Defending a running back from criticism has been as simple as blaming defenses for "stacking the box" against him. It's usually not that simple. The subject came up here most recently after we considered why the St.
The New England Patriots signed rookie receiver Josh Boyce to a four-year contract, the Boston Herald reports. The total value of the contract reportedly is worth $2.637 million. Boyce was New England’s fourth-round pick and will compete with several receivers for the No.
We've spent a good part of this week discussing feuds of varying degrees, from the dissipating animosity between Brett Favre and the Green Bay Packers to the now-healed relationship between Mike Ditka and the Chicago Bears.
This month, a couple of fringe New York Jets -- Cliff Harris and Claude Davis -- were arrested for marijuana possession. The Jets swiftly cut both players without hesitation and without letting the legal system run its course.
How does each NFC West team look at running back, and what still needs to be done? Arizona Cardinals: This is a transitional year at the position for Arizona. Free-agent addition Rashard Mendenhall gets a shot to revive his career following a disappointing finish with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
How does each NFC North team look at running back, and what still needs to be done? Chicago Bears: If you were drawing up plans for an experienced but diverse backfield, you could do a lot worse than modeling after the Bears.
How does each NFC East team look at running back, and what still needs to be done? Dallas Cowboys After a season in which they ranked third in the league in passing yards and 31st in rushing yards, the Cowboys seek greater balance in their offense.
How does each AFC East team look at running back, and what still needs to be done? Buffalo Bills: The Bills have one of the NFL’s strongest duos in C.J. Spiller and Fred Jackson. They complement each other very well.
How does each AFC West team look at running back, and what still needs to be done? Denver Broncos: The Broncos still have Willis McGahee, but he could become a salary-cap casualty. McGahee still runs hard and effectively (he’s averaged 4.
How does each AFC North team look at running back, and what still needs to be done? Baltimore Ravens: Ray Rice is only 26, but he has taken a lot of hits. Although he put together a fantastic season, as usual, in 2012, he looked worn down late in the year and during the Ravens’ Super Bowl run.
Each week, we take questions for our Saturday mailbag via Twitter. Anyone who posts a question that includes the hashtag #nfceastmail has a chance to get his or her question answered right here. Like these.
Got this on Twitter today from @bvsnizzle91: @espn_nfceast Can we get any information on the Skins that's NOT about RG3's knee? There's 50 some other people on the team! #nfceastmail- Brian Lowery (@bvsnizzle91) May 24, 2013 Sure thing, snizzle.
As part of our series on the greatest coaches in NFL history, we are counting down the top 20, one per day, as voted on by our panel. And as revealed earlier today on our site, the man who came in at No.
How does each NFC East team look at running back, and what still needs to be done? Dallas Cowboys After a season in which they ranked third in the league in passing yards and 31st in rushing yards, the Cowboys seek greater balance in their offense.
Michael Vick's on-field performance with the Philadelphia Eagles has ranged wildly, from the staggering brilliance of 2010 to the turnover-infested frustration of 2012, with various injuries along the way.
Washington Redskins Robert Griffin III described his tearful reaction to waking up after surgery in January and finding out that he was, indeed, embarking on a second recovery from reconstructive surgery to his right knee.
Reporters got to talk with Philadelphia Eagles assistant coaches Thursday, and one of the more popular interview subjects was obviously new defensive coordinator Bill Davis. There has been much talk, since the Eagles hired Chip Kelly as head coach, about the Eagles switching from a 4-3 defensive front to a 3-4, and Davis seems to think the best way to describe it is as a gradual change in that direction.
Yeah, it's a second straight Robert Griffin III post, and yeah, I'm well aware of it. You want to see the numbers? The Washington Redskins had an organized team activities (OTAs) practice Thursday, and Griffin spent some time on the field throwing and running.
When you can't get RG III, you talk to RG II. As part of the futile attempt to satisfy the public appetite for news about Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III, his father has been doing interviews about Griffin's recovery from knee surgery, his prospects for next season and the circumstances under which he got injured in the first place.
See, this is why the New York Giants like to keep their offseasons as dull and quiet as possible. Too often, the news you make this time of the year isn't the good kind. The Giants' OTA workout Tuesday featured two troubling items.
