You're never wrong, and we like not being wrong."
Falcons QB Michael Vick's biggest endorsement deal is with Nike. Attempts to reach a Nike spokesman were unsuccessful Thursday, but a company representative was at the Falcons' Flowery Branch practice facility visiting clients, including Vick.
This year, June 3 is a key date -- specifically to the Dallas Cowboys and wide receiver Terrell Owens. If T.O. is on the Cowboys roster June 3 -- meaning the team does not release him June 1 or 2 -- then the mercurial wide receiver will earn a $3 million roster bonus, officially assuring his presence in Dallas for the coming season. But barring any unforeseen events, the bonus is expected to be paid. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones already has stated he expects T.O. to return to Dallas for 2007, one year after the wide receiver caught 85 passes for 1,180 yards and 13 touchdowns for Dallas. Owens even participated in the Cowboys' mandatory mid-May minicamp, despite undergoing two operations this offseason to repair a torn tendon in his right ring finger.
Now with the 49ers about $10 million under the cap and with three inviting roster spots open, the team is in a buying mode. Colts defensive tackle Corey Simon could be available. A Pro Bowl player in 2003 with Philadelphia, Simon didn't play last season after his placement on the non-football injury list with a knee problem that lingered from 2005. After filing a grievance, he's now trying to get money out of the Colts. Nevertheless, apples could tumble from the June 1 tree. Fullback/tight end/special teams player Obafemi Ayanbadejo of the Cardinals might get his release. He's from Santa Cruz and could be a backup to starting fullback Moran Norris and could also provide competition to Delanie Walker as the team's backup "F-back," a hybrid fullback/tight end spot filled by Norris and Vernon Davis last year. Others who could be released are Eagles defensive lineman Jerome McDougle, Seahawks safety and former 49er Kelly Herndon (still recovering from a fractured ankle sustained in the season finale) and former Cal and Bengal cornerback Deltha O'Neal, whose commitment to the game may be wavering. Even if these players aren't released today, they could come available in training camp, which also is a possibility with Jets cornerback David Barrett.
Jets CB David Barrett ($3.6 million cap number in 2007) and WR Justin McCareins ($2.9 million) appear to be safe, although each may be asked to rework their contracts. Barrett, who was slowed by a sports hernia last season that required off-season surgery, worked with the first-team yesterday over rookie first-round pick Darrelle Revis.
The Eagles announced yesterday that tight end L.J. Smith underwent surgery Wednesday to repair a sports hernia, the same injury that eventually ended quarterback Donovan McNabb's 2005 season. Smith, who is entering the final year of his contract, will miss the team's final full-squad minicamp, which begins Tuesday and runs through June 14. The Eagles said his condition would be evaluated over the next several weeks to determine whether he will be ready for training camp. The Eagles said they found out about Smith's abdominal pain a week ago Wednesday, when he reported it to team trainer Rick Burkholder. A team source said that Smith's surgery was not as involved as the surgery that McNabb required after his season was cut short two years ago. A league source indicated that Smith, 27, would be recovered by the start of training camp.
There remains no sign of Pats cornerback Asante Samuel, but that shouldn’t come as a surprise. While he was given the franchise tag, he’s technically not under contract, given he hasn’t signed the one-year tender. The team can’t fine him for missing a voluntary camp, or next week’s mandatory minicamp. They held that leverage over Deion Branch last year, given the receiver was a holdout, with a contract in place. The two sides have until mid July to strike a long-term deal. Then Samuel will only be allowed to sign his one-year tender, or hold out.
Pacman Jones will be allowed inside Baptist Sports Park today for the first time since April 10, when NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell suspended the Titans cornerback for a year.
According to terms of the suspension, Jones will be permitted to spend one day a week at the team facility for conditioning, film study and other "similar activities.'' He is required to meet with Tina Tuggle, the team's player development director, once a week. The Titans wrapped up May minicamps Thursday, so most players and coaches aren't expected to be at Baptist Sports Park today and there are indications Jones may not make his first appearance until next week.
Falcons quarterback Michael Vick said in 2004 that he wouldn't cut his hair until after the team won a Super Bowl. Thursday, he showed up to offseason workouts with his trademark braids sheared and his hair in a short, natural cut, much like the one he sported upon being drafted in 2001. Vick, who has been embroiled in a dogfighting investigation at a Virginia property he owns, said two weeks ago that he planned unspecified changes in his life and that people would have wait and see what those would be. The haircut apparently is one of those changes. Vick declined comment Thursday.
