The Tiger Report: 10/05/11

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Tom Brady doesn't care what Cromartie thinks or says

National Football Post - Terry McCormick

New York Jets cornerback Antonio Cromartie was none too kind in making his feelings for New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady known last season.

He used a derogatory term and language apparently in response to Brady pointing toward the Jets' sideline in a game last year. A new season has done nothing to soften Cromartie's feelings toward Brady.

"What I said last year, I meant it," Cromartie told Newsday earlier this week. "I'm not going to take back anything. I'm definitely looking forward to this rivalry game. I still have the same feelings. Feelings don't change. Whatever I said last year is not going to change."

Brady got his chance to respond on Wednesday and indicated that he didn't really care to discuss Cromartie's remarks any further.

"I don't care what he says about me," Brady told the Boston Globe. Later in the interview Brady said once again he didn't care about what Cromartie had said about the matter.

Maybe he really doesn't want to discuss it.

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Rodney Harrison calls Favre classless and immature

Posted by Mike Florio on October 5, 2011, 7:34 PM EDT

In response to Brett Favre’s backhanded slap at Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, which the folks at 790 The Zone in Atlanta clumsily tried to minimize, Atlanta resident Rodney Harrison of NBC’s Football Night in America has loaded up the cannons and aimed them at Brett.

Harrison, appearing on the latest edition of NBC SportsTalk on VERSUS, called Favre “classless” and “immature.”

We’ll defer to Rodney for the rest of his comments on the matter. But we highly recommend that you spend two minutes of your time to listen to what Rodney has to say.

Prince Amukamara out at least until Week 8

Posted by Josh Alper on October 5, 2011, 5:52 PM EDT

When Giants first-round pick Prince Amukamara broke his foot in training camp, the team said it would take about eight weeks for him to recover.

The eight-week mark passed on Saturday and Amukamara still isn’t close to getting back on the field. Giants coach Tom Coughlin addressed the cornerback’s status and said that he won’t be doing it again until after the team’s bye week. The Giants have a bye in Week seven of the season after their home game against the Bills.

“I don’t know what his original time frame was,” Coughlin said, via ESPN New York. “Prince is not ready to go. He will not be for a while. We are not going to mess around here. Until he is ready to go … I really don’t ask about him every day because to me it is off somewhere in the distance. It’s very slow, as you would imagine, but it is gradual and we are making progress. There is no setback.”

Because of the injuries to Amukamara and Terrell Thomas, the Giants have been using Aaron Ross as a starting corner while safety Antrel Rolle slides to the slot corner in nickel packages. That arrangement resulted in major problems in Week One, but Rolle has been doing a better job as the season’s progressed and he had a key interception during Sunday’s win in Arizona.

More injuries for the Rams

Posted by Josh Alper on October 5, 2011, 4:51 PM EDT

You probably thought that a bye week meant the Rams would be able to avoid bad news for a week.

You thought wrong.

Cornerback Bradley Fletcher collided with wide receiver Mike Sims-Walker during Wednesday’s practice and had to leave the session with a knee injury. The team’s Twitter account reports that he will have an MRI to assess the damage. Sims-Walker alsohurt his shoulder in the collision, although his injury is not thought to be serious.

The Rams have already lost cornerbacks Ron Bartell and Jerome Murphy for the season, forcing the team to play Justin King opposite from Fletcher to very little positive effect. If Fletcher is lost for a significant period of time, the chances of the Rams righting the ship after an 0-4 start figure to get worse and the stats of opposing quarterbacks figure to get much better.

Were this an infomercial, this would be the part where it says, “But wait, there’s more!” Adam Caplan of Sirius/XM radio reports that wide receiver Danny Amendola will not play for the team this season because of the dislocated elbow he suffered in the season opener. Amendola, who has not played since then, led the team with 85 catches last season and Sam Bradford seems to be really missing him in the offense this year. The team said Wednesday that Amendola’s status remains up in the air while he gets a second opinion.

Rookie Report Cards for the 1st Quarter

Article first published as Rookie Report Cards for the 1st Quarter on Technorati.

The Broncos look to have swung and knocked it out of the park with their selection of Texas A&M defensive end Von Miller. Miller came into the league as an undersized pass rusher that was in the mold of a Derrick Thomas, whom he modeled his game after. Miller was selected by the Broncos to play linebacker, despite transitioning away from a 3-4 defense where he was expected to play. Instead the Broncos made him a pass rushing OLB in a 4-3 scheme and it is paying early dividends. Miller has already recorded 4 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 2 passes defensed and 13 solo tackles.

