While we are all well aware of Michael Vick’s current situation, there were a lot of other developments throughout the league this week that don’t make you recoil in disgust (well maybe one other one). So to make sure we’re all up to date on the most current hot topics in the NFL, we go around the horn this week:
1. Edgerrin James and his gold-less teeth are now “all business”
That’s right boys & girls…….James has ditched the gold plating and now sports a new grill and a new attitude. In fact, Edge has now referred to himself as “Business James.” As one of our illustrious members pointed out in a previous article, this move might just propel James up the fantasy football draft boards. Was that his reason for getting rid of the gold? Nah, I just think he is on a mission to shut every single one of his critics from last season up who are saying he can’t perform at a pro bowl level anymore. His new attitude and intensity are exactly what the Arizona Cardinals need this year to win.
2. Ignoring the problem it didn’t make it go away: Miami Dolphins release Culpepper
The Hostage situation in Southern Florida finally ended on July 16th without any bloodshed or a single shot fired. The victim, former pro bowl QB Daunte Culpepper, has spoken to the press and advised he is in good spirits, but admits to still be a little shaky in the knees since his ordeal began nearly 7 months ago. But, Culpepper has found his spiritual side throughout all of this, citing his inspiration, Ghandi, in a recent statement:
“As I was going through this process I heard about a quote by Gandhi that best expresses my thoughts about this victory: ‘First they ignore you, then they ridicule you, then they fight you, then you win,”‘ Culpepper, who serves as his own agent, said in an e-mail. “Now that I have won my freedom and I get to choose my next team, I am just like many other people who have to go out and find employment so that I can take care of my family.”
Ha Ha Ha…….but seriously, Culpepper will be scrambling to sign somewhere before training camps begin in earnest next week. Some potential suitors? Jacksonville and a possible reunion with his former coach Mike Tice who is now an assistant head coach with the Jags could be an option. Some other teams in need of help at the QB position are Detroit (no disrespect to Jon Kitna intended), Cleveland or even Atlanta now that they will most likely lose Vick for the season. How terrible would that be for Joey Harrington, huh? To leave Miami where you were a second-stringer to Daunte, only to have him pop up in Atlanta to take the starting job away from you again? It’s kinda funny……..
3. Franchise players got stiffed, except for…..Cory Redding?
Well the deadline for players with the Franchise Tag to make any kind of offseason deals came and went on 16 July with three notable incidents. Lance Briggs and Asante Samuel both did not reach any type of long term deal with their respective ballclubs, nor did Briggs receive the trade he demanded. Now, for the 2007-08 season, they can only sign with the Bears (Briggs) or with the Pats (Samuel). The best thing they can do is sign the franchise tag along with an assurance in writing that they will not receive the tag next offseason.
But this was the real story…….Cory Redding, a second year second-round drafted DT signed a 7-year, $49 million contract extension with an unbelievable $20 million guaranteed. He had one good year?!? He didn’t even make the pro bowl!?! And to put it into perspective for you, Adelius Thomas, one of the most dominant DL in the AFC last year only got $35 million from the Patriots when he signed with them this offseason. I really can’t talk about it anymore, it’s giving me a headache…….click here if you want to read more about this “deal.”
4. The Cardinals and 1st Round Pick Levi Brown engage in ‘Positive Talks’
Brown’s agent, Joel Segal, stated that the two sides were involved in “preliminary, positive” talks which should only get more intense with the start of training camp on 9 days away. Along with Brown, the Cards second round pick, DT Alan Branch, and third round pick, LB Buster Davis, have also not agreed to terms with the team as of yet. Getting Brown signed as soon as possible is absolutely critical to the development of the Offensive Line as a unit. He needs to be in camp from Day 1 pushing Gandy or Ross for that starting tackle spot. Everyday that he’s out of camp affects this team’s ability to run the ball, which according to Coach Whisenhunt will be about 60% of the time. We’ll keep a close eye on this one…..
5. AZ Cardinals Single Game tickets go on sale this Saturday
For the second of what I’m sure will be many years in a row the Cards sold out their season tickets, leaving an additional 3,000 tickets that were set aside for each game to be purchased this Saturday, 21 July. For more details on this, click here to read the article posted on AZCentral.com’s website. Get ’em while they’re hot!!!
So that’s it ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, children of all ages……the latest and greatest about what really matters in the country today – PRO FOOTBALL!
Mike Duggan
AZCardsfan4life