What's new
Fantasy Football - Footballguys Forums

Welcome to Our Forums. Once you've registered and logged in, you're primed to talk football, among other topics, with the sharpest and most experienced fantasy players on the internet.

2012 offseason blurbgasm (1 Viewer)

Q + A with antoine winfield

BS: Do you expect your role to change?

AW: We'll see. My goal is to play 16 games. I'm not sure if I'll be outside all 16. I'm sure I'll play (inside) in the nickel, too.

BS: If you were the nickel back, you'd be there on just about every passing down, right?

AW: If I just played strictly nickel ...

BS: Have they talked to you about playing strictly nickel?

AW: No, no. I'd be in and outside. I want to play the whole season. I probably won't play every snap outside. That's where you have to be running with (Detroit Lions wide receiver) Calvin Johnson and all the big receivers out there. I'm not really sure. We'll come up with a plan.

BS: Well, they'd want to have you out there on first down and running plays with the way you tackle.

AW: Right, right.

BS: So you'll be outside on running plays and inside in the nickel?

AW: I wish we knew if they were running or passing. (Laughs.) Sometimes, you have an idea, but I'll be in and out. Wherever the coaches need me, I'll be there.

http://www.twincities.com/vikings/ci_20918491/vikings-antoine-winfield-im-100-percent-healthy

Chris Cook will open the season as the Vikings' starting right cornerback.

 
Last edited by a moderator:
The Lions have been working on a special package this offseason that includes four defensive tackles.

Likely only to be used in short-yardage situations, the "DIESEL" package features Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley on the outside with Corey Williams and Sammie Hill inside. The team is working on unique ways to take advantage of their depth at the defensive tackle position.

 
they had tyson clabo on sirius - nfl and he says nolan's had lawrence sidbury standing up, and sid's been bringin' it!

sidbury had 4 sacks last year on 200 snaps.

 
The Atlanta Falcons today announced that they have agreed to terms with safety Chris Hope.

Hope, 6-0, 204 pounds, was originally selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the third round (94th overall) of the 2002 NFL Draft. He was signed by the Tennessee Titans as an unrestricted free agent on March 15, 2006. In 2011, Hope played in 10 games with two starts and tallied 33 tackles (25 solo) with one interception, one pass defense and two fumble recoveries.

In 10 NFL seasons, Hope has started 109 of 147 career games with 758 total tackles (552 solo), four sacks, 20 interceptions, four forced fumbles and seven fumble recoveries. He was a member of the Steelers 2005 Super Bowl Championship team and was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2008 after starting all 16 games and finishing third on the team with four interceptions, and tied for third with 93 tackles.

http://www.atlantafalcons.com/2012/06/falcons-agree-to-terms-with-veteran-safety-hope/

 
Vikings DE Everson Griffen will report to camp as a linebacker, and could be in for a permanent position switch depending on how he performs in the preseason.

The Vikings decided to make the switch on the final day of minicamp. Buried on the depth chart behind workhorses Jared Allen and Brian Robison at end, Griffen was productive as a pass-rusher in limited snaps as a linebacker last season.

 
'Kool-Aid Larry said:
Vikings DE Everson Griffen will report to camp as a linebacker, and could be in for a permanent position switch depending on how he performs in the preseason.

The Vikings decided to make the switch on the final day of minicamp. Buried on the depth chart behind workhorses Jared Allen and Brian Robison at end, Griffen was productive as a pass-rusher in limited snaps as a linebacker last season.
Click to expand...
i wonder if permanent means just in passing situations or in base formations and there will be some shifting of LB'er involved?
 
'ninerfanatic492000 said:
'Kool-Aid Larry said:
Vikings DE Everson Griffen will report to camp as a linebacker, and could be in for a permanent position switch depending on how he performs in the preseason.

The Vikings decided to make the switch on the final day of minicamp. Buried on the depth chart behind workhorses Jared Allen and Brian Robison at end, Griffen was productive as a pass-rusher in limited snaps as a linebacker last season.
Click to expand...
i wonder if permanent means just in passing situations or in base formations and there will be some shifting of LB'er involved?
Click to expand...
I'd go out on a limb and define permanent as "all the time". But I'm a Robison owner :shrug:

 
http://www.1500espn.com/sportswire/Notebook_Slimmer_Everson_Griffen_ready_to_go_as_Vikings_linebacker070912

Griffen said on Monday that Minnesota Vikings coaches have told him he'll be a linebacker when camp opens on July 27, and the multitalented end already has shed weight to around 263 pounds to get ready.

