All Access: K.Jones To Start On PUP? PDF Print E-mail
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Wednesday, 16 July 2008 10:09

Tuesday was the tender deadline for restricted free agents. Find out who got paid.

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MCCOWN AIM OFF TARGET
Dolphins QB Josh McCown's index finger was needed six stitches recently when his brother Luke accidentally cut Josh's finger instead of firewood.

Mancini's Take: Nice going, lil' bro! Players with hatchets are never a winning combination. A few years back, former Jaguar punter Chris Hanson almost missed an entire season by gashing his non-kicking foot while swinging an ax in a symbolic gesture. Show me the funny, Mogo...swing away.

Mogollon's Take:Ever since the Hansen incident, I have stayed clear of sharp objects as motivational tools. As for cutting firewood, it shouldn’t be that difficult, but it’s something I wouldn’t recommend doing with the backup quarterback if you know what I’m saying. If this means more reps for John Beck and Chad Henne early on in camp, the duo certainly needs it.

JONES INKS WITH BEARS
Former Detroit Lions running back Kevin Jones signed a one year contract with the Chicago Bears on Tuesday. He now enters a backfield that includes presumed starter Matt Forte, the other Adrian Peterson, Garrett Wolfe and Matt Lawrence. Jones (knee) said that he spoke with Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin for an hour Monday, July 14, about possibly joining the team but Jones said he saw the Bears as a better opportunity because RB Matt Forte has yet to prove himself in the NFL. He might not be ready for the start of the team's training camp and could be a candidate to open the season on the Physically Unable to Perform list.

Mancini's Take: The fact that Jones may once again be unavailable for the start of the season tells you all you need to know about him as a player. He's an extremely fragile back, who must be used sparingly in order for him to stay on the field. The fact that the former Lion is now in Chicago will not change Matt Forte's role as the unquestioned leading man in the Bears backfield.

Mogollon's Take:This choice was easy, but it doesn’t matter which Adrian Peterson you are competing with for playing team, you’re not passing anyone on the depth chart from the Physical Unable to Perform list. If he ever sees the field Jones would be a very nice compliment to Forte, but that is a huge if at this point.

LEONARD TO START
Leonard is slated to be St. Louis' starting fullback for the 2008 season, the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

Mancini's Take: Leonard's versatility will only help the Rams and Steven Jackson as they try to bounce back from a horrendous year. Offensive coordinator Al Saunders will add some spice to this offense by devising lots of different formations, including lining up Leonard in a variety in positions. This offense had become way too vanilla in the recent past.

Mogollon's Take:Leonard has skills—he can block, catch the football and is an exceptional runner for a fullback. My hope is he gets an opportunity to get his hands on the pigskin from this seemingly forgotten position. In most offenses fullbacks are glorified guards, but the Rutgers product is somebody that defenses will have to actually account for—that is if the Rams actually put his talents to use.

DEAL OR NO DEAL: PART I
The Tennessee Titans and All Pro defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth failed to reach an agreement on a long-term contract by Tuesday's deadline for franchised players. Now Haynesworth must decide when, and if, to sign the tender paying him $7.25 million for the season with the Titans opening camp July 25.

Mancini's Take: The Titans are playing with fire. When you have that type of playmaking talent at defensive tackle, you need to lock him up. Although, Haynesworth has failed to play an entire 16-game season, he's a unique difference-maker that makes everyone around him better by wreaking havoc in the opposing backfield while fighting through double and triple teams. The smart teams take care of these types of players, just as Chicago did with Tommie Harris. If the Titans think that Phat Albert is asking for too much dough, he can just point to the Raiders hooking the mediocre Tommy Kelly up with $13.62 in guaranteed funds as part of a $50.5 million deal. Dan, I defy you tell me why this man shouldn't get a long-term deal right now.

Mogollon's Take:(In my deepest voice) Hey, hey, hey…a big bushel of money should be on its way. The man is a unique talent, possessing the quickness to get into the opposing backfield, as well as the girth to take on double teams on a regular basis, protecting his linebackers. Haynesworth makes his teammates better. Durability is a concern, but he is irreplaceable so I shall not defy you Reverend—not today at least.

DEAL OR NO DEAL: PART II
The Baltimore Ravens were unable to sign franchise player Terrell Suggs to a contract extension before Tuesday's NFL deadline. Suggs is scheduled to play under a new defensive end-linebacker designation with an $8.5 million salary after a compromise between the two sides. Suggs has yet to sign his franchise tender and isn't allowed to practice until he does.

Mancini's Take: The Ravens traditionally take care of their premiere trench players, and I don't believe Suggs will be an exception. Suggs' long reach and lightning quick first step make him a true force at outside linebacker. GM Ozzie Newsome has already publicly acknowledged the importance of signing Suggs to a new deal. Let's get to work, Oz. You know what time it is.

Mogollon's Take: I wonder if his career low five sacks in 2007 has anything to do with this? To be fair, Suggs did a better job against the run with a career best 78 tackles, several of which came behind the line of scrimmage. It’s hard to gauge his value, he’s very good at what he does but I wouldn’t call him a great. At 25, he is young enough to be a part of the Ravens’ foundation along with Ed Reed as they rebuild.

DEAL OR NO DEAL: PART III
The Oakland Raiders and star cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha failed to agree on a long-term contract before Tuesday's deadline for franchised players. With no deal in place, Asomugha will be guaranteed $9.765 million for this season as soon as he signs.

Mancini's Take: After signing the aforementioned Kelly and Javon Walker to ridiculous deals, the Raiders may find themselves unable to satisfy Asomugha with what he's seeking. The 6'2" corner is a shutdown player who plays with a nasty streak. It's too bad that clueless Al Davis is too busy locking up lesser players. I hate to beat a dead horse, but the stench from this dead carcass is getting stronger and more pungent by the hour. Perhaps the Sports Master can provide some air freshening insight.

Mogollon's Take:You forgot paying beaucoup bucks for Gibril Wilson. Asomugha seems to have come into his own as a cover corner, although his interception total did drop from eight in 2006 to just one last season, which couldn’t have helped his cause at the negotiating table. With DeAngelo Hall manning the other corner position, Asomugha should get more playmaking opportunities and a chance to earn a long-term contract. When you see what the Raiders have given the likes of Kelly, Walker and Wilson it does make you scratch your head.

DEAL OR NO DEAL: PART IV
The Cowboys signed Hamlin, who had been designated with their franchise tag, to a six-year, $39 million contract on Tuesday, ESPN.com reports. The deal includes $15 million in guaranteed money and a $9 million signing bonus.

Mancini's Take: Kudos to the Cowboys for locking up a key componenet to their defense. Hamlin showed great range and anticipatory skills last year. He should continue being an asset to this team.

Mogollon's Take:Agreed, $39 million may sound like a ton of payola, but when compared to what others have received in free agency (see the aforementioned Gibril Wilson), it is fairly reasonable. He was a significant upgrade to the Big D secondary last season and could be even better as the ‘Boys appear to have solidified the corner position.

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