FOXBOROUGH - As the Patriots prepare for the NFL draft (April 26-27), last year's first-round pick, defensive back Brandon Meriweather, is preparing for an increased role in 2008.

The question is, where? Cornerback or safety?

The 24-year-old Meriweather, who was selected 24th, had an up-and-down rookie campaign, bouncing between cornerback and safety. He began training camp playing cornerback, both outside and in the slot, when Asante Samuel was holding out. He overtook Eugene Wilson late in the season as the third safety in the dime package (six defensive backs) and ended the season by making his first start, as a nickelback in Super Bowl XLII.

Pinpointing where Meriweather, who was credited with 16 tackles in 16 games last season, will play in the secondary could provide a clue to the Patriots' draft plans. With the departures of Pro Bowl cornerback Samuel and third cornerback Randall Gay, the Patriots need a player at that position, one of the deepest in the draft. And judging by the combination of the 5-foot-11-inch Meriweather's buffer physique this offseason and his play last season, safety seems his destination.

However, neither he nor the Patriots are tipping their hands.

"I'm preparing to be a football player," said Meriweather, who got a jump-start on offseason conditioning by training with fellow University of Miami football alums Santana Moss of the Washington Redskins, Reggie Wayne of the Indianapolis Colts, and Ed Reed of the Baltimore Ravens, among others, on the Miami campus.

"I'm not trying to go in thinking whether I'm a safety or a corner or whether I'm a kicker or quarterback. I'm just going in to be an athlete. Whatever my team needs, I'll do."

Asked if he could replace Samuel or Gay, Meriweather toed the company line - whatever is in the best interest of the team.

"I feel like this is a great organization, and everything they do is for the best of the team, so whatever they're going to do is going to be strictly up to Coach Bill [Belichick], so if you really want that question answered, you have to ask Bill."

Belichick said yesterday Meriweather's position will not dictate the team's draft strategy.

"Whoever we have on our team, we have. Whoever is in the draft is in the draft, and we'll take the players that best suit our team," Belichick said. "I'd say Brandon is a versatile player. I'm sure he'll have a variety of jobs going forward. How that plays out, we'll wait and see on that when we get to the spring camps and training camp. But he's a good player. He'll help our football team. Hopefully, we'll draft somebody who will also be able to help our team. That's our goal."

Meriweather said there was no eureka moment last season, just a lot of hard work and the nurturing of the coaching staff. He met often with Belichick and was pushed hard in practice by defensive coordinator Dean Pees.

"I just had to grow up. I just had to learn how to be a pro on the run," said Meriweather. "I had to learn the little things about how to practice and how to continue to work hard even when you're tired, how to look over things that really don't matter, how to take coaching, how to watch film and get something out of it instead of watching film just to watch it as a game.

"There were a lot of things I had to learn from college to the pros, and it just took me a little longer than it usually takes other people."
Whatever position he plays, Meriweather said he will be more confident.

After a slow start last season in which he played primarily on special teams, Meriweather was featured in the dime (as a safety) during the Monday night miracle in Baltimore in Week 13. He was a steady contributor in extra defensive back packages the rest of the way, while continuing to play on special teams. He finished tied for second on the team with 18 special teams tackles.

As a measure of how far he progressed, Meriweather was on the field for the final drive by the Giants in the Super Bowl. He had a chance to be a hero. Three plays after Samuel failed to snare a game-sealing interception, Meriweather had an Eli Manning pass clang off his hands, one of a handful of potential interceptions he dropped last season.

Meriweather's hands of stone made him the target of taunts from his teammates. The owner of seven career interceptions at Miami, but none in the NFL, Meriweather has worked hard to rediscover his dexterity.

"Yeah," said Meriweather, chuckling. "I've been doing a lot of Jugs machines and some catching [drills] with the defensive backs up here, me, James [Sanders], and all of us who work out together do a lot of catching after we run. It's little things. I kind of walk around with a football at night; you might catch me walking around with a football just to keep my hands warmed up to it. I do a lot of little things. I'm trying to go back to the technique days, back when I was little and I had to work on catching."

Improving his ability to catch shouldn't be that hard for Meriweather, who has already proven he can juggle positions.

(boston.com)

Every time a pinch-hit opportunity neared Tuesday night, Milwaukee's Ryan Braun was ready. He had his bat in hand, his helmet handy, and made sure he was in plain view.

And every time, his manager told the eager Brewer to relax.

"Not right here, son. Go sit down," Milwaukee's Ned Yost recalled telling Braun several times.

Yost added, "It's hard on those kids. They want in that game. They have to sit back and regroup a little bit."

Yost has a couple of those kids. And the season so far has been hard on them.

Braun and first baseman Prince Fielder — two of the finest young sluggers in baseball — are off to sluggish starts in their encore seasons. Braun, the reigning rookie of the year, returned to the lineup Wednesday toting a .226 average with 11 strikeouts and no walks. Fielder, who hit 50 home runs last year, had yet to hit one in his first 58 plate appearances. Yost is eyeing both to be sure their sputtering in April doesn't turn into a bona fide slump.

Their youth "has just about everything to do with it," Yost said. "They're going to play through it. You just hope that it doesn't last too long. When you have years like both of them did last year, your tendency — especially when you're young — is to come back the next year and even do better. You force it a little bit instead of just relaxing it and letting it happen like it did last year."

