It appears the Packers are getting closer to trading Brett Favre, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers seem to be the likely suitors.
The Tampa Tribune reported early Wednesday morning that a long-anticipated swap between the Packers and Bucs involving Favre will soon become a reality, and that the deal could be finalized as early as sometime today.
We'll have further details as events unfold.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
What a weekend
Although there's still a month to go before the 2008 NFL season kicks off, there's been plenty of news coming out of camps to whet fans' appetites over the past few days. For those who spent their weekend getting away from it all, here's just some of what you may have missed:
First there was Friday's well-documented skirmish between Carolina Panthers teammates Steve Smith and Ken Lucas and the subsequent team-issued two-game suspension levied to Smith for instigating the fracas. As Tony previously mentioned, the Panthers' hard-line stance and harsh edict caught just about all of us observers off guard. I wouldn't expect any lasting repercussions from the incident, however, and don't count on Carolina getting rid of its most dynamic offensive player as a result. Sure, Smith's volatile personality can be a drain on his coaches and teammates, but the wideout's production and playmaking ability far outweigh whatever headaches he may cause.
Saturday was Hall of Fame day, with former Washington Redskin greats Darrell Green and Art Monk headlining the six new entrants into pro football's shrine of immortality. Neither the ceremony nor Sunday's preseason opener between the Redskins and Indianapolis Colts had much to offer the TV viewer, although Jason Campbell's brief performance under center did make an impression on me. The fourth-year quarterback looked sharp and comfortable running the new offense installed by Washington head coach Jim Zorn, which has some similarities to the system Campbell excelled in as a collegian at Auburn. If the Redskins are going to be a factor in the heavy-duty NFC East, they're going to need a big year out of their young signal-caller.
By the way, the 'Skins released safety Stuart Schweigert on Monday, one day after the former Raiders starter was toasted for a long touchdown by Colts' fourth-string receiver Onrea Jones in the Hall of Fame Game. If anything, the move lends some support to my hunch that Washington will take a hard look at the recently-released John Lynch relatively soon.
The Green Bay Packers managed to solve one lingering problem over the weekend, as the club came to terms with holdout running back Ryan Grant on a four-year contract extension. Of course, this bit of info was overshadowed by Sunday's arrival of a certain veteran quarterback to Packers camp.
As for the Favre saga, there are at least two things that are finally beginning to come clear. One is the likelihood that the franchise icon will not be playing football for the Green Bay Packers come September. Don't believe the reports of the forthcoming "open competition" between Favre and the star-crossed Aaron Rodgers during camp -- if the Pack had any real desire of having No. 4 back as their starting quarterback, they would have welcomed him into the fold weeks ago.
What's also becoming evident is that the Packers have backed themselves into a no-win situation from a PR standpoint. The organization took a major hit with the revelation of the reported $20 million dollar offer it gave Favre to remain retired, and the inevitable ridding of one of the most idolized players in team history clearly is not going to sit well with Green Bay's ultra-loyal fan base. Now if Favre does indeed wind up on another team this fall and stinks up the joint like he did in 2005, or if Rodgers shines in his long-awaited opportunity and leads the Pack on a deep playoff run, GM Ted Thompson and head coach Mike McCarthy will have at least some measure of vindication in the public eye.
All I know is, with each passing day in this never-ending soap opera, the odds grow stronger that the Waffle King will eventually get what he really wants out of this scenario -- the chance to further his bloated legacy by humiliating his soon-to-be former employers on the playing field in an enemy uniform.
First there was Friday's well-documented skirmish between Carolina Panthers teammates Steve Smith and Ken Lucas and the subsequent team-issued two-game suspension levied to Smith for instigating the fracas. As Tony previously mentioned, the Panthers' hard-line stance and harsh edict caught just about all of us observers off guard. I wouldn't expect any lasting repercussions from the incident, however, and don't count on Carolina getting rid of its most dynamic offensive player as a result. Sure, Smith's volatile personality can be a drain on his coaches and teammates, but the wideout's production and playmaking ability far outweigh whatever headaches he may cause.
Saturday was Hall of Fame day, with former Washington Redskin greats Darrell Green and Art Monk headlining the six new entrants into pro football's shrine of immortality. Neither the ceremony nor Sunday's preseason opener between the Redskins and Indianapolis Colts had much to offer the TV viewer, although Jason Campbell's brief performance under center did make an impression on me. The fourth-year quarterback looked sharp and comfortable running the new offense installed by Washington head coach Jim Zorn, which has some similarities to the system Campbell excelled in as a collegian at Auburn. If the Redskins are going to be a factor in the heavy-duty NFC East, they're going to need a big year out of their young signal-caller.
By the way, the 'Skins released safety Stuart Schweigert on Monday, one day after the former Raiders starter was toasted for a long touchdown by Colts' fourth-string receiver Onrea Jones in the Hall of Fame Game. If anything, the move lends some support to my hunch that Washington will take a hard look at the recently-released John Lynch relatively soon.
The Green Bay Packers managed to solve one lingering problem over the weekend, as the club came to terms with holdout running back Ryan Grant on a four-year contract extension. Of course, this bit of info was overshadowed by Sunday's arrival of a certain veteran quarterback to Packers camp.
As for the Favre saga, there are at least two things that are finally beginning to come clear. One is the likelihood that the franchise icon will not be playing football for the Green Bay Packers come September. Don't believe the reports of the forthcoming "open competition" between Favre and the star-crossed Aaron Rodgers during camp -- if the Pack had any real desire of having No. 4 back as their starting quarterback, they would have welcomed him into the fold weeks ago.
What's also becoming evident is that the Packers have backed themselves into a no-win situation from a PR standpoint. The organization took a major hit with the revelation of the reported $20 million dollar offer it gave Favre to remain retired, and the inevitable ridding of one of the most idolized players in team history clearly is not going to sit well with Green Bay's ultra-loyal fan base. Now if Favre does indeed wind up on another team this fall and stinks up the joint like he did in 2005, or if Rodgers shines in his long-awaited opportunity and leads the Pack on a deep playoff run, GM Ted Thompson and head coach Mike McCarthy will have at least some measure of vindication in the public eye.
All I know is, with each passing day in this never-ending soap opera, the odds grow stronger that the Waffle King will eventually get what he really wants out of this scenario -- the chance to further his bloated legacy by humiliating his soon-to-be former employers on the playing field in an enemy uniform.
Monday, August 4, 2008
As Exhibitions Go...
Anyone catch that game last night?
If not, the final was Redskins 30, Colts 16. It was mildly entertaining at times, which is really all you can ask of the preseason. No Peyton Manning or Jason Taylor, though Taylor was at least available for an interview with Adam Schefter on the sideline.
Sixth-round rookie Colt Brennan (9-of-10 passing, 123 yards, 2 TD) played extremely well for the Redskins, and before you denounce his numbers for coming against third-stringers, you should note that the Colts' Jared Lorenzen (12-of-21 passing, 93 yards, 1 INT) fared much worse against similar competition. Based on that performance, don't expect Lorenzen to be a Colt very long.
Not sure what this means, but the Redskins are now 5-0 in the Hall of Fame Game. They also won the event in 1965, 1975, 1989, and 2004. They made the playoffs in none of those previous seasons, but finished with winning records in '75 (8-6) and '89 (10-6).
If not, the final was Redskins 30, Colts 16. It was mildly entertaining at times, which is really all you can ask of the preseason. No Peyton Manning or Jason Taylor, though Taylor was at least available for an interview with Adam Schefter on the sideline.
Sixth-round rookie Colt Brennan (9-of-10 passing, 123 yards, 2 TD) played extremely well for the Redskins, and before you denounce his numbers for coming against third-stringers, you should note that the Colts' Jared Lorenzen (12-of-21 passing, 93 yards, 1 INT) fared much worse against similar competition. Based on that performance, don't expect Lorenzen to be a Colt very long.
Not sure what this means, but the Redskins are now 5-0 in the Hall of Fame Game. They also won the event in 1965, 1975, 1989, and 2004. They made the playoffs in none of those previous seasons, but finished with winning records in '75 (8-6) and '89 (10-6).
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Don't Count on Me Being Right
So, how'd that Steve Smith prediction work out for you, Moss?
Hours after I predicted Smith wouldn't miss any meaningful time after his scrap with teammate Ken Lucas, much of the world began reporting that the Panthers have suspended Smith for two regular season games.
I'm extremely surprised, to say the least, based on how similar incidents in the past have been handled by teams (see previous post).
But I have a feeling I know why this one is being viewed differently. The Bill Romanowski and Michael Westbrook incidents occurred during the reign of commissioner Paul Tagliabue, who looked the other way on many matters of law and order around his domain. Roger Goodell has taken a tougher stance, and the Panthers may have feared the league's involvement if the team didn't take a pre-emptive measure such as this one. It's possible that the NFL would have come up with a penalty greater than two games.
There is also the matter of Ken Lucas being a respected veteran player, not a nobody like Marcus Williams. The Panthers organization might have feared a divided locker room if Smith was allowed to walk away from this incident unscathed.
Saturday's move will be billed as sending a message to Smith and the rest of the team about bad behavior, but I believe it had much more to do with pacifying the league and the locker room than anything else.
Hours after I predicted Smith wouldn't miss any meaningful time after his scrap with teammate Ken Lucas, much of the world began reporting that the Panthers have suspended Smith for two regular season games.
I'm extremely surprised, to say the least, based on how similar incidents in the past have been handled by teams (see previous post).
But I have a feeling I know why this one is being viewed differently. The Bill Romanowski and Michael Westbrook incidents occurred during the reign of commissioner Paul Tagliabue, who looked the other way on many matters of law and order around his domain. Roger Goodell has taken a tougher stance, and the Panthers may have feared the league's involvement if the team didn't take a pre-emptive measure such as this one. It's possible that the NFL would have come up with a penalty greater than two games.
There is also the matter of Ken Lucas being a respected veteran player, not a nobody like Marcus Williams. The Panthers organization might have feared a divided locker room if Smith was allowed to walk away from this incident unscathed.
Saturday's move will be billed as sending a message to Smith and the rest of the team about bad behavior, but I believe it had much more to do with pacifying the league and the locker room than anything else.
Don't Count on the Panthers Suspending Smith
One day after his reported rumble with teammate Ken Lucas came to light, it is being reported that the Panthers are mulling over whether to suspend Steve Smith. Don't hold your breath waiting for that to happen. The Panthers might make some toothless gesture like suspending the perennial Pro Bowler for a preseason game, but there's little chance he'll miss anything meaningful.
The most prominent NFL teammate fights in recent memory (Bill Romanowski vs. Marcus Williams, Michael Westbrook vs. Stephen Davis) did not elicit suspensions. Laughably, Romanowski was suspended for one quarter of a preseason game (Williams, whose orbital bone was fractured in the fracas, later sued him), while Westbrook was fined $50,000 but missed no time.
And of course, the elephant in the room is that, other than arguably Jake Delhomme, there's not a player Carolina can ill-afford to lose more at this point than Smith. The Panthers won't admit that's a factor, but common sense says that it is.
The most prominent NFL teammate fights in recent memory (Bill Romanowski vs. Marcus Williams, Michael Westbrook vs. Stephen Davis) did not elicit suspensions. Laughably, Romanowski was suspended for one quarter of a preseason game (Williams, whose orbital bone was fractured in the fracas, later sued him), while Westbrook was fined $50,000 but missed no time.
And of course, the elephant in the room is that, other than arguably Jake Delhomme, there's not a player Carolina can ill-afford to lose more at this point than Smith. The Panthers won't admit that's a factor, but common sense says that it is.
Friday, August 1, 2008
Ready for some football?
Although it's tough to label Sunday's Hall of Fame Game between the Colts and Redskins under the category of NFL football, considering the majority of the participants of the league's annual preseason lid-lifter will either likely be searching for real jobs in a month or soon living out the dream of scout-team duty. And with the new 80-man camp roster limitations making coaches even less reluctant to risk injuries to starters, those tuning in this weekend can expect to get a heavy dose of the likes of Jared Lorenzen (pardon the pun), Marcus Mason (that's Washington's fourth-string running back) and Byron Westbrook (that's Brian's little bro, a reserve cornerback/return man for the Skins).
Two guys you won't be seeing on Sunday are Colts quarterback and franchise icon Peyton Manning and Washington's recent big-ticket acquisition, defensive end/Hollywood wanna-be Jason Taylor. Manning's working his way back from recent knee surgery, while Taylor is one of several Redskins regulars who aren't expected to suit up for the contest.
Both of Indy's top two defenders, safety Bob Sanders and end Dwight Freeney, also won't play as they both mend from offseason surgery. Two other starters, middle linebacker Gary Brackett (hip) and guard Ryan Lilja (knee), are also nicked up and will sit this one out. Longtime wideout Marvin Harrison, who's reportedly showed no signs of the nagging knee problems that wrecked his 2007 campaign, is planning to run out with the Colts' first-team offense for the unit's designated one-to-two series.
Running back Clinton Portis (rest), offensive tackle Chris Samuels (elbow), linebacker London Fletcher (rest) and safety LaRon Landry (hamstring) are among a truckload of Redskin vets that won't be in action. Washington has been hit as hard as any team by the injury bug during the early stages of camp.
I was hoping to tune in and see how highly-touted rookie receivers Malcolm Kelly and Devin Thomas fare in Jim Zorn's newly-installed West Coast offense, but both Washington youngsters will also miss the game because of injured hamstrings.
Should be a very-pro Washington crowd in Canton, as the Burgundy and Gold faithful will no doubt be flocking to witness the enshrinement of legendary former Skins Darrell Green and Art Monk into the Hall on Saturday.
You can check out Tony Moss' preview of Sunday's tilt here.
Two guys you won't be seeing on Sunday are Colts quarterback and franchise icon Peyton Manning and Washington's recent big-ticket acquisition, defensive end/Hollywood wanna-be Jason Taylor. Manning's working his way back from recent knee surgery, while Taylor is one of several Redskins regulars who aren't expected to suit up for the contest.
Both of Indy's top two defenders, safety Bob Sanders and end Dwight Freeney, also won't play as they both mend from offseason surgery. Two other starters, middle linebacker Gary Brackett (hip) and guard Ryan Lilja (knee), are also nicked up and will sit this one out. Longtime wideout Marvin Harrison, who's reportedly showed no signs of the nagging knee problems that wrecked his 2007 campaign, is planning to run out with the Colts' first-team offense for the unit's designated one-to-two series.
Running back Clinton Portis (rest), offensive tackle Chris Samuels (elbow), linebacker London Fletcher (rest) and safety LaRon Landry (hamstring) are among a truckload of Redskin vets that won't be in action. Washington has been hit as hard as any team by the injury bug during the early stages of camp.
I was hoping to tune in and see how highly-touted rookie receivers Malcolm Kelly and Devin Thomas fare in Jim Zorn's newly-installed West Coast offense, but both Washington youngsters will also miss the game because of injured hamstrings.
Should be a very-pro Washington crowd in Canton, as the Burgundy and Gold faithful will no doubt be flocking to witness the enshrinement of legendary former Skins Darrell Green and Art Monk into the Hall on Saturday.
You can check out Tony Moss' preview of Sunday's tilt here.
Prediction: Favre Will Say No to Packers' Blood Money
If you think the Brett Favre saga is nearing a resolution, you're nuts. Either that, or I am (hopefully my wife doesn't feel compelled to leave a comment here).
It is now being widely reported that the Packers have essentially offered Favre $20 million cash and a lifelong front office role with the team if he agrees to remain retired.
If Green Bay ever had any illusions of winning the P.R. battle in this situation, they're pretty much gone for good. Favre just got a belt-high, 82-mile-per hour fastball, and all he has to do is take a normal swing to hit the game-winning grand slam. (Don't you love sports metaphors that describe sports-related situations?)
Now, all Favre needs to do is leave the $20 million on the table ($20 million he doesn't really need, by the way), and he'll forever be the conquering hero who's just in it for the love of the game. I would be completely and utterly shocked if he takes the money and runs, understanding full well that he'll tarnish his legacy with such a move.
No matter how much Favre claims to be considering the offer, this latest development makes it look to me like he is only closer to becoming a Minnesota Viking, not further away.
It is now being widely reported that the Packers have essentially offered Favre $20 million cash and a lifelong front office role with the team if he agrees to remain retired.
If Green Bay ever had any illusions of winning the P.R. battle in this situation, they're pretty much gone for good. Favre just got a belt-high, 82-mile-per hour fastball, and all he has to do is take a normal swing to hit the game-winning grand slam. (Don't you love sports metaphors that describe sports-related situations?)
Now, all Favre needs to do is leave the $20 million on the table ($20 million he doesn't really need, by the way), and he'll forever be the conquering hero who's just in it for the love of the game. I would be completely and utterly shocked if he takes the money and runs, understanding full well that he'll tarnish his legacy with such a move.
No matter how much Favre claims to be considering the offer, this latest development makes it look to me like he is only closer to becoming a Minnesota Viking, not further away.
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