March 2012 - Football Wiretap
Cutler Likes Tice's Willingess To Accept Input
Jay Cutler praised Mike Tice for his willingness to receive input from players.
Tice took over the Chicago offensive coordinator job this offseason from Mike Martz, who was often criticized for his reluctance for debat on play-calling.
"I have a little bit of input. Not much," Cutler said. "I've got a few things that I whisper in [Tice's] ear and he's always receptive of it.
"At the end of the day we're going to do what's best offensively for us. No matter if a rookie has the idea, if Mike has the idea, or Jeremy or me. Whatever is going to work against a given defense, we're going to use it."
Cromartie Lists Himself No. 2 On Jets' WR Depth Chart
Antonio Cromartie has been involved in a limited number of snaps at wide receiver during Jets' training camp, but he is optimistic about his ability to contribute.
"I think I'd put myself as second," Cromartie said on ESPN's "First Take,". "I haven't really played it in the past four or five years, but I can put myself as the second just with raw ability and talent going out there, I think, me separating and being a more physical guy out there on the outside."
Chaz Schilens, Jeremy Kerley and Stephen Hill are the other Jets' receivers behind Santonio Holmes.
"Kerley is a more of a slot receiver, he's a slot guy," Cromartie said. "Stephen Hill is a younger guy that can get down the field. I think, for me, I can run every single route in the route tree. I'm not going to take anything away from my ability, so when you ask me that question, I'm going to say, yes, I believe I'm one of the best receivers on the football team, next to Santonio Holmes."
Ryan Matthews Injured In Two-Car Crash
Ryan Mathews suffered minor injuries on Monday evening when he was in a two-vehicle accident in San Diego.
Mathews lost control of his BMW on Interstate 8.
No drugs or alcohol are supsected of being involved in the accident.
Locker Ahead Of Hasselback To Become Titans' Starter
Jake Locker is the favorite to win the starting quarterback job for the Titans to open the 2012 season.
Matt Hasselbeck posted solid numbers for Tennessee last season, but Locker is the probable quarterback for the long-term.
Mularkey Has Yet To Meet Jones-Drew
Maurice Jones-Drew seeks a new contract and the Jaguars aren't going to budge on their stance of letting him play out his current contract.
It has been reported that new Jacksonville coach Mike Mularkey hasn't even met Jones-Drew. Running backs coach Sylvester Croom hasn't met him either.
"I don't drive home or sit in my office worrying about it," Mularkey said of Jones-Drew's holdout.
"I don't waste the energy."
Phillips: J.J. Watt Destined For Hall Of Fame
Texans defensive coordinator Wade Phillips thinks so highly of J.J. Watt that he believes the young player is headed for the Hall of Fame.
"(Watt's) going to be a bust -- not a first-round bust but a bust in the Hall of Fame," Phillips said. "The only players I've seen that can do what he can do with his intensity can be found in Canton."
Watt is the rare 3-4 defensive end that can dominate rushing the passer and stopping the run.
"I've seen a lot of guys, and I compare him to Howie Long) in that he has the same quickness to beat (offensive) linemen off the ball. He's a smart guy who gets it," Phillips said.
Jets Deal For Jeff Otah Voided
Jeff Otah failed his physical with the Jets, voiding the terms of his trade from the Panthers.
New York wanted Otah to compete for the starting job at right tackle.
"He did everything we asked for the past week and the terms of the trade weren't met so he's going back to Carolina," Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum said.
Marvin Lewis Agrees To Extension With Bengals
Marvin Lewis and the Bengals have agreed on an extension that will run through the 2014 season.
Lewis was entering the final year of his current contract.
"The team we have for this year is as exciting and intriguing as any one I've had," he said in a statement. "Our goal is to win the Super Bowl, nothing less, and it's great to have this extension in place."
Titans, Kendall Wright Reach Agreement
The Titans have reached an agreement on a four-year deal with first-round pick Kendall Wright, according to a source.
Wright, a wide receiver out of Baylor, agreed to a deal worth $8.2 million and includes a $4.4 million signing bonus.
Tennessee drafted Wright with the 20th overall pick.
Braylon Edwards Signs With Seahawks
The Seahawks have signed Braylon Edwards to a one-year deal.
Seattle expects Edwards to compete for the role of No. 2 wide receiver in training camp.
"I like what they've got going on out here. Just walking and talking to these guys when I came on an interview last year it's a high-positive organization. There is a lot of positivity and you can see the energy these guys have. These guys are happy to come out here and play for coach (Pete) Carroll and their position coaches and it seems like they have the thing moving in the right direction."
Eli Manning Higher Than Peyton In Madden Ratings
Aaron Rodgers is the highest rated quarterback in the game with rating of 99. There are eight other quarterbacks rated 90 or higher.
Peterson Recovered From Allergic Reaction To Seafood
Adrian Peterson has returned to Minnesota's training camp after an allergic reaction at lunch sent him to a local hospital.
Cardinals Looking To Extend Daryl Washington's Contract
Daryl Washington is entering his third season with Arizona and represents an important cog in their defensive scheme.
Holmes Remains Upset For Being Made Jets' 2011 Scapegoat
Santonio Holmes remains upset he was benched in the Jets' 2011 season finale, claiming he was the "scapegoat" for the team's disappointing record.
Clady Calls Off Contract Talks With Broncos
Ryan Clady has rejected a $50 million contract extension with the Broncos and called off further negotiations.
Terrell Thomas Re-Injures Knee
A source said it is believed that the Giants defensive back suffered a partial tear of his ACL.
Kevin Kolb Suffers Bruised Thigh
Kevin Kolb bruised his right thigh late in Arizona's practice on Monday and left the field for treatment.
Smith: Chargers Have Lost Respect Around NFL
Coming off back-to-back seasons without reaching the playoffs, the Chargers feel as though they have lost respect around the NFL.
Carlson: No Comparison To Gronkowski, Hernandez
The Vikings signed John Carlson this offseason to pair with second-year tight end Kyle Rudolph.
Rodgers Expects Packers To Be Better In 2012
Aaron Rodgers insists that the Packers will be better in 2012 despite posting a 15-1 record last season.
Mike Jenkins Didn't Request Trade From Cowboys
Mike Jenkins is unsure for the 2012 season opener because of offseason right shoulder surgery.
Kolb Listed As Arizona's No. 1 Quarterback
Kevin Kolb, set to enter his second season with Arizona, is listed ahead of John Skelton.
Newton Backs Kalil's Super Bowl Promise
Cam Newton says he supports teammate Ryan Kalil, who recently promised a Super Bowl victory this season.
Police: O.J. Murdock Dies In Apparent Suicide
Titans reserve receiver O.J. Murdock has died of an apparent suicide, according to Tampa police.
Chargers Sign QB Kevin O'Connell
The Chargers have signed former San Diego State QB Kevin O'Connell to a one-year contract.
Flacco, Ravens Working Towards Deal
Joe Flacco is set to earn a $6.76 million base salary in the final year of his rookie contract.
Edelman Silent On Possible Role On Defense
Julian Edelman has worked out as a at wide receiver, kickoff returner and punt returner with the Patriots.
Terrence McGee Fighting For Roster Spot With Bills
Terrence McGee has several fellow cornerbacks ahead of him on Buffalo's depth chart.
Harbaugh Defends A.J. Jenkins
Jim Harbaugh has ripped reporters who criticized Jenkins, who the 49ers selected in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft.
Tannehill Impresses In First Official Workout
Ryan Tannehill had spent the past few days in Bradenton working out at the IMG Madden Football Academy.