Saturday Sept 1 News & Tweets

[Happy Human 1001]

VOTE: Keeping 2 QBs a good idea?
http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/ct-spt-bears-poll-0901,0,4137040.poll

 

[Happy Human 1001]

Bears set 53-man roster — for now
Next few days could bring turmoil as free agents such as Okoye become available

By Brad Biggs, Chicago Tribune reporter

7:35 p.m. CDT, August 31, 2012
The Bears wanted to bring Amobi Okoye back after last season but couldn't get a deal done to prevent him from bolting for the Buccaneers.

Now, they're adding him just in time for Week 1, provided a bothersome knee checks out in a physical that is expected to be performed Saturday. The Bucs cut Okoye loose after he struggled staying on the practice field for them following arthroscopic knee surgery in June.

According to an NFL source, he will sign a one-year contract with the Bears for the minimum if their medical staff checks off on the knee. That would give the defense a proven performer at a position that has been a question mark, particularly with Stephen Paea sidelined since suffering an ankle sprain Aug. 11. Paea is expected to return to practice next week and now Okoye will give coach Lovie Smith and defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli a familiar option coming off a year in which he participated in 55 percent of the defensive snaps and had four sacks.

If the Bears add Okoye they will need to clear a roster spot a day after making moves to reach the 53-man limit. That is the cruel reality of this weekend for players at the bottom of the roster who survive "final" cuts one day only to be zapped the next.

None of the moves made Friday were stunning but two players who had big offensive games in a 28-20 victory Thursday against the Browns in Cleveland were let go.

Veteran quarterback Josh McCown had his contract terminated and running back Armando Allen was waived. So, the Bears will go with two quarterbacks on the roster for the first time since 2009 with Jay Cutler and Jason Campbell. The club will sign Matt Blanchard to the practice squad Saturday, according to a source.

The Bears cut a pair of draft picks as cornerbacks Isaiah Frey and Greg McCoy were placed on waivers. It was notable the team gave up on both the sixth- and seventh-round picks, a departure from tendencies in the Jerry Angelo era. Instead of being forced to cut fullback Tyler Clutts, the Bears found a trading partner. He was dealt to the Texans for cornerback Sherrick McManis, a former Northwestern standout Houston drafted in the fifth round in 2010. McManis projects to be a special teams addition.

"I am really happy to come back home to play for the home team," the Peoria Richwoods grad said. "I'm going to give them everything I've got and show them I was well worth getting. Trades don't happen that often and I am very appreciative for the opportunity to go to Chicago."

Veteran defensive end Chauncey Davis had his contract terminated after Cheta Ozougwu outperformed him in preseason. Ozougwu had a sack against the Browns and was consistent rushing the passer through summer with a quick first step.

Wide receivers Joe Anderson, Brittan Golden and Terriun Crump, safety Mark LeGree, cornerbacks Cornelius Brown and Jonathan Wilhite, linebackers Xavier Adibi and Jabara Williams, defensive linemen Jordan Miller and Aston Whiteside, tight end Brandon Venson and offensive linemen Ricky Henry, Cory Brandon, James Brown and A.J. Greene were let go. Anderson, Williams, Henry, Brandon and Brown could return on the practice squad along with Frey and McCoy.

Defensive tackle Nate Collins was moved to the reserve/suspended list to serve a one-week punishment. He does not count against the roster but a decision will have to be made on him after the season opener. Wide receiver Dane Sanzenbacher made the roster as expected and safety Jeremy Jones and linebacker Patrick Trahan stuck after nice games in Cleveland. Punter Ryan Quigley remains on the roster with Adam Podlesh still working his way back from a hip injury.

Still, the 53-man roster remains a work in progress and the bottom of it can be turned over quickly.

bmbiggs@tribune.com

Twitter @BradBiggs

Copyright © 2012, Chicago Tribune

 

[Happy Human 1001]

McCown just doesn't fit on Bears roster
Reliable veteran didn't make sense as No. 3 QB, but he could get a call later this season

Dan Pompei On the NFL

7:20 p.m. CDT, August 31, 2012
On Thursday, Josh McCown was a hero.

