News From Around the NFC East 2-24-2015
Here are a few stories/links from around the NFC East the last few days. Just click each underlined link to view the full story in a new browser tab.
Giants News
Giants’ Tom Coughlin expected to sign 1-year contract extension after Combine, per report | NJ.com
All it needs is to do the I’s and cross the T’s.
An explanation of Franchise/Transition designations
As of Feb. 16, teams could tag one player among veteran free agents until the 4 p.m. ET deadline on March 2. The salary offer by a player’s club determines whether the franchise player designation is exclusive or non-exclusive (see further explanation below).
Todd McShay likes Stanford offensive tackle Andrus Peat, but would Giants consider him at No. 9? | NJ.com
The first thing you notice when Stanford offensive tackle Andrus Peat walked up to the podium at Lucas Oil Stadium for his media availability at the NFL Combine last week was his massive frame. Unlike some football players who tip the scales at 300 pounds in a gelatinous but deceivingly athletic way, Peat is 6-7, 313 pounds of sheer bulk.
NFL Combine winners and losers with a Giants slant | NJ.com
Several offensive linemen were highlighted, for good and bad.
Giants’ Jerry Reese dismisses Odell Beckham Jr.’s ‘two torn hamstrings’ story | NJ.com
Let’s get one thing out of the way, Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. did not play his entire rookie season in 2014 with two torn hamstrings. As general manager Jerry Reese said during his press conference at the NFL Scouting Combine on Saturday, there is no way Beckham would have been as dynamic as he was if he was fighting through an injury like that. “I don’t know about that,” Reese said. “I think he was trying to be a hero. I don’t think you can run fast like that with two torn hamstrings.”
Cowboys
Cowboys News
Learning From The Past: Free Agents The Dallas Cowboys Should Avoid – Blogging The Boys
When it comes to free agency, the Cowboys have had their share of missteps in the past. We look at some common free agency mistakes and identify a couple of things the Cowboys should avoid.
Could Cowboys go with committee approach at RB? – NFC East Blog – ESPN
On Saturday, Dallas Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones said DeMarco Murray’s touches would be fewer in 2015 if the free-agent running back re-signs with the team. Murray Much of the debate about keeping Murray revolves around durability and sustaining production after a season like he had in 2014 when carried the ball 392 times for 1,845 yards. Asking any running back to repeat a franchise-record season is ridiculously unfair, but if the Cowboys are unable to retain Murray they could look to replace him with two runners.
Cowboys’ Frank Pollack comes with Bill Callahan’s seal of approval – ESPN
With Bill Callahan leaving for the Washington Redskins, Frank Pollack will guide the Dallas Cowboys’ offensive line.
A year later, DeMarcus Lawrence remains Dallas Cowboys’ priority – ESPN
“Affecting the quarterback is important to playing good defense in this league,” coach Jason Garrett said. “And at times last year we did a good job at that. Other times we didn’t. And you just put too much of a stress and burden on guys on the back end if you are not around that guy.” The Cowboys had just 28 sacks as a team. Mincey led the Cowboys with six. A year ago at this time the Cowboys started to focus on Boise State defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence. They had him as the third-best right defensive end in the draft. After taking Zack Martin in the first round, they traded up in the second round with the Washington Redskins to take Lawrence, giving up their third-rounder.
“Since Dez changed agents we haven’t had timely or substantive negotiations,” Jones said. “We thought we had something in the middle of the season, early part of the season. That didn’t work out. That’s not a criticism. It just didn’t work out. So from the standpoint from where we are there, we’ll just see. “Contract negotiations are a funny thing. You shouldn’t measure progress by the latest visit or the fact that things are silent. It takes two and when an agreement can be reached it can be done in a matter of hours and so you’ve got to be careful measuring any degree of interest any degree of urgency. You can’t measure it like that. “We’re real clear: Dez is a player we want for long term.” If a deal is not reached by March 2, the Cowboys will use the franchise tag on Bryant, preventing him from entering free agency. Bryant has said he would be “highly disappointed” by that result. “I can tell you I’m not that excited about the franchise tag with Dez simply because I’d like to have our agreement and our business in place for a long time to come with Dez,” Jones said. “But the franchise is there for a reason and situations like this are what everyone had in mind.”
