FanHouse http://www.fanhouse.com FanHouse http://www.fanhouse.com/media/feedlogo.gif FanHouse http://www.fanhouse.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/ Jonathan Joseph Latest Bengal To See Court Time http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/03/14/jonathan-joseph-latest-bengal-to-see-court-time/ http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/03/14/jonathan-joseph-latest-bengal-to-see-court-time/ http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/03/14/jonathan-joseph-latest-bengal-to-see-court-time/#comments JD Arneyby JD Arney

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Jonathan JosephJonathan Joseph was the last of the nine Bengals players to be arrested this past year. On January 22 he was pulled over, the officer smelled something marijuana, and Joseph told the officer he was carrying.

In his Super Bowl backpack, which is as good a place as any I suppose.

Joseph was in court last week in Boone County, Kentucky, and the judge went pretty easy on him since he's a first time offender. Joseph will be allowed to enter a diversion program that's only available to first timers, which means he'll be doing some community service or completing an educational program (where perhaps they teach people to not keep weed in the car?).

I wrote a while back about Deltha O'Neal and Joseph leaving Bengals practice to eat lunch together, and that O'Neal probably wasn't the best influence for the young Joseph, what with his DUI and lackadaisical play and all. Hopefully I'm blowing it out of proportion, but the Bengals obviously have to implement a team culture where stuff like this just isn't acceptable. Joseph seems like a good character guy who's never been in trouble before which makes you wonder about the influences other players have had on him.

More: Bengals CB Joseph Enters Diversion Program - AP

 

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]]> Deltha O'NealJonathan Joseph JD Arney jd-arney 2007-03-14T14:01:00 00:00 Deltha O'Neal Goes To Court http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/03/10/deltha-oneal-goes-to-court/ http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/03/10/deltha-oneal-goes-to-court/ http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/03/10/deltha-oneal-goes-to-court/#comments JD Arneyby JD Arney

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Deltha O'NealMy job writing about the Bengals this offseason seems to mostly consist of legal proceedings what with the Bengals mostly sitting out of free agency. Deltha O'Neal is the latest Bengal in court, and he received a 30 day suspended sentence for driving drunk on December 9th.

He also was fined $250, forced to pay $1,000 to Mothers Against Drunk Driving, put on probation for three years, and had his license suspended for the next six months, although he'll be allowed to drive to and from work.

O'Neal took things like a man, apologizing to the court, and saying that "as a father of three small children, he realized the need to be more responsible". That's good to hear.

Deltha took most of last season off, so maybe this'll also help him realize the need to be responsible with regards to his profession. He was a big help in 2005 and it'd be pretty huge if he could be anywhere near that good again. O'Neal's always been a hard player to figure out, but maybe this ordeal will mature him a bit.

Or not, but I'm going to go ahead and hope, since that's kind of the point of the offseason.

More: Bengals DB Deltha O'Neal pleads to reckless operation charge - AP

 

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]]> Deltha O'Neal JD Arney jd-arney 2007-03-10T22:25:00 00:00 Trent Green Now Allowed To Trade Himself http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/03/06/trent-green-now-allowed-to-trade-himself/ http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/03/06/trent-green-now-allowed-to-trade-himself/ http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/03/06/trent-green-now-allowed-to-trade-himself/#comments JD Arneyby JD Arney

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Trent GreenKind of a weird situation in Kansas City with Trent Green, and it's getting stranger. Green had his sit down with GM Carl Peterson yesterday, and Peterson informed Green that the Chiefs wanted to restructure his deal.

That, combined with the fact that Green's not even assured of the starting position, has led Trent to explore other possibilities.

The team told him they were fine with that, but that "it does not mean they are trying to peddle him nor does it mean they intend to release him." So the Chiefs aren't actively shopping him, and they're not going to release him, but if he finds a taker they're open to trading him. I'm not sure exactly how that works, as far as what the Chiefs would be getting back, but there are quite a few teams out there that would make sense for Trent Green.

Oakland is probably the most obvious, but it's tough to see the Chiefs helping out a division rival, especially when it's the Raiders.