Legal proceedings continue dominating headlines, and probably will until training camp. The next one will involve Chicago defensive tackle Tank Johnson, whose suspension could come as soon as June 1 and no later than June 4. The NFL spent much of this past week wrapping up all the discussions it needed to have about Johnson. All that now remains is for NFL commissioner Roger Goodell to write his decision letter, which could happen June 1. When Johnson's suspension is handed down, it is expected to be between six and eight games. Some have speculated between two and four games; but based on the evidence and Johnson's legal history, there is next to no chance of that happening.
Jets left guard Pete Kendall, who's due to make about $2 million this season, feels he's underpaid and his absence is a statement to express his disdain. "He's extremely frustrated and disappointed and unhappy over the economic status of his contract," Kendall's agent, Neil Schwartz, told The Post yesterday. Schwartz said he believes the Jets should "make it right" with Kendall, who's been a good soldier as a Jet, changing positions in 2005 when center Kevin Mawae was injured and helping to tutor D'Brickashaw Ferguson and Nick Mangold. "It's easy," Schwartz said. "What we're asking for is extremely fair. It's not like we're asking for something that's unconscionable." Mangini did his best to downplay the situation yesterday, saying, "All these camps are voluntary."
The Vikings expect veteran cornerback Antoine Winfield to be at Winter Park today as they open their three-day minicamp. Winfield skipped last week's organized team activities (OTAs), but those were optional workouts; the minicamp is mandatory, and Winfield could be fined if he stays away. Winfield's agent, Richard Katz, told the NFL's website last week that his client would attend this camp, which will consist of two practices today and Saturday and a final session Sunday morning. Katz did not return calls or e-mails Thursday.
Packers QB Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers, who were limited in the off-season as they continued their recoveries from surgery, were cleared to resume full activity and took part in all portions of practice Thursday. "I thought they looked good," coach Mike McCarthy said. "I mean, (Favre) just anticipates so well, and those are valuable reps for the younger players. You can see, one or two to James Jones, coming out of the break and the ball's there, those are the little things that you just can't get enough of, and I thought he threw the ball well. "I think Aaron's throwing the ball extremely well. He's been throwing the ball well all spring, and now we've cut him loose medically. I'm very pleased with the progress he's made."
Jets rookie wide receiver Chansi Stuckey, a seventh-round pick out of Clemson, was one of two men reportedly with cornerback/kick returner Justin Miller the night he was charged with third-degree misdemeanor assault for allegedly striking a woman at a Manhattan night spot in the early morning of May 20, a team official told The Star-Ledger yesterday. The official requested anonymity because such matters are handled internally. Stuckey, who played with Miller at Clemson, has been fined an undisclosed amount, the official said. The team, however, is awaiting the outcome of police and NFL investigations before taking disciplinary action, the official said. Miller is expected to be fined as well. The league isn't expected to take any action against Miller because he's a first-time offender, the official said. Under terms of the league's conduct policy, a first-time offense generally doesn't result in discipline.
Veteran nose tackle Grady Jackson might be close to reaching an accord with the Falcons after skipping all voluntary workouts because of a legal dispute with the team. Jackson recently started physical training with the team's strength coaches in Flowery Branch. Jackson has not participated in offseason training activities, which are similar to mini-camp practices. Jackson is seeking damages from the Falcons for allegedly leaking private medical information to the media last summer after he failed a physical as part of a free-agent visit.
Sometime soon, maybe as early as June 1, Miami linebacker Joey Porter will be invited to NFL headquarters in New York to explain to the league's management council his version of events in the March fight he had with Cincinnati offensive tackle Levi Jones.
Those waiting for Roger Goodell's decision on Adam "Pacman" Jones' appeal of his season-long suspension will have to wait a while longer. The league is not expected to announce its verdict until the end of next week, at the earliest, and it could well be the week after, in mid-June.
