NFC South: Dominique Franks
The New Orleans Saints and the continuing fallout from their bounty program was the dominant topic in Friday’s NFC South chat. But there were plenty of other topics that came up -- Drew Brees’ contract situation, Tampa Bay’s fresh start under Greg Schiano, hope for a better season from Atlanta’s Ray Edwards and Carolina rookie linebacker Luke Kuechly also were discussed.
Let’s take a look at the highlights:
Agentsaturn (Pantherland): Hey Pat, So whats the word on Jacoby Jones visiting the Panthers? Are they really looking for a FA receiver at this point?
Pat Yasinskas: Hurney doesn't bring guys in if he doesn't have some interest in them. Still, haven't heard any word on if they made him an offer or not.
Matt [via mobile]: Man what is the deal with Drew Brees. He made me a saints fan when I wasn't one I thought he's was one on the few good ones left and a true team mate. I know everybody wants to get paid but to me now it's become pride and pure greed with him. When is 20 million not enough? Thoughts?
Pat Yasinskas: I still think it will get done before too long. If he's not there for start of training camp, then I think it's fair to start pointing fingers. But, right now, it's just typical negotiating.
Matthew (Sarasota, Florida): How do you feel about the new Tampa regime now that free agency and the draft are over?
Pat Yasinskas: Like just about everything they've done. I also like the atmosphere Schiano is creating. Have you seen the tv commercial with him? I think it pretty much sums up the attitude he's trying to bring.
Matt (North Carolina): A lot of people criticized the Panthers for not drafting a DT (and gave them lower grades because of it). Does everyone forget about Ron Edwards coming back this year?
Pat Yasinskas: Excellent point. I think a lot of people have forgotten about Edwards. He was a big free-agent signing last year and Panthers obviously believe he will come back and be a force.
Corey babineaux (Louisiana): Everybody thinking the saints wool suffer this year because of suspensions. The offense will still put up 30+ a game and withe the additions the defense will be better. Your thoughts?
Pat Yasinskas: I think they still are very much a contender. We all know the offense is good. If Spagnuolo can get them to play a little defense, they could go a long way.
Stacey (AZ): I'm a bit confused over coach Vitt's suspension. Many have stated that Vitt will return after the Saints' bye week. This falls one game short of the suspension. Is Vitt's suspension in terms of weeks or games? If it is games then that would mean he doesn't return until two weeks after the bye. Can you clarify?
Pat Yasinskas: He is suspended for the first six games. Loomis is suspended for the first eight. It's about games, not weeks.
bird brain atl [via mobile]: who will the falcons use for a punt returner now that Weems is gone?
Pat Yasinskas: Excellent question and I think that will be decided in training camp. Dominiuqe Franks, Harry Douglas and Jacquizz Rodgers would seem like possibilities.
Kirk (Myrtle Beach): Was Kuechly drafted as insurance more for Beason or Davis. It was originally thought to be Davis, but Schefter's report about Achilles tendons taking 2 years to get back to normal makes me think Beason.
Pat Yasinskas: I think Kuechly was drafted there mostly because he was best player available. But, yeah the uncertainty about Davis and Beason certainly factors in. They got wiped out at LB last year and can't afford to have that happen again.
Matt Riddle (Atlanta, Ga): After a mediocre season Ray Edwards has all but disappeared from the discussion as a pass rush threat. Have the Falcons completely lost hope that Edwards can reach his potential?
Pat Yasinskas: I think they hope he'll step up this year. They've talked a little about how his knee wasn't healthy last year. Plus, I think Ray was a little embarrassed by last year and should be motivated.
Greg (Watertown, CT): Shouldn't we be including Asante Samuel in the Falcons' draft evaluations? And doesn't that make their draft look better?
Pat Yasinskas: Yeah, I think you could make that argument. He certainly makes their secondary better. He also should help their pass rush because QBs may be holding onto the ball for an extra split second or two.
Here’s the complete transcript of Friday’s NFC South chat.
Let’s take a look at the highlights:
Agentsaturn (Pantherland): Hey Pat, So whats the word on Jacoby Jones visiting the Panthers? Are they really looking for a FA receiver at this point?
Pat Yasinskas: Hurney doesn't bring guys in if he doesn't have some interest in them. Still, haven't heard any word on if they made him an offer or not.
Matt [via mobile]: Man what is the deal with Drew Brees. He made me a saints fan when I wasn't one I thought he's was one on the few good ones left and a true team mate. I know everybody wants to get paid but to me now it's become pride and pure greed with him. When is 20 million not enough? Thoughts?
Pat Yasinskas: I still think it will get done before too long. If he's not there for start of training camp, then I think it's fair to start pointing fingers. But, right now, it's just typical negotiating.
Matthew (Sarasota, Florida): How do you feel about the new Tampa regime now that free agency and the draft are over?
Pat Yasinskas: Like just about everything they've done. I also like the atmosphere Schiano is creating. Have you seen the tv commercial with him? I think it pretty much sums up the attitude he's trying to bring.
Matt (North Carolina): A lot of people criticized the Panthers for not drafting a DT (and gave them lower grades because of it). Does everyone forget about Ron Edwards coming back this year?
