FanHouse

Tiger Has No Comment on LPGA's English-Only Stance, Kultida Unimpressed

Ryan Wilson — 2008-08-27T13:43:00 00:00

Filed under: Golf, LPGA, PGA

Tiger Woods is alive and well, even though he's not scheduled to make his triumphant return to the PGA Tour until sometime next spring. Meanwhile, during an interview on CNBC's Power Lunch this afternoon, Eldrick touched on the typical fare: he's recovering well, loves spending time with his family, can't wait to play tournament golf, blah blah blah.

He also managed to get in a plug for EA Sports AND Gillette, and name-drop both Derek Jeter and Roger Federer. After dispensing with the pleasantries, however, host Bill Griffeth got all journalistic, asking Tiger his thoughts on the whole sordid LPGA mess. Awkwardness ensued:

Griffeth: Let me ask you something before you go, here ... Golfweek broke it on Monday, the New York Times put it on the front page today -- you probably saw that -- the LPGA is now going to require all of their golfers to be conversant in English next year, or face suspension. Good idea, bad idea?

Tiger: I don't know, that's the first time I heard about it. I was just in Dubai and I just got back, so ... um, that's the first time I actually heard about that, so...

Ah, yes, the ol' "I was out of the country" excuse. That used to work really well before the advent of the telegraph, and later, the phone and a little something Al Gore likes to call the internet.

It gets better:

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Nick Faldo Might Name Ian Poulter to Ryder Cup, Unless He Doesn't

Ryan Wilson — 2008-08-27T10:02:00 00:00

Filed under: Golf, Ryder Cup

The Ryder Cup is less than a month off and Paul Azinger and Nick Faldo, captains for the American and European sides, have to fill out the rosters by the end of the week. I've pretty much accepted the fact that it doesn't matter who Azinger names with his picks (well, unless they're Europeans), the U.S. will probably lose.

Faldo, however, has some intriguing options facing him. Colin Montgomerie, arguably one of the best Ryder Cupper in history of the event, is lobbying for a spot on the team even though he's had a forgettable season, and hasn't played in two weeks.

While we wait for that drama to play out, rumors are afoot about other potential candidates:

Nick Dougherty was brave enough to articulate what most were thinking here on the range yesterday as the news circulated of Ian Poulter's late withdrawal from this week's Johnnie Walker Championship. "All I can think of is that he's been given the nod," said Dougherty. And so the great Ryder Cup conspiracy theory gathered momentum. True or not true it has given the build-up to Nick Faldo's wildcards announcement on Sunday night a fascinating edge.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

In Addition to Language Requirements, LPGA Should Implement a Weight Limit, Too

Ryan Wilson — 2008-08-27T10:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Golf, LPGA, PGA

The LPGA has spoken, and if you understand English, the message is clear: the tour will henceforth be a one-language operation, which creates all sorts of ironical hilarity since a good many tour winners are from non-English speaking countries.

No matter. In an effort to improve sponsorships, and presumably ratings, the tour is getting the Stepford Wives treatment: Homogenize everything. In addition to English-only requirements, players will also be encouraged to bleach their hair blond and get breast implants. Because if there's anything LPGA fans love more than watching golfers speak a language we can all understand (and by "we," I mean "lazy Americans"), it's watching golfers speak a language we can all understand while being able to point and gawk in the process.

Perhaps I've overstating things a bit, but the whole idea of require players to learn English is farcical. The theory for the new rule goes something like this: the amateurs who take part in pro-ams can't communicate with the pros because of the language barrier. Apparently, that's a no-no, and a much bigger concern than finding a way to mass-market the tour to a wider audience. Which probably goes a long way in explaining the tour's current run on abysmal ratings.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Rookie Matt Ryan Earns Falcons Starting Gig, Will Change Name to Rupert Monaco

Ryan Wilson — 2008-08-24T19:30:00 00:00

Filed under: Falcons, NFC South, NFL Fans

The Falcons unofficially began their descent into awfulness when they fired Jim Mora Jr. following the 2006 season. At the time, it seemed like a perfectly rational move -- Mora had underachieved for two years after making it to the NFC Championship game in 2004 -- but in retrospect, it was the first crack in the proverbial dike.

