TSX-FILES

Boley suspension clouds Giants' situation at WLB

2009-07-07T16:16:00.002-04:00

Giants MLB Michael Boley has been suspended for the team's regular-season opener for violating the league's Personal Conduct Policy, with the New York Daily News reporting it to be for a May 2008 arrested and charge of battery. The paper also reported that the Giants new of the potential suspension when they signed Boley as a free agent during the spring.

Boley underwent hip surgery to repair a torn labrum in late June and will be out for eight to 10 weeks. He apparently suffered the injury in an early OTA workout but kept going, even to the extent of fully participating in the recently held mandatory minicamp June 16-18, but had to succumb to the arthroscopic procedure June 24.

Boley, who spent the first four years of his NFL career with Atlanta, was expected to win the starting weak-side job, but since he might not be healthy until just prior to the start of the season and is now suspended for Week 1 anyway, so his status on the depth chart becomes more and more uncertain. Weak-side linebacker was a problem for the Giants in 2008 with three players starting at various points of the season -- Chase Blackburn, rookie Bryan Kehl and Gerris Wilkinson. Since Boley's surgery took place prior to the start of camp, he can be placed on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list and thus free up a roster spot for one of the as-yet unsigned draft choices.

Key Rookies at Big Disadvantage

2009-05-20T20:37:00.001-04:00

One of the advantages of playing in the Pac-10 or the Big Ten is an increased opportunity at the national title because they don't play conference championship games that knock off contenders last in the season.

On the flip side, however, is that once players from many teams in those conferences reach the NFL, they start off behind the 8-ball. Because many Pac-10 and Big Ten schools are on the quarters system, their graduation dates aren't until June. And because rookies can't return to their teams until May 15 or following their school's spring semester concludes, many are missing out on key Organized Team Activities the next several weeks.

Ohio State linebacker James Laurinaitis preempted the issue, taking classes last summer to complete his requirements early, so he is on-hand at St. Louis' workouts. But Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez is missing critical on-field time because Southern California doesn't finish up classes until next month. In the meantime, Kellen Clemens is taking the majority of the reps in minicamp.

Cincinnati, a member of the Big East, is another school that has classes into June. That's holding back defensive end Connor Barwin. The Texans are excited about his potential, but Barwin is a very raw prospect who needs all the practice time he can get if he wants to contribute in 2009. He won't be back on the field until the Bengals' June 15-17 minicamp.

In Kansas City, new coach Todd Haley has opened up competition across the board, and there are plenty of opportunities for young players to jump on. But when the Chiefs start their OTAs on May 18, fourth-round cornerback Donald Washington (Ohio State) and linebacker Corey Smith (Cincinnati) won't be there.

"That's a disadvantage for them," said Haley. "They'll have to work very hard to catch up."

As Haley looks at it, it's another obstacle for rookies who are already 28 workouts behind the veterans they are competing against.

"Just to give themselves an equal chance to compete they can't waste a day," said Haley. "When they go back to school they have to be working out and once they get here they have to have to put the pedal to the metal. If they don't, they are not going to have an equal chance to compete because they are already behind. It is an important situation to understand."

Holdouts hurting Rams and Jags

2008-08-17T20:54:00.001-04:00

What do Steven Jackson and Derrick Harvey have in common? The Rams' star running back and the Jaguars' first-round draft pick are the lone remaining holdouts in the NFL.
And they're both gaining more leverage by the day.
News regarding Jackson's situation has been hard to come by, with few reports of talks between the sides. Coach Scott Linehan did say “There have been some talks and they are moving along.” But there has been no sign that Jackson is close to getting a new deal or reporting to the team.
Meanwhile, the first-string offense has failed to produce a touchdown through two preseason games without Jackson. In fact, the Rams' only touchdown in either game was engineered by a third-string quarterback. Marc Bulger threw a pair of interceptions before being pulled from Saturday's game against San Diego following a big hit.
The Jaguars took their own hit in negotiations with Harvey when their defensive ends combined for just four tackles against Miami. They didn't register a single sack and applied only very occasional pressure.
Quentin Groves, drafted a round after Harvey, got his first start against the Dolphins. But you wouldn't know it by looking at the box score, because he didn't show up in a single statistical category. Neither did the man he replaced, Kenny Pettway.
Jacksonville has veteran Paul Spicer at one end, but the position has been further thinned by Reggie Hayward missing the first two games with a sore hamstring and reserve James Wyche landing on season-ending injured reserve.
Harvey is now the longest rookie holdout in franchise history, passing the 19 days of quarterback Byron Leftwich.
According to published reports, the Jaguars are offering Harvey a $16.885 million guaranteed package with a base package of $21.140 million. Sedric Ellis, drafted seventh overall by New Orleans, received $19.5 million guaranteed and $32 million base, while Keith Rivers, selected ninth by Cincinnati, got a reported $15.445 guaranteed, $20.125 base package.
Ken Kremer, Harvey’s agent, is looking for a deal closer to what Ellis received. As a result, the two sides are at an impasse. The Jaguars have made two offers to Harvey, the first on July 1 and the most recent on July 28. The two sides spoke twice early last week but remain in a stalemate.