Pat Yasinskas: Excellent point. I think a lot of people have forgotten about Edwards. He was a big free-agent signing last year and Panthers obviously believe he will come back and be a force.
Corey babineaux (Louisiana): Everybody thinking the saints wool suffer this year because of suspensions. The offense will still put up 30+ a game and withe the additions the defense will be better. Your thoughts?
Pat Yasinskas: I think they still are very much a contender. We all know the offense is good. If Spagnuolo can get them to play a little defense, they could go a long way.
Stacey (AZ): I'm a bit confused over coach Vitt's suspension. Many have stated that Vitt will return after the Saints' bye week. This falls one game short of the suspension. Is Vitt's suspension in terms of weeks or games? If it is games then that would mean he doesn't return until two weeks after the bye. Can you clarify?
Pat Yasinskas: He is suspended for the first six games. Loomis is suspended for the first eight. It's about games, not weeks.
bird brain atl [via mobile]: who will the falcons use for a punt returner now that Weems is gone?
Pat Yasinskas: Excellent question and I think that will be decided in training camp. Dominiuqe Franks, Harry Douglas and Jacquizz Rodgers would seem like possibilities.
Kirk (Myrtle Beach): Was Kuechly drafted as insurance more for Beason or Davis. It was originally thought to be Davis, but Schefter's report about Achilles tendons taking 2 years to get back to normal makes me think Beason.
Pat Yasinskas: I think Kuechly was drafted there mostly because he was best player available. But, yeah the uncertainty about Davis and Beason certainly factors in. They got wiped out at LB last year and can't afford to have that happen again.
Matt Riddle (Atlanta, Ga): After a mediocre season Ray Edwards has all but disappeared from the discussion as a pass rush threat. Have the Falcons completely lost hope that Edwards can reach his potential?
Pat Yasinskas: I think they hope he'll step up this year. They've talked a little about how his knee wasn't healthy last year. Plus, I think Ray was a little embarrassed by last year and should be motivated.
Greg (Watertown, CT): Shouldn't we be including Asante Samuel in the Falcons' draft evaluations? And doesn't that make their draft look better?
Pat Yasinskas: Yeah, I think you could make that argument. He certainly makes their secondary better. He also should help their pass rush because QBs may be holding onto the ball for an extra split second or two.
Here’s the complete transcript of Friday’s NFC South chat.
The Atlanta Falcons have had the quietest offseason of any NFC South team. But that doesn't mean they won't have some changes in their starting lineup.
Now that the NFL draft is over, let's take a look at my best guess at what Atlanta's starting lineup will look like in September.
OFFENSE
Now that the NFL draft is over, let's take a look at my best guess at what Atlanta's starting lineup will look like in September.
OFFENSE
- QB Matt Ryan
- WR Roddy White
- WR Julio Jones
- LT Sam Baker (or someone not yet on the roster)
- C Joe Hawley (I’m guessing he starts ahead of Todd McClure)
- RG Peter Konz (unless he ends up playing center)
- RT Tyson Clabo
- DE John Abraham
- DT Corey Peters
- DE Ray Edwards
- MLB Akeem Dent (Falcons would like him to beat out veteran Lofa Tatupu)
- OLB Stephen Nicholas
- CB Brent Grimes
- CB Dunta Robinson (Asante Samuel will play as much as Grimes and Robinson)
Robinson led NFC South CBs in play time
February, 7, 2012
Feb 7
1:29
PM ET
By
Pat Yasinskas | ESPN.com
As we wait for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to hire assistant coaches, get blocked from interviewing potential assistants or anything else of note to happen during a very quiet time in the NFC South, let’s look at some more playing-time figures from the 2011 season.
We showed you the numbers on linebackers earlier Tuesday and I’ve been trying to roll out one position group a day since last week. But we’re going to go ahead and go with two in a day. We’re going to show you the playing time for the NFC South cornerbacks.
Lots of people like to criticize Atlanta’s Dunta Robinson. That’s understandable to some degree because Robinson signed a huge free-agent contract prior to the 2010 season, but has produced only three interceptions since joining the Falcons.
But I haven’t seen Robinson giving up a lot of big plays. In fact, I think he’s done a nice job overall in coverage. Apparently, Atlanta’s coaching staff agrees.
Robinson was on the field for 967 of Atlanta’s 996 defensive plays (97.1 percent). That percentage ranked Robinson tops in the NFC South and No. 11 in the NFL. Tennessee’s Cortland Finnegan was the NFL’s only cornerback to play 100 percent of his team’s defensive snaps.
New Orleans’ Jabari Greer, who I think is easily the division’s best cornerback, was next on the list. Greer was on the field for 93.3 percent of New Orleans’ defensive plays and ranked No. 19 in the NFL.
The other NFC South cornerback of note high on the list was Tampa Bay’s Ronde Barber. His durability never has been a question. Even at age 36, Barber took part in 92.3 percent of Tampa Bay’s defensive snaps to rank No. 21 in the league.
