McFadden’s torrid start through six games last season had him on pace for 1800 yards rushing and in the MVP conversation. Then he limped off the field in Week 7′s game versus Kansas City with what was initially diagnosed as a sprained right foot.  It turned out to be the dreaded Lisfranc sprain and for the fourth time in four years he failed to complete a full 16-game schedule.

The ex-Razorback’s injury history is well-documented. Foot, knee, toe, hamstring and eye ailments have struck him during his career and cost him a total of 19 games. Despite the “soft” reputation, McFadden continues to brush off the criticism regarding his durability.

“Everybody has their own opinion, so, for me, I’m just going out there playing, going hard. If I get hurt, so be it,” he said. “I could see if it was just going down the street, falling over, getting hurt, that’s different, but I’m out there playing hard when I get hurt.”

McFadden’s talent is unquestioned. With the exception of Adrian Peterson, no back in the league possesses #20′s size-speed combination. He’s capable of taking it the distance every time he carries the ball, and also boasts a solid pair of pass catching hands.

If he can stay healthy, a rushing title is within reach. He’s only 24 years old, so youth is still on his side. The problem is his upright, physical style makes him prone to taking extra hits. And running backs with foot problems are always a risky proposition.

Fair or not, until he proves he can endure the rigors of a full season, McFadden will continue to have plenty of critics.

Source: ESPN.com

San Diego Padres at Washington Nationals
Tuesday, May 15 2012 10:10 AM Pacific

The Nationals are huge home favorites in this game as they are every time that the phenomenal Steven Strasburg takes the mound. Strasburg has come back from ‘Tommy John’ elbow surgery looking better than ever and is likely the favorite for the NL Cy Young award at this point. Strasburg sports a 1.64 ERA and has rung up 54 strikeouts on the season against just 10 walks. If there’s a rap on Strasburg–and this one isn’t really his fault–is that he doesn’t go deep into games averaging just over 6 innings per assignment. That’s because the Nationals have him on a strict pitch count at this stage of his rehab as to prevent overdue strain on his rebuilt elbow.

San Diego has struggled mightily this season and especially on the road where they’re 3-10. They’ve received a relatively decent effort from their pitching staff but their offense has been lacking. This notwithstanding, they’ve done better against RHP than in any other situation and have posted a respectable 3.7 runs per game. Washington’s offense hasn’t been overly productive in the early stages of the season either, but they are starting to show a little more life–the Nats have averaged 4 runs per game in the last week of action so it could be that their bats are starting to wake up as the weather gets warmer.

No real interest in laying the big price on Strasburg, primarily due to the frequent struggles of the Nationals bullpen. The Washington relievers have a 3.71 ERA overall and 6 blown saves to their credit. Instead, we’ll look to play against public perception and play this game Over the extremely low total of 6. Despite his impressive numbers, 3 of 6 Straburg starts this year have gone Over the total including 2 of 3 at home. Factor the so so numbers of Padres’ starter Anthony Bass into the mix and we like our chances of getting enough runs across the plate to make this play work.

Bet Washington/San Diego Over 6 -110

Head coach Pete Carroll was impressed enough to declare Wilson a candidate for the number one spot once training camp opens this summer.

“He’s showed us enough,” Carroll told reporters. “He’s in the competition. And that is going to tax us, as you know. It was already going to be taxing with two. But he’s shown us enough that we need to see where he fits in with these guys.”

Again, reading too much into this would be foolish. The Seahawks signed ex-Packers backup Matt Flynn to a three-year, $26 million contract in March, and still have incumbent Tarvaris Jackson on the roster. Flynn is unproven having made only two starts in four seasons. Jackson was average at best in 2011, setting career highs in touchdown passes and interceptions.

Wilson tumbled to the third round in April’s draft due to his height, 5’11″, after a successful college career split between N.C. State and Wisconsin. He threw for 11,720 yards, 109 touchdowns, 30 interceptions and added 23 rushing scores. If he was three inches taller he might’ve been a first-round prospect.