Puppy murder and Bobby Petrino would follow, and next thing you know the Falcons are 4-12 and have the third-overall pick in the '08 draft. Atlanta would use the pick on Boston College's Matt Ryan, and most of us just assumed he would sit and learn for a year before the new coaching staff threw him to the wolves.

Most us would assume wrong, apparently.

Rookie Matt Ryan will open the regular season as the Falcons' starting quarterback. The decision was made over the weekend and will be announced by coach Mike Smith after today's practice. ...

Clarity arrived after three preseason games in which Ryan, who took the majority of snaps, completed 32-of-52 passes for 277 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. He made his first start Friday against Tennessee and completed 15-of-21 passes for 102 yards and a touchdown.

Ryan has been praised by teammates for his leadership, diligence and huddle presence as well as his ability to make plays.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Sergio Pulls a 'Sergio', Vijay Wins in Sudden Death at Barclays Championship

Ryan Wilson — 2008-08-24T18:56:00 00:00

Filed under: Golf, PGA

Kevin Sutherland, fresh off the 2002 WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship, fired a final round 68 at today's Barclays and found himself in a playoff with Sergio Garcia and Vijay Singh. To be fair, Sutherland has had four top-10s this season, but he's about as far from exciting as you can get on the golf course.

But sometimes it's less about mind-blowing shots than it is about grinding it out, which is exactly what Sutherland was able to do today.

Garcia, on the other hand, shot a 1-under 70, and just missed a 15-foot birdie putt on the 72nd hole that would've given him the outright victory. Instead, in true Sergio fashion, he burned the edge, and after Singh did likewise two groups later, all three reconvened on the 18th tee box for a playoff.

Garcia and Singh both striped their drives, while Sutherland pushed his tee shot into the trees, effectively taking him out of contention. Sergio and Vijay found the green with their second shots, both ending up some 25-30 feet from the hole.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Chad Pennington Kindly Asks That You Quit Talking About His Noodle Arm

Ryan Wilson — 2008-08-24T11:55:00 00:00

Filed under: Dolphins, Jets, AFC East, NFL Fans

Former Marshall quarterback, Byron Leftwich, is known for his strong arm and reverse-fast-pitch windup. Another alum, Chad Pennington, drafted three years before Leftwich, is also known for a certain passing-related peculiarity. Namely: his deadly accurate popcorn arm.

Yep, Pennington can knock a bottle off a fence post, just so long as it's no more than 10 yards away. Actually, it's hardly news that the Dolphins' newest quarterback has a weak(er than NFL average) noodle; that scouting report has been following him around for as long as he's played football. But now, entering his ninth NFL season, Pennington has a request: please shut up about it.

''The perception is that way because I never defended myself -- I just let people talk,'' he said in a private moment last week. ''But it's perception -- it's not reality. You get tired of hearing about it.''

But the story has taken on a life of its own. Legend has it that Pennington needs a cut-off man on nine routes, but that's a slight exaggeration.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Quinn Gets a Chance to Shine in Preseason Start, Doesn't Quite Work Out That Way

Ryan Wilson — 2008-08-24T11:31:00 00:00

Filed under: Browns, AFC North

There's a tired old saying in the NFL: the most popular player in the stadium is the backup quarterback. And that certainly holds true for the Cleveland Browns, who traded back into the first round of the 2007 draft to save Brady Quinn further embarrassment as he fidgeted uncomfortably in the Aaron Rodgers Memorial Green Room.

Quinn would subsequently hold out, miss part of training camp, and it probably kept him from winning the starting gig. Instead, Charlie Frye's Browns career lasted roughly 15 minutes into the Week 1 Steelers game, and Derek Anderson would get his chance. As it turns out, he ran with it.

Almost a year later, Anderson is firmly entrenched as the starter, but a mild concussion against the Giants last week put him on the shelf for yesterday's Lions game. This would be Quinn's opportunity to prove he was a legit NFL starter.

If Browns fans wanted evidence that quarterback Brady Quinn is ready to start in the NFL, they'll have to wait.

In a little more than two quarters, Quinn played inconsistently, had his share of missed throws and could only drive the Browns to two field goals in his first pro start, a 26-6 loss to the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on Saturday.

''I'm disappointed. I didn't throw as well as I liked today and it didn't go as well as I would have liked,'' he said. ''My role is to jump in and make it as if nothing's changed. That's something I'm going to have to do a better job of as this year goes along.''