Carolina’s Chris Gamble (89.3 percent) was the only other NFC South cornerback to play more than 80 percent of his team’s defensive snaps.
Here’s a look at how much playing time some other NFC South cornerbacks had in 2011:
We showed you the numbers on linebackers earlier Tuesday and I’ve been trying to roll out one position group a day since last week. But we’re going to go ahead and go with two in a day. We’re going to show you the playing time for the NFC South cornerbacks.
Lots of people like to criticize Atlanta’s Dunta Robinson. That’s understandable to some degree because Robinson signed a huge free-agent contract prior to the 2010 season, but has produced only three interceptions since joining the Falcons.
But I haven’t seen Robinson giving up a lot of big plays. In fact, I think he’s done a nice job overall in coverage. Apparently, Atlanta’s coaching staff agrees.
Robinson was on the field for 967 of Atlanta’s 996 defensive plays (97.1 percent). That percentage ranked Robinson tops in the NFC South and No. 11 in the NFL. Tennessee’s Cortland Finnegan was the NFL’s only cornerback to play 100 percent of his team’s defensive snaps.
New Orleans’ Jabari Greer, who I think is easily the division’s best cornerback, was next on the list. Greer was on the field for 93.3 percent of New Orleans’ defensive plays and ranked No. 19 in the NFL.
The other NFC South cornerback of note high on the list was Tampa Bay’s Ronde Barber. His durability never has been a question. Even at age 36, Barber took part in 92.3 percent of Tampa Bay’s defensive snaps to rank No. 21 in the league.
Carolina’s Chris Gamble (89.3 percent) was the only other NFC South cornerback to play more than 80 percent of his team’s defensive snaps.
Here’s a look at how much playing time some other NFC South cornerbacks had in 2011:
- Captain Munnerlyn, Panthers, 79.8
- Brent Grimes, Falcons, 69.5
- Patrick Robinson, Saints, 69.4
- Aqib Talib, Buccaneers, 65.1
- Tracy Porter, Saints, 64.6
- E.J. Biggers, Buccaneers, 62.9
- Darius Butler, Panthers, 40.1
- Dominique Franks, Falcons, 33.7
- Christopher Owens, Falcons, 30.3
- Elbert Mack, Buccaneers, 27.2
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- Atlanta cornerback Brent Grimes will miss Sunday’s playoff game with the New York Giants due to a knee injury.
Grimes had been listed as questionable and practiced on a limited basis. But the team elected to make him inactive Sunday morning.
Dominique Franks will start in Grimes’ place and Christopher Owens will be the third cornerback.
Starting linebacker Stephen Nicholas also will miss the game. That was expected because Nicholas was listed as doubtful with a toe injury and did not practice at all during the week. Spencer Adkins will start in his place.
The other inactives for the Falcons are quarterback John Parker Wilson, center Brett Romberg, offensive lineman Kirk Chambers, receiver Kerry Meier and defensive end Cliff Matthews.
Grimes had been listed as questionable and practiced on a limited basis. But the team elected to make him inactive Sunday morning.
Dominique Franks will start in Grimes’ place and Christopher Owens will be the third cornerback.
Starting linebacker Stephen Nicholas also will miss the game. That was expected because Nicholas was listed as doubtful with a toe injury and did not practice at all during the week. Spencer Adkins will start in his place.
The other inactives for the Falcons are quarterback John Parker Wilson, center Brett Romberg, offensive lineman Kirk Chambers, receiver Kerry Meier and defensive end Cliff Matthews.
The Atlanta Falcons just put out their final injury report for Sunday’s playoff game with the New York Giants.
The Falcons listed 18 players as probable and all of them took part in practice, to some degree, Friday, so we won’t waste time running through guys who almost certainly will play. That narrows the report down to two players.
Linebacker Stephen Nicholas (toe) is listed as doubtful and did not practice Friday. He almost certainly won’t play. With veteran Mike Peterson on injured reserve, that likely means Spencer Adkins will start in place of Nicholas.
Cornerback Brent Grimes (knee) is questionable. But there appears to be some hope Grimes can play. He practiced on a limited basis Friday. If Grimes can’t play, the Falcons likely would start Dominique Franks in his place.
The Giants are listing rookie linebacker Mark Herzlich (ankle) as out. Everyone else on New York’s injury report is listed as probable. That includes running back Ahmad Bradshaw. He missed some practice time early in the week with a foot injury, but took part in Friday’s session on a limited basis.
The Falcons listed 18 players as probable and all of them took part in practice, to some degree, Friday, so we won’t waste time running through guys who almost certainly will play. That narrows the report down to two players.
Linebacker Stephen Nicholas (toe) is listed as doubtful and did not practice Friday. He almost certainly won’t play. With veteran Mike Peterson on injured reserve, that likely means Spencer Adkins will start in place of Nicholas.
Cornerback Brent Grimes (knee) is questionable. But there appears to be some hope Grimes can play. He practiced on a limited basis Friday. If Grimes can’t play, the Falcons likely would start Dominique Franks in his place.
The Giants are listing rookie linebacker Mark Herzlich (ankle) as out. Everyone else on New York’s injury report is listed as probable. That includes running back Ahmad Bradshaw. He missed some practice time early in the week with a foot injury, but took part in Friday’s session on a limited basis.