Engram's injury leaves Seahawks vulnerable

2008-08-11T17:18:00.002-04:00

The Seahawks have been the class of a woeful NFC West for the past several years, but Seattle's hopes of another division title took a big hit with the loss of WR Bobby Engram for 6-8 weeks with a fractured shoulder.

Engram set a franchise record with 94 receptions last year, and was slated to start opposite Nate Burleson with Deion Branch still recovering from knee surgery. The team has held out hope that Branch will be available by the season opener, but sometime in October is a more realistic timetable.

Youngsters Ben Obomanu, Courtney Taylor, Jordan Kent and Logan Payne were already competing for significant snaps. Now it appears one will be starting on the outside in Week 1 with another working in the slot. That's a significant amount of inexperience on an offense that relies so heavily on its passing game.

Don't be surprised if pass-happy coach Mike Holmgren leans much more on RBs Julius Jones and Mo Morris to try to get the Seahawks through the first month of the season.

Hanging Chad

2008-08-07T13:22:00.003-04:00

Brett Favre's arrival to New York means Chad Pennington's departure from the Jets. GM Mike Tannenbaum said Pennington will be the odd-man out, so where could the soft-armed and oft-injured veteran land?

He isn't likely to be brought in as anyone's immediate starter, especially not at this point in training camp. But there are several teams who could bring him in at least as quality backup:

Carolina: An insurance policy behind Jake Delhomme certainly wouldn't be a bad idea after the team flopped hard in Delhomme's absence in '07.

Dallas: The Cowboys have been tied to rumors with Tampa Bay's Chris Simms. They're concerned - or should be - with Brad Johnson turning 40 in September.

Detroit: Drew Stanton or Dan Orlovsky aren't enticing options should Jon Kitna go down.

Kansas City: Coach Herm Edwards had Pennington in New York, and Brodie Croyle could use a better push than Damon Huard can provide.

Miami: One of the few places Pennington could compete for the starting job. Veteran Josh McCown, second-year man John Beck and rookie Chad Henne haven't blown anyone's socks off.

Or, if we really want to throw another grenade on the drama, let's envision him swapping spots with Favre in Green Bay and looking over Aaron Rodgers' shoulder.

Marshall suspension big problem for Broncos

2008-08-05T12:38:00.003-04:00

The Broncos' are a chic pick to be a surprise contender in the deep AFC. They have an emerging rocket-armed quarterback in Jay Cutler, a deep stable of running backs and a strong pass defense.

But they must get off to a strong start with six of their first eight games at home, and that will be jeopardized with WR Brandon Marshall facing at least a two-game suspension.

Marshall will be suspended three games for violating the league's personal conduct policy, stemming from a string of off-field incidents since he was drafted in 2006, including three arrests. That suspension will be limited to two games as long as he undergoes counseling.

Still, that means Marshall would miss the critical Week 2 home game against San Diego. The Chargers are the clear class of the division, and a home win could set the table for the Broncos' entire season. A loss, and Denver begins the season as just one of the pack.

Upsetting the Chargers without Marshall is a daunting task. That means Keary Colbert and Darrell Jackson would both be in the starting lineup. Neither possesses Marshall's deep speed or big-play ability, which the Broncos' offense needs to help keep safeties from attacking the running game with abandon.

Panthers' Smith brawls with another teammate

2008-08-01T13:26:00.004-04:00

For the second time in his career, Panthers WR Steve Smith has gotten into an altercation that left a teammate injured. Smith was kicked out of practice Friday after a fight with CB Ken Lucas that finished with Smith being dragged off the cornerback and Lucas leaving the practice field on a cart with an ice bag on his head.

Smith's intensity is part of what makes the mighty-might receiver one of the best in the game. And for the past several years he appeared to have channeled his aggression into his play on the field. But the latest incident has to be a major red flag for a Panthers team that brought in D.J. Hackett during the offseason and appears poised to make noise in the weak NFC South.

Smith was suspended for a game in 2002 after a fight with WR Anthony Bright that landed Bright in the hospital with a broken nose.

Think hard before coveting Favre

2008-07-23T19:49:00.002-04:00

When Brett Favre was at home riding tractors in Hattiesburg, Miss., most people were more than willing to conveniently forget that his final pass in the NFL was an interception that essentially ended the Packers' dream season.

