NFC East: Adam Schefter
You guys ask so much about why the Philadelphia Eagles haven't signed veteran linebacker Lofa Tatupu that, frankly, I've kind of stopped paying attention to it. But the idea has shown up now in a very interesting place that makes me wonder if something might finally happen soon with Tatupu. That place is Adam Schefter's mailbag, which includes this item:
My thought on Tatupu all along has been that, since he's been out there for two months and nobody's even looked at him, he must be washed up or unlikely to be a help. But Adam indicates that he's healthier now than he was when he and the Seahawks parted ways, which means maybe a team like the Eagles could take a look. Two interesting points, though, from Adam are that the Eagles aren't the "winning team" right now for which Tatupu wants to play and that the Eagles' problems likely don't have a solution as simple as adding one linebacker.
One of those problems appears to be myopia. The idea that "Philadelphia wanted to see its young linebackers and how they performed" is completely out of line with everything else the Eagles did this offseason. We were led to believe -- told, actually -- that they were going all-in for a Super Bowl run this season. A team that does that doesn't decide to look at young guys at one position while piling up veterans everywhere else. The Eagles seem to have believed that they could mask linebacker deficiencies with excellence on the defensive line and in the secondary. But that's a strategy that has cost the Giants in recent years, and it's cost the Eagles this year, in part because the secondary hasn't been excellent and in part because the strategy just doesn't make any sense. NFL offenses will seek out weaknesses and attack them, and the Eagles' weaknesses weren't hard to find.
The Eagles' problems are systemic, it would seem, and unlikely to get better anytime soon or with the help of any midseason acquisition. So while it wouldn't be surprising to see them make such a move, I'm not sure it would be the panacea that Eagles fans might imagine it to be.
Q: Adam, why have the Philadelphia Eagles not signed anyone like Lofa Tatupu or anyone else for help at linebacker? It seems like even a slightly unhealthy Tatupu would be better than a trio of Brian Rolle, Jamar Chaney and Casey Matthews?
-- Isaac (Penn.)
A: Hard to argue against your point, Isaac. The interesting part is that Tatupu wanted to play for the Eagles as much as, if not more than, any team in the league when this season kicked off. He did have some casual conversations with the Eagles during the summer, but Philadelphia wanted to see its young linebackers and how they performed. So far, not so well. At the same time, Tatupu's knees weren't quite as ready as he wanted them to be, though they are now. He is ready to play. But he has wanted to play for a winning team and right now the Eagles are struggling. However, to think Tatupu would be the difference for this team is a bit short-sighted. For now, the Eagles' issues are larger.
My thought on Tatupu all along has been that, since he's been out there for two months and nobody's even looked at him, he must be washed up or unlikely to be a help. But Adam indicates that he's healthier now than he was when he and the Seahawks parted ways, which means maybe a team like the Eagles could take a look. Two interesting points, though, from Adam are that the Eagles aren't the "winning team" right now for which Tatupu wants to play and that the Eagles' problems likely don't have a solution as simple as adding one linebacker.
One of those problems appears to be myopia. The idea that "Philadelphia wanted to see its young linebackers and how they performed" is completely out of line with everything else the Eagles did this offseason. We were led to believe -- told, actually -- that they were going all-in for a Super Bowl run this season. A team that does that doesn't decide to look at young guys at one position while piling up veterans everywhere else. The Eagles seem to have believed that they could mask linebacker deficiencies with excellence on the defensive line and in the secondary. But that's a strategy that has cost the Giants in recent years, and it's cost the Eagles this year, in part because the secondary hasn't been excellent and in part because the strategy just doesn't make any sense. NFL offenses will seek out weaknesses and attack them, and the Eagles' weaknesses weren't hard to find.
The Eagles' problems are systemic, it would seem, and unlikely to get better anytime soon or with the help of any midseason acquisition. So while it wouldn't be surprising to see them make such a move, I'm not sure it would be the panacea that Eagles fans might imagine it to be.
Lots of people have been asking about the Cowboys -- specifically, what should be expected of them in 2011. They won just six games last year, were supposed to win more, and everybody wants to know whether we should expect them to just rebound to their 2009 division-winner level or have to work their way back from six-win purgatory.
First of all, depending on how long the lockout lasts, six wins could be enough to win a division in 2011. But nevermind that. My answer to the question has consistently been that I think the Cowboys have the talent to rebound quickly and contend right away. Adam Schefter, in his latest Insider mailbag, agrees. Now, that's an Insider link, so you can only read it if you have Insider access. But Adam's basic point is that defensive coordinator Rob Ryan will make a big impact and the roster has enough talent to recover from last year's disappointment.
"If the team can manufacture a running game and improve its offensive line," Adam writes, "the Cowboys have a chance to challenge just about anyone in the NFC."
I agree, and I think they can do both. They addressed the line with their first-round pick of Tyron Smith, and they added to the running game with DeMarco Murray in the third round. The Dallas running game has been at its best when the coaching staff has effectively rotated its deep stable of backs. And as long as they can get off the idea that somebody has to be the "starter" or get the lion's share of carries, Jason Garrett should have enough at the position to enable him to run all kinds of creative sets and make use of all of that talent.
I looked pretty bad last year picking the Cowboys to win the Super Bowl, but I think most people would agree that they should have been better than 6-10. Things change quickly in this league, and I think that -- assuming there is a 2011 season -- a rapid Cowboys renaissance wouldn't be the most surprising turn of events.
First of all, depending on how long the lockout lasts, six wins could be enough to win a division in 2011. But nevermind that. My answer to the question has consistently been that I think the Cowboys have the talent to rebound quickly and contend right away. Adam Schefter, in his latest Insider mailbag, agrees. Now, that's an Insider link, so you can only read it if you have Insider access. But Adam's basic point is that defensive coordinator Rob Ryan will make a big impact and the roster has enough talent to recover from last year's disappointment.