The injury news got a little more encouraging for the Falcons on Thursday as linebacker Sean Weatherspoon (head), running back Michael Turner (groin), safety William Moore (groin), receiver Kerry Meier (groin) and receiver Harry Douglas (groin) all returned to practice.
Weatherspoon participated fully, while the others took part on a limited basis. But the more concerning news is that cornerback Brent Grimes (knee) and linebacker Stephen Nicholas (toe) each missed their second straight day of practice.
Spencer Adkins would start at linebacker if Nicholas isn’t ready to play Sunday against the New York Giants. If Grimes can’t go, the Falcons likely would start Dominique Franks.
For the Giants, running back Ahmad Bradshaw (foot) did not practice Thursday.
Weatherspoon participated fully, while the others took part on a limited basis. But the more concerning news is that cornerback Brent Grimes (knee) and linebacker Stephen Nicholas (toe) each missed their second straight day of practice.
Spencer Adkins would start at linebacker if Nicholas isn’t ready to play Sunday against the New York Giants. If Grimes can’t go, the Falcons likely would start Dominique Franks.
For the Giants, running back Ahmad Bradshaw (foot) did not practice Thursday.
ATLANTA -- The Falcons will be without injured cornerback Brent Grimes (knee) and linebacker Stephen Nicholas (toe) in Sunday’s game against Tampa Bay.
Both players have been declared inactive. Dominique Franks is expected to start in Grimes’ place. Spencer Adkins likely will start in Nicholas’ spot.
The other inactives for the Falcons are quarterback John Parker Wilson, center Brett Romberg, offensive lineman Kirk Chambers, receiver Kerry Meier and defensive end Cliff Matthews.
Both players have been declared inactive. Dominique Franks is expected to start in Grimes’ place. Spencer Adkins likely will start in Nicholas’ spot.
The other inactives for the Falcons are quarterback John Parker Wilson, center Brett Romberg, offensive lineman Kirk Chambers, receiver Kerry Meier and defensive end Cliff Matthews.
NEW ORLEANS — No big surprise here, but the Atlanta Falcons will be without two injured defenders in their “Monday Night Football’’ game with the New Orleans Saints.
Linebacker Stephen Nicholas (groin) and nickel back Kelvin Hayden have been declared inactive. Veteran Mike Peterson likely will start in Nicholas’ place. Dominique Franks likely will be Atlanta’s nickel back.
The other inactives for the Falcons are quarterback John Parker Wilson, center Brett Romberg, tackle Kirk Chambers, receiver Kerry Meier and defensive end Cliff Matthews.
I’ll be back with the inactives for the Saints as soon as I get them.
Linebacker Stephen Nicholas (groin) and nickel back Kelvin Hayden have been declared inactive. Veteran Mike Peterson likely will start in Nicholas’ place. Dominique Franks likely will be Atlanta’s nickel back.
The other inactives for the Falcons are quarterback John Parker Wilson, center Brett Romberg, tackle Kirk Chambers, receiver Kerry Meier and defensive end Cliff Matthews.
I’ll be back with the inactives for the Saints as soon as I get them.
Injury updates on Falcons, Saints
December, 24, 2011
12/24/11
2:29
PM ET
By
Pat Yasinskas | ESPN.com
The Atlanta Falcons and New Orleans Saints just filed their final injury reports for their “Monday Night Football’’ game.
New Orleans running back Mark Ingram (toe) is doubtful. Don’t expect to see him Monday. The Saints also have Pierre Thomas, Darren Sproles and Chris Ivory at running back. They’re better off resting Ingram and making sure he’s fully healthy for the playoffs. Linebackers Jonathan Casillas (knee) and Ramon Humber (knee) also are listed as doubtful. Receiver Lance Moore is questionable with a hamstring injury and was held out of Saturday’s practice.
The Falcons are listing cornerback Kelvin Hayden (toe), receiver Kerry Meier (groin) and linebacker Stephen Nicholas (toe) as doubtful. Cornerback Brent Grimes is questionable as he attempts to come back from knee surgery. But the Falcons seem optimistic Grimes will play. If Grimes plays and Hayden doesn’t, look for Dominique Franks to be used as the third cornerback. If Nicholas doesn’t play, veteran Mike Peterson likely will start in his place.
New Orleans running back Mark Ingram (toe) is doubtful. Don’t expect to see him Monday. The Saints also have Pierre Thomas, Darren Sproles and Chris Ivory at running back. They’re better off resting Ingram and making sure he’s fully healthy for the playoffs. Linebackers Jonathan Casillas (knee) and Ramon Humber (knee) also are listed as doubtful. Receiver Lance Moore is questionable with a hamstring injury and was held out of Saturday’s practice.
The Falcons are listing cornerback Kelvin Hayden (toe), receiver Kerry Meier (groin) and linebacker Stephen Nicholas (toe) as doubtful. Cornerback Brent Grimes is questionable as he attempts to come back from knee surgery. But the Falcons seem optimistic Grimes will play. If Grimes plays and Hayden doesn’t, look for Dominique Franks to be used as the third cornerback. If Nicholas doesn’t play, veteran Mike Peterson likely will start in his place.
Lots of ground to cover in the NFC South on this Thursday. We’ll start it off with one that’s close to my heart.
Carolina cornerback Captain Munnerlyn has been selected as the winner of the Tom Berry Good Guy Award by the Carolinas chapter of the Pro Football Writers of America. For those who didn’t know him, Tom Berry was the long-time Panthers beat writer for the High-Point (N.C.) Enterprise. I had the pleasure of being around Tom frequently in my days on the Panthers beat and he was a true pro’s pro and a good friend. When we decided to start this award soon after Tom passed away at the start of the 2009 season, we wanted it to reflect what Tom stood for. That’s why this award goes to the Carolina player who is most helpful to the media in doing its job. Munnerlyn was a unanimous choice this year. Jordan Gross was the 2010 winner and Brad Hoover won the inaugural award in 2009.
New Orleans guard Jahri Evans sat out Thursday’s practice with a knee injury. Defensive tackle Sedrick Ellis (hamstring), linebacker Jonathan Vilma (knee) and running back Mark Ingram (toe) also were held out.
Carolina coach Ron Rivera said he believes Jordan Senn has a chance to be a full-time starter at outside linebacker next season. Senn has done a nice job since getting a chance to play after the Panthers went through a slew of injuries at linebacker.
Tampa Bay cornerback Ronde Barber will play in his 224th career game Saturday at Carolina. That will tie the franchise record set by Derrick Brooks. Barber could break the record when the Bucs play the Falcons the following week.
Here’s a bit of a strange one. Atlanta offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey said New Orleans fans caused the Falcons to have communications problems in the previous meeting between the teams. But that game was in Atlanta. If the Falcons had issues with noise from Saints fans in the Georgia Dome, they better have some new ways to communicate in place before they get to the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Monday night.
Although there's still hope veteran cornerback Kelvin Hayden (toe) might be ready for Monday, he wasn’t cleared to practice Thursday. Starting cornerback Brent Grimes, who is coming back from knee surgery, did practice. If Hayden isn’t ready to go against the Saints, the Falcons likely will use Dominique Franks as the nickelback. Running back Michael Turner (groin) and linebacker Stephen Nicholas (toe) missed practice.
Martin Fennelly writes that it’s time for the Glazer family, which owns the Buccaneers, to make some noise on what the future holds for Raheem Morris. I know a lot of Tampa Bay fans feel that way. But I think you’re going to have to wait just a bit. If the Glazers are going to make a move, and I think they have no other choice, I don’t see it coming until after the season is over.
Carolina cornerback Captain Munnerlyn has been selected as the winner of the Tom Berry Good Guy Award by the Carolinas chapter of the Pro Football Writers of America. For those who didn’t know him, Tom Berry was the long-time Panthers beat writer for the High-Point (N.C.) Enterprise. I had the pleasure of being around Tom frequently in my days on the Panthers beat and he was a true pro’s pro and a good friend. When we decided to start this award soon after Tom passed away at the start of the 2009 season, we wanted it to reflect what Tom stood for. That’s why this award goes to the Carolina player who is most helpful to the media in doing its job. Munnerlyn was a unanimous choice this year. Jordan Gross was the 2010 winner and Brad Hoover won the inaugural award in 2009.
New Orleans guard Jahri Evans sat out Thursday’s practice with a knee injury. Defensive tackle Sedrick Ellis (hamstring), linebacker Jonathan Vilma (knee) and running back Mark Ingram (toe) also were held out.
Carolina coach Ron Rivera said he believes Jordan Senn has a chance to be a full-time starter at outside linebacker next season. Senn has done a nice job since getting a chance to play after the Panthers went through a slew of injuries at linebacker.
Tampa Bay cornerback Ronde Barber will play in his 224th career game Saturday at Carolina. That will tie the franchise record set by Derrick Brooks. Barber could break the record when the Bucs play the Falcons the following week.
Here’s a bit of a strange one. Atlanta offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey said New Orleans fans caused the Falcons to have communications problems in the previous meeting between the teams. But that game was in Atlanta. If the Falcons had issues with noise from Saints fans in the Georgia Dome, they better have some new ways to communicate in place before they get to the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Monday night.
Although there's still hope veteran cornerback Kelvin Hayden (toe) might be ready for Monday, he wasn’t cleared to practice Thursday. Starting cornerback Brent Grimes, who is coming back from knee surgery, did practice. If Hayden isn’t ready to go against the Saints, the Falcons likely will use Dominique Franks as the nickelback. Running back Michael Turner (groin) and linebacker Stephen Nicholas (toe) missed practice.
Martin Fennelly writes that it’s time for the Glazer family, which owns the Buccaneers, to make some noise on what the future holds for Raheem Morris. I know a lot of Tampa Bay fans feel that way. But I think you’re going to have to wait just a bit. If the Glazers are going to make a move, and I think they have no other choice, I don’t see it coming until after the season is over.
