Football

Cleveland Browns: "3 more plead guilty in probe of Pilot Flying J" (AP) - "Three more employees of the truck stop chain owned by the Cleveland Browns' owner and Tennessee's governor pleaded guilty Tuesday in what authorities call a scheme to cheat trucking firms out of rebates." "Barkevious Mingo: 'This defense could be the best in the league'" (Plain Dealer) - "After spring practices and minicamps, Browns first-round pick Barkevious Mingo made a bold prediction about his new defense." "Jamoris Slaughter has eye on successful comeback, starting free safety job" (Beacon Journal) - "Browns rookie free safety Jamoris Slaughter is ready to take the next major step in his comeback attempt and his young career." "Bon Jovi cancellation is an opportunity for Cleveland Browns" (Plain Dealer) - "The temptation is to blame the Browns for the cancellation of the July 14 "Fan Kickoff Concert" at FirstEnergy Stadium with Bon Jovi. But then word came that Bon Jovi also canceled his concert on July 16 at Noblesville, Ind. We don't know all the details of the collapse of the Browns' kickoff concert because the Browns have said nothing of consequence." NFL: "Police visit home of Patriots TE Aaron Hernandez" (AP) - "State and local police spent hours at the home of New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez on Tuesday night as another group of officers searched an industrial park about a mile away where a body was discovered the day before." "Russell Wilson faces new pressure" (ESPN) - "Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson spent last week's minicamp doing what he usually does -- saying all the right things. He talked about the need to grow and expand on what he did in his impressive rookie season." "Bruce Arians to use Larry Fitzgerald in multiple ways" (NFL.com) - "The Arizona Cardinals' death spiral over the final three months of the 2012 season was powerful enough to drag Larry Fitzgerald into the abyss. The dynamic wide receiver suffered through the worst statistical season of his nine-year career as Arizona lost 11 of its last 12 games." "Marcedes Lewis: One London game no problem, but two too much" (CBS Sports) - "Jacksonville tight end Marcedes Lewis is one of the leaders of the Jaguars and is also highly respected by players around the NFL. So what he says about the prospects of the Jaguars -- or any other team -- playing games in London matters."

Yes, it's minicamp and they are still installing the offense/defense. And no, the season is not lost. But according to Tom and Judd, Ponder didn't look too hot at yesterday's workout. One would hope coming into his third season he would rock the minicamp in terms of accuracy and footwork, both of which were apparently lacking yesterday. Let's hope this is a poor predictor of what's to come. Wouldn't you love to hear that our QB's performance during the offseason is off the charts? No guarantee of great play during the season but at least reassuring. Yes, it's minicamp and they are still installing the offense/defense. And no, the season is not lost. But according to Tom and Judd, Ponder didn't look too hot at yesterday's workout. One would hope coming into his third season he would rock the minicamp in terms of accuracy and footwork, both of which were apparently lacking yesterday. Let's hope this is a poor predictor of what's to come. Wouldn't you love to hear that our QB's performance during the offseason is off the charts? No guarantee of great play during the season but at least reassuring.

Justin Pugh - © USA TODAY Sports Images Pugh Says He Will Work at Right Tackle and Left Guard: OL Justin Pugh told the Asbury Park Press that he will be working at both right tackle and left guard when the Giants begin training camp practices on July 27. “Now, I’ve got to get in there and learn the playbook, and know what everybody’s supposed to do,” Pugh said. “I’ve talked the talk. Now, I’ve got to walk the walk.” Article on WR Victor Cruz: NFL Agent: Cruz’s Only Option to Sign Giants Deal by Paul Schwartz of The New York Post InsideFootball.com Player Q&As: Q&As with the following players are available at InsideFootball.com: WR Rueben Randle CB Prince Amukamara Star-Ledger Q&A With P Steve Weatherford: Giants Summer Questionnaire: Punter Steve Weatherford by Dave Hutchinson of The Star-Ledger Article on Last Week’s Mini-Camp: Who Impressed at Mini Camp? by Giants.com 2013 Position Preview – Quarterbacks: A video previewing the Giants’ quarterback position heading into training camp is available at Giants.com.

