NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 7 New Articles Added 11/6/06

[ensign_lee]

Thanks for the articles, Hache.

[Hache Man]

Updated: Aug. 2, 2006
Can Denver take next step?




By Keith Kidd
Scouts Inc.
Archive

The Denver Broncos look poised to defend their AFC West crown and play deep into January. The burning question in my mind is can QB Jake Plummer lead this team to the Super Bowl? I was working for the Arizona Cardinals back in 1997 when the franchise selected Plummer in the second round of the NFL draft. From the first time he took the field, it was evident he possessed outstanding intangibles, a competitive demeanor and strong leadership qualities. I loved his upside as a player and thought he would develop into our franchise quarterback of the future. However, two things dogged Plummer in Arizona -- poor decision making and a weak supporting cast. While he struggled in the AFC Championship Game last season against Pittsburgh, Plummer's impressive year was not a fluke. Plummer completed 277 of 456 attempts (60.7 percent) for 3,366 yards. He tossed 18 touchdowns compared to just seven interceptions, and earned his first trip to the Pro Bowl. Finishing the season with a 90.2 QB rating, Plummer led an offense that ranked fifth in the league, turning the ball over the fewest times (16) in franchise history. Head coach Mike Shanahan and former offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak did an outstanding job last year of putting Plummer in position to succeed with their play selections. The Broncos relied heavily on a zone running game to set up the play-action pass. Kubiak also convinced Plummer to trust his supporting cast and stop taking so many chances, which improved his overall decision making as a quarterback. Could the loss of Kubiak to the Texans affect Plummer's performance? It could play a small role early in the regular season, as he builds his relationships with new offensive coordinator Rick Dennison and assistant head coach Mike Heimerdinger. However, it should be an easy transition for the experienced Plummer, based on his relationship with Shanahan, who will continue to call the plays on Sunday. The Broncos will be very effective on offense again this season, due in large part to a strong offensive line. All five starters return from a year ago, including center Tom Nalen. The Broncos' offensive line does an outstanding job in the running game, allowing the running back to cut on a dime and be explosive through the line of scrimmage. Denver also strengthened its passing game by acquiring wide receiver Javon Walker from the Green Bay Packers in a trade. If healthy, Walker could have a major impact opposite No. 1 receiver Rod Smith. Walker's playmaking skills on the outside could help improve a passing attack that finished 18th in the NFL last season. Plummer is an ideal fit in the Broncos' offense, given his uncanny ability and playmaking style. He is a streaky passer who needs a strong running game, allowing him to get into the flow of the offense when attacking downfield. Plummer has good pocket awareness and excellent instincts. He can make a lot of plays with his feet and arm. He is more accurate and dangerous on the move, attacking the outside edges of the pocket. Look for the Broncos to continue to utilize him on bootlegs and misdirection rollouts. Nevertheless, Plummer must become a better pocket passer and continue to eliminate mistakes that result in explosive plays for the defense, if the Broncos are going to take the next step. With the first-round selection of QB Jay Cutler in the 2006 NFL draft, the clock is ticking on the Plummer era in Denver. Now is the time to produce in a big way.

[Hache Man]

Updated: Aug. 2, 2006
Can Denver take next step?




