NFC West: Dominic Douglas
The request came in response to an earlier item about running backs the Rams passed over.
The Rams had too many needs to fill them all in this draft. They also took into account value.
As I sized up the 4-3 outside linebackers, I realized we would be working from a short list. So many of the linebackers drafted went to teams running primarily 3-4 schemes. Several of the 4-3 linebackers drafted projected to the middle, where the Rams are already set with James Laurinaitis. Some potential 4-3 outside linebackers -- take Larry Hart, drafted by the Jaguars in the fifth round -- can even project as 4-3 defensive ends now that they've been drafted.
For the sake of this analysis, I defined 4-3 linebackers as linebackers drafted by teams running 4-3 defenses (I included the Raiders in this group). Some of the 3-4 linebackers drafted probably could have projected to 4-3 schemes, but I wasn't going to make that determination. If a 3-4 team drafted a linebacker, the assumption was that the player might not have been an ideal candidate for the Rams.
The chart shows the Rams' actual picks next to the 4-3 outside linebackers drafted next. I have a hard time making a case for the Rams drafting most of the 4-3 outside linebackers available. Can you?
One exception might be the Rams' decision to draft a second tight end, Fendi Onobun, instead of William & Mary's Adrian Tracy, who landed with the Giants 14 picks later. Tracy played defensive end in college. The Giants are trying him out at strongside linebacker. Onobun, a converted basketball player, could project as even more of a project at tight end. The Rams did sign veteran linebacker Na'il Diggs in free agency, however.
The Rams did draft a linebacker. Josh Hull, a seventh-round choice from Penn State, projects as a special-teams player and potential backup to Laurinaitis in the middle.
The second chart shows the Rams' current linebackers.
- Jermelle Cudjo, defensive tackle, Central Oklahoma
- Freddie Harris, linebacker, Central Oklahoma
- Cardia Jackson, linebacker, Louisiana-Monroe
- Jeromy Jones, safety, Idaho
- Simoni Lawrence, linebacker, Minnesota
- Thaddeus Lewis, quarterback, Duke
- Jamie McCoy, fullback, Texas A&M
- Brandon McRae, receiver, Mississippi State
- Roderick Owens, receiver, Florida St.
- Darian Stewart, safety, South Carolina
- Kennedy Tinsley, fullback, North Carolina
- Keith Toston, running back, Oklahoma State
- DeMaundray Woolridge, running back, Idaho
Spagnuolo told reporters he hoped to speak with Pierce at some point, the Rams said via Twitter.
James Laurinaitis is arguably the only starting-caliber linebacker under contract to the Rams for 2010. Paris Lenon, 32 and a stopgap at this stage, can become an unrestricted free agent. David Vobora, Chris Chamberlain, Dominic Douglas, Larry Grant and K.C. Asiodu are the other linebackers.
Pierce carries great appeal by comparison. But there were reasons the Giants parted with a player coach Tom Coughlin lauded as a strong leader. Injuries slowed Pierce recently. A bulging disc in Pierce's neck landed the linebacker on injured reserve last season.
Pierce, 31, was scheduled to earn $4.75 million in salary for 2010. Signing Pierce at a reasonable rate could make sense. But if you are Pierce and you know your career is winding down, why join a rebuilding team?
Around the NFC West: Vick to the Rams?
Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch wonders whether Michael Vick could be an option at quarterback for the Rams. Thomas: "As long as Donovan McNabb and Kevin Kolb are in Philly, Vick won't get a chance to start for the Eagles. But what about St. Louis? What seemed totally far-fetched last summer, as Vick was about to get out of prison, no longer seems like such a longshot in St. Louis. Because Vick remains under contract with Philadelphia, Rams general manager Billy Devaney can't speak publicly on the topic. But Devaney has consistently said the team will explore all options to improve the club. He has made it a point in interviews to note that the 'four pillars' approach is being softened this offseason. In other words, the Rams are more likely to take a chance on a so-called 'character-risk' player than last year at this time. Devaney worked for the Atlanta Falcons before coming to St. Louis, so he's very familiar with Vick. In fact, Devaney visited Vick in prison while Vick was serving 18 months for running a dogfighting operation."
