Another off-season, another Favre update. So far, and it’s only been a matter of hours now, this Brett Favre “possible” retirement has gotten more attention than Armando Gallaraga’s almost perfect game in baseball, and is on the verge of challenging LeBron to heat very soon.
Now that this is up for grabs for each and every ESPN writer and national writer for a variety of newspapers, here are nine stories that you will get pummeled with leading up to the start of the NFL regular season.
Important: Darrelle Revis and His Hopeful New Contract
Darrelle Revis or his agent aren’t to blame for this contract debacle. While 20 million a year is too much for a cornerback, upwards of 15 million are well within reach.
First off, Rex Ryan hyped up Darrelle Revis as the best defensive player in the NFL last season, which only added fuel to the fire, and least showed Revis’s people their hand on how valuable they see Revis as. Also, the fact that Nduami Asomuga is making 15 million a season makes the 15+ contract option very realistic.
The Jets have to figure this out soon, because without Revis, this cornerback group goes from very deep to questionable across the board.
Waste of Time: Brett Favre is Retired…Until Next Week
You know that this Favre story isn’t close to going away. If you have watched ESPN between July and August the past four years, you’ve seen “Favre Watch”.
Sure, as of now he’s retired. But that has happened a few times before. In fact, the past four years, he has all but come out and said that. But he came back every time.
If he returns, they are the number one or two team in the NFC. He has a great offensive line, the best running back in the NFL, and even an improved defense. He’ll be on the best team he’s ever played, and he was one win away last year from being in the Super Bowl.
Important: Aaron Schobel On the Block
Speaking of undecided on his future, reports of Aaron Schobel retiring have been looming the past few days. Also, the Bills have said that if he doesn’t retire, they will outright release him.
However, Buddy Nix has nixed that report, and said that Schobel will not be on the Bills roster by Week One, but will not be released immediately either. Schobel is on the block, and a team looking for a 4-3 defensive end or a possible 3-4 power rusher could be in the market for Schobel. He’s likely worth a 5th or 6th round pick, likely a conditional pick.
Waste of Time: Albert Haynesworth Isn’t Usain Bolt…Or In Shape
Okay, let’s clear the air. Haynesworth was asked to run three 300-yard shuttles with 70 seconds rest in the allotted time.
Haynesworth wasn’t able to complete this in back to back days, and now has sat out four days of practice. What is Shanahan trying to do? I mean, does a defensive tackle really need to be able to perform this?
To answer that, probably not. But this isn’t just about on the field ability. Haynesworth was a nuisance this off-season, and this is Shanahan’s way of putting him under pressure.
Also, this is Shanahan’s way of laying down the law and showing the Redskins roster that he means business, and you better be more than ready for the season, or Coach Mike just might call you out.
Important: Bucs Offense Loaded With Youth
The youngest team, according to average age of a roster, in the NFL, the Bucs are really showcasing their recent draft picks on offense.
Josh Freeman, last year’s 1st rounder, is slotted as the starting quarterback. Last year’s late round receiver pick, Sammie Strougher, is likely one starting receiver. The other starter is likely this year’s mid rounder, Mike Williams from Syracuse. And their third receiver is another rookie, Arrelious Benn from Illinois.
Plus, they have the youngest offensive line in the NFL. While no one is expecting a division title, this could be the season that Tampa Bay fans get to see what their future holds.
Waste of Time: All Draft Picks Aren’t Signed? This is Craziness
After a week and a half of panic because draft picks were still unsigned, only three remain. What most people didn’t realize is that this has been the most effective year when it comes to getting draft picks signed in time for training camp.
Russell Okung of Seattle is likely the next to sign, and Coach Pete Carroll has already said he needs to be in camp. His contract should be relatively easy to figure out, and he’ll be done by late this week.
Ndamukong Suh is asking somewhere closer to Sam Bradford than the Lions would like because he was viewed by most as the top overall prospect in the draft. He won’t get as much as Bradford, but it wouldn’t shock me for him to get a substantial amount more than Gerald McCoy.
The last one to sign will likely be CJ Spiller. As is common with running backs and quarterbacks who are Top 10 picks, they expect to get a little bit extra because of their ability to dictate the game. Sadly for the Bills, he is their most marketable player by far, and he should be in camp by no later than next Tuesday.
Important: Problems in Bengal-ville
The addition of Terrell Owens isn’t the only question mark the Bengals are facing coming into this season.
To start with TO, how he meshes with another “character” in Ochocinco and another slight problem receiver in Antonio Bryant, and if he will actually be the starter will be intriguing to watch, and that could be either great or a huge situation for Marvin Lewis.
Also, Andre Smith, the 2009 number six overall pick last year, has showed up drastically over-weight (reportedly 370!) for a left tackle, and with recovery from his foot surgery not going well, he needs to show that he can be a consistent NFL starter.
Waste of Time: Do Rookies Get Paid like Equipment Managers During “Hazing”?
The rookie hazing and pad carrying stories got old just after Dez Bryant and Roy Williams were linked in Cowboy camp.
This really doesn’t mean anything. At all. The Cowboys are okay with it not happening in Dallas. Other rookies are okay with doing it, and no one got hurt. Tell me about how a rookie is adjusting to the professional life, not how many pads he can carry.
Important: New Receivers in New Spots Looking Good
Older, potential Hall of Famers like Terrell Owens and Tory Holt moving on to new teams and not looking like future 800+ yard guys, it’s time to look at the new age receivers that are in new locations.
To start, rookie Dez Bryant looks like he could be the Cowboys top receiver by mid-season. He was a Top 5 talent according to us at Optimum Scouting last year, and I haven’t heard or seen anything to change my mind.
Also, Anquan Boldin and Brandon Marshall look like potential All-Pros in their new spots. Both have very strong armed quarterbacks and answer the franchises need for a number one receiver, something both have been lacking for years.
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