Defending a running back from criticism has been as simple as blaming defenses for "stacking the box" against him. It's usually not that simple. The subject came up here most recently after we considered why the St.
Fifth-round tight end Luke Willson was one of the more impressive players in rookie camp with the Seattle Seahawks recently. It's looking like the team will need him. 2012 Seahawks TE Use, 1st/2nd Downs TEs Plays Yards/play 0 35 5.
How does each NFC West team look at running back, and what still needs to be done? Arizona Cardinals: This is a transitional year at the position for Arizona. Free-agent addition Rashard Mendenhall gets a shot to revive his career following a disappointing finish with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Seth from New Orleans recently hit the NFC West mailbag with a question seeking clarification for recent items regarding what Michael Crabtree's injury will mean to the San Francisco 49ers. He thinks some of my analysis appeared contradictory, but I'm pretty confident we can bridge what Seth sees as a potential gap in logic.
Around the NFC West: May 24, 2013 Arizona Cardinals Somers: Crabtree dominated Cards McManaman: Mathieu signs 1st deal Urban: Mathieu, CB Arenas noticed Weinfuss: Acho, Okafor are reunited St.
Quarterback Sam Bradford pointed to team speed when asked what the St. Louis Rams' offense offers for 2013. "We're much faster now," Bradford told reporters in St. Louis on Thursday. "I think we’re all hoping that’s going to lead to more explosive plays.
The one-game NFL suspension recently levied against St. Louis Rams guard Rokevious Watkins looked like the latest setback in his attempt to win over the team's coaching staff. After all, Watkins had reported to training camp overweight as a rookie last year.
Tyrann Mathieu's new contract with the Arizona Cardinals is making headlines for the financial particulars. These particulars mean a great deal to the people directly involved in negotiations. Agents, team negotiators and Mathieu himself have a stake in conditions attached to the reported $662,500 in bonus money available to the cornerback from LSU.
The San Francisco 49ers, though unusually healthy in recent seasons, had a hard time recovering from injuries to return specialist Ted Ginn Jr. and top defensive lineman Justin Smith over the past two seasons.
We interrupt ongoing coverage of Michael Crabtree's surgically repaired Achilles tendon to continue our recent discussion on average ages for projected 2013 NFL starting lineups. Offense went first. Defense is up next.
In this ESPN Insider piece, Matt Bowen identifies two NFC North players among five projections of second-yearmen destined for breakout years. You'll need an Insider subscription to read the entire post, but I can sneak you the gist of it below.
We've spent a good part of this week discussing feuds of varying degrees, from the dissipating animosity between Brett Favre and the Green Bay Packers to the now-healed relationship between Mike Ditka and the Chicago Bears.
How does each NFC North team look at running back, and what still needs to be done? Chicago Bears: If you were drawing up plans for an experienced but diverse backfield, you could do a lot worse than modeling after the Bears.
Mike Ditka's final season as a player for the Chicago Bears was in 1966. His last season as their coach was 1992. So why did it take 47 years after his departure as a player, and 21 years after his final season as the coach, to retire the number of one of the most recognizable figures in team history?
We're Black and Blue All Over: Thursday, we broached the topic of whether the Chicago Bears would retire the number of middle linebacker Brian Urlacher. As it turns out, the team is dealing with a backlog on that issue.
I liked what I heard -- er, read -- from Detroit Lions tight end Brandon Pettigrew this week. As Tim Twentyman of the Lions' website writes, Pettigrew has pledged to rectify the series of negative plays he made last season.
Oh. My. GOD. If I see one more story or hear one more radio interview about the much-suggested but still-unplanned reunion between the Green Bay Packers and Brett Favre, why, I'm going to pack up my blogger uniform, head down to my ranch, start cutting the grass and not come back until the rest of ESPN.
To this point of the offseason, the Minnesota Vikings have elected to carry untouched the largest salary-cap hit for a non-quarterback in the NFL. Despite his cap charge of $17.063 million, defensive end Jared Allen told the Star Tribune recently that "we haven't talked one iota" about a contract extension that would lower that figure.
