NFL Nation: Renaldo Hill
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Friday he agreed to terms. The Denver Post is reporting the deal is now for four years, $9.5 million. McGahee will turn 30 this season. Again, I think McGahee can make some plays, but his contributions will likely be limited. He had 209 carries the past two years combined.
In other AFC West news:
Denver agreed to terms with receiver David Anderson. The former Colorado State player was cut by Houston. He has a chance to be a rotational receiver and special teamer in Denver.
The Chargers had interest in former Green Bay linebacker Nick Barnett, but not at the price that it will take to sign him.
There still doesn’t seem to be much of market for Oakland Pro Bowl tight end Zach Miller. At this point, I’d be surprised if he went elsewhere.
As expected, the Broncos cut safety Renaldo Hill as the team clears cap space. Hill was with the team the past two years. He wasn’t going to start this season.
The Broncos were interested in former Houston first-round pick Amobi Okoye. But he reportedly agreed to terms with the Bears shortly after being cut by the Texans. In a strange one, Denver is bringing in Broncos’ defensive tackle Marcus Thomas in for a visit. He has been with the team since 2007.
Denver took Oklahoma safety Quinton Carter with the 108th pick in the fourth round. He is a strong safety and will likely get a chance to replace Brian Dawkins at some point, perhaps soon.
With the No. 45 pick, Denver took UCLA safety Rahim Moore. He is expected to be the instant starter at free safety, replacing Renaldo Hill. Moore and Carter are among the best safety prospects in a weak class.
Denver has taken four defensive players in its first five picks but has yet to draft a defensive tackle -- despite it being a trouble area. Denver coach John Fox said on Friday night that the team will address the position when free agency starts.
AP Photo/Getty ImagesMark Sanchez has shown the same uncanny ability to win games in the fourth quarter that Browns QB Brian Sipe had with the "Kardiac Kids" in 1980.The Denver Broncos' radio play-by-play man was preparing for their Monday night game against the San Diego Chargers in Week 11 and noticed old friend Gary Kubiak was about to score a big victory as head coach of the Houston Texans.
The Texans led the New York Jets by a point at the Meadowlands and had a first down at the two-minute warning because Mark Sanchez threw an interception. The Texans tacked on a field goal with 55 seconds left. That should've been that.
But then Logan watched Sanchez make "just a perfect throw" to Braylon Edwards down the right sideline for 42 yards. Logan remarked "There's just no way he's supposed to hit that route" based on the Texans' coverage. On the next play, Sanchez connected with Santonio Holmes in the left corner of the end zone to win.
"When they do stuff like that, it does remind me of a pretty good year," Logan said.
In 1980, Logan played wide receiver for a Cleveland Browns team known as the Kardiac Kids for their defibrillator finishes.
Win or lose, the Browns seemed to take it to the wire each week. Brian Sipe slung the ball around to five different targets who caught at least 50 passes. The Browns dropped their first two games, but won 11 of the remaining 14. Their three losses in that span were white knucklers that should've been victories.
The upstart Browns won the AFC Central after years of Pittsburgh Steelers dominance and back-to-back appearances by the Houston Oilers in the AFC Championship Game. The Browns lost in the divisional round of the playoffs that year, but that's not the part that Logan finds familiar when he considers the Jets.
The Jets have strung together an obnoxious number of stunning victories this year. They're riding a wave of confidence few teams get to experience.
"L-O-S-E is no longer in your vocabulary," said Sam Rutigliano, head coach of the 1980 Browns.
Invincibility becomes a weapon, and it might be necessary if the Jets are to stand up to the New England Patriots on Monday night in Gillette Stadium, where quarterback Tom Brady has won 25 straight games.
The Patriots have won with relative ease and seem to be in command of their opponents compared to the Jets' high-wire act of the past seven weeks.
Jason Miller/US PresswireSantonio Holmes has come through several times in the clutch for the Jets this season. Many look at what the Jets have done and call it blind luck. Regardless of how they're winning, however, the experience almost becomes a tangible, powerful asset.
"Now I know we have a chance no matter what," Sanchez said.
The Jets became the first team in NFL history to go into overtime on the road and win two weeks in a row. Tack on the miraculous Texans victory, and the Jets became the first team since the 2006 Tennessee Titans to score their winning points inside the final 10 seconds of a game three straight times.
"When you win in that fashion you become really difficult to beat," Logan said. "Even if you get down in a game, you never feel like you're out. So you're still battling. You still have guys making plays.
"You get behind in a big game in the fourth quarter and you've never been there before, then maybe guys start to grip a little bit. But when you've had that kind of success like the Jets this year and we did in 1980, it's in the back of your minds that 'Listen, we've been here before. We know we're going to go down and score. How much time's left? Two minutes? OK. Where's the ball? Minus-30. OK, we got 70 yards in two minutes. No problem.' "
Logan called another one of the Jets' crazy victories. In Week 6, Sanchez threw a fourth-down desperation heave down the left sideline to Holmes. Broncos safety Renaldo Hill got his fingers accidentally tangled in Holmes' facemask near the goal line. Pass interference was called. One play later, LaDainian Tomlinson scored a touchdown. The Jets won by four points.
That was the start of the daredevil Jets dodging defeat.
