The Tiger Report: 09/27/11

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Texans cut ties with Steve Slaton

Posted by Gregg Rosenthal on September 27, 2011, 4:28 PM EDT

Steve Slaton finished sixth in the NFL in rushing yards during his rookie season in 2008.

Just three seasons later, the Texans decided to let him go.

The Texans announced that Slaton has been waived in favor of Chris Ogbannaya, who was promoted to the active roster. Slaton hasn’t been the same since a neck injury and always seemed better suited to a third-down role. He had 20 yards on seven carries.

(Slaton’s decision to wear gloves in his helmet this year as seen in the picture didn’t help.)

Ogbonnaya’s promotion could be one solution to the team’s red zone woes.

Matthew Stafford fires a shot at Chris Carter

Posted by Michael David Smith on September 27, 2011, 5:53 PM EDT

Last month, former NFL receiver and current ESPN analyst Cris Carter questioned Detroit’s Calvin Johnson, saying he’s not a top-five receiver. Carter laterbacktracked, and Johnson brushed it off, but Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford hasn’t forgotten.

On Twitter today, Stafford noted that Johnson has two touchdowns in all three of the Lions’ games this season, and he asked whether a fourth two-touchdown game against the Cowboys on Sunday might be enough to impress Carter.

Stafford’s tweet: “Does anyone think 8 tds in 4 weeks willchange chris carters mind about an ‘elite’ receiver? #megatron.”

Carter himself owns the all-time NFL record for consecutive two-touchdown games, with four in a row in 1995. If Johnson ties that record on Sunday, one would think Carter would reconsider his opinion that Johnson is only great in video games, not real football.

Or maybe Johnson will need to break Carter’s record, with two more two-touchdown games.

Aaron Curry hints that he is on the trading block

Posted by Mike Florio on September 27, 2011, 5:36 PM EDT

Divisional Playoffs - Seattle Seahawks v Chicago Bears

Getty Images

In August, when we pointed out that Seahawks linebackerAaron Curry had given up $5 million in guaranteed money under the contract he signed as the fourth pick in the 2009 draft, Seattle coach Pete Carroll downplayed the possibility that the revised deal was the result of Curry’s performance in camp, claiming that the new contract had been done months ago.

But it wasn’t months ago. It happened on August 16.

Curry has since been benched, hardly playing in Sunday’s win over the Cardinals.

As pointed out by Danny O’Neill of the Seattle Times, Curry now has dropped some hints that he’s on the trading block via Twitter, suggesting that possible destinations include the Vikings and the Panthers.

It’s not a shock that the Seahawks would decide to move on, given that Curry arrived before the current regime. The real question is whether anyone will make a move for his services, including the Bears, where the man who drafted Curry now serves in a key front-office role.

Peyton Hillis on the mend, back at practice

Posted by Josh Katzowitz - CBS Sports

One of the more surprising inactives from Sunday was Cleveland’s loss of Peyton Hillis because of strep throat. Although he had to miss practice last Friday, Browns coach Pat Shurmur expressed plenty of optimism that Hillis would be feeling fine by Sunday afternoon.

He was wrong, as became clear when a stadium valet fetched Hillis’ car a few hours before kickoff, and the Browns running back took off for home.

Apparently, he felt better Monday, showing up for work and participating in team meetings.

Shurmur told reporters, including the Cleveland Plain Dealer, that Hillis spent Saturday night at the team hotel and that he hoped a good night’s sleep would cure him of his ills.

"He was in all the meetings,'' Shurmur said. "He was getting better. He got really sick in the middle of the week, then he was getting better, so he was at the team hotel on Saturday night. We were hoping he’d get a good night's sleep and then get better. Then it didn’t happen. We were going through the process of getting him ready to play and he felt like he couldn’t go. I made the comment yesterday, with his illness, I felt like if he couldn’t play, the best thing for him to do was go home and get better.”

Surprisingly, the Browns did just fine without him. Montario Hardesty (14 carries, 67 yards) was solid, and somehow, Cleveland survived the Dolphins for its first win of the season. But yeah, the Browns wouldn’t mind having Hillis back in the lineup anyway, and it looks like that's exactly what they'll get for next Sunday.