All we know for sure is that on May 21 -- more than two months before training camp and 109 days before the start of the regular season -- Mike Neal was working as an outside linebacker during a Green Bay Packers organized team activity (OTA).
We're Black and Blue All Over: Now that we've dissected Brian Urlacher's retirement and assessed his chances at enshrinement in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, we should ask the next question: Will the Bears retire his No.
How does each NFC South team look at running back, and what still needs to be done? Atlanta Falcons: The Falcons upgraded this position quite a bit in free agency by replacing Michael Turner with Steven Jackson.
Atlanta Falcons The Falcons are trying to beef up their defense in the form of four-time Pro-Bowl tackle Richard Seymour. According to FOX Sports.com and FOX Sports South.com, Seymour and the Falcons are in contract talks, although the Falcons do not have much salary-cap room.
Tony Dungy has been selected at No. 20 on our Greatest Coaches in NFL History list over on our main NFL page. I’d like to say I saw this one coming all the way, but I can’t. Truth is, I was covering the Buccaneers for The Tampa Tribune back when Dungy was hired to coach Tampa Bay in 1996, and I wasn’t so sure he’d make it through a single season.
Atlanta Falcons The Falcons have set a franchise record for season-ticket sales. Falcons kicker Matt Bryant was among the players who spent time fishing Wednesday with Wounded Warrior veterans. Carolina Panthers Joseph Person of the Charlotte Observer: "The three big-bodied linemen who are the anchors of the Carolina Panthers’ 2013 NFL draft class are under contract.
The Carolina Panthers signed defensive tackle Star Lotulelei, the 14th overall pick in April's draft, to a four-year deal, his agent told the Associated Press on Wednesday. The 6-foot-2, 311-pounder out of the University of Utah is "extremely excited to officially become a Panther," Bruce Tollner said.
Atlanta Falcons When he signs his new deal, quarterback Matt Ryan is projected to be a member of the $100 million club. League owners voted Tuesday to give the Falcons $200 million in funding the new planned stadium.
Atlanta Falcons Coach Mike Smith reveals the process of persuading Tony Gonzalez to return to the Falcons for one more season, including a personal visit to Gonzalez' home in California. Five finalists, according to the Atlanta Business Chronicle, are in the running to build the new $1 billion stadium for the Falcons.
Atlanta Falcons General manager Thomas Dimitroff tells D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution the Falcons are not in a rush to get a contract together for quarterback Matt Ryan because, "We all know that Matt is going to be here for a long time.
I’ll be off this week, but please keep an eye on the NFC South blog. Our editors will post links, videos and anything that’s relevant to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, and New Orleans Saints.
We had all sorts of great questions in Friday's NFC South chat. Here's a team-by-team look at some of the highlights: ATLANTA FALCONS eric (arcata, ca) [via mobile]: the last time the falcons dropped 100 mill on a qb it didnt turn out as well.
All this week the AFC East blog posted its "Show and Prove" series for 2013. This highlighted eight players in the division with a lot to prove this season. You can see the full lineup here. But let’s take a look back at the “Show and Prove” Class of 2012 and see if they flopped or graduated with flying colors.
The New England Patriots signed rookie receiver Josh Boyce to a four-year contract, the Boston Herald reports. The total value of the contract reportedly is worth $2.637 million. Boyce was New England’s fourth-round pick and will compete with several receivers for the No.
The AFC East blog continues its "Show and Prove" series for players in the division in 2013. Next up, we take a look at Miami Dolphins left tackle Jonathan Martin. 2012 stats: 16 starts What he must prove: Martin has to prove that he can make the switch full-time from right tackle to left tackle, which is one of the toughest transitions in the NFL level.
This month, a couple of fringe New York Jets -- Cliff Harris and Claude Davis -- were arrested for marijuana possession. The Jets swiftly cut both players without hesitation and without letting the legal system run its course.
How does each AFC East team look at running back, and what still needs to be done? Buffalo Bills: The Bills have one of the NFL’s strongest duos in C.J. Spiller and Fred Jackson. They complement each other very well.
We have an interesting topic in this week’s "Poll Friday" blog in the AFC East. So often we discuss which team will win the AFC East. But which team will finish last in 2013? Will it be the New York Jets?