"Don't think other teams around the league aren't aware of it, either," Logan said. "In tight games, late and the Jets have the ball with the chance to win, in the back of the other teams' minds, they're thinking 'Here it comes again.' "
Rutigliano was a Jets defensive assistant when Joe Namath was the quarterback. Rutigliano notices that Sanchez is developing the same ability Namath and Sipe (league MVP in 1980) had of turning teammates into believers.
"A quarterback is like a tea bag," Rutigliano said. "You don't know what you got until you put him in hot water.
"What's happening to Sanchez right now, the best quarterback coaches in the world can't teach him. He's learning it himself. Now he expects to win and is starting to empower people to play at a level they never thought they could play at."
Sanchez recently explained he'd never led a fourth-quarter comeback victory at any level until Denver. His teams at Mission Viejo High and USC were so dominant the opportunities were rare.
Now Sanchez has four fourth-quarter comebacks in his past six games.
"It's always been something that I've wanted," Sanchez said. "I know that that was kind of a knock coming out of college, that 'He's never had a come back in a game. They've been up. He hasn't played a lot of football.' To me, that was 'All right, give me a chance to come back. I'm going to win it, not making a miraculous play, but just making the plays we know how to make.' That's what we've done."
John Elway still has an impact in Denver
Justin Edmonds/Getty ImagesChiefs coach Todd Haley, left, wasn't pleased after Josh McDaniels and the Broncos beat the Chiefs in a 49-29 blowout.Paging No. 7.
McDaniels asked legendary Broncos quarterback John Elway to address the team. To the best of the knowledge of several long-time Denver officials, it was the first time Elway had addressed the team as a whole since he retired in 1999 after winning Super Bowl titles in his final two seasons.
Elway broached several subjects with the players, who knelt on the practice field and listened intently. Among the topics: Elway’s travails in Denver, and the need to try to win on a daily basis and to enjoy the moment. Elway, 50, told players he still occasionally wishes he had the opportunity to play again and that they needed to seize the moment and not waste their opportunity as NFL players.
At one point, Elway asked players to raise their hands if they would be relieved to win against the Chiefs on Sunday. When several players raised their hands, he said that was the wrong attitude to take. He said winning teams are built during the week and hard work is the key. Elway works for the Broncos as a marketing spokesman and he is interested in becoming a part owner of the team. He has been a presence at some practices this season.
“This is a Hall of Fame player, a two-time Super Bowl champion, this is the biggest name in team history,” Denver safety Renaldo Hill said. “I wanted to hear every word this man said.”
Clearly, Elway’s words sank in. Denver went out and played its best game of the season and one of its best games of the 25-game McDaniels era in a 49-29 victory over Kansas City on Sunday. Denver quarterback Kyle Orton, who threw for 296 yards and four touchdowns, said he wasn’t sure if Elway’s message played a direct role in the blowout, but he said it certainly set up the team for a confident week.
“I think it hit home for everyone from Brian Dawkins and Champ Bailey all the way down to the rookies,” Orton said. “It was a really a big deal for John to do that for us.”
It’s clear Denver came out with a strong focus Sunday. In one of the more surprising games of the season, the Broncos jumped out to a 35-0 lead in the second quarter. The game was never close.
The result is a jumbled AFC West.
The Chiefs have crashed back to earth in the past two weeks. They are 5-4 after losing in overtime at Oakland and this debacle. The Chiefs could have had a commanding 2.5-game lead in the division last week. Now, they are tied with Oakland for first place with seven games to go. San Diego, which has won two consecutive games, is lurking a game behind at 4-5. Denver is two games behind at 3-6. It is sure to be a wild finish in the division.
This game was Kansas City’s worst game of the season by far. In its three previous losses, Kansas City competed hard and could have easily won each game. It was hammered Sunday by Denver.
“It’s very tough,” Kansas City cornerback Brandon Carr said.
Kansas City coach Todd Haley wasn’t pleased, either. He appeared to have terse words for McDaniels during an extremely brief meeting at midfield after the game. Haley pointed his finger at McDaniels and then walked away. It appeared that the two did not shake hands. Haley wouldn’t address the situation after the game and the Broncos said all postgame exchanges are private matters. Many Denver starters played the whole game even though it was never close.
I’m sure Haley will have his team ready to play Denver when it visits Kansas City in three weeks. Still, I’m also sure the exchange with Haley did not ruin McDaniels’ day. He needed this win. The last time Denver played at home, it was humiliated 59-14 by Oakland. McDaniels was booed as he left the field after the game and he apologized for the loss. He had been berated publicly in Denver since that game. The fact that Denver bounced back with the second-most points in a game in team history will buy time for McDaniels in the eyes of some fans.
Denver was clearly ready to play despite having the distraction of middle linebacker D.J. Williams being arrested for suspicion of drunk driving at 2:50 a.m. Friday. Williams didn’t play the first series Sunday. He also was fined heavily and was stripped of his captaincy. Still, Denver wasn’t bothered by anything Sunday.
It ran for a season-high 153 yards. The offensive line, which is finally healthy, played well and the defense had had four sacks. It had nine in its first eight games. Even Tim Tebow got into the act. The rookie backup quarterback was on the field for two plays. He ran for a touchdown on one play and threw for a touchdown on the other -- his first NFL pass.
Everything worked for Denver on a day it muddled the AFC West race. Perhaps this one was for John.
“John really fired me up,” Hill said. “He has what I want and that's championships. It was great hearing him talk about how to do it.”
AFC East High Energy Player of the Week
A look at a player who gave his team a significant boost in Week 9.