We wanted to focus on the 38-year-old finding the fountain of youth, and carrying -- sometime literally -- his teammates around Lambeau Field and to an improbable NFC Championship Game appearance.

Now that he has the "itch" to return, we're forced to debate whether it's a good idea.
And the debate shouldn't be a long one.

It won't be in Green Bay, so Favre will have to learn a new offense and get comfortable with new personnel in training camp.

We know he' not going to Chicago, Detroit or Minnesota. Carolina and Washington would be getting a bigger distraction than the possible upside is worth, considering Favre can't be considered a major upgrade over Jake Delhomme or Jason Campbell.
Kansas City, Miami and the Jets won't be contenders, so there's little point in shipping Favre off to any of those three.

It essentially boils down to Tampa Bay, where coach Jon Gruden has always had an affinity for older players and acquiring as many arms as possible. Favre fits both descriptions, and Gruden's version of the West Coast Offense should be among the easiest for Favre to pick up in a matter of weeks.

But that doesn't make it a good idea for the Bucs, who reached the playoffs last year with Jeff Garcia. Would Favre be much of an upgrade, if any?

Consider that Favre has thrown 100 interceptions over the past five years alone. Garcia threw just four all last season and has a 23-six TD-to-INT ratio the past two years.

For every highlight-reel touchdown, there are still far too many negative plays. The Bucs have a perfectly serviceable aging quarterback who doubles as a team leader. No need to bring the circus to town when the Bucs have an excellent chance to win one of the league's weakest divisions.

Giants' swift move could pay big dividends

2008-07-11T16:13:00.001-04:00

With names like Shaun Alexander, Kevin Jones and Ron Dayne still dangling on the unemployment line, it still came as no surprise that general managers took immediate notice when Shane Olivea's four-game suspension was rescinded.

The former starting right tackle for the Chargers was generating interest from multiple teams after he was released Feb. 28. San Francisco was among the known suitors, but interest waned when Olivea was suspended June 20, meaning he would miss the first four games of the 2008 season.

When that decision was overturned Thursday, it only took the Giants a matter of hours to scoop him up with a one-year deal. Olivea lost his job in San Diego in large part because he tends to be streaky, but he does play with a nasty streak. And 26-year-old right tackles who have started 57 of 60 career regular-season games aren't easy to come by in July.

It was a no-brainer for the Giants, who had only inexperienced youngsters Guy Whimper and Adam Koets behind starters David Diehl and Kareem McKenzie. If Diehl or McKenzie went down, Whimper has only limited playing time in two seasons and Koets has yet to see regular-season action. Now the Giants have an outstanding insurance policy in Olivea, a former seventh-round pick who is in his prime.

Jobs of any kind are proving difficult for the trio of running backs to come by. Alexander clearly lost a step -- or two -- during his final two injury-plagued seasons in Seattle, and he and Dayne will have to accept backup roles if they're going to be in the league in 2008.
Jones has been diligently rehabbing from ACL surgery five months ago, and recently held a workout in front of representatives from Miami, Green Bay, Pittsburgh and Detroit. He ran the shuttle and cones and caught some passes. If he can prove he is healthy enough to at least participate in non-contact drills by early August, he should end up in someone's camp early enough to compete for significant carries.

Olivea cleared -- and should be coveted

2008-07-10T22:02:00.001-04:00

Shaun Alexander, Kevin Jones and Ron Dayne are still searching for work, but Shane Olivea's name will likely be mentioned more than all three combined in the offices of general managers leading up to training camp.

Olivea was cut by San Diego in February after losing his starting right tackle job to rookie Jeromey Clary in November. He was generating interest from San Francisco, among other teams, but didn't sign a deal and was then suspended on June 20 for violating the league's substance abuse program. That meant a team that signed Olivea would be without his services for the first four games of the regular season.

That suspension was rescinded Thursday, and Olivea will be coveted by several teams. He lost his job in San Diego in large part because he tends to be streaky, but Olivea does play with a nasty streak. And 26-year-old right tackles who have started 57 of 60 career regular-season games aren't easy to come by in July.

Expect Olivea to be scooped up quickly by a team looking for him to compete for a starting job.

Jobs of any kind are proving difficult for the trio of running backs to come by. Alexander clearly lost a step -- or two -- during his final two injury-plagued seasons in Seattle, and he and Dayne will have to accept backup roles if they're going to be in the league in 2008.

Jones has been diligently rehabbing from ACL surgery five months ago, and recently held a workout in front of representatives from Miami, Green Bay, Pittsburgh and Detroit. He ran the shuttle and cones and caught some passes. If he can prove he is healthy enough to at least participate in non-contact drills by early August, he should end up in someone's camp early enough to compete for significant carries.