More: End of an era? Chiefs give QB Green OK to seek trade - CBS Sportsline

 

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]]> Carl PetersonTrent Green JD Arney jd-arney 2007-03-06T17:48:00 00:00 Chiefs Give Napoleon Harris Way Too Much Money http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/03/06/chiefs-give-napoleon-harris-for-way-too-much-money/ http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/03/06/chiefs-give-napoleon-harris-for-way-too-much-money/ http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/03/06/chiefs-give-napoleon-harris-for-way-too-much-money/#comments JD Arneyby JD Arney

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Napoleon HarrisThe Chiefs signed Napoleon Harris today for six years and $24.5 million, with $7.5 million guaranteed.

Harris was a first rounder for Oakland back in 2002, but Rotoworld makes the excellent point that two linebacker poor teams have now given up on Harris in the past five years. Kansas City will be throwing him into the starting middle linebacker position, replacing Kawika Mitchell, despite never having really shown the ability to be a competent starter in the NFL.

This is a guy who'd probably be a really solid reserve player (or even a decent weakside starter), not someone to whom you want to give a truckload of money.

Len Pasquarelli says that Harris is a perfect fit for Herm Edwards Cover 2 defensive scheme, which doesn't make a lot of sense to me since Harris is leaving the Vikings, a team that also plays the Cover 2. Minnesota made pretty much no effort to keep Napoleon around, which kind of says it all I think.

 

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]]> Herm EdwardsKawika MitchellNapoleon Harris JD Arney jd-arney 2007-03-06T17:14:00 00:00 Another Day, Another Bengal Sentenced http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/03/06/another-day-another-bengal-sentenced/ http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/03/06/another-day-another-bengal-sentenced/ http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/03/06/another-day-another-bengal-sentenced/#comments JD Arneyby JD Arney

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Prison JumpsuitA.J. Nicholson, the Bengals 2006 fifth round pick, was sentenced today to 60 days in a sheriff's work program, as well as two years probation.

Nicholson was in trouble for stealing $1,700 worth of electronics from the apartment of a teammate last May. It's tough to understand theft to begin with, but it becomes even harder to understand when the guy doing the stealing was just drafted into the NFL.

A work program is generally an alternative to incarceration, and unless Nicholson gets to talk to school children or something he'll soon be picking up trash on the side of an interstate somewhere in Ohio. I could make a joke here about how he'll still be wearing an orange uniform, but I'll refrain.

More:
Bengals LB Sentenced for Burglary, Theft - AP

 

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]]> A.J. Nicholson JD Arney jd-arney 2007-03-06T16:53:00 00:00 Ohio State vs. Michigan Could Be Pushed To December http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2007/03/05/ohio-state-vs-michigan-could-be-pushed-to-december/ http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2007/03/05/ohio-state-vs-michigan-could-be-pushed-to-december/ http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2007/03/05/ohio-state-vs-michigan-could-be-pushed-to-december/#comments JD Arneyby JD Arney

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Troy SmithThere was a lot of talk about the long layoff between the Ohio State / Michigan game and the Rose Bowl and BCS Title game, and it's looking like the Big Ten might actually do something about it.

Lloyd Carr has been the biggest proponent of moving the game to the first week of December, but Jim Tressel really isn't a fan of the idea:
"I wouldn't like at all the option of playing the week after Thanksgiving, because I think that's one of the things that's a real plus when you play in the Big Ten as a studentathlete is you train all summer long and you know you play a hard season.

"But you know what? You're going to have a Thanksgiving (at home). And for as hard as our guys work, I think that's a real plus for them. I wouldn't want to kick the season backwards."
As a fan I could really care less. I certainly wouldn't be opposed to seeing Ohio State's season extended a couple of weeks since it would make the season feel longer, but in the end the amount of football I get to see won't change unless a game is added somewhere.

