Teammate says Reggie Bush stinks, Bush agreed

Posted by Michael David Smith on October 27, 2011, 6:38 PM EDT

Getty Images

Reggie Bush was involved in what could have become a war of words in the Dolphins’ locker room this week when he said the team stinks — except that when a teammate retorted that Bush stinks, Bush agreed with that assessment.

It started when Bush said “We stink” after the Dolphins’ 18-15 loss to the Broncos on Sunday. That didn’t sit well with Dolphins safetyYeremiah Bell, who turned the tables on Bush.

“He stinks,” Bell said, according to Examiner.com. “That shouldn’t be said around this locker room. We know that we’re 0-6 and we’re not playing the best but at the same time there’s no need for that.”

Those comments from Bell were published under a headline saying, “Dolphins Divided,” but in reality Bush had no problem with what Bell said.

“I do stink,” Bush told the Palm Beach Post. “We all stink. When it comes to 0-6, everybody stinks. We’ve all, in some way, shape or form have not been good enough, and that’s what I meant with those comments. I don’t care if it’s the front-desk secretary — she ain’t doing a good enough job. Everybody’s in this thing together.”

I don’t know how the front-desk secretary got dragged into this, but it’s nice to see that we’ve found something we can all agree on: The Dolphins stink.

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Marvin Lewis: "At what point did Carson quit?"

Posted by Gregg Rosenthal on October 27, 2011, 4:18 PM EDT

AP

Bengals coach Marvin Lewis talks like a rejuvenated man.

He has a young roster willing to take his lead. He has a defensive line rotation that rivals any group in the league. He has a bright offensive coordinator bringing new ideas to the offense.

Perhaps most importantly, Lewis seems happy about the players not on his team. Headaches like Chad Ochocinco and Terrell Owens are gone. It sounds like Lewis was ready for a change at quarterback too.

“At what point did Carson quit?” Bengals coach Marvin Lewis asked Les Carpenter of Yahoo! Sports. “At some point last year he decided he didn’t want to be here. This didn’t happen at the end of the season. There was a point earlier on when he said, ‘This isn’t the place for me.’ ”

Lewis said he didn’t want to convince anyone to play for him. Another team official put it in more understandable terms to Carpenter:

“We got rid of all our [expletive].”

The Bengals coach moved to quickly squash the story Wednesday before it got legs, saying the quotes were taken out of context.

“Let it go,” Lewis said via Joe Reedy of the Cincinnati Enquirer.

There’s no denying that Lewis has relished the Bengals reboot.

“I was getting an opportunity a lot of coaches don’t get to . . . and that is a chance to start over at the same place,” Lewis says.

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Report: Recent 911 call indicates T.O. attempted suicide

Posted by Mike Florio on October 27, 2011, 3:38 PM EDT

Reuters

In 2006, receiver Terrell Owens created a major stir with a drug overdose that was believed to be a suicide attempt.  Last month, Owens reportedly had another overdose, as reported by TMZ.

Now, TMZ has obtained the 911 call that was placed earlier this month.  Asked whether the ingestion of prescription medication was a suicide attempt, a woman who was speaking to the 911 dispatcher said, “Yes.  I believe so.“

The last time something like this happened, Owens was a member of the Cowboys.  He held a press conference at Valley Ranch to declare that he hadn’t attempted suicide.  The event punctuated by a clumsy declaration from publicist Kim Etheredge that Owens has “25 million reasons why he should be alive,” a reference to the $25 million contract he had signed with the Cowboys earlier that year.

This time around, Owens is trying to attract the attention of an NFL team, and he has said nothing publicly regarding the incident.  The content of the 911 call likely will do nothing to assist his chances of getting back into the NFL.

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Brandon Jacobs doesn't see himself with the Giants next year

Posted by Gregg Rosenthal on October 27, 2011, 2:39 PM EDT

Getty Images

These are relatively happy times for the Giants at 4-2, so leave it to Brandon Jacobsto leave a turd in the proverbial punch bowl during an interview with Men’s Fitness.

Jacobs complained about his role on the team and said he doesn’t expect to be back next year.

“It’s a very confusing thing. I’m just here, doing the best that I can do to help my team,” Jacobs said. “I come out to win; it’s up to them whether or not they want to use me. I just can’t wait to get a true opportunity to get out there and show myself again, you know?

“Next year, hopefully. This is a business and you have to look at it that way. I just want to get out there and show myself. It’s going to have to be for another team, but it is what it is. It comes with the territory.”

Jacobs was then asked if he saw himself with the Giants next year.