Andy Dalton & A.J. Green are the nucleus that the Bengals will build around for years to come. Dalton has been playing excellent for a rookie, but no one seems to notice because of what Cam Newton is doing. But that should take nothing away from the fact that Dalton has 868 yards at 58.1% and 4 TDs. Not bad for a quarterback that many people felt was a reach in the second round. Fortunately for Dalton he has fellow rookie A.J. Green to help him out. The 6’4 blue chip receiver out of Georgia has had limited opportunities, but he has been able to shine in those spots. 19 receptions for 312 yards and 2 scores is a pretty awesome start for a rookie.

Julio Jones probably had the biggest expectations of any rookie, due to the fact that the Falcons traded away so much to obtain him. Jones has not let the weight of the expectations slow him down. He has already gained 342 yards on 24 receptions, 15 of which are first downs! Jones was expected to have a big rookie year, but the fact that he is nearly on pace break the rookie record of 101 receptions by Anquan Boldin is absurd.

Akeem Ayers was a player that was initially expected to be a top 20 selection in the 2011 draft. However as scouts reviewed more film and he posted a disappointed 40 yard dash, he started slipping down draft boards. Mike Munchak and the Titans did not hesitate when they had the chance to land the 6’3 254lbs OLB. They quickly brought him in and made him a starter as a SAM backer. So far Ayers has flashed his athleticism all over the field as he has 18 total tackles, 1 sack and 1 run stuff.

Mason Foster & Adrian Clayborn were two players that the Bucs hoped could have immediate impacts on their defense. They were right. Foster replaced Barrett Ruud and has already notched 26 tackles, 19 solo, 2 sacks, a forced fumble and 2 run stuffs for -10 yards. Then you have to add in Adrian Clayborn who is playing the RE position and has already contributed 2 sacks and a forced fumble as well. This Bucs defense is being built the right way.

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Brian Orakpo named NFC Defensive Player of the Week

Posted by Mike Florio on October 5, 2011, 10:50 AM EDT

The Washington Redskins have gotten off to an unexpected 3-1 start. Far less surprising is the fact that linebacker Brian Orakpo is once again standing out.

Orakpo has been named the NFC defensive player of the week after the team’s 17-10 win over the Rams.

In the game, Orakpo had five tackles (four solo), two tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, and three quarterback hits.

Orakpo now has 23 career sacks in two-plus NFL seasons.

Frank Gore might not be the same player anymore

Frank Gore played 38-of-61 offensive snaps in Sunday's win over the Eagles.

Kendall Hunter started, but played only 23 snaps. Gore's ankle emerged from the game healthy, but be careful not to overrate his productive performance. The Eagles' miserable linebacker corps gave up 147 rushing yards to Steven Jackson/Cadillac Williams in Week 1, 114 yards to Michael Turner in Week 2, and 105 yards to Ahmad Bradshaw/Brandon Jacobs in Week 3. The safe play is to sell Gore high. He's simply not the same player this season. Oct 4 - 11:01 AM

Source: CSN Bay Area

10/5 Tryout Tuesday

Posted by Mike Florio on October 5, 2011, 9:46 AM EDT

Getty Images

You know the drill by now, or at least you should.

Every Tuesday, teams bring in some unemployed players for a tire-kicking. Here’s the list of players who had tryouts on October 4.

Cardinals: punter Matt Dodge.

Panthers: linebackers Antwan Applewhite, Kevin Bentley, Kion Wilson; defensive back Quintin Demps.

Bengals: defensive lineman Kentwan Balmer.

Browns: defensive back Levy Brown, linebacker Tim Cheatwood, defensive end Robert Rose, defensive tackle Kiante Tripp.

Packers: center Colin Miller.

Texans: defensive backs Ramon Broadway, David Jones, Darcel McBath, Joshua Moore, Myron Rolle.

Dolphins: quarterbacks Brodie Croyle (pictured), Trent Edwards.

Vikings: punter Nick Harris.

Giants: tackles Chris Campbell, Selvish Capers; defensive back Justin Tryon.

Jets: tight end Brandon Manumaleuna.

49ers: running backs Dimitri Nance, Jalen Parmele, Tyrell Sutton.

Seahawks: defensive back Marlin Jackson, guard Duke Robinson, tight ends John Nalbone and Richard Quinnn.

Also on Tuesday, the Ravens visited with defensive back Bryan McCann, the Colts visited with guard Quinn Ojinnka, and the Jets visited with tight end Brad Cottam.