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Joe Flacco Gets First Start, Ravens Are Worse Than We Thought

Ryan Wilson — 2008-08-24T11:06:00 00:00

Filed under: Ravens, AFC North

It seems like a lot longer than two seasons since the Ravens ripped off 13 wins, won the AFC North, and earned a home playoff game. Gone are Brian Billick and Steve McNair, replaced by fresh faces -- both coaches and quarterbacks -- although Kyle Boller, like a rash, refuses to go away.

Except for last night. The sixth-year player is nursing a shoulder injury and was unable to fill in for starter Troy Smith, who was a late scratch because he ate some bad Chinese food*. Which meant that rookie first-rounder Joe Flacco, who, according to some people, is barely 10 pages into the playbook, got his first NFL start.

Surprisingly, it was a little rocky at times. Still, Flacco finished 18 of 37 for 152 yards and one touchdown, but head coach John Harbaugh was reserved in his post-game comments.

"Joe did OK in there without much preparation this week," coach John Harbaugh said. "He'll settle down as he plays more."

As the Baltimore Sun's Jamison Hensley writes, this was supposed to be the preseason game where Smith staked his claim to the starting quarterback job. Instead, events conspired against him and Flacco found himself under center when the game started.

Hensley's colleague, David Steele, still has plenty of questions about the Ravens' next QB, but places most of the blame on the 10 other guys on offense. All fair points, for sure, but I'm pretty sure this is somehow all Brian Billick's fault.

* Speculation on the Chinese food, but Smith was unable to play because of a tummy ache. Maybe he ate too many pre-game jelly beans.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Matt Leinart Makes Strong Bid for Backup Job

Ryan Wilson — 2008-08-24T10:41:00 00:00

Filed under: AZ Cardinals, NFC West, NFL Fans

Matt Leinart had a nice little game against the Chiefs last week, coming off the bench to complete 6 of 9 passes for 54 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions. After the game he said something about not living in fear of losing his job if he makes an errant throw, a bad read, or doesn't execute a textbook three-step drop.

"That's not the way I approach it," he said. "No one is perfect. No one is going to make the play every single time. Obviously, there's going to be bad plays. No one is perfect. You are not going to throw a great ball every time. If I worried about that I wouldn't be playing football."

Well, he may not be worried about it, but he could have plenty of time to contemplate his soon-to-be Sunday afternoon fate: standing on the sidelines pretending to hope Kurt Warner, newly installed Cardinals starter, doesn't throw a pick-six on his next attempt. You see, Leinart, who's had a horrendous record against the Raiders, made his way to Oakland for a Week 3 preseason game and promptly laid an egg.

He finished the evening 4 of 12 for 24 yards, no touchdowns and three interceptions. On the upside, the Cards still managed to win the game. Still, the Arizona Republic's Kent Somers suspects that such an outing won't do much for Leinart's shot at the full-time gig. Shocking, I know.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Osi Umenyiora Injuries Knee, Giants Defense Collectively Holds Breath

Ryan Wilson — 2008-08-24T10:22:00 00:00

Filed under: Giants, NFC East, NFL Injuries

The third week of the preseason is typically the time when starters see extended action, sometimes playing into the third quarter. it also seems like the time when most injuries occur, although that could just be the recency effect.

Whatever you want to call it, Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora got a got a golf cart escort off the field during last night's Jets game after suffering a knee thingy. The good news is that the X-rays came back negative (Umenyiora will still undergo an MRI), but the bad news is that the Giants' defense is a totally different unit without it's sack leader (three consecutive years!) on the field.

"I feel really comfortable we can try to hold on while he's out, but we definitely hope it's not for an extended period of time," defensive tackle Barry Cofield said.

"Obviously you can't replace Osi Umenyiora, but I feel we got guys who can fill in that role and give us some quality play," added Tuck. "We're not thinking like that right now. We're thinking Sept. 4, No. 72 [is] going to be right there at his normal spot at right end."

The New York Post's Paul Schwartz points out that there aren't many options behind Umenyiora -- moving Mathias Kiwanuka back to end after teaching him to play outside linebacker is probably the best option -- but I'm surprised I didn't fire up the internets this morning to read that coaxingMichael Strahan out of retirement was at the top of New York's to-do list.