Santonio Holmes hadn't produced much for the New York Jets' offense. After a four-game suspension, he made his Jets debut in Week 5. In his first three games he gained 41 yards, 47 yards and 43 yards, caught no more than four passes and scored zero touchdowns.
Leon Halip/Getty ImagesSantonio Holmes had five catches for 114 yards in Sunday's overtime win at Detroit.Holmes couldn't have found a better time to spark the Jets' offense than Sunday against the Detroit Lions.
In overtime, with the Jets trying to avoid back-to-back losses, Holmes caught a pass from Mark Sanchez at midfield, darted right and veered up between the hash marks for a 52-yard gain to the Lions' 32.
Three plays later, Nick Folk kicked a 30-yard field goal for the victory.
Holmes had five catches for a game-high 114 yards and finally showed people why the Jets traded for him and then waited for him.
What it means: The New York Jets played a sloppy game and could’ve easily lost, but they showed fourth-quarter mettle (and received a gift from the officials) to pull out a victory. It was their fifth straight win, tying their longest winning streak of the decade. They have the best record in the AFC at 5-1. It came down to one play – a 46-yard pass interference penalty on Renaldo Hill. It was a fourth-down heave by Mark Sanchez, and it probably would’ve been incomplete, but Hill snagged Santonio Holmes’ facemask.
Instant analysis: After a sensational start to his second season, Sanchez crashed early and rallied late. His first two passes were would-be interceptions that were dropped, an ominous sign. He finished with two interceptions, leading to three Denver points. It was his first multiple-interception game since Dec. 20, 2009, when he threw three against the Atlanta Falcons -– a span of 10 straight games without two or more picks. Curiously, Sanchez looked tentative from the outset. Down 17-10 at the start of the fourth quarter, he rallied the Jets to 14 points on two touchdown runs by LaDainian Tomlinson. It was the first fourth-quarterback comeback win of Sanchez’ career.
For the second straight week, cornerback Darrelle Revis looked human. Clearly, he wasn’t close to 100 percent because of his pulled hamstring. Revis probably shouldn’t have played, but Ryan made the decision two hours before the game to activate him. Revis started -– so much for that talk about a part-time role -– and he was in man-to-man coverage on Jabar Gaffney most of the game. Revis surrendered four completions for 66 yards, including a 17-yard touchdown by rookie Demaryius Thomas. The Jets should have provided help over the top, or played more zone than usual, but Ryan is stubborn that way. He won’t adjust.
Ryan goofed by not challenging Thomas’ 17-yard touchdown reception. He juggled the ball ever-so-slightly, and it appeared that he didn’t get his second foot down before regaining possession. Ryan probably was gunshy because he had used a challenge (unsuccessfully) moments earlier on a pass to Brandon Lloyd.
Turnovers (or lack thereof) helped the Jets to a 4-1 record. On Sunday, turnovers hurt them. After committing only one turnover in the first five games, they imploded -– two interceptions by Sanchez and a killer fumble by receiver Santonio Holmes, who handled the ball carelessly at the end of a 16-yard run on an end-around. They also fell asleep and failed to recover an onsides kick. It was an uncharacteristic performance by a team that usually doesn’t kill itself with blunders.
The Jets were so preoccupied by the Broncos’ passing game that they underplayed the run. Wisely, the Broncos capitalized, rushing 37 times for 145 yards. With four minutes left in the game, linebacker David Harris missed badly on quarterback Kyle Orton, who ran for 13 yards on a third-and-11. That set up the Broncos’ go-ahead FG with 3:55 remaining.
It was Brad Smith vs. Tim Tebow in a battle of dueling Wildcats. The former college quarterbacks got plenty of work behind center. In fact, Tebow scored his first NFL touchdown, scoring on a 5-yard run on a sweep to the right. The Jets seemed ill-prepared for the Wildcat, which shouldn’t have been the case. They’ve seen plenty of Wildcat, having faced the Miami Dolphins. Tebow finished with 6 rushes for 23 yards, Smith 3 for 18. Broncos coach Josh McDaniels used the Wildcat to jump-start his dormant running game.
What’s next: Rest. The Jets have a bye week. For the players, that means a one-week vacation -– literally. Rex Ryan, backing up his player’s-coach reputation, has given the players off until next Monday. It’s rare for an NFL coach to do that, but as we know, Ryan isn’t like other coaches.
Peyton Manning wary of new coordinators
Going against teams with new coordinators early in the season gives him less to study. Last season all three of his AFC South rivals had new defensive coordinators, and he saw one on opening day. The Colts edged Jacksonville and Mel Tucker, 14-12.
Sunday in Denver, the Colts will see a Broncos defense run by Don Martindale, who replaced Mike Nolan after just one season. (Editorial aside: Denver should have given Nolan, now in Miami, a raise, not sent him packing.)
Last week they also saw a new coordinator, and Perry Fewell’s plan for the Giants against Manning was questionable at best.
“[The Broncos] have a new defensive coordinator, so it will be the second week in a row of playing somewhat of an unfamiliar defense because it’s a new scheme,” Manning said in his Wednesday session with the media. “[They have] a lot of the same players from last year, but a new scheme. You never quite know how a team is going to play against you this early in the season, so there is a lot of unknown there.”