On Friday, he was holding a large garbage bag full of whatever belongings had been in his Halas Hall locker.

The reason McCown no longer is a Bear is he is neither as good as Jason Campbell nor as young as Matt Blanchard.

He is not a fit on the Bears roster at this point, which is why signing him in March was odd. But that isn't to say he won't fit on the Bears roster at some point this season, and that might be why signing him in March was wise.

Now McCown has experience in the system and knowledge of the Bears receivers. If Jay Cutler or Campbell goes down, McCown likely will get the first call if he is available.

So really, McCown still is the Bears' third quarterback. Just without the paycheck and free Nikes.

As a No. 2 quarterback, he might be sufficient. But the Bears aspired to become more talented at the position after getting burned with Caleb Hanie last year.

As a No. 3 quarterback, the role he would have filled, McCown doesn't fit the mold. At 33, he is a journeyman who has lasted nine years and played on seven teams. He is a wonderful locker-room guy but ultimately a Band-Aid as a player.

McCown is the ideal emergency quarterback, a plug-and-play guy. He is a quick study. He has a wide breadth of experience. There isn't a trace of bonehead in his play. He can avoid pressure and buy second chances. And most important, he knows how to hand off.

If a team does not have a young developmental prospect who is too attractive to other teams to put on the practice squad, keeping two quarterbacks is the best solution.

If something were to happen to Cutler and Campbell in one game, the Bears would be in trouble. They would have to finish with Devin Hester or Matt Forte running some tricked-out offense. But that's unlikely.

The Bears went the two-quarterback route in 2009 and survived.

Last year, 15 teams kept only two quarterbacks at the start of the season. Among them were the 15-win Packers, the 13-win 49ers, Saints and Ravens and the Super Bowl champion Giants.

So it's not like the Bears are walking on a tightrope without a net.

The Bears are in an ideal position to keep two quarterbacks because they have two who are durable and highly paid.

Between them, Cutler and Campbell will make more than $11 million this year. They make up 3.8 percent of the roster but account for 9 percent of the salary cap.

It makes more sense for the Bears to appropriate cap space to other positions.

You can look at it this way: The Bears gave McCown's roster spot to defensive tackle Brian Price, a player with potential who needs time to get with the program and develop physically. Price likely will be inactive for the foreseeable future, but the payoff could come late in the season or next year.

Or releasing McCown might enable them to sign defensive tackle Amobi Okoye, the one who got away. Okoye was the Bears' second-best interior pass rusher last year, but he signed with the Buccaneers in the offseason.

A knee issue contributed to him getting cut Friday, and he is scheduled to take a physical for the Bears on Saturday.

Okoye could be a good get for the Bears. He probably never will produce the way the Texans hoped he would when they made him the 10th pick of the 2007 draft, but his ability to get off the line, his craftiness rushing the passer and his relentlessness make him an ideal fit in the Bears defense.

If he's healthy, he would make an impact this year like he did last year.

The Bears have the luxury of going heavy at defensive tackle, or another position of need, in part because McCown's fob no longer gets him in the side door at Halas Hall.

McCown certainly performed well enough Thursday against the Browns to keep a roster spot. Maybe the Bears couldn't see past his rather unimpressive training camp and preseason before Thursday.

Then again, he probably was not going to fit on this roster at this time, no matter what he did.

dpompei@tribune.com

Twitter @danpompei

Copyright © 2012, Chicago Tribune

 

[Happy Human 1001]

Fred Mitchell: Broadcasters eager to jump on Bears bandwagon
Gruden and Tirico think they are Super Bowl contenders … if healthy

Fred Mitchell

September 1, 2012
OK, Bears fans, you asked for it.

High expectations, Super Bowl predictions, national preseason acclaim.

Bearszzzz!