Tressel makes a great point that Thanksgiving at home is a great bonus for the players, but in the end the Big Ten will probably have to make a move, and I'm not sure this is the one to make. At some point won't a Big Ten title game make sense? I realize that it'd be a terrible move tradition wise, and I'm sure I'm in the minority here, but I can't help but be excited thinking about the possibility. Big Ten basketball finally caved in to having a league tournament. Football will eventually do something similar when it comes to a title game, and I think the league will be better for it.

More: Date with Michigan might be moved - Columbus Dispatch

 

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]]> Jim TresselLloyd Carr JD Arney jd-arney 2007-03-05T06:41:00 00:00 Buckeyes Receive First Commitment In 2008 Class http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2007/03/05/buckeyes-recieve-first-commitment-in-2008-class/ http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2007/03/05/buckeyes-recieve-first-commitment-in-2008-class/ http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2007/03/05/buckeyes-recieve-first-commitment-in-2008-class/#comments JD Arneyby JD Arney

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Ohio State KickerThe 2007 recruiting season just ended, and it didn't take long for the 2008 season to get under way. The Buckeyes received their first commitment on Friday, and fittingly, it's a kicker.

Ben Buchanan is his name, and he's apparently the top rated kicker in the Midwest (by Rivals), and possibly one of the best kickers in the country.

Around the Oval points to a great post over at Buckeye Planet talking about Buchanan's appearance at a kicking came called "Buckeye Kicking Academy" last summer. Buchanan competed as both a punter and field goal kicker and managed to win both. It took a 60 yarder to win the field goal competition, which would be impressive for an NFL kicker, let alone a high school kid. His kickoffs went through the back of the endzone as well, which is great to hear.

Ohio State has an incredible kicking tradition, and it sounds like Buchanan will eventually continue that. Tough to tell at this early date, but he sounds like a great signing.

 

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]]> Ben Buchanan JD Arney jd-arney 2007-03-05T06:06:00 00:00 Falcons Make Offer To Reggie Kelly http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/03/05/falcons-make-offer-to-reggie-kelly/ http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/03/05/falcons-make-offer-to-reggie-kelly/ http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/03/05/falcons-make-offer-to-reggie-kelly/#comments JD Arneyby JD Arney

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Reggie KellyThe Falcons have made an offer to tight end Reggie Kelly, a name you'll probably recognize since he's played for Atlanta before.

Kelly was drafted by the Falcons back in 1999, and played four years for them. He then left for Cincinnati, where his role changed significantly. Atlanta seemed to want Kelly to be a pass catching tight end, while he's mostly blocked for the Bengals. The Falcons drafted Kelly in the second round, and I think they kind of saw him as a bust by the time he left the team. The tide has turned though, and I think Kelly would be a good fit for the Falcons running game.

Reggie Kelly is one of the more selfless players in the NFL and he's also an excellent locker room presence. Carson Palmer has publicly stated that the Bengals need to bring him back, leading me to believe he'd help the Falcons if he signs. Guys like this don't get a lot of press, but you'll inevitably find quite a few Reggie Kelly types on the rosters of playoff teams and Super Bowl champs.

 

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]]> Carson PalmerReggie Kelly JD Arney jd-arney 2007-03-05T05:38:00 00:00 Bengals Resign Kenny Watson, Close Up Shop http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/03/03/bengals-resign-kenny-watson-close-up-shop/ http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/03/03/bengals-resign-kenny-watson-close-up-shop/ http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/03/03/bengals-resign-kenny-watson-close-up-shop/#comments JD Arneyby JD Arney

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Kenny WatsonThe Bengals resigned Kenny Watson to a three year deal on Friday, which has to make you think that Chris Perry isn't being counted on for the 2007 season.

Watson is a solid third down back who does a lot of little things well. He's also an excellent special teams player, something that Marvin Lewis really seems to love from the non-marquee players. It's a smart move, because I'll be shocked if Perry is ever healthy enough to make a difference again.