I’d argue that new coordinators facing Manning for the first time are the ones at a disadvantage due to unfamiliarity. If you don’t have much experience trying to adjust to Manning and the Colts’ offense, doing so on the fly can be quite difficult, particularly with the Colts’ pace.
Pregame checkmark to Manning here, no matter how little information he has on Martindale.
Manning also pointed out that a veteran secondary will pose a challenge to his receivers and require him to be especially accurate.
“I think [Champ] Bailey and [André] Goodman are as solid a corner tandem as you can find and there’s nothing Bailey hasn’t seen,” Manning said. “Goodman, I think, is in his ninth year; he’s a veteran. [Brian] Dawkins has been around for a long time. There’s a lot he has seen, and [Renaldo] Hill is a 10-year veteran at safety.
“A lot of experience there, you’re not going to confuse them or trick them. They all still move real well. It’s going to be a tough challenge getting open versus that secondary.”
» Draft Watch: Biggest needs (2/17) | Busts/gems (2/24) | Schemes, themes (3/3) | Recent history (3/10) | Needs revisited (3/17) | Under-the-radar needs (3/26) | History in that spot (3/31) | Draft approach (4/7) | Decision-makers (4/14) | Dream scenario/Plan B (4/21)
Each week leading up to the NFL draft (April 22-24), the ESPN.com blog network will take a division-by-division look at key aspects of the draft. Today’s topic: Under the radar needs.
Denver
I could see Denver drafting a safety in the fourth round. Starters Brian Dawkins (36) and Renaldo Hill (31) will not be around forever. Denver did take Darcel McBath in the second round last year and he made some decent strides before getting hurt. It would hurt Denver to try to find another young safety to develop. I could also see Denver looking for a big running back late in the draft. The team needs a pounder. The Broncos struggled in short-yardage situations. The Broncos also need a punter.
Kansas City
The Chiefs have done a nice job in free agency, but they still have plenty of needs heading into the draft. Many of Kansas City’s needs are on the defensive side of the ball. I wouldn’t be surprised if Kansas City added multiple linebackers, perhaps starting in the second round. Since the Chiefs use a 3-4 defense, they need several linebackers on an aging crew. Linebacker might be the top need after safety, offensive line and receiver. The Chiefs are young on the defensive front, but it wouldn’t hurt to get more talent in the later rounds at nose tackle. Even though tight end is not a glamour position in Todd Haley’s offense, the Chiefs do need some talent there.
Oakland
After the offensive line, linebacker and quarterback, the Raiders need some defensive line help, especially at tackle. Watch for Oakland to use a mid-round pick on this position. I could also see Oakland trying to find a running back in the third-to-fifth rounds. It cut Justin Fargas and needs some help behind Darren McFadden and Michael Bush. Oakland was set to visit with former Kansas City star Larry Johnson before he signed with Washington. Cornerback and safety are other areas Oakland might address add late in the draft. Oakland also needs some help at receiver. Ideally, it would be in the form of a veteran (Terrell Owens, anyone?) because Oakland is so green at the position.
San Diego
This is an important draft for the Chargers. The team has has lost several players this offseason. San Diego is still the class of the AFC West and it has pretty nice depth. But reinforcements are needed at several positions. The Chargers’ biggest needs are running back and nose tackle. But San Diego will be busy after filling those two early needs. San Diego could use some youth at defensive end and inside linebacker. Also, watch for the team to look for a cornerback in the post-Antonio Cromartie era. Offensively, San Diego needs a blocking tight end to replace Brandon Manumaleuna, who signed with Chicago. That position could be addressed in the middle rounds. San Diego also could use a young right tackle to groom. I could also see a young receiver taken in the late rounds.
The Miami Dolphins received one. The Buffalo Bills and New York Jets didn't get any.
The picks were revealed Monday night at the NFL owners meetings at the Ritz-Carlton Orlando Grande Lakes.
Compensatory picks are awarded to clubs based on a secret formula more guarded than Colonel Sanders' recipe. We know the formula involves the number of free agents gained and lost the previous offseason and how well those players performed the ensuing season. We think the formula factors in the players' salaries, playing time and awards.
New England lost five qualifying free agents (running back LaMont Jordan, fullback Heath Evans, receiver Jabar Gaffney, linebacker Larry Izzo and long-snapper Lonie Paxton) and signed only one (safety Brandon McGowan).
The NFL compensated the Patriots with one sixth-round pick and three seventh-round picks. The selections are Nos. 205, 247, 248 and 250.
Miami lost two qualifying free agents (cornerback Andre Goodman and safety Renaldo Hill) and signed two (center Jake Grove and center Joe Berger).
The Dolphins were given a seventh-round pick, No. 252.
In the end, Denver didn't make progress
Doug Pensinger/Getty ImagesThe Broncos finished a disappointing season out of the playoffs after starting 6-0.DENVER – The Denver Broncos handled one thing right after their Week 7 bye and it came in the moments after their tumultuous season ended Sunday.
They were crushed. And they should be.
There is no doubt Denver – which played Sunday without benched Pro Bowl receiver Brandon Marshall and tight end Tony Scheffler -- is feeling the sting of its colossal collapse. Many players had tears in their eyes. Many said the nosedive cannot be tolerated.