Westbrook -- and his knee -- will fuel Eagles' push

2007-11-15T22:20:00.000-05:00

The Eagles have endured a dramatic first 10 weeks of the season well enough to keep their collective head above water. And suddenly they have a chance to make a sneak attack during the stretch run.

Despite the drama surrounding quarterback Donovan McNabb's up-and-down performance and his increasingly rocky relationship with the fan base. Despite coach Andy Reid's well-documented family issues that continue to stir debates on the national stage. Despite numerous injuries to key veterans on both sides of the ball.

Despite it all, the Eagles find themselves just two games out of the wild-card race in the NFC heading into Sunday's home game against a winless Miami team starting a rookie second-round quarterback.

The biggest key to the Eagles' potential run to the postseason isn't McNabb or Reid. It's not tight end L.J. Smith being healthy and productive in the red zone or free safety Brian Dawkins overcoming a neck injury to regain his Pro Bowl form.

It's running back Brian Westbrook, who has accounted for 48.6 percent of the offense the past two games while the majority of the media has credited McNabb's increased mobility.

For the Eagles' playoff aspirations to survive a brutal run after the Dolphins that includes a four-game stretch against winning teams with a combined 28-9 record, Westbrook has to stay on the field and remain the focal point of the offense.

Durability has always been an issue for the 5-foot-10, 203-pound sixth-year veteran who has never made it through an entire 16-game regular-season schedule. He won't again this year -- he has already missed one game with a knee that occasionally needs to be drained of fluid.

Westbrook didn't practice Thursday, and taking a few days off has become the norm to help the knee hold up. He'll play Sunday, and add to his 1,219 yards from scrimmage, which is second in the NFL.

The Eagles certainly would relish the opportunity to build a big lead against the Dolphins, turn to backup Correll Buckhalter and rest Westbrook for that playoff push they hope to make.

Sadly, Peterson and injury reports go hand in hand

2007-11-13T16:46:00.000-05:00

Six teams passed on Adrian Peterson in last April's draft, mainly because he couldn't stay healthy at Oklahoma.

His combination of size, speed and vision made him one of the most tantalizing prospects in years. But his upright and physical running style that led to a dislocated shoulder, high ankle sprain and broken right clavicle during three seasons with the Sooners also made him a clear big risk/big reward draft pick.

It hasn't taken long for the Vikings to jump on the rollercoaster for a dizzying ride.

After steamrolling through the first half of the season and threatening to make a run at a slew of single-season NFL records, Peterson's season -- and the Vikings' hope for being competitive down the stretch -- took a serious hit when he suffered a partial tear of his lateral collateral ligament in his right knee Sunday.

Minnesota's athletic trained, Eric Sugarman, said there is "absolutely, no question" Peterson will play again this season. There's even a chance he could return after missing just one game -- not that Minnesota has any need to rush its prized possession back into the lineup other than to keep fans in the seats.

Regardless of when Peterson returns to breathe life to the moribund Vikings offense, Minnesota fans have had their first taste of what is likely to be a history of injuries Peterson will have to fight through.

It's too bad, too, because Peterson is unquestionably one of the most exciting talents in the NFL. He's good for the Vikings, and he's great for the game in general. Here's to hoping we see his name associated more with records than with medical reports.

Lions & Giants NFC's paper tigers

2007-11-12T14:05:00.000-05:00

A couple of NFC "contenders" got handed a heavy dose of reality Sunday.

The Lions and Giants, who entered Week 10 with 6-2 records, still have beaten a combined two teams that currently have winning records -- Detroit taking down Tampa Bay (5-4) and New York handling Washington (5-4).

Neither team's resume is particularly impressive, especially after Detroit was routed in Arizona and the Giants succumbed to Dallas for the second time this season. However, as the Cowboys and Packers continue to assert themselves as the only real class of the conference, the Lions and Giants exit the week still holding wild card spots.

The next litmus test comes when the Giants travel to Detroit next Sunday. But as two of only six NFC teams with winning records, even the loser at Ford Field has plenty of time to regroup for a playoff run.

"We know how good Detroit is," said Giants coach Tom Coughlin, "and we know that as the season gets shorter, all the games are tough. We have no excuses. We had our chances, our opportunities, and we just didn't play well enough to win. Not tonight. We were ineffective with the ball in the second half, we didn't get the quarterback pressure we wanted and it was a big game in our stadium and we couldn't control it."

There are a few quarterback situations worth keeping an eye on this week.

Rex Grossman took over for injured Brian Griese and threw a game-winning touchdown for Chicago. Even if Griese's shoulder injury isn't serious, it will be interesting to see if coach Lovie Smith stick with Grossman.
As the Ravens' season has unraveled, so has the play of Steve McNair. Coach Brian Billick declined to give him a strong vote of confidence, as he has in recent weeks. There's a good chance the Ravens make the switch to Kyle Boller this week.
Getting knocked out of Sunday's lost to Denver was the only thing that kept the Chiefs' Damon Huard from being bench. Coach Herm Edwards is mulling starting Brodie Croyle in an attempt to spark his passing game averaging just 207.9 yards per game while throwing nine touchdowns and 12 interceptions.