This signing continued the Bengals focus on resigning most of their own free agent players, and a Bengals spokesman confirmed on Friday that the club had no outside free agent visits to confirm, which is a shame. Injuries had a lot to do with the Bengals troubles this past year, so they might not need an influx of players as much as other fringe playoff teams, but that doesn't mean a big free agent signing wouldn't have been helpful. That's never been owner Mike Brown's way of operating though, and he's apparently not changing now. My guess is that the Bengals will resign a couple more of their own free agents (Kevin Kaesviharn, maybe Reggie Kelly and Anthony Wright), possibly sign a lower tier free agent or two, and that'll be it.

That's the way the Bengals do things, and yet I find myself disappointed every single free agency season anyway. You'd think I'd know better than to hope for an Adalius Thomas type signing by now, but apparently not.

More: Watson re-signs for three years - Mark Curnutte's Blog
QB Wright to visit Denver - Mark Curnutte's Blog

 

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]]> Adalius ThomasAnthony WrightChris PerryKenny WatsonKevin KaesviharnReggie Kelly JD Arney jd-arney 2007-03-03T18:38:00 00:00 Eric Steinbach Gone To Cleveland http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/03/03/eric-steinbach-gone-to-cleveland/ http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/03/03/eric-steinbach-gone-to-cleveland/ http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/03/03/eric-steinbach-gone-to-cleveland/#comments JD Arneyby JD Arney

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Eric SteinbachAnalysts everywhere seem to be falling over themselves to praise the Browns signing of Eric Steinbach, but I just have to wonder when it became smart to sign a guard for that kind of money? I'm guessing the Browns see him as a center or left tackle, but that's a little bit of a risk to take for seven-year, $49.5 million contract, with $17 million in guaranteed money on a guy who's mostly played guard in his four year career.

Steinbach is good, and maybe I still have a grudge against the guy for blowing the play where Kimo Von Fatass fell on Carson Palmer's knee, but I'm not terribly sorry to see him go, and I'm glad the Bengals didn't spend that kind of money to keep him around. I'm not exaggerating when I say that I would have preferred keeping Justin Smith to Eric Steinbach and that I'm glad it turned out that way.

Andrew Whitworth is going to fill in for Eric Steinbach very well, and the Bengals line is deep enough overall to absorb a loss like this. Cleveland is rebuilding the right way, by being obsessed with their offensive line, but I can't help but be surprised by the money here.

More: Browns, Steinbach Agree to Seven-Year Deal - AP

 

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]]> Andrew WhitworthCarson PalmerEric Steinbach JD Arney jd-arney 2007-03-03T18:29:00 00:00 Bengals Have No Interest In Keeping Kelley Washington http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/03/03/bengals-have-no-interest-in-keeping-kelley-washington/ http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/03/03/bengals-have-no-interest-in-keeping-kelley-washington/ http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/03/03/bengals-have-no-interest-in-keeping-kelley-washington/#comments JD Arneyby JD Arney

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Kelley WashingtonI'm not sure this is much of a surprise, but Mark Curnutte recently posted that the Bengals have no interest in resigning wide receiver Kelley Washington.

Washington's career with the Bengals has been an odd one, and I've always had the feeling that something has gone on behind the scenes of which fans had no knowledge. How else could you explain Washington never getting more of a chance after his first two seasons with the Bengals? Washington put up pretty respectable numbers for a third or fourth receiver in 2003 and 2004, but Washington saw less and less playing time as time went on.

It's never been a talent issue I don't think, and Curnutte pretty much confirms that in his post, saying that "coaches in Cincinnati were unhappy with Washington's aloofness and inability to put forth effort to get along with teammates".

I'd be pretty interested to hear Washington's side of the story, although I'm sure that's not likely. He took a visit to Miami yesterday and I'm sure he'll have a decent landing somewhere else. If he puts up big numbers in another city it'll be hard to wonder about the atmosphere that Cincinnati's coaches are creating for the players. Because, quite frankly, I could really give a damn about a player's ability to get along with his teammates. Washington should have been given more of a shot in the last four years. Who knows, that could have meant never being tempted to draft Chris Henry.

