Yardbarker: National Football League

DeSean Jackson And Trevor Laws Contracts.

Philadelphia Eagles — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 05:04:14 -0500

I Think It Is Taking So Long To Get A Contract Done Because I Think They Want To Give Thim A 5 or 6 Year Deals For DeSean Jackson And Trevor Laws.Training Camp Is Almost Here So We Can Wait And See But I Would Give Thim Both A 6 Year Deal Because They Are Very Important Pieces To The Offense And Defense.

DeSean Jackson And Trevor Laws Contracts.

Philadelphia Eagles — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 05:04:04 -0500

Five Simple Rules for Drafting Fantasy Defenses

Sun, 20 Jul 2008 03:14:52 -0500

I've been doing a fair bit of mock drafting, and I start to see some of the best defenses - usually San Diego and Minnesota - come off the board in the ninth round. I don't get it. For more: http://walterfootball.com/fantasydefense.php

NFL Betting Trends

Jake Delhomme — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 03:14:52 -0500

Did you know that Jake Delhomme is 21-4 against the spread as an underdog during his NFL career? Pretty crazy, huh? You can find tons of other cool NFL trends here. For more: http://walterfootball.com/bettingtrends.php

Options Need to Be Kept Open if McKinnie’s Suspended

Minnesota Vikings — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 02:52:34 -0500

From: Pro Football Weekly OLT Bryant McKinnie's hearing for a criminal case, in which he faces four separate charges related to a fight outside a Miami nightclub, was continued back in June and is scheduled for a court date of Sept. 24 — three days after the Vikings face the Panthers in Minnesota during Week Three of the season. The team is aware of the situation and knows that McKinnie, should he be found guilty, could face punishment by the league. In fact, McKinnie already has met with commissioner Roger Goodell on the matter, so a punishment for violation of the NFL's personal conduct policy could come down swiftly in this case, especially because McKinnie would be a repeat offender if found guilty. In that case, the Vikings would be left to replace one of their better run blockers, and there is no natural replacement on the roster who possesses McKinnie's mass or talent. Artis Hicks is a jack-of-all-trades who has played left tackle sparingly before (in Philadelphia, when Brad Childress was the Eagles' offensive coordinator) and could play there in a pinch. But don't be surprised if either Marcus Johnson or Chase Johnson gets a chance there. Marcus Johnson has more experience and has shown improvement, but don't rule out the massive Chase Johnson (6-8, 331 pounds) possibly being a strong option.

Bruno Boys Crystal Ball - Steven Jackson Fantasy Projections

St. Louis Rams — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 01:40:48 -0500

All in all, Jackson should once again be considered an elite back heading into 2008. In fact, it wouldn't be crazy to select him with the first overall pick in your league's draft as Jackson could very well outshine all other backs in 2008. Still, with the questions surrounding his health, the Bruno Boys still believe there are.... To read the rest of the article about Steven Jackson, click below....

Ricky Manning Jr: Most Likely Chicago Bear to Be Traded

Carolina Panthers — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 23:51:43 -0500

Do you think the Chicago Bears will trade Ricky Manning Jr? Yes, it sure seems like he is the odd man out. Ricky Manning Jr. signed with the Chicago Bears in 2006, he set a career high, and he tied for the team lead and tied for 10th in the NFL with five INTs In the postseason he had a big INT against the Seahawks in the NFC Divisional Playoff. Became first Bears defensive back since Jerry Azumah (12/30/01) to record 2 sacks in one game (12/17/06 vs. TB Bucs). Last season, Ricky Manning Jr. played in every regular season game, but failed to record an interception. He was the starting nickel back for the whole season. The Chicago Bears are looking to use former first round pick Danieal Manning at nickelback because of the emergence of Brandon McGowan and Mike Brown coming back. Besides the obvious starters Charles Tillman and Nathan Vasher, the Bears have two second year pros in Corey Graham and Trumaine McBride. Don't forget this years fifth round pick Zackary Bowman. If they do move Ricky Manning Jr, it might work out like Chris Harris in last years training camp. Chris Harris started 15 games with the Panthers last season, recorded one INT and eight forced fumbles. All the Chicago Bears got in that trade was a fifth round pick. I still am upset at that trade. So, if they move Ricky Manning Jr. it could turn out the same as Chris Harris's last year in training camp. It never hurts to have to many bodies and we all the know the Chicago Bears get alot of injuries. It looks Ricky Manning Jr. who is signed through 2010, might get sent packing sooner than later.