Mo Claiborne’s health complicating entire cornerback spot – NFC East Blog – ESPN
As the Cowboys enter 2015, they have only questions at cornerback in large part because of Mo Claiborne.
How to maximize Tony Romo’s time left – NFC East Blog – ESPN
Romo turns 35 in April. He is coming off his best season, leading the NFL in completion percentage and passer rating. He had 34 touchdown passes and nine interceptions. He fulfilled the promise he made in training camp that his best years were ahead of him. But how long can Romo play at such a high level? Two years? Three? That three- to five-year range? He has had two back surgeries. He played through two transverse process fractures in 2014. He played through torn rib cartilage.
Eagles News
Nate Allen cleared of wrongdoing in Florida incident – Bleeding Green Nation
State Attorney Steve Russell said in a statement: “After reviewing the case and situation, Mr. Nate Allen should be commended for his patience, cooperation, and understanding. Further the victim should be commended for her cooperation and willingness to report the offense.”
The Big Question: True Value Of Combine
Report: Eagles Will Pursue CB Maxwell
According to a report from DraftInsider.net’s Tony Pauline, the Eagles are among the front runners in pursuit of Seattle Seahawks cornerback Byron Maxwell. Maxwell, 26, is slated to become a free agent when free agency begins on March 10. He was a sixth-round pick by the Seahawks in the 2011 Draft and started 13 games this past season. Seahawks general manager John Schneider acknowledged that it could be difficult to retain Maxwell.
Forward Progress: Mychal Kendricks
Headlines: Tracking The Combine’s Stars
Recapping an electric Saturday at the NFL Combine, in which quarterbacks threw and impressed scouts. Other impressive performances at the Combine? How about two potential premier pass rushers? The quarterback question is burning hot, and Dave Spadaro is here to take a look at the situation.
Redskins News
Bruce Allen: Robert Griffin III still has high ceiling – NFL.com
On Wednesday, Redskins coach Jay Gruden got behind Robert Griffin III as his starting quarterback in 2015. On Thursday, it was team president Bruce Allen’s turn to support the embattled passer.
Questionable Motives are Becoming Visible From Tribe Fighting to Change Redskins Name
Jay Gruden at the Combine: RGIII and Players
Redskins head coach Jay Gruden sits down with Larry Michael at the 2015 Combine to talk about quarterback Robert Griffin III and the Redskins defensive players.
Deion Sanders Says David Amerson ‘Needs to Take This Game Serious’ « CBS DC
“Amerson is inconsistent. Needs to take this game serious,” Sanders said. “Needs to understand that this is your occupation. This is your career. This is your job. You’re getting paid to do this.”
Ryan Kerrigan Combine Videocasts Compilation
Check out this compilation of Washington Redskins outside linebacker Ryan Kerrigan’s 2015 NFL Combine Videocasts, including interviews with Bruce Allen and Chris Mortensen.
Bruce Allen says changes coming to Washington Redskins’ offense – ESPN
Redskins president Bruce Allen said the team will be making “some changes to our offense this year.”
Report: Redskins and A.J. Smith Could Not Work Out New Contract – Hogs Haven
Jim Donaldson of the Providence Journal is reporting that A.J. Smith and the Washington Redskins could not work out a new deal to keep him in the organization as a Senior Executive. Smith joined the Redskins after being fired by the San Diego Chargers, in 2013. Smith spent 10 years as the Chargers General Manager. He was known for accumulating talent through the draft early in his career, but making more questionable picks in his final years as GM. Smith’s role within the organization was never specified publicly, but it has been reported that his main duty has been advising on the draft.
Draft lacks many safety options for Washington Redskins – ESPN
Team might need to use free agency to find starters.
The Redskins Blog | Is Darrell Green Going To Run Another 40-Yard Dash?
Redskins vet DeAngelo Hall updates his recovery | Comcast SportsNet Washington
“You know I’m coming off that Achilles, so…” Hall cracked, asked about his current 40-yard dash time. “So I probably won’t be running a 40 no time soon.” Hall did, however, say that he intends to play in 2015 and has started the rehab process. A league source recently told CSNWashington.com that Hall expects to be ready for training camp. “I feel great,” Hall added later. “I’m walking around, running in the water right now. So I’m feeling good. The recovery is going good.”
Marcus Mariota’s showing could help the Washington Redskins – ESPN
If Oregon quarterback is selected in top five, Washington could benefit in several ways.
Sean Taylor Book “Going Full Speed” as Told by Pedro Taylor to Come out in Spring – HTTR4LIFE.com –
Sean Taylor Book Going Full Speed, the Sean Taylor Stories as Told by Pedro Pete Taylor to Come out in Spring 2015; The story that needs to be told…
Post Shanahan Interview Thoughts – Fanspeak Washington Redskins Blog
What are the Redskins’ options with Pierre Garçon’s contract? | Rich Tandler’s Real Redskins
There is chatter out there that the Redskins are looking to do something with Pierre Garçon’s contract. That deal has two years left to go with cap hits of $9.7 million this year and $10.2 million in 2016 and Redskins may want to lower that number.
NFL/Draft News
Football Outsiders is the internet home for Innovative Statistics and Intelligent Analysis of professional and college football. Our writers, lead by Aaron Schatz, also write Pro Football Prospectus.
How one fan bought Vince Lombardi’s sweater for 58 cents and sold it for $43K
A sweater once belonging to legendary coach Vince Lombardi, a one-time Giants offensive coordinator, brought in over $43,000
NFLPA Says 2015 Salary Cap Will Be At Least $143M – Over the Cap
salary cap, contracts, bonus money, dead money, and cap savings for every player in 2015 and beyond
Thoughts and Observations From Day 3 of the Combine: DL and LB’s – Fanspeak’s NFL Draft Blog
An explanation of Franchise/Transition designations
As of Feb. 16, teams could tag one player among veteran free agents until the 4 p.m. ET deadline on March 2. The salary offer by a player’s club determines whether the franchise player designation is exclusive or non-exclusive (see further explanation below).
Marcus Mariota, Jameis Winston shine at NFL combine – ESPN
Marcus Mariota and Jameis Winston went into the NFL scouting combine as the consensus top quarterback prospects in this year’s draft. After several days of being measured, weighed, interviewed, timed and put through their paces, nothing has changed. Mariota and Winston still look exactly the same as they did based on their college careers. Winston Mariota “[Mariota] and Jameis are the best in this class,” Cowboys coach Jason Garrett told NFL Network Saturday, “and they will be franchise guys for a particular team in this league.”
WR Dorial Green-Beckham: Talent vs. troubles | Comcast SportsNet Washington
The yin and yang of Green-Beckham are tremendous talent, Calvin Johnson-like size (6-5, 237) but a history that includes two marijuana arrests, an accusation that he forced his way into an apartment and pushed a woman down the stairs, and getting kicked off of the team at Missouri. Green-Beckham said that he wishes he could take back some of the decisions he made in the past. “It happened,” he said at the NFL Combine on Thursday. “I was young. I made mistakes. I understand that.”
Report: Cowboys requested shoulder exam on Florida State QB Jameis Winston | Dallas Morning News
The Dallas Cowboys requested an electromyography be performed on former Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston’s throwing shoulder at the NFL Scouting Combine, NFL.com’s Albert Breer reported. The results of the exam showed no issue.
2015 NFL Combine Workouts: Defensive Backs
Here’s a gallery from the defensive back workouts that took place at the 2015 NFL Combine.
2015 NFL Combine Workouts: Offensive Line
Here’s a gallery from the offensive line workouts that took place at the 2015 NFL Combine.
Jay Ajayi (6-0, 221 pounds) rushed for 1,823 yards last season and tied Doak Walker Award winner Melvin Gordon of Wisconsin for the NCAA scoring title with his 192 points on 32 touchdowns. He also became the only back in FBS history with 1,800 yards rushing and 500 yards receiving in the same season.
Missouri’s Shane Ray aiming to be among the first pass rushers drafted – Washington Times
Ray is among a trio of prospects hoping to become the first edge rusher taken in the NFL draft in April, with Nebraska’s Randy Gregory and Florida’s Dante Fowler also in the conversation.