 

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]]> Chris HenryKelley Washington JD Arney jd-arney 2007-03-03T18:12:00 00:00 Niners Replace Norv Turner With QB Coach Jim Hostler http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/03/01/niners-replace-norv-turner-with-qb-coach-jim-hostler/ http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/03/01/niners-replace-norv-turner-with-qb-coach-jim-hostler/ http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/03/01/niners-replace-norv-turner-with-qb-coach-jim-hostler/#comments JD Arneyby JD Arney

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Jim HostlerThe 49ers replaced Norv Turner on Wednesday, promoting quarterbacks coach Jim Hostler to the offensive coordinator position.

Mike Nolan seemed to go out of his way to emphasize that the selection had a lot to do with keeping the offense running smoothly, saying that "it was my intent to keep the system intact. Jim was instrumental in the implementation of our offense last season."

Hostler has no offensive coordinating experience outside of a Division II stint with Indiana University of Pennsylvania, a school with one of the most confusing names I've ever heard. Hostler has worked with some fairly solid NFL players in his eight year career though, mentoring Chad Pennington and Vinny Testaverde while with the Jets.

Hostler isn't on the level of Norv Turner, but he was the most logical choice for Mike Nolan to make. The 49ers are a pretty young team on the offensive side of the ball, and the last thing they need is a system overhaul since they're fairly close to being a playoff team.

More: 49ers Name Hostler as Coordinator - 49ers.com
Jim Hostler, Your NEW Offensive Coordinator - Niners Nation

 

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]]> Chad PenningtonJim HostlerMike NolanNorv TurnerVinny Testaverde JD Arney jd-arney 2007-03-01T03:39:00 00:00 Bengals Shockingly Release Brian Simmons http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/02/28/bengals-shockingly-release-brian-simmons/ http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/02/28/bengals-shockingly-release-brian-simmons/ http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/02/28/bengals-shockingly-release-brian-simmons/#comments JD Arneyby JD Arney

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Brian SimmonsI'm seriously stunned, did not see this coming at all:
Simmons, 31, has spent his entire nine-year career with the Bengals, who made him a first-round draft pick in 1998. He had two years left on his contract for $7 million.

Coach Marvin Lewis said the decision came down to the money.

"This was not an easy decision to make," he said in a statement. "Brian has been a fine player on the field, and he has been a great example to all of our players as a team leader and a citizen.

"But a new NFL year is about to begin with the start of free agency, and this allows us to best position our team under the salary cap to move forward for 2007. It will afford us options for signing other players who are a better overall fit, given the strengths and needs of our current roster."
Simmons has been one of the most reliable Bengals defenders over the years, but age has slowed him down a bit. That being said I certainly still thought he was good enough to play for a very weak Bengals defense, and I honestly would have thought his character would have given him a shot at sticking around. Simmons has always been a model citizen, something the Bengals need to be cultivating after this past season.

Two years and $7 million just doesn't seem worth cutting a guy like Simmons, but I don't know. I had thought the Bengals were fairly weak at the linebacker position, but maybe Marvin thinks Odell Thurman will come back along with an increased contribution from Ahmad Brooks.

It's not like Simmons is as good as he once was, it's just shocking to see the Bengals cut someone who was perfectly adequate on defense. Strange move.

 

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]]> Brian SimmonsMarvin Lewis JD Arney jd-arney 2007-02-28T20:57:00 00:00 49ers Resign Bryant Young http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/02/28/49ers-resign-bryant-young/ http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/02/28/49ers-resign-bryant-young/ http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/02/28/49ers-resign-bryant-young/#comments JD Arneyby JD Arney

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Bryant YoungThe 49ers resigned defensive end Bryant Young on Tuesday. John Clayton reported the signing, but was pretty vague when it came to details.

Clayton says Young's "probably" going to get the $4.25 million that he would have received before voiding his contract, and that the deal is "believed to be" for one season. I'm sure Clayton's got the details roughly right, but it's still funny to read a news story where so little is concrete.

Clayton also calls Young a valuable leader to the team, not surprising given Young's age (35) and experience. Young's heading into his 14th season, and with that much experience should have quite a bit to teach younger players.