Chiefs' slim playoff hopes rest on L.J.'s foot

2007-11-08T18:15:00.000-05:00

Thanks to the Jekyll and Hyde routine San Diego pulled during the first half of the season, Kansas City is inexplicably tied for the AFC West division lead.

While running back Larry Johnson's status for the stretch run remains cloudy due to a foot injury, there is no arguing the Chiefs' chances of pulling a playoff spot out of the proverbial hat are remote at best with each game L.J. misses.

Take Sunday, for example. Facing the league's worst run defense, Johnson would have been primed to control the game against Denver. K.C. could have played the field position game, avoided attacking cornerbacks Champ Bailey and Dre' Bly and eventually worn the Broncos down. Now the Chiefs are relying on 34-year-old Priest Holmes and rookie Kolby Smith to take pressure off their moribund passing game.

Johnson is averaging just 3.5 yards per carry, a full yard below his career average. But that speaks far more about how much the Chiefs' offensive line has deteriorated than to any drop-off in Johnson's talent.

The Chiefs certainly still have a good shot of sneaking past free-falling Denver. But the offense is built around the running game, if for no other reason than opponents have almost zero fear of quarterback Damon Huard.

Down the stretch, Kansas City has games against Indianapolis, Tennessee and Detroit, all with run defenses ranked in the top half of the league. Granted, the Chiefs also play the Broncos twice and the Jets and Raiders, ranked 29th and 30th against the run, but how well can they exploit those weakness without L.J.? With no real passing game, they can't afford not to be successful on the ground. The bottom line is the Chiefs have a solid defense and a very one-dimensional offense. If they want to take advantage of the window the Chargers have left ajar, they need Johnson back in the lineup sooner than later.

Pack's gamble offers big reward with little risk

2007-10-31T17:33:00.000-04:00

By all accounts, Koren Robinson is a good guy. Through all of his off-field problems related to alcohol over the years, coaches and teammates have continued to sing his praises as a quality person and teammate.
Heck, he nearly brought tears to his first coach, Mike Holmgren, who treated Robinson like a son through all his struggles in four years in Seattle.
There's no denying the 2001 first-round pick out of N.C. State has a world of talent. He caught a career-high 78 passes for 1,240 yards and five touchdowns in 2002, an appeared headed toward a stellar career before it was sidetracked by DUIs and NFL suspensions.
And it's a no-lose situation for Green Bay, which officially activated Robinson on Tuesday after his year-long suspension ended last week. He could contribute as early as Sunday's game at Kansas City, working into the rotation behind Donald Driver, Greg Jennings and James Jones, and ahead of Ruvell Martin. He's also a Pro Bowl-type talent as a kick returner.
If Robinson works out, he upgrades an already talented receiving corps and adds a big-play threat on special teams. If not, the Packers cut ties and go with the roster that got them to 6-1 to this point.

--Running back DeShawn Wynn lasted exactly one carry as the Packers' stated starter. That was the first play of Monday's win at Denver. He suffered a stinger in his shoulder that landed him on season-ending injured reserve Tuesday. Ryan Grant was impressive in Wynn's place, producing the team's first 100-yard rushing game since Ahman Green last season and earning the starting job against the Chiefs.
--Quarterback Tony Romo was never going anywhere as a pending free agent. Everyone knew he'd sign an extension or be made the team's franchise player in free agency. But owner Jerry Jones nipped all the speculation in the bud, giving Romo a six-year, $67.5 million contract that includes more than $30 million in guaranteed money. It's a smart move by Jones, who removed one potential distraction as the Cowboys attempt to make a strong Super Bowl run.
--J.P. Losman is back at the helm of Buffalo's offense. For how long is anyone's guess. But Losman will start Sunday's game with rookie Trent Edwards battling a sprained wrist that might prevent him from even serving as Losman's backup.

4-0 Packers Hardly Perfect

2007-10-03T12:45:00.000-04:00

Clearly the feel-good story through the first month of the season, the Green Bay Packers still can't get away from the notion that they're by far the least imposing of the four remaining unbeaten teams.

However, most people don't realize the Packers have an eight-game winning streak after finishing last season with four consecutive wins. And if they can manage to beat Chicago on Sunday, they'll put three games between themselves and their most feared competition in the NFC South (sorry, Detroit).

With two home games leading into their bye week, the Packers have plenty to be excited about. But they also have a lot of work to do to stay on top considering they have the league's worst running attack.

