OWINGS MILLS -- In an instant, Tavares Gooden had alertly recognized the intentions of the offense and reacted properly. It was a quick out pattern to his left as quarterback Joe Flacco fired a spiral toward wide receiver Marcus Smith, and Gooden began running toward the football as soon as Flacco cocked back his arm to throw.

That was just a case of instincts and vision kicking in for the second-year inside linebacker during the Baltimore Ravens' full-team minicamp that concluded Sunday.

What happened next was a matter of pure acceleration and speed as Gooden exploded toward Smith, rapidly gaining ground before overtaking him in the open field.

"God gave me a good set of wheels," Gooden said. "I'm able to run with receivers, faster than receivers. It's a blessing, man. You can't coach speed. I don't know when the Lord is going to take my speed. I hope I have it for my whole career."

It was a prime example of the athleticism the Ravens identified in Gooden at the University of Miami as he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.49 seconds during a private workout prior to being drafted in the third round a year ago. That's a better time than some starting NFL receivers.

After the majority of his rookie season was lost to hip flexor and sports hernia injuries that required surgery, Gooden is now getting the first crack at succeeding Bart Scott as the starting inside linebacker next to All-Pro middle linebacker Ray Lewis. Gooden is competing with Jameel McClain for the job and holds the initial lead as he lined up with the first-team defense this weekend.

A former state champion in the discus and a standout long jumper and high jumper at St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Fort Lauderdale, Gooden isn't your typical oversized, bruising inside linebacker. He's a lean athlete with striking power.

Listed at 6-foot-1, 235 pounds, Gooden said he has actually bulked up to 247 pounds without losing any speed.

"I see a stallion," Ravens defensive coordinator Greg Mattison said. "I see a guy who looks like he's been to the Kentucky Derby that's been tied up for a year and is bigger and stronger. He came out the first day and was like a wild horse."

For Gooden, his ability to run is unquestioned.

It's a matter of harnessing that speed, though, and applying it to playing defense in a controlled, productive manner.

"Tavares is sometimes going too fast," Lewis said. "At a jogging pace, he wants to hit somebody like right now. So, I've got to calm him down."

Gooden was bound to be extra excitable at minicamp after being limited to four games last season and recording five tackles in special-teams duty before being placed on injured reserve.

Now, Gooden has a clean bill of health after essentially redshirting his rookie year.

Sidelined for a year after recording 216 career tackles in 49 games at Miami, Gooden is eager to learn and listen to advice.

"The coaches are like, 'We know you can run, we know you can cheat,'" Gooden said. "They're teaching me how not to cheat, so I'm in the right position and it makes it so much easier. I can sit back and flow to the play.

"The best thing is to be humble and to learn everything you can learn. As a defender, as a linebacker, your job is to get to the ball. Tackling is everything as a linebacker. I love to hit."

In Ravens coach John Harbaugh's estimation, Gooden's intensity and tempo is at just the right level. In theory, that kind of attitude can always be dialed down a notch or two. However, it's impossible to switch on a dead light bulb.

"Tavares looked fast," Harbaugh said. "To me, he looked like a linebacker. He was really patient, stayed square, played downhill, stayed on the backside of the play. It wasn't just running around like crazy. He played fast as a linebacker, which is good to see."

Gooden is hoping to thrive as Lewis' latest protégé after bonding with him over the past year.

Gooden was Lewis' roommate at training camp last year, wore the two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year's trademark No. 52 jersey at Miami and often spends time at Lewis' house along with McClain for detailed film study sessions.

"Everywhere I go, I've been blessed to have a guy like Ray around me, a Michael Barrow, a Randy Shannon," Gooden said. "I don't feel the pressure of filling any shoes. I'm my own guy. I play the defense so much different than every other linebacker. It's a blessing to play with Ray."

Scott was an ultra-productive, versatile linebacker who excelled so much that he was the recipient of a six-year, $48 million contract from the New York Jets.

A major aspect of Scott's responsibilities was taking on big fullbacks on the isolation play so Lewis could make the bulk of the tackles. He was also heavily involved in pass coverage.

Because Gooden is only listed at 235 pounds and had a history of injuries at Miami where he missed one season with a medical redshirt due to a shoulder injury, some analysts have questioned whether he's big enough to take the punishment inside.

"Man I heard them on ESPN calling me a small linebacker," Gooden said. "I never had a problem at Miami. I'll stick anybody in the hole. I'm almost 250 pounds.

"I wouldn't care if I was 225 pounds, sticking is what I do. I'll let my actions speak for

(scout.ravens.com)

It didn't take long for Jeremy Davis to say yes to the University of Miami football team.

On Tuesday morning, Cape Coral High's Davis found out that the Hurricanes would make him a verbal offer. When Miami defensive backs coach Wesley McGriff did make the offer, Davis committed right away Tuesday night.

"It's the happiest day of my life," said Davis, a 6-foot-1, 172-pound junior.

"When he offered, I said, 'Well, I'm committed.' It's a deal. It's done and over with. I'm not looking at any other school, at least not yet."

Davis also received verbal offers from West Virginia and Syracuse.

Former Miami and Lehigh Senior star Phillip Buchanon, Davis' half brother, first called to say Davis would get a verbal offer. A short time later, Cape Coral coach Mike Goebbel told him the same thing.

"(Tuesday night) after practice, he came in and said, 'They called and offered,' '' Goebbel said. "I knew they had an interest in him, and he had a loyalty to them because of Phillip."

Davis said he has trained with Buchanon the last few years in Miami. "It made a big impact on me," Davis said. "... It's like I'm at home."

Davis, who played at Fort Myers High last season, had 10 tackles, and one fumble recovery. On offense, he rushed for 421 yards and scored 7 touchdowns.

He's projected as a cornerback in college.

