Mac's Football Blog

Vikings' Peterson Cited for Speeding

2009-12-03T14:03:00.000-05:00

Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson was cited for speeding at 8:30pm last Saturday night in suburban Minneapolis.

Peterson was clocked at 109 mph in a 55-mph zone.

Edina police issued the citation and allowed him to drive away.

Sunday's Jaguars-Texans Will Blacked Out in Jacksonville

2009-12-03T13:29:00.002-05:00

The Jacksonville Jaguars have announced that their game this Sunday against the Houston Texans has not sold enough tickets and will be blacked out locally.

All six of the Jaguars' games this season have been blacked out.

PFT: Holmgren in Play for Seahawks' Job

2009-12-03T12:49:00.002-05:00

Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com reports that with Seattle Seahawks general manager Tim Ruskell resigning today, former Seahawks GM and head coach Mike Holmgren is "in play" for one or both of the jobs.

Big shock, I know.

Florio also accurately points out that the Rooney Rule will require the Seahawks to interview a minority candidate for these positions, though as I pointed out on Monday, the Seahawks could hire Holmgren as the top executive and promote Director of Pro Personnel Will Lewis, an 11-year veteran of the team's personnel department Holmgren originally hired back in 1999 and who is African-American.

The Seahawks press conference should begin within the next 10 minutes.

Ruskell Explains Departure

2009-12-03T11:16:00.000-05:00

Soon to be former Seattle Seahawks general manager Tim Ruskell discussed his decision to resign with ESPN.com's Mike Sando.

"We were getting ready to go into those meetings about free agency and the offseason," Ruskell said. "If I am not going to spearhead those meetings and it wasn't going to happen no matter what our record was, you become a lame duck. And I did not want that."

Sando has much more, including an interesting characterization of Sunday's PFW report by Ruskell himself.

Hofstra Football Cancels Program

2009-12-03T10:39:00.003-05:00

Steven Marcus of Newsday reports that Hofstra University is canceling its football program due to financial reasons.

Notable Hofstra football alumni include New Orleans Saints wide receiver Marques Colston, Pittsburgh Steelers right tackle Willie Colon, Dallas Cowboys defensive end Stephen Bowen, New England Patriots cornerback Kyle Arrington, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Raheem Morris. One of the football programs most notable alumni is former New York Jets wide receiver Wayne Chrebet.

The Flying Dutchmen finished 5-6 this season, winning it's season-finale 52-38 over the University of Massachusetts.

Two Workers Injured at Cowboys Stadium

2009-12-03T10:16:00.002-05:00

The Associated Press reports that two workers performing ongoing maintenance on the roof at the Dallas Cowboys' new $1.2 billion dollar stadium were injured this morning after they slipped and fell from the upper roof to a lower section of the roof.

The injuries both men sustained were described as severe.

RIP: Foge Fazio (1938-2009)

2009-12-03T09:26:00.001-05:00

Former NFL coach Serafino "Foge" Fazio has passed away at the age of 71.

Fazio was the head coach at the University of Pittsburgh from 1982-85, coordinated the defense at the University of Notre Dame, but also coached at Boston University, Harvard, and the University of Cincinnati.

In the NFL, Fazio had coaching stints with the Atlanta Falcons and New York Jets, and was the Minnesota Vikings' defensive coordinator from 1995-99.

Fazio was a West Virginia native, so fellow WV native Mike Florio wrote about him here.

Wade Phillips Defends Himself

2009-12-03T09:20:00.000-05:00

Dallas Cowboys head coach Wade Phillips defended himself on Wednesday.

"If you want to go on records," Phillips said. "I don't know what the determining factor is, I've never known. I didn't know when I was in Buffalo and we were 29-19 in three years that I was going to get fired. I thought I did a heck of a job.

"All I do is try to do the best I can as a coach. I work hard at that. I don't think I get a lot of respect for that, but that's the way it goes.

"I've won 75 games as a head coach so far in eight years. That's not bad compared to a lot of other people.

"Now, I understand the playoffs and so forth. I understand all that. But I think – I think, and it's my opinion – that winning breeds winning. If you're a winner, you're going to come out fine whether it's regular season or playoffs sooner or later.

"If you learn to coach and win games, then you're going to do well. And I'm confident we're going to do that."

I've never been a big fan of Phillips, and have compared him to the kid in this commercial, but I like to see him defend himself.

PFW Report on Ruskell: Still Shady

2009-12-03T09:07:00.003-05:00

I tend to not read the comments section of any online posting, whether it's on a blog or at the end of a newspaper article. Most are over-the-top, reactionary comments by anonymous folks who likely wouldn't be as willing to share their feelings in a public setting without that cloak of anonymity.