"If the team can manufacture a running game and improve its offensive line," Adam writes, "the Cowboys have a chance to challenge just about anyone in the NFC."
I agree, and I think they can do both. They addressed the line with their first-round pick of Tyron Smith, and they added to the running game with DeMarco Murray in the third round. The Dallas running game has been at its best when the coaching staff has effectively rotated its deep stable of backs. And as long as they can get off the idea that somebody has to be the "starter" or get the lion's share of carries, Jason Garrett should have enough at the position to enable him to run all kinds of creative sets and make use of all of that talent.
I looked pretty bad last year picking the Cowboys to win the Super Bowl, but I think most people would agree that they should have been better than 6-10. Things change quickly in this league, and I think that -- assuming there is a 2011 season -- a rapid Cowboys renaissance wouldn't be the most surprising turn of events.
Adam Schefter, Mark Schlereth and Mike Golic discuss the possibility that the former BYU quarterback, who hasn't thrown an NFL pass since 2007, will be coach Mike Shanahan's starter next season.
Dallas Cowboys coach Jason Garrett has given his older brother John an additional job title heading into 2011. John, who recently interviewed for the offensive coordinator's position with the Miami Dolphins, will be tight ends coach/passing-game coordinator, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
John Garrett joined the Cowboys' staff in 2007 after working with Al Groh at Virginia. He started his college career at Columbia but transferred to his younger brother's alma mater, Princeton. The Garrett's father, Jim, was a longtime scout for the Cowboys and another brother, Judd, currently works in the club's scouting department.
John gained a higher profile when his work with Cowboys tight end Martellus Bennett was featured on HBO's "Hard Knocks" three years ago. He tried to break through to the mercurial player by shouting things like, "Daggar to the heart, Martellus!"
Garrett's one of the most enthusiastic coaches on the staff and he's helped Jason Witten continue to be one of the top tight ends in the league. How much say will he have in the play-calling on Sundays? Oh, I don't think it will be much. Continue to check in for news on both the Eagles' and Cowboys' coaching searches.
John Garrett joined the Cowboys' staff in 2007 after working with Al Groh at Virginia. He started his college career at Columbia but transferred to his younger brother's alma mater, Princeton. The Garrett's father, Jim, was a longtime scout for the Cowboys and another brother, Judd, currently works in the club's scouting department.
John gained a higher profile when his work with Cowboys tight end Martellus Bennett was featured on HBO's "Hard Knocks" three years ago. He tried to break through to the mercurial player by shouting things like, "Daggar to the heart, Martellus!"
Garrett's one of the most enthusiastic coaches on the staff and he's helped Jason Witten continue to be one of the top tight ends in the league. How much say will he have in the play-calling on Sundays? Oh, I don't think it will be much. Continue to check in for news on both the Eagles' and Cowboys' coaching searches.
Former New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress will be ready for training camp in 2011, according to his agent Drew Rosenhaus. The agent told ESPN's Adam Schefter that two teams have stayed in contact with Burress during his prison sentence.
He's scheduled to have a full release from prison in June 2011, which would make him available for training camp. Giants general manager Jerry Reese has never shut the door on a Burress return, but I think he's moved on with the rise of Hakeem Nicks and Steve Smith. The Jets have shown interest in Burress, but a lot could change between now and Burress' release date.
Mike Shanahan entered the 2010 season with Santana Moss and Joey Galloway as his starters and he's been hurt by a lack of depth at their position. With Galloway being bounced and the Skins having to go with Anthony Armstong as the starter, surely they'd have some interest in Burress. Quarterback Donovan McNabb is very familiar with Burress and I think he'd sign off on the idea. It was McNabb who supported the idea of Michael Vick coming to the Eagles following his time in prison.
It will certainly make for an interesting offseason story.
He's scheduled to have a full release from prison in June 2011, which would make him available for training camp. Giants general manager Jerry Reese has never shut the door on a Burress return, but I think he's moved on with the rise of Hakeem Nicks and Steve Smith. The Jets have shown interest in Burress, but a lot could change between now and Burress' release date.
Mike Shanahan entered the 2010 season with Santana Moss and Joey Galloway as his starters and he's been hurt by a lack of depth at their position. With Galloway being bounced and the Skins having to go with Anthony Armstong as the starter, surely they'd have some interest in Burress. Quarterback Donovan McNabb is very familiar with Burress and I think he'd sign off on the idea. It was McNabb who supported the idea of Michael Vick coming to the Eagles following his time in prison.
It will certainly make for an interesting offseason story.
What's in Mosley's (holiday) Mailbag?
November, 27, 2010
11/27/10
3:52
PM ET
By Matt Mosley | ESPN.com
Hope you guys had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I'm preparing to board a flight bound for Chicago's O'Hare Airport because I hear it's a neat place to visit during the holidays. The Beast blog will be attending Sunday's Bears-Eagles game, but I'll also be observing the Redskins and Giants. Now, let's see if we have any leftovers in this week's special holiday Mailbag:
Drew in Chicago, what's on your mind? Love the blog and honestly, you are the reason I come to ESPN.com. We have seen Peyton Manning time and time again make average receivers into major contributors in the Colts' offense. If Eli is able to do the same with Manningham, Calhoun, Hagan and Clayton in the coming weeks, do you think he silences the naysayers that still consider him to be a slightly above average QB? Or will he never be able to shed this stereotype simply because of the greatness of his brother?
Mosley: Drew, thanks for the kind words. I think Eli will always carry the "overrated" tag, in part, because of his older brother's greatness. But I do think that putting this team on his back for a couple weeks with Steve Smith and Hakeem Nicks out with injuries could earn him a little more respect. It's not like Peyton had to go through long stretches without Marvin Harrison or Reggie Wayne over the years, so I'm not sure it's fair to say he's done it with "average" receivers. The Colts do a nice job identifying young receivers who fit their system. Austin Collie might not be a star for the New York Giants, but I'm not sure that makes him "average." Peyton's already done enough to be a first-ballot Hall of Famer in my opinion. I don't think Eli's anywhere close to that right now, but I do know they have the same amount of Super Bowl rings.
Jason from Bryn Mawr, Pa., has a question about how we perceive this 3-8 Cowboys team: Ok, I know that this loss looked and felt different than losses earlier in season, but if we examine more closely, how much different is it really from the early season losses to Washington, Chicago, etc.? It obviously showed great character for the team to fight back after going down 17-0 early, but ill-timed penalties and another fluke turnover cost this team another game (just like Chicago and Washington).
Mosley: The Cowboys lost those games you referenced when we still thought they were playoff contenders. That obviously changed when the players quit on Wade Phillips and themselves en route to a 1-7 record. Even though Jason Garrett led the Cowboys to consecutive wins, I don't think a lot of folks felt great about their chances of beating one of the NFC's best teams Thursday. I think being able to fight back from a 17-0 deficit and eventually take the lead will serve this team well in the future. Garrett's raised everyone's expectations again in only three weeks as the interim head coach, and that's why he has to be considered the leading candidate for the job right now. I realize there were some mistakes in this game by the Cowboys, but none of them had to do with poor effort. That was the biggest indictment of these players before the man from Princeton took over.
Tom in Seattle has a question about Kevin Kolb's trade value: Just finished reading your thoughts on Kevin Kolb's off-season trade value and was a bit surprised by the relatively low value (2nd rounder) you think he has around the league. We're talking about a high second-round draft choice with four seasons of pro training in a complicated offense, along with a proven ability to excel (two NFC player of the week awards in six NFL starts). If you're a team in need of a starting quarterback, why use a first-rounder on an unproven commodity who will be paid franchise quarterback money?
Mosley: Tom, it's a fair question. I just know that the Eagles were reportedly seeking two first-rounders for Kolb at one point last season, and that seems a bit steep. There are a few general managers out there who love Kolb (Tom Heckert in Cleveland, for example), but that team already appears to have a fine young quarterback in Colt McCoy. I think Kolb's a sure-fire starter in the league, but the Eagles need to have someone reliable behind Vick because he takes more punishment than a lot of quarterbacks. As ESPN's Adam Schefter suggested recently, it's likely the Eagles will be content to retain both quarterbacks in 2011. They'll slap the franchise tag on Vick (roughly $15 million) and then keep Kolb as his backup. That is, unless a team such as the Bills or Vikings decide they can't live without him.
Andrew from New York has an issue with Chris Canty: Just to make sure, Chris Canty plays for the Giants defense, which has bragged about how many quarterbacks it has managed to injure this year, correct? The same one that had a stated goal of trying to knock Michael Vick out of the game? The first [Todd] Herremans play was certainly worthy of a call, but let's not blow this out of proportion -- or pretend that the Giants have clean hands.
Mosley: Canty doesn't say a lot to reporters, but he chose to call out Herremans last week for what he perceived to be "dirty" play. Herremans was able to respond and everyone moved on with their lives. I think every team wants to get some shots on the quarterback, and most of them don't feel bad when the quarterback is forced out of a game. I've never thought the Giants were a particularly dirty team, but I understand where you're coming from. I haven't really noticed New York's defenders doing anything out of the ordinary when they've knocked quarterbacks out of the game. In the game against the Bears, they simply pounded Jay Cutler into submission with repeated sacks and hits. Linebacker Michael Boley broke Tony Romo's collarbone, but it didn't happen on a particularly violent play. He drove Romo to the turf on a legal hit.
Stephen in Philadelphia has a question about Cowboys wide receiver Kevin Ogletree: Last year near the end of the season, Kevin Ogletree was starting to steal snaps from Roy Williams and actually made a few plays in those back to back games with Philly. I thought we had a future No. 2 WR on our hands. What happened with this guy?
Mosley: I think Ogletree simply fell out of favor with Jason Garrett. The Cowboys needed him to be a contributor on special teams, but he wasn't getting it done. And he didn't have the type of training camp that everyone was expecting. Ogletree appears to have a lot of talent, but he loses focus at times and will drop easy balls. If you're doing that during preseason games, you're probably not going to see the field in the regular-season. If he doesn't make a major move this offseason, he won't be on the roster in 2011.
John from Niwot, Colo., has a Washington question: The Redskins are an incredible 4-2 against teams with the same or better records than them this year, including a very close loss to the Colts. But they are 1-3 against teams with a worse record. In fact, the team the Redskins lost to have a combined 23-27 record while the teams they have beaten have a combined 29-21 record. What's up with that?
Mosley: John, you've done entirely too much research on this issue. The Redskins are trying to make the transition to a 3-4 defense on the fly and adjust to a new quarterback. They dominated the Eagles at the line of scrimmage in their first matchup and then were overwhelmed in Game 2 at FedEx. (And Vick was knocked out before halftime.) I think some of this is to be expected. This is a hard team to get a read on because they just don't have any consistency. They went to Tennessee and won an important game. But I could totally see them getting embarrassed at home against the Vikings on Sunday. This is about a .500 team -- and that's quite an improvement over last season.
Drew in Chicago, what's on your mind? Love the blog and honestly, you are the reason I come to ESPN.com. We have seen Peyton Manning time and time again make average receivers into major contributors in the Colts' offense. If Eli is able to do the same with Manningham, Calhoun, Hagan and Clayton in the coming weeks, do you think he silences the naysayers that still consider him to be a slightly above average QB? Or will he never be able to shed this stereotype simply because of the greatness of his brother?
Mosley: Drew, thanks for the kind words. I think Eli will always carry the "overrated" tag, in part, because of his older brother's greatness. But I do think that putting this team on his back for a couple weeks with Steve Smith and Hakeem Nicks out with injuries could earn him a little more respect. It's not like Peyton had to go through long stretches without Marvin Harrison or Reggie Wayne over the years, so I'm not sure it's fair to say he's done it with "average" receivers. The Colts do a nice job identifying young receivers who fit their system. Austin Collie might not be a star for the New York Giants, but I'm not sure that makes him "average." Peyton's already done enough to be a first-ballot Hall of Famer in my opinion. I don't think Eli's anywhere close to that right now, but I do know they have the same amount of Super Bowl rings.
Jason from Bryn Mawr, Pa., has a question about how we perceive this 3-8 Cowboys team: Ok, I know that this loss looked and felt different than losses earlier in season, but if we examine more closely, how much different is it really from the early season losses to Washington, Chicago, etc.? It obviously showed great character for the team to fight back after going down 17-0 early, but ill-timed penalties and another fluke turnover cost this team another game (just like Chicago and Washington).
Mosley: The Cowboys lost those games you referenced when we still thought they were playoff contenders. That obviously changed when the players quit on Wade Phillips and themselves en route to a 1-7 record. Even though Jason Garrett led the Cowboys to consecutive wins, I don't think a lot of folks felt great about their chances of beating one of the NFC's best teams Thursday. I think being able to fight back from a 17-0 deficit and eventually take the lead will serve this team well in the future. Garrett's raised everyone's expectations again in only three weeks as the interim head coach, and that's why he has to be considered the leading candidate for the job right now. I realize there were some mistakes in this game by the Cowboys, but none of them had to do with poor effort. That was the biggest indictment of these players before the man from Princeton took over.
Tom in Seattle has a question about Kevin Kolb's trade value: Just finished reading your thoughts on Kevin Kolb's off-season trade value and was a bit surprised by the relatively low value (2nd rounder) you think he has around the league. We're talking about a high second-round draft choice with four seasons of pro training in a complicated offense, along with a proven ability to excel (two NFC player of the week awards in six NFL starts). If you're a team in need of a starting quarterback, why use a first-rounder on an unproven commodity who will be paid franchise quarterback money?
Mosley: Tom, it's a fair question. I just know that the Eagles were reportedly seeking two first-rounders for Kolb at one point last season, and that seems a bit steep. There are a few general managers out there who love Kolb (Tom Heckert in Cleveland, for example), but that team already appears to have a fine young quarterback in Colt McCoy. I think Kolb's a sure-fire starter in the league, but the Eagles need to have someone reliable behind Vick because he takes more punishment than a lot of quarterbacks. As ESPN's Adam Schefter suggested recently, it's likely the Eagles will be content to retain both quarterbacks in 2011. They'll slap the franchise tag on Vick (roughly $15 million) and then keep Kolb as his backup. That is, unless a team such as the Bills or Vikings decide they can't live without him.
Andrew from New York has an issue with Chris Canty: Just to make sure, Chris Canty plays for the Giants defense, which has bragged about how many quarterbacks it has managed to injure this year, correct? The same one that had a stated goal of trying to knock Michael Vick out of the game? The first [Todd] Herremans play was certainly worthy of a call, but let's not blow this out of proportion -- or pretend that the Giants have clean hands.
Mosley: Canty doesn't say a lot to reporters, but he chose to call out Herremans last week for what he perceived to be "dirty" play. Herremans was able to respond and everyone moved on with their lives. I think every team wants to get some shots on the quarterback, and most of them don't feel bad when the quarterback is forced out of a game. I've never thought the Giants were a particularly dirty team, but I understand where you're coming from. I haven't really noticed New York's defenders doing anything out of the ordinary when they've knocked quarterbacks out of the game. In the game against the Bears, they simply pounded Jay Cutler into submission with repeated sacks and hits. Linebacker Michael Boley broke Tony Romo's collarbone, but it didn't happen on a particularly violent play. He drove Romo to the turf on a legal hit.
Stephen in Philadelphia has a question about Cowboys wide receiver Kevin Ogletree: Last year near the end of the season, Kevin Ogletree was starting to steal snaps from Roy Williams and actually made a few plays in those back to back games with Philly. I thought we had a future No. 2 WR on our hands. What happened with this guy?
Mosley: I think Ogletree simply fell out of favor with Jason Garrett. The Cowboys needed him to be a contributor on special teams, but he wasn't getting it done. And he didn't have the type of training camp that everyone was expecting. Ogletree appears to have a lot of talent, but he loses focus at times and will drop easy balls. If you're doing that during preseason games, you're probably not going to see the field in the regular-season. If he doesn't make a major move this offseason, he won't be on the roster in 2011.
John from Niwot, Colo., has a Washington question: The Redskins are an incredible 4-2 against teams with the same or better records than them this year, including a very close loss to the Colts. But they are 1-3 against teams with a worse record. In fact, the team the Redskins lost to have a combined 23-27 record while the teams they have beaten have a combined 29-21 record. What's up with that?
Mosley: John, you've done entirely too much research on this issue. The Redskins are trying to make the transition to a 3-4 defense on the fly and adjust to a new quarterback. They dominated the Eagles at the line of scrimmage in their first matchup and then were overwhelmed in Game 2 at FedEx. (And Vick was knocked out before halftime.) I think some of this is to be expected. This is a hard team to get a read on because they just don't have any consistency. They went to Tennessee and won an important game. But I could totally see them getting embarrassed at home against the Vikings on Sunday. This is about a .500 team -- and that's quite an improvement over last season.
We do it every week at the same time. Let's take a look at what our fearless ESPN experts predicted in games involving NFC East teams and then I'll make my own picks:
Jacksonville Jaguars at New York Giants: Adam Schefter was the only one on the panel to pick the Jaguars. He made this his upset special this week.
Mosley pick: Giants 27, Jaguars 17: The Jaguars will be missing left tackle Eugene Monroe because of a concussion. I think the Giants will take advantage of Monroe's absence and make life tough on David Garrard. I also think Ahmad Bradshaw will have a strong performance after being benched for his fumbling. Coach Tom Coughlin talked to his team about what happened to Roy Williams at the end of Thursday's game against the Saints. He wants the Giants to secure the football above all else. I love the Giants to win this game.
Minnesota Vikings at Washington Redskins: Merril Hoge, Adam Schefter and Chris Mortensen all picked the Vikings to win this game for interim head coach Leslie Frazier. That's not showing much respect to Mike Shanahan's team after the Skins found a way to beat the Titans on the road. And The Skins certainly have more on the line than the Vikings.
Mosley's pick: Redskins 20, Vikings 17: I know we've seen the Cowboys rally around Jason Garrett, but I don't see the Vikings doing the same thing for Frazier this week. I think Brett Favre will continue to make mistakes, and DeAngelo Hall will make him pay in this game. The Skins are still in the playoff conversation, and I think that will help in this game.
Philadelphia Eagles at Chicago Bears: Beloved former Eagles quarterback Ron Jaworski likes the Bears in this game and he's joined by ESPN The Mag's Seth Wickersham. The other six panelists went with the Eagles.
Mosley's pick: Eagles 23, Bears 16: I think Michael Vick will bounce back with a strong performance on the road and the Eagles will improve to 8-3. I also think Asante Samuel will play through this MCL sprain and have at least one interception against Jay Cutler.
Jacksonville Jaguars at New York Giants: Adam Schefter was the only one on the panel to pick the Jaguars. He made this his upset special this week.
Mosley pick: Giants 27, Jaguars 17: The Jaguars will be missing left tackle Eugene Monroe because of a concussion. I think the Giants will take advantage of Monroe's absence and make life tough on David Garrard. I also think Ahmad Bradshaw will have a strong performance after being benched for his fumbling. Coach Tom Coughlin talked to his team about what happened to Roy Williams at the end of Thursday's game against the Saints. He wants the Giants to secure the football above all else. I love the Giants to win this game.
Minnesota Vikings at Washington Redskins: Merril Hoge, Adam Schefter and Chris Mortensen all picked the Vikings to win this game for interim head coach Leslie Frazier. That's not showing much respect to Mike Shanahan's team after the Skins found a way to beat the Titans on the road. And The Skins certainly have more on the line than the Vikings.
Mosley's pick: Redskins 20, Vikings 17: I know we've seen the Cowboys rally around Jason Garrett, but I don't see the Vikings doing the same thing for Frazier this week. I think Brett Favre will continue to make mistakes, and DeAngelo Hall will make him pay in this game. The Skins are still in the playoff conversation, and I think that will help in this game.
Philadelphia Eagles at Chicago Bears: Beloved former Eagles quarterback Ron Jaworski likes the Bears in this game and he's joined by ESPN The Mag's Seth Wickersham. The other six panelists went with the Eagles.
Mosley's pick: Eagles 23, Bears 16: I think Michael Vick will bounce back with a strong performance on the road and the Eagles will improve to 8-3. I also think Asante Samuel will play through this MCL sprain and have at least one interception against Jay Cutler.
Report: Giants to sign Michael Clayton
November, 23, 2010
11/23/10
2:05
PM ET
By Matt Mosley | ESPN.com
The New York Giants will sign former Tampa Bay wide receiver Michael Clayton to a one-year contract Tuesday, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Clayton surpassed 1,000 yards and had seven touchdowns his rookie season in '04, but he was a huge disappointment after that. He just finished up the season with the UFL's Omaha Nighthawks.
It's been reported that NFL teams have to pay a $150,000 "transfer fee" to sign UFL players, but a Giants source told me Tuesday morning that wouldn't be the case with Clayton. He'll now join the Giants' thin rotation at receiver. Mario Manningham and Derek Hagan will likely start against Jacksonville on Sunday, but Clayton could quickly become the third or fourth receiver for New York.
I looked back at Clayton's career to see if he'd ever had success against the Giants, and he really hasn't. He had 39 yards receiving in that playoff loss to the Giants at the end of the '07 season. In his other games against New York, he was nearly shut down completely. After his rookie season, his best year came in '08, when he had 38 catches for 484 yards and one touchdown.
Unless the 28-year-old Clayton can turn the clock back about six years, I don't think you should expect a lot out of him this season.
It's been reported that NFL teams have to pay a $150,000 "transfer fee" to sign UFL players, but a Giants source told me Tuesday morning that wouldn't be the case with Clayton. He'll now join the Giants' thin rotation at receiver. Mario Manningham and Derek Hagan will likely start against Jacksonville on Sunday, but Clayton could quickly become the third or fourth receiver for New York.
I looked back at Clayton's career to see if he'd ever had success against the Giants, and he really hasn't. He had 39 yards receiving in that playoff loss to the Giants at the end of the '07 season. In his other games against New York, he was nearly shut down completely. After his rookie season, his best year came in '08, when he had 38 catches for 484 yards and one touchdown.
Unless the 28-year-old Clayton can turn the clock back about six years, I don't think you should expect a lot out of him this season.
We do it every Friday afternoon right here on the NFC East blog. It's time to see what our panel of experts think about this weekend's four games involving Beast teams. Will Adam Schefter hop back on the Mike Shanahan bandwagon that was briefly driven by yours truly last week? Let's find out.
Green Bay Packers at Washington Redskins: Only Ron Jaworski and Chris Mortensen mustered the courage to pick the Skins. I'm afraid the Redskins' lack of weapons on offense will catch up with them this week. I like Ryan Torain but Shanahan's going to have to lean on him too heavily in this game.
Mosley's pick: Packers 23, Redskins 13
New York Giants at Houston Texans: Only Schefter picked Tom Coughlin's team to win this game. I'm a bit surprised that everyone has so much confidence in the Texans. I loved what Perry Fewell's defense did to Jay Cutler and the Bears. I think you'll see more of the same Sunday.
Mosley's pick: Giants 20, Texans 17
Tennessee Titans at Dallas Cowboys: Mike Golic was the only panelist to pick Jeff Fisher's team. There's a belief that the Cowboys righted the ship against the Texans two weeks ago. I don't think the Titans can move the ball on this defense.
Mosley's pick: Cowboys 27, Titans 17
Philadelphia Eagles at San Francisco 49ers: It's like the panel is trying to will the 49ers to their first win of the season. Golic once again stands alone in his decision to select the Eagles. Is this a lack of respect for Kevin Kolb or faith in the embattled Mike Singletary?
Mosley's pick: Eagles 24, 49ers 21
Green Bay Packers at Washington Redskins: Only Ron Jaworski and Chris Mortensen mustered the courage to pick the Skins. I'm afraid the Redskins' lack of weapons on offense will catch up with them this week. I like Ryan Torain but Shanahan's going to have to lean on him too heavily in this game.
Mosley's pick: Packers 23, Redskins 13
New York Giants at Houston Texans: Only Schefter picked Tom Coughlin's team to win this game. I'm a bit surprised that everyone has so much confidence in the Texans. I loved what Perry Fewell's defense did to Jay Cutler and the Bears. I think you'll see more of the same Sunday.
Mosley's pick: Giants 20, Texans 17
Tennessee Titans at Dallas Cowboys: Mike Golic was the only panelist to pick Jeff Fisher's team. There's a belief that the Cowboys righted the ship against the Texans two weeks ago. I don't think the Titans can move the ball on this defense.
Mosley's pick: Cowboys 27, Titans 17
Philadelphia Eagles at San Francisco 49ers: It's like the panel is trying to will the 49ers to their first win of the season. Golic once again stands alone in his decision to select the Eagles. Is this a lack of respect for Kevin Kolb or faith in the embattled Mike Singletary?
Mosley's pick: Eagles 24, 49ers 21
Beast Prediction Friday: Cowboys win?
September, 24, 2010
9/24/10
6:37
PM ET
By Matt Mosley | ESPN.com
NEW YORK -- Due to popular demand (not really), we're bringing back our NFC East predictions today. I always start out by looking at our experts' picks and then try to do the exact opposite of Adam Schefter, a man determined to pick the Washington Redskins in every game this season.
For the first time in perhaps ever, all eight panelists have picked the Redskins to win Sunday. And that's just one of the reasons I flirted with picking Steve Spagnuolo's Rams in this one. I couldn't bring myself to do it, though, because I have too much respect for Redskins quarterback Donovan McNabb and wide receiver Santana Moss.
Beast pick: Redskins 24, Rams 13
Eric Allen, Mike Golic and Mark Schlereth all picked the Titans over the New York Giants. I really think this is one of those games where Tom Coughlin rallies his players for an important win. Antrel Rolle will once again be upset about the Giants' team buses dropping him off at the stadium too early, but it won't matter.
Beast pick: Giants 23, Titans 17
I'm shocked that we have a split decision on Cowboys-Texans. Houston fans will see this as one of the great slights in American history and stop following both Schefter and Chris Mortensen on Twitter, thus dropping them below the 1 million mark. Golic and ESPN The Magazine's Seth Wickersham, dressed in a turtle-neck sweater, also picked the Cowboys. This is remarkable. No respect for what appears to be a strong AFC team.
Beast pick: Cowboys 27, Texans 24 (OT)
I love that Schefter and Wickersham are the biggest contrarians on the panel. Of course, they've gone a combined 14-18 in picking games, but who's really counting. They were the only panelists to pick the Jaguars to beat Michael Vick's Philadelphia Eagles. If Vick has another big day, look for Reid to sign him to a lifetime contract. And in case you've missed out on all the fun coming from the Eagles this week, they were only trying to protect poor ol' Kevin Kolb when they replaced him with Vick.
Beast pick: Eagles 31, Jaguars 17
In case anyone's interested, I'm covering the Giants-Titans game Sunday, which explains the dateline.
For the first time in perhaps ever, all eight panelists have picked the Redskins to win Sunday. And that's just one of the reasons I flirted with picking Steve Spagnuolo's Rams in this one. I couldn't bring myself to do it, though, because I have too much respect for Redskins quarterback Donovan McNabb and wide receiver Santana Moss.
Beast pick: Redskins 24, Rams 13
Eric Allen, Mike Golic and Mark Schlereth all picked the Titans over the New York Giants. I really think this is one of those games where Tom Coughlin rallies his players for an important win. Antrel Rolle will once again be upset about the Giants' team buses dropping him off at the stadium too early, but it won't matter.
Beast pick: Giants 23, Titans 17
I'm shocked that we have a split decision on Cowboys-Texans. Houston fans will see this as one of the great slights in American history and stop following both Schefter and Chris Mortensen on Twitter, thus dropping them below the 1 million mark. Golic and ESPN The Magazine's Seth Wickersham, dressed in a turtle-neck sweater, also picked the Cowboys. This is remarkable. No respect for what appears to be a strong AFC team.
Beast pick: Cowboys 27, Texans 24 (OT)
I love that Schefter and Wickersham are the biggest contrarians on the panel. Of course, they've gone a combined 14-18 in picking games, but who's really counting. They were the only panelists to pick the Jaguars to beat Michael Vick's Philadelphia Eagles. If Vick has another big day, look for Reid to sign him to a lifetime contract. And in case you've missed out on all the fun coming from the Eagles this week, they were only trying to protect poor ol' Kevin Kolb when they replaced him with Vick.
Beast pick: Eagles 31, Jaguars 17
In case anyone's interested, I'm covering the Giants-Titans game Sunday, which explains the dateline.
In case you missed ESPN Insider Adam Schefter's 10 Spot column Friday, it's worth a look as we prepare for tomorrow's games. Schefter recalls Donovan McNabb telling him this past June to keep his eye on Eagles backup quarterback Michael Vick:
"As McNabb discussed his transition from Philadelphia, he shifted the conversation to Michael Vick, unsolicited, and praised the Eagles' quarterback. Watch out this season for Vick," McNabb warned, as if he knew something. At the time, McNabb also had nothing but praise for Eagles quarterback Kevin Kolb. But his praise for Vick that day was enthusiastic, if not effusive. It was the first sign that what has happened could happen. In the Week 1 loss to the Green Bay Packers, Vick replaced Kolb and shined. And after the game, Vick said, candidly, "I feel like if I had been out there for four quarters maybe we would have had a chance to win the game." Now Vick, who will start Sunday against Detroit, will get his chance to justify McNabb's confidence."
McNabb forgot to include the part about Kolb getting a concussion in Week 1, but he couldn't share all his hunches.
"As McNabb discussed his transition from Philadelphia, he shifted the conversation to Michael Vick, unsolicited, and praised the Eagles' quarterback. Watch out this season for Vick," McNabb warned, as if he knew something. At the time, McNabb also had nothing but praise for Eagles quarterback Kevin Kolb. But his praise for Vick that day was enthusiastic, if not effusive. It was the first sign that what has happened could happen. In the Week 1 loss to the Green Bay Packers, Vick replaced Kolb and shined. And after the game, Vick said, candidly, "I feel like if I had been out there for four quarters maybe we would have had a chance to win the game." Now Vick, who will start Sunday against Detroit, will get his chance to justify McNabb's confidence."
McNabb forgot to include the part about Kolb getting a concussion in Week 1, but he couldn't share all his hunches.
On the eve of the start of this season's training camp, the New York Giants signed second-round pick Linval Joseph, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but Ohm Youngmisuk surmises that it will likely be similar to what Zane Beadles received from the Broncos. The offensive lineman was taken one spot ahead of Joseph with the 45th overall pick.
General manager Jerry Reese and coach Tom Coughlin are excited about Joseph's potential, but they also know that he's a raw talent. They needed to have him on the field from Day 1, and now that's going to happen. The only rookie left in the Beast who hasn't signed is Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul. I can't imagine that he'll hold out much longer than a day or two into camp.
The NFC East blog will arrive in Albany to cover the first practice of training camp tomorrow at 3 p.m. ET. Beginning tomorrow evening, it would be wise to refresh your screens every 15 seconds or so. Thanks for your continued support.
General manager Jerry Reese and coach Tom Coughlin are excited about Joseph's potential, but they also know that he's a raw talent. They needed to have him on the field from Day 1, and now that's going to happen. The only rookie left in the Beast who hasn't signed is Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul. I can't imagine that he'll hold out much longer than a day or two into camp.
The NFC East blog will arrive in Albany to cover the first practice of training camp tomorrow at 3 p.m. ET. Beginning tomorrow evening, it would be wise to refresh your screens every 15 seconds or so. Thanks for your continued support.
It wasn't long ago that Jammal Brown was a borderline elite left tackle in this league. But when he missed '09 with hip and sports hernia injuries, the Saints didn't appear to miss him on their way to a Super Bowl title.
Now, the Washington Redskins will provide Brown an opportunity to re-set his once-promising career via Saturday's trade, which was reported by ESPN's Adam Schefter. Brown wanted a long-term deal with the Saints, but that wasn't going to happen because of his injuries and the club's excellent depth at offensive tackle. Washington doesn't have that luxury, so it should be a tremendous opportunity for Brown.
If first-round pick Trent Williams looks ready at left tackle during training camp, Brown will likely start on the right side. That's not Brown's preference because he'll have a harder time justifying a lucrative contract extension at right tackle. But I guess it's better than backing up Jermon Bushrod in New Orleans.
Here's what NFC South blogger Pat Yasinskas thought about the trade. I don't think Saints fans are broken up about losing the 29-year-old Brown. But the tackle could be an excellent fit in Mike Shanahan's zone-blocking scheme. If he's 100 percent healthy (as he claims), Brown immediately makes this a better offensive line. I don't think Donovan McNabb was thrilled about having an inexperienced player in Williams matched with a journeyman in Hicks as his bookends. Now, Hicks can compete for the starting job at right guard, where the enormous Mike Williams currently resides. As I've said before, I don't think Mike is a good fit for the Skins' new blocking scheme because of his lack of athleticism at this point in his career.
Shanahan's shown that he's not worried about acquiring players who've been labeled as "disgruntled" while with other organizations. Veteran running back Larry Johnson certainly comes to mind. Shanahan also values veteran players who've started a lot of games -- and Brown fits that description.
This is further proof that general manager Bruce Allen and Shanahan don't have any interest in a three-year plan. They're trading and signing for players who will contribute immediately. And if Brown's truly interested in salvaging his career, he couldn't have found a better destination.
I'm sure his ego's bruised by the fact the Saints achieved so much without him (think Jeremy Shockey with the Giants in '07), and he's anxious to show that he's still a talented player. Asked by the Post if he feels like folks have forgotten about him, Brown said, "If they have, I can easily remind them this upcoming year. They won't forget about me for long."
And in an unrelated note, Happy Father's Day!
Now, the Washington Redskins will provide Brown an opportunity to re-set his once-promising career via Saturday's trade, which was reported by ESPN's Adam Schefter. Brown wanted a long-term deal with the Saints, but that wasn't going to happen because of his injuries and the club's excellent depth at offensive tackle. Washington doesn't have that luxury, so it should be a tremendous opportunity for Brown.
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Kevin C. Cox/Getty ImagesBy acquiring Jammal Brown, the Redskins showed they are serious about winning now.
Kevin C. Cox/Getty ImagesBy acquiring Jammal Brown, the Redskins showed they are serious about winning now."I just think coming here, playing for Coach [Mike] Shanahan -- I watched him in Denver -- I like the scheme of offense that he runs. The zones, things like that," Brown told the Post on Saturday. "I'm gonna come in; they want me to play right tackle.I still think I'm a left tackle, but I'm going to do what they want me to do. I know they got my college teammate Trent [Williams] on the left side. We'll see how that all plays out. But I'm going to play wherever they want me to play. I'm just excited to be here and to be a part of a first-class program."
Here's what NFC South blogger Pat Yasinskas thought about the trade. I don't think Saints fans are broken up about losing the 29-year-old Brown. But the tackle could be an excellent fit in Mike Shanahan's zone-blocking scheme. If he's 100 percent healthy (as he claims), Brown immediately makes this a better offensive line. I don't think Donovan McNabb was thrilled about having an inexperienced player in Williams matched with a journeyman in Hicks as his bookends. Now, Hicks can compete for the starting job at right guard, where the enormous Mike Williams currently resides. As I've said before, I don't think Mike is a good fit for the Skins' new blocking scheme because of his lack of athleticism at this point in his career.
Shanahan's shown that he's not worried about acquiring players who've been labeled as "disgruntled" while with other organizations. Veteran running back Larry Johnson certainly comes to mind. Shanahan also values veteran players who've started a lot of games -- and Brown fits that description.
This is further proof that general manager Bruce Allen and Shanahan don't have any interest in a three-year plan. They're trading and signing for players who will contribute immediately. And if Brown's truly interested in salvaging his career, he couldn't have found a better destination.
I'm sure his ego's bruised by the fact the Saints achieved so much without him (think Jeremy Shockey with the Giants in '07), and he's anxious to show that he's still a talented player. Asked by the Post if he feels like folks have forgotten about him, Brown said, "If they have, I can easily remind them this upcoming year. They won't forget about me for long."
And in an unrelated note, Happy Father's Day!
The New Orleans Saints made Pro Bowler Jahri Evans the richest guard in the history of the league today with a seven-year, $56.7 million contract, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. The most significant aspect of the contract is that he'll receive $19 million in the first year. Before Evans' contract, a couple of guards in the NFC East led the way.
Cowboys guard Leonard Davis signed a seven-year, $49.6 million free-agent contract in March 2007 with a guaranteed amount of $18.75 million. It was a staggering amount of guaranteed money for a player who hadn't lived up to expectations with the Cardinals, but obviously Davis has been a valuable addition to the Cowboys.
In June 2008, Chris Snee signed a six-year, $43.5 million contract extension with the New York Giants. The Eagles have to feel pretty good about signing starting left guard Todd Herremans to a five-year extension in '06 that included a $5 million signing bonus. Compared to some of the other contracts, that's quite a bargain.
Of course, the Eagles signed guard Stacy Andrews to a lucrative free-agent contract and have already had to restructure it based on the fact that he barely contributed anything in '09.
Cowboys guard Leonard Davis signed a seven-year, $49.6 million free-agent contract in March 2007 with a guaranteed amount of $18.75 million. It was a staggering amount of guaranteed money for a player who hadn't lived up to expectations with the Cardinals, but obviously Davis has been a valuable addition to the Cowboys.
In June 2008, Chris Snee signed a six-year, $43.5 million contract extension with the New York Giants. The Eagles have to feel pretty good about signing starting left guard Todd Herremans to a five-year extension in '06 that included a $5 million signing bonus. Compared to some of the other contracts, that's quite a bargain.
Of course, the Eagles signed guard Stacy Andrews to a lucrative free-agent contract and have already had to restructure it based on the fact that he barely contributed anything in '09.
Washington Redskins coach Mike Shanahan has been very complimentary of Notre Dame quarterback Jimmy Clausen while some draft experts have picked the player apart. Now Shanahan will take a closer look.
Clausen will fly to Washington on Friday evening and then meet with Redskins officials on Saturday, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. And the Redskins won't stop there. Schefter reports that Washington will hold a private workout for Clausen on April 15 in South Bend, Ind.
You always want to be on the lookout for smokescreens before the draft, but it sounds like the Redskins have a genuine interest in Clausen. At the recent owners meetings, Shanahan refused to name a starting quarterback. Jason Campbell has been the starter since '06, but he'll be challenged by Rex Grossman and whichever quarterback the Redskins select this month.
Shanahan has a lot of respect for Clausen's college head coach Charlie Weis and he's admitted that playing in a pro-style offense gives the quarterback somewhat of a head start.
Clausen will fly to Washington on Friday evening and then meet with Redskins officials on Saturday, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. And the Redskins won't stop there. Schefter reports that Washington will hold a private workout for Clausen on April 15 in South Bend, Ind.
You always want to be on the lookout for smokescreens before the draft, but it sounds like the Redskins have a genuine interest in Clausen. At the recent owners meetings, Shanahan refused to name a starting quarterback. Jason Campbell has been the starter since '06, but he'll be challenged by Rex Grossman and whichever quarterback the Redskins select this month.
Shanahan has a lot of respect for Clausen's college head coach Charlie Weis and he's admitted that playing in a pro-style offense gives the quarterback somewhat of a head start.
ABOUT THIS BLOG
Dan Graziano
Graziano joined ESPN.com in 2011 after two years as a Senior NFL Writer for AOL FanHouse. He covered Major League Baseball, the Olympics and various other sports during his time at the Star-Ledger and the Palm Beach Post. A New Jersey native and author of two published novels, he now lives in Ridgewood, N.J., with his wife and two sons.