The Eagles Offense Should Again Be A Top 10 Unit in 2008

Philadelphia Eagles — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 20:58:31 -0500

The key to the Eagles offense and season will be keeping No. 5 upright for the whole season. If McNabb can stay healthy, I believe this team will challenge the Cowboys for NFC East supremacy. Donovan McNabb battled injuries once again last season and yet was still able to throw for more than 3,000 yards, complete 61 percent of his passes, and throw nearly three times more touchdowns (19) than interceptions (7). McNabb, when healthy, is still a top-level talent at the quarterback position. Kevin Curtis was a pleasant surprise at wide receiver in his first year with the Eagles. Curtis' numbers should only improve in 2008 as he becomes more comfortable with McNabb and the offense. Reggie Brown, despite an inconsistent 2007, still managed a career high 61 receptions. If Brown can start the season hot, 75 receptions and his first 1,000 yard season is a real possibility. The addition of DeSean Jackson (who remains unsigned) will be key for this passing game that lacks a true deep threat. Jackson has the kind of ability to take a hitch route for six from anywhere on the field, and that is something the Eagles desperately need from someone other than Brian Westbrook. A return to health by L.J. Smith gives McNabb a capable target in the middle of the field and in the red zone. Brent Celek will look to build on a strong rookie season and gives the Eagles a nice two tight end package. The headline of 2007 for the Eagles was Brian Westbrook's transformation from underrated utility back to headlining superstar. Westbrook lead the Eagles in receiving with 90 catches and rushing with 1,333 yards. The former 'Nova star has quickly evolved into the kind of run/pass threat that is matched by few others. Add in a healthy Correll Buckhalter and the talented second-year combo of Lorenzo Booker and Tony Hunt, and the Eagles' backfield is as tough as any to defend with inside-outside threats. Protecting McNabb and paving the way for Westbrook is one of the best offensive lines in the NFC, particularly one who runs the screen pass better than any team in football. Andrews is the star, with veterans Runyan and Thomas anchoring.........

Birds Come to Terms with Fourth-Round Pick WR Marcus Smith

Baltimore Ravens — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 20:43:06 -0500

Now that the Ravens have their number one pick, Joe Flacco, in camp, the team is looking to make sure they get all their rookies in for the start of training camp. They took another solid step in doing that Friday, as the team inked fourth-round draft pick WR Marcus Smith to a three-year deal. Smith, out of New Mexico, was the 106th pick overall. Starting 25 of 49 games, he totaled 153 catches for 2,073 yards and 13 touchdowns during his career. The team also made some other roster moves as well. The team put Scott Kuhn and Quinn Sypniewski, both tight ends, on IR. Kuhn is a rookie from Louisville and Sypniewski is a third-year player from Colorado. In addition, the Ravens also reached an injury settlement with linebacker Mike Smith, a fourth-year player from Texas Tech, who was then waived.

Porter to Miss Up to Two Months After Hamstring Tendon Surgery

Jacksonville Jaguars — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 20:38:12 -0500

The biggest free-agent pickup of the offseason for the Jaguars is going to miss the entire preseason due to hamstring tendon surgery. Jacksonville announced today that WR Jerry Porter will miss six-to-eight weeks, but hope is he will be able to take the field opening day for his new team. "Jerry had a successful surgical repair to a hamstring tendon that had continued to bother him," coach Jack Del Rio said. "We expect a complete recovery in time for the regular season." The 30-year-old Porter signed a six-year, $30 million dollar deal with the club in March. He first hurt the hamstring during a practice in May, and it was called at that time a strain. Coming from the Raiders, Porter is expected to be a huge part of the Jags offense. He has 284 catches for 3,939 yards and 59 touchdowns in eight NFL seasons. With Porter gone for up to two months, the team will likely move Reggie Williams back to the #1 role, and Dennis Northcutt to the teams #2 WR spot.

Free Training Camp Kickoff Event Coming on Thursday

Kansas City Chiefs — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 20:31:19 -0500

The Chiefs will host a FREE Training Camp kickoff event at Arrowhead Stadium on Thursday, July 24th to open single-game ticket sales to the general public. The event is scheduled to be hosted by former Chiefs CB Jayice Pearson and former Chiefs LS and current member of the Chiefs Radio Network Kendall Gammon. The event will begin at 9:00 AM with KC Wolf and Chiefs Cheerleaders in attendance. Select players and coaches will be available to meet fans from approximately 11:00 AM – Noon. Fans are encouraged to come by and show their support as the Chiefs depart for training camp at approximately 12:15 PM from Arrowhead.

New England Patriots’ Nick Kaczur is an Oxy-Moron

New England Patriots — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 20:09:01 -0500

The New England Patriots fallout that began with SpyGate continues its downward spiral of death. Now, offensive fatman Nick Kaczur was caught with 202 Oxycontin pills during a stop in April. The pills were apparently made in Canada, which means he got them without a prescription. Kaczur is not injured, but addicted to painkillers. This is [...]

Is a Starting Job for Timmons a Shoe-in?

Pittsburgh Steelers — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 19:43:21 -0500

From: Pro Football Weekly Steelers observers will be keeping an eye on the number of reps that second-year ILB Lawrence Timmons will be getting with the first-team defense in training camp. It has been widely assumed that Timmons will likely push Larry Foote out of the starting lineup, but as a source close to the club [...]

VY News

Vince Young — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 19:19:40 -0500

A couple of things that I thought you might enjoy for your weekend reading… First, The University of Texas has decided to retire Vince Young's #10 football jersey. He will be one of nine former Longhorn athletes to have his number retired at ceremonies during the 2008-2009 school year. Also being honored is former NCAA Basketball [...]

49ers 3-4 defense: a lot of players with a lot of questions

San Francisco 49ers — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 18:57:34 -0500

The 49ers cannot rely only on Patrick Willis for pressure on the opponents. Who's playing defensive end? Who's the outside linebacker? More blitzes? Let's take a look at the players that will try to add pressure on the opposition: Kentwan Balmer, Justin Smith, Louis Holmes, LaJuan Ramsey, Walter Curry, Parys Haralson, Tully Banta-Cain, Ray McDonald and Isaac Sopoaga

Saints Sign 7th Round Pick WR Adrian Arrington

New Orleans Saints — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 18:48:29 -0500

The Times Picayune has reported that the New Orleans Saints have signed their 7th round pick (273rd overall) Adrian Arrington. They aquired the pick with a trade from Green Bay in which they traded their 6th round pick in 2009. Arrington, a 6-3 193 pound receiver out of Michigan has been compared to Marquis Colston in OTA's this Spring.

Keller Signs, One More To Go

New York Jets — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 18:36:29 -0500

"There was never really any doubt in my mind that we were going to get everything done on time," Keller said. "I'm just happy that everything's done and to officially be a New York Jet — just happy that all that stuff's done now and we can actually get down to the real football business and get the pads on." "I feel pretty confident with the offense right now. I've been doing a lot of studying and getting everything down," Keller said. "As far as expectations for the season, I haven't really set any true expectations for myself. For right now, I just want to get the offense down as good as I can and I want to go out there and give the Jets everything I've got every chance I'm out there." With Keller in Jets' fold, only Gholston remains unsigned - ESPN.com

Addict Angles: The Bryman's Preseason Numbers

Kansas City Chiefs — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 18:05:18 -0500

The Bryman, a somewhat newer commenter who's quickly making a name for himself, had this interesting statistical response to Double D's "Pre-Season Cawfy Talk" post about the Chiefs and the preseason: Instead of taking it on faith, I went to NFL.com, and looked up the correlation between winning/losing and making/missing the ...

BRADY QUINN DOES GOOD

Brady Quinn — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 17:55:26 -0500

by The Sports Diva, TSD Magazine

And you thought this was about the whole photos on gay site thing. No. That was reported hours ago here. And a few weeks ago here. We've moved on. Found something else to talk about regarding Brady Quinn.

On Saturday July 19th, Brady Quinn will make an appearance at the Granted Wish Foundation fundraiser from at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. The event begins at 7 PM but Brady won't appear until 8. Tickets (tax-deductible donations) are $95 which includes an autograph from Quinn. If you want more and would like to be VIP and get a photo opportunity with Quinn, that will run you $900.

See. Not all gossip is bad gossip. Sometimes these athletes actually do things for charity, and money, but it's for charity. So half naked pictures for gay site or not. Brady Quinn does good for charity.

Goal Line Blitz

Arizona Cardinals — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 17:30:57 -0500

This is the greatest online game ever! It is a football simulation game that lets you create a player and bring him through the ranks of a 40 day season. Your allowed to sign contracts, even make a whole team and go get your players! Its like Madden Franchise mode if you own a team, and better than Superstar mode when you are a player! To sign up, use this link because it is a way to earn points. When you sign up, you will get a link of your own to get ppl to join and it gives you points to make players/teams or boost your player! The game goes on forever (unless you retire)!!! http://goallineblitz.com/game/signup.pl?ref=17209534

The Top 10 Players Most Vital To The Chicago Bears' Success In 2008 - # 6 Chris Williams

Chicago Bears — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 17:09:42 -0500

Much of the Bears' success on offense this year will rest on Chris Williams' ability to digest the blocking scheme and improve his run-blocking skills. If he does, Rex Grossman/Kyle Orton will have the much-needed time to throw and lanes will open for fellow rookie Matt Forte. If he fails, opposing defenses will be in the Bears backfield — as another famous Commodore put it — all night long.

Daunte Culpepper: Would the Chicago Bears consider signing him?

Minnesota Vikings — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 16:47:18 -0500

The Chicago Bears have a QB competition already with Rex Grossman and Kyle Orton, but behind those two QB's there isn't much. They could go after veteran QB Daunte Culpepper and make this QB race even more interesting. The only negative is Daunte has been plagued by injuries ever since he left Minnesota. Also, he turned down a 1 year/ 1 million dollar offer from the Green Bay Packers last week. So, he won't come too cheap. I can't see Jerry Angelo going after Daunte, but it would be a good investment for the team. Even if he did not get that much playing time, he could come in and help Rex and Kyle. He is a veteran, who has alot of knowledge of the game.

Chicago Bears Player Preview: Marcus Harrison

Chicago Bears — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 16:45:02 -0500

Today i will preview Chicago Bears 3rd round pick Marcus Harrison on Chicago Bears Player Preview. He reminds me of a more athletic Tank Johnson, who we all know had his share of problems. This kid was a risk coming out of the draft because of his off the field issues, but he could easily overcome that by playing alongside Tommie Harris. The only other negative is he has been injured throughout his career at Arkansas. I see him contributing alongside Tommie Harris, Anthony Adams, Dusty Dvoraveck and Matt Toenia (who many do not know). Jamie Dukes of NFL Network who regularly makes fun of the Bears QB situation, especially Rex Grossman calls DT Marcus Harrison a "power pig." That means he clogs up the whole and stops the run with his size. He was arrested in his senior year for having ecstasy and marijuana in his car, when police pulled him over. Also, he has been hampered with knee and ankle injuries during his college career. With his size 6'3"-310 i see him help stop the run. In his collegiate career, he played in 38 games from 2004-2007 and recorded 170 tackles and 2.5 sacks. Even though he has had some negatives in his collegiate career and he doesn't defend the pass very well, i see him coming into the rotation on defense with Bears. I think he will surprise alot of people, because he was a first round talent until the injuries and off the field issues took place.

Chicago Bears Player Preview: Earl Bennett

Chicago Bears — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 16:44:16 -0500

Today I will preview the Chicago Bears other 3rd round pick, Earl Bennett, on Chicago Bears Player Preview. Personally, I think this guy was a steal in this years NFL Draft. Bennett set the SEC record for career receptions with 236. In his first two years, no one in the SEC had more receptions than he did. Also, he is the first ever SEC receiver to record 75+ receptions in three seasons. The 6'1," 202 Ib wideout is best buds with Chicago Bears first round pick OT Chris Williams (Also from Vanderbilt). Bennett has reliable hands and just enough speed to go deep. With his above average cutting ability, he is able to shake off defenders. Many thought he was the best play maker at Vanderbilt. The only thing Bennett needs to work on is his route running. Chicago Bears offensive coordinator Ron Turner said this days after they drafted Bennett: "We'll give him an opportunity to come in and compete right away." "He's a very intelligent young man, so he shouldn't have any trouble picking things up. He's very competitive, so I know he'll enjoy coming in and competing." Those stats show Bennett can do it all. In 2006, his best season, he recorded 82 receptions for 1,146 yards and earned all-SEC honors for two straight seasons. In his junior year, he received all-SEC honors once again. In 3 years with the Commodores, Bennett finished with 236 receptions, 2,852 receiving yards, and 20 touchdowns. I like those stats. Only 21 years old, but is expected compete for that open #1 WR spot. I see him doing just that and becoming the threat that Devin Hester could develop into. It will be hard for a rookie to come in and win the #1 spot. If he doesn't develop this season, he will down the road.

Did You Know: Jim McMahon Former Chicago Bears QB

Chicago Bears — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 16:42:21 -0500

Did You Know: Jim McMahon former Chicago Bears QB. Chicago Bears fans remember that QB Jim McMahon helped the Bears win Super Bowl XX, but what they don't remember is he won a Super Bowl with the Packers. Yes, he played for the Bears enemy and in 1996 he played backup to Brett Favre. He was booed at the beginning of his two years with the Pack, later he was called McBackup to Brett Favre. The funny part of this story is that the Bears never went to the White House in Washington because of the death of the astronauts on the challenger. So, when the Packers won the Super Bowl in 1996, McMahon wore a Chicago Bears jersey Many Green Bay Packer fans grew very furious, but then he explained how he never had the chance to go when he was on the Bears. He is the best Bears QB since Sid Luckman, but he bounced around the league after his departure from the Bears. He later played for the Vikings, Chargers, and Cardinals. Just a fun fact to know about a former Bears player.

Charles Tillman and Nathan Vasher: Best Cornerback Tandem in the NFL Right Now?

Chicago Bears — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 16:38:52 -0500

I believe when Charles "Peanut" Tillman and Nathan Vasher are healthy, there's not a better cornerback tandem in the NFL. They are simply the best Their ability to create turnovers is the main reason i chose them. In 2005, Nathan Vasher had 8 Int's and Charles Tillman had 5 Int's tied for the NFC lead with 13 combined interceptions with Carolina's Chris Gamble and Ken Lucas. I think losing Vasher last season was a big loss to the defense, because the games he did play in he made a huge impact. Also, Charles Tillman seems to try hard every single down. Since Vasher and Tillman have played together, which began in 2004. they have combined for 30 int's. WOW! Those are amazing stats. I believe that Tillman is very underrated because of all the other great players on that defense. The only other top cornerback tandems that are almost as good as Tillman and Vasher are: Antonio Cromartie and Quentin Jammer of the San Diego Chargers, Champ Bailey and Dre Bly of the Denver Broncos, and Al Harris and Charles Woodson of the Green Bay Packers. You could even throw in new Eagle Asante Samuel and Sheldon Brown as a good cornerback tandem. In the end, if both stay healthy they are the best corneback tandem in the league and I hope to see that next season when they get on the field.

Devin Hester: Is He Going to Be Ridicilous This Season?

Chicago Bears — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 16:36:19 -0500

I have heard Chicago Bears announcer Jeff Joniak of WBBM 780 say "Devin Hester you are ridiculous" over the years, but will he being saying that more this season? We all know his nicknames, "Ridicilous", "Anytime", and "Windy City Flyer". We all have seen his amazing 7 punt returns, 4 kick returns and 2 offensive scores, so we obviously know his ability. Super Bowl XLI marked the first time that a player returned the opening kickoff in a Super Bowl for a touchdown. He will up his work load as wide receiver to as much as 3 times more than last season. Is it a good idea to put him on the field as a receiver? You bet it is, he improves every quarterbacks chance to throw a TD, but did you ever think that it would ruin his kick/punt returning ability. That is something, that can be answered. You don't want to put him on the field to the long, then he won't be able to return kick/punt on each kickoff. I can see replacing Bernard Berrian and becoming the Bears #1 deep threat, which they are in dying need of. I think they don't want to give him too much now because they have not seen him play a whole season as a wide receiver. I hope he does very well next season, and I can see him scoring about 7 or 8 touchdowns on offense. He Won't be the Bears number one target because of the other receivers on the team will battle for his spot. Those receivers are Marty Booker who is a solid veteran, Brandon Lloyd who has said to been the best in mini-camp so far, Mark Bradley who has shown some ability, but is injury prone and Rashied Davis who has stepped up his game. If Hester explodes this season, he could turn into a Steve Smith who also has blazing speed.

Chicago Bears: Why Does Everyone Think They There So Bad?

Chicago Bears — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 16:34:36 -0500

Are the Chicago Bears really going to be as bad as people think they are next season? I don't really understand what the normal NFL fan and so-called expert or analyst sees. The Bears were in Super Bowl XLI two seasons ago. They have many of the same players from that season. I know they went 7-9 last year, but no team has gone back to the playoffs after a Super Bowl loss except the 2005-2006 Seattle Seahawks. The Bears had a very solid draft this year. Some of the players they chose are as follows. 1st round: OT, Chris Williams. 2nd Round: RB, Matt Forte. 3rd Round: WR, Earl Bennett. 3rd Round: DT, Marcus Harrison. 4th Round: S, Craig Steltz. They also got a steal in 6'4" WR Marcus Monk in the 7th Round. I could understand some people saying they have a couple of question marks, but they have so much talent and I see them going really far this season. Projected Lineup: QB: Rex Grossman, who could be very effective with a decent O-line and running game. He was real effective after Brian Griese went out with an injury (thank goodness for that). I don't really see this position as the biggest question mark. RB: I really see this position as their biggest question mark. They released Cedric Benson, who really doesn't care about anything but money. He might be innocent on both charges, but Matt Forte will be a little bit better. Also, they have injury prone Kevin Jones, who was a former first round pick. The problem I have is that most teams have two decent RBs. The Bears have one decent "Rookie" RB in Forte and then have "Special Team Freak," the other Adrian Peterson, plus Garrett Wolfe—no one knows what he'll do. FB: Jason McKie is solid. There is nothing else to say. WR: They released aging Muhsin Muhammad, which makes a lot of sense, and did not resign "B-Twice." Bernard wanted way too much money for what kind of production he had last year—he dropped way too many balls, but he was a great deep threat. They should have hit him with the franchise tag. They bring back Marty Booker, who is basically a "younger" Muhsin Muhammad, and sign Brandon Lloyd, who has done nothing in his career. Brandon Lloyd could be a factor because Offensive Coordinator Ron Turner coached him at Illinois. Also, resigning Rashied Davis was big—he will be solid—and Mark Bradley could be great if he stays healthy. Earl Bennett and Marcus Monk could contribute as well. Who knows what Devin Hester will do? You don't want to use him too much because that will take away time from returning kicks. Personally I think their receivers will be better than last year. TE: Very solid with veteran Dez Clark and speedy Greg Olsen. OL: Rookie Chris Williams will start at LT, Terrence Metcalf at LG, Olin Kreutz at C, Roberto Garza at RG, and John Tait moving back to RT. This has to be their biggest question mark, but I think they'll be better than last year's line with aging Fred Miller and Ruben Brown. DE: Adewale Ogunleye and Alex Brown will start, but they will have solid backups who will be in the rotation—Mark Anderson and Israel Idonije. Idonije will be used not only as a DE, but also as a DT. DT: Look for Tommie Harris, who has one year left on his contract, to pair up with Dusty Dvoracek to start and have Anthony Adams as the Nose Tackle. Also, rookie Marcus Harrison should be used like Tank Johnson was a couple years ago. DT Matt Toenia, who signed on late in the year, should add some depth. LB: They are the best in the league if Brian Urlacher is healthy. He'll pair up with Lance Briggs, and don't forget about Hunter Hillenmeyer. CB: Nathan Vasher and Charles Tillman will start and have solid backups in Ricky Manning Jr. and Trumaine McBride, plus Corey Graham on Special Teams. Look for Vasher to have a Pro Bowl season if he stays healthy and for the Bears to use Daniel Manning in Nickel situations. FS: Mike Brown will be great if he stays healthy, and Craig Steltz will be a solid backup and contributor on special teams. SS: Brandon McGowan, who re-signed this offseason, should be solid if he stays healthy, and has some solid backups in Kevin Payne and Daniel Manning. Special Teams: Kicker Robbie Gould is good as gold, punter Brad Maynard is solid, and what can you say about Devin Hester? He is ridiculous. Predicted Record: 11-5—I see them having a Super Bowl defense if Urlacher and Mike Brown stay healthy, plus a solid offense if Matt Forte leads the way with that O-line staying up.

Bears Close To Deal With 1st Round Pick

Chicago Bears — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 16:28:29 -0500

The Chicago Bears roster stands at 80 with Chris Williams unsigned. This is what Chris Williams's agent had to say "we have exchanged dialogue and proposals," Johnson said Thursday. "I respect the Bears' diligence in working toward a timely resolution, particularly with training camp right around the corner." It has been reported that Chris Williams, the No. 14 overall pick, will sign a five-year contract, with $9 million guaranteed. The only two players the Chicago Bears are worried about have to be Brian Urlacher and Devin Hester. The Bears training camp starts in five days.

Chicago Bears Make A Much Needed Move and Sign RB Kevin Jones

Chicago Bears — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 16:27:02 -0500

The Chicago Bears bolstered their roster by signing RB Kevin Jones to a one year deal worth about $605,000. I like the signing, it brings in a nice backup to compete with rookie Matt Forte. "I'm ecstatic," Jones said on his way to O'Hare from Halas Hall. "I know the situation. I know the Bears' rich history of winning. Looking at the Bears, I know they're a tough, running team. I can't wait to be a part of it." Lovie Smith said weeks ago that the Chicago Bears were not signing a running back, and was very mad at this statement made by the head coach. I like Matt Forte, but you can't trust him because he is a rookie. also, behind Forte is the other Adrian Peterson, who was solid at times last season and very affective in the screen game. The third string running back Garrett Wolfe was invisible at times last season. If Kevin Jones shows up to training camp in shape and ready to go, he could beat out rookie Matt Forte or split time with him. That is better than being with no team at all. Let's take a look at Kevin Jones's career. Kevin Jones is second in Virgina Tech school history with 3,475 rushing yards and 35 touchdowns. He was a first round pick back in 2004 by the Detroit Lions. His best season was his rookie season where he ran for 1,133 yards, rushed for five touchdowns and caught one touchdown. Kevin Jones has great pass catch ability. He joined Hall of Famer Barry Sanders and Billy Sims as the third running back in Detroit Lions history to run for 1,000+ yards in his rookie season. Between 2005-2006 he ran 1,353 yards, rushed for 11 touchdowns and caught two touchdowns. He was sidelined at the end of the 2006 season with a Lisfranc fracture. In 2007, the Lions brought in Tatum Bell and T.J. Duckett because they were worried about Kevin Jones's durability. He ran for only 581 yards and rushed for eight touchdowns in 2007, but yet again he was hampered by a knee injury late in the season. The Detroit Lions released him in March of this year, because of his latest injury. Kevin Jones offered his services to play in Chicago in June, because he knew he could get alot of playing time and he loves the city of Chicago. Kevin Jones visited the Steelers, Bears, Patriots, Packers, Lions and Bucs, but he signed on with the Chicago Bears. He could be considered a risk to some, but we can just sit back and watch what he does next year with the Chicago Bears.