Bengals finally willing to trade Carson Palmer

Found 1 hour ago on Pro Football Zone:

PLAYERS: Jay Glazer, Carson Palmer, Peter King
TEAMS: Cincinnati Bengals

During Sunday’s Cincinnati Bengals game, Fox Sports NFL insider Jay Glazer noted that Bengals owner Mike Brown is interested in trading quarterback Carson Palmer. The only catch is that he’s willing to do it when he’s ready. Which means he’ll do it when he wants to, not when Palmer wants it to happen. Peter King [...]

Original Story:http://profootballzone.com/nfl/bengal...

Jason Taylor doesn't think Sanchez is as talented as Henne

Posted by Michael David Smith on September 27, 2011, 1:26 PM EDT

Jason Taylor has seen both Dolphins quarterback Chad Henne and Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez up close as teammates, and has studied both of them as opponents. And Taylor says it’s clear to him who has more talent: Henne.

“I think Chad has grown immensely since I left here a year ago,” Taylor told NBC Miami. “I saw a kid in New York, Mark Sanchez, that is young, I don’t think he’s as talented as Chad Henne.”

Taylor is in his third stint with the Dolphins, and after playing with the Jets last year he has a good perspective on both Sanchez and Henne. However, his answer is more about who his teammate of the moment is than a candid assessment of the quarterbacks’ talents. Taylor made that much clear last year, when he was with the Jets and he was asked the same question.

“I know who I’m going to pick, and it’s my quarterback here,” Taylor said. “I’ve always been one of those guys that rides or dies with his quarterback. Sanchez is my guy, and I better not hear anybody say anything bad about him.”

Unless it’s saying he’s not as talented as Henne. That’s something Taylor is willing to say now.

DeAngelo Hall takes shots at his own coach and teammates

DeAngelo Hall - DB - Redskins

Redskins CB DeAngelo Hall took a shot at DC Jim Haslett after Monday night's loss to the Cowboys.

Hall was burned by Dez Bryant for a 30-yard catch and a 15-yard face mask penalty on a key 3rd-and-21 situation late in the game. "You ain't supposed to have to [cover for that long], but [expletive] happens," Hall said. "... You don't have to be a [bleeping] rocket scientist to figure it out after awhile." Hall blamed the refs and his own coaches after running his mouth all week. He remains the quintessential "big hat, no cattle" NFL star.

Source: Yahoo! Sports

Pereira call's Vick's complaint a "Bunch of Bull"

Posted by Mike Florio on September 27, 2011, 12:55 PM EDT

The NFL is saying nothing about Eagles quarterbackMike Vick’s recent complaints regarding the late of roughing the passer penalties. (We know this because we asked the NFL.) Former NFL V.P. of officiating Mike Pereira is saying plenty.

Appearing on Mad Dog Radio’s Evan and Phillips in the Morning (on SiriusXM Radio), Pereira was pointed in his criticism of Vick’s criticism.

“Well, I thought it was ridiculous,” said Pereira, who now serves as a rules analyst for FOX. “It actually took me back, it took me back to my job in New York when I worked for the league, and it was a constant complaint by the Eagles, whether it was [Donovan] McNabb at quarterback or whether it was Vick. They clearly complained more than any other team.”

Pereira pointed to the statistics from ESPN showing the Eagles get more roughing the passer calls than any other team in the NFC East, and the seventh most league-wide.

“He’s a quarterback that’s on the move, he’s going to get hit more,” Pereira said. “Yes, there are a couple that may be missed but the fact that a ton of them are missed and that he’s hit late all the time is absurd. And he comes out and kind of does the mea culpa yesterday but at the same time what did he say? ‘I was being too candid.’ Well, that doesn’t sound to me like much of an apology. And also the damage is done. I don’t want to be the referee that goes in there now next and works with him. If he calls a roughing the passer penalty for a hit on Vick everybody’s going to say, ‘Well, Vick taunted him into that.’ If he doesn’t [call it] there’s going to be more criticism. So I think it was a bunch of bull and it didn’t sit well with me and it still doesn’t.”

That’s a great point from Pereira, and that’s why Vick should have said nothing to the media. These are issues that need to be handled privately and discreetly. As NFL spokesman Greg Aiello pointed out via email, “We do have a long-standing procedure that gives our teams the opportunity each week to receive a full explanation from our head of officiating about any call that they wish to question.”

No one wants to be called out publicly about their performance on the job, especially not NFL referees, who already are the targets for criticism. And so whenever Vick plays next, we’ll all know who the referee is — and we’ll be constantly reminded after a hit on Vick whether he’s getting the calls that, when speaking candidly, he thinks he should be getting.

Michael Vick is now considered likely to play this weekend

Posted by Gregg Rosenthal on September 27, 2011, 12:21 PM EDT

Getty Images

The moment that we heard Michael Vick’s non-throwing hand wasn’t broken, we figured this report was coming.

The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that Michael Vick is “likely”to play Sunday according to two sources.

The swelling in Vick’s right hand needs to go down, but you just don’t see players miss games very often for deep bone bruises on non-throwing hands.

It’s worth noting that Vick has fumbled seven times in only 10 quarters of play this season. This injury won’t help matters there.

Mendenhall tip-toeing behind the line

Rashard Mendenhall - RB - Steelers

Beat writer Ed Bouchette notes that Rashard Mendenhall is "stutter-stepping, spinning and changing direction before he hits the line of scrimmage, often away from where the hole is."

Mendenhall is averaging a 3.02 yards per carry through three games. While that number will certainly rise, the woeful play of the Steelers' banged-up offensive line is a major concern. Mendenhall's tip-toeing antics are a result of clogged running lanes.

Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Brandon Marshall red zone production unusually low

Brandon Marshall - WR - Dolphins

Brandon Marshall has dropped three potential touchdown passes this season, according to the Sun-Sentinel.

It's a bit harsh to call them "drops" because they were not easy plays to make. But the point is that Marshall remains a prime target in the red zone and his one touchdown through three games is a bit fluky. There's room to buy low here, especially in PPR formats.

Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel

PFT's Power Rankings: Week 3

Posted by Mike Florio on September 27, 2011, 10:21 AM EDT

1. Packers (No. 1; 3-0): The Packers needed to play in the 2011 regular season like they played in the 2010 postseason. So far, they have.

2. Saints (No. 2; 2-1): The only thing that Week One game against the Packers helped determine was the location of the January rematch.

3. Lions (No. 7; 3-0): By winning in Minnesota for the first time since 1997, the Lions have exorcised yet another of their lingering demons.

4. Ravens (No. 9; 2-1): In their two wins, the Ravens have rolled up a total score of 72-14. If that version of the team shows up more often, the Ravens could be the team to beat in the AFC.

5. Bills (No. 11; 3-0): The 2008 Bills started 4-0 and finished 3-9. The 2011 Bills who played for the 2008 Bills are very aware of that.

6. Patriots (No. 3; 2-1): This team is doing pretty well for having neither a defense nor a running game.

7. Chargers (No. 5; 2-1): A winning record for the month of September should get these guys some sort of a commemorative paperweight.

8. Steelers (No. 10; 2-1): If offensive linemen keep getting injured, the Steelers may have to move Ben Roethlisberger to tackle.

9. Buccaneers (No. 15; 2-1): Eight years after one of the most memorable Monday night games ever, the Colts return to Tampa for something that likely will be far less compelling.

10. Raiders (No. 20; 2-1): Mark Sanchez wasn’t eating any hot dogs this time around.

11. Jets (No. 6; 2-1): With games at Baltimore and at New England, that 2-0 start could soon be 2-3.

12. Giants (No. 17; 2-1): New York’s original team could soon be nudging Rex and company out of the spotlight.

13. Cowboys (No. 14; 2-1): A team that should be 0-3 can defy placement at the unluckiest of numbers.

14. Texans (No. 8; 2-1): What could have been the most significant win in franchise history became just another missed opportunity.

15. Bears (No. 12; 1-2): Losing by 10 points to the Packers still wasn’t as ugly as those orange alternative jerseys the Bears wear.

16. Falcons (No. 6; 1-2): The Falcons are one of two NFC teams who were too desperate to try to close the gap with the Packers.

17. 49ers (No. 21; 2-1): The team that everyone expected to win the NFC West in 2010 and everyone expected to finish last in 2011 is, of course, currently in first place.

18. Redskins (No. 16; 2-1): John Beck? Keep your helmet handy.

19. Panthers (No. 19; 1-2): The man who arrived in the NFL with a tidal wave of hype literally rode a tidal wave to get his first win.

20. Titans (No. 22; 2-1): Without Kenny Britt, the Titans may not add to those two wins for a while.

21. Eagles (No. 13; 1-2): Somewhere, the 2000 Redskins are laughing their asses off.

22. Cardinals (No. 18; 1-2): The team that had no quarterback in 2010 has lost to a team that has no quarterback.

23. Jaguars (No. 23; 1-2): Somewhere, David Garrard is laughing his ass off.

24. Broncos (No. 24; 1-2): Maybe the Britt-less Titans will make an offer for the Broncos’ hot young receiving prospect, Tim Tebow.