After getting help in the AFC playoff hunt in the early games Sunday, Denver could keep its playoff hopes alive with a win over the 3-12 Kansas City Chiefs, who hadn’t won in over a month. But the Chiefs were the team that played with urgency. Kansas City put together its best game of the season and punched the host Broncos in the mouth, 44-24. Spectacular second-year running back Jamaal Charles ran for a franchise high 259 yards on 25 carries and linebacker Derrick Johnson tied an NFL record with two interceptions returned for touchdowns.
“It was embarrassing,” Denver defensive end Vonnie Holliday said. “Embarrassing.”
It was a fitting end into a terrible 10-week stretch for Denver.
Denver started the season 6-0. But it lost eight of its final 10 games to finish 8-8. It is the third team since the merger to not make the playoffs after starting 6-0. Denver had a 3.5 game lead over San Diego after Week 6. It is the first team in NFL history to not make the playoffs after having a 3.5-game lead. Had Denver beaten Oakland and Kansas City (they combined for nine wins this season) in its final two home games, it would have gone to the playoffs for first time in four seasons. Instead, the Broncos will have to spend the winter fretting over the lost opportunity.
That isn’t the only issue in Denver, though. The season ended with serious upheaval.
On New Year’s Day, Denver rookie coach Josh McDaniels dropped a major bombshell by indicating that Marshall and Scheffler would be benched against the Chiefs for accountability reasons. ESPN’s Ed Werder reported Sunday that Marshall was benched for being late to a therapy session Thursday to treat a hamstring injury the team thought he was exaggerating. Marshall had 101 catches in 15 games and was named to his second Pro Bowl team last week. Werder reported Scheffler was benched for openly saying he couldn’t wait for the team’s season to end. Neither Marshall nor Scheffler was seen with the team Sunday.
After the game, McDaniels didn’t address the issue.
Some players did, though. Safety Renaldo Hill said “we have to back the coach” on the decision. Team leader Brian Dawkins said Marshall and Scheffler’s absence in the biggest game of the season had no factor on the outcome of the game. Holliday did say this: “We still are an immature team.”
The season ends in Denver with the same discord in which the McDaniels’ era began. Denver dominated NFL headlines when McDaniels feuded with, and then traded, Pro Bowl quarterback Jay Cutler after McDaniels flirted with the idea trading Cutler for Matt Cassel, who starred for McDaniels in New England last season. Ironically, Cassel contributed in knocking Denver out of the playoffs Sunday.
Perhaps this offseason will not be as dramatic as last year in Denver, but expect McDaniels to continue to try to mold the roster to his liking. There is likely little chance Marshall or Scheffler returns. It would be very difficult for either player to be brought back under these circumstances. Both players likely will be restricted free agents.
This is the third time in the past four seasons that Denver lost on the final day of the season with their playoff hopes still alive. Last year, Mike Shanahan was fired after 14 seasons when Denver lost a three-game lead in the final three weeks of the season.
McDaniels made a very pointed comment Sunday. He said he has to find the “common denominator” in the recent collapses.
That clearly means more members of the old regime could be on their way out. Thus, it wouldn’t be a surprise if some of remaining staff members from Shanahan’s regime or some of holdover players from Shanahan’s days are not brought back.
“I’m not going to be dramatic about it,” McDaniels said. “I wish we were playing next week, but we didn’t play well enough to deserve that opportunity. There’s no question about that. The last four weeks we didn’t earn the right to continue to play in this league into the playoffs. We’ve got a lot of work to do and there’s definitely going to have to be some things that change. We can’t just go back and do the same thing.”
After the 10-week collapse and the player-coach discord, Denver can’t go into this offseason believing major progress has been made. This is not a good time for the organization.
Yes, there are many positive attributes about McDaniels, 33. He has the makings of building a good program, but the way this season ended cannot be overlooked.
In the end, there isn’t much different from the way this season concluded than last, other than the fact that the head coach is coming back. There is still plenty of work to be done in Denver.
Eagles make it look easy -- for a half
Barbara Johnston/US PresswireBrent Celek and Jason Avant were part of an Eagles offense that sputtered in the fourth quarter.The hard part is figuring out how much to read into the Eagles' six-game winning streak. Midway through the third quarter Sunday at the Linc, I was ready to make them the odds-on favorite to reach the Super Bowl. They had pulled off one of their patented lightning-quick drives to go up 27-10 and it appeared the visiting Broncos were just about done. But a couple plays involving Eagles rookie Macho Harris turned the game around and the Eagles were forced to claw out a 30-27 win.
That the Eagles were able to survive this game speaks to their character, but it is not something they want to try on a weekly basis. This is the most explosive offense of the Andy Reid era. A couple of years ago, this offense would have gone in the tank without running back Brian Westbrook. But now he's merely a complementary piece in the Eagles' high-powered offense.
In the first half, the Broncos assigned All-Pro cornerback Champ Bailey to cover wide receiver DeSean Jackson at all times. Quarterback Donovan McNabb responded by hooking up with tight end Brent Celek four times for 121 yards and a touchdown. Matched up with a linebacker in the first quarter, Celek made a one-handed catch for 31 yards to set up the Eagles' second score.
The Broncos finally dropped into zone coverage in the second half and it paid immediate dividends when Bailey intercepted McNabb on the Eagles' second play from scrimmage. The Eagles answered when Jason Avant made a brilliant adjustment on a ball that was deflected by Broncos safety Renaldo Hill. Avant's touchdown put the Eagles up 27-10, and they appeared to seal things when cornerback Asante Samuel picked off Kyle Orton at the Eagles' 8 yard line. But Harris was called for unnecessary roughness during the return and Samuel was flagged for spiking the ball. The Broncos finally held the Eagles and started their next drive at Philadelphia's 25-yard line.