Sooner than later, the Packers must find production somewhere among the group of Vernand Morency, rookies Brandon Jackson and DeShawn Wynn and second-year player Ryan Grant.

Quarterback Brett Favre is playing lights out with a 97.3 passer rating considering the one-dimensional offense he's running. But it's too much to expect Favre to play nearly mistake-free football through a 16-game schedule if his supporting cast doesn't step up in a hurry.

"We're not blind to the things we need to work on, and I think that's just part of keeping the focus of the football team," Packers coach Mike McCarthy said.

Other quarterback news:

Bears coach Lovie Smith is sticking with Brian Griese for at least another week, but one has to wonder how long the leash will be. At 1-3, the Bears are quickly running out of time to let Griese shake off the rust and help the scuffling offense become more consistent.
Cardinals quarterback Matt Leinart remains the starter, but he isn't making many fantasy owners happy. With Leinart struggling to find consistency and confidence in the new offense, coach Ken Whisenhunt has not been shy to turn to Kurt Warner, especially when the Cardinals want to run up-tempo.

David Carr is coming off a horrendous first outing with Carolina. The Panthers better hope he rebounds quickly with Jake Delhomme likely out a few more games -- and possibly longer if surgery is required on his ailing elbow.

Trent Dilfer will start the 49ers' next few games in place of injured Alex Smith. San Francisco's offensive line is already struggling mightily, missing several blocking assignments against Seattle, and it's not going to get any easier with an immobile backup quarterback under center.
Bills quarterback J.P. Losman is recovering quickly from his knee injury, but the team won't rush him back for Monday night's game after rookie Trent Edwards' impressive debut.

"Contenders" In Early Trouble

2007-09-20T20:08:00.000-04:00

Nearly a third of the league is winless heading into Week 3, and many are hardly the usual suspects.

Philadelphia, New Orleans and both New York teams entered the season with high expectations for a run deep into January, but now find themselves in near must-win situations in September.

Their struggles aren't by coincidence -- all four have significant concerns that have contributed to their slow starts:

--Philadelphia: QB Donovan McNabb hasn't been sharp coming off knee surgery, and now RB Brian Westbrook, who has accounted for 47 percent of the team's offense, is battling a sore knee that could sideline him Sunday.
--New Orleans: RBs Deuce McAllister and Reggie Bush are touching the ball on 39.3 percent of the snaps compared to 48.1 last season. The result is fewer passing lanes opening for QB Drew Brees. And then there's the secondary, which has allowed 11 pass plays of 20 yards or longer.
--N.Y. Giants: Injuries and a porous secondary threaten to derail the season before it starts. RB Derrick Ward has done a commendable job, but he doesn't bring the bruising presence of Brandon Jacobs. And the Giants have to run the ball and chew up the clock, because their secondary shows no promise of improving.
--N.Y. Jets: QB Chad Pennington returns from last week's game, but he's facing another dilemma with Jets fans pining for backup Kellen Clemens to take over after a solid performance last Sunday. The Jets have their own secondary issues as injuries have left the unit razor thin.

Leftwich Not the Falcons' Answer

2007-09-19T02:42:00.000-04:00

Byron Leftwich will not be the answer to what ails the Falcons.

The offensive line can't be held solely responsible for the 13 sacks Atlanta has surrendered through two games. Harrington has held the ball too long on occasion, and he has thrown a pair of interceptions that have been returned for touchdowns.

At the same time, Leftwich doesn't provide the x-factor Harrington lacks. Both are drop-back passers with decent arms and limited mobility. Both are former first-round picks whose careers might have been unfairly sidetracked by mediocre supporting casts.

Whenever Leftwich is ready to step in for the Falcons, who figure to be winless if that time is two weeks or two months from now, he is going to be hamstrung by the same mediocre offensive line and receiving corps that Harrington is struggling with right now.

Left tackle Wayne Gandy is proving to be too old to protect anyone's blind side, and now his dealing with a left hamstring injury. Renardo Foster, an undrafted rookie, is Gandy's top replacement. Which means this Sunday, Foster could be starting next to fellow rookie guard Justin Blalock on the left side of Atlanta's line.

Falcons coach Bobby Petrino needs a quarterback who can make quick decisions and release the ball in a snap -- which doesn't describe Harrington or Leftwich. Still, Leftwich will be given a crash course in the offense with the hope he can push Harrington for the starting job in a few weeks.

Seahawks Quietly Loading Up

2007-09-11T18:45:00.000-04:00

With a bevy of injuries to key players and a simmering story with the Patriots accused of spying with a cameraman to steal the Jets' signs dominating the news over opening weekend, no one outside of the Northwest is paying attention to the Seahawks.

Seattle didn't make many highlight reels with its ho-hum 20-6 victory over Tampa Bay. And national news won't be dominated by two moves general manager Tim Ruskell made involving "undisclosed draft picks" Tuesday, although they could prove to be key for a veteran team flying under the radar following an injury-marred 2006.