At the Under Armour combine earlier this year, he ran times of 4.37 seconds in the 40-yard dash and 10.4 in the 100.

Will he do better at Miami than Buchanon?

"Yeah," he said. "I will do better. But Phillip was good."

(news-press.com)

Eric Winston has been a cornerstone on the Texans' zone blocking offensive line since his rookie year in 2006.  Winston was taken in the third round as part of Gary Kubiak’s inaugural draft, a class that has been described as one of the best classes of any team in the last decade.  Yesterday Eric discussed with me a myriad of Texans issues, including his latest media endeavor, the current status of several Texans players and expectations for the 2009 season.  I think you’ll enjoy his candor and insight.

TT:  Today I’m lucky to be talking to the great right tackle of the Houston Texans, Eric Winston.  Eric, thanks for giving us a couple minutes of your time.
Eric:  No problem.  Thank you.

TT:  Since you’ve been with the Texans, you’ve had a reputation of being open and providing a great interview, but you recently took that to the next level by starting your own blog for the fans, Ericwinston73.com.  You obviously weren’t hurting for fame or fortune, so what was the inspiration for the site?
Eric:  It was just something that I was asked if I was interested in.  A couple of friends have blogs, and I thought “Why not?” It’s really picking up speed.  In the beginning I didn’t really think I’d be doing much but I’ve really been keeping track of it.  I’ve been adding links to any sites that are news related with the Texans.  It’s been a lot of fun, and it’s been nice to let people know what’s going on.

TT:  Well, it’s absolutely great for fans to get insight from players on what’s going with their team.  What direction do you see the site taking in the future, especially once the season starts?
Eric:  We’re actually still kind of debating that.  Videos are something that I think we’re really going to start taking advantage of, especially when the season starts and time is tight.  I’m not the best typer in the world (laughing), so sometimes it’s easier for me to speak into the camera.  So, in the middle of the season I’ll be doing some video blogs before and after games; also in the middle of the week, giving my opinion on who we’re up against and what we have to do to win.  It’s not something that I see a bunch of people doing so I wouldn’t mind being a trailblazer in that aspect.

TT:  The feedback that I have received from Texans fans is that they really appreciate what you’re doing.  One thing that definitely impresses me about the site is your honesty.  In your draft recap for instance, you admitted that the selection of Antoine Caldwell in the third round surprised you.  Is that because you didn’t feel that an offensive lineman was that great of a need for the Texans or because you thought there was greater need elsewhere?
Eric:  It was just a surprise but I definitely feel that there is a spot on the line for competition to be had.  We have some backup linemen that are unproven, like Kasey Studdard.  Chris White, who we call Catfish, is the same way, just unproven a little bit.  When they are unproven, I think you have to say that all five of us are doing something.  We started all 16 games last season, so we just didn’t give them the chance to prove themselves.
I just thought that we would go in a different direction there--either stay defense or go with a running back; that was just my opinion.  Obviously they felt pretty strong about Caldwell and that he’d be a good player at this level.  I like to think you can get some good players in the third round and I have no problem with Caldwell, I just thought at the time that we’d go in a different direction.

TT:  Speaking of drafting an offensive lineman, your story of Draft Day back in 2006 that you posted was both entertaining and insightful at the same time.  Given that the biggest concern that teams had about you at the time was durability issues and you’ve remained so consistent since you were given the opportunity to start, do you feel like you’ve vindicated yourself?
Eric:  In a way I have, but in another way I won’t have fully vindicated myself until the end of my career.  Every day I go out there and try to prove myself.  There’s always someone you have to prove yourself to, but at the end of the day the person I really have to prove myself to is me.  I have to prove to myself that I’m the best guy out there, that I can play my position better than anyone else on my team can.  I go out there every day to prove to anyone that’s watching that I can do that.  That’s my main motivation; that’s what keeps me going.  That’s how competitive I am, that I prove that the coaches have me in the right spot ahead of everyone else.  At the end of the day, there are 62 other pros on the team and there are other guys that want that spot.  You have to prove to everyone whether it’s the coaches or the G.M. that you belong there.  I think once you become a starter it brings a lot more pressure to prove that you belong, and that’s what I go out every day to do. 

Being drafted having durability issues, I haven’t gotten hurt, knock on wood, but a lot of that is luck and a lot of that is knowing where to be and not being in the wrong place.  Accidents happen though; that’s what happened with my knee.  It was a freak deal.  I got rolled up on and it could happen tomorrow.  I go out there knowing that every day could my last so I play as hard as I can and hope for the best.  That’s all I can do.

TT:  You also stated that you were lucky to have ended up in Houston because you and your family like it there but also because you fit well in the system.  Why do you think you’re well suited for a zone blocking scheme?
Eric:  I think it goes back to my tight end days and how I came up.  I always played in offenses where the linemen always pulled or trapped, which puts a premium on athleticism.  It really gives me the opportunity to do what I’m good at.  Some guys are good at mauling other guys, some guys are good at pulling and trapping and some guys are just really strong and are good at standing guys up.  I feel that one of my best advantages is getting out and running with linebackers, chasing people down, cut off the backside, and being able to really stretch the defense and open up holes and cutbacks for Steve [Slaton]. 

If I would have gone somewhere else to a power team, I feel like I could have adapted to any situation that I was in.  In the end, I feel that this is a place that can get the best out of me and let me play as best I can.

TT:  As you alluded to, you were recruited to play tight end out of high school in Midland, Texas but made the switch to offensive tackle early in your career at the University of Miami.  This seems to be a conversion that happens frequently today in college football.  Why do you think prospective tight ends are so adept at playing tackle?
Eric:  I think it’s because of what tackles are asked to do these days.  You’ve also got a lot of kids that just outgrow themselves.  That was my situation.  I just outgrew the position.  When I got to college, I was lifting five times a week and just got too big for tight end.  That happens with the bigger tight ends.