But I read the bottom of Danny O'Neil's post "Tim Ruskell on the way out" at the Seattle Times, because I was curious to see what the reaction would be to the news that Tim Ruskell was actually resigning.

"swab" from Olympia, Washington wrote the following: "I think all you reporters owe PFW an apology for scoffing at their report."

Respectfully "swab", no we don't.

The PFW report had no byline, so there's no one to actually apologize to. I suppose we could apologize to the entire staff at Pro Football Weekly, but I'm not so sure it's right to applaud a news organization that has such little confidence in the news it reports, that it's afraid to associate an actual reporter's name to it. More bluntly, if PFW is going to treat it's news items like a turd left in the toilet for some unsuspecting person to discover, it deserves to be treated like it.

What PFW posted was pansy journalism, and it was rightfully skewered by the media for it.

Besides, as Mike Sando of ESPN.com notes, Ruskell approached the Seahawks this week, after those reports, to discuss his status. When he didn't get the response he wanted to hear, he opted to resign.

If anything, PFW's report prompted the action, not reported on it, and if you trust the word of certain sportswriters who used to work for a daily newspaper in Seattle who now work for the Seahawks--which I do completely--Ruskell and Pro Football Weekly aren't exactly strangers.

So sorry, "swab", but PFW will get no apologies from me.

Apologies for the Technical Difficulties

2009-12-03T08:44:00.001-05:00

My apologies for the early morning technical difficulties. Not entirely sure how it happened, but the blog was silenced.

At least the girl was cute.

With a GM resigning, it promises to be a busy day here at MFB.

NFL News and Notes - December 3, 2009

2009-12-03T07:05:00.000-05:00

Here's today's spin around the NFL.

The offensive identity of the New England Patriots changes each week, quarterback Tom Brady said.

By playing in Toronto, the Buffalo Bills have forfeited a home-field advantage.

New York Jets running back Thomas Jones has been the team leader, on and off the field.

People in Miami are still talking about Miami Dolphins head coach Tony Sparano's attempted timeout call after a turnover on Sunday.

Cincinnati Bengals running back Cedric Benson returned to practice on Wednesday.

Cleveland Browns running back Jamal Lewis' career is over.

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Mark Clayton isn't concerned with his numbers.

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward apologized to teammate Ben Roethlisberger, then made a guarantee.

The Houston Texans are aware that all of their remaining games are of the must-win variety.

After their 20-3 loss on Sunday, the Jacksonville Jaguars offensive players held a players-only meeting.

Tennessee Titans first-round wide receiver Kenny Britt has added a new dimension to the offense.

Indianapolis Colts cornerback Kelvin Hayden declared himsel a go for Sunday.

Kyle Orton-to-Brandon Marshall has resulted in nearly a third of the team's big passing plays, writes Lindsay Jones of the Denver Post. (All apologies, but is that number uncommon for a team's starting quarterback and #1 receiver?)

Kansas City Chiefs head coach Todd Haley is having hard time not putting the ball in Jamaal Charles' hands.

San Diego Chargers defensive back Paul Oliver has been making some big plays in his limited playing time.

Scott Ostler of the San Francisco Chronicle writes that the Oakland Raiders should unload quarterback JaMarcus Russell in the off-season.

Dallas Cowboys linebacker Bradie James dislikes the New York Giants.

New York Giants linebacker Jonathan Goff could start at middle linebacker this week.

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick returns to the Georgia Dome on Sunday.

Washington Redskins defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth returned to practice on Wednesday, though in a limited capacity.

Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler accepted the blame for the team's 4-7 record, and has asked for reinforcements.

Detroit Lions second-round safety Louis Delmas was fined $7,500 for a late-hit on Green Bay Packers tight end Jermichael Finley.

Green Bay Packers cornerback Charles Woodson was named the NFC's Defensive Player of the Month for November, part of the reason why the Packers, who switched to a 3-4 defense this year, have the league's #1-ranked defense.

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Brett Favre was named the NFC's Offensive Player of the Month.

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Chris Redman is ready to make his first NFL start since 2007.

Carolina Panthers seventh-round cornerback Captain Munnerlyn wants to play this week, despite suffering a concussion last Sunday.

New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton is keeping an eye on the kicking game.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Antonio Bryant wants to be more involved in the offense.

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner is hopeful of playing this week against Minnesota.

Seattle Seahawks general manager Tim Ruskell will resign today.