After signing defensive end Patrick Kerney in free agency and acquiring pass rusher Jason Babin the week leading up to the season, Bryce Fisher became expendable enough to ship to Tennessee for an undisclosed draft pick.

The bigger splash came with Ruskell prying -- or freeing, depending on your view -- quarterback Charlie Frye away from the Browns for an undisclosed draft pick.

A bust with the Browns, Frye lands in a great situation with the Seahawks. There is no pressure to perform immediately as he will likely be the No. 3 quarterback behind Matt Hasselbeck and Seneca Wallace. Meanwhile, Frye gets to tutor under Hasselbeck and coach Mike Holmgren, one of the league's great quarterback gurus.

Frye has the talent to be an NFL quarterback, but never could live up to expectations in Cleveland with a subpar supporting cast.

Can he be the heir apparent to Hasselbeck in Seattle? Too early to tell. But for now he serves as an important insurance policy. With wide receiver D.J. Hackett lost for at least a few games to a sprained ankle, Holmgren wants the freedom to use Wallace in some receiver packages, but couldn't do it until the team signed a legitimate veteran quarterback who could play should Hasselbeck and Wallace get hurt.

Split Backfield in Miami?

2007-09-07T02:12:00.000-04:00

Ronnie Brown has been a nice running through his first two years in the league. He has averaged 4.3 yards per carry behind one of the league's worst offensive lines and scored a modest 10 career touchdowns.

But "nice" and "modest" aren't exactly the adjectives at team wants associated with a No. 2 overall draft pick. "Serviceable" is another one that would fit that would probably make the Dolphins' personnel department cringe.

There was speculation when new coach Cam Cameron arrived in Miami that Brown would be used in a more versatile role, ala LaDainian Tomlinson, who enjoyed an historic 2006 while Cameron was calling the plays in San Diego.

However, as the Dolphins' season opener approaches, Brown is having trouble holding onto his starting job, much less appearing on the verge of a breakthrough third season.

As he did with Cadillac Williams at Auburn and Ricky Williams during his rookie season with Miami, Brown appears headed for more of a shared backfield load. This time it will be with Jesse Chatman, who spent the past two years out of the league trying to get his weight under control.

Brown didn't endear himself to Cameron by showing up to training camp overweight. Meanwhile, Chatman was slowly proving to be very consistent during the preseason.

Granted, all four of the teams that reached the conference finals last season had a two-headed attack in the backfield, but the Dolphins are still waiting to get the return on their investment they expected when they picked Brown in 2005.

Deck Stacked Against Eli Manning

2007-09-04T02:02:00.000-04:00

If the Giants go down in flames this season, there's no doubt throngs of fingers will be pointed at quarterback Eli Manning.

And the way things are shaping up, the stage is set for a trying season. Or perhaps it should be called a trap.

Even if Manning finally steps up and starts to fulfill his enormous potential, there are several factors working against the Giants emerging as a strong NFC contender.

The glaring issue is the absence of running back Tiki Barber. The Giants hope his slashing dimension can be replaced by the bruising package Brandon Jacobs brings. But it will be difficult for Jacobs to come anywhere close to matching what Barber brought to the offense as a receiver and big-play threat.

And even Barber might have had problems matching his typical numbers after left tackle Luke Petitgout was released. Yes, Petitgout is on the backside of his solid career, but the Giants chose not to bring in a veteran free agent or high draft pick. Instead, left guard David Diehl is being asked to slide to tackle, where he has precious little experience.

The good news for Manning is second-year wide receiver Sinorice Moss and rookie Steve Smith are coming off strong training camps, and starter Amani Toomer looks to be fully recovered from knee surgery. The bad news is the Giants' most physically gifted wideout, Plaxico Burress, has already dealt with knee, ankle and back issues leading up to the season opener.

That's just the offense. Consider the drama surrounding defensive end Michael Strahan, a subpar secondary and the superior talent in Dallas and Philadelphia within the division, and one has to begin to think Manning might be fighting an uphill battle -- but this time not of his own doing.

Short-Term Pain, Long-Term Gain in Cutting Trotter

2007-08-22T17:46:00.000-04:00

The word "surprise" was splashed all over headlines following the Eagles' release of popular veteran MLB Jeremiah Trotter. But anyone who follows the team closely, or watched Trotter get abused in coverage last season, saw this move coming for months.

First there was the trade for Takeo Spikes. Not only is he a proven veteran playmaker, but Spikes brings the lockerroom leadership the Eagles knew they'd eventually have to replace when cutting the cord with Trotter. And it didn't hurt that he has experience at all three linebacker spots -- including the middle.