A stunned crowd watched the Broncos score two touchdowns in 49 seconds to pull within 27-24. The Eagles' offense went flat and the Broncos' blitzes started to bother McNabb. The Broncos tied the score with Matt Prater's 46-yard field goal with 6:11 left in the game and actually losing to Denver became a possibility for the Eagles.
Facing a third-and-25 on the ensuing drive, McNabb turned back the clock in racing 27 yards for a first down. The Eagles ended up punting on the drive, but McNabb's mad dash saved them from poor field position. When the Eagles got the ball back with 1:41 left, McNabb fired a 27-yard pass to rookie wide receiver Jeremy Maclin, who was barely able to keep both feet in bounds.
"We work on that sideline drill every day in practice," Maclin said after the game. "It's hard when you come from college because you only have to get one [foot] down. But I knew had it all the way."
It was initially ruled an incomplete pass, but the call was overturned when the booth asked for a replay.
It was the third time this season the Eagles have either overcome a deficit or tie in the fourth quarter to win. That is the most they have had since 2006, when Jeff Garcia was filling in for an injured McNabb. And though it is a good sign that the Eagles are capable of winning close games, they certainly do not want to see large leads evaporate.
"It's something we can't keep doing," Celek said. "It takes a toll on you to keep putting yourself in that position week after week. I don't know why we seem to have the lulls here and there, but we need to get it fixed."
The Eagles could still overtake the Vikings (11-3) as the No. 2 playoff seed in the NFC. But right now they are focused on beating the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas next Sunday to win an outright NFC East title. Everything else will take care of itself.
Posted by ESPN.com's Bill Williamson
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Denver Broncos
Training camp site: Englewood, Colo.
Campfires: A key to camp will be how well rookie running back Knowshon Moreno adjusts. The Broncos drafted him with the No. 12 overall pick because they wanted him to have a major role in the offense. Denver coach Josh McDaniels envisions Moreno as a three-down back. Even though Denver is deep at running back, Moreno wasn't drafted to be a complementary piece.
The Broncos' offense is changing and the Georgia product can be the centerpiece of the unit if he has a strong camp. Moreno was impressive in the offseason and Denver wants to see him lock down a starting job in camp.
The Broncos want to see second-round pick Alphonso Smith take command of the nickel cornerback job. The team sent its first-round pick in next year's draft to Seattle to acquire Smith with the No. 37 pick. He failed to solidify the nickel spot in the offseason, battling with second-year player Jack Williams for the job. Expect the playmaking Smith to pull away from Williams as camp marches on.
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| Ron Chenoy/US Presswire | |
| Knowshon Moreno could become the workhorse in Denver's offense if he has a good camp. |
Camp will be a downer if ... starting quarterback Kyle Orton doesn't make strides in McDaniels' system. McDaniels picked Orton to be his first quarterback in Denver after the Jay Cutler fiasco. McDaniels chose Orton over several other options because he thought the former Chicago quarterback could excel in his system.
Orton was named the starter over Chris Simms in June, partly to give him the most time in training camp with the first team. If Orton doesn't respond well to McDaniels' offense during camp and in the preseason, the Broncos will be quite nervous about their once-solid quarterback position heading into the season.
Camp will be a success if ... receiver Brandon Marshall doesn't miss any time due to a holdout and is recovered from a late March hip surgery. Marshall has asked to be traded. Yet, he recently said he planned to report to training camp on time -- he is due Monday because he is an injured player -- to avoid being fined.
If Marshall shows up with a good attitude and doesn't show any wear from the surgery -- as the team expects the case will be -- it will be a positive development after a rocky start to McDaniels' era.
Aged secondary: There is no doubt Denver improved its secondary this offseason. The unit, which featured seven different starting safeties in 2008, was revamped. Veteran Andre' Goodman will now start opposite left cornerback Champ Bailey, the lone holdover. Veterans Brian Dawkins and Renaldo Hill were brought in at safety.
This is a solid group. But it is an old group. Dawkins turns 36 in October. Bailey is 31. Goodman will turn 31 next month and Hill will turn 31 in November. It is the oldest secondary in the NFL since at least 2000. The unit may be improved, but it will be interesting to see how this group's legs hold up late in the season.
Kansas City Chiefs
Training camp site: River Falls, Wis.
Campfires: The Chiefs will be interested to see how their defensive line, which they have invested so much in, adjusts to the 3-4 alignment that the new regime has installed in Kansas City.
Former LSU stars Glenn Dorsey and Tyson Jackson are the centerpieces of the line. Dorsey was the No. 5 overall pick in the 2008 draft. Jackson was the No. 3 overall pick this year. Dorsey is a natural 4-3 tackle who will likely be tried at end. Jackson will play end. If Dorsey, who was so-so as a rookie, can make the transition to the 3-4, the Chiefs have a chance for an excellent line. Jackson may not be a dynamic pass-rusher, but he is an excellent run-stuffer and is expected to bring toughness to the line. Both of these former top picks have to show they are ready during camp to bring life to a defense that set an NFL
record for fewest sacks last season with 10.