St. Louis Rams guard Richie Incognito will return to the lineup on Sunday.

San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore approves of the team's spread offense.

Today's NFL birthdays: Falcons practice squad wide receiver Troy Bergeron (26), Ravens offensive tackle Lou Saucedo (24), Browns wide receiver Brian Robiskie (22), Colts quarterback Jim Sorgi (29) and linebacker Tyjuan Hagler (28), Saints linebacker Troy Evans (32), Jets safety James Ihedigbo (26), Steelers practice squad offensive tackle Jonathan Palmer (26), Rams linebacker James Laurinaitis (23), and Redskins running back Rock Cartwright (30) and defensive tackle Cornelius Griffin (33).

Ruskell to Resign as Seahawks' GM

2009-12-03T05:43:00.006-05:00

The Seattle Seahaawks have called a 10am PT news conference, where it's expected that team president and general manager Tim Ruskell will announce his resignation.

Ruskell is in the fifth year of a five-year contract. He has not received a contract extension, and his status has been a main topic of discussion as the team appears headed towards a second consecutive non-playoff season.

A Pro Football Weekly report on Sunday stated that Ruskell had been told that he wouldn't be back in 2009.

Why resign now?

Well, for starters it allows Ruskell to start positioning himself for a position with another team. Though he's unlikely to land a general manager's job this soon after being dismissed/resigning from one, he is a solid evaluator of talent and can be a valuable member of an NFL personnel department.

Secondly, it never makes sense to have a lame-duck general manager running the ship. Not only will the Seahawks be evaluating their own roster over these last five weeks, they will be scouting the rest of the league, as well as bringing in free agents to workout for possible "futures" contracts, which are signed in January.

In the interim, I suspect that Seattle's Director of Pro Personnel, Will Lewis, will handle the day-to-day operations of the front office. He pre-dates Ruskell, having been hired by Holmgren in 1999, and may be a candidate for the position once the interview process begins.

The executive one rung above Lewis, Ruston Webster, was a Ruskell hire, with the two men working together for 15 years in Tampa before Webster joined the 'Hawks in 1986.

A quick rundown of the major sins of the Ruskell Era:

1. Transition tagging, not franchise tagging, All-Pro guard Steve Hutchinson.
2. Neglecting to select an offensive tackle between 2006 and 2009, despite Walter Jones turning 32 during Ruskell's first-year on the job.
3. Trading a first-round pick for Deion Branch, then signing him to a $39M contract. Also, allowing that contract to enter a fourth year without a restructure.
4. Devoting a disproportionate percentage of the team's resources--both cash and high draft picks--towards building a defense that still struggles to pressure the quarterback or defend the pass, even at Qwest Field.
5. Failing to lock-up key players to long-term contracts, waiting until the deals to expire before signing them to long-term deals, often after use of the franchise tag.
6. Pushing a Hall of Fame head coach (Holmgren) out the door when he was at least open to signing a contract extension.

Browns Place Jamal Lewis on IR

2009-12-02T19:10:00.000-05:00

It's official: The Cleveland Browns have placed Jamal Lewis on injured reserve, likely ending the running back's career.

"After consulting with our medical team, we felt that this was in the best interests of both Jamal and Brodney (Pool) at this time," said Browns Head Coach Eric Mangini. "As I've said before, organizationally, players' health and safety are paramount in any decision we make with regards to putting them back on the field.

"Jamal has been an integral part of this team and he has exhibited a great work ethic. He worked hard, studied hard and set a good example for the younger running backs."

NFL Injury Report - 2009 Week 13 (Wed.)

2009-12-02T18:30:00.001-05:00

Here's the official NFL Injury/Practice Participation report for Wednesday, December 2, 2009:

New York Jets at Buffalo Bills

NY Jets

OUT: CB Dwight Lowery (ankle), CB Donald Strickland (concussion), G Robert Turner (knee)
Probable: DE Shaun Ellis (knee), T D'Brickashaw Ferguson (hamstring), S Jim Leonhard (thumb), LB Calvin Pace (shoulder), QB Mark Sanchez (knee), S Eric Smith (back)

Buffalo

OUT: T Demetrius Bell (knee), DT John McCargo (calf), CB Ashton Youboty (ankle)
Questionable: S Jairus Byrd (groin), CB Terrence McGee (knee)

Dallas Cowboys at New York Giants

Dallas

Did not participate: T Marc Colombo (ankle), S Ken Hamlin (ankle)
Full participation: LB Victor Butler (knee), QB Tony Romo (back), S Gerald Sensabaugh (thumb), LB DeMarcus Ware (foot), TE Jason Witten (foot)

NY Giants

OUT: RB Danny Ware (concussion)
Did not participate: RB Ahmad Bradshaw (ankle, foot), S Michael Johnson (groin)
Limited participation: WR Derek Hagan (hamstring)
Full participation: LB Michael Boley (back), QB Eli Manning (foot)

Denver Broncos at Kansas City Chiefs

Denver

Wednesday practice not complete.

Kansas City

Limited participation: RB Dantrell Savage (ankle), RB Kolby Smith (ankle)
Full participation: G Andy Alleman (knee), LB David Herron (knee), LB Justin Rogers (thigh), LB Mike Vrabel (knee)

Detroit Lions at Cincinnati Bengals

Detroit

Did not participate: G Daniel Loper (back), S Kalvin Pearson (hamstring)
Limited participation: S Louis Delmas (ankle), WR Eric Fowler (knee), DT Grady Jackson (knee), LB Ernie Sims (hamstring), DE Dewayne White (toe)
Full participation: DE Andre Fluellen (toes), LB Zack Follett (neck), WR Calvin Johnson (knee), QB Matthew Stafford (left shoulder)

Cincinnati

Did not participate: C Jonathan Luigs (back), DT Domata Peko (knee), RB Bernard Scott (toe)
Limited participation: WR Laveranues Coles (chest), S Kyries Hebert (hip), DT Tank Johnson (knee), LB Rey Maualuga (foot), DE Frostee Rucker (neck), CB Morgan Trent (knee)
Full participation: RB Cedric Benson (hip), LB Keith Rivers (calf)

Houston Texans at Jacksonville Jaguars

Houston

Did not participate: LB Xavier Adibi (illness), T Duane Brown (knee), LB Brian Cushing (foot), LB Zach Diles (illness), CB Glover Quin (head)
Limited participation: LB DeMeco Ryans (ankle), RB Steve Slaton (neck)

Jacksonville

OUT: CB Rashean Mathis (groin)
Did not participate: G Kynan Forney (back), RB Maurice Jones-Drew (knee)
Limited participation: LB Justin Durant (head), WR Mike Sims-Walker (knee)

Minnesota Vikings at Arizona Cardinals

Minnesota

Did not participate: G Anthony Herrera (concussion), CB Benny Sapp (thumb, ribs)
Limited participation: S Eric Frampton (concussion), T Bryant McKinnie (back), TE Visanthe Shiancoe (ribs), RB Naufahu Tahi (ankle), RB Chester Taylor (ribs), CB Antoine Winfield (foot)
Full participation: WR Bernard Berrian (hamstring), RB Adrian Peterson (ankle)

Arizona

OUT: LB Will Davis (knee)
Did not participate: T Mike Gandy (pelvis), TE Stephen Spach (knee)
Limited participation: LB Karlos Dansby (shoulder), RB Tim Hightower (thumb), DE Kenny Iwebema (thumb), CB Bryant McFadden (knee), K Neil Rackers (right groin)
Full participation: QB Kurt Warner (head)

New England Patriots at Miami Dolphins

New England

Did not participate: RB Fred Taylor (ankle)
Limited participation: WR Sam Aiken (hip), LB Eric Alexander (groin), TE Chris Baker (shoulder), LB Tully Banta-Cain (shoulder), DT Ron Brace (ankle), S Patrick Chung (head), WR Julian Edelman (forearm), DE Jarvis Green (knee), T Nick Kaczur (ankle), C Dan Koppen (knee), T Matt Light (knee), S Bret Lockett (groin), RB Sammy Morris (knee), G Steve Neal (ankle), LB Rob Ninkovich (knee), T Sebastian Vollmer (head), DE Ty Warren (ankle), LB Pierre Woods (groin)
Full participation: QB Tom Brady (right shoulder), CB Shawn Springs (knee), TE Benjamin Watson (knee)

Miami

Did not participate: C Jake Grove (ankle)
Limited participation: DE Lionel Dotson (ankle)
Full participation: S Yeremiah Bell (thumb), RB Ricky Williams (chest)

New Orleans Saints at Washington Redskins

New Orleans

Did not participate: CB Randall Gay (hamstring), LB Marvin Mitchell (hamstring), WR Lance Moore (ankle, hamstring), CB Tracy Porter (knee)
Limited participation: RB Mike Bell (knee, neck), RB Reggie Bush (knee), T Jermon Bushrod (thumb), LB Jo-Lonn Dunbar (wrist), G Jahri Evans (toe), LB Scott Fujita (knee), C Jonathan Goodwin (ankle), CB Jabari Greer (groin), RB Lynell Hamilton (shoulder), CB Chris McAlister (knee), DE Bobby McCray (back, knee), TE Jeremy Shockey (elbow), RB Pierre Thomas (wrist), LB Jonathan Vilma (knee)

Washington

OUT: RB Clinton Portis (concussion)
Did not participate: CB DeAngelo Hall (knee)
Limited participation: DT Albert Haynesworth (ankle), RB Mike Sellers (ankle), CB Justin Tryon (hip)

Oakland Raiders at Pittsburgh Steelers

Oakland

Wednesday practice not complete.