“No, I don’t,” Jacobs said.

We don’t either. He’s due $4.9 million, and the Giants clearly view him as a backup.

Jacobs would help his case for more playing time if he was available to play.  He hasn’t suited up since Week Four because of a knee injury and has been limited in practice this week.

Jacobs is only averaging 3.1 yards-per-carry this year when he is healthy, so his complaints won’t sit well with the Giants staff.

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Jamarcus Russell: Raiders did not support him with off the field struggles

Terry McCormick - National Football Post

In the current issue of Sports Illustrated, former Oakland Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell said that suffering from sleep apnea was the reason he fell asleep in meetings.

While many might suggest that Russell, the first overall pick in 2007, more likely suffered from playbook apnea, Raiders coach Hue Jackson acknowledged to the Oakland Tribune that Russell had told him of some of the things he was going through.

In the story, Russell alleged that his Raiders teammates and then-head coach Tom Cable did not support him, and on a sadder note, Russell said he had 11 family members and friends who died during his time with Oakland.

Jackson and Russell did not last long together, just a few months as Jackson became offensive coordinator in January 2010 and Russell's three-year run ended in May of that year.

But Jackson did say that Russell was "a good young man," but would not go so far as to say what Russell mentioned as reasons for his failure were why he is no longer with the Raiders.

Of Russell, Jackson said he knew of "some of the things he'd gone through, but that's not the reason he's not here. I think there were several other factors, things that we don't need to get into."

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Tebowmania off and running with "Tebowing" and the "Tim Tebow Song"

Steve DelVecchio: Larry Brown Sports


Tim Tebow has only made one start this season, but Tebowmania is raging ahead at full speed.  If he keeps pulling off comeback victories and turns a disastrous Broncos season into something respectable, the frenzy could become worse than it was at Florida.  How do we know this?  Well for one we showed you the Tim Tebow songa.k.a. “Super Fans” yesterday, which is either the most obnoxious music video you’ve ever seen or solid gold if you’re a Timmy fan.  Prior to that work of art, we had custom Tebow jerseys that made him out to be the Lord himself.  Now — brace yourselves — we have “Tebowing.”  What is Tebowing you ask?  According to the websitewww.tebowing.com, this is Tebowing.




Dropping down to one knee and praising the Lord.  That’s what it’s all about.  I’m sure we all remember planking and owling, so if you were a fan of those you’ve got to love Tebowing.  Here are some more pictures of the new craze.

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Kyle Williams' season may be over

Posted by Gregg Rosenthal on October 27, 2011, 10:57 AM EDT

AP

Bills defensive tackle Kyle Williams is the best player most fans have never heard of.

He made the Pro Bowl and second-team All Pro last year and is easily the best player on the Bills defense. According to Tim Graham of the Buffalo News, Williams may not play again this season.

“Bills DT Kyle Williams talking of his vague foot injury sounded ominous. That plus info I’ve heard suggests return for 2011 in serious doubt,” Graham wrote.

Williams has been out with a foot injury for three weeks.  He spoke this week about it:

“Hopefully I can come back later in the year and help our team,” Williams said.

Yikes. I believe Buffalo’s offense is good enough to carry the team to a playoff berth, but it’s not going to be easy.  The Bills defense ranks 23rd in points allowed this year and struggle to rush the passer.

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Jahvid Best expected to miss another week

Posted by Gregg Rosenthal on October 27, 2011, 9:14 AM EDT

Getty Images

Lions running back Jahvid Best may not be out for the rest of the year, but he is likely to miss another week.

Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Pressreports that Best is likely to miss Sunday’s game against the Broncos.  Best missed practice Wednesday and this decision seems like a no brainer with a Week Nine bye coming up.

A source close to Best tells Birkett that the second-year running back’s headaches have mostly subsided.

Detroit actually ran the ball fairly well without Best against Atlanta, averaging more than five yards-per-carry.  Their passing game — and pass protection — was the bigger problem.

Most of Detroit success running the ball came in long yardage situations, as well as two runs of 31 and 18.

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Bears release safety Chris Harris

Posted by Gregg Rosenthal on October 27, 2011, 9:53 AM EDT

AP

Earlier this year, some reporters that cover the Bears were pushing for safety Chris Harris to get a contract extension.

Instead, he didn’t even last the season.

Harris revealed via Twitter Thursday morning that the Bears cut him.

“I was just released this morning by the Bears. Thank u for the opp to play football n do what I luv. I’m looking toward my next venture,” Harris wrote. “This Business known as the #NFL is a strange one. Chicago I want to thank u for all the luv u have shown me over the yrs. u will b missed.”