Yost sat Braun on Tuesday to calm what the manager called his young left fielder's "over-anxiousness." While tumbling to a .186 average over the previous 10 games, Braun, 24, had started to force his swing and fish for pitches.

Fielder, 23, refused to do that Tuesday. He took four walks from the Cardinals, an encouraging difference.

"For me, I know I definitely haven't been seeing the ball as well as I did last night," Fielder said. "It doesn't matter where your hands are or where you're standing in the box. If you don't see it, you're not going to hit it."

But hit is all the duo seemed to do last season.

Combined the pair launched 84 home runs, drove in 216 runs and made history. Fielder became the youngest player in baseball to hit 50 home runs. Braun's .634 slugging percentage was the highest ever by a rookie, shattering Mark McGwire's record .618 in 1987. A year after Fielder set franchise records with 28 home runs and 81 RBIs as a rookie, Braun bested those with 34 and 97 — in 118 fewer at-bats.

(stltoday.com)

The Mariners re-signed outfielder Charlton Jimerson to a minor league (AAA) contract.

Jimerson will join Triple-A Tacoma in time for Thursday's game in Fresno.

Jimerson, 28, was designated for assignment by the Mariners on April 11. He cleared waivers and Seattle outrighted his contract to Triple-A Tacoma. Jimerson declined the assignment and chose to become a free agent. The Mariners today re-signed him to a minor league contract.

Jimerson appeared in two games with Seattle this season, and was 0-for-1 with a run scored.

(blogs.thenewstribune.com)

From Devin Hester’s mind to Deion Sanders’ lips ... or something like that.

Everyone knows the sensational return man has a close friend and confidant in Sanders, and his buddy did the talking for him appearing Tuesday on the NFL Network’s “Total Access.” Sanders was discussing the slate of games the league will televise, including the Week 15 meeting between New Orleans and Chicago on Thursday, Dec. 11 at Soldier Field.

“Come on, the quarterback problems of the Chicago Bears are still there and then they gave away every receiver they had that was halfway decent,” Sanders said. “They’re looking for tremendous things from this guy, Devin Hester, but Devin Hester isn’t happy with his contract and he deserves to be paid amongst the league’s best.

“So I look at a myriad of problems for the Chicago Bears and they’ve got to address those issues now.”

There you have it. Add Hester to the expanding list of employees at 1000 Football Drive who are unhappy with their paycheck. Get in line.

The Bears have had only preliminary discussions with agent Eugene Parker, and with two years remaining on Hester’s rookie contract, this isn’t going to be an easy problem to solve. Hester desires to be paid among the league’s elite players and he bolsters his case with the fact that he’s scored more touchdowns the last two seasons than anyone else on the roster. He can point to games in which he directly impacted the outcome. Hester’s case is that he forces the opponent to adjust every time he steps on the field. If he makes strides as a receiver this season, his price will only go up.

Want a safe bet? Hester is aiming to get money in line with the $42 million, six-year contract Bernard Berrian received from the Minnesota Vikings. But he’d surely settle for fewer years. Parker has been setting up his clients with shorter contracts to get them back to the bargaining table sooner. He did just that in Arizona with wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald. The Cardinals were on the hook to Fitzgerald for more than $32 million over the next two seasons. Parker brokered a four-year deal worth $40 million that includes $30 million guaranteed. The beauty of it? It gets Fitzgerald back to free agency in four years when he is 28, ready to take another bite from the apple.

The Bears have $16 million in salary-cap room and would like to extend Hester and defensive tackle Tommie Harris. They’re nowhere near that goal right now. The good thing is there are five months until the season begins.

(chicagotribune.com)

DJ Williams has finally spoken. And what he said pretty much confirms much of what we’ve discussed here on BroncoTalk.

First, to clear up any misconceptions about his successful first year as MLB, DJ stated he was more than comfortable playing MIKE in 2007 and liked running the defense from the middle.

“I enjoyed playing [MIKE] last year, I had fun. I thought I caught on well at the end.”

He also expressed his surprise at being moved bumped from that position this off-season. However, he’s a true team player and has agreed to the move for the team.

“I understand why I had to move; it made the team better. Sometimes you do things that are best for the team and it’s not best for you,”

Does that sound like a guy that’s happy about being demoted? Yeah, I didn’t think so.

But DJ is a professional and a throw-back to the good ole days. He’s a TEAM player and had nothing bad to say about the organization or his Coach.

“I haven’t been happy about the movement, but I like the organization, I like the cit. I love how coach Shanahan takes care of his players, as far as physically, the off-season program. Everybody around the facility, I like everybody.”

The second media point, beaten to a bloody pulp the last few months, was the fact that DJ was best over on the Weak Side. DJ seems to back that up… with a disclaimer.

“I feel like if I played one position all four years, I could probably be the top guy at my position or one of the top guys at the weak-side position. Changing every year kind of stunts your growth. But at the same time, I’ve got knowledge.”

Overall, I think this just verifies what we’ve been saying for months now. DJ wasn’t done any favors by being pushed to WILL from his leadership role in the middle. He was surprised and unhappy about it, but because he’s a team player he is willing make the move to improve the team.