Also from Thomas: The Rams have signed tight end Eric Butler and linebacker Dominic Douglas. Thomas: "Briefly promoted to the 53-man roster for a few days in late November following fullback Mike Karney’s neck injury, Butler spent the rest of the season on the Rams’ practice squad. Douglas spent seven games on the Rams’ active roster, and five weeks on the practice squad."
Danny O'Neil of the Seattle Times shares what he expects to happen with the Seahawks' coaching staff. Defensive line coach Dan Quinn is expected to stay. Defensive coordinator Gus Bradley also could stay. One thing to note: New coach Pete Carroll was with the Vikings when Monte Kiffin was there in the late 1980s. Kiffin mentored Bradley in Tampa Bay. That's part of what Carroll meant when he referred to the defensive coaching lineage he shares with some assistants from Jim Mora's staff.
Jason LaCanfora of NFL.com says colleague Pat Kirwan could join the Seahawks as an assistant to new coach Pete Carroll, but not as a leading decision-maker. LaCanfora: "Carroll remains interested in close friend and former NFL personnel executive Pat Kirwan to be a part of the organization, but sources said the NFL.com analyst wouldn’t be in a top personnel role. Instead, he would be an assistant to the head coach should he come to Seattle."
Bob McManaman and Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic check in with Cardinals receiver Anquan Boldin, who missed practice again while recuperating from a sprained ankle. Boldin: "Everything is the same, nothing has really changed. It's better than it was a couple days ago, though, so I'm optimistic."
Also from Somers: Ken Whisenhunt and Sean Payton have turned around losing programs.
More from Somers: Expect Karlos Dansby to rake in big bucks this offseason. The $9.678 million Dansby earned this season wasn't bad, either.
Bob Young of the Arizona Republic says the Cardinals' pass rush could be key against New Orleans. Defensive coordinator Bill Davis on Drew Brees: "He's such a quick decision-maker, and a guy like that, the ball is going to be out of his hand before you get to him. A lot of teams in the NFC tournament right now have quick decision-makers with high accuracy and a lot of weapons to go to. It's tough to sack guys like that. You can have the worst offensive line in the world - and they've got a good one - and he'll still make a quick decision and get rid of it. That's going to be a big challenge for us."
Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee updates the 49ers' search for a special-teams coach, noting that Bobby April took a job with the Eagles. That means former Eagles special-teams coach Ted Daisher is available. Bruce DeHaven, the Seahawks' special-teams coach in recent seasons, also appears to be available.
Matt Maiocco of the Santa Rosa Press-Democrat says his All-Pro vote at tight end went to Vernon Davis. Maiocco: "What pushed it over the top for me in Davis' favor was his blocking. In my opinion, he was the best all-around tight end in the NFL in 2009." Hard to disagree, although Davis' expanded role as a receiver meant he wasn't as involved in blocking. Davis was at times a dominant pass protector in 2008.
Tim Kawakami of the San Jose Mercury News says former 49ers coach Steve Mariucci would be a good choice as the next coach of the Raiders. Kawakami: "For a while Tuesday, it looked as if USC was about to hire Mooch. But stunningly, Lane Kiffin swooped in from Tennessee to grab the Los Angeles mega-job. Believe me, nobody is more startled by this development than Al (Davis), who loves the USC program and, to put it mildly, does not love Kiffin. But now Mariucci is without a team. Gee, is there one out there? Mariucci has a good history with skittery quarterbacks, so Al might be able to envision a solid Mooch-JaMarcus Russell pairing; plus, with his 49ers background, Mariucci could sell some tickets."
That makes their fourth wideout more valuable than most. Early Doucet has replaced Jerheme Urban in that role recently. Urban did not play in Week 10. The Cardinals named him inactive Sunday.
The decision makes some sense. While Urban was effective, the team needs to find out whether Doucet, a 2008 third-round choice, can help the offense. Anquan Boldin's future with the team is uncertain beyond this season. Developing Doucet could help this season even if Boldin remains with the team. The team also knows Urban will be ready if called upon.