By Keith Kidd
Scouts Inc.
Archive

The Denver Broncos look poised to defend their AFC West crown and play deep into January. The burning question in my mind is can QB Jake Plummer lead this team to the Super Bowl? I was working for the Arizona Cardinals back in 1997 when the franchise selected Plummer in the second round of the NFL draft. From the first time he took the field, it was evident he possessed outstanding intangibles, a competitive demeanor and strong leadership qualities. I loved his upside as a player and thought he would develop into our franchise quarterback of the future. However, two things dogged Plummer in Arizona -- poor decision making and a weak supporting cast. While he struggled in the AFC Championship Game last season against Pittsburgh, Plummer's impressive year was not a fluke. Plummer completed 277 of 456 attempts (60.7 percent) for 3,366 yards. He tossed 18 touchdowns compared to just seven interceptions, and earned his first trip to the Pro Bowl. Finishing the season with a 90.2 QB rating, Plummer led an offense that ranked fifth in the league, turning the ball over the fewest times (16) in franchise history. Head coach Mike Shanahan and former offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak did an outstanding job last year of putting Plummer in position to succeed with their play selections. The Broncos relied heavily on a zone running game to set up the play-action pass. Kubiak also convinced Plummer to trust his supporting cast and stop taking so many chances, which improved his overall decision making as a quarterback. Could the loss of Kubiak to the Texans affect Plummer's performance? It could play a small role early in the regular season, as he builds his relationships with new offensive coordinator Rick Dennison and assistant head coach Mike Heimerdinger. However, it should be an easy transition for the experienced Plummer, based on his relationship with Shanahan, who will continue to call the plays on Sunday. The Broncos will be very effective on offense again this season, due in large part to a strong offensive line. All five starters return from a year ago, including center Tom Nalen. The Broncos' offensive line does an outstanding job in the running game, allowing the running back to cut on a dime and be explosive through the line of scrimmage. Denver also strengthened its passing game by acquiring wide receiver Javon Walker from the Green Bay Packers in a trade. If healthy, Walker could have a major impact opposite No. 1 receiver Rod Smith. Walker's playmaking skills on the outside could help improve a passing attack that finished 18th in the NFL last season. Plummer is an ideal fit in the Broncos' offense, given his uncanny ability and playmaking style. He is a streaky passer who needs a strong running game, allowing him to get into the flow of the offense when attacking downfield. Plummer has good pocket awareness and excellent instincts. He can make a lot of plays with his feet and arm. He is more accurate and dangerous on the move, attacking the outside edges of the pocket. Look for the Broncos to continue to utilize him on bootlegs and misdirection rollouts. Nevertheless, Plummer must become a better pocket passer and continue to eliminate mistakes that result in explosive plays for the defense, if the Broncos are going to take the next step. With the first-round selection of QB Jay Cutler in the 2006 NFL draft, the clock is ticking on the Plummer era in Denver. Now is the time to produce in a big way.

[Hache Man]

Updated: Aug. 2, 2006
Shanahan in no rush to develop Cutler




By John Clayton
ESPN.com
Archive