Harris was a second team All Pro selection last year, which now just looks odd.  He has a $1.095 million contract and can be claimed by any team.  He started three games this year and was inactive for another.

Harris was brought back by the Bears last year to solidify the revolving door at safety for the team. The door continues to spin, and at some point it’s clear that scheme and personnel choices are the biggest problems with the safety play in Chicago.

UPDATE: It’s worth noting that Brandon Meriweather, whom the Bears signed for $3.25 million before the season, hasn’t taken a snap in two weeks.

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Fantasy Football: Start em Sit em - Week 8

Start em

Cincinnati Bengals - Andy Dalton & AJ Green -  The Bengals have openly said they are going to pound the rock with Bernard Scott and company this weekend, but they are not going to have much success doing it.  The Seahawks run defense has remained dominant thus far this season.  While seeing the 2nd most runs in the league, they remain resilient with a league best 3.1 yards per carry.  This will force the Bengals to put the ball in the air, and that is where their best match up is anyways.  Dalton will be facing the 20th ranked pass defense in the NFL, that just lost it's number 1 corner in Marcus Trufant.  Andy Dalton and AJ Green could have their best game yet.

Tennessee Titans - Chris Johnson - CJ-No K has sucked this year, plain and simple.  His 268 yards at 2.9 per carry is awful.  However this week he will face off against the 31st ranked Colt's defense.  The Colts have also allowed 9 rushing touchdowns tying them for the worst in the league.   One thing to keep in mind, the colts are giving up those numbers because teams are running on them 35 times per game, their per carry average is actually 12th in the league at 4.3.

New Orleans Saints - Darren Sproles - Did you know that Darren Sproles has touched the ball at least 8 times in each game this season, and he has generated no less than 50 yards per contest.   Additionally he has only scored less than 9 points one time this season.  This week he get's a very running back friendly match up with the St. Louis Rams, on a fast dome surface.  I expect Sproles to have a monster performance this week.

Baltimore Ravens - Defense - They are playing against Kevin Kolb and the Cardinals, need I say more?   Kolb has struggled against better than average defenses this year and that should continue as the Ravens rebound from the embarrassing loss on Monday Night Football to the Jags.  A game in which the defense played well, but the offense literally fumbled it away.

Sit em


Arizona Cardinals - Beanie Wells - Wells will be facing an angry Ray Lewis led Ravens squad.  Wells is banged up, but even if he is healthy enough to play this weekend, he will be shutdown.  Don't think that any of his backups will fare any better either.  Did you see what the Ravens did to Maurice Jones-Drew?

Dallas Cowboys - Dez Bryant - This guy can drive you crazy.  One minute he looks like one of the most dominant players on the field, next thing you know he is the most dormant player on the field.  If his talent and desire ever collide with work ethic he could be great, but it hasn't happened yet.  Not to mention he will have Nnamdi Asomugha blanketing him most of the day.  Nnamdi has picked up his play in recent weeks after a slow start to the season. 

San Diego Chargers - Philip Rivers - It is a risky proposition to sit Philip Rivers, but I just don't like him this week.  They will be on the road in a hostile Arrowhead Stadium, facing a Chiefs defense that just pilfered 6 picks from the Raiders.   The Chiefs pass defense is not great, but they have gotten better since the first two weeks of the season.  Rivers already struggled against this team in Week 3 with 2 picks and 0 TDs, hey might play better than that, but don't expect much from him this week.

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TTR's Week 8 - Fantasy Football Mailbag - Submit your questions!

We will be accepting and answering any fantasy football questions this weekend before the start of the games, so feel free to get your questions in to us and we will respond in time for you to set your lineups on gameday!

-Tiger

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Chris Johnson has not had a run over 50 yards in 21 games

Chris Johnson - RB - Titans

Chris Johnson hasn't had a run of longer than 50 yards since Week 1 of the 2010 season.

Johnson has nine runs of 50 yards or longer in his career, but none in his last 21 games. "I don't feel I've been in the open field enough times for anybody to question my burst or anything like that," Johnson said. That may be true, but his inability to get in the open field lately is the biggest concern. The good news is that Johnson gets the Colts' No. 31 run defense this week.

Source: Associated Press

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10/27 Thursday morning one liners

Posted by Evan Silva on October 27, 2011, 8:00 AM EDT

AP

Bills CB Aaron Williams plans to return from his chest injury in two weeks.

Dolphins RB Daniel Thomas (hamstring)missed Wednesday’s practice.