Or maybe when Strahan says he's retired he actually means it. Novel concept, that.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Chris Henry Signed With Bengals on Tuesday, Still Hasn't Practiced

Ryan Wilson — 2008-08-23T13:50:00 00:00

Filed under: Bengals, AFC North

Chris Henry, recently re-signed to the Bengals despite head coach Marvin Lewis' protestations, will not play in tonight's preseason game against the Saints. Something about community service.

Or maybe he's just not in shape, which seems sort of odd since, really, what else has he had to do this offseason? I mean, other than the court appearances? According to the Cincinnati Enquirer's Mark Curnutte, Henry hasn't made his way onto the practice field since signing with the Bengals on Tuesday, but he has worked with the strength and conditioning coach, so there's there.

All indications are that Lewis was done with Henry, but owner Mike Brown had other ideas. Why those ideas including re-signing a chronic law-breaker and on-field underachiever seems odd, but, hey, I thought it was bizarre that the Bengals didn't think scouting players was all that important (which, ironically, has something to do with their current predicament).

To prove a point, Lewis could refuse to play Henry, but that's basically a Pyrrhic victory -- the team is currently without Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh, and the rookie wideouts are skrugglin'. Plus, it would likely hasten Lewis' departure. But maybe that's what he's going for.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Joe Flacco's Book Learnin' Coming Along Slower Than Expected

Ryan Wilson — 2008-08-23T13:20:00 00:00

Filed under: Ravens, AFC North

I mentioned earlier that this looks like Troy Smith's team, even it if hasn't been made official yet. Still, despite the end of an era (a pretty depressing era, but an era nonetheless), a slew of coaching changes, and a bunch of new faces, it looks like the same-old, same-old for Baltimore's offense.

At least according to Mike Lombardi, former Raiders personnel dude-turned internet scribe.

The Ravens hired Cam Cameron to run their offense; he knew it would require a major rebuilding effort. Based on this summer, the job might be even harder than many thought. When the Ravens drafted Delaware quarterback Joe Flacco in the first round it was with an eye on the future.

No one expected him to come in and start right away, but then again, no one thought he would be so far behind. Flacco's progress has not been as quick as some hoped and this is hurting the progress of the offense.

Hardly surprising, I guess. I mean, the Ravens haven't played a regular season game since Brian Billick was fired and you're not going to solve the offense's myriad problems during one offseason. Cam Cameron is an obvious upgrade over Billick/Neuheisel/Cavanagh*, and Joe Flacco is coming from Delaware, a D-IAA school.

He's going to need time to get up to speed, and that he's "so far behind" right now isn't that big a deal. Of course, that's easy for me to say; I didn't trade up in the first round to draft him, and I don't have a track record of taking future NFL busts.

It could be worse, though: Billick could still be the coach and Boller the starter.

* to be fair, Neuheisel was OC in name only

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Matt Leinart Heads to Oakland for Football Game, Verbal Abuse

Ryan Wilson — 2008-08-23T12:02:00 00:00

Filed under: AZ Cardinals, Raiders, AFC West, NFC West

The Cardinals will travel to Oakland tonight to face the Raiders. It's Week 3 of the preseason, so this game takes on more significance than the previous two, and there's still plenty to be determined. Chief among them: is Matt Leinart really Arizona's starting quarterback?

Head coach Ken Whisenhunt is still undecided (or, at the very least, he's not talking if he has made a decision), but these things will be sorted out by Sept. 7. That's the hope, anyway.

In the meantime, Leinart will get the start against the Raiders, and he hopes to fare better than he did in his two previous trips to The Hole.

Two years ago, Leinart's lone regular-season start in Oakland was a disaster as the Raiders tortured the Cards' offense all game and began the countdown to coach Dennis Green's firing. Last season, the Cards opened the preseason on the road against the Raiders, and Leinart finished 5-of-11 for 50 yards while showing some signs that he wasn't particularly sharp in coach Ken Whisenhunt's new offense.

But it gets worse: Leinart has also been the victim of verbal abuse, which is so out of character for Raiders fans that I wonder if he's making the whole story up for attention.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Smith, Flacco to Get All the Snaps Against Rams, Boller to Watch

Ryan Wilson — 2008-08-23T11:08:00 00:00

Filed under: Ravens, AFC North

Kyle Boller still has his supporters, but, frankly, most Ravens fans gave up on Brian Billick's pet project long ago. Now, the future is Troy Smith, for the time being, at least, and Boller will assume the position.