» NFC Stock Watch: East | West | North | South » AFC: East | West | North | South
FALLING
1. Mike Williams, Tampa Bay Buccaneers receiver. For the first time in his career, Williams failed to record a reception in Saturday night’s loss to the Dallas Cowboys. Heck, Williams wasn’t even targeted a single time. Early in the season, it was easy to say Williams was getting more attention from defenses after catching 65 passes for 964 yards and 11 touchdowns as a rookie. But Williams isn’t getting a lot of extra attention these days because defenses aren’t worried about him. He has failed to get separation, his routes haven’t been precise and he’s among the league leaders in dropped passes. Williams did show up for some of the player workouts in Tampa during the lockout. But several teammates said during the summer that Williams wasn’t there as much as most of the other receivers and spent much of his offseason in Buffalo. In hindsight, you could make the case Williams might have been better served spending more time working out with his teammates.
2. Dominique Franks and Christopher Owens, Atlanta Falcons cornerbacks. They’ve each done a decent job while getting increased playing time while Brent Grimes and Kelvin Hayden were injured. But it’s looking like Grimes and Hayden will be ready to return for Monday night’s game with the New Orleans Saints. No offense to Franks and Owens, but I’m pretty sure coach Mike Smith will elect to put Grimes, the best overall athlete on the team, back in the starting lineup and put Hayden, who’s more experienced than Owens and Franks, at nickel back. When you’re going up against Drew Brees, you want your best guys on the field.
3. Kellen Winslow, Buccaneers tight end. Unlike Williams, Winslow was a fixture at the offseason workouts and he and quarterback Josh Freeman seemed to be enhancing their chemistry. But that hasn’t translated into success. Winslow has only two touchdown catches this season and the most recent came Nov. 6. In the past four games, Winslow hasn’t finished with more than five catches and 52 yards. In Saturday’s loss to Dallas, Winslow had four catches for 37 yards. He did have a 17-yard catch, but I remember thinking the Winslow of a few years ago would have gone for at least 30 yards on that play. I’m not sure if his knees, his age or all that’s wrong with the Buccaneers is catching up to Winslow, but he’s not having anything close to a good season.
RISING
1. Roddy White, Falcons receiver. We’ve had our share of fun with White’s season-long struggle with dropping passes. But the fact is, White has been playing a lot better of late. He had 10 catches for 135 yards and two touchdowns in Thursday night’s win against the Jacksonville Jaguars. White has five touchdown catches in his past four games and has his season receiving yardage total up to 1,100 yards, which is much more than respectable. White relinquished his title as the NFC South’s best receiver to the Carolina Panthers' Steve Smith, who previously held it for a long time. But White is at least the second-best receiver in the NFC South these days.
2. Roman Harper, Saints strong safety. Fans rip on Harper because he’s not great in coverage and opponents have called him a dirty player. But the fact is, Harper does what he’s supposed to do. The strong safety is usually the weakest guy in coverage in your secondary. Their real job is to tackle and play almost like a linebacker. That’s exactly what Harper does. He recorded another sack in Sunday’s win against the Minnesota Vikings. That gives Harper 7.5 sacks this season. Time to put in a call to ESPN Stats & Information to find out what the record for sacks by a safety in a season is.
3. Jordan Senn, Panthers linebacker. This guy has been in the league for five years and was a backup and special-teams player until moving into the starting lineup after the Panthers had a slew of injuries at linebacker. Senn has played well in five starts, but he was never better than in Sunday’s upset victory against the Houston Texans. Senn had a team-high 14 tackles, forced a fumble and came up with a key interception. With all the defensive injuries, coach Ron Rivera has been looking for guys to step up all season and not getting much in the way of results. But Senn has made the most of his opportunity and this guy is going to have a job next year.
FALLING
1. Mike Williams, Tampa Bay Buccaneers receiver. For the first time in his career, Williams failed to record a reception in Saturday night’s loss to the Dallas Cowboys. Heck, Williams wasn’t even targeted a single time. Early in the season, it was easy to say Williams was getting more attention from defenses after catching 65 passes for 964 yards and 11 touchdowns as a rookie. But Williams isn’t getting a lot of extra attention these days because defenses aren’t worried about him. He has failed to get separation, his routes haven’t been precise and he’s among the league leaders in dropped passes. Williams did show up for some of the player workouts in Tampa during the lockout. But several teammates said during the summer that Williams wasn’t there as much as most of the other receivers and spent much of his offseason in Buffalo. In hindsight, you could make the case Williams might have been better served spending more time working out with his teammates.
[+] Enlarge
Dale Zanine/US PresswireRoddy White had one of his best games of the season in a blowout win over Jacksonville.
Dale Zanine/US PresswireRoddy White had one of his best games of the season in a blowout win over Jacksonville. 3. Kellen Winslow, Buccaneers tight end. Unlike Williams, Winslow was a fixture at the offseason workouts and he and quarterback Josh Freeman seemed to be enhancing their chemistry. But that hasn’t translated into success. Winslow has only two touchdown catches this season and the most recent came Nov. 6. In the past four games, Winslow hasn’t finished with more than five catches and 52 yards. In Saturday’s loss to Dallas, Winslow had four catches for 37 yards. He did have a 17-yard catch, but I remember thinking the Winslow of a few years ago would have gone for at least 30 yards on that play. I’m not sure if his knees, his age or all that’s wrong with the Buccaneers is catching up to Winslow, but he’s not having anything close to a good season.