Griffen, 24, has played only 332 snaps (16.1%) on defense over two NFL seasons. But he recorded four sacks last season while splitting time as a backup end, a roving "Joker" linebacker in the 3-3 nickel defense and a core special teamer who made 18 tackles on coverage units.

He spent most of this offseason on the line, playing base end and nickel defensive tackle, before coaches stuck him at weakside linebacker for the final practice of minicamp. That apparently well enough Griffen will get a longer look there -- which only makes sense as coaches try to figure out how to get one of their most unique athletes on the field.

Switching positions could make Griffen a backup option in a thin linebacker group, since Erin Henderson figures to remain the starting will. More likely, it'll give Griffen a better overall sense of the position if new defensive coordinator Alan Williams decides to put him on the field for his rush ability on passing downs.

Listed at 6-foot-3 and 273 pounds in the past, Griffen has been told to report around 265, which is still quite heavy for a 4-3 outside linebacker. He doesn't expect his time on the line or as a Joker are over either.

 
According to the Miami Herald, Dolphins SS Tyrell Johnson ended the offseason program "no better than fifth on the depth chart."

Johnson was signed as a candidate to replace Yeremiah Bell, but will likely make a bigger impact on special teams. He hasn't shown anything that would indicate he's ahead of Chris Clemons at this stage. The Herald considers Johnson the "biggest disappointment" of the Dolphins' free agent signings.

 
Broncos RE Elvis Dumervil was arrested in Miami on Saturday night and has been charged with third-degree felony aggravated assault with a firearm.

Police haven’t released any additional information, but it is known that another man was arrested along with Dumervil. If convicted, Dumervil faces a three-to-five year prison sentence. He was reportedly released on Saturday after posting $7,500 bail. Dumervil's attorney, Harvey Steinberg, said "no assault or aggravated assault took place," but offered no further comment.

 
'Kool-Aid Larry said:
Broncos RE Elvis Dumervil was arrested in Miami on Saturday night and has been charged with third-degree felony aggravated assault with a firearm.

Police haven't released any additional information, but it is known that another man was arrested along with Dumervil. If convicted, Dumervil faces a three-to-five year prison sentence. He was reportedly released on Saturday after posting $7,500 bail. Dumervil's attorney, Harvey Steinberg, said "no assault or aggravated assault took place," but offered no further comment.
Click to expand...
Does this mean Elvis will fall from Grace(land)?

 
'JoeSteeler said:
'Kool-Aid Larry said:
Broncos RE Elvis Dumervil was arrested in Miami on Saturday night and has been charged with third-degree felony aggravated assault with a firearm.

Police haven't released any additional information, but it is known that another man was arrested along with Dumervil. If convicted, Dumervil faces a three-to-five year prison sentence. He was reportedly released on Saturday after posting $7,500 bail. Dumervil's attorney, Harvey Steinberg, said "no assault or aggravated assault took place," but offered no further comment.
Click to expand...
Does this mean Elvis will fall from Grace(land)?
Click to expand...
:golfclap:
 
Falcons MLB Lofa Tatupu sustained a serious pectoral injury while lifting weights Friday.

The severity of the injury is unknown, but the ex-Seahawk is not expected to be ready for the start of camp. Tatupu, 29, missed all of the last season due to chronic knee issues.

Vaughn Martin is expected to remain the Chargers' starting left end this season.

Last year's first-rounder Corey Liuget will start on the right side

Chargers GM A.J. Smith indicated that NT Antonio Garay will move around the defensive line more following the addition of Aubrayo Franklin.

"We're three deep at nose tackle," said Smith, referring to Garay, Franklin, and Cam Thomas. "But the versatility of Antonio Garay will allow him to be a floater. This gives John Pagano some flexibility on the defensive line." The North County Times believes this may ultimately cost Jacques Cesaire his roster spot.

 
Titans linebacker Akeem Ayers accomplished plenty during his rookie season.

Ayers started all 16 games and finished fifth on the team in tackles with 88.

While Ayers will see plenty of time at strong-side linebacker, the Titans also plan on lining him up on the line of scrimmage as a pass rusher with great regularity.

A year ago, Ayers had two quarterback sacks and seven quarterback pressures. During the offseason, he’s worked with new pass-rush specialist Keith Millard on his technique, and Ayers already feels better equipped to take on offensive linemen and running backs trying to block him.

http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120722/SPORTS01/307220061/Tennessee-Titans-want-Akeem-Ayers-fill-many-roles?nclick_check=1

 
Dolphins RE Cameron Wake drew 13 offensive holding calls last season, the most in all of football by a wide margin.

Nobody else in the league drew more than seven. Despite getting held all season, Wake still picked up 8.5 sacks

Lions waived RCB Aaron Berry.

 
Last edited by a moderator:
O'Brien Schofield will be the Cardinals' starting left outside linebacker, with Sam Acho entrenched on the right side.

Schofield is replacing Clark Haggans racked up 4.5 sacks off the bench in 2011

Erin Henderson (6-3, 244) is a thumper on the weak side who functions well enough in coverage to play the mike in nickel. He has a better chance to cover the deep middle in Tampa-2 than Brinkley (6-1, 252), who has strong downhill run traits but never has moved particularly well in space. It wouldn't be a total shock if Henderson ends up sliding over to replace Brinkley in the base defense at some point, particularly if injuries -- hip surgery that sidelined him for all of 2011, a groin strain that cost him much of this offseason -- continue to be an issue.

http://www.1500espn.com/sportswire/Scouting_the_Vikings_Jasper_Brinkley_kind_of_a_throwback_in_middle072112

 
Last edited by a moderator:
'Kool-Aid Larry said:
Falcons MLB Lofa Tatupu sustained a serious pectoral injury while lifting weights Friday.

The severity of the injury is unknown, but the ex-Seahawk is not expected to be ready for the start of camp. Tatupu, 29, missed all of the last season due to chronic knee issues.
Click to expand...
Falcons coach Mike Smith confirmed that MLB Lofa Tatupu will miss the entire 2012 season with a torn pectoral muscle.
 
NFL.com's Jason La Canfora reports No. 17 pick CB Dre Kirkpatrick has suffered an injury in the "knee area" that could sideline him for "much of camp."



Bengals RCB Leon Hall (Achilles' surgery) is questionable for the beginning of training camp.

Hall has yet to receive medical clearance

edit

NFL Network reports that Bengals first-round pick Dre Kirkpatrick will miss six weeks with a fractured knee bone.

 
Last edited by a moderator:
Jaiquawn Jarrett - DB - EaglesThe Philadelphia Inquirer's Jeff McLane does not anticipate 2011 second-round pick Jaiquawn Jarrett breaking camp as a starter.Jarrett was a disappointment as a rookie, and the Eagles operated during the offseason as if they don't foresee a second-year leap. Look for O.J. Atogwe and Kurt Coleman to end up with the majority of strong safety snaps this season.Source: Jeff McLane on Twitter Jul 25 - 12:46 AM
Click to expand...
 
Ravens MLB Ray Lewis shed weight this offseason and will play in the 230- to 235-pound range in 2012.

Lewis typically plays in the 250s, but he's attempting to combat age with physical fitness 37 years old. Lewis finished last season with 95 tackles and a pair of forced fumbles in just 12 starts, missing four with a toe injury.

 
'Kool-Aid Larry said:
Ravens MLB Ray Lewis shed weight this offseason and will play in the 230- to 235-pound range in 2012.

Lewis typically plays in the 250s, but he's attempting to combat age with physical fitness 37 years old. Lewis finished last season with 95 tackles and a pair of forced fumbles in just 12 starts, missing four with a toe injury.
Click to expand...
This is a positive right?
 
'johnnyboy8102 said:
'Kool-Aid Larry said:
Ravens MLB Ray Lewis shed weight this offseason and will play in the 230- to 235-pound range in 2012.

Lewis typically plays in the 250s, but he's attempting to combat age with physical fitness 37 years old. Lewis finished last season with 95 tackles and a pair of forced fumbles in just 12 starts, missing four with a toe injury.
Click to expand...
This is a positive right?
Click to expand...
Tons of players gain or drop weight, and they always stress the positive side. Only after the season do we know if the increased speed and agility overcame the inability to fight through blocks and hold the point of attack.
 
I really never pay attention to weights, so this isn't much of an informed opinion, but that seems kind of light for his position, although, it's kind of hard to bet against ray lewis.

hold a gun to my head, it probably wouldn't sway me too much, but it'd be something to monitor.

 
Whole bunch of tidbits from Philly in this article:

http://www.phillymag.com/eagles/2012/07/26/eagles-practice-observations-2/

One of the biggest criticisms Juan Castillo faced last year was that he completely misused Nnamdi Asomugha.

Asomugha earned the reputation of being one of the best man corners in the league while in Oakland. But when he arrived last summer, Castillo talked about using him in more of a Charles Woodson-type role. Covering tight ends, playing inside and outside, maybe even back as a safety on a given play or two.

While Castillo tweaked the defense as last season went on, one thing stayed the same: He used Asomugha in a variety of ways.

And based on the first full-squad practice at Lehigh, that’s going to happen in 2012 also.

On one of the first plays today, Asomugha lined up inside against backup tight end Chase Ford. Last year, playing Asmougha inside was simple because the Eagles had Asante Samuel and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie on the outside. But Samuel’s gone, and the new wrinkle today was that Curtis Marsh lined up outside at right cornerback.

Marsh, a third-round pick in 2011, played only 13 defensive snaps as a rookie. But with Samuel gone, he’s looking to fill a bigger role in his second season.

“We rotate. We have different guys that do different things well. It’s by gameplan,” Marsh said.

Last year, Asomugha was effective against opposing tight ends. He was matched up against Jason Witten quite a bit, and the Cowboys tight end totaled just 52 yards receiving in two games against the Eagles.

“If you play a team with a really good tight end, we can virtually take that tight end out of the game, so that’s another advantage,” Marsh said.

Of course, this was only the first glimpse of the Eagles’ defense this summer, so there could be plenty of changes ahead.

Some other practice observations…

* Samuel, generally the most vocal player at training camp, is in Atlanta. And it looks like Darryl Tapp will assume the role of Eagle most likely to be heard during practice. “If you want to know who the energy source of our group is at practice, it’s Darryl,” Jim Washburn said earlier this week. Tapp is entering his seventh season, and Cullen Jenkins is entering his ninth, yet they were as enthusiastic as anyone in the 96-degree heat.

* You should take all depth chart notes with a grain of salt, but Derek Landri saw a lot of time with the first-team, alongside Jenkins, in Mike Patterson’s place. Landri played nearly 71 percent of the defensive snaps with the Panthers back in 2010, but many believed he would benefit from fewer snaps with the Eagles. And that turned out to be the case. Landri was an effective rotational player, and his playing time increased towards the end of the season (more than 50 percent of the team’s snaps in each of the last five games).

But if Patterson’s not ready to go when the Eagles play the Browns in Week 1, my money’s still on rookie Fletcher Cox to start alongside Jenkins.

* It looks like Dion Lewis will open camp as the No. 2 running back behind LeSean McCoy.

* The linebackers were lined up as you’d expect: DeMeco Ryans in the middle, Brian Rolle at the WILL and Mychal Kendricks at the SAM. There were quite a few different combinations in nickel: Ryans and Kendricks, Ryans and Rolle, Kendricks and Jamar Chaney. As linebackers coach Mike Caldwell pointed out earlier this week, there will likely be different nickel packages, based on down and distance. So seeing those different combinations is not surprising.

* Casey Matthews was in the middle with the second team. Chaney and Jordan were on the outside.

* Nate Allen and Kurt Coleman were the first-team safeties with Oshiomogho Atogwe and Jaiquawn Jarrett running with the second team.

* The second defensive line foursome featured Brandon Graham, Cox, Antonio Dixon and Tapp.

* I didn’t see rookie Brandon Boykin get any reps with the first-team nickel. Aside from the Asomugha/Marsh/Rodgers-Cromartie combination, Joselio Hanson mixed in to his usual spot. The second-team corners were Marsh and Brandon Hughes on the outside, with Boykin in the slot.

 
Jets activated SS LaRon Landry (Achilles surgery) from the active/PUP list.

The spruce goose is loose

 
Last edited by a moderator:


Jets coach Rex Ryan hinted on the first day of training camp that RCB Antonio Cromartie may see snaps at wide receiver this season.

Ryan says the Jets have been discussing the idea internally, and indicated that Cromartie will get camp reps on offense.



Cowboys CB Mike Jenkins will meet with Dr. James Andrews next week for an update on his shoulder surgery.

Jenkins couldn't even throw a football overhand on Thursday, suggesting that his shoulder is in worse shape than the Cowboys have let on.



Second-year CB Curtis Marsh opened Eagles camp working as the team's first-string right cornerback on passing downs.

Marsh got some first-team reps during OTAs, but this was a bit out of the blue. The first-team nickel set had Marsh at right corner, Nnamdi Asomugha in the slot, and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie on the left side

 
Last edited by a moderator:
Antonio Cromartie confirmed the Jets are "trying to make up a ‘Cro Package'" on offense.

"I believe I can do it," Cromartie said. "You got to pick your spots. You got to figure out what routes I can run, what routes I can’t run. That’s what we’re going to do."

 
"Harrison Smith is doing a great job, he's really picking up the system and we have great competition there at the safety position," Spielman said about the first-round pick.

 
Tried to get an extra pick to stash Trevathan on my taxi in the draft, but no one would trade their last round pick. He's having a good start to camp and Irving is struggling. There isn't a job for him now with Mays in the way, but long term he's working his way towards earning a look. Loved him at Kentucky and speed's trandlsating to the pro game.

 




Austen Lane is currently working as the Jaguars' starting left end.

Jags defensive line coach Joe Cullen recently said he's expecting "six, seven sacks" from Lane this season. He's getting the first shot at the starting job opposite Jeremy Mincey, but second-round pick Andre Branch, who figures to play a significant role regardless, will be on his heels.

Texans ILB Darryl Sharpton recently suffered a setback in his recovery from a torn right quadriceps.

Sharpton suffered the injury all the way back in October, so this is becoming a long-term issue. Coach Gary Kubiak stated that Sharpton's injury is now affecting his hip. It looks like the 24-year-old may open the season on PUP.

 
Last edited by a moderator:
On defense, the Rams used Jo-Lonn Dunbar at WLB and Mario Haggan at SLB. Nothing is set in stone, obviously but that’s how things started. In nickel packages, the Rams had Bradley Fletcher and Janoris Jenkins on the outside with Cortland Finnegan in the slot. It’s Finnegan and Jenkins in the base. Craig Dahl got the work with the top defense at safety alongside Quintin Mikell.

On Laurinaitis, he says he has lost weight down to about 245 pounds, closer to what he played at in college in an effort to, as he says, be able to “run all day.” There are a lot more elements of the Cover 2 defense of past years and Laurinaitis will have to do more deep coverage work. The lost weight is in anticipation of that

http://blog.stlouisrams.com/2012/07/30/first-practice-in-the-books/

 
Giants RCB Terrell Thomas (ACL surgery) has been sent for tests on his surgically-repaired knee.

Thomas is dealing with swelling following a Sunday spill in practice. Per the Giants' press corps, coach Tom Coughlin is "concerned" about the development.

An MRI of Giants RCB Terrell Thomas' (ACL surgery) troublesome right knee revealed an injury "involving the ACL."

edit:

ESPN's Adam Schefter confirmed on SportsCenter Tuesday that Giants RCB Terrell Thomas (ACL) is likely to miss all of 2012.

Giants CB Prince Amukamara is the leading candidate to replace Terrell Thomas in the starting lineup should Thomas miss an extended period of time.

more edits:

Updating a previous items, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that doctors who've examined Giants RCB Terrell Thomas do NOT believe Thomas' ACL is torn and are optimistic he will play football this season.

 
Last edited by a moderator:
Just passing this one along however I wouldn't read too much into it.

My link

... on Monday, linebacker James-Michael Johnson put in a claim on defense with two interceptions.

“They throw it, I can catch it,” said Johnson, a fourth-round choice from Nevada. “I was just doing my job. But, yeah, it felt good.”

Coach Pat Shurmur was impressed.

“He had an interception, a couple actually,” he said. “He looked good on the goal line. He’s had a couple of good days, he really has.”

Johnson could certainly fill a void when veteran linebacker Scott Fujita misses the first three games. Fujita is suspended for his part in the New Orleans bounty scandal.
Click to expand...
 
'Kool-Aid Larry said:
On defense, the Rams used Jo-Lonn Dunbar at WLB and Mario Haggan at SLB. Nothing is set in stone, obviously but that’s how things started. In nickel packages, the Rams had Bradley Fletcher and Janoris Jenkins on the outside with Cortland Finnegan in the slot. It’s Finnegan and Jenkins in the base. Craig Dahl got the work with the top defense at safety alongside Quintin Mikell.

On Laurinaitis, he says he has lost weight down to about 245 pounds, closer to what he played at in college in an effort to, as he says, be able to “run all day.” There are a lot more elements of the Cover 2 defense of past years and Laurinaitis will have to do more deep coverage work. The lost weight is in anticipation of that

http://blog.stlouisrams.com/2012/07/30/first-practice-in-the-books/
Click to expand...
he could be a nice waiver wire grab.
 
Chris Clemons was back on Wednesday with the first team, opposite Reshad Jones, at safety — one of the most competitive positions on defense. Jimmy Wilson had taken first-team snaps in the previous three practices, including two days when Clemons was sidelined by a bruised knee.

“I see myself as a starter,” Clemons said. “Don’t let anyone take anything from me. Nothing. I feel like I’m the leader.”

Wilson and Tyrone Culver appear to be in the lead in the competition for the third and fourth safety jobs, if neither beats out Clemons for a starting spot.

 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

G
""The most overrated player in the draft."?
Replies
10
Views
1K
The Claymaker
The Claymaker
Bracie Smathers
Isaiah Simmons
Replies
22
Views
2K
Gally
G
Bracie Smathers
LB Devin Bush Pittsburgh
Replies
0
Views
677
Bracie Smathers
Bracie Smathers

Users who are viewing this thread

Total: 2 (members: 0, guests: 2)
Top