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- Here are five observations on the Denver Broncos, based on camp practices of Aug. 1: 1. Jay Cutler has the look of a top NFL quarterback. He has the strong arm and the smarts. Still, head coach Mike Shanahan won't rush him. Cutler is running the third team behind Jake Plummer and Bradlee Van Pelt. The thought going around camp is that Cutler won't catch Van Pelt for the backup job until sometime during the season. Everyone knows it is particularly hard for any rookie quarterback to step in and run the West Coast offense. Shanahan doesn't need to do that with Cutler. He can take time to groom him. Cutler has all the tools. His strong arm really shows during goal-line plays and when he rifles the slant pass. From three-step drops, Cutler can step back quickly and fire a throw into the numbers of a receiver. There's no doubt Cutler will be one of the most-watched players during the preseason. Broncos fans are still spoiled from the John Elway days. They want a young gunslinger. Cutler has the chance to be the gunslinger of the future. 2. The early star of camp is wide receiver Brandon Marshall of Central Florida. He already is being projected as the potential No. 3 receiver behind Rod Smith and Ashley Lelie. Sure, similar things were being said about Darius Watts, a raw second-round choice from a couple of years ago who hasn't shown the consistent hands to move forward. With Lelie holding out, Shanahan is using Watts as the third receiver, but don't be surprised if Marshall passes him by the end of the exhibition season. Marshall is 6-foot-4, 222 pounds, and he catches everything. On slant patterns, he has the knack of positioning his body in front of the defender and making the catch. Second-round choice Tony Scheffler also looks good as a backup tight end. He has the speed to stretch the field and shows good hands. 3. The defense has undergone little change, but it's strange not seeing Trevor Pryce along the defensive line. Whether he played end or tackle, Pryce dominated. The Broncos cut him, and he signed with the Ravens. He already has come out and sounded bitter about the decision. Nevertheless, the defensive line went through an amazing overhaul last year and should only get better. Think about what Shanahan did last year in winning 13 games. He revamped the defensive line with Gerard Warren, Courtney Brown, Michael Myers, Ebenezer Ekuban and John Engelberger. He gambled and won with three young players in the secondary -- Darrent Williams, Domonique Foxworth and Karl Paymah. He brought back Ian Gold to complete one of the league's best linebacking trios. Defensive coordinator Larry Coyer somehow was able to get this group to come together under a very complicated blitzing scheme. 4. Ron Dayne is playing with the first team at running back, but this has to be Tatum Bell's breakout year. Watching him run, you wonder why it hasn't happened sooner. Bell glides down the field. If he can make the right cut and get past the initial group of tacklers, he can run for touchdowns. Tatum Bell Running back Denver Broncos Profile 2005 SEASON STATISTICS Att Yds Avg Long TD 173 921 5.3 69 8 Bell averaged 5.3 yards a carry last season, but he hasn't earned enough carries to be the starter and there is no guarantee he will this year. Bell has been working on his strength to get bigger and stronger on short-yardage and goal-line plays. Shanahan thinks he tends to wear down after about 15 carries, so Bell has to prove to the coach he can hold up and produce beyond that threshold. The starting halfback job is wide-open. Anything can happen, including an addition by trade. The Broncos also are excited about undrafted rookie Mike Bell, who is showing promise during camp. 5. Aside from Javon Walker's sheer talent, I also like his attitude. Even though he demanded a trade from the Packers last season, he went about his work professionally. He didn't hold out and worked hard to get ready for the season. Going behind the scenes, you find out Walker is a perfectionist. For the past couple of years, he has worked with a former Florida State teammate on a device called Great Catch. He has been showing it at high school clinics and getting sales. The product is patented. Great Catch is basically a hand strap with a small, tennis ball-like apparatus that fits in the palm. It comes in three sizes -- small, medium and large. The idea is that if the ball hits the tennis ball in the palm of the hand, it's going to bounce out of the hands. This device forces a receiver to catch more with his fingertips. The more he catches with the fingertips, the stronger they become. Soon, Walker plans to show his new product to NFL teams. It looks like a winner

[Hache Man]

Updated: Aug. 2, 2006
Shanahan in no rush to develop Cutler




By John Clayton
ESPN.com
Archive

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- Here are five observations on the Denver Broncos, based on camp practices of Aug. 1: 1. Jay Cutler has the look of a top NFL quarterback. He has the strong arm and the smarts. Still, head coach Mike Shanahan won't rush him. Cutler is running the third team behind Jake Plummer and Bradlee Van Pelt. The thought going around camp is that Cutler won't catch Van Pelt for the backup job until sometime during the season. Everyone knows it is particularly hard for any rookie quarterback to step in and run the West Coast offense. Shanahan doesn't need to do that with Cutler. He can take time to groom him. Cutler has all the tools. His strong arm really shows during goal-line plays and when he rifles the slant pass. From three-step drops, Cutler can step back quickly and fire a throw into the numbers of a receiver. There's no doubt Cutler will be one of the most-watched players during the preseason. Broncos fans are still spoiled from the John Elway days. They want a young gunslinger. Cutler has the chance to be the gunslinger of the future. 2. The early star of camp is wide receiver Brandon Marshall of Central Florida. He already is being projected as the potential No. 3 receiver behind Rod Smith and Ashley Lelie. Sure, similar things were being said about Darius Watts, a raw second-round choice from a couple of years ago who hasn't shown the consistent hands to move forward. With Lelie holding out, Shanahan is using Watts as the third receiver, but don't be surprised if Marshall passes him by the end of the exhibition season. Marshall is 6-foot-4, 222 pounds, and he catches everything. On slant patterns, he has the knack of positioning his body in front of the defender and making the catch. Second-round choice Tony Scheffler also looks good as a backup tight end. He has the speed to stretch the field and shows good hands. 3. The defense has undergone little change, but it's strange not seeing Trevor Pryce along the defensive line. Whether he played end or tackle, Pryce dominated. The Broncos cut him, and he signed with the Ravens. He already has come out and sounded bitter about the decision. Nevertheless, the defensive line went through an amazing overhaul last year and should only get better. Think about what Shanahan did last year in winning 13 games. He revamped the defensive line with Gerard Warren, Courtney Brown, Michael Myers, Ebenezer Ekuban and John Engelberger. He gambled and won with three young players in the secondary -- Darrent Williams, Domonique Foxworth and Karl Paymah. He brought back Ian Gold to complete one of the league's best linebacking trios. Defensive coordinator Larry Coyer somehow was able to get this group to come together under a very complicated blitzing scheme. 4. Ron Dayne is playing with the first team at running back, but this has to be Tatum Bell's breakout year. Watching him run, you wonder why it hasn't happened sooner. Bell glides down the field. If he can make the right cut and get past the initial group of tacklers, he can run for touchdowns. Tatum Bell Running back Denver Broncos Profile 2005 SEASON STATISTICS Att Yds Avg Long TD 173 921 5.3 69 8 Bell averaged 5.3 yards a carry last season, but he hasn't earned enough carries to be the starter and there is no guarantee he will this year. Bell has been working on his strength to get bigger and stronger on short-yardage and goal-line plays. Shanahan thinks he tends to wear down after about 15 carries, so Bell has to prove to the coach he can hold up and produce beyond that threshold. The starting halfback job is wide-open. Anything can happen, including an addition by trade. The Broncos also are excited about undrafted rookie Mike Bell, who is showing promise during camp. 5. Aside from Javon Walker's sheer talent, I also like his attitude. Even though he demanded a trade from the Packers last season, he went about his work professionally. He didn't hold out and worked hard to get ready for the season. Going behind the scenes, you find out Walker is a perfectionist. For the past couple of years, he has worked with a former Florida State teammate on a device called Great Catch. He has been showing it at high school clinics and getting sales. The product is patented. Great Catch is basically a hand strap with a small, tennis ball-like apparatus that fits in the palm. It comes in three sizes -- small, medium and large. The idea is that if the ball hits the tennis ball in the palm of the hand, it's going to bounce out of the hands. This device forces a receiver to catch more with his fingertips. The more he catches with the fingertips, the stronger they become. Soon, Walker plans to show his new product to NFL teams. It looks like a winner

[Hache Man]

Crunching the contract numbers


posted: Wednesday, August 2, 2006 | Print Entry
filed under: NFL, San Francisco 49ers, Kevan Barlow, Mario Williams, Vince Young, Reggie Bush, Denver Broncos, Ashley Lelie

The numbers are in and, no surprise, Mario Williams, the first pick in the NFL draft, ended up coming up with the best contract.
Although the contracts are complicated, it's pretty easy to see how the contracts should be evaluated. The only confusion is how to evaluate how the escalators count. That is done in two ways.
What is considered the true value of the contract is what a player can expect if he plays a minimum amount of the time to trigger those huge clauses. Most contracts require 35 percent playing time as a rookie, and 45 percent in later years.
The confusion in comparing the contracts of Reggie Bush and Vince Young is what is considered the maximum value if they achieve every incentive. Young can make $57.59 million over six years if he hits every qualifier. Bush could make $62.05 million.
Here is a closer look at the numbers:

1. Mario Williams (six years, $54 million with minimal qualifications) -- Guarantees: $26.5 million; Max value: $62.1 million
2. Reggie Bush (six years, $52.5 million with minimal qualifications) -- Guarantees: $26.325 million; Max value: $62.05 million
3. Vince Young (six years, $48.04 million with minimal qualifications) -- Guarantees: $25.74 million; Max value: $57.59 million

Better Barlow: One of the pleasant surprises in 49ers camp is the play of halfback Kevan Barlow. Down 10 pounds to help his quickness, Barlow is running well. The 49ers need a big season from Barlow, who is making $4 million a year and can help the development of quarterback Alex Smith by giving him a solid running game. Barlow is competing for playing time against Frank Gore but should have no trouble getting 20 carries a game.

Lelie trade inevitable: The asking price for holdout Broncos wide receiver Ashley Lelie is a third-round pick and there are teams willing to give up a fourth-rounder. The situation is stalemated at the moment, but a receiver injury could speed up the process. It's not going to be a matter of if Lelie is traded. It's a matter of when Lelie is traded.
The asking price for Lelie is going to be much less than what the Raiders would take for Jerry Porter, who isn't getting along with coach Art Shell and wants out. Al Davis also wants Porter to pay back some of his signing bonus in order to facilitate a trade.

Sixth sense: The underlying theme for three of the four remaining holdouts in the first round is the sixth-year demands. Teams in the top 16 can ask for six-year contracts. That seems to be a little excessive for Eagles defensive tackle Brodrick Bunkley (No. 14) and Dolphins defensive back Jason Allen (No. 16). The history of draft choices taken in past years is for them to receive five-year contracts. Bills safety Donte Whitner (No. 8) is surrounded by five-year deals, and the Bills eventually might consent to a five-year contract. Naturally, Matt Leinart wants a five-year deal. If he becomes the Cardinals' franchise quarterback, he'll want a renegotiation after three years. The Cardinals will continue to push for a six-year deal.

[Hache Man]

Crunching the contract numbers


posted: Wednesday, August 2, 2006 | Print Entry
filed under: NFL, San Francisco 49ers, Kevan Barlow, Mario Williams, Vince Young, Reggie Bush, Denver Broncos, Ashley Lelie

The numbers are in and, no surprise, Mario Williams, the first pick in the NFL draft, ended up coming up with the best contract.
Although the contracts are complicated, it's pretty easy to see how the contracts should be evaluated. The only confusion is how to evaluate how the escalators count. That is done in two ways.
What is considered the true value of the contract is what a player can expect if he plays a minimum amount of the time to trigger those huge clauses. Most contracts require 35 percent playing time as a rookie, and 45 percent in later years.
The confusion in comparing the contracts of Reggie Bush and Vince Young is what is considered the maximum value if they achieve every incentive. Young can make $57.59 million over six years if he hits every qualifier. Bush could make $62.05 million.
Here is a closer look at the numbers:

1. Mario Williams (six years, $54 million with minimal qualifications) -- Guarantees: $26.5 million; Max value: $62.1 million
2. Reggie Bush (six years, $52.5 million with minimal qualifications) -- Guarantees: $26.325 million; Max value: $62.05 million
3. Vince Young (six years, $48.04 million with minimal qualifications) -- Guarantees: $25.74 million; Max value: $57.59 million

Better Barlow: One of the pleasant surprises in 49ers camp is the play of halfback Kevan Barlow. Down 10 pounds to help his quickness, Barlow is running well. The 49ers need a big season from Barlow, who is making $4 million a year and can help the development of quarterback Alex Smith by giving him a solid running game. Barlow is competing for playing time against Frank Gore but should have no trouble getting 20 carries a game.

Lelie trade inevitable: The asking price for holdout Broncos wide receiver Ashley Lelie is a third-round pick and there are teams willing to give up a fourth-rounder. The situation is stalemated at the moment, but a receiver injury could speed up the process. It's not going to be a matter of if Lelie is traded. It's a matter of when Lelie is traded.
The asking price for Lelie is going to be much less than what the Raiders would take for Jerry Porter, who isn't getting along with coach Art Shell and wants out. Al Davis also wants Porter to pay back some of his signing bonus in order to facilitate a trade.

Sixth sense: The underlying theme for three of the four remaining holdouts in the first round is the sixth-year demands. Teams in the top 16 can ask for six-year contracts. That seems to be a little excessive for Eagles defensive tackle Brodrick Bunkley (No. 14) and Dolphins defensive back Jason Allen (No. 16). The history of draft choices taken in past years is for them to receive five-year contracts. Bills safety Donte Whitner (No. 8) is surrounded by five-year deals, and the Bills eventually might consent to a five-year contract. Naturally, Matt Leinart wants a five-year deal. If he becomes the Cardinals' franchise quarterback, he'll want a renegotiation after three years. The Cardinals will continue to push for a six-year deal.

[Hache Man]

NFL Rumor Central: Broncos looking to deal Lelie

Other Rumors: MLB | NBA

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Wednesday, August 2
WHO	WHAT	THE SKINNY
Ashley Lelie Broncos	Trade	Broncos looking to deal Lelie According to ESPN.com's John Clayton, the asking price for Lelie is a third-round pick and there are teams willing to give up a fourth-rounder. The situation is stalemated at the moment, but a receiver injury could speed up the process. It's not going to be a matter of if Lelie is traded. It's a matter of when Lelie is traded.
WHO	WHAT	THE SKINNY
Jerry Porter Raiders	Trade?	Porter on the move? The Raiders are willing to deal Porter, provided he pays back the $4 million bonus he received for this season, and his agent, Joel Segal, is able to find a team willing to give the Raiders suitable compensation, be it in the form of draft picks or established players, the Contra Costa Times reports. "If someone offers us the (draft) choice we want or a representative player and the $4 million bonus he took from us this year, we'll respond," Owner Al Davis said. "They got to get it done. (Porter's) agent has known this since the draft (in April). Before the draft, he knew what he had to do. He couldn't get it done." According to the Green Bay Press-Gazette, the Packers wouldn't mind adding Porter, but a deal appears unlikely unless the Raiders drop their asking price significantly. They reportedly are looking for at least a first-round draft pick. "I don't know what's really on (the Raiders') minds, but I know they want a big-time pick," said Reggie McKenzie, the Packers' director of pro personnel.

[Hache Man]

NFL Rumor Central: Broncos looking to deal Lelie

Other Rumors: MLB | NBA

You are signed into Insider and have access to this premium feature.

Wednesday, August 2
WHO	WHAT	THE SKINNY
Ashley Lelie Broncos	Trade	Broncos looking to deal Lelie According to ESPN.com's John Clayton, the asking price for Lelie is a third-round pick and there are teams willing to give up a fourth-rounder. The situation is stalemated at the moment, but a receiver injury could speed up the process. It's not going to be a matter of if Lelie is traded. It's a matter of when Lelie is traded.
WHO	WHAT	THE SKINNY
Jerry Porter Raiders	Trade?	Porter on the move? The Raiders are willing to deal Porter, provided he pays back the $4 million bonus he received for this season, and his agent, Joel Segal, is able to find a team willing to give the Raiders suitable compensation, be it in the form of draft picks or established players, the Contra Costa Times reports. "If someone offers us the (draft) choice we want or a representative player and the $4 million bonus he took from us this year, we'll respond," Owner Al Davis said. "They got to get it done. (Porter's) agent has known this since the draft (in April). Before the draft, he knew what he had to do. He couldn't get it done." According to the Green Bay Press-Gazette, the Packers wouldn't mind adding Porter, but a deal appears unlikely unless the Raiders drop their asking price significantly. They reportedly are looking for at least a first-round draft pick. "I don't know what's really on (the Raiders') minds, but I know they want a big-time pick," said Reggie McKenzie, the Packers' director of pro personnel.

[Hache Man]

Updated: Aug. 3, 2006, 4:10 PM ET
Onus on Delhomme to spread the ball around




By Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com
Archive

SPARTANBURG, S.C. -- Here are five observations on the Carolina Panthers, gleaned from the training camp practices of July 31 and Aug. 1: 1. Because of the hamstring injury sustained by wide receiver Steve Smith, a tweak with which Panthers officials will err on the side of caution, we weren't able to see what kind of synergy has developed between the guy who won the NFL's receiving triple crown in 2005 and newcomer Keyshawn Johnson. Coaches and teammates insist the two worked well together in the spring, but there is still a curiosity level we wish we could have addressed. On paper, it's a good fit, the big-play threat and the solid and savvy possession receiver. Unfortunately, games aren't played on paper. The Smith-Johnson coupling is going to be an interesting dynamic, as is the manner in which quarterback Jake Delhomme works with his two starters. Given his ball distribution the past two seasons -- with Muhsin Muhammad dominating the receiving statistics in 2004, then Smith accounting for 38.3 percent of the completions last year -- there is a suspicion in some NFL quarters that Delhomme is a tunnel-vision quarterback. His critics contend that Delhomme locks on to one receiver too much. Time will tell. Keary Colbert Wide Receiver Carolina Panthers Profile 2005 SEASON STATISTICS Rec Yds TD Avg Long YAC 25 282 2 11.3 42 93 The most interesting wide receiver subplot worth observing, at least until Smith heals, is the ba