Here at The Landry Hat, we care about what our readers think. Our entire site is dedicated to you, the die-hard Dallas Cowboy fans. And there is no better way to gauge your opinions then through our poll questions. Please submit your choice below, leave your thoughts in the comments section below, and come back to check and see what the bulk of Cowboy fans feel is the right answer. Nov 18, 2012; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett celebrates a score with tackle Doug Free (68) against the Cleveland Browns at Cowboys Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

The NFL believes the Read/Option is here to stay | The Sideline ViewSo far this off-season, the "Pistol formation" originator, Chris Ault, got hired as a consultant, coaching staffs have spent time with collegiate teams like Alabama for help defending the read/option and front offices have pushed to conduct special research to find analytical trends regarding the read/option. This off-season shows that NFL teams believe that the read-option won't be going away anytime soon. Who's really in charge? Power structures vary across NFC East - NFL.comThere are few true coach-driven organizations in the NFL today, but Mike Shanahan's Washington Redskins are one of them. Albert Breer lays out each team's hierarchy in the NFC East. Eagles hope stadium renovations will help in Super Bowl bidThe Eagles are not spending $125 million to renovate Lincoln Financial Field to host a Super Bowl, but it doesn't hurt owner Jeffrey Lurie's case. Eagles depth chart breakdown: The offense | Comcast SportsNet PhiladelphiaThis week, Eagles Insider Geoff Mosher will be breaking down the Eagles' depth chart. He'll do the defense and special teams on Wednesday, but today he'll start with the offense: Ranking the Eagles Interior Offensive Linemen | Fanspeak's NFC East BlogIn the coming weeks I will do a series of posts on the Philadelphia Eagles and how their players stack up at each position. These Tiers are an indication of what talent level can reasonably be expected of each player for the 2013 season. Future potential and contract status are not really taken into consideration, as this is more an indication of a players talent level and expected production. Roster Features Variety Of BackgroundsGeneral manager Howie Roseman, head coach Chip Kelly and the rest of the Eagles personnel staff have gone to great lengths to find the wide array of players on the Eagles roster. Bill Barnwell on the teams that still have holes in their rosters - GrantlandThe rosters are pretty much set, but some teams forgot to do some of their shopping this offseason.

Dowell Loggains is really excited about our talented trio of TEs, calling them the best TEs we've had since Scaife and Crumpler. The theme this offseason has been to get bigger up front, and nastier on offensive and defensive lines. Hopefully the improved defensive line anchors the defense as a whole. Bernard Pollard talks about using game situations in practice. He talks about flying under the radar and not caring that they are disrespected by the media. Loggains talks about the production from the offense and what some expectations are this coming year. If the team lives up to Pollards expectations on offense and defense, we are going to be a "really, really good team." Players and coaches were tested when training camp went unscripted. This definitely should be done more Quote of the Day: "Are we going to knock the piss out of people? Its going to go down." -Bernard Pollard

The Buffalo Bills are at a decided scheduling disadvantage in 2013 as in years past.

... Source: Behind the Steel Curtain - All Posts The post Magic Number of sum of passes completed and rushing attempts fits Steelers 2012 season appeared first on Pittsburgh Steelers Blog - NFL - PlanetSteelers.com.

Written by Rich Arleo Edited by Marc Caviglia To help better prepare you for your upcoming 2013 fantasy football drafts we have has decided to take a close look at each team’s depth and predict how each players role will play out during the 2013 NFL season. These fantasy football depth charts will cover every position, however the main focus will be on the running back and wide receiver positions, since fantasy football owners have the toughest time projecting these positions. Keep in mind our NFL Depth Charts are fantasy football specific. Arizona Cardinals Depth Chart QB1: Carson Palmer | QB2: Drew Stanton | QB3: Ryan Lindley | QB4: Caleb TerBush RB1: Rashard Mendenhall | RB2: Ryan Williams | RB3: Stepfan Taylor | 5. Andre Ellington | RB5: Alfonso Smith WR1: Larry Fitzgerald | WR2: Michael Floyd | WR3: Ryan Swope | WR4: Andre Roberts | WR5: LaRon Byrd TE1: Rob Housler | TE2: Jeff King K: Jay Feely 2012 In Review After Kevin Kolb was hurt again, John Skelton and Ryan Lindley stunk up the joint for the Arizona Cardinals as none were even worth considering in fantasy football . The backfield situation wasn’t much better as Beanie Wells and Ryan Williams didn’t last for many games and LaRod Stephens-Howling and William Powell just weren’t good enough. Poor Larry Fitzgerald , one of the best receivers in the game, could only muster up 709 yards and four touchdowns with Andre Roberts close behind. Tight end Rob Housler was the fourth leading rusher with 417 yards and zero touchdowns. Kicker Jay Feely was worthless in fantasy because of the lack of scoring. What to Expect in 2013 The Cards attempted to revamp their offense over the winter by bringing in Carson Palmer and Rashard Mendenhall . Palmer should be a good QB2 coming off a solid year. He now has Fitzgerald to throw to, who also should be thrilled with the change as Palmer is light years better than the garbage that was throwing to him last year. Look for Fitz to bounce back into form. Roberts may be roster worthy but will only be a decent bye week fill-in. Mendenhall is certainly a big name but is now two years removed from his last 1,000-yard season and couldn’t fully recover from his knee issues last year. He’ll get the first crack in the backfield, but former second-rounder Ryan Williams will try to stay on the field and could see plenty of carries if he proves healthy and effective. On top of that, Arizona used late NFL draft choices to select Stepfan Taylor and Andre Ellington. Taylor is a between the tackles runner, while Ellington is always trying to find a hole and it to paydirt. At tight end, Housler is an intriguing sleeper option with Palmer under center. Palmer threw a ton to his tight end last year and could look to Housler often. Take him as a TE2 with upside. Feely at kicker again shouldn’t be drafted. Don’t be surprised if… Housler becomes a TE1 by midseason. Nobody knew about Brandon Myers last year before he became Palmer’s favorite target. Also don’t be shocked if Fitzgerald once again becomes a top 10 WR again thanks to Palmer. AFC EAST DEPTH CHART: BUF | MIA | NEP | NYJ AFC WEST DEPTH CHART: DEN | KCC | OAK | SDC AFC SOUTH DEPTH CHART: HOU | IND | JAC | TEN AFC NORTH DEPTH CHART: BAL | CIN | CLE | PIT NFC EAST DEPTH CHART: DAL | NYG | PHI | WAS NFC WEST DEPTH CHART: ARI | STL | SAN | SEA NFC SOUTH DEPTH CHART: ATL | CAR | NOS | TBB NFC NORTH DEPTH CHART: CHI | DET | GBP | MIN