Pittsburgh

Did not participate: QB Charlie Batch (left wrist), LB James Farrior (not injury related), DE Travis Kirschke (calf), S Troy Polamalu (knee), WR Hines Ward (not injury related)
Full participation: G Chris Kemoeatu (knee), QB Ben Roethlisberger (head)

Philadelphia Eagles at Atlanta Falcons

Philadelphia

OUT: WR Kevin Curtis (knee), RB Brian Westbrook (concussion)
Did not participate: DT Brodrick Bunkley (ankle), WR DeSean Jackson (concussion)
Full participation: DE Victor Abiamiri (knee), CB Sheldon Brown (hamstring), TE Brent Celek (thumb), G Nick Cole (knee), S Quintin Demps (ankle), G Todd Herremans (shoulder), LB Akeem Jordan (knee), WR Jeremy Maclin (foot), DT Mike Patterson (wrist, toe), LB Tracy White (chest), LB Will Witherspoon (foot)

Atlanta

OUT: QB Matt Ryan (toe)
Did not participate: G Harvey Dahl (ankle), WR Michael Jenkins (ankle), RB Michael Turner (ankle)
Limited participation: T Sam Baker (elbow), WR Brian Finneran (knee), LB Tony Gilbert (hamstring), WR Roddy White (knee)
Full participation: LB Curtis Lofton (knee, groin)

San Diego Chargers at Cleveland Browns

San Diego

Wednesday practice not complete.

Cleveland

Did not participate: DE Kenyon Coleman (knee), LB Kamerion Wimbley (knee)
Limited participation: LB David Bowens (knee), LB Blake Costanzo (shoulder), G Rex Hadnot (knee), RB Chris Jennings (shoulder), TE Robert Royal (thigh, finger), RB Lawrence Vickers (hamstring)
Full participation: CB Mike Adams (finger), WR Jake Allen (hip)

San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks

San Francisco

OUT: CB Nate Clements (shoulder)
Did not participate: DT Kentwan Balmer (shoulder), S Michael Lewis (quadriceps), S Mark Roman (not injury related), DT Justin Smith (not injury related), LB Takeo Spikes (hamstring), T Joe Staley (knee)
Limited participation: CB Marcus Hudson (back)
Full participation: WR Arnaz Battle (ankle), WR Brandon Jones (thumb), DT Ray McDonald (shoulder), T Adam Snyder (shoulder)

Seattle

Did not participate: DE Lawrence Jackson (groin), LB D.D. Lewis (knee), DE Cory Redding (concussion)
Full participation: RB Julius Jones (chest), C Chris Spencer (thumb)

St. Louis Rams at Chicago Bears

St. Louis

OUT: QB Marc Bulger (knee)
Did not participate: C Jason Brown (knee), RB Steven Jackson (back), RB Mike Karney (neck), T Jason Smith (concussion)
Limited participation: G Richie Incognito (foot), LB James Laurinaitis (shoulder)

Chicago

Did not participate: LB Lance Briggs (knee), DE Alex Brown (calf), T Orlando Pace (groin), CB Charles Tillman (concussion)
Limited participation: TE Desmond Clark (neck), DT Tommie Harris (knee)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Carolina Panthers

Tampa Bay

Did not participate: WR Michael Clayton (knee)
Limited participation: DE Michael Bennett (toe), DT Roy Miller (ankle), T Donald Penn (knee), WR Maurice Stovall (thigh), CB Aqib Talib (hamstring), DE Stylez G White (hand), RB Carnell Williams (not injury related), TE Kellen Winslow (knee)

Carolina

Did not participate: QB Jake Delhomme (right finger), RB Brad Hoover (ankle), WR Dwayne Jarrett (ankle), DE Charles Johnson (pectoral), CB Captain Munnerlyn (concussion), RB Jonathan Stewart (achilles), DT Tank Tyler (knee), RB DeAngelo Williams (ankle)
Limited participation: LB Na'il Diggs (ribs), WR Muhsin Muhammad (knee)
Full participation: G Mackenzy Bernadeau (knee)