Jay Cutler, Brandon Marshall, Matt Forte, Lance Briggs, Charles Tillman, Brian Urlacher … all of the playmakers are in place, even though Urlacher may not be in one totally healthy place.

I can't recall a recent Bears team with such reasonably ambitious goals, even though the foreboding defending NFC North champion Packers loom. Television networks and Chicago fans worldwide await the renaissance of last year's 8-8 Bears team with remotes cocked and loaded.

"They have upgraded their offense. They are going to be much improved there, I believe," "Monday Night Football" analyst and former Super Bowl coach Jon Gruden said last week.

"But the heart and soul of the Chicago Bears is Brian Urlacher. I look at the Baltimore Ravens with Ray Lewis in a similar light … tempo-setter — just the leader behind the scenes and on the scenes in Chicago is Brian Urlacher. The question is not only can he play, (but) can he play at the level he has played for the last decade in the middle of that defense and on every single down?"

Affirmation of Urlacher's NFL immortality awaits.

On offense, where the Bears averaged just 22.1 points per game last season, so much attention has been devoted to the addition of Brandon Marshall as a big receiving target for Cutler. But Gruden emphasized another acquisition who could help in the red zone.

"They are going to be much improved with the addition of the big back, (Michael) Bush, from the Raiders," Gruden said. "They now have a 1-2 combination (with Forte).

"And Jay Cutler, healthy, in a system he enjoys, he likes, he's excited about … and they have surrounded him with some big, talented receivers. The Bears are going to be a real threat to win the North and go deep in the playoffs, provided Urlacher is healthy and they stay healthy as a team."

To be sure, Urlacher's health is a major proviso. Coach Lovie Smith insists his Pro Bowl middle linebacker will be ready for the Sept. 9 home opener against the Colts and the following Thursday night game at Green Bay.

"Monday Night Football" play-by-play man Mike Tirico says he has picked the Bears to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl.

"Cutler doesn't get hurt last year, this is a playoff team," Tirico said. "Alshon Jeffrey along with Marshall can give them a really diverse look on the offensive side. They can put up some really good personnel groups."

The Bears are scheduled to appear on "MNF" three times — on the road against the Cowboys on Oct. 1 and 49ers on Nov. 19 and at home Oct. 22 vs. the Lions.

"The games we happen to see Chicago in this year might be the games that determine if they can end up winning this division," Tirico said. "Division win or not, this would be a team that if they can keep Urlacher healthy, would be my pick to get to the Super Bowl."

The Bears also host the Texans on Nov. 11 on Sunday night. That one might not be the marquee matchup that attracts the biggest ratings, like the Cowboys vs. Giants season opener Wednesday night on WMAQ-Ch. 5.

"If the Cowboys play the Giants in a parking lot in March, it's still going to be tremendous," said broadcaster Al Michaels, who will do play-by-play for that game. "The NFL is hotter than any sport at any time in the history of this country. I can't wait to get started."

Neither can I.

fmitchell@tribune.com

Twitter @kicker34

Copyright © 2012, Chicago Tribune

 

[Happy Human 1001]

Rosenbloom has some questions for the Bears
(video clip) http://www.chicagotribune.com/video...for-the-bears-20120831,0,5050828.premiumvideo

 

[Happy Human 1001]

Bears cut Josh McCown, go with two quarterbacks
BY MARK POTASH mpotash@suntimes.com August 31, 2012 10:16PM
Updated: September 1, 2012 2:12AM


Like so many backup quarterbacks in the NFL, Josh McCown was a victim of circumstance.

Last year, McCown was the Bears’ No. 3 quarterback when he should have been their No. 2. This year he was their No. 3 quarterback when they decided they don’t need a No. 3 quarterback.

So it went for the tough-luck McCown, whose release was a mild surprise as the Bears cut 21 players to set their 53-man roster Friday. Last year McCown could have saved the Bears’ playoff season after Jay Cutler was injured, but instead was left to relieve Caleb Hanie in Week 16 and turn out the lights on a second-half collapse. Now, with an offense ready to take off, he won’t even be along for the ride.