It’s also the way that offenses have evolved now.  In the old days, you had bigger tight ends that blocked most of the time and occasionally caught passes.  Now you have tight ends that are split out and you have to be more athletic.  I think tight ends are naturally better at being athletic and being nimble on their feet if they’re not carrying the extra weight. 

TT:  You were given the opportunity to take the starting role on the right side of the offensive line your rookie year, which is what happened last year on the left side with 2008 first round draft pick Duane Brown.  How would you rate his play from last year and what do you expect from him this coming season?
Eric:  The thing that I like about Duane from last year is that he got better every game.  I saw a guy that kept improving.  He started out slow, just like every rookie does.  I started out really slow.  I think the key to this league is to keep improving and not rest on your laurels.  Don’t think that you’ve made it, because as soon as you do that, you stop getting better and someone is going to pass you by.  That’s what I liked about Duane last year.

I think that the big question with him is can he start where he left off.  He left off as a pretty good player.  He’s going to have to come back to that and not wait until midway through the season to be that guy, he’s got to be that guy from game one.  I think that’s what everyone is expecting of him.  He’s got a ton of ability, and a knack for playing this game.  He’s going to have to show up and really have the thirst to keep getting better, and I think if he does that he’s going to be a great player.

TT:  Two of your teammates from the same draft class, DeMeco Ryans and Owen Daniels, have stated desires for new contracts, as well as cornerback Dunta Robinson.  Can you give us any insight into their respective situations?
Eric:  I know I would be doing the same thing if I was in their situation.  Luckily enough I was extended at the beginning of last year, but if I hadn’t I would be in the same situation as Owen Daniels.  We had the same kind of contract.  I don’t blame them.  This is a game, like Dunta knows, where your career can change in a second.  We’re not going to play until we’re 45 or 40, so our earning power is such a finite amount of years.  You have to be able to make the money that most people make at their peaks when they’re 45 or 50 years old.  This is our job, this is what we’re going to be best at for the rest of our lives, and we’re never going to be able to earn this amount of money going on and doing other things.  We have to make our money now and strike while the fire is hot.

I don’t blame these guys for wanting their contracts, especially a guy like DeMeco Ryans, who has really outplayed his.  Here’s a Pro Bowl middle linebacker who makes the minimum...he’s obviously outplayed his contract.  I know that we have plenty of money to sign these guys, so I’m expecting them to get signed.

TT:  You were an anchor in a powerful offense that finished 3rd in yardage gained last year, but only 17th in scoring.  In your opinion, what needs to be done this year to capitalize better in scoring opportunities?
Eric:  First of all it lies on the offensive line.  Any time that fingers start pointing I look at myself and my fellow linemates and say, “What can we do better?”  I think running the ball in the red zone is number one.  We have to be able to pick up first downs in tough yardage situations inside the 20.  We have to protect better on third downs and when the other team knows we’re going to throw.  We have to give Matt Schaub some time to get rid of the ball and get it where it needs to be either for a touchdown or a first down.  I’m not going to say anyone else could do this or this; up front is number one.  If we can play better up front in those red zone areas we’ll be fine, and everything will fall in line.

TT:  On the subject of Texans quarterback Matt Schaub, he has taken some criticism from the likes of Peter King and Michael Lombardi recently, as they have criticized his durability and his leadership.  What is it that you think that national writers underestimate or don’t understand about Schaub?
Eric:  Guys lead in all different ways, and no way is right or wrong.  You’ve got guys like Brett Favre that jump around and are really excited.  That’s great; hat works for Brett Favre.  Then you have other guys like Peyton Manning that are calm and real collected that just go out there and take care of business, and that’s good because it works for him.

Matt has his own way about going about things.  Any guy in one of our players meetings would tell you the same thing I’m about to tell you:  He’s really well liked and respected because we know he’s going out there and giving 110 percent of what he can do.  Schaub last year tore his MCL.  The year before he separated his shoulder.  It’s not like he’s just not playing through bumps and bruises.  I have problems when people say durability issues.  You know, I was labeled with that coming out of the draft because two guys fell on my knee and tore a bunch of ligaments.  I had never been hurt before that, but all of a sudden I had durability issues. 

Everyone forgets that he’s only had two seasons as a starter.  He’s coming up on year three, and now he fully understands the offense, he fully understands everything that Coach Kubiak wants him to do in any given situation.  Let’s see what he goes out and does this year and in year four, and then I think it will be really fair to say “Okay, this guy is our leader.  This is the guy that’s going to lead us to the Super Bowl.”

TT:  Speaking of Peter King, now that the draft is over, most NFL writers are switching their focus and their predictions to the upcoming NFL season.  In a recent column written by King in which he lists all 32 teams in a series of power rankings, the Texans are listed behind twelve other teams, including the Colts and the Titans.  Do you think that 13th overall and 3rd in the AFC South is where the team should be considered right now?
Eric:  Yes and no.  I feel like we can beat anybody we play.  At the same time, I think those power rankings are based off what you’ve done.  The old adage is, “To be the best, you have to beat the best.”  We haven’t quite done that yet.  We beat Tennessee but we have to do things like go into Indianapolis and get a win.  We have a tough road game going into Arizona and we have to find a way to win that game.  It’s those little things that are going to get us over the hump and into the playoffs.

We have the makings of something special, but we have to do those little things.  We’ve been 6-2 at home the last two years but we easily could have been 7-1.  We have to go out there and figure it out on the road.  I think you saw that last year with winning in Green Bay and going into Jacksonville and giving them our best shot.  We know we can go out there and win.  Even the loss against Indianapolis, as heartbreaking as it was, gave us the confidence to know that we can go in there and play with anybody in any place.  That’s what has really built our momentum for this year.

TT:  Eric, I really appreciate your time today but moreover, I appreciate the insight that you’re giving fans over at you blog.  Good luck in both the OTAs and the upcoming season.
Eric:  Yeah, please don’t hesitate if you need anything down the road or want to do anything else.

Overall, the entire interview process with Eric impressed me, but the one answer that pleased me more than any other was his claiming responsibility for scoring in the red zone.  The truth is probably that a multitude of factors led to the problems inside the 20 yard line for the Texans last year, but the fact that Eric is only worried about what he and the offensive line can do speaks volumes.  It’s also good to know that our enthusiasm and expectations for the coming season are shared by the players themselves. 

(battlerblog.com)

Kevin Gilbride, the Giants’ offensive coordinator, doesn’t underestimate the loss of Plaxico Burress, but he’s convinced the Giants still have enough weapons to succeed with out him.

One of those weapons, Gilbride said today, is Sinorice Moss.

“This will be his big chance,” Gilbride said. “He’ll start off in the three wides. He will be the starter. We just hope - - and I know he’ll hope for sure - - that he flourishes and does well.”

Given what Moss has done in his three-year career with the Giants, that seems a little hard to believe. After all the injuries, all the inconsistency, and the lack of production, what gives Gilbride hope that the 5-8 Moss can flourish?

“I think last year he had his best year,” Gilbride said. “As I said to him a couple of times at the end, ‘We’re sitting you down, but it’s not because you’re not contributing.’ I think he was playing pretty good football. I think every throw we made to him he (caught). There is a place for his speed and his quicks.

“I thought he did a much better job last year. He always, for a little guy, gets after people blocking, which helps in the running game. So I think his confidence is a little bit improved. I think our confidence in him is a little bit expanded. So I think it’s reasonable to think that he can take maybe one more step forward, as he did last year, and become a guy that gets a chance to play.”

(nydailynews.com)

Mike Garafolo, of the Newark Star-Ledger, reports New York Giants safeties coach David Merritt said he has been impressed with FS Kenny Phillips this offseason because he has become more vocal on the field. "This young man is out there yelling out the calls loud, which he never did last year. I don't know if it was just a fact of rookieitis or whatever it may be. But he's already starting to make calls more vocally and I'm very impressed with that and hopefully that's going to continue," Merritt said.

(kffl.com)

Drew Brees characterized Jeremy Shockey as "a (new) addition" for the Saints because the two can finally work out for an entire offseason together.

Shockey missed four games and played hurt for the entire second half of last season after being acquired at the start of training camp. "We were kind of flying by the seat of our pants a little bit together last year," Brees said. "Now that we get a chance to spend some time together, it's been good. Certainly I look to him to be a guy that can make a lot of plays."

(rotoworld.com)

As we try to overcome our post-Celebrity Apprentice withdrawal, we’re starting to contemplate ninth-season candidates who would display Joan Rivers’ candid, feisty, tell-it-like-it-is style.

And we think we’ve found one:  Warren Sapp.

Sapp, who already became a reality star in 2007 on ABC’s Dancing With The Athletes And Washed-Up Celebrities, was visiting his old stomping grounds in Tampa on the first-day of “Organized Team Activities” (i.e., practice, as articulated by a government lawyer).  Coincidentally, tight end Kellen Winslow, who recently signed a new deal with more than $20 million in guaranteed money, wasn’t there.

“So when your team fires up OTA’s and you’re not here, I guess you’re being misunderstood again, right?” Sapp said, according to Rick Stroud of the St. Petersburg Times.  “Your past don’t equal your future, but it will damn sure give me some reflection of what you might do.  I’ll leave it at that.”

Quarterback Luke McCown was slightly more diplomatic.

“I don’t think so, not this early,” McCown said.  “Kellen is a professional, he’s a Pro Bowler, he knows how to get his body ready.  I talk with Kellen weekly and make sure we’re on the same page.”

Winslow has battled through a variety of injuries over the past several years.  A chronic knee problem first arose four years ago, after Winslow crashed a motorcycle while doing tricks in a Cleveland-area parking lot.

(profootballtalk.com)

4. Kellen Winslow, Buccaneers. After back-to-back 16-game, 80-catch seasons, Winslow was on the sideline again in '08, missing six games. His life will get better in Tampa. His unique combination of size, speed and athletic ability makes him a threat anywhere on the field, and offensive coordinator Jeff Jagodzinski plans to take full advantage. Don't be surprised to see Winslow lead the Bucs in receptions, yardage and touchdowns this year.

13. Greg Olsen, Bears. There was no sophomore slump in '08. He showed great improvement and became a playmaker, particularly in the red zone, posting five touchdowns. After failing in several attempts to upgrade the wide receiver corps, Olsen remains the Bears' best and most reliable option in the passing game. His statistics are sure to improve with QB Jay Cutler.

14. Jeremy Shockey, Saints. He is a disappointment since arriving from New York, but Saints coaches say Shockey is healthy and has been spending a lot of time working with QB Drew Brees. Shockey is athletic and a capable big-play threat when at full strength. If Billy Miller can catch 45 balls in this offense (he did last year), a healthy Shockey can give this team 75-plus catches.

(sportingnews.com)

Hi Mike, I am very concerned about the lack of progress on an extension for Wilfork. I like Ron Brace as a player. However, until you have proven yourself against NFL caliber centers and guards, you remain a huge unknown. What have you heard as to the reasons for a lack of progress? Is it entirely related to the collective bargaining agreement or the demands of Wilfork's agent?
A: John, my feeling is that these things generally don't happen at the snap of the fingers. It takes some time. I think the Patriots wanted to focus on free agency and the draft, so it makes sense that the sides didn't negotiate over the last few months. Now, with the NFL calendar opening up, I think there is time to get the talks going. And if the talks haven't started or made progress by the time training camp starts, then I might be looking at things differently. But I don't think it will get to that point. I'd be surprised to learn that both sides don't agree Wilfork has outperformed his contract, so to me, it's just a matter of the sides carving out the time to talk and reaching an acceptable middle ground. I don't think we're at the point where Wilfork's demands are excessive and talks have broken off. Or to the point where the Patriots are saying the collective bargaining agreement is an issue, so they don't want to do an extension. Maybe I'm misreading it, but that's my view of the situation.

How certain are you that Wilfork is a top priority of the Pats? I only ask because it seems like an extension with him would not have been that hard, and it might get more expensive the longer they wait. Am I wrong about this?

A: Andrew, I don't know for sure. I'd be surprised if it wasn't a top priority. My assumption is that during the 2008 season, with two years remaining on his contract, Wilfork was offered something similar to what Ty Warren previously signed with two years left on his deal. I'll also assume that it wasn't the type of deal Wilfork was looking for. As is the case with most negotiations, the leverage often shifts as the process plays out. Had Wilfork signed a presumed deal last year, he would have done so with little leverage -- two years left on his contract, nowhere to go. This year, after he incurred the risk to make it through another season healthy and did so, the leverage shifts a bit more to his side. He has just one year left on his contract, and can demand a bit more. I don't think this is anything contentious or anything like that. It's just business. The one thing that I would say, and this is just my opinion, I think it's going to be hard for Wilfork to show up to training camp if the sides aren't actively working toward a deal. I did the research last week and only three first-round draft choices from 2004 are still playing under their original rookie deals -- Wilfork, Benjamin Watson, and Philip Rivers. A total of 18 first-rounders were either extended, traded and extended, or became free agents and signed new deals. That is one indication to me that a player of Wilfork's quality has outperformed his contract.

Do you really think the Pats intend to extend Wilfork? It may be in the Patriots' best interest to let Wilfork depart via free agency next year. They have Ron Brace (the only true nose tackle in the draft, according to some) to replace him at a fraction of the cost; Wilfork's departure would allow the Pats to sign some other free agents (if next year is uncapped, a playoff team must lose a free agent before it can sign one); and the loss of Wilfork will almost certainly bring a third-round compensatory pick the following year. In addition, if next year is uncapped, the Pats will be able to use two franchise tags -- so they could keep Wilfork that way if they really need to. As a fan, I would love to see Wilfork return, but trying to be objective, I think it comes down to whether or not the Pats think Brace can get the job done. Walter, Shrewsbury

A: Walter, I do believe the Patriots would like to extend Wilfork. The question is how much they feel comfortable extending their budget/salary cap to do so, and how much Wilfork is looking for in an extension. I see all negotiations as a two-way street. They'll have to meet in the middle. The presence of Brace might allow the Patriots to hold a bit of a harder line, but there is still some risk in projecting Brace as a replacement. Wilfork has proven he can do it. Brace has not.

(boston.com)

Hollywood - Football was never like this.

"The first day the trainer broke us down," said Clive Lowe, a former Douglas High and Montana State linebacker. "They put us on punching bags for three-minute rounds and we were going, going, going. Forty five seconds later we were dead tired.

"The first thing you realize is how long three minutes is, three minutes is forever."

Described as a "factory for heavyweight boxers," Hollywood businessman Kris Lawrence has created the ideal atmosphere at his Lucky Street Boxing Gym to try and develop the next heavyweight champion from South Florida.

The longtime boxing fan designed a state-of-the-art 20,000 square foot private boxing gym with two rings. He hired some of the nation's top trainers including Stacy McKinley, called "The Crocodile" and probably best known as the gym trainer for Mike Tyson. There is a videographer to help break down every sparring session on the gym's 52-inch TV screen before they hit a sprawling weight and exercise room.

Lawrence's concept on how to develop a heavyweight champion is already gaining attention in the boxing world. The marquis weight division, once dominated by Americans, is ruled by eastern European fighters.

"I would call Kris an entrepreneur regarding boxing," said reigning heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko of the Ukraine, who now lives in Hollywood. "He has feelings for the sport and desires to make it better. Who knows? Maybe we will have the next champion from this gym."

The boxing program is designed to bring elite athletes from college and pro sports including football, basketball, baseball and soccer, put them in a boxing gym and see if they have what it takes to become a pro fighter.

Six months ago, Lawrence's recruiting scout Justin Montgomery traveled from Orlando and Tampa to Miami to meet with athletic directors and coaches and look for the best athletes in various combines.

McKinley and trainers Isaiah Clark, Jessie Robinson and Terry Moore pared 100 candidates down to 26. By the end of the year, six are expected to make the cut to turn pro.

"Before they walk in the door half the work is done because we already know what they are capable of doing athletic-wise," Lawrence said. "The only thing we are looking for after that is a heart and a chin."

Lowe, 25, of Coral Springs and former Piper and University of Miami running back Quadtrine Hill, the 6-foot-2, 230-pound son of former Los Angeles and Miami Dolphins running back Eddie Hill, are arguably the top prospects.

"I took to it right away, my learning curve is really high," said Hill, 26, of Sunrise, who has shadow boxed with Klitschko. "I have always been a person who felt if I boxed I would be great at it. A great athlete, for the most part, is if he has a good head on his shoulders and put the right amount of work into it, you could turn him pretty much into anything you want."

Hill's last year in football was 2005 when he was placed on injured reserve by the Chicago Bears after hurting his back. Now healthy, he says "without a doubt, I am going to be the next heavyweight champion.

"In football you have to depend on so many other people. In boxing, it's just you. Of course, I miss football. It's something I did my whole life."

Hill said his father is still on the fence about him pursuing a pro career in boxing.

"My dad is half and half," Hill said. "He's seen the aftermath of some of these older fighters who didn't take care of themselves after taking thousands of hits. I keep telling my dad as many hits as I took to the head when I was playing running back and fullback at Miami, he really shouldn't be concerned about boxing."

Their amateur debut at the March 27-29 Florida Golden Gloves tournament was impressive. They won their first two novice bouts, including Hill's first round TKO victory in less than a minute after only two months of training.

The friends and stable mates are on a collision course to compete for a 4-foot high trophy in a special attraction fight on July 11 at the Women's National Golden Gloves Tournament at the Fort Lauderdale Airport Hilton.

"Someone asked me how I feel about getting punched in the face," Lowe said. "Nobody likes to get punched in the face. You just have to want to compete just like in football. The door is open to do something great."

(sun-sentinel.com)

For as much concern as James Jones expressed during the playoffs that he would need a follow-up procedure to the surgery on his right wrist tendon that kept him out for the first half of the season, the team said there are no plans for additional surgery. Jones had said during the playoffs that the range of motion in the wrist had remained limited and thought it best could be remedied by another procedure.

(sun-sentinel.com)

BALTIMORE — 2B Akinori Iwamura got Tuesday night off because manager Joe Maddon thought he looked "a little bit fatigued" and would benefit from two days' rest.

But DH Pat Burrell was out because of a stiff neck that has been a lingering problem since he was forced to miss the April 28 game and, Maddon said, could require further medical evaluation.

"It has been a little bit ongoing," Maddon said. "I'm not sure yet; right now we're calling it day to day. You can just see him walking around, it's just a little bit stoked up and he just can't get it loose. He got it loose the other day to play against the Red Sox, but today it's still bothersome."

Though Burrell was said to be available, Maddon didn't used him to pinch-hit in what seemed a prime opportunity with a man on and two outs in the ninth against lefty closer George Sherrill. Overall, Burrell is hitting .250 with one homer, four doubles and 17 RBIs.

(tampabay.com)

Ryan Braun's theme song should be changed to Frank Sinatra's "My Way."

Despite antagonizing opponents for "admiring" home runs - and paying for it by being thrown at - the Milwaukee Brewers leftfielder said Tuesday that he had no intention of changing the way he plays the game.

"That's how I live my life," said Braun, who was honored Monday as the National League player of the week. "I live my life in the moment and I think you should enjoy those times.

"I don't think I'm doing anything wrong. I'm not going to admire a home run unless it's a big situation. If we're up by a lot or down by a lot, it's not something I'm going to do.

"It's an emotional thing, a passionate thing. It's not a disrespectful thing or showing anybody up. If somebody strikes me out in that situation and they fist pump, I have no problem with it."

Some folks on the Chicago side were not pleased that Braun watched his decisive two-run homer in the eighth inning Friday night before leaving the batter's box. The next day, a pitch from Cubs starter Ryan Dempster came right at Braun's head, though Braun didn't think it was intentional.

"Everybody's entitled to their own opinion," Braun said. "It doesn't bother me. It's not going to change anything I do or factor into how I play the game.

"I'm going to continue to have fun. That's me; that's the way I am. I guess I'm 'new school.' The people I offend are probably more 'old school.' That's fine."

(jsonline.com)

In a mild surprise -- and perhaps as a bit of insurance -- the Jets have re-signed veteran tight end Bubba Franks, according to a person with knowledge of the signing. He spoke on condition of anonymity because the Jets haven't announced the move.

Franks, a 10th-year pro, played last season with the Jets after spending his first eight seasons with the Packers. He missed seven games last season with a hip injury, finishing with just six catches for 47 yards and no touchdowns.
Franks, 31, is believed to have signed a one-year deal.

The move to retain Franks was unexpected, especially because the Jets need a blocking tight end to complement second-year pro Dustin Keller and Franks is known primarily as a receiver.

But since the Jets released veteran tight end Chris Baker (who signed with the Patriots) in February, they haven't found a good match in free agency despite bringing in several veterans for visits. The Jets brought in veteran Michael Gaines last week but didn't sign him.

Before signing Franks, the Jets had just one veteran tight end on the roster in Keller. They have signed three rookies: Andrew Davie, Robert Myers and Jack Simmons, who was impressive at last week's rookie minicamp.
For his career, Franks has 262 receptions for 2,347 yards and 32 touchdowns.

(nj.com)

OWINGS MILLS — In an instant, Tavares Gooden had alertly recognized the intentions of the offense and reacted properly.

It was a quick out pattern to his left as quarterback Joe Flacco fired a spiral toward wide receiver Marcus Smith, and Gooden began running toward the football as soon as Flacco cocked back his arm to throw.

That was just a case of instincts and vision kicking in for the second-year inside linebacker during the Baltimore Ravens’ full-team minicamp that concluded Sunday.

What happened next was a matter of pure acceleration and speed as Gooden exploded toward Smith, rapidly gaining ground before overtaking him in the open field.

"God gave me a good set of wheels," Gooden said. "I’m able to run with receivers, faster than receivers. It’s a blessing, man. You can’t coach speed. I don’t know when the Lord is going to take my speed. I hope I have it for my whole career."

It was a prime example of the athleticism the Ravens identified in Gooden at the University of Miami as he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.49 second s during a private workout prior to being drafted in the third round a year ago. That’s a better time than some starting NFL receivers.

After the majority of his rookie season was lost to hip flexor and sports hernia injuries that required surgery, Gooden is now getting the first crack at succeeding Bart Scott as the starting inside linebacker next to All-Pro middle linebacker Ray Lewis. Gooden is competing with Jameel McClain for the job and holds the initial lead as he lined up with the first-team defense this weekend.

A former state champion in the discus and a standout long jumper and high jumper at St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Fort Lauderdale, Gooden isn’t your typical oversized, bruising inside linebacker. He’s a lean athlete with striking power.

Listed at 6-foot-1, 235 pounds, Gooden said he has actually bulked up to 247 pounds without losing any speed.
"I see a stallion," Ravens defensive coordinator Greg Mattison said. "I see a guy who looks like he’s been to the Kentucky Derby that’s been tied up for a year and is bigger and stronger. He came out the first day and was like a wild horse."

For Gooden, his ability to run is unquestioned.

It’s a matter of harnessing that speed, though, and applying it to playing defense in a controlled, productive manner.

"Tavares is sometimes going too fast," Lewis said. "At a jogging pace, he wants to hit somebody like right now. So, I’ve got to calm him down."

Gooden was bound to be extra excitable at minicamp after being limited to four games last season and recording five tackles in special-teams duty before being placed on injured reserve.

Now, Gooden has a clean bill of health after essentially redshirting his rookie year.

Sidelined for a year after recording 216 career tackles in 49 games at Miami, Gooden is eager to learn and listen to advice.

"The coaches are like, ‘We know you can run, we know you can cheat,’" Gooden said. "They’re teaching me how not to cheat, so I’m in the right position and it makes it so much easier. I can sit back and flow to the play.

"The best thing is to be humble and to learn everything you can learn. As a defender, as a linebacker, your job is to get to the ball. Tackling is everything as a linebacker. I love to hit."

In Ravens coach John Harbaugh’s estimation, Gooden’s intensity and tempo is at just the right level. In theory, that kind of attitude can always be dialed down a notch or two. However, it’s impossible to switch on a dead light bulb.

"Tavares looked fast," Harbaugh said. "To me, he looked like a linebacker. He was really patient, stayed square, played downhill, stayed on the backside of the play. It wasn’t just running around like crazy. He played fast as a linebacker, which is good to see."

Gooden is hoping to thrive as Lewis’ latest protégé after bonding with him over the past year.

Gooden was Lewis’ roommate at training camp last year, wore the two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year’s trademark No. 52 jersey at Miami and often spends time at Lewis’ house along with McClain for detailed film study sessions.

"Everywhere I go, I’ve been blessed to have a guy like Ray around me, a Michael Barrow, a Randy Shannon," Gooden said. "I don’t feel the pressure of filling any shoes. I’m my own guy. I play the defense so much different than every other linebacker. It’s a blessing to play with Ray."

Scott was an ultra-productive, versatile linebacker who excelled so much that he was the recipient of a six-year, $48 million contract from the New York Jets.

A major aspect of Scott’s responsibilities was taking on big fullbacks on the isolation play so Lewis could make the bulk of the tackles. He was also heavily involved in pass coverage.

Because Gooden is only listed at 235 pounds and had a history of injuries at Miami where he missed one season with a medical redshirt due to a shoulder injury, some analysts have questioned whether he’s big enough to take the punishment inside.

"Man I heard them on ESPN calling me a small linebacker," Gooden said. "I never had a problem at Miami. I’ll stick anybody in the hole. I’m almost 250 pounds.

"I wouldn’t care if I was 225 pounds, sticking is what I do. I’ll let my actions speak for me, but I made a lot of big hits in the preseason last year. I’m not going to fall off now."

(ravens24x7.com)

The update on a contract extension for Patriots nose tackle Vince Wilfork looks like this: No update.

The sides have yet to reopen talks.

The Patriots presumably wanted to devote their attention to free agency and the draft, and now that those have passed and the pace of the offseason has slowed, there is an opening to address other pressing business matters.
Wilfork, who enters the final year of his contract, is one of their top priorities.

When factoring in his strong performance as an anchor in the team's 3-4 defense, and the contract situations of other 2004 first-round picks, Wilfork brings a convincing case to the negotiating table.

(boston.com)

The 49ers will be overhauling the team from what it was last year. By this, the 49ers know that they must change their offensive approach. With that in mind, the 49ers fired Mike Martz and hired Jimmy Raye to run the offense.

Martz's high-octane pass-friendly offense led to high risk plays which at times led to many turnovers. But with Raye, there will be a more balanced attack between the pass and the run-- with a little more emphasis on the run.

Last season, running back Frank Gore reached the 1,000-yard rushing plateau in the final game of the season. With that total, the star back has reached that mark in three consecutive seasons. This season, we should expect Gore to reach 1,000 yards way before the team's final regular season game.

As part of Martz's offense, Gore played in only 14 games and averaged 74 rushing yards per game. Gore received only 240 carries, which was a clear sign of the team's approach to passing the ball.

For the new 49ers offense, the established run will carry the team all season long. Gore will now be relied upon to set the tone for the offense.

The 49ers signed fullback Moran Norris this off-season and they expect him to help Gore return to his 2006 form. Norris was Gore's teammate in the running back's first two seasons as a starter.

The 49ers also drafted running back Glen Coffee and they expect him to help Gore with the load. As Gore has been battling injuries the past two seasons, Coffee will be relied on to make this two-back system successful.

With Gore, we should expect at least 300 carries from him this season. If he can handle the bulk of those carries, the 49ers will have established a solid running game that has eluded the team the past couple seasons.

The pressure will not be on Gore but also on the offensive line. A lot of credit was given to guard Larry Allen during Gore's breakout year in 2006. Now the team will rely on veteran tackle Marvel Smith and youngsters Joe Staley and guard Chilo Rachal to help open holes for the running back. If Gore does get his 300 rush attempts, he will surely make it to 1,000 yards and possibly a return to the Pro Bowl.

In Gore's 2006 Pro Bowl year, he was a relative unknown that took the NFL by surprise. Now he is the team's feature back and team's best offensive player. The opposition will surely be prepared to stop him. Gore will have a lot on his plate this upcoming season.

Frank Gore's late season ankle injury is now completely healed and is working hard this off season to get back to the Pro Bowl.

(examiner.com)

The New York Yankees beat the Baltimore Orioles Sunday, however, it is clear the American League East is no longer intimidated by the Bronx Bombers.

Aubrey Huff(notes) celebrated a first-inning home run off Joba Chamberland by twice mocking Chamberlain with an immitation of his fist pump, according to the New York Daily News. Huff pumped his first "Chamberlain style'' rounding the bases and then after crossing home plate.

According to the Daily News, the Orioles had privately questioned Chamberlain's celebratory antics, and word he had pumped his fist after a series of strikeouts while losing to the Red Sox Tuesday caught the attention of Baltimore players. So it wasn't much of a surprise when Huff did the same as he rounded first base — taking a look in Chamberlain's direction at the same time — then doing it again as he crossed the plate.

"You know he does that stuff all the time as a pitcher, so I was just having a little fun with him out there," Huff said. "Part of the game, you get excited in a situation like that, I wasn't showing anybody up."

But Chamberlain certainly created some intrigue for the next series with Huff and the Orioles starting July 20 at the Stadium when he added: "This won't be the last time I face him."

(sports.yahoo.com)

Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Ryan Braun, who led the National League with 12 RBI last week, has been named National League Player of the Week presented by Bank of America for the period ending May 10th. Bank of America is the Official Bank of Major League Baseball and the only place where you can get your favorite Club logo on checks, check cards or credit cards. For more information on MLB® banking, visit bankofamerica.com/MLB.

In seven games last week, Braun hit .458 (11-24) with eight runs scored, three home runs and three doubles. The 25-year-old posted a .958 slugging percentage and recorded a .567 on-base percentage. The 2008 N.L. All-Star connected for the second grand slam of his career and recorded a career-high six RBI on May 6th at Cincinnati. Ryan's two-run homer in the eighth inning vs. the Cubs on May 8th helped land the Brewers a 3-2 win. On May 9th against Chicago, he reached base in all five of his plate appearances, going 2-for-2 with a double, a homer, two RBI, two walks and being a hit batsman. Braun (.345, 8 HR, 28 RBI), who competed for Team USA in the 2009 World Baseball Classic, recorded four multi-RBI games and four multi-hit games last week.

(mlb.com)

Check out our new NFL U Wallpaper featuring Ray Lewis. Click here to download our Ray Lewis Wallpaper and many other ones or click above on proCanes Wallpapers. Enjoy and stay tuned to more wallpapers in the near future.

Arkansas Twisters: OL/DL Vegas Franklin 6'2 240

Corpus Christi Sharks Roster: OL/DL, Adrian Wilson 6'3 305

Stockton Lightning: WR/LB, Carl Walker 6'3 215

Peoria Pirates: OL/DL, Brad Kunz, 6'7 315

Florida Firecats: WR, Magic Benton 6' 1" 205

The Saints have been pleased with what they’ve seen from LB Dan Morgan in offseason workouts, we hear, and he could push WLB Scott Shanle for a starting spot if he can stay healthy. Morgan, who decided to come back in 2009 after a one-year stint in retirement, has battled injuries for much of his career, including suffering through multiple concussions and a partially torn Achilles tendon that nagged at him throughout the ’07 campaign. Shanle’s play has been steady, but a healthy Morgan would fit the playmaker mold the Saints badly need on defense.

(profootballweekly.com)

CB Bruce Johnson had a very good afternoon. He did a good job of staying on top of Bodiford on a deep ball from Bomar. Bodiford has been on the short end of a lot of deep balls all camp long. Not sure if that means he's not fast enough or has just been on the wrong end of the draw on plenty of overthrown passes. He later had a ball go through his hands.

Johnson later defended a deep in and went over Bodiford's back (no penalty) to knock away a hook.

(nj.com)

Tavares Gooden lined up with the first-team defense next to Lewis at inside linebacker and displayed outstanding mobility after missing the majority of last season as he underwent hip flexor and sports hernia surgeries. "Tavares looked fast," Harbaugh said. "To me, he looked like a linebacker. He was really patient, stayed square, played downhill, stayed on the backside of the play. It wasn't just running around like crazy. He played fast as a linebacker, which is good to see."

Gooden is replacing Bart Scott, who signed a deal with the Jets. Gooden is a strong athlete with solid range and speed, and could be a nice sleeper for IDP leagues if he wins the starting gig at inside linebacker in training camp.

(carrollcountytimes.com)

DT William Joseph has switched from 96 to 94 for the Oakland Raiders.





(raidersblogs.com)

Willis McGahee doesn't know when he'll be running yet, but the Ravens running back said he would be fully recovered for the start of training camp in late July. He was sidelined Friday because he is coming off arthroscopic surgery. A team official indicated that McGahee had surgery on his knee, but the seven-year veteran said it was his ankle.

McGahee doesn't know when he'll be running yet, but the Ravens running back said he would be fully recovered for the start of training camp in late July.

McGahee was sidelined for the start of the Ravens' full-team minicamp because he is coming off arthroscopic surgery. A team official indicated that McGahee had surgery on his knee, but the seven-year veteran said it was his ankle.

"Believe it or not, I am excited about this season," McGahee said Friday. "I don't know why, but I am. Maybe because I actually took care of the little bumps I had in the road last year. It's all working towards the better."

McGahee is coming off an injury-marred season, which led to a career-worst 671 rushing yards. With McGahee out Friday, Ray Rice took most of the carries with the first-team offense.”

(prosportsdaily.com)