Tennessee Titans at Indianapolis Colts

Tennessee

Did not participate: LB Colin Allred (hamstring), K Rob Bironas (right ankle), DE Jacob Ford (abdomen), S Michael Griffin (shoulder), DT Jason Jones (shoulder), DE Jevon Kearse (not injury related)
Limited participation: WR Justin Gage (back), DT Sen'Derrick Marks (ankle)

Indianapolis

Did not participate: CB Antoine Bethea (not injury related), LB Gary Brackett (foot), RB Donald Brown (chest), DE Keyunta Dawson (knee), CB Aaron Francisco (ankle), DE Dwight Freeney (abdomen), WR Anthony Gonzalez (knee), T Charlie Johnson (foot), QB Jim Sorgi (right shoulder), K Adam Vinatieri (right knee)
Limited participation: TE Tom Santi (hand)
Full participation: RB Joseph Addai (knee), C Kyle DeVan (shin), CB Kelvin Hayden (knee), LB Ramon Humber (calf), CB Tim Jennings (ankle), QB Peyton Manning (glute), DE Robert Mathis (neck), CB Jerraud Powers (knee), G Jamey Richard (shoulder), C Jeff Saturday (calf), T Tony Ugoh (knee), WR Reggie Wayne (foot)

NFL Expands Return-to-Play Guidelines for Concussions

2009-12-02T17:56:00.001-05:00

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell notified NFL teams today that a new and expanded statement on return-to-play for a players who sustain a concussion will take effect for games beginning this week.

The stricter guidelines were developed by NFL's medical committee on concussions, in conjunction with team doctors, medical experts, and the NFLPA. The statement advises players that a player who suffers a concussion should not return to play or practice on the same day if he shows any signs or symptoms of a concussion that are outlined in the statement below:

"Once removed for the duration of a practice or game, the player should not be considered for return-to-football activities until he is fully asymptomatic, both at rest and after exertion, has a normal neurological examination, normal neuropsychological testing, and has been cleared to return by both his team physician(s) and the independent neurological consultant. A critical element of managing concussions is candid reporting by players of their symptoms following an injury. Accordingly, players are to be encouraged to be candid with team medical staffs and fully disclose any signs or symptoms that may be associated with a concussion."

If any of the following symptoms are identified on the initial medical evaluation, the player should not return to the field of play:

- Loss of consciousness
- Confusion as evidenced by disorientation to person, time or place; inability to respond appropriately to questions; or inability to remember assignments or plays
- Amnesia as evidenced by a gap in memory for events occurring just prior to the injury; inability to learn and retain new information; or a gap in memory for events that occurred after the injury
- Abnormal neurological examination, such as abnormal pupillary response, persistent dizziness or vertigo, or abnormal balance on sideline testing
- New and persistent headache, particularly if accompanied by photosensitivity, nausea, vomiting or dizziness
- Any other persistent signs or symptoms of concussion

"The evidence demonstrates that team medical staffs have been addressing concussions in an increasingly cautious and conservative way," Commissioner Goodell said in the memo to the NFL clubs. "This new return-to-play statement reinforces our commitment to advancing player safety. Along with improved equipment, better education, and rules changes designed to reduce impacts to the head, it will make our game safer for the men who play it, and set an important example for players at all levels of play."

Wonder what Hines Ward thinks.

Steelers Claim CB Anthony Madison

2009-12-02T17:47:00.000-05:00

From 2006 through 2008, Anthony Madison was a core member of the Pittsburgh Steelers' special teams units, making 37 tackles and forcing a fumble.

Madison was released at the end of training camp, ultimately signing with the Cleveland Browns, where he appeared in four games before he was released and claimed by the Indianapolis Colts. After three games with the Colts, Madison was waived on Tuesday.

Today, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that Madison was claimed by...the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Cornerback Corey Ivy, who the Steelers signed last week, was waived to make room for Madison's return to the Steel City.

Browns Claim CB Ramzee Robinson Off Waivers

2009-12-02T17:36:00.001-05:00

Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post reports that the Cleveland Browns were awarded cornerback Ramzee Robinson off waivers.

Robinson was waived by the Philadelphia Eagles on Tuesday after appearing in three games, making three special teams tackles.

Robinson had spent the first two years of his career with the Detroit Lions, who made him "Mr. Irrelevant" of the 2007 NFL Draft. He appeared in 19 games for the Lions, totaling 31 tackles and a pass defended. The Lions cut Robinson at the end of the 2009 training camp.