Patriots QB Tom Brady discusses playing at Heinz Field.

The Jets missed out on re-signing C Colin Baxter to their practice squad.

Ravens WR Anquan Boldin will face his former team on Sunday.

Bengals coach Marvin Lewis dissects his Week Eight opponent.

Browns RB Peyton Hillis says his contract year has been “humbling.”

Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger is not on this week’s injury report.

The Texans undressed the Titans in Week Seven.

Is Colts QB Curtis Painter better than his record shows?

The Jaguars are using WR Mike Thomas on punt returns again.

Titans coach Mike Munchak discusses the sorry state of his team.

The Broncos are targeting a better offensive performance in Week Eight.

The Chiefs are getting the rock to WR Dwayne Bowe this year.

NFL teams have struggled coming off bye weeks this season.

Chargers rookie CB Marcus Gilchrist is now a starter.

Cowboys defensive coordinator Rob Ryan is confident in his unit.

Giants CB Prince Amukamara is still trying to get his foot healthy.

Eagles DE Brandon Graham’s weight ballooned during his knee rehab.

The Redskins are an “uneven, unreliable, and immature” team.

ChicagoBears.com discusses when OT Gabe Carimi (knee) might return.

The Lions come in eighth in SI.com’s latest power rankings.

Packers backup QB Matt Flynn is developing nicely behind Aaron Rodgers.

Vikings QB Christian Ponder was “poised and in command” in his first start.

The Falcons want to improve their third-down and red-zone efficiency.

Panthers QB Cam Newton is working on his ball security.

The NFL Network Playbook crew is picking the Saints in Week Eight.

The Bucs are confident RB LeGarrette Blount (knee) will return after the bye.

The Cardinals come in 28th in these power rankings.

CSN Bay Area’s Matt Maiocco breaks down the latest on the 49ers.

The Seahawks have released OT Tyler Polumbus.

Rams QB Sam Bradford still has a boot on his high left ankle sprain.

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Bucs working hard to get Josh Freeman back on track

Posted by Mike Florio on October 27, 2011, 7:12 AM EDT

Reuters

Last year, Buccaneers quarterback Josh Freeman threw 25 touchdown passes and only six interceptions.  This year, he has seven touchdowns and 10 picks through seven games.

The Bucs are on their bye, and they’re trying to improve Freeman’s performance.  To the likely delight of their upcoming opponents, they’re also telling the world what they’ll be doing.

According to the folks at PewterReport.com, Freeman and a couple of his coaches spoke to reporters on Wednesdayabout the perceived causes of the problems and the intended solutions.

First, Freeman has been throwing too often from his back foot, without stepping into his throws.  Second, Freeman has been unable to find running lanes when pressured.

“I’m not the fastest guy in the world,” Freeman said.  “If I have an open running lane then I’m going to run the ball. I’ve not had a chance to get out. The one time I tried to scramble versus the Bears I got run down by an end and ended up having to throw it away. It’s a part that if it’s there to do and we can do something with it, then I am going to do it.  But the lanes just haven’t been there.”

The lanes haven’t been there because opponents have tried to take them away.  “They’re running some stunts and different things underneath that really take away the rush lanes for the quarterback,” Freeman said.  “Also they’ve spied me a little bit and it’s by design and that’s how the league is.  You do something successfully and the defense is going to start to do stuff to take it away.”

Coach Raheem Morris also thinks Freeman has been forcing it at times.  “Last year he simply did a better job of going through his progressions throughout the whole process,” Morris said.  “Right now he’s probably playing his number in fantasy football because he’s trying to throw touchdowns.  Sometimes it’s okay to throw to check-downs; sometimes it’s okay to go through your progressions.  Right now he has a little too much confidence in what he’s doing with his arm and forcing some things in there.  We’re in a game and we threw four interceptions. If we don’t throw some of those interceptions we’ve got a chance to win it.”

Freeman’s struggles are typical to many young quarterbacks who enjoy early success.  Whether it’s Freeman or Matthew Stafford or Sam Bradford, defenses come up with ways to confound them by cracking the code to their strengths, weaknesses, and tendencies on film.

That’s what makes the largely overlooked 2011 performance of Aaron Rodgerseven more impressive.  In his fourth season as a starter, defenses have ample ammunition to figure out how to shut him down.  And they can’t.

While Florio has a point, I don't think we give enough credit to the Packers for placing loads of talent around Rodgers.  Stafford, Bradford and Freeman combined do not have the supporting cast that Rodgers does in Green Bay.

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