Written by Rich Arleo Edited by Marc Caviglia To help better prepare you for your upcoming 2013 fantasy football drafts we have has decided to take a close look at each team’s depth and predict how each players role will play out during the 2013 NFL season. These fantasy football depth charts will cover every position, however the main focus will be on the running back and wide receiver positions, since fantasy football owners have the toughest time projecting these positions. Keep in mind our NFL Depth Charts are fantasy football specific. Washington Redskins Depth Chart QB1: Robert Griffin III | QB2: Kirk Cousins | QB3: Rex Grossman RB1: Alfred Morris | RB2: Evan Royster | RB3: Roy Helu | RB3: Chris Thompson WR1: Pierre Garcon | WR2: Josh Morgan | WR3: Santana Moss | WR4: Leonard Hankerson | WR5: Aldrick Robinson TE1: Fred Davis | TE2: Logan Paulsen K: Kai Forbath 2012 In Review The 2012 season for the Washington Redskins was centered on first round pick Robert Griffin III . He burst onto the scene and was everything the team could’ve hoped for and more. RGIII had a fantastic rookie season with 3,200 yards, 20 touchdowns and only five interceptions; and that was only through the air. He shined on the ground as well with 815 yards and seven touchdowns on 120 carries (6.8 yards per carry). It all came crumbling down in the playoffs with a severe knee injury, unfortunately. Behind Griffin, fellow rookie Alfred Morris , a sixth round pick, came out of nowhere to run for 1,613 yards and 13 touchdowns as a very effective RB1. Evan Royster and Roy Helu were rendered all but useless. No particular receiver shined for the ‘Skins last year. Santana Moss was the most effective in fantasy with eight touchdowns to go along with his 573 yards. Pierre Garcon led the team with 633 yards but was limited due to injuries and Josh Morgan and Leonard Hankerson were solid complimentary receivers. RGIII didn’t look to the tight end much and Fred Davis had just 325 yards in an injury plagued season and Logan Paulsen had similar numbers filling in for him. After years of struggling to find a kicker, it seems the team may have found someone in Kai Forbath who was missed just one of his 18 attempts last year after taking over as the starter. What to Expect in 2013 The way Washington’s season ended when RGIII damaged his ACL and MCL. It wasn’t expected he would be ready for the start of the season but the freak athlete is already saying his knee is 100-percent healthy. While we should wait to see it to believe it, after watching Adrian Peterson recover so quickly last season it’s not out of the question. If healthy he should be a top QB1, but there’s obvious risk involved. If he’s not ready Kirk Cousins showed enough for the team to have confidence in him. If something does happen to RGIII Cousins is worth a look as a QB2. Morris will be the starter again as head coach Mike Shanahan’s darling. Morris put an end to Shanahanagins last season and will get the bulk of the carries again. As long as nothing changes, Royster and Helu won’t be fantasy worthy again. Keep an eye on rookie runner Chris Thomspon. We all know Shanahan has a track record for drafting running backs late and developing them into something and the question arises… is Thompson next? The Skins will hope Garcon can stay healthy this season as he was extremely effective when on the field last year. He has top-tier WR2 potential with upside in all fantasy football formats. Morgan showed potential last year and could blossom into a fantasy starter while Moss, on the down-slope of his career, is used mostly as a big-play threat. Hankerson and Aldrick Robinson provide solid depth for the team but will only be fantasy-worthy should someone go down. At tight end, Davis returns on a one-year deal with something to prove. He shouldn’t be drafted as a starter but has potential as a TE2 in deep leagues. Paulsen is agai