10/5 Wednesday morning one liners

Posted by Michael David Smith on October 5, 2011, 8:27 AM EDT

Says Bills safety George Wilson of the Eagles coming to town, “Their backs are up against the wall. They’re up against the ropes trying to get that bitterness out of their mouths. We’re at home. We can’t allow that to happen. We can’t allow them to bounce back against us.”

Some folks in Miami think Dolphins owner Stephen Ross set the team up for a terrible season when he courted Jim Harbaugh but ultimately stuck with Tony Sparano.

Says Patriots DE Shaun Ellis of talking about his former team, the Jets, “Sometimes, I catch myself saying ‘we.’ It’s like, ‘Oh, did I say that? I ain’t there no more.’”

Jets coach Rex Ryan doesn’t understand how a team built to run the football could only pick up 38 yards on the ground against the Ravens.

The Ravens have to feel good about their place in the AFC playoff race.

Says DE Frostee Rucker of the Bengals’ defense, “We know the objective and we know what we’ve got to get done. We’re just taking care of business. Coach [Mike Zimmer] is dialing us up and putting us in the right positions.”

Browns coach Pat Shurmur thinks QB Colt McCoy is “almost a rookie,” with plenty of room to improve.

The Steelers are threatening to sue the owner of a parking lot.

The Texans have beaten the Raiders without WR Andre Johnson before, andthey’ll need to do it again.

Colts WR Pierre Garcon says the problem isn’t QB Curtis Painter, the problem is, “We have to do better around him. The receivers have to do better, the running backs, the offensive linemen. Everybody has to do better around him to make him comfortable, to make it easier on him.”

The Jaguars face the NFL’s top three defenses in the next three games.

Players on the Titans’ defense are taking pride in being first in the NFL in points allowed.

The Broncos will make orange their primary home jersey color in 2012.

The Chiefs won a game, and all of a sudden people in Kansas City are saying good things about Todd Haley.

Bill Romanowski thinks Raiders MLB Rolando McClain needs to start making some plays.

Folks in San Diego are wondering whether they’ll see Tim Tebow when the Chargers play the Broncos.

Cowboys CB Terence Newman is on the cover of Sports Illustrated, but not in the way he would want.

Giants WR Hakeem Nicks looked like the best receiver on the field Sunday against the Cardinals.

Andy Reid’s relationship with the media in Philadelphia is becoming more strained.

Redskins S LaRon Landry is an outspoken advocate of platelet-rich plasma therapy.

The Bears will bring veteran LB Pisa Tinoisamoa to Halas Hall for a workout Wednesday.

Lions WR Rashied Davis is looking forward to playing his old team when the Bears come to town Monday.

The Packers’ receivers are looking to pick up their yards after catch.

Count Joe Theismann among those who think it’s time for the Vikings to bench Donovan McNabb and play Christian Ponder.

The Falcons’ pass defense needs to step up its play.

The Panthers’ run defense needs to step up its play.

Jabari Greer of the Saints says that when he was a kid he wanted to be Randall Cunningham.

Bucs LT Donald Penn had a big day against Colts DE Dwight Freeney.

Cardinals NT David Carter says his girlfriend passed out from the excitementwhen his name was called on draft day.

Rams RB Steven Jackson called the team together for a pep talk in the middle of Tuesday’s practice.

San Francisco head coach Jim Harbaugh is looking forward to his reunion with Bucs backup QB Josh Johnson.

The Seahawks put LB Matt McCoy on injured reserve due to a sprained knee.

Bad news for the Texans

National Football Post - Terry McCormick

Houston Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson will be out for three weeks with an injured hamstring, according to Fox 26 in Houston.

Johnson went down against the Pittsburgh Steelers Sunday with what many outlets reported and tweeted was a knee injury. However, it was later revealed that the receiver had suffered a right hamstring injury instead.

According to the report, Johnson underwent a minor surgical procedure on the hamstring on Tuesday.

Broncos to go back to orange uniforms in 2012

National Football Post - Terry McCormick

The Denver Broncos have gained approval from the NFL to go back to orange as their primary uniform color, beginning again in 2012, according to the Denver Post.

It apparently was what fans wanted, and in our opinion, is a step in the right direction for the franchise that in its first real taste of success was led by a defense known as the "Orange Crush."

Just personal opinion here, but the current Broncos unis, no matter what color is the base, will never be as cool or classic looking as those Broncos uniforms from the Orange Crush and the John Elway days with the Bronco inside the orange "D" on the royal blue helmet.

The Broncos will continue to have the navy blue jerseys as their home color for the rest of 2011 and those jerseys will become the alternate jersey beginning next season.

Jarrett Johnson named AFC Defensive Player of the Week

Jarret Johnson - LB - Ravens

Jarrett Johnson Jarrett Johnson #95 of the Baltimore Ravens defends against the Denver Broncos at M&T Bank Stadium on October 10, 2010 in Baltimore, Maryland. Players wore pink in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The Ravens defeated the Broncos 31-17.

Ravens SLB Jarret Johnson was named AFC Defensive Player of the Week for Week 4.

Johnson and Terrell Suggs are playing as well as any outside linebacker duo in the NFL. Johnson returned a fumble 26 yards for a touchdown, had two quarterback hits and three tackles against the Jets last week. Jets coach Rex Ryan says Johnson is so underrated that the Ravens coaching staff used to laugh about it. Suggs and Ray Lewis won Defensive Player of the Week honors in Weeks 1 and 3.

Source: BaltimoreRavens.com

Garrard open to signing with Dolphins, if Henne's season is over

David Garrard - QB - Jaguars

The player rep for free agent David Garrard confirmed that "everyone is still open to the possibility" of the quarterback signing with the Dolphins.

Garrard rejected Miami's initial overtures because there was no guaranteed money involved. Until Chad Henne's fate is known, neither the Dolphins nor Garrard may be willing to commit to a signing. Garrard is a realistic option only if Henne is ruled out for the season. In the meantime, the Dolphins are looking at "contingencies."

Source: Miami Herald

Favre takes makes a backhanded comment about Aaron Rodgers

Posted by Mike Florio on October 4, 2011, 9:36 PM EDT

File photo of Green Bay Packers quarterback in San Diego

Reuters

So much for a reconciliation between the Packers and quarterback Brett Favre.

During a Tuesday appearance on 790 the Zone in Atlanta (via SportsRadioInterviews.com), Favre sprayed a little Cheez Whiz on the 2010 accomplishments of his successor in Green Bay. It didn’t happen directly; it was more of a backhanded slap from Favre, which came when Favre addressed whether he was surprised by Rodgers winning the Super Bowl.

“I’m going to be honest, I was not surprised,” Favre said. “The biggest surprise to me would be that he didn’t do it sooner. . . . [M]y last year in Green Bay prior to the first game, I made the remark that this was probably the most talented team that I’ve ever played on. And of course everyone looked up and was like, ‘This guy’s off his rocker.’ We were very, very young; take me out of the mix and we were by far the youngest team in the league. But I could see the talent pool across the board was outstanding. Now our season kind of ended up being a reflection of that. We came close, and I think we took a lot of people by surprise, but guys emerged rather quickly.”

At that point, Favre had talked his way out of the bulk of the insult. But as Favre tends to do, he kept going.

“Aaron had a chance . . . even though the last couple years it’s seemed like he’s almost a rookie, he’s been around awhile,” Favre said. “And I’d like to think that he watched, he learned, and then when he got a chance to play, he brought in his ability which is obviously very good or they wouldn’t have drafted him in the first round. He’s got tremendous talent, he’s very bright and he got a chance to watch and see successful teams do it right. And so he just kind of fell into a good situation. On top of that, he’s a good player. I don’t think anyone would question now the talent around him is even better than when I was there. So I’m really kind of surprised it took him so long. Really, the early part of last year season, it hadn’t quite clicked yet and I didn’t know if it would.”

But click it did, and now Rodgers is well on his way to doing what Favre couldn’t — getting back to the Super Bowl for a second straight year, and not losing it.

Favre is clearly not happy with all the attention that Aaron Rodgers is getting after winning a Super Bowl last season. Anyone who thinks this was an attempt to compliment Aaron should probably reread the article. This was clearly an attempt at a thinly veiled insult. Is anyone else ready for this guy to just go away?

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The Tiger Report

Pages

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Tom Brady doesn't care what Cromartie thinks or says

Rodney Harrison calls Favre classless and immature

Prince Amukamara out at least until Week 8

More injuries for the Rams

Rookie Report Cards for the 1st Quarter

Brian Orakpo named NFC Defensive Player of the Week

Frank Gore might not be the same player anymore

10/5 Tryout Tuesday

10/5 Wednesday morning one liners

Bad news for the Texans

Broncos to go back to orange uniforms in 2012

Jarrett Johnson named AFC Defensive Player of the Week

Garrard open to signing with Dolphins, if Henne's season is over

Favre takes makes a backhanded comment about Aaron Rodgers

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