Also inactive for Arizona: safety Rashad Johnson, linebacker Chike Okeafor, tackle Herman Johnson, guard Brandon Keith, tight end Stephen Spach and tight end Dominique Byrd. Brian St. Pierre is the third quarterback.
The Rams' inactive list features cornerback Danny Gorrer, linebacker Dominic Douglas, guard Roger Allen III, tackle Phil Trautwein, guard Richie Incognito, receiver Jordan Kent and defensive end C.J. Ah You, who appears headed for injured reserve. Keith Null is the third quarterback.
Around the NFC West: Briggs and the 49ers
Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee looks at what might have been if the 49ers could have acquired Lance Briggs from the Bears. Barrows: "The courtship by the 49ers began before the trade deadline in 2007. Briggs on Tuesday said the 49ers offered the Bears a first-round pick for Briggs. Even when the 49ers pulled out of the deal before the deadline, Briggs figured San Francisco would snap him up when the free-agency period opened in late February." The 49ers have generally been fine at linebacker. Takeo Spikes' addition certainly helped.
Also from Barrows: a midseason report card with a "D" grade for the offensive line. Barrows: "The unit has not been close to the powerful force coach Mike Singletary and offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye imagined. Injuries have plagued the tackle position, while the guard play at the start of the season was terrible. The 49ers rank only 21st in rushing yards, and they have given up 26 sacks, the fourth-highest total in the league."
Matt Maiocco of the Santa Rosa Press-Democrat says Isaac Bruce's ankle injury played a role in Jason Hill getting additional playing time. Bruce has enjoyed a great career. I'm not sure what he offers the offense at this point, however. Hill appears to have earned additional snaps.
Clare Farnsworth of seahawks.com says the team wants to incorporate Wildcat formations, but not at the expense of Matt Hasselbeck's contributions.
Also from Farnsworth: Hasselbeck keeps the faith.
Danny O'Neil of the Seattle Times says the Seahawks saw the perils of playing a young quarterback when they picked off the Lions' Matthew Stafford five times. O'Neil: "So what will Seattle do with Hasselbeck this offseason? He is signed through 2010. He is 34 and over the past four seasons he has missed time because of an injured knee (four games in 2006), back (nine games in 2008) and rib (two games this season). He is also merely two years removed from a career high in passing yardage and Sunday he surpassed his team record by completing 39 passes. Prudence requires looking for a potential successor at quarterback. Hasselbeck has spent more than a decade in an NFL pocket and has the injuries to prove it."
Eric D. Williams of the Tacoma News Tribune says the Seahawks are searching for consistency.
Sarah McLellan of the Arizona Republic follows Cardinals running back Tim Hightower during the NFL's "Take a Player to School" promotion. McLellan: "At the end of his visit, Hightower said he enjoyed his time running around with the students because he wanted to encourage what he calls 'the Playstation generation' to stay outside and have fun."
Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic assesses the Cardinals halfway through the NFL season. Somers: "If the Cardinals show some maturity, they could enter December with an 8-3 record and their second consecutive division title almost assured." For the record, I managed to exceed 89,000 points in Ms. Pac-Man while taking the kids roller skating Tuesday night. Not bad for the first quarter I've put into that game for a while.
Also from Somers: Don't be surprised if the Vikings-Cardinals game gets flexed into prime time.
Darren Urban of azcardinals.com checks in with backup quarterback Matt Leinart, who wasn't happy with his performance against the Bears. Leinart: "I don’t question myself. I’ve worked way too hard to get to this point to just say, 'Oh my gosh, I’m terrible.' I’ve come a long way to where I first came into the league. I know I can play well in this league. It’s a matter of getting opportunities and that’s the unfortunate thing, not being able to make up for it. Last week, Kurt [Warner] had five interceptions -- they weren’t all his fault -- but he comes back and throws five touchdowns. That’s the way this league is. You can’t get down on one play. But it’s hard to let it go when you don’t get a chance to go back in."
Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says the Rams' special teams are making strides, thanks in part to Danny Amendola's addition. The team's average drive start following kickoffs has improved by 5 yards with Amendola as the return man. Special-teams coach Tom McMahon: "The biggest thing I think he's brought is the guys believe in him -- they just do. They flat-out believe in him because he believes in himself. And he's a tough kid. There's not a lot of kick returners in this league that are his size. You take a lot of hits, and he fights through it."