25. Bengals (No. 25; 1-2): By the end of the season, there could be more people on the field than in the stands at Bengals home games.

26. Browns (No. 27; 2-1): Beating two of the worst teams in the league doesn’t make the Browns a good team.

27. Seahawks (No. 29; 1-2): The worst team to ever make the playoffs — the 2010 Seahawks — could have some competition this year.

28. Vikings (No. 28; 0-3): The Vikings never blew a 20-point halftime lead under Brad Childress, in large part because under Brad Childress the Vikings rarely led by 20 at halftime. Or at any other time.

29. Colts (No. 30; 0-3): Jim Irsay has a better chance of playing quarterback for the Colts this year than Peyton Manning.

30. Rams (No. 26; 0-3): If they can’t beat the Redskins with Washington is coming off a short week, the Rams may not win a game until November.

31. Dolphins (No. 31; 0-3): At least the Dolphins are playing as well on the road as they play at home.

32. Chiefs (No. 32; 0-3): When losing by only three points is cause for celebration, the season is a lost cause.

9/27 Tuesday morning one-liners

Posted by Josh Alper on September 27, 2011, 8:09 AM EDT

QB Ryan Fitzpatrick and RB Fred Jackson both believe the Bills have room to improve on offense.

Some good news for the Dolphins: RB Daniel Thomas has the most total yards in the first two games of any rookie back in team history.

Patriots QB Tom Brady made a public show of support for WR Chad Ochocinco.

The Jets will put OL Robert Turner, injured in the preseason, on injured reserve.

Ravens QB Joe Flacco wants to see the Ravens stay aggressive in the passing game.

The decision on RB Cedric Benson’s punishment doesn’t sit right with Bengals TAndrew Whitworth, the team’s player rep.

Browns DT Phil Taylor’s knee injury isn’t as bad as initially thought.

Steelers WR Mike Wallace isn’t backing off his goal of 2,000 receiving yards.

FB James Casey set a Texans record for running backs with 126 receiving yards.

The big question for the Colts is who will start at quarterback this week.

Said Jaguars QB Blaine Gabbert, “We made some plays but, like I said, it’s tough to like anything when you don’t win. There’s no moral victories in this league. Boils down to wins and losses. That’s a tough pill to swallow but trust me we’ll get better.”

The Titans won’t be able to replace WR Kenny Britt with just one player.

Red zone defense has been an issue for the Broncos.

Chiefs coach Todd Haley denied that he took over playcalling in the second half of Sunday’s loss.

The play of the Raiders thus far has validated coach Hue Jackson’s approach.

Chargers TE Antonio Gates is heading to see a foot specialist in hopes of a better way to deal with his foot injury.

It was another big game in prime time for Cowboys LB Sean Lee.

Giants WR Mario Manningham and coach Tom Coughlin disagree about whetherhe’s been cleared to return from a concussion.

The Eagles defense has been inconsistent this season.

Said Redskins TE Chris Cooley, “We’ve got to figure out a way to finish out a game. Offensively, we had a shot. We had the ball with seven minutes left, we had a couple first downs. We’ve got to say, ‘We’re going to win this game and win right now.’”

The penalty that wiped out Johnny Knox’s amazing punt return touchdownwasn’t the only one that bothered Bears coach Lovie Smith.

Lions T Jeff Backus needs to rebound from a poor game on Sunday.

T Marshall Newhouse looked improved from preseason when injury forced him onto the Packers offensive line.

Vikings QB Donovan McNabb’s completion percentage on third downs (37.5 percent) is a serious problem.

Falcons coach Mike Smith is considering moves to shake up the offensive line.

RB Jonathan Stewart looks like the new man on top of the playing time split in the Panthers backfield.

Brian de la Puente didn’t let a lack of experience at center stop him from stepping into the Saints line after Olin Kreutz’s injury.

Buccaneers coach Raheem Morris wants to see LB Mason Foster on the field more often.

According to RB Beanie Wells, the Cardinals were smart to sit him on Sunday.

Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo is looking to the baseball Cardinals for inspiration.

The 49ers might be ready to pull the plug on RG Chilo Rachal.

WR Mike Williams hasn’t had much of a role in the Seahawks offense.

The Tiger Report

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