For now, the man in the middle will be second-year pro Omar Gaither, a fifth-round pick who was impressive after supplanting disappointing Matt McCoy on the weak side for the final five games last season. In case Gaither stumbles, the Eagles have third-round rookie Stewart Bradley taking snaps in the middle after spending most of his time at Nebraska patrolling the strong side. Gaither will be flanked by Spikes on the weak side and mostly likely second-year player Chris Gocong on the strong side.

So while the exact timing of Trotter's release might have caught some by surprise, the Eagles are well-stocked to move on. He claimed to have lost nine pounds since last season, but Trotter still isn't the smaller, quicker, more agile middle linebacker needed in today's NFL.

The team was wise to make the move now, giving Trotter's teammates time to digest, complain a bit to the media and move on from losing a friend and team leader. Much better now than having that distracting during final cuts leading into Week 1, when the games count.

Honeymoon Period Ends for Levi

2007-08-15T11:08:00.000-04:00

Injuries have already hit the Cardinals hard, as outside linebacker Chike Okeafor and right tackle Oliver Ross could be facing season-ending injuries.

Okeafor has a torn left biceps suffered in the preseason opener. He's seeking a second opinion, but could well be done for the year. That leaves Darryl Blackstock and Calvin Pace to compete for Okeafor's starting job.

The Cardinals are a bit more prepared for Ross' injury. He was trying to fight over first-round pick Levi Brown when he tore his left triceps in practice last week. Ross tried to play in the preseason opener, but felt weakness in the area. He, too, is seeking a second opinion before being shut down for season-ending surgery.

Meanwhile, Brown is now vaulted in the starting job on the right side after playing the left side at Penn State. The Cardinals are giving him the best crash course they can -- pitting the No. 5 overall pick against the team's top pass rusher, Bertrand Berry, in pass-rushing drills.

While Brown certainly has work to do on his pass blocking, his strength coming out of college was his ability to block downfield. That has already been apparent, and the change from Ross to Brown might actually be an upgrade in front of RB Edgerrin James.

Injuries Already Threaten Eagles

2007-08-13T11:24:00.000-04:00

The Eagles are a popular pick to be a serious contender in the parity-clustered NFC. But with the teams stacked so closely, injuries are already threatening to put Philadelphia in tenuous situation to kick off the season.

Three key starters -- right guard Shawn Andrews, tight end L.J. Smith and free safety Brian Dawkins -- are all dealing with injuries that could keep them out of the season opener in Green Bay. The Eagles should be able to get past the Packers minus all or part of the trio, but ensuing games against Washington, Detroit and at the Giants leading into the team's bye week will be more difficult short-handed.

Andrews is emerging as one of the best guards in the league, but is likely to miss at least the preseason schedule with a right ankle injury. And his backup, Scott Young, is out indefinitely with a sprained right knee.

Smith's injury might be even more concerning. He had offseason surgery for a sports hernia -- yes, the same injury that landed quarterback Donovan McNabb on injured reserve in 2005. Smith went down in practice last week with what the team is calling a groin injury, but it's eerily close to where the sports hernia stemmed from.

Dawkins is bothered by Achilles tendinitis, which has kept him out of practice since the first day of camp. He figures to be bothered by the injury all season, which is certainly a concern for a 34-year-old and leaves him more susceptible to rupturing the tendon. Dawkins is the leader of the secondary and arguably the team's most indispensable defender.

Minter's Retirement Will Hit Panthers Hard

2007-08-07T12:38:00.000-04:00

Sitting with the 25th overall pick in last April's draft, there was widespread belief the Panthers were crossing their fingers Florida FS Reggie Nelson would somehow fall into their laps. Even Miami's Brandon Meriweather would be a strong fall-back option with the front office knowing veteran Mike Minter was on his last legs.

Nelson went No. 21 to Jacksonville and New England scooped up Meriweather with the pick directly in front of Carolina. The Panthers wound up not selecting a safety with any of their first seven picks -- waiting until the seventh round to pick up Baylor DB C.J. Wilson with the 226th overall selection.

Wilson got some reps with the first team last week, and is suddenly in the mix for significant playing time after Minter reportedly decided to retire due to his chronic knee pain. Clearly, the Panthers are in a very precarious situation with their last line of defense. They picked up SS Chris Harris from Chicago last week, but free safety is a major concern.

Nate Salley, a fourth-round pick who was originally cut in training camp last year, is the leading candidate to replace Minter. He also missed practice time last week, and the only other real candidate on the roster is Deke Cooper, a journeyman safety in his second stint with the Panthers.

So now Carolina is left with a strong safety getting a crash course in the defense and a gigantic question mark at free safety. The Panthers better hope they get one heck of a season out of DE Julius Peppers making sure quarterbacks don't have time to attack the secondary deep.