Also from Thomas: a chat transcript noting that Oshiomogho Atogwe has had a quiet first half to the season. I thought Atogwe was borderline dominant in the season opener at Seattle, at least early in the game. He hasn't stood out much since then.
More from Thomas: The Rams signed linebacker Dominic Douglas from their practice squad.
Catching up with the Rams' cut list
Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando
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The Rams' depth on the offensive line might be better than anticipated for a team with a 5-27 record over the past two seasons.
The team is carrying 10 offensive linemen, one more than typical, while John Greco recovers from wrist surgery.
An 11th, Phil Trautwein, landed on the Browns' active roster when Cleveland claimed him off waivers. A 12th, Roy Schuening, signed with the Raiders' practice squad. Another, tackle Renardo Foster, would seem to be a candidate for catching on somewhere eventually.
I've gone through the initial NFC West cut lists -- those players released at the 53-man deadline -- to see which ones have returned to their teams or caught on elsewhere.
The chart shows results for St. Louis.
Quarterback Brock Berlin signed to the Lions' practice squad after the Rams released him. Defensive lineman Ian Campbell briefly spent time on the Rams' practice squad before the team released him.
A few veterans -- running back Antonio Pittman, receiver Tim Carter, receiver Ronald Curry and special-teamer Todd Johnson -- remain available.
Updating practice squads as Cards add four
Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando
The Cardinals announced four signings to their initial 2009 practice squad: guard Trevor Canfield, defensive tackle Keilen Dykes, defensive end Alex Field and receiver Ed Gant.
Rules governing practice-squad eligibility can be confusing. Players are eligible as long as they:
- Have spent fewer than three seasons on a practice squad. As the collective bargaining agreement states, "A player shall be deemed to have served on a Practice Squad in a season if he has passed the club's physical and been a member of the club's Practice Squad for at least three regular season or postseason games during his first two Practice Squad seasons, and for at least one regular season or postseason game during his third Practice Squad season. (A bye week counts as a game provided that the player is not terminated until after the regular season or postseason weekend in question.)"
- Have never spent nine or more games in one season on a 45-man game-day roster. Failure to understand this rule creates confusion. Seemingly experienced players sometimes retain eligibility.
The Rams added seventh-round choice Chris Ogbonnaya and 2008 Eagles third-round defensive end Bryan Smith to their practice squad, joining cornerback Cordelius Parks, tight end Eric Butler, linebacker Dominic Douglas, linebacker K.C. Asiodu, defensive end Ian Campbell and receiver Sean Walker.
The 49ers signed seven to their practice squad Sunday. They'll could add an eighth after releasing a player to make room on the 53-man roster for offensive tackle Tony Pashos.
Rams low on receivers after roster tweak
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Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando
The Rams continued tweaking their roster Sunday by claiming defensive tackle LaJuan Ramsey from the Titans and free safety Anthony Smith from the Packers.
This was probably just the beginning.
The Rams cleared room on their roster by releasing linebacker Quinton Culberson and receiver Nate Jones. That left the Rams with only four wide receivers on the 53-man roster. That number will certainly grow.
The team also signed six of the players it released Saturday to its practice squad, leaving two spots open. The six: linebacker K.C. Asiodu, tight end Eric Butler, defensive end Ian Campbell, linebacker Dominic Douglas, cornerback Cord Parks and receiver Sean Walker.
I'll pass along Scouts Inc.'s take on Ramsey. Scouts Inc. does not have analysis for Smith.
Scouts Inc. on Ramsey: Ramsey has some burst and initial quickness with above-average athletic skills. He has good functional play strength and flashes the ability to shed blocks quickly. He has good lower-body strength when he maintains his pad level at the point of attack. As a pass-rusher, he has adequate closing speed and flashes a variety of pass-rush moves.
Ex-Rams with practice-squad eligibility
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Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando
NFL teams can begin forming eight-man practice squads once released players clear waivers this afternoon.
I've put together a list of recently released Rams players with eligibility for the practice squad. Each was released on the reduction to 53 players.