In a league of ME FIRST athletes, it’s refreshing to see a guy like DJ choosing the team over his own personal glory. Compare the way he has handled this off-season against Javon Walker.

DJ had his best year (statically) and the spotlight of running the defense. Javon Walker had a gimped-up uneventful year. However, when both of these two were told to move to second-fiddle positions for the betterment of the team, Javon walked. DJ, however, decided that the team was more important than one man.

DJ play WILL this year – and probably earn himself a trip to Hawaii in the processes. But we’ll always know that his greatest attribute is not strength, agility or speed… it’s his selfless devotion to our Denver Broncos team.

(broncostalk.com)

Two superlatives stand out in following the baseball career of relief pitcher Danny Graves.

One of them sets him apart for all time.

Graves, now 34 and wearing uniform No. 39 for the Fort Myers Miracle, became the first player born in Vietnam to reach the big leagues. The former University of Miami Hurricane and Orlando resident did so at age 22 with the Cleveland Indians in 1996.

In 1997, Graves began the first of nine seasons pitching for the Cincinnati Reds, where he set his second superlative: becoming the franchise’s all-time leader in saves.

Two events relating to his Vietnamese heritage later shaped the life and career of Graves, whose father was an American serviceman and mother was a Vietnam native.

Graves talked to The News-Press about both events.

Graves, who was released by the Colorado Rockies before the 2007 season began — he compiled 33 saves for the independent Atlantic League’s Long Island Ducks last year — signed a minor league contract with the Minnesota Twins in late March. Click here to continue reading...

Following Bill Belichick’s press conference, Pro Bowl nose tackle Vince Wilfork took to the podium and touched on a number of topics.

First and foremost, he wanted to once again publicize his draft party fundraiser at Pinz Bowling in Milford. Wilfork lost his father David to diabetes and funding research is very important to him. For more information, visit his web site at vincewilfork75.com.

“One thing I can do is give back to the community,” he said. “I’ve seen the effects on my own household.”

A few other points:

* Wilfork is not even thinking about his contract, which runs through 2009. “I’ve still got two more years,” he said, later adding that, “this is where I want to finish my career.”

* He’s starting his diet a little earlier this year. Last year he embarked on the Abs Diet before training camp and felt it made him a little quicker without sacrificing strength. He was rewarded with his first Pro Bowl appearance. His goal this year is to bulk up a little while staying slimmer. He estimates he’s lost about 10 pounds thus far.

* He still can’t believe David Tyree caught that ball off his helmet in the Super Bowl. “I haven’t watched the Super Bowl yet,” he said. “I don’t plan on watching it either.”

* He hopes people don’t view him as a dirty player. He said he had a chance to talk to the three players he was fined for hitting (J.P. Losman, Brandon Jacobs, and Michael Turner) and that there were no hard feelings.

“Last year was a bad experience, getting fined,” Wilfork said. “At the same time, I have to take it and roll with it, because that’s who I am.”

(bostonherald.com)

The University of Miami has had at least one first-round pick in each of the last 13 NFL drafts. But that streak is in danger of coming to an end this year.

Two Hurricanes -- safety Kenny Phillips and defensive end Calais Campbell -- have a chance of going in the first round, but neither is better than a 50-50 bet. (ESPN's Mel Kiper said today that he thinks Campbell is more likely than Phillips to go in Round 1.) A few other Hurricanes -- including linebacker Tavares Gooden, wide receiver Darnell Jenkins, cornerback Glenn Sharpe and quarterback Kyle Wright -- could be drafted, but not on the first day.

I've heard some people suggest that the absence of a first-round pick is a major sign of the decline in the talent level at Miami. There's some truth to that, but don't shed any tears for the Miami program. There's so much great talent that comes out of South Florida -- and Miami coach Randy Shannon seems like such a good recruiter -- that even if there are no first-round picks in Miami this year, I see it as more a blip than a trend.

(aolsports.com)

These pesky Jeremy Shockey rumors aren’t subsiding, and they won’t soon if a New Era Scouting report is true that Shockey is scoping out houses in New Orleans. It’s a throwaway line in a larger article, and given my skepticism regarding the credibility of all of these new “inside source” football sites, I’m not sure how accurate it is. But there ya go.

The New York Post has refuted rumors that Shockey will be dealt to the Saints (with the most recent gossip that the Saints turned down demands of a second-round pick and safety Roman Harper). The Post, however, is the only source outright denying the rumors, and I tend to believe where there’s smoke there’s fire. Plus, it’s the Post.

I think dealing for Shockey would be beneficial, but only for the right price. If the Giants must have anything close to what they’ve asked for, the Saints would be better off exploring other options. Which brings us to Dustin Keller.

The Saints brought arguably the best tight end in the draft for a visit that extended beyond the typical pleasantries of pre-draft stop-and-chats. The team rolled out the red carpet for Keller, and his fellow Purdue alum Drew Brees said he’d “love” to have Keller as his tight end in 2008.

The Saints might very possibly be interested in Keller, who should be around when they pick at #40. Or this could be a smokescreen to force the Giants’ hands. Either way, they’re improving at tight end. Meanwhile, Jim Ross’ credibility hangs in the balance.

