RZR’s Team Links is made up of ”Team Links AFC” and “Team Links NFC” — links to some of the best fan sites we could find, plus each team’s official page — PLUS “In the Papers” — a collection of each team’s local newspaper(s) online linked directly to the sports page.
Haven’t seen them yet? What are you waiting for – check it out now!
The signing of Michael Vick does not pose a threat to Eagles QB Donovan McNabb for one simple reason: Vick will not play quarterback for the Eagles in 2009. At least not exclusively.
Vick will play the role of option QB, RB, maybe even WR. He will provide the Eagles with an offensive weapon that opposing defenses will have to prepare for and track throughout the game. If they don’t, they may pay for it.
In six NFL seasons, Vick has compiled 11,505 passing yards and 3,859 rushing yards — a 3-to-1 ratio.
[In comparison, Kordell Stewart, in his "Slash" role --and throughout his career-- only got as close as a 5-to-1 ratio, pass vs. run, with comparable passing statistics.]
With Vick lined up in the back field, split-back, pro-formation, a number of things are possible: A) Direct snap to Vick; B) Hand-off to Vick on a running play; C) Pitch to Vick with the option to throw.
Or none of the above. But either way, defenses will have to account for him.
When Vick is on the field, he will occupy at least one defender. That should free things up slightly for the Eagles receiving corp and versatile back Brian Westbrook (who had off-season surgery remove scar tissue and bone fragments from his right ankle).
My point is, the Ealges have added another weapon to their offense. And it’s been the plan all off-season. The first three draft picks were on the offensive side of the ball, and 6 of 8 picks overall.
Vick will provide a way to keep the Eagles offense near the top and improve their chances in the post-season. Vick will not challenge McNabb at QB or clock significant playing time behind center. He is simply another wrinkle in the Eagles offense, part of head coach Andy Reid’s mission– maybe his last chance – to get the Eagles back to the Super Bowl.
Source: NFL.com, profootballreference.com, football.about.com (photo); 10:15 p.m. et
It seems Michael Vick has found a new home in the NFL. He will play backup quarterback to the Philadelphia Eagles’ Donovan McNabb.
After 19 months in Federal Prison, Vick will be rejoining the NFL. Eagles’ head coach, Andy Reid isn’t known for his decision making. Reid has stuck with always injured QB McNabb for three seasons.
His decisions have, however, paid off. Reid has taken the Eagles to an unprecidented 5 NFC title games. Will this decision be another TO mistake? Or, will Vick prove he’s worth a second chance?
As the NFL preseason gets underway, all fans will be watching Vick closely to see if he fails or (hopefully) rises above.
NFL.com is reporting that Clevelend Browns WR Dante Stallworth has been suspended for the entire 2009 NFL season after pleading guilty to DUI manslaughter.
Stallworth will be suspended without pay, and will not be able to participate in any team activities until he is reinstated.
“Your conduct endangered yourself and others, leading to the death of an innocent man,” NFL commissioner Roger Goodell was quoted on NFL.com. “The NFL and NFL players must live with the stain that you have placed on their reputations.”
Other veteran wideouts on the Browns roster include Josh Cribbs, Braylon Edwards, Mike Furrey and David Patten.
Source: NFL.com, dyfuse.com (photo); 3:58 p.m. et
36-year-old former NFL QB Steve McNair was found shot to death early on Saturday July 4, 2009. A Nashville police spokes person confirmed McNair and an unnamed woman were found shot to death at McNair’s residence.
McNair lead the Tennessee Titans to Super Bowl XXXIV and spent 11 seasons with the team before spending two seasons with the Baltimore Ravens. McNair was also a three-time Pro Bowler and was the Co-AP NFL MVP in 2003.
The police do have a lead in the case, and have identified the woman found with McNair. More details will be available as the story progresses.
Source: Fox Sports
According to the Philadelphia Inquirer here are two transactions:
The Cincinnati Bengals signed RB Bernard Scott. Waived TE Matt Sherry, WR Mario Urrutia, QB Billy Farris and C James Smith
New York Giants signed CB Stoney Woodson and waived CB Rashad Barksdale.
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer
The NFL suspended Browns WR Dante Stallworth indefinitely for violating the league’s personal conduct and substance abuse policies, Rotoworld has learned.
According to the Minneapolis Star Tribune, QB Brett Favre is pain free, contrary to earlier media reports.
Raiders recent No. 1 Draft Pick Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, has re-injured his right hamstring, per Contra Costa Times’ Jerry McDonald.
The Arizona Cardinals have signed fourth-round pick Greg Toler, CB, PFT has reported.
There are 61 days until we kick off the 2009 NFL Season. -RZR
Source: Rotoworld, Contra Costa Times, Star Tribune, Profootballtalk - 5:41 p.m. et