The decision to keep rookie quarterback Keith Null on the 53-man roster meant releasing Brock Berlin. Does that mean Berlin is finished with the Rams? It could, but the quarterback does remain eligible for the practice squad.
Running back Chris Ogbonnaya seems like a natural candidate. With a new coaching staff and relatively new front office, the Rams could be more likely to consider players from other rosters. Coach Steve Spagnuolo was with the Giants last season. Offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur was with the Eagles. Defensive coordinator Ken Flajole was with the Panthers. Those ties could influence the Rams' thinking.
Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando
Biggest surprise: The Rams cut former special-teams captain Todd Johnson, a safety, and they also flushed out two veteran receivers they hoped would contribute, Ronald Curry and Tim Carter. Keeping rookie quarterback Keith Null over the more experienced Brock Berlin made sense because the Rams' top two quarterbacks, Marc Bulger and Kyle Boller, have lots of seasoning. The biggest roster surprise came when the team traded 2006 first-round cornerback Tye Hill to the Falcons. Free-agent addition Quincy Butler stuck on the 53-man roster after a strong training camp and preseason. He looked better than Hill, frankly, and the Rams' new leadership wasn't afraid to part with symbols of past failures. Placing defensive tackle Adam Carriker on injured reserve cleared another spot.
No-brainers: The Rams also released linebacker K.C. Asiodu, defensive tackle Antwon Burton, tight end Eric Butler, defensive end Ian Campbell, linebacker Dominic Douglas, tackle Renardo Foster, fullback Jerome Johnson, center Tim Mattran, running back Chris Ogbonnaya, cornerback Cord Parks, running back Antonio Pittman, safety Mark Rubin, guard Roy Schuening, tackle Phil Trautwein and receiver Sean Walker.
What's next: The Rams still need to make one move by the 6 p.m. ET deadline for complying with the 53-man limit. With only four running backs on the roster, counting fullback Mike Karney, the team probably needs to seek help at the position. Backup Samkon Gado suffered injured ribs in the final exhibition game. The Rams lack quality depth and they are starting over. As a result, the team could pursue players released from other teams.
Update: The Rams placed defensive lineman Eric Moore on injured reserve to comply with the 53-man limit.
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Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando
More Rams players are eligible for the practice squad this summer after the team parted with a long list of aging veterans this offseason.
The chart shows all 33 current Rams players with eligibility, arranged by position. The team had 24 players eligible when I produced a similar list nearly one year ago.
The lists come in handy when analyzing battles for the final few roster spots. I've added loose status descriptions for eligible players based on my general expectations.
To review: NFL teams must reduce rosters from 80 to 75 players Sept. 1. They must reduce to 53 players Sept. 5. They can begin forming eight-man practice squads Sept. 6 at noon ET.
The league explains the process this way:
"After 12 noon, New York time, clubs may establish a practice squad of eight players by signing free agents who do not have an accrued season of free-agency credit or who were on the 45-player active list for less than nine regular-season games during their only accrued season(s). A player cannot participate on the practice squad for more than three seasons."
The Rams have only one running back, seventh-round choice Chris Ogbonnaya, with practice-squad eligibility. Eight other NFC West running backs have eligibility.
I'll break out corresponding lists for the rest of the division, answering a frequently posed question that follows a familiar format: "Is so-and-so eligible for the practice squad?"
Numbers games: Rams roster in perspective
Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando
The Rams' roster requires additional study after a thorough house-cleaning this offseason. With so many new faces, I feel less familiar with the Rams than with the other teams in the division. This initial look at the roster will hopefully help bring some focus.
Donnie Avery's injury and overall health concerns at receiver could influence how many players the Rams carry into the season at the position.
Marc Bulger's broken pinky shouldn't affect the roster as long as he recovers on schedule. Teams must reduce to 75 players by Sept. 1 and 53 players by Sept. 5. Those initial 53-man rosters sometimes change by Week 1 kickoffs. For that reason, I've been focusing on Week 1 rosters when setting baseline expectations for each position.
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he chart provides a framework for how many players the Rams might keep at each position heading into the regular-season opener against the Seahawks.