(footballnews-247.com)

(newser) – James Jones hit six 3-pointers and had 20 points to lead the Portland Trail Blazers to a 113-91 victory Tuesday over the Memphis Grizzlies and a shot at a winning record. Brandon Roy had 16 points and 11 assists for Portland (41-40), back over .500 with one game left this season, Wednesday night at Phoenix. The Blazers have not finished with a winning record since the 2002-03 season.

Boston, MA (Sportsbooks) - The Red Sox placed infielder Alex Cora on the 15-day disabled list Wednesday with a right elbow sprain.
The move is retroactive to April 10.

Cora is a perfect 3-for-3 at the plate with a walk for the Sox this season, with his lone start coming at shortstop April 2 in Oakland. His last appearance came as a pinch-hitter on April 9 against Detroit.

To fill the roster spot, the club has purchased the contract of infielder Joe Thurston from Triple-A Pawtucket. Thurston is expected to be with the team for tonight's game against the Yankees in the Bronx.

(mlb.com)

ST. LOUIS -- With just 12 games ticked off the schedule and the Brewers coming off an off-day, when Ryan Braun was not in the lineup Tuesday you had to wonder whether the left fielder was nursing some sort of injury.

Braun said he wondered the same thing.

"I don't need an off-day. I don't want an off-day," Braun said. "I would much rather be playing. I don't ever want to sit. Obviously, there going to be times when you need an off-day when you're tired or you're hurt, but I'm perfectly healthy.

"I'm just an employee. Seriously. I don't make those decisions."

But Brewers manager Ned Yost does, and the skipper decided that the 24-year-old Braun needed what he called a day to "relax." Braun hit a key, two-run single in Sunday's win over the Mets, but that was one of just three hits in his past 25 at-bats.

Braun entered the Brewers' series at Busch Stadium batting .226 with 11 strikeouts and no walks in 53 at-bats.

"He got a day off [Monday, with the team], and it's nice to back it up," Yost said. "He's been going hard. It's not even rest. It's just, 'relax.' Right now, what he's doing is stepping in the [batter's] box and wanting to get into a real big hurry. He's too good a hitter for that to happen. He needs to stay patient. He needs to stay a little more disciplined and let the at-bat come to him. ... I've still not seen pitchers get him out on a regular basis."

In other words, Braun has been getting himself out by fishing at pitches out of the hitting zone.

"Yes, all players go through this," Yost said. "The difference being that a player of his caliber doesn't have to go through it for as long. He needs to take a step back."

Joe Dillon made his first start of the season in Braun's place, batting third and playing left field.

(mlb.com)

The Oakland Raiders went back to an old friend to replace departed cornerback Chris Cash when they signed veteran Duane Starks to a one-year contract.

The 33-year-old Starks will be joining the Raiders for his third consecutive season. The veteran cornerback signed with the Raiders in 2006 and played three games. He was on the Raiders roster three games in 2007 before being released.

Starks is a former first-round pick who played for the Baltimore Ravens, Arizona Cardinals and New England Patriots before joining the Raiders.

(espn.com)

ENGLEWOOD (AP) - D.J. Williams is used to moving around the Denver Broncos defense, but he hopes his latest move is his last.

Williams has played all three linebacker positions during his four-year career, and for 2008, he's going from middle linebacker back to weak side -- a position he played through college and in his rookie year of 2004.

Switching positions has been an every-year occurrence for Williams, but that doesn't mean it's been easy. Still, he knows that making the team better is priority one, even if it's not the best move personally.

Williams' size of 6-foot-1 and 242 pounds has made him a versatile guy in the Denver defense.

He moved to strong-side linebacker his second year, back to weak side in his third year, and last year he moved to the middle.

He says his strongest position is weak side, but by moving around he's made himself a valuable player.

(ap.com)

Beyond Calais Campbell, Kenny Phillips and Tavares Gooden, draftnik and NFL team consultant Frank Coyle says cornerback Glenn Sharpe and receiver Darnell Jenkins are the other Canes with the best chance of being drafted, though it's no sure thing for those two. . . . Draftnik/former Browns scout Russ Lande said of Gooden, ''I'll be shocked if he gets out of the third round and he might go in the second.'' Baltimore is among several teams that like him.

(miamiherald.com)

PHILADELPHIA — Seeing Ryan Howard start the Phillies' sixth inning with a double off Chicago Cubs ace Carlos Zambrano, Pat Burrell walked up to the plate on a mission.

“He was going to move the runner over,” Phillies manager Charlie Manuel said. “I heard him say it when he left the dugout.”
Burrell did the job ... and more.

Burrell hit a rope to right field that fell in for an RBI double and the Phillies had the lead for good in what became a 5-3 victory that opened their nine-game homestand on a high note.

“With nobody out, you've got to try to get (Howard) over,” said Burrell, who had another gigantic hit in the fourth inning, a two-run home run into the left-field seats that tied the game at 2. “You've got to try to do the little things. A lot of times I have a hard time doing that. Fortunately, today it worked out.”

Burrell's double gave his team a 4-3 lead and snapped a streak in which the Phils were 0-for-21 with runners in scoring position since the second inning of Wednesday's loss in New York.