The Browns, who placed safety Brodney Pool on injured reserve, assume Robinson's contract, which pays him $460,000 in 2009 (prorated value = $135,294), $545,000 in 2010, and $640,000 in 2011.

Next Five Weeks Critical to Phillips' Future in Dallas

2009-12-02T16:25:00.003-05:00

Todd Archer of the Dallas Morning News notes that Dallas Cowboys head coach Wade Phillips' contract includes a team option for 2010, which has not yet been exercised.

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones was asked how large a role the final five weeks of the season would impact his decision to bring Phillips back next season.

"I don't know that it's anymore so for Wade than it is for anybody else on this team," Jones said. "You're in coaching and then there's a lot of pressure to win, so that's there. But what we do here and how we get into these playoffs and get in with an advantage, have a game here, get a bye, all of those are things that look good for Wade."

Including the one post-season loss in 2007, Phillips is 30-14 since taken over as the head coach in '07. Dallas has a one-game lead over the Philadelphia Eagles, which if they hold on, would be their second NFC East title in the Phillips' Era.

It's surprising that a coach can have a .682 winning percentage, yet has next to no job security. As long as Mike Shanahan, Bill Cowher, and Mike Holmgren are looking for work, and Jon Gruden is not on an NFL sideline, nobody's job is safe.

Cutler Addresses Urlacher Comments

2009-12-02T16:08:00.001-05:00

For the second time this year, Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler is having to address negative comments made about him by teammate Brian Urlacher.

"He doesn't have to apologize to me," Cutler said. "I talked to him. I understand what he's talking about. It's frustrating. It's frustrating for everybody in that locker room. So I know where he's coming from."

If you'd like to read an excellent article on Cutler, and what's ailing him, check out this week's "Cover-1" article by (my good friend) Doug Farrar at Football Outsiders, which includes some outstanding input from NFL Films' Greg Cosell.

Rams' Jackson Fined $5,000

2009-12-02T16:02:00.001-05:00

St. Louis Rams running back Steven Jackson was fined $5,000 for throwing the ball into the stands after his fourth quarter touchdown on Sunday.

Or because Aaron Curry hasn't learned to be a professional.

Actually, it's the throwing the ball into the stands thing.

Report: Browns to Place Jamal Lewis on IR (Updated)

2009-12-02T15:29:00.002-05:00

Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com reports that the Cleveland Browns are planning to place running back Jamal Lewis on injured reserve.

Tony Grossi of the Cleveland Plain-Dealer reports that Lewis is visiting with a specialist regarding a "serious concussion" Lewis suffered during last Sunday's loss to the Cincinnati Bengals.

To replace Lewis, the Browns have promoted defensive end Brian Schaefering from the practice squad. (They were rumored to be signing former Cincinnati Bengals running back DeDe Dorsey, but as of yet, have not.)

Lewis has openly discussed that 2009 would be his last season in the NFL. If that is indeed the case--he's under contract through 2010--his 500 rushing yards would be a career low and it would be his first season without scoring a touchdown.

The 30-year old running back has rushed for 10,607 yards with 58 touchdowns during what's often been a roller-coaster career.

The fifth overall pick of the 2000 NFL Draft, Lewis ran for nearly 1,400 yards as a rookie with the Baltimore Ravens. He capped his rookie season off with 103 yards and a touchdown during the Ravens' 34-7 win over the New York Giants in Super Bowl XXXV.

Lewis missed the entire 2001 season after tearing his ACL during training camp, but would rebound in 2002 with a 1,327-yard season and, in 2003, would have his finest season as a pro, running for 2,066 yards and 14 touchdowns, setting the NFL's single-game rushing yard record, which earned him NFL Offensive Player of the Year honors and his only trip to the Pro Bowl.

In 2004, Lewis was charged with intent to distribute cocaine, and the following year would served four months in prison. During those '04-'05 seasons, Lewis' production slipped, but the Ravens still signed him to a three-year contract extension in 2006, which would be his final season with the Ravens.

Lewis signed with the Browns in 2007, where he's gained 2,806 yards and scored 13 touchdowns before his concussion last Sunday.

Delmas Fined $7,500

2009-12-02T13:48:00.003-05:00

John Niyo of the Detroit News reports that Detroit Lions second-round safety Louis Delmas was fined $7,500 for a Thanksgiving Day hit on Green Bay Packers tight end Jermichael Finley.

Niyo adds this is the fourth time the former Western Michigan standout has been fined this season.

Here's the play in question (apologies for the quality):

Bears Officially Add LB Cato June

2009-12-02T12:46:00.002-05:00

The Chicago Bears have officially added veteran linebacker Cato June to the active roster, placing linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa on injured reserve.

June has signed a one-year deal, the terms of which are undisclosed.

The Bears have also re-signed rookie linebacker Kevin Malast to their practice squad. Malast (6-1, 225) was with the Bears during the pre-season, leading the team with 20 tackles.

NFL News and Notes - December 2, 2009

2009-12-02T08:20:00.000-05:00

Charlie Weis isn't on the New England Patriots' front burner, head coach Bill Belichick said.

Buffalo Bills cornerback Darrelle Revis' matchup with Terrell Owens will be must-see TV on Thursday night.

Omar Kelly of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel previews Sunday's Miami Dolphins game against the New England Patriots.

New York Jets first-round quarterback Mark Sanchez got some lessons on sliding from New York Yankees manager Joe Girardi.

Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer likes where the defense is, but know there are some things that need cleaning up.

Tony Grossi of the Cleveland Plain-Dealer scouts the Cleveland Browns' next opponent.

Baltimore Ravens second-round linebacker Paul Kruger downplayed his big play from Sunday night.

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is expected to play on Sunday.

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback David Garrard feels great about his team.

Houston Texans owner Bob McNair hasn't made any decisions about replacing head coach Gary Kubiak.

Tennessee Titans quarterback Vince Young was named the AFC's Offensive Player of the Week.

For the third time this season, the Indianapolis Colts waived defensive end Josh Thomas.

Denver Broncos first-round runnin gback Knowshon Moreno is getting more comfortable in the offense.

Big plays have hurt the Kansas City Chiefs secondary, writes Kent Babb of the Kansas City Star.

The San Diego Chargers added some insurance at linebacker by signing Marques Harris on Tuesday.

Fans in Oakland are sending a message to Oakland Raiders owner Al Davis.

Dallas Cowboys head coach Wade Phillips is concerned about kicker Nick Folk's inconsistency, but is focusing on the positive.

The New York Giants shuffled their practice squad on Tuesday.

Philadelphia Eagles tight end Brent Celek signed a $33 million dollar contract extension that will keep him in Philly through 2016.

Injured tight end Chris Cooley addressed the weirdness that surrounds the Washington Redskins organization.

Mike Mulligan of the Chicago Sun-Times believes the Chicago Bears need to evaluate the youth on its roster.

Detroit Lions linebacker Ernie Sims and defensive end Dewayne White returned to practice on Tuesday.

The Green Bay Packers rookies scoff at the "rookie wall".

Why have the Minnesota Vikings run 80 more plays than their opponents? They rank 1st in third down offense and 2nd in third down defense.

Atlanta Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff made some changes to the team's kicking game.

Scott Fowler of the Charlotte Observer looks at the four reasons why December matters for the Carolina Panthers.

New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees' MVP stock is up.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Michael Clayton will miss one-to-two weeks with a sprained knee.

Arizona Cardinals seventh-round running back LaRod Stephens-Howling was named the NFC's Special Teams Player of the Week.

Seattle Seahawks head coach Jim Mora plans on calling more blitzes down the stretch.

St. Louis Rams fourth-round defensive tackle Darell Scott has worked his way into the team's starting lineup.

San Francisco 49ers linebacker Ahmad Brooks is getting his chance to rush the passer.

Today's NFL birthdays: Cardinals safety Matt Ware (27), Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (26), Dolphins linebacker Channing Crowder (26), Saints center Jonathan Goodwin (31), and Titans practice squadders linebacker Eric Bakhtiari (25) and wide receiver Paul Williams (26).

Jets-Bills Injury Report - Tuesday, December 1

2009-12-01T20:25:00.000-05:00

Here's today's injury report for Thursday's New York Jets-Buffalo Bills game in Toronto, ON.

New York Jets

Did not participate: CB Dwight Lowery (ankle), CB Donald Strickland (concussion), G Robert Turner (knee)
Limited participation: DE Shaun Ellis (knee)
Full participation: T D'Brickashaw Ferguson (hamstring), S Jim Leonhard (thumb), LB Calvin Pace (shoulder), QB Mark Sanchez (knee), S Eric Smith (back)

Buffalo Bills

Did not participate: T Demetrius Bell (knee), S Todd Johnson (not injury related), DT John McCargo (calf), CB Ashton Youboty (ankle)
Limited participation: S Jairus Byrd (groin), CB Terrence McGee (knee)