Here's a quick look at which Rams players I might keep on the cutdown to 53 players:
Mailbag: Sizing up the Rams' linebackers
Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando
Kristof from Jacksonville writes: Mike, after reading some articles about the Rams, a consensus weak spot are the linebackers, both the quality and the depth. Most of the talk has been about the new staff and the receivers, but how do the Rams' linebackers compare to the rest of the division? And what are the other weak spots in the West?
Mike Sando: The Rams' linebackers have much to prove. Will Witherspoon, Chris Draft, Quinton Culberson and rookie James Laurinaitis are the only ones I would consider as potential starters. Draft is 33 years old and nearing the end. Culberson didn't last long as a starter when the Rams played him in that role last season. That leaves Witherspoon and Laurinaitis as arguably the only Rams linebackers a team would want in its lineup for a full season. The players could prove otherwise, but I think the evidence is there.
The other linebackers on the team -- Dominic Douglas, K.C. Asiodu, Chris Chamberlain, David Vobora and Larry Grant -- own a combined one NFL start.
The Rams need Laurinaitis to emerge as an immediate impact player at the position.
Kenny from Las Vegas writes: If a player -- Michael Crabtree -- were to hold out the entire year, could they re-enter the draft the next year? Could you please explain how this would work? Thanks.
Mike Sando: Yes, a player would become eligible for the draft once again. I cannot recall the last time it happened. A player could go that route to rehab from an injury, thereby improving his stock, or to avoid signing with a particular team. Crabtree won't go that route.
Hayden from San Francisco writes: Sando great work everyday. You make the offseason almost bareable. My question is, what is the deal with Crabtree? Is he getting any closer to signing? Rookies report [Tuesday], don't they? Rookie holdouts by far are the worst thing about football (along with unproven players making top salaries in the league, but that's another email). I know you'll keep us updated when you hear anything. Thanks. GO NINERS!
Mike Sando: Thanks, Hayden. Of all the NFC West choices, Crabtree had the best chance of an impasse, in my view, because Crabtree was perceived as a top-five talent and the best receiver in the draft, only to slip to No. 10 -- after the Raiders made Darrius Heyward-Bey the first receiver drafted.
I don't think Crabtree's potential absence is a huge deal. Crabtree was already going to be behind this season. It was doubtful to me how much he would contribute as a rookie after missing so much time rehabbing the foot injury. If he misses two weeks of camp, yes, that would be significant. If he misses the first weekend, no big deal.
Let's wait to see how much camp Crabtree misses -- if he misses any camp -- before trying to figure out the impact.
Craig from Tennessee writes: What are the odds the Cardinals will try and sign Michael Vick? I mean, on Twitter, Darnell Dockett and Larry Fitzgerald went out of there way to say he has paid his debt. The Cards sure could use a fast RB and maybe even use him as a returner. Ken Whisenhunt had [Antwaan] Randle El in Pittsburgh and loved him. Vick is 10 times better then him. I'm saying it: The Cards will sign Vick for two years at $1 million a year ... and give him a chance!
Mike Sando: Don't see it happening, Craig. One, the Cardinals probably aren't following their players' Twitter accounts for guidance on personnel matters. Two, general manager Rod Graves has already said the team will not sign Vick.
I do think extreme circumstances can change a team's priorities, but unless the Cardinals lose Kurt Warner, Matt Leinart and possibly even Brian St. Pierre to injury, I have a hard time thinking they would sign him. I also don't necessarily see Vick trying to return as a specialist. His value was as a quarterback.
Antonio from Oakland writes: What's the situation with Jordan Kent on the Seahawksawks? Does he have any potential?
Mike Sando: Kent has potential and he has worked hard to maximize it, but I haven't seen evidence he'll be more than the fifth guy on a roster. The Seahawks found out last season what it means to rely upon players of that caliber. It's one thing to keep a player around as the fifth or sixth guy and say you like his potential. It's another thing to play him extensively.
Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando
Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic says Cardinals quarterback Matt Leinart worked out with the Patriots' Tom Brady at UCLA this offseason. I'm sure this was simply a case of Brady wanting to pick Leinart's brain. Ha. Ha. Ha. Seriously, though, Brady helped Leinart with fundamentals such as footwork and his release. Brady is one of the most fundamentally sound quarterbacks in terms of how he stands, where he holds the ball, etc. Good move by Leinart.