“We haven't been scoring a lot,” Burrell said. “I've had plenty of opportunities in the last few games and haven't been able to get the big hit.”
It's been a good April so far for Burrell, who has been the Phils' best offensive player with a .400 average, four homers and 12 RBIs in 11 games.

The win was the Phillies' first in three games with 2007 NL MVP Jimmy Rollins out of the lineup and still day-to-day with a sprained left ankle.

Late last summer, Burrell came up big when Chase Utley was sidelined with a broken hand, hitting .316 with eight homers and 21 RBIs in the 28 games the All-Star second baseman missed.

“He's the type of guy that jumps in the spotlight and really swings the bat well when key guys are out of the lineup,” pitcher Brett Myers said.
Myers (1-1) had a rocky beginning, but overcame three solo homers, two in the first inning, to work eight strong innings for his first win as a starter since he fanned 12 and went nine innings in a home win over the Cubs in September 2006.

Starting again after almost a full season in the bullpen, Myers had better command against the Cubs than he did in his first two outings, both disappointments.

“I definitely felt a lot more aggressive with every pitch,” said Myers, who allowed five hits, fanned five and walked none. “I thought I threw pitches with conviction instead of lollypopping them in there.”

The Cubs grabbed a quick 2-0 first-inning lead when Derrek Lee and Aramis Ramirez ripped back-to-back, two-out homers to left, both on 91 mph fastballs.

But Myers settled down, allowing just three more hits the rest of the way, one a leadoff homer in the sixth by Alfonso Soriano that tied the game at 3.

“He became the Brett Myers we all know,” said Greg Dobbs, who got a start at third base and contributed two hits, the second a fifth-inning double that gave the Phils a 3-2 lead.

Myers doesn't win, though, if Burrell doesn't come up big.

“Pat is hitting the ball to right field with more authority,” Manuel said. “He's swinging good right now. He's got a quick bat.”

(phillyburbs.com)

The Red Sox are considering placing Alex Cora on the disabled list because of his sore elbow.
Cora was supposed to be ready to play by now, but manager Terry Francona said today that he still could be a week away. If Cora lands on the DL, the Red Sox could recall Brandon Moss. If they wanted another outfielder instead, they'd pick either Joe Thurston or Keith Ginter.

(rotoworld.com)

In his latest post for FOXSports.com, Adam Schein notes that he has checked in with three league insiders and has come to the conclusion that there is at least a 50/50 chance that Giants tight end Jeremy Shockey will be a Saint by the time the NFL Draft is over.

A friend of Shockey told the NY Daily News that Jeremy is frustrated “with his role in the Giants' offense."
Shockey, 27, was a first-round pick by the Giants back in 2002. He has dealt with injuries throughout his six-year career and has yet to play a full 16 game schedule. He is currently due $1.925 million this upcoming season with a $2.4 million reporting bonus. Overall, he has four-years left on his deal with roughly $13.2 million in base salary.

(giantsfootballblog.com)

Two out of three, Kenny Phillips says, isn't bad.

He set some goals when he went to the University of Miami (Fla.), he took his shot at achieving them and now he's focused on the NFL.

"I wanted to lead my team in interceptions one year. I did that one year. I wanted to be an Alll-American. I did that one year," Phillips says. "I wanted to win a national championship but that didn't happen. Sometimes it's like that."

Phillips, entering the NFL draft as a junior, probably timed his exit properly, even if he and the Hurricanes failed to win a title. The 6-2, 212-pound free safety is the best available player at his position almost by default.

"It's not a good year for safeties," says Eric DeCosta, director of college scouting for the Baltimore Ravens. "In fact, it's a bad year if you're really trying to upgrade at that position."

Phillips could be the exception, the only safety likely to go in the first round. Just ask him if he can handle the move to the NFL. Confidence must count somewhere in this equation.

"I can do everything," he says. "I can cover pretty good. I'm physical. I'm a sure tackler. I can play special teams. I'm pretty much the complete package."

He follows a line of other Miami safeties who were top picks. Brandon Meriweather was the New England Patriots' No. 1 choice a year ago and Sean Taylor went fifth overall to the Washington Redskins in 2004.

Ed Reed, a No. 1 pick by the Ravens in 2002, is a four-time Pro Bowl choice and the NFL's Defensive Player of the Year in 2004.

Meriweather hasn't yet become a starter but played in all 16 games for the Pats. Taylor, a gathering force with one Pro Bowl behind him, was killed during a burglary at his home last November. He was again named to the Pro Bowl and declared the starter to honor his memory.

Phillips says he never got to know Taylor but admires the way he played the game. Meriweather has been a consistent source of advice and tutoring, as have the many other Miami players in the NFL, who return to train and maintain their association with a storied, if now somewhat battered, program.

"It's a big advantage. They pretty much prepare us for what we should expect when we get into the league," Phillips says. "They help us so much that when we get into the league, we're very successful."

Meriweather was of immediate assistance when Phillips arrived at Miami, showing him the basics. Reed added the dimension of studying game tape endlessly.

"Him and Brandon have taught me how to watch film," says Phillips, estimating he spends three to four hours a day at it.
It's no small thing to have professional tutors available in person and by phone. Phillips says he talks to Meriweather every week and the idea of institutional memory is something scouts at least look at.

"Guys like Kenny get to be around Ed Reed and Brandon Meriweather and that camaraderie keeps building," DeCosta says.