Bryant is one of the more solid defenders San Francisco had in 2006, so it was probably a smart move to keep him around. The Niner defense is going to be extremely different next season which is definitely a good thing, but it's also good to have some continuity. Young should provide that at a reasonable price.

 

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]]> Bryant YoungJohn Clayton JD Arney jd-arney 2007-02-28T05:43:00 00:00 Walt Harris Has Screw Inserted Into Hand http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/02/27/walt-harris-has-screw-inserted-into-hand/ http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/02/27/walt-harris-has-screw-inserted-into-hand/ http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/02/27/walt-harris-has-screw-inserted-into-hand/#comments JD Arneyby JD Arney

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Walt HarrisWalt Harris, who broke his hand in his first Pro Bowl appearance earlier this month, had surgery to insert a screw into that hand on Monday.

Harris is coming off a season that featured a career high eight interceptions and the aforementioned first Pro Bowl selection (in place of injured Eagles corner Lito Sheppard), but I'm sure that was marred a bit by the broken hand. Harris suffered the broken hand defending a pass intended for Bengals receiver Chad Johnson.

The Pro Bowl provides one of the toughest experiences as a fan, since you're naturally pumped to see some of your favorite players playing, but the threat of injury is so high, even with the players playing half speed. And then to see a guy like Harris injured at his age, it makes you wonder if you shouldn't be rooting against your favorite players selection to the game.

Harris should be fine, but a hand injury can be nagging, so it's something to keep an eye on.

More: Niners' Harris Has Screw Inserted in Hand - AP

 

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]]> Chad JohnsonLito SheppardWalt Harris JD Arney jd-arney 2007-02-27T17:55:00 00:00 Chiefs Resign Damon Huard; Trent Green Asked To Take Pay Cut http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/02/27/chiefs-resign-damon-huard/ http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/02/27/chiefs-resign-damon-huard/ http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/02/27/chiefs-resign-damon-huard/#comments JD Arneyby JD Arney

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Damon HuardI can remember watching the Chiefs season opener this year when Trent Green went down with a brutal concussion and being pretty surprised to see that their backup was a guy who hadn't played since the year 2000. Huard looked pretty bad that day against the Bengals, but he redeemed himself the rest of the season, filling in quite well until Green's return in week 11.

He managed an 11/1 TD/Int ratio, and a 60% completion percentage, causing me to say to friends on several Sundays this season that he was earning himself some serious money with his efforts. That thought became reality today, as the Chiefs resigned Huard to a three year, $7.5 million dollar deal.

The Chiefs also are planning on asking Trent Green to take a pay cut, leaving the issue of who will start up in the air. Huard had a much better year than Green last year, so it's certainly not out of the realm of possibility that Huard could be the 2007 starter.

Ultimately though, resigning Huard is a smart move by the Chiefs, and a nice reward for a fine season from Huard.

 

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]]> Brodie CroyleDamon HuardTrent Green JD Arney jd-arney 2007-02-27T17:52:00 00:00 49ers Interested In Leonard Davis? http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/02/26/49ers-interested-in-leonard-davis/ http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/02/26/49ers-interested-in-leonard-davis/ http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/02/26/49ers-interested-in-leonard-davis/#comments JD Arneyby JD Arney

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Leonard DavisLots of speculation concerning the Niners and Adalius Thomas, but the 49ers might not stop there. 49ers blog Niners Nation has a story up concerning rumored interest by San Francisco in left tackle Leonard Davis.

Davis has been with Arizona since being drafted second overall in 2001, but he didn't quite live up the Cardinals expectations. He played guard his first three seasons, and moved to left tackle in 2004. It's hard to tell where the 49ers would place him, since their current left tackle Jonas Jennings is pretty solid. Right tackle Kwame Harris didn't impress this past season though, so it's possible that Davis could slide in on the right side.