NFLPA boss Gene Upshaw, who has headed the players association for nearly 24 years, has been reluctant to lash back at his critics, because he knows how it will sound. "If I speak the truth, I'm portrayed as a guy who isn't sympathetic, who has a million-dollar job and just cares about himself," he said this week during a 75-minute interview with the Daily News. The truth, Upshaw insists, is that he always has looked out for the welfare of retired players. The truth, he insists, is that thanks to the improvements in pension benefits in the last four labor extensions, many retired players make more today than they did as players. "Some of these [retired] guys have claimed that no one's representing them," Upshaw said. "That's crazy. We've always represented them. I'm the only one at the bargaining table who represents those retired players. "When I go in [to negotiate a new CBA], I've got to fight for our 60 percent [the players' cut of the league revenue]. When I fight for the 60 percent, I'm also fighting for their piece. Because their piece has to come out of our piece. That's the only place it's going to come from."
Falcons wide receiver Brian Finneran likely will have surgery to repair damage to his left knee in the coming weeks, if not days, according to Petrino. "He's had a couple different opinions, and he's probably going to have to get something done here quickly, in the near future," Petrino said. Petrino did not disclose the nature of Finneran's injury, the type of procedure expected to be performed or a projected return date. Finneran, who missed all of the 2006 season after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament, re-injured his knee at a May mini-camp while doing some rehabilitative running.
The moment the Cowboys signed receiver Terrell Owens to a three-year $25 million contract, the countdown began on when his services would be terminated. It doesn't appear it will be this season. The Cowboys are expected to pay Owens a $3 million roster bonus today to stay with the team. After last season ended, owner/general manager Jerry Jones told everyone who asked that Owens, the Cowboys' leading receiver, would return in 2007. Jones even got snippy on his weekly radio show at season's end. Asked if Owens would return, Jones replied, "I said yes, OK. I don't know how I can answer you any clearer."
Signed as a free agent to be the Broncos' backup quarterback, Patrick Ramsey has surprised even himself by how quickly he is learning the offense. Ramsey, a sixth-year pro who has 24 career starts in the NFL, isn't sure the smooth adjustment is a result of him being older and wiser, or because Mike Shanahan's offense makes so much sense. "It's my first time in this system, and I'm still adjusting," Ramsey said. "But I feel like I'm picking it up quicker than I have with other systems. "Maybe the teams I've been with ran kind of a hybrid of what we're doing. Everybody kind of takes from other teams."
New Vikings defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier said one of his goals this season will be keeping Kenechi Udeze at left end. Udeze shifted to the right side after Erasmus James suffered a season-ending knee injury in last year's second game. Udeze didn't have a sack all season. "That's where he feels most comfortable at," Frazier said of Udeze. "We need to let him be where he feels confident and give him the best chance to be successful. We're committed to doing that, and hopefully we'll get the results out of it that we're looking for." James is expected back for training camp, but it's uncertain how much of a workload he will be able to handle early in the season.
Jets QB Chad Pennington, who wants to cut down on the career-high 16 interceptions he threw last season, is enjoying his first rehab-free off-season in three years after back-to-back rotator cuff surgery. "It's fun," he said. "It's exciting for me to be a part of the team and to be able to come out here and work with my teammates ... focus on myself as a whole athlete and be able to get better as a quarterback."
It will be crucial for Brandon Jackson to catch on quickly if he is to unseat Vernand Morency, a third-year player who has the benefit of a year's experience in Green Bay's offense from which to draw. He's familiar with the broad strokes, having played in a West-Coast attack in college that utilized zone blocking, as the Packers do. Still, he left school after his junior season, and has barely more than a half-season's experience as a starter. "I feel like I'm on track right now with learning the plays," Jackson said. "I feel like when the new installation comes in, I kind of know what to do because coming from Nebraska . . . I got the grasp of it. It's just a little different terminology. When I get that, everything's cool."
DeAngelo Williams was brimming with enthusiasm Thursday about the Carolina Panthers' new zone blocking scheme, which he said mirrors the style that made him a college All-American. "It's exactly like the Memphis offense when I was running there," he said. Williams, the Panthers' 2006 first-round draft pick, had a mildly successful rookie season last year with 501 yards rushing and scored two touchdowns. He's hoping for much better results and believes the scheme being installed by new offensive coordinator Jeff Davidson will suit his strengths. It gives him and the team's other running backs the ability to choose their own holes rather than having a more designated area at which to run. "That's something a lot of running backs love doing," he said. "You're never wrong, and we like not being wrong."
Falcons QB Michael Vick's biggest endorsement deal is with Nike. Attempts to reach a Nike spokesman were unsuccessful Thursday, but a company representative was at the Falcons' Flowery Branch practice facility visiting clients, including Vick.