Last season's 5-7 record ended Miami's streak of nine consecutive bowl appearances and marked the Hurricanes' first losing record since 1997. But the Hurricanes have produced No. 1 draft picks for 13 consecutive years and Phillips and defensive end Calais Campbell are the best hopes for continuing that enviable run.

"I don't want to be the one who messes up the tradition," Phillips says. "Nobody wants to be the one who messes up it."

So he has one more goal as a Hurricane. Three out of four wouldn't be bad.

(usatoday.com)

Stats*

Penetrations: 1
Broken Tackles: 4
Good Coverage: 17
Blown Coverage: 8
*Includes all games minus Week 10, Divisional Round and the second half of Week 3 and the first half of week 1.

Highlights

9/16/07
Kelly Jennings performed admirably despite a terrible mismatch. He recorded three good coverages and just one blown coverage. The blown coverage? When Larry Fitzgerald jumped over him.

12/16/07
Jennings had a fine first quarter, including coverage that broke up a touchdown reception and a tackle of -1 yards against Steve Smith. The tackle was especially heartening.

1/05/08
Jennings was lined across from Reche Caldwell for most of the game. Caldwell caught one pass for 7 yards, and was the target of 3 incompletes. Caldwell isn't any great shakes, but Jennings is good. Real good.

Lowlights

10/7/07
Jennings had a couple rough stretches and despite my theorizing otherwise, it's not man but zone coverage that gives him troubles. His worst showing was on the third play of the Steelers first drive of the second quarter backed up within their own ten, third and 3. The Steelers have two receivers bunched left and Seattle is in a 4-2 nickel. Jordan Babineaux and Kelly Jennings are in zone coverage left. Babs interior, Jennings ext--oh wait, no he seems to be playing the interior too. Willie Reid catches the ball in the flat, Jennings breaks on the receiver (at this point the first down is already conceded) throws an awful tackle that slides right off the 186 pound Reid before Reid breaks it for a 25 yard gain. The worst infraction is the blown coverage as once Jennings was near Reid the first down was all but conceded anyway, but the tackle is exactly the type you fear from a slight player like Jennings, not really bad form, just wimpy. Reid barely broke stride slipping past him. Jennings has played well all year and has been a real step up in man coverage from Kelly Herndon, but what he showed on this play isn't something tackle drills can overcome.

10/14/07
Fifth play, third New Orleans drive. First and ten, the Hawks are in a base package w/ Deon Grant playing up. At the snap the Saints left side creates a big mess, Baraka Atkins leveled, Grant flies in, gets picked by Karney and only Kelly Jennings stands between Bush and the sidelines. Jennings takes a miserable angle, again somehow inexplicably underestimating Bush's speed, breaks outside containment and watches Bush dash past him for 22 along the left sideline. It's the first, and hopefully last, time I have pined for Kelly Herndon.
Back to business. Tru played decent. Grant was a non-entity. Russell is the reactionary fling following Ken Hamlin: Where Hamlin lived in the first fifteen yards, Russell rarely strays from 20 yards past the line of scrimmage. It's not the worst thing a safety can do, but it does leave a lot of middle-deep post routes open. Oh, and Jennings played awful. Here's a three play stretch that best summed up Seattle's secondary:

• Seventh play, Saints final drive of the half. It's 1st and 4 into the end zone. Seattle rushes seven, Brees feeling nary a whisper of pressure tosses the ball to Marques Colston. Jennings blows coverage, but luckily Colston drops the pass.
• Eighth play, Seattle in goal line formation. Hawks blitz on play action, Grant gets penetration, Brees rushes a pass to Eric Johnson. Trufant absolutely mugs Johnson, but doesn't get called.
• Ninth play, Hawks again in goal line. Hawks blitz, Brees tosses it out to Colston, Jennings blows coverage, this time Colston hauls in the touchdown reception. Fantasy owners rejoice. I attempt to bite off my own fist.

Outlook
The quiet corner. Noteworthy for being not-noteworthy. Jennings is one of Tim Ruskell's less recognized success stories. Second year corners are supposed to be inconsistent and a little toasty around the edges. Excepting his showing against the Saints, Jennings was a rock. A pillar of basalt, if you will, because if such a thing is possible, Jennings is a thin 178. Jennings open field tackling is, yes, wimpy. Not technically incorrect, but a bit like a superball colliding with an asteroid. The Jennings, Russell, Tapp troika oversaw Seattle's 20th ranked rush D on runs a round left end. A weakness that came to fore facing Green Bay. As hopeless as Jennings looked at times in 2007, I'd put better odds on Jennings filling out enough to put the oomph in his good angles and technically sound tackles than a larger defender acquiring new skills. Jennings is a precocious cover corner. Should he develop some ball skills, watch out. Too good to be so unappreciated.

(fieldgulls.com)

You might have read recently about new Buccaneers DB Eugene Wilson and his successful debut at cornerback during this week's initial offseason practices. I was struck by defensive backs coach Raheem Morris' comment that strongly indicated left cornerback will be up for grabs. That's where Brian Kelly used to play and where Phillip Buchanon was presumably going to start. Whether it's just coach-speak or not, Morris was pretty adamant that Wilson is in the mix. "You have an open corner spot," Morris said. "We want to see what goes down there. Guys have to jump up and compete. (Kelly) left and he was a big part of us, but we have guys who are ready to step up." Morris also mentioned that Wilson "is looking like a stud right now," which is certainly promising. If everyone stays healthy, cornerback should be a position of strength.

(stpetersburghtimes.com)

TIMES: With the start you guys have had, the clubhouse seems even looser than early last year. Why has that been?

AUBREY HUFF: Last year, I think there was a lot of expectations we didn’t live up to. This year, there’s none and we’re just having fun and playing loose, playing relaxed and just having a good time. It’s paying off so far. I know it’s early, but we’re off to a better start than last year and a lot of that has to do with the young guys and the energy they bring.

TIMES: Did you see it coming this spring?

HUFF: You just never know what the season’s going to bring. The Rockies last year, look at those guys. You never know. We could be that team this year. You just never know how that works out. Baseball’s a funny sport. You just can’t measure heart and payroll all the same. We’re obviously playing good baseball and hopefully it continues, but there’s going to be peaks and valleys all year as with any team.

TIMES: You’ve talked a little bit about how the media has put lower expectations on this club. Do you feel like that’s part of why the team is playing with so much energy?

HUFF: It’s kind of frustrating. You’re getting written off before the season’s even started, even before you’ve thrown out the first pitch. But that kind of gives teams fuel, man, when national media, local media’s got you counted out, [saying] it’s one of the worst teams to come through Baltimore. It really kind of heats you up a little bit, makes you want to play a little bit better and take away all those doubts and prove all those naysayers wrong.

TIMES: For you, personally, it’s been a solid start. Were you expecting coming in that maybe the fans weren’t going to receive you well and you needed a hot start to quiet them a bit?

HUFF: Well, I’m not really worried about that anymore and hopefully that’s all in the past now.

TIMES: The fan turnout also hasn’t been great early on. How much of a motivator has that been for you guys — play well, fans see the record and come back?

HUFF: I think that’s part of it. They believe what they read and everybody’s written us off. You guys have written us off. No matter what, people are going to believe the paper. So we’re going to have to go out there and win and make you guys start printing some positive stuff and maybe they’ll come out. Also, the weather’s been kind of tough here right now. It’s cold. Hopefully when we get back from this road trip, we’ll get better weather.

TIMES: Last year, you guys were playing pretty well until the Mother’s Day game when Boston came back in the ninth to win 6-5. Do you see April 5’s three-run rally in the ninth to win 3-2 as a victory that can spin you off on a reverse kind of streak?

HUFF: It was a weird feeling [last year]. When we have a game like that and we get in the ninth, it felt like, “Here we go.” We felt like, Nick [Markakis] put up that double and I know we were still down by two when he hit that double, but that just gave us some hope. It was a different feel. It was a really weird feeling. We had Felix [Hernandez] out of there, thank goodness, and we just felt like we had a chance.

(carrollcountytimes.com)

Eli Manning wants Jeremy Shockey back next season, but does Shockey want to be back?

That’s an interesting question and one that wasn’t exactly cleared up this afternoon when the Giants opened their locker room doors to the media for the first time this offseason. Manning was asked about this offseason’s rumor that won’t die - that Shockey might be traded before the NFL draft. His response was that he’s looking forward to working with Shockey next season.

Then he was asked if he thought Shockey felt the same way.

“I hope so,” Manning said. “I hope he understands we would like him back.”
It’s unclear exactly what Shockey feels about all this, since he’s down in Miami not saying much, and his agent - Drew Rosenhaus - is declining to comment on any Shockey-related subjects. He obviously knows that the New Orleans Saints - and his old buddy, Sean Payton - inquired about him recently. And he probably knows that the Giants aren’t shopping him (or so they say) but are willing to listen to offers, just in case there’s one they can’t refuse.

But what does Shockey want? There are rumors - lots and lots of them - that he’s unhappy in New York and would welcome a trade. One friend of his recently said he’s expressed a frustration with his role in the offense and with the way it’s been portrayed in New York that the Giants’ Super Bowl run started when he got hurt. He’s also apparently a little worried that if the offense tanks next season, people will blame him.

The problem with that, according to the friend, is that Shockey is a volatile, emotional person who complains. A lot. And there can be a big gulf between him expressing his frustrations in a private conversation and rooting for a trade.

Regardless, it’s not Shockey’s call, of course. And as far as I’ve been told, the Giants’ position is unchanged. They are not actively shopping Shockey, nor are they really interested in dealing him. But no one is untouchable (almost no one, anyway) and they’re willing to listen to offers. If the offer is good enough, who knows? Maybe they’d strike a deal. But Shockey is 27, coming off a broken leg, and has yet to make it through a full, 16-game season in his six-year career. Those facts are likely to keep the offers low enough that the Giants won’t be tempted.

Then again, you never know.

(nydailynews.com)

Hurricanes linebacker Tavares Gooden's workout schedule has been jam-packed. The former St. Thomas Aquinas standout visited the Saints earlier this week and worked out for the Bears and Packers at UM on Thursday. Gooden, who was limited by a hip injury at the combine and UM's Pro Day, is also scheduled to workout for the Colts on Sunday and is committed to visiting the Titans, Giants and 49ers in the coming weeks. "I'm getting some good looks because teams know I can play all three linebacker spots since I did it at Miami," said Gooden, who had a breakout senior season, contributing a team-high 100 tackles when he played middle linebacker. Gooden's representatives are trying to arrange a private workout with the Dolphins.