I think most people support the decision to go with Smith -- even if Harbaugh hasn't "officially" made the announcement -- primarily because everybody knows what Boller can do. Seems like as good a time as any to give Smith the same opportunity. And according to the Carroll County Times' Aaron Wilson, Boller won't even see the field against the Rams tonight.

The plan is for Smith to start with first-round pick Joe Flacco on mop-up duty.

"The main thing a quarterback does is he moves the ball and puts points on the board," coach John Harbaugh said. "That's what we would like to see. There's a lot that goes into that.

"Guys can make plays, or guys won't make plays around him. Of course, you would love to see that part of it as well as running the offense well, which he's done a good job at to this point."

Hmm. This doesn't sound like a Boller-led offense. To be fair, it doesn't sound like a Billick-trained offense, either. Ultimately, Smith is just a placeholder for Flacco, unless, of course, he turns out to be Derek Anderson. You know, the kid the Ravens drafted and then released two years ago before going on to a Pro Bowl season with the Browns last season.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Titans Accuse Falcons of Playing Like a Bunch of Girls

Ryan Wilson — 2008-08-23T09:57:00 00:00

Filed under: Falcons, Titans, AFC South, NFC South

Matt Ryan got the first start of his professional career last night and proceeded to complete 15 of 21 passes for 102 and one touchdown (no picks!). It was preseason, for sure, but for a group that has endured more in the last 12 months than most of us face in our lifetimes, it's a nice start.

But there were other story lines to come out of the 17-3 victory over Tennessee. Namely: the Falcons are a bunch of dirty players, at least to hear the Titans tell it. Atlanta had nine penalties for 101 yards, and it was one in particular that made second-year safety Michael Griffin very sad.

Titans safety Michael Griffin got called for holding on a first-quarter punt return, and he wound up with his helmet pulled off. He tussled with Daren Stone and had to be restrained. ... Griffin said Stone crossed a line.

"He got my dreads, just pulled my hair," Griffin said. "That got me fired up, pulling my hair, man. My helmet got knocked off and then he grabbed my hair. That's really all there was to it. Hair is fair game, my helmet was off, we got into a little pushing and shoving and pulling match and he pulled my hair.

It gets better: "When it comes to that, somebody pulling your hair? Not cool. That's disrespect you know? I'm not going to pull on your hair. You've got a problem, don't pull on my hair. Girls pull on hair."

Got that, Daren, GIRLS PULL HAIR. Well, girls and Larry Johnson.

Whatever, if this is the new-and-improved Falcons, great. Anything to help erase the memories of the Bobby Petrino Era.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Leigh Bodden, Former Browns Starter, Not Good Enough to Crack Lions' Lineup

Ryan Wilson — 2008-08-22T15:01:00 00:00

Filed under: Browns, Lions, AFC North, NFC North

There were some Browns fans who claimed that Leigh Bodden had lost a step since he sorta came out of nowhere to become "the best cornerback you never heard of" a few years ago. Turns out they were onto something.

After Cleveland sent him to Detroit in the Shaun Rogers trade, I was convinced that their secondary would take a hit. Whether that happens remains to be seen -- mounting injuries certainly aren't helping -- but if it does, it won't have anything to do with Bodden's departure. You see, he's currently a backup with the Lions. Depressing, I know.

The former Browns cornerback, who was included in the trade for Shaun Rogers on March 1, is listed as a backup on the Lions' depth chart. The starters are Brian Kelly and Travis Fisher, though Bodden has worked with the first team on occasion.

To his credit, he's not bellyaching about his plight, although maybe he's still in shock at the thought of not being good enough to crack the starting lineup in Detroit:

"I'm not complaining," Bodden said in a phone interview. "It's been a good camp. I've been picking up the defensive system. Guys are treating me good."

That's a good point -- he is learning a new system -- but, really, the Lions didn't trade for a starting-caliber cornerback to just play him in nickel packages. The thing is, whatever the state of Bodden's game, the Browns would probably love to still have him.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Chris Cooley and OnStar Do Not Get Along

Ryan Wilson — 2008-08-22T14:46:00 00:00

Filed under: Redskins, NFC East, NFL Fans

According to Chris Cooley's brother, Tanner, the Redskins' Pro Bowl tight end accidentally activated the OnStar machine and, well, unintentional hilarity ensued.