Also from Somers: The Cardinals are raving about new quarterbacks coach Chris Miller. This was an important hire for coach Ken Whisenhunt after the Cardinals lost offensive coordinator Todd Haley. Miller appears to have instant credibility with Kurt Warner and the other quarterbacks.
More from Somers: Look for Steve Breaston to remain the Cardinals' punt returner.
Darren Urban of azcardinals.com looks at how the team's linemen approach non-contact practices. The work can become monotonous.
Revenge of the Birds' Bezekira wonders why Bertrand Berry isn't attending the Cardinals' voluntary camp.
Larry Fitzgerald [via Twitter] says he spent Wednesday night watching TV at his house with Cardinals rookie running back Chris Wells. Wells is hanging out with the right guy.
Bryan Burwell of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says Rams fans shouldn't worry too much about the team leaving St. Louis. Burwell: "Regardless of whether the majority ownership of the Rams is eventually purchased by local buyers or strangers from a thousand miles away, the odds are still fairly strong that St. Louis will remain the Rams' home. No matter who ultimately ends up buying this franchise from Chip Rosenbloom and Lucia Rodriguez, they will find a dramatically different economic landscape in place since the wild and woolly 1980s, when NFL franchise free agency was at its peak."
Bernie Miklasz of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch solicits feedback from Dan Dierdorf about the Rams' future in St. Louis. Dierdorf thinks the Rams would have had much better luck finding a local buyer eight or nine months ago. Dierdorf: "I think that gentlemen in St Louis who might have been players in it -- given the economy -- are more interested in running their own businesses ... and the interest in owning an NFL franchise has been put on the back burner. It's hard to criticize anyone who is taking that stance."
Bill Coats of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch checks in with Rams linebacker Dominic Douglas.
Tim Klutsarits of examiner.com reiterates why he thinks the Rams might be unlikely to leave St. Louis. Los Angeles appears to be the only logical destination, but the city has struggled to bring back the NFL. Klutsarits: "The NFL tried everything in their power to get a team there a few years ago but had to give the expansion team to Houston because L.A. can't get their act together. One of two things will happen in the LA market. They will build their stadium and the Chargers, Raiders or Jaguars will make the move or they will never get it done. I am still betting on them never getting it done and even if they do it, won't be with the Rams."
Denis C. Theriault of the San Jose Mercury News details the Santa Clara City Council's decision to approve the 49ers' financing plan for a new stadium near team headquarters. The approval sets up a public vote on the matter. This is a significant victory for the 49ers and team president Jed York, although much work remains.
Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee says the 49ers have had no substantive talks about sharing a stadium with the Raiders. Barrows: "There hasn't been a Super Bowl in Northern California since Joe Montana outdueled Dan Marino in Palo Alto in January 1985. But that will change if the new stadium is built in Santa Clara, York said."
Eric D. Williams of the Tacoma News Tribune summarizes Ken Lucas' recent interview with KJR radio host Mitch Levy. Lucas: "Some people feel like I'm old now age-wise. But for me, my motivation is to show everybody that I'm not going to let a young guy outwork me, period. I feel like I have a lot of football left in me. I feel like my best is yet to come. So with that being said, I'm only getting better with time. And I feel like I'm faster, quicker, and much wiser than what I used to be when I first went to Carolina."
Also from Williams: He thinks the Seahawks will finish among the NFL's top 10 teams in rushing yardage if Julius Jones and T.J. Duckett stay healthy. There's no question that coordinator Greg Knapp's teams have fared well running the ball. I just wonder if the Seahawks might pass more than expected given their personnel.
John Morgan of Field Gulls revisits Jon Ryan's season as the Seahawks' punter in 2008.
ABOUT THIS BLOG
Mike Sando
Sando joined ESPN.com in 2007 after nine seasons covering the Seattle Seahawks for the Tacoma (Wash.) News Tribune. He lives in the Seattle-Tacoma area with his wife and two sons.