Regardless of where he'd go, offensive line depth is always a great thing to have, but you have to wonder if the attraction to Davis doesn't have something to do with the fact that he's a "name guy". San Francisco is pretty close to being a playoff team, and I'm not sure they need to be spending their money on an area that was pretty solid last season. The line's pretty young as well, and I'm guessing they still have improvement left in them.

And if this somehow were to interfere with the Niners picking up a guy like Adalius Thomas then it'd become firmly entrenched in the "bad idea" category. Defense has to come first with this team.

 

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]]> Adalius ThomasJonas JenningsKwame HarrisLeonard Davis JD Arney jd-arney 2007-02-26T16:39:00 00:00 Eric Steinbach Probably Won't Be A Bengal Next Season http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/02/25/eric-steinbach-probably-wont-be-a-bengal-next-season/ http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/02/25/eric-steinbach-probably-wont-be-a-bengal-next-season/ http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/02/25/eric-steinbach-probably-wont-be-a-bengal-next-season/#comments JD Arneyby JD Arney

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Eric SteinbachWith the franchise tagging of Justin Smith it became that much more unlikely that the Bengals would be able to resign free agent Eric Steinbach. Many people thought the only chance the Bengals had to begin with would be to franchise Steinbach, since he's thought to want left tackle money, despite playing guard for Cincinnati.

Steinbach's replacement is almost certainly going to be Andrew Whitworth, who's been getting lots of praise from Marvin Lewis:
"Last year here (at the scouting combine) was my first opportunity to meet Andrew, and you walk out of that room saying, 'Well, he could coach the offensive line,' " Bengals coach Marvin Lewis said. "What he has added to our football team is a very good young talent, a very mature young talent. And a guy who I think will be a fine player for a long time."
Steinbach was arguably the best guy on the line last year (especially since Levi Jones was hurt for much of the season), and so his absence is definitely going to hurt in 2007. But at the same time last year's offensive line injuries may end up being a blessing in disguise. Whitworth was able to get valuable experience, and he wasn't the only one. Stacy Andrews played in every game and made three starts in place of Bobbie Williams.

Steinbach was picked by CNNSI as the fifth biggest potential free agent of the offseason, but really if there's any area where the Bengals could afford to lose someone of that caliber it's probably the offensive line.

 

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]]> Andrew WhitworthEric SteinbachMarvin LewisStacy Andrews JD Arney jd-arney 2007-02-25T15:29:00 00:00 The 49ers Were The Team Of The 80's http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/02/22/the-49ers-were-the-team-of-the-80s/ http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/02/22/the-49ers-were-the-team-of-the-80s/ http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/02/22/the-49ers-were-the-team-of-the-80s/#comments JD Arneyby JD Arney

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And that headline isn't me talking. That's science. Well, science and the 80's 49ers themselves, expressing themselves through the artform known as rap:

 

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]]> JD Arney jd-arney 2007-02-22T21:32:00 00:00 Odell Thurman Admits To Driving Drunk http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/02/22/odell-thurman-admits-to-driving-drunk/ http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/02/22/odell-thurman-admits-to-driving-drunk/ http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/02/22/odell-thurman-admits-to-driving-drunk/#comments JD Arneyby JD Arney

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Odell ThurmanAnother day, another Bengal in court. On Wednesday it was Odell Thurman's turn, and he admitted to the court that he was driving drunk on September 25.

Thurman also told the judge that he's an alcoholic and that he's trying to get his life together. Odell pled no contest to the DUI charge, and in return his charges of driving on the wrong side of the road and a related DUI charge were dismissed.

I'm thinking that the door is open for Odell Thurman to come back to the Bengals, but it's not going to be at all easy for him to make it back. Marvin refuses to comment on the situation, and I don't think that's going to change until Thurman's actually eligible again, but I think Marvin has genuinely written the guy off, for now at least. And that's probably the attitude Bengals fans need to take as well. If he comes back, awesome, but if he doesn't then it's not the end of the world.

More: Thurman admits to DUI - Cincinnati Enquirer

 

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]]> Marvin LewisOdell Thurman JD Arney jd-arney 2007-02-22T21:23:00 00:00