‘‘I understand this business, and I understand some of those moves have to be made,’’ McCown said. ‘‘But it’s a bummer because I feel like this is a very good team. You put a lot of work into being a part of the team. I wish I could be a part of it. But I’m still rooting for them.”

There were no big surprises. Veteran Lorenzo Booker beat out Armando Allen for the No. 3 running back spot. Fullback Tyler Clutts, the odd man out in an offense that doesn’t utilize a fullback, was traded to the Houston Texans for cornerback Sherrick McManis, the former Northwestern star who plays primarily on special teams. The Bears kept four tight ends: Kellen Davis, Matt Spaeth, rookie Evan Rodriguez and Kyle Adams.

‘‘It’s bittersweet,’’ Clutts said. ‘‘It’s tough leaving a place like Chicago. It’s a great city with great fans, great people. It was a great team to be a part of. I’m really going to miss the city. But I’m really excited about the new opportunity with a great organization that is on the rise.’’

The Bears are expected to sign defensive tackle Amobi Okoye, who had been cut by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Okoye played in all 16 games last year for the Bears and had four sacks. But he had knee surgery in the offseason and did not play in the Bucs’ final three preseason games. If Okoye signs, the Bears will have to make room for him.

Among the survivors were defensive end Cheta Ozougwu, who was kept over Chauncey Davis; linebacker Patrick Trahan, who made it over Xavier Adibi and Jabara Williams; and safety Jeremy Jones, an undrafted rookie from Wayne State.

Others cut include cornerback Jonathan Wilhite and linebacker Xavier Adibi, both of whom had started in the NFL; cornerback Cornelius Brown, defensive tackle Jordan Miller, safety Mark Legree, guard Ricky Henry and offensive tackle Cory Brandon.

The undrafted rookies who were cut were wide receivers Joe Anderson, Brittan Golden and Terriun Crump; tackles James Brown and A.J. Greene and tight end Brandon Venson.

The Bears can sign players to their eight-man practice squad beginning Saturday.

 

[Happy Human 1001]

Bears bringing back defensive lineman Amobi Okoye
BY SEAN JENSEN sjensen@suntimes.com August 31, 2012 10:16PM
Updated: September 1, 2012 2:12AM


Amobi Okoye is about to be back with the Bears.

The defensive lineman was released by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Friday morning, and he’s finalizing a deal to return to the Bears, according to a league source.

The 10th overall pick by the Houston Texans in the 2007 draft, Okoye posted his second-best sack total last season as a Bears reserve. He signed a one-year, $2 million deal with the Bucs during the offseason, but he underwent a knee scope in June and missed the last three preseason games.

Bucs rookie coach Greg Schiano apparently lost patience with Okoye, despite the Bucs’ depth trouble on the defensive line.

‘‘You can be a little cautious at times,’’ Schiano said of Okoye, according to the Tampa Times. ‘‘We’ve tried to do that. But at the end of the day, you’ve got to go out and earn a spot.’’

Schiano acknowledged recently that the Bucs took a risk with Okoye because of his ‘‘history with that knee.’’

The Bears have seen a host of injuries along their own defensive line. Matt Toeaina entered training camp with a cast, and Stephen Paea missed the final three preseason games with an ankle injury. On Thursday, Brian Price — whom the Bears traded a seventh-round pick to the Bucs to get — left the game against the Cleveland Browns early and underwent tests to evaluate whether he had a head injury.

Nate Collins has flashed at times, but he’ll be suspended for the first game of the season for violating the NFL’s substance-abuse policy. The only completely healthy defensive tackle is Henry Melton.

The Bears will need to make a corresponding move to make room for Okoye.

 

[Happy Human 1001]

Bears backup punter Ryan Quigley has things covered
BY JOE COWLEY jcowley@suntimes.com August 31, 2012 8:44PM
Updated: September 1, 2012 2:09AM


You won’t see most teams getting excited about a rookie punter, but not many NFL teams are leaning on one like the Bears have been leaning on Ryan Quigley.

With Adam Podlesh battling an injured hip flexor on his non-punting leg and with some in the organization still not sold that he’ll be ready to start the season next Sunday, Quigley has been stellar in the last two preseason games.

On Thursday, he downed his first two punts inside the Cleveland Browns’ 10-yard line, downed another inside the 20, then hit the fourth 45 yards. He also recovered a fumble when Armando Allen stripped the ball on a punt return in the fourth quarter.

Two weeks ago against the New York Giants, he punted seven times, averaging 43.6 yards, including a 50-yarder.

‘‘Yeah, right now, he’s our guy,’’ special-teams coordinator Dave Toub said. ‘‘He’s our punter, the only one we have left. We’re counting on him.’’

Price is right

Defensive tackle Brian Price is starting to show some play-making ability. If he could just stay on the field.

A head injury forced him out of the preseason finale Thursday, but Price indicated he would be fine.

“He’s done everything we’ve asked him to do,’’ coach Lovie Smith said. “We’ve seen him improve as a ballplayer, and that normally helps your mental state.’’

Price has had a troubled past, and the Bears knew he would need a strong locker room to lean on. So far, so good.

‘‘We’re there for all our players, Brian and anyone else,’’ Smith said. ‘‘It’s a great group of teammates, and I’m glad Brian is seeing that.’’

 

[Happy Human 1001]

Bears make “final” roster decisions, more changes coming
August 31, 2012, 1:27 pm
JOHN "MOON" MULLIN http://www.csnchicago.com

Updated: 8:47 p.m.

The Bears cut and pasted their 2012 roster of 53 players early Friday evening. It could be changing by early Saturday evening.

The first wave of roster adjustments saw the departures of veterans like quarterback Josh McCown and fullback Tyler Clutts, the latter traded to the Houston for cornerback and special-teamer Sherrick McManis.

Cornerbacks Isaiah Frey and Greg McCoy, the team’s last two picks in the 2012 draft, were among the cuts.

But a look at individual position groups make it apparent that there will be more adjustments coming.

Duly noted:

Each side of the ball typically gets 25 players plus three specialists. But offense currently is making do with 23 because injuries in all three main areas on defense, which has 26, and special teams, which has four, require reinforcing.

The squeeze on the offensive side meant McCown was a luxury, particularly at a veteran-minimum salary guaranteed if he was on the roster on opening day; and the line will start out with just eight placeholders. That was sufficient in 2011 but only because the Bears used two practice-squad spots for linemen to help on scout teams. At least one of the young tackles in training camp will be on the developmental squad.

Amobi Okoye, effective at defensive tackle last year but unable to get a contract he wanted to return to the Bears, will go through a physical on Saturday. He was cut by Tampa Bay and has knee issues that kept him out of three preseason games.

Expect either Okoye or Nate Collins to be in place by week two. Brian Price remains on the roster primarily because Okoye’s knee is a question and Collins will miss week one serving a one-game suspension for a substance abuse situation.

Cheta Ogougwu has been the Bears’ best edge rusher through preseason (three sacks) and “forced” the Bears to use a spot for him. Even with Stephen Paea’s ankle injury, the Bears opted to use a ninth roster spot on an end rather than a tackle. Corey Wootton is holding a spot in some part because of special teams because Ogougwu and the three other ends (Peppers, Idonije, McClellin) represent more rush threat.

Offense

Quarterback: Jay Cutler, Jason Campbell (2)

Out: Josh McCown

Comment: Needs elsewhere and price squeezed McCown.

Running back: Matt Forte, Michael Bush, Lorenzo Booker (3)

Out: Armando Allen

Comment: Allen is eligible for practice squad.

Wide receiver: Brandon Marshall, Earl Bennett, Devin Hester, Alshon Jeffery, Dane Sanzenbacher, Eric Weems (6)

Out: Joe Anderson, Terriun Crump, Brittan Golden, Rashied Davis

Comment: Sanzenbacher's play on special teams key to Bears keeping six.

Tight end: Kyle Adams, Kellen Davis, Evan Rodriguez, Matt Spaeth (4)

Out: Tyler Clutts (FB), Brandon Venson

Comment: Tice offense prefers TE's as lead blockers over fullbacks.

Offensive line: Gabe Carimi, Roberto Garza, Lance Louis, Chilo Rachal, Chris Spencer, Chris Williams, Edwin Williams (8)

Out: Corey Brandon, James Brown, A.J. Greene, Ricky Henry

Comment: Brandon a likely addition to practice squad.

Defense

Defensive line: Julius Peppers, Israel Idonije, Henry Melton, Matt Toeaina, Stephen Paea, Shea McClellin, Corey Wootton, Brian Price, Cheta Ozougwu (9)

Out: Chauncey Davis, Jordan Miller, Nate Collins (one-game suspension), Aston Whiteside

Comment: Price holding onto his spot is a longshot, with Amobi Okoye coming in for a physical and Collins available after game one.

Linebacker: Lance Briggs, Nick Roach, Brian Urlacher, Geno Davis, Blake Costanzo, Patrick Trahan, J.T. Thomas (7)

Out: Xavier Adibi, Jabara Williams

Comment: Urlacher's knee, special teams needs require one more than Bears’ norm for foreseeable future.

Cornerback: Tim Jennings, Charles Tillman, D.J. Moore, Kelvin Hayden, Sherrick McManis (5)

Out: Jonathan Wilhite, Isaiah Frey, Greg McCoy, Cornelius Brown

Comment: McManis a “teams” factor. Very veteran group.

Safety: Chris Conte, Jeremy Jones, Craig Steltz, Major Wright, Anthony Walters (5)

Out: Mark LeGree

Comment: Only Steltz has more than two NFL seasons’ experience.

Specialists: Robbie Gould, Pat Mannelly, Adam Podlesh, Ryan Quigley (4)

 

[Happy Human 1001]

Chicago Bears cut-down analysis
By John Clayton | ESPN.com

Most significant move: The most significant move of the final cut-down, and the entire offseason, is how aggressive the Bears were in trying to upgrade special teams. In free agency, they signed Eric Weems to help Devin Hester with returns. They kept undrafted safety Jeremy Jones to help on special teams, then traded fullback Tyler Clutts to Houston to acquire cornerback Sherrick McManis. They also kept linebacker Patrick Trahan to help out on special teams. Figuring the team will have a better offense, the Bears wanted to shore up special teams to keep their offense in good field position.

Onward and upward: With only three draft choices making the 53-man roster -- third-round pick Brandon Hardin ended up on injured reserve -- the Bears need to see if they can slide released draft choices Isaiah Frey (sixth round) or Greg McCoy (seventh round) to the practice squad. The Bears may only keep one on the practice squad because both are cornerbacks. They also hope to get undrafted tackle James Brown through waivers to get him on the practice squad. The Bears kept the predicted eight offensive linemen on the active roster, so they need a tackle (Brown, A.J. Greene or Cory Brandon) and an inside prospect to fill out the practice squad.

What’s next: The Bears aren’t standing pat. They ended up adding 16 new players to the roster and are in the process of signing defensive tackle Amobi Okoye as a backup. It wouldn’t be surprising if they look at Antonio Dixon, a defensive tackle released by the Philadelphia Eagles. A decision still has to be made on a punter. Adam Podlesh suffered a hip flexor injury, so the Bears kept undrafted punter Ryan Quigley on the active roster. It’s not out of the question for them to look for another punter who was released.

 

[Happy Human 1001]

similar analysis for Packers, Lions, Vikings found at Siefert's ESPN blog http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcnorth

 

[Happy Human 1001]

Texans trade for Tyler Clutts
Posted by Darin Gantt on August 31, 2012, 1:13 PM EDT http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com

The Texans made a trade in advance of the cut-deadline, sending cornerback Sherrick McManis to the Bears for fullback Tyler Clutts, according to John McClain of the Houston Chronicle.

They’re keeping James Casey as their starter, but made the deal for the former CFL and Arena Leaguer.

McClain also reports they released veteran fullback Moran Norris to make room for the newcomer on the roster.

 

[Happy Human 1001]

Bears cut nine, including Josh McCown
Posted by Evan Silva on August 31, 2012, 11:57 AM EDT http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com

Vaughn McClure of the Chicago Tribune reports the Bears have released quarterback Josh McCown.

The move leaves Chicago with only Jason Campbell and Jay Cutler on the roster at quarterback. They could look to the waiver wire for a third-stringer following Friday’s final cuts, or perhaps keep a No. 3 like Matt Blanchard on the practice squad.

McCown, 33, performed admirably down the stretch last season after taking over for Caleb Hanie, who was brutal. Unfortunately for the Bears, the season had already circled the drain by that point.

The Bears also have waived linebacker Jabara Williams, wide receiver Brittan Golden, safety Mark LeGree, and cornerbacks Cornelius Brown and Greg McCoy, per Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune. They hope to re-sign Williams to the practice squad. Mike C. Wright of ESPN Chicago reports rookie cornerback Isaiah Frey has been waived and should join Williams as an in-season practice body.

McClure reports running back Armando Allen has also been waived.

Adam Caplan previously reported that fullback Tyler Clutts will likely be waived by the Bears.

 

[Bearly]

Nice to see Jeremy Jones make it. Looked good enough that we don't need to go fishing for more safeties.

 

[ijustposthere]

Honestly, not a big fan of the 2 QB thing, but if things play out as they are expected too, it won't matter.

 

[ijustposthere]

Nice to see Jeremy Jones make it. Looked good enough that we don't need to go fishing for more safeties.

That INT he made was awesome. He broke on the ball and didn't get caught between either knocking it down or going for the pick. Made the decision and stuck with it with no hesitation.

 

[Jsnowball81]

Per Rotoworld:
Free agent OT Jonathan Scott visited the Bears.
Scott signed with the Lions in July, but was released with an injury settlement. He appeared in 12 games for the Steelers last season, starting five. Scott would provide experienced, if ineffective depth behind J'Marcus Webb and Gabe Carimi

 

[botfly10]

Packers placed OT Derek Sherrod (broken leg) on reserve/PUP.
Green Bay's 2011 first-round pick will be first eligible to return in Week 7 against the Rams. He'll back-up Marshall Newhouse. Aug 31 - 9:36 PM

The Packers still don't know when OT Derek Sherrod will be ready to return from his fractured right tibia and fibula.
"He's a little frustrated," coach Mike McCarthy conceded. "No one knows what Derek's timetable is," added RT Bryan Bulaga. "You hate to see this happen to a guy who had an opportunity to make things happen this year. He definitely did." The 32nd overall pick in last year's draft, Sherrod seems likely to open the season on the PUP list. Doing so would cost him the first six games.

 

[botfly10]

Brad Biggs ‏@BradBiggs
Signed for 5 grand so there wasn't intense competition. RT @DutchMagik They won't be able to hide James Brown on the prac squad, will they?

 

[botfly10]

Cardinals trade CB Jefferson to Vikings for draft picks

9/1/2012 6:40:18 AM

Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic reports the Cardinals have traded third-year cornerback A.J. Jefferson to the Vikings for undisclosed draft picks, according to Mark Craig of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune.

Jefferson, 24, is a third-year player who began the 2011 season as the starter opposite standout rookie Patrick Peterson. After struggling early on, the 6-1, 190-pound Jefferson was moved to the sub defensive packages. He had one interception and 12 passes defensed in 16 games with seven starts.