Replacing the legendary Tony Gonzalez, traded to Atlanta in April for a second-round draft choice next year, will be a big part of training camp. Second-year player Brad Cottam may have an edge. He is a blocking specialist. Journeymen Tony Curtis and Sean Ryan should get a chance to show what they can do. Whoever wins the job likely won't be a major part of the passing offense. New coach Todd Haley was not a big proponent of the position as the offensive coordinator in Arizona last season.
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| Kirby Lee/US Presswire | |
| Dwayne Bowe has had some problems with hanging on to the ball. |
Camp will be a downer if ... Matt Cassel flops. Cassel is the guy in Kansas City. That became evident when the Chiefs gave him a monster contract earlier this month. Cassel will be paid more than $40 million in guaranteed money in the next three years.
Cassel was a surprise star for New England last season after he took over for an injured Tom Brady in the first game. The Chiefs, led by new general manager Scott Pioli, who witnessed Cassel's success first hand as a New England executive, are hoping the quarterback can enjoy the same success this year. Still, Cassel has a lot fewer weapons than he had with New England, and he will be working behind a young and unsettled offensive line. If Cassel takes his lumps in camp and in the preseason, the Chiefs may have some buyer's remorse.
Camp will be a success if ... the team buys into Haley's approach. The Chiefs were shell-shocked as they transitioned to the tough Haley, who was groomed by Bill Parcells. The Chiefs were used to the easy-going ways of Herm Edwards. Haley is much more demanding and harsher than Edwards ever was.
Haley is a certified screamer and he has expressed this offseason that his team -- which won a total of six games over the past two seasons -- needs to be better in all phases of the game. He also directed a mass weight-loss program because he thought his team was too heavy and too soft. A coach like Haley can either light a fire under a team or alienate it. His first training camp could indicate which way it will go. If the team is behind Haley, the Chiefs' rebuilding period could be shorter than expected.
Hold onto the ball: Cassel's best weapon is receiver Dwayne Bowe. He is a talented player and has a chance to emerge as one of the best young receivers in the game and team with Cassel as a top pass-catch tandem. However, he needs to learn to catch the ball consistently.
Bowe needs to work on his hands during camp. He struggled with dropped ball some during the offseason. He has struggled holding onto the ball in the past. While Larry Johnson appears to have some NFL life left, Bowe is the Chiefs' top weapon. If he drops balls during the season, Cassel's job will be even more difficult. Camp has to be a time where Bowe finds his ball-catching groove.
Oakland Raiders
Training camp site: Napa, Calif.
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| AP Photo/Paul Sakuma | |
| The Raiders are hoping first-round pick Darrius Heyward-Bey can shore up their receiving corps. |
Campfires: The Raiders have tried to upgrade an offensive line that has struggled in recent years, especially in pass protection. The team has added several pieces and the situation at tackle will be watched closely.
The team brought in talented and massive tackle Khalif Barnes as a free agent from Jacksonville to compete on the left side. However, there were indications after the minicamp season that young Mario Henderson was playing well enough to be considered the favorite to win the job over Barnes. Barnes could still be in the mix at right tackle if Henderson wins the job on the left side.
The Raiders will also need to get some clarity at receiver. The unit has been one of the team's weakest areas for years and the Raiders need some reliable players to emerge during camp. The team is counting on youngsters Chaz Schilens, Johnnie Lee Higgins and Darrius Heyward-Bey. If these young players show they are ready to take the next step, Oakland's offense has a chance to be balanced.
Camp will be a downer if ... quarterback JaMarcus Russell doesn't make strides. Russell has to show he is ready to be an NFL quarterback this season, and training camp and the preseason will go a long way toward telling whether he is ready to make a move. This is Russell's second full season as a starter. He has had some moments, but he has been mostly inconsistent, including during this offseason.
Russell will have extra pressure on him in the presence of veteran backup Jeff Garcia. Garcia has not been shy in expressing that he thinks he should be the starter. However, the Raiders will only be masking a problem if Garcia, 39, is the quarterback. If Russell doesn't have a good camp and he doesn't show consistency is his passing and improved leadership, the Raiders will be in a tough spot.
Camp will be a success if ... the Raiders develop a strong plan on how to use their tailbacks. The Raiders have three solid runners in Darren McFadden, Justin Fargas and Michael Bush. All three players possess rare talents that can help Oakland's offense. The Raiders struggled to use all three well last season.
Training camp must be used to find a suitable role for all three players. This may be the NFL's deepest running back group if all three stay healt
hy. The Raiders can find their niche on offense with McFadden, Fargas and Bush. Finding a way to do it has to be a goal of camp.
Ready or not: All eyes will be on Heyward-Bey, a receiver who was Oakland's first-round pick, and Mike Mitchell, the safety who was Oakland's second-round pick. The selections of both players were roundly criticized on draft day. Heyward-Bey was the first receiver taken at No. 7, but he was considered a low first-round talent. Mitchell was not on the draft board of several teams, yet the hard-hitting Ohio University product was taken with the No. 47 pick.
The Raiders believe both players can be special and it is clear both players have some skills. Yet, because of the negative hype stemming from their selections, extra pressure will be on both players. Their every move will be watched in camp. Welcome to the NFL, fellas.
San Diego Chargers
Training camp site: San Diego, Calif.
Campfires: This camp will be about seeing what a promising rookie class can do in San Diego. For a veteran-based team, there is an intriguing influx of young talent coming to town.