Not sure if Cooley knows that he was actually speaking to a voice-activated computer, but either way, this is priceless. First he pleads ("give me a chance to talk..."), then he begs ("main menu off ... OFF!), and then he gets belligerent ("You need to start understanding!").

Good times.

It could be worse, though; Cooley could be Hogs Haven's Skin Patrol: "I'd say that I argue with OnStar too (omgoose we're like totally the same except he's talented and I suck at life) except I don't even own a car anymore. That's how poor I am. I am poor and suck."

See, there's always somebody worse off than you.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

J.P. Losman Still Not All That Psyched About Backing Up Trent Edwards

Ryan Wilson — 2008-08-22T12:11:00 00:00

Filed under: Bills, AFC East

J.P. Losman has looked pretty good this preseason. Maybe it's because it's taking him five years to finally put it all together, maybe it's the fact that he's primarily facing second-team defenses, or maybe he's feeling less pressure because he's currently serving as Trent Edwards' backup.

Whatever, the Bills' former first-round pick hasn't been half bad. But his new role as understudy -- even though it looks like J.P. will start this weekend against the Colts because of an Edwards injury -- doesn't have him all that jazzed.

Losman has admitted that he's not happy about the situation he's in and even expressed a desire to be traded before the draft in April. The Bills declined because, as Tuesday's Edwards incident illuminated, NFL teams need to have two fully functioning quarterbacks, preferably with experience, and at the very least Losman gives Buffalo a backup who has plenty of playing time in the league.

And after not speaking with the media throughout training camp, Losman got all Chatty Cathy earlier this week, adding:

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Browns Trade for Dolphins' Travis Daniels, Secondary Still Suspect

Ryan Wilson — 2008-08-20T14:56:00 00:00

Filed under: Browns, Dolphins, AFC East, AFC North

John Beck remains in Miami, but his teammate up to about 20 minutes ago is now a Cleveland Brown. Cornerback Travis Daniels was sent to the great state of Ohio to bolster the Browns' almost-non-existent secondary and the Dolphins got an undisclosed draft pick for their troubles.

MDS at PFT writes that Daniels, a 2005 fourth-round pick and Nick Saban favorite, started just six games in '06 and five games last season and was in danger of getting cut in the coming weeks. Browns general manager Phil Savage couldn't wait around for that to happen, however; the team's secondary is in shambles, beset by injuries and inexperience. So while Daniels provides a warm body, it comes at a cost.

If the compensation is from the 2009 draft, it means the Browns will be without three choices in next year's draft. The team previously had surrendered its third-round and fifth-round selections to move up in 2008 for Martin Rucker and Paul Hubbard, respectively....

The Browns' backup cornerbacks have not exactly sparkled in training camp and two exhibition games and starter Eric Wright was victimized Monday night by the New York Giants' fifth-string receiver.

Next up: getting Joshua Cribbs and Derek Anderson healthy. And finding a way to keep the opponent's first team from hanging 30 on you is sorta important, too.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Dolphins Looking to Trade John Beck

Ryan Wilson — 2008-08-20T14:23:00 00:00

Filed under: Dolphins, AFC East

John Beck's days in Miami appear to be numbered, and how soon he takes up residence elsewhere has everything to do with with what the Dolphins can get for him in a trade. After signing veteran journeyman Josh McCown this offseason, Beck, the team's 2007 second-round pick is apparently no longer in the front office's plans.

The Miami Herald's Barry Jackson has the latest scuttlebutt on the guy who was supposedly the face of the franchise nine months ago.

The Dolphins continue to shop John Beck and indicated they would like a fourth-round pick in return but are unlikely to get that, an NFC executive said this week.

''I could see them getting a late-round pick, maybe conditional,'' a second NFC executive said. ''Last year was a disaster and he [turns] 27'' on Thursday. As perspective, one official noted Cleveland received a sixth-rounder last September from Seattle for former starter Charlie Frye, the 67th pick of the 2005 draft. Beck was drafted 40th in 2007.

Wow, Beck's already being compared to Charlie Frye? Why not just call him Mittens and start shoveling dirt on the grave? To be fair, I understand why teams might be hesitant to part with something more than a late-round pick for Beck -- he's unproven and relatively old -- but this is the latest reminder of how fragile the average NFL existence is.

One minute you're the starting quarterback of a one-win team, the next minute you're in danger of getting cut. Okay, bad example.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments