Author Archives: Russell S. Baxter, ProFootballGuru

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2013 NFL Comings and Goings (June 17)

The key comings and goings in the NFL (as of June 17).

Arizona Cardinals

Comings:                                                                                

QB Carson Palmer (Trade/Raiders)

RB Rashard Mendenhall (from Steelers)

LB Karlos Dansby (from Dolphins)

QB Drew Stanton (from Colts)

CB Antoine Cason (from Chargers)

CB Jerraud Powers (from Colts)

CB Javier Arenas (Trade/Chiefs)

S Yeremiah Bell (from Jets)

S Jonathon Amaya (from Dolphins)

DE Matt Shaughnessy (from Raiders)

DE Frostee Rucker (from Browns)

LB Lorenzo Alexander (from Redskins)

LB Jasper Brinkley (from Vikings)

CB Bryan McCann (from Dolphins)

G Chilo Rachal (from Bears)

Goings:

QB Kevin Kolb (Released/Bills)

QB John Skelton (Released/Bengals)

QB Brian Hoyer (Released/Browns)

S Adrian Wilson (Released/Patriots)

S Kerry Rhodes (Released)

RB Beanie Wells (Released)

RB/KR LaRod Stephens-Howling (Steelers)

G Adam Snyder (Released/49ers)

LB Stewart Bradley (Released)

OLB Quentin Groves (Browns)

CB William Gay (Released)

WR Early Doucet (Released)

CB Greg Toler (Colts)

LB Stewart Bradley (Broncos)

G Rich Ohrnberger (Chargers)

FB Anthony Sherman (Traded to Chiefs)

Continue reading →

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NFL Players Who Must Show Up Big in Contract Years

Happy Father’s Day from BleacherReport.com

The 2013 NFL season has yet to begin, but we’re taking this time to look at what the ramifications of that season will be for some notable players.

Yes, it’s the dreaded contract year.

We’re not predicting that any of the 12 players listed will be signed or not re-signed, and each player’s situation is obviously different. But the one similarity is that their current contracts (or possible contracts) will expire following next season and it will be interesting to see what the future holds for these performers.

For the sake of common sense, we’ve excluded potential unrestricted free agents such as Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan, Minnesota Vikings defensive end Jared Allen and Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle Geno Atkins (among others) as the likelihood of these players hitting the open market next year is remote. And in case you are wondering, the following list is in alphabetical order by team.

Per usual, all contract information for the players in this piece comes courtesy of the outstanding work done by Spotrac. And a special thanks to Pro Football Focus(subscription required) for their outstanding statistical breakdowns and analysis…

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1674112-nfl-players-who-must-show-up-big-in-contract-years

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Famous Fathers Of The NFL

Check out The Post Game.com

Sunday is Father’s Day and congratulations to all of those dads all over the world. Of course, we’ve seen our share of famous fathers throughout the history of the National Football League.

So here’s a look at some of the more notable dads and fathers (in alphabetical order) involved in the game of professional football … with a few twists…

http://www.thepostgame.com/blog/list/201306/famous-fathers-nfl-football-manning-harbaugh-mara-matthews-dad#1

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Why Your Favorite NFL Team Should Feel Good About the Upcoming Season

The latest from BleacherReport.com

When it comes to the National Football League, the offseason is usually full of optimism for all 32 teams.

And we’re certainly not here to burst any bubbles.

So here’s a look at the positives for each club as we prepare for NFL season No. 94.

In some instances, it’s a matter of showing how a past problem area has suddenly reversed its fortunes. For other teams, we’re merely stating the obvious.

In any case, this is a feel good piece that should indeed make fans of their respective teams excited for the upcoming season.

And hopefully we’ll make you feel better about any concerns that you have with any areas of your favorite club.

Of course, we still have to wait roughly three months to find out if any or all of these suggestions are correct.

But we are patient…

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1671441-why-your-favorite-nfl-team-should-feel-good-about-the-upcoming-season

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The 57 Greatest Moments in Joe Montana’s Illustrious NFL Career

A little NFL history from BleacherReport.com

On June 11, 1956, the world was given Joe Montana.

More than two decades later, Montana was given to the National Football League.

So on the 57th birthday of the Pro Football Hall of Famer, we’re taking a look at 57 of his most enduring moments and ranking them accordingly. In other words, not all 57 moments will be in chronological order, although some will certainly fall into place.

We’re talking Montana’s NFL career here, so if you’re looking for birthday parties, prom pictures and great moments with the Fighting Irish, you are in the wrong place. Sorry.

There’s little doubt that “Joe Cool” ranks as one of the greatest quarterbacks and/or players in the league’s 93-year history. From game-winning drives to amazing comebacks to memorable quarters, Montana proved to be quite an obstacle for opposing defenses.

So let’s reminisce a little and head down memory lane. And in case you’re looking for a few surprises or curve balls, we can assure you that there is certainly a “catch” to all of this.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1668263-the-57-greatest-moments-in-joe-montanas-illustrious-nfl-career

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10 NFL Legends Who Stayed in the League Too Long

The latest from BleacherReport.com

It’s never easy to say goodbye. And for professional athletes or any of us who do something we love, it’s even more difficult.

So here’s a brief look at some of the NFL’s past stars (some less past than others) who may have remained in the league a bit too past their prime.

Seeing greats in different uniforms will bother those die-hard fans. From Los Angeles Rams quarterback Joe Namath to San Francisco 49ers running back O.J. Simpson to San Diego Chargers quarterback Johnny Unitas. None of those Hall of Famers had their finest moments in different duds.

There’s no doubt there’s more that could be added to this list and feel free to chime in with suggestions. And while all of those listed aren’t Pro Football Hall of Famers, they were still incredibly productive players who excelled at their craft and gave us some legendary and memorable moments.

Of course, in a perfect world, there would be no need for such discussion. All of our heroes would ride off into the sunset throwing the winning touchdown pass, coming up with the deciding score or making the defensive play of the game that stops the opposition.

Unfortunately, this isn’t a perfect world. But in terms of the game of football, it would be nice, wouldn’t it?…

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1658110-10-nfl-legends-who-stayed-in-the-league-too-long

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Getting to Know Every NFL Owner

Check out BleacherReport.com

If you want to be successful in any business, it has to start at the top.

The National Football League and its 32 teams are no different. Each club is its own company and no matter how talented one may be on the field of play, the franchise has to be run properly from the top.

Here’s a look, alphabetically, at all of the NFL teams’ owners. Some play pivotal roles in the day-to-day operations, a few have passed on the work to other while some take a different approach whatsoever.

Whatever works, works. And in some cases it’s worked out well. For others, the waiting game continues.

Especially when it comes to winning a Super Bowl title…

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1658105-getting-to-know-every-nfl-owner

 

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The NFL: A Tight End-Driven League?

Third in a series of positional looks courtesy of Yahoo! Sports Contributor Network

These days in the National Football League, there’s so much emphasis placed on the performance of the quarterback that you wonder if he’s the only player on the field.

Of course that’s not accurate. But at times, you would almost think that’s the case.

While today’s NFL is deep when it comes to wide receivers, tight ends continue to make their mark in this pass-happy league. And the numbers these players have put up in recent seasons have been phenomenal. A total of five tight ends led their respective teams in receptions in 2013.

So here’s the third of many looks at the other positions on the field and their importance. A one-man show is great in tennis, bowling and handball. It doesn’t work when it comes to football.

Now it’s time to take a look at those aforementioned tight ends. Who are the guys the quarterbacks rely on to not only be their safety valve but come up with the big play as well? Let’s take a look:

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/nfl-tight-end-driven-league-171300106.html

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If You Could Pick One Player?…And It Can’t Be a Quarterback?

My latest for TheFootballGirl.com

The NFL is a quarterback-driven league.

The NFL is a quarterback-driven league.

The NFL is a quar…

You hear it over and over again. So much that you could actually start to believe it. Yes, the focus for many in regards to professional football is the quarterback. You have to have one and you need to have an efficient one.

Of course, you need to have a lot of efficient performers to succeed in the National Football League.

So let’s assume that every team in the league will get its quarterback…eventually. And each of the signal-callers is of the Aaron Rodgers, Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, Drew Brees and Ben Roethlisberger variety in terms of talent, production and savvy. (I’m not going to name all 32 starters here. Work with me, please)…

http://thefootballgirl.com/news-and-features/melissas-blog/2013/jun/if-you-could-pick-one-player…and-it-cant-be-a-quarterback.html

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NFL Quarterbacks Who Can Set Records This Year

The latest from BleacherReport.com

The NFL has certainly become a pass-happy league.

And all of that passing has certainly made fans happy.

We won’t debate the merits of the current game and whether some teams’ wide-open style is conducive to winning a championship…at least not in this piece.

The focus here is records and the assorted league marks and club records that can be set in 2013.

In some instances, we’ll be talking milestones and not necessarily records. UPDATE: This is not a serious of predictions regarding quarterbacks capable of setting new NFL passing records in 2013. These are milestones and marks that players are within range of this upcoming season.

As previously mentioned, we’re very cognizant of the fact that the NFL is more of a passing league these days. However, the numbers are what they are.

Keep in mind that the history of a franchise, be it style and/or tradition, plays a part as well in some of these passing marks. That and the fact that some of these clubs have been around longer than some others.

So if you like numbers, we got ‘em. And we hope you won’t take a pass on this look around the league.

A special thanks to Pro-Football Reference and the Pro Football Hall of Famewebsite for making things a bit easier.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1658098-nfl-quarterbacks-who-can-set-records-this-year