Here are the most interesting stories Friday the AFC East: Miami Dolphins second-year quarterback Ryan Tannehill is an under-25 player on the rise. Morning take: The Dolphins are expecting big things from Tannehill in Year 2.
The AFC East blog continues its "Show and prove" series for the division in 2013. On Thursday, we take a look at New England Patriots starting cornerback Alfonzo Dennard. 2012 stats: 35 tackles, three INTs What he must prove: Dennard has to prove that the strong finish to his rookie season wasn’t a fluke.
Cue the circus music and get out the clown suits. The zany New York Jets are at it again. This time, the annual backbiting is occurring earlier than usual. One anonymous Jets player told Mike Freeman of CBSSports.
DAVIE, Fla. -- Dannell Ellerbe had to travel more than 1,100 miles south to escape Ray Lewis' large and overwhelming shadow. Coming off a Super Bowl victory, Ellerbe had a tough decision to make in free agency: He could either be heir apparent to Lewis -- the legendary Baltimore Ravens middle linebacker who retired in February -- or aim to build his own legacy at middle linebacker with the Miami Dolphins.
Former Denver coach Mike Shanahan is No. 19 on ESPN’s list of top 20 NFL coaches of all time. Shanahan coached the Broncos from 1995-2008, leading them to the back-to-back Super Bowl titles in 1997 and '98.
How does each AFC West team look at running back, and what still needs to be done? Denver Broncos: The Broncos still have Willis McGahee, but he could become a salary-cap casualty. McGahee still runs hard and effectively (he’s averaged 4.
Denver Broncos Patriots quarterback Tom Brady said he wasn't surprised that Wes Welker opted to sign with the Broncos. "I don't think anything surprises me anymore in the NFL," Brady said in an interview with WEEI sports radio in Boston.
Denver Broncos Adam Gase, making the step up from quarterbacks coach to offensive coordinator, credits predecessor Mike McCoy for helping him feel prepared. "Mike did a great job in letting me help him in everything we did," Gase told the Denver Post of McCoy, now the Chargers' head coach.
ALAMEDA, Calif. -- Charles Woodson had gotten word that Oakland fans had mobilized through social media to hold a rally at his free-agent visit to the Raiders. Even Woodson was blown away by the reception, which included more than a hundred fans decked out in Raiders gear and costumes waiting at the team facility for his arrival Tuesday.
San Diego Chargers Left tackle Max Starks, who spent his first nine seasons with the Steelers, agreed to a one-year deal with the Chargers. GM Tom Telesco deserves credit for upgrading a position that was a serious weakness last season, writes Tom Krasovic of U-T San Diego.
ALAMEDA, Calif. -- Free-agent defensive back Charles Woodson has signed a one-year contract with the Oakland Raiders, a return to his original team. Woodson's deal is worth a maximum of $4.3 million and includes a $700,000 signing bonus, ESPN's Josina Anderson reported.
Denver Broncos With the addition of Wes Welker, the Broncos now have three receivers who caught a combined 291 passes last season. So how will Peyton Manning distribute passes next season? "What we try to develop around here is the idea that everyone wants to touch it, everybody wants the ball," Broncos coach John Fox said via Mike Klis of the Denver Post.
Denver Broncos The Broncos insist they have moved on from last season's playoff loss to Baltimore and remain behind safety Rahim Moore, who was beat for a 70-yard touchdown in the final minute of regulation.
I will be on vacation until May 28. But please stick around. I will periodically have a few posts on special project that is upcoming. Our blog editing teams will keep you updated with headlines around the AFC West while I am away.
How does each AFC North team look at running back, and what still needs to be done? Baltimore Ravens: Ray Rice is only 26, but he has taken a lot of hits. Although he put together a fantastic season, as usual, in 2012, he looked worn down late in the year and during the Ravens’ Super Bowl run.
Baltimore Ravens Recently retired Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher said former Raven Ray Lewis is the best middle linebacker of all time, reports John Breech of CBSSports.com. Could Joe Flacco have his best season yet in 2013?
Baltimore Ravens Linebacker Arthur Brown is going to be out for at least a month while he recovers from sports hernia surgery. Mike Preston of The Baltimore Sun offers a few thoughts from Wednesday's OTA session that was open to the media.