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| Christopher Hanewinckel/US Presswire | |
| The Chargers' secondary needs Antonio Cromartie to return to Pro Bowl form in 2009. |
First-round pick Larry English is expected to start right away and be part of an intriguing threesome of pass-rushing linebackers that includes Shawne Merriman and Shaun Phillips. Defensive coordinator Ron Rivera, in his first full season in his role, has been scheming ways all offseason to use all three together. The Chargers believe English is ready to step in and make an impact right away.
Keep an eye out for two other rookies. Third-round pick Louis Vasquez will be given a chance to emerge as a starter at guard. Sixth-round pick Kevin Ellison will have the same chance at safety. He may have a steeper climb up the depth chart than Vasquez, but the Chargers think Ellison can make an impact as a rookie. The USC product was downgraded in the draft because of injuries, but he is skilled and he is a feared hitter. He could be the answer at one of the Chargers' few weak spots. But he needs to show his ability during camp.
Camp will be a downer if ... Merriman doesn't make strides from a serious knee injury he suffered last year. Merriman missed all but one game last season.
The Chargers have been cautiously optimistic about Merriman, but they have been bringing him along slowly. He has been working out on his own and the team will likely be cautious with him during camp. However, Merriman looks fantastic and he reports that he is doing well. The team expects him to be ready for the regular season. The Chargers' entire pass defense missed Merriman last year. If Merriman can't show he is getting ready for the season, the Chargers may be in store for another rocky season on defense.
Camp will be a success if ... cornerback Antonio Cromartie has a big camp and preseason. Cromartie had a disappointing season in 2008 after being a star in 2007. He suffered with injuries and off-field issues last season. He has worked out very hard this year and the Chargers were thrilled with him during the offseason. If he has a big camp, the Chargers should be in great shape on defense, especially if Merriman doesn't have a setback.
Is this it for LT? The Chargers and star running back LaDainian Tomlinson nearly parted ways this offseason before agreeing on a restructured new contract. Tomlinson just turned 30. He is coming off an injury-plagued season in which his production slipped.
He has said often this offseason he feels great. He needs to show he still has the skills that made him one of the greatest running backs in recent memory.
The Miami Dolphins need a cornerback for sure.
Andre Goodman has accepted a five-year, $25 million deal to play for the Denver Broncos, joining Renaldo Hill as starters from last year's secondary that have gone Mile High.
Goodman was Miami's right cornerback for all 16 games last year. He led the club with five interceptions and 19 passes defensed.
The Dolphins headed toward free agency with several decisions to make in the secondary. Three of their four starters had contracts that were about to expire. The Dolphins re-signed strong safety Yeremiah Bell and picked up free safety Gibril Wilson, choosing to let last year's starter, Hill, drift away.
But Goodman seemed like a player the Dolphins wanted to keep. Not only was he critical to their pass defense, but he was popular in the locker room. He informed the Miami Herald in a text message this weekend he still might re-sign with them.
Posted by ESPN.com's Bill Williamson
Brian Dawkins certainly stands out as the highlight of Denver's free agent signings.
Denver has begun the Josh McDaniels era by being the busiest team in the league. Denver has signed nine players with more visits on the way, including Miami cornerback Andre Goodman. Most of Denver's signings have been inexpensive role players.
The signing of Dawkins, a Pro Bowler from Philadelphia, strays from that philosophy. Dawkins, 35, signed a five-year contract worth $17 million. The deal could be worth as much as $27 million. Dawkins is guaranteed $7.2 million in the first two years of the contract. That's why this deal was made.
The Broncos want Dawkins to set the tone for the defense. This was a good move.
Coupled with the signing of Miami safety Renaldo Hill, Dawkins gives the Broncos a new look at safety. Denver had arguably the worst safeties in the league last season, using several journeyman.
Dawkins will keep opposing offenses honest. He is still one of the premier hitters in the league and still an effective player. Dawkins, Hill and perhaps Goodman will join incumbent Champ Bailey to form a respectable secondary. Denver missed John Lynch's leadership and field presence last season. They got it back with Dawkins.
While Denver has a lot of work ahead, the addition of Dawkins is an important acquisition.
Posted by ESPN.com's Bill Williamson
With Denver agreeing to terms with former Indianapolis defensive tackle Darrell Reid, the team has now signed seven free agents in the first 36-plus hours of free agency.
To put the Broncos' wild spree in perspective, the other three AFC West teams haven't signed any players.
Sure, Oakland is sniffing around tackles Khalif Barnes and Marvel Smith; San Diego is thinking about bringing back cornerback Drayton Florence after a year's detour to Jacksonville and Kansas City traded for New England linebacker Mike Vrabel. But the only inking going on thus far in this division is coming out of the Rocky Mountains.
None of the names Denver has signed so far will overwhelm you but the new regime, led by coach Josh McDaniels, is trying to create competition and depth.
Here is a recap of the players Denver has agreed to deals with so far:
Houston Texans receiver David Anderson (restricted offer sheet); Arizona Cardinals running back J.J. Arrington; Philadelphia Eagles running back Correll Buckhalter: New England Patriots receiver Jabar Gaffney; Miami Dolphins safety Renaldo Hill; New England Patriots long snapper Lonie Paxton and Indianapolis' Reid.
The team is also trying to finalize deals with Philadelphia safety Brian Dawkins and Cleveland linebacker Andra Davis. Dawkins would certainly be the big catch of the group and if Denver is going to finalize the deal, it could come at any time.