RISING
1. Roddy White, Falcons receiver. We’ve had our share of fun with White’s season-long struggle with dropping passes. But the fact is, White has been playing a lot better of late. He had 10 catches for 135 yards and two touchdowns in Thursday night’s win against the Jacksonville Jaguars. White has five touchdown catches in his past four games and has his season receiving yardage total up to 1,100 yards, which is much more than respectable. White relinquished his title as the NFC South’s best receiver to the Carolina Panthers' Steve Smith, who previously held it for a long time. But White is at least the second-best receiver in the NFC South these days.
2. Roman Harper, Saints strong safety. Fans rip on Harper because he’s not great in coverage and opponents have called him a dirty player. But the fact is, Harper does what he’s supposed to do. The strong safety is usually the weakest guy in coverage in your secondary. Their real job is to tackle and play almost like a linebacker. That’s exactly what Harper does. He recorded another sack in Sunday’s win against the Minnesota Vikings. That gives Harper 7.5 sacks this season. Time to put in a call to ESPN Stats & Information to find out what the record for sacks by a safety in a season is.
3. Jordan Senn, Panthers linebacker. This guy has been in the league for five years and was a backup and special-teams player until moving into the starting lineup after the Panthers had a slew of injuries at linebacker. Senn has played well in five starts, but he was never better than in Sunday’s upset victory against the Houston Texans. Senn had a team-high 14 tackles, forced a fumble and came up with a key interception. With all the defensive injuries, coach Ron Rivera has been looking for guys to step up all season and not getting much in the way of results. But Senn has made the most of his opportunity and this guy is going to have a job next year.
Falcons' DBs getting healthy for Saints
December, 19, 2011
12/19/11
5:33
PM ET
By
Pat Yasinskas | ESPN.com
Atlanta’s defensive backfield appears to be getting healthy at just the right time.
Coach Mike Smith said Monday he expects cornerbacks Brent Grimes and Kelvin Hayden to return to practice Tuesday as the Falcons begin preparing for a Dec. 26 showdown with Drew Brees and the pass-happy Saints.
Grimes, who normally starts opposite Dunta Robinson, missed the last three games after having a minor surgical procedure on his knee. Hayden had been the team’s primary nickel back, but he missed the last four games with a toe injury.
The Falcons have been getting by with Christopher Owens and Dominique Franks playing with Robinson. Owens and Franks have been adequate, but neither of them is as athletic as Grimes or as experienced as Hayden.
Coach Mike Smith said Monday he expects cornerbacks Brent Grimes and Kelvin Hayden to return to practice Tuesday as the Falcons begin preparing for a Dec. 26 showdown with Drew Brees and the pass-happy Saints.
Grimes, who normally starts opposite Dunta Robinson, missed the last three games after having a minor surgical procedure on his knee. Hayden had been the team’s primary nickel back, but he missed the last four games with a toe injury.
The Falcons have been getting by with Christopher Owens and Dominique Franks playing with Robinson. Owens and Franks have been adequate, but neither of them is as athletic as Grimes or as experienced as Hayden.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Atlanta Falcons will be without three key defensive players Sunday in their game against the Carolina Panthers.
Cornerbacks Brent Grimes (knee) and Kelvin Hayden (toe) are inactive. So is linebacker Stephen Nicholas (quadriceps). Christopher Owens and Dominique Franks will get playing time at cornerback along with Dunta Robinson.
Also inactive for the Falcons are quarterback John Parker Wilson, offensive linemen Brett Romberg and Kirk Chambers and defensive end Cliff Matthews.
Cornerbacks Brent Grimes (knee) and Kelvin Hayden (toe) are inactive. So is linebacker Stephen Nicholas (quadriceps). Christopher Owens and Dominique Franks will get playing time at cornerback along with Dunta Robinson.
Also inactive for the Falcons are quarterback John Parker Wilson, offensive linemen Brett Romberg and Kirk Chambers and defensive end Cliff Matthews.
Checking the injuries that matter most
December, 9, 2011
12/09/11
4:28
PM ET
By
Pat Yasinskas | ESPN.com
It’s late in the season and the injuries are piling up. We’ve got a bunch of injured players all around the division, so let’s get the update on the most significant ones.
There’s mixed news out of Tampa Bay. Although quarterback Josh Freeman (shoulder) is listed as questionable, he got some first-team work Friday and may be able to play Sunday at Jacksonville. But cornerback Aqib Talib (hamstring) has been ruled out. Safety Larry Asante (hamstring) is doubtful and that could mean some playing time for Ahmad Black, who was promoted from the practice squad Friday. Defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth (knee) is questionable, but fully participated in Friday’s practice.