PITTSBURGH -- Heath Miller knows his football career isn't over, just paused. When the injured Pittsburgh Steelers Pro Bowl tight end will be able to hit the "play" button again is anybody's guess. Miller included.
Baltimore Ravens Rookie outside linebacker John Simon signed a four-year deal with the team. Jacoby Jones finished third in his stint on "Dancing with the Stars." Cincinnati Bengals Quarterback Andy Dalton wasted little time in working on his deep throws during Tuesday's first OTA session.
Baltimore Ravens Deonte Thompson might have the early inside track to start at wide receiver opposite Torrey Smith. "[Thompson] could sneak in there, he looks different, is fast and catches everything," Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said.
Baltimore Ravens After an eventful offseason, the Ravens could be in store for more tough personnel decisions in 2014. Linebacker Michael McAdoo says he has something prove this season. Cincinnati Bengals Bengals coach Marvin Lewis put his charitable side to work Sunday during his annual golf outing.
From now until the start of training camps in late July, I will take some time off. This week will be one where I'll be leaving the blog in the capable hands of our editors, who will keep you informed with all the latest news.
The Pittsburgh Steelers will have competition at running back and outside linebacker this year, although I believe rookies Le'Veon Bell and Jarvis Jones will win those jobs. The most wide-open battle in Pittsburgh is in the return game.
Cleveland Browns quarterback Brandon Weeden told The Plain Dealer that he wasn't given any advance warning that the team was going to sign Brian Hoyer, and that he hasn't been told of Hoyer's role. "It's part of this business, and if you start worrying about it, that's too much to worry about," Weeden said.
How does each AFC South team look at running back, and what still needs to be done? Houston: Led by Arian Foster, Houston is a run-first team, and just about everything the Texans do on offense stems from their rushing attack.
Houston Texans Texans owner Bob McNair and his wife Janice donated $100,000 to the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma Disaster Relief Fund, writes Tania Ganguli of the Houston Chronicle. The donation will aid relief efforts after Monday’s deadly tornado struck Moore, Okla.
ESPN.com’s large-scale “Greatest Coaches in NFL History” project includes a rating of the top 20 coaches of all-time. And No. 20 made his biggest mark with the Indianapolis Colts: Tony Dungy.
Houston Texans Free safety Ed Reed has not been at OTAs while recovering from hip surgery, but the Texans expect him to be ready for the start of the regular season, writes Nick Scurfield of the team's website.
Houston Texans First-round draft pick DeAndre Hopkins, a receiver out of Clemson, is making a good impression in OTAs (organized team activities), writes Drew Dougherty of the team's website. “He has great size,” starting cornerback Kareem Jackson said of Hopkins.
Houston Texans Brooks Reed lined up at inside linebacker as the Texans started OTAs, writes Nick Scurfield of the team's website. For now, the Texans are giving him as many reps as possible at the new position while they look at Bryan Braman and rookies Sam Montgomery and Trevardo Williams in Reed’s usual outside linebacker position on the strong side.
Houston Texans Texans linebacker Brooks Reed revealed on Sunday he had surgery on his groin in late January, but says he is "100 percent" and ready for OTAs. Five things to watch at Texans OTAs, from Nick Scurfield of the team website.
A look at key players for each AFC South team who are coming back from injuries: Houston Texans: There isn’t an easy, obvious fit here. Inside linebacker Brian Cushing is crucial, but all indications are he’s already largely back from the torn ACL he suffered early last season and will be good to go for training camp.
I asked Mike Rodak of ESPNBoston.com for an assessment of two defensive linemen the Jaguars recently claimed off waivers from New England: Kyle Love and Brandon Deaderick. Here are Rodak's insights: "Both Love and Deaderick joined the Patriots in 2010, Deaderick as a seventh-round pick and Love as an undrafted free agent.
Houston Texans The team signed outside linebacker Trevardo Williams, a fourth-round pick in this year's draft, to a four-year deal Thursday. The Texans have now signed five of their draft picks. The Texans' director of college scouting, Mike Maccagnan, sat down with Nick Scurfield to give his assessment of nose tackle Chris Jones, a sixth-rounder out of Bowling Green.
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