Basically, all this means is the Seattle quarterback picture just got a lot blurrier. Flynn seems to have the inside track on the starting job, but he won’t have the benefit of Greg Jennings, Jordy Nelson, Jermichael Finley, Donald Driver, James Jones and Mike McCarthy’s offensive system to help make him look good.

If Wilson were to climb to the top of the depth chart, he’d be the shortest starter in the league.

Source: NFL.com

Young was easily the most talented quarterback on the market and sounded pleased to join another roster in a statement released earlier today.

“I am looking forward to playing with the guys and helping where I am needed,” Young said. “I have always respected the Bills organization and I am looking forward to being a part of the team.”

Inconsistency and immaturity have plagued Young all six seasons of his career. His inability to handle adversity and criticism has prevented him from living up to his immense potential. He appeared in six games as an Eagle last season, going 1-2 in three starts while throwing for 866 yards, four touchdowns and nine interceptions.

As shaky as his on the field performance was, it was a comment uttered in training camp that followed him the entire season. Upon joining the Eagles free agent bounty last summer, Young described his new cohorts as  the “Dream Team,” which the headline-starved media blew up to monstrous proportions, especially when the Birds stumbled out of the gate to finish a mediocre 8-8.

The Bills are committed to Fitzpatrick long-term, although there have been grumblings about whether or not he’s a legit number one signal-caller. In his first six starts of ’11, he tossed 12 touchdowns and seven interceptions; in his final ten starts, he totaled 12 touchdowns and 16 interceptions.

Did defenses adjust and steer him away from his strengths? Did he feel the additional pressure of playing under a lucrative contract? Is he capable of taking his game to another level, or have we seen the best he has to offer? The Bills brain-trust hasn’t expressed these concerns publicly and likely never will. However, bringing Young aboard might be a hint they are at the very least covering all the bases should Fitzpatrick regress.

Source: ESPN.com

QB Vince Young – VY wasn’t exactly stellar when he filled in for an injured Mike Vick last season in Philly, but he did show excellent arm strength and athleticism. His accuracy is below average and he won’t fit every system, although he is a veteran signal-caller with big game experience. Considering the current state of quarterbacking, teams could do a lot worse than Young.

RB Cedric Benson – Kinda hard to believe a 29-year-old runner coming off a 1000-yard 2011 is still without a job. Benson was a bust the first four years of his career, but he’s rushed for at least 1000 yards in each of his last three seasons and appears to have plenty of gas left in the tank as a decent number one or great number two back, provided he stops throwing punches in bars.

RB Ryan Grant – He became expendable in Green Bay’s pass heavy offense, but he does bring value as a solid backup with a pair of 1200-yard seasons on his resume. Teams like the Jets and Colts would be wise to give him a look. Detroit has been rumored to be interested, although no contract has been offered yet.

WR Mark Clayton – The ex-Raven and Ram was on his way to a career season in 2010 with then rookie Sam Bradford at quarterback until a torn patellar tendon ended his year after five games. He played sparingly in 2011, but if he’s healthy he could pay dividends as a number three receiver.

TE Visanthe Shiancoe – His best season came with Brett Favre under center, so pairing with a young quarterback might not be a recipe for success. That said, Shiancoe has shown flashes of greatness throughout his career and in the right situation could post serviceable numbers as a starter or reserve.

OG Bobbie Williams – He’s 35 and coming off a broken ankle, but if a team needed a steady guard in a pinch, Williams should be at the top of the list.

C Jason Brown – Three years ago he was being courted by several teams looking to add an up and coming center. After inking a $37.5 million deal with the Rams he turned into a major flop. Was it the culture of losing in St. Louis, or is he simply overrated?

DE Andre Carter – A torn left quad derailed arguably his best season as a pro last year with the Patriots. If he’s fully recovered he can bring speed off the edge in a 3-4.

CB Bryant McFadden – He’s probably not a starter at this stage of his career. However, he owns a pair of Super Bowl rings and would bring a veteran presence to a young secondary.

Bell, who inked a one-year free agent contract with Cincinnati a month ago, was very candid in his reasoning for retiring at age 31.

“There were a lot of factors that went into it for me,” Bell told the Post-Dispatch in a phone interview Tuesday night