(sun-sentinel.com)

Jeremy Shockey was nowhere to be found yesterday at Giants Stadium. Then again, it's April and Shockey doesn't usually arrive in East Rutherford until late May.

But with rumors swirling for the past three months about a possible Shockey trade -- perhaps to the Saints -- the injured tight end's absence didn't do much to silence rumblings of a divide between himself and his teammates.

Yet, according to Eli Manning, Shockey is as much a part of the team as ever.

\"When I talk to him, I say I'm excited about this season," said Manning, who has spoken with Shockey on a regular basis this offseason. "I'm excited about what we can become as a team, as our connection between Jeremy and I. I don't think we've reached our potential in our connection and in the tandem we can become. That's what I'm excited about because I see room for improvement in all areas."

There have been plenty of whispers since before the Super Bowl XLII win over the Patriots that the Giants (particularly Manning) are better off without Shockey. There have also been reports the team has fielded trade offers from other clubs, including New Orleans.

And then there are the rumors that Shockey is unhappy with the Giants. After all, it's no secret he hasn't been pleased with his role in the offense during the Coughlin era. While he recovers from a broken leg suffered late last season, Shockey's stance on the issue remains unclear.

Even Manning didn't sound so sure when asked if the four-time Pro Bowl selection still wants to be a Giant.

"I hope so. I hope he understands we would like him back," Manning said. "He's a tremendous player. He helps us out and helps out our offense when he's out there."

If Shockey wants to be "out there," he'll attend the mandatory minicamp in June. If not, he won't. And then, it'll be clear if he wants to remain in East Rutherford.

(nj.com)

MIAMI -- A Miami judge has set a June 2 trial date for Minnesota Vikings player Bryant McKinnie on charges arising from a brawl outside a nightclub.

The circuit judge set the case for trial at a brief hearing Friday. McKinnie's attorney and prosecutors said they have not reached any pleal deal.

McKinnie, who did not appear in court, is charged with aggravated battery and several other offenses after a brawl outside downtown Miami's Club Space in February. The 6-foot-8, 335-pound offensive tackle has pleaded not guilty.

McKinnie, 28, played college football at Miami (Fla.) and was drafted in the first round in 2002 by the Vikings. The Vikings have said they will wait until the legal issues are settled before deciding on any disciplinary actions.

(espn.com)

The following is from ProFootballTalk.com on Kenny Phillips talking to the Steelers:

A league source tells us that Miami defensive back Kenny Phillips conducted a private workout in South Florida on Thursday for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Phillips is widely regarded as the top safety available in this year’s draft, and he is expected to go at the bottom of round one, or at the top of round two.

The Steelers already have a first-rounder in the secondary in Troy Polamalu. The addition of Phillips with the No. 23 overall pick, if it happens, might be a sign that coach Mike Tomlin is laying the foundation for a change from the 3-4 to the Tampa 2 defense, since solid safety play is critically important to the success of the attack that helped get Tomlin the job he now has.

(steelersgab.com)

The Seattle Mariners announced a roster move this afternoon in advance of tonight’s opener of a three-game series against the Los Angeles Angels at Safeco Field.

Switch-hitting infielder Greg Norton, who was hitting .409 with two doubles and three RBIs in seven games for the Tacoma Rainiers, is joining the Mariners. He’ll replace outfielder Charlton Jimerson, who was designated for assignment.

Norton, 35, joined the Mariners’ organization in February. He is Norton is a .252 career hitter with 82 home runs and 296 RBIs in 11 major-league seasons with the Chicago White Sox (1996-2000), Colorado (2001-2003), Detroit (2004) and Tampa Bay (2006-2007).
Jimerson, 28, was hitless in one at-bat this season.

(thetribunenews.com)

Estero, FL-The Florida Firecats have announced the addition of Ethenic Sands.

2008 will be Sands' fourth season with the Firecats. Last season, he finished second on the team in Receptions (98), Receiving Yards (1,196) and Receiving Touchdowns (24). Sands also spent some time on the defensive side of the ball, recovering two fumbles and returning one 25 yards for a touchdown.

The former Miami Hurricane had a couple of workouts with other leagues, but when nothing worked out, he decided to return to the Firecats.
The addition of Sands gives the already potent Firecats offense another weapon. Four different 'Cats receivers caught touchdowns in the team's week one 56-14 victory over the Texas Copperheads.

"Ethenic has been one of our all-around best receivers the last few seasons," Firecats Head Coach Kevin Bouis said Thursday. "We are excited to have him back and he is ready to go."

The Florida Firecats return to Southwest Florida to open the home 2008 season against the Tennessee Valley Vipers, this Saturday April 12, 2008. Season tickets and Individual Game Tickets are available now! Call (239) 390-CATS (2287) today to reserve your seats! Visit the team online at www.FloridaFirecats.com where you can also listen to this weekend's game and find a link to watch all the action live on af2TV.

(oursportscentral.com)