Some significant news out of New Orleans: running back Mark Ingram (toe) has been declared out. You’ve got to admire the Saints. They’re without Ingram, so they’ll just plug last year’s leading rusher, Chris Ivory, into the backfield rotation with Darren Sproles and Pierre Thomas. Linebacker Jonathan Casillas (knee) and defensive end Turk McBride (ankle) also have been ruled out.
The Falcons are facing some pretty steep injury issues. Cornerback Brent Grimes (knee) is out and cornerback Kelvin Hayden (toe) is doubtful. That means another week of Christopher Owens and Dominique Franks getting significant playing time. Linebacker Stephen Nicholas (quadriceps) also is doubtful, which probably means another start for Mike Peterson. Left tackle Will Svitek (groin) is questionable and it looks like Sam Baker could return to the starting lineup after missing six games.
Carolina left tackle Jordan Gross (ankle) is listed as questionable. Gross did not practice this week. But Gross did run on the sidelines Friday and coach Ron Rivera said Gross moved well. Gross is a veteran and the fact that he didn’t practice during the week won’t be enough to keep him out of the lineup if the ankle feels fine on Sunday morning.
There’s mixed news out of Tampa Bay. Although quarterback Josh Freeman (shoulder) is listed as questionable, he got some first-team work Friday and may be able to play Sunday at Jacksonville. But cornerback Aqib Talib (hamstring) has been ruled out. Safety Larry Asante (hamstring) is doubtful and that could mean some playing time for Ahmad Black, who was promoted from the practice squad Friday. Defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth (knee) is questionable, but fully participated in Friday’s practice.
Some significant news out of New Orleans: running back Mark Ingram (toe) has been declared out. You’ve got to admire the Saints. They’re without Ingram, so they’ll just plug last year’s leading rusher, Chris Ivory, into the backfield rotation with Darren Sproles and Pierre Thomas. Linebacker Jonathan Casillas (knee) and defensive end Turk McBride (ankle) also have been ruled out.
The Falcons are facing some pretty steep injury issues. Cornerback Brent Grimes (knee) is out and cornerback Kelvin Hayden (toe) is doubtful. That means another week of Christopher Owens and Dominique Franks getting significant playing time. Linebacker Stephen Nicholas (quadriceps) also is doubtful, which probably means another start for Mike Peterson. Left tackle Will Svitek (groin) is questionable and it looks like Sam Baker could return to the starting lineup after missing six games.
Carolina left tackle Jordan Gross (ankle) is listed as questionable. Gross did not practice this week. But Gross did run on the sidelines Friday and coach Ron Rivera said Gross moved well. Gross is a veteran and the fact that he didn’t practice during the week won’t be enough to keep him out of the lineup if the ankle feels fine on Sunday morning.
Wednesdays are the big media day across the NFL and there’s a lot happening in the NFC South, so let’s make one big swoop and check out the top stories of the day.
Here’s something I don’t think I’ve ever heard from a wide receiver before. Roddy White said the Falcons should scrap the deep pass.
New Orleans running back Mark Ingram missed Wednesday’s practice with a toe injury. It isn’t clear if the injury I serious, but the Saints are exceptionally deep at running back. A healthy Chris Ivory has been inactive the last few games and could step right into the backfield rotation if needed.
Tampa Bay defensive tackle Brian Price apologized to ownership, coach Raheem Morris and general manager Mark Dominik for his personal-foul penalty in Sunday’s loss to Carolina.
Tampa Bay quarterback Josh Freeman, who missed the Carolina game with a shoulder injury, said he’s confident he’ll be able to play Sunday against Jacksonville.
Carolina receiver Steve Smith has been a bit quiet of late. Quarterback Cam Newton said that’s because defenses have been rolling more coverage toward Smith.
Speaking of Smith, he might not stay quiet for long. With Atlanta cornerback Brent Grimes still out after knee surgery, Smith might see a fair amount of Christopher Owens and Dominique Franks.
Here’s something I don’t think I’ve ever heard from a wide receiver before. Roddy White said the Falcons should scrap the deep pass.
New Orleans running back Mark Ingram missed Wednesday’s practice with a toe injury. It isn’t clear if the injury I serious, but the Saints are exceptionally deep at running back. A healthy Chris Ivory has been inactive the last few games and could step right into the backfield rotation if needed.
Tampa Bay defensive tackle Brian Price apologized to ownership, coach Raheem Morris and general manager Mark Dominik for his personal-foul penalty in Sunday’s loss to Carolina.
Tampa Bay quarterback Josh Freeman, who missed the Carolina game with a shoulder injury, said he’s confident he’ll be able to play Sunday against Jacksonville.
Carolina receiver Steve Smith has been a bit quiet of late. Quarterback Cam Newton said that’s because defenses have been rolling more coverage toward Smith.
Speaking of Smith, he might not stay quiet for long. With Atlanta cornerback Brent Grimes still out after knee surgery, Smith might see a fair amount of Christopher Owens and Dominique Franks.
ABOUT THIS BLOG
Pat Yasinskas
Yasinskas joined ESPN.com in January 2008 after covering the Carolina Panthers for The Charlotte Observer for nine seasons. He began his journalism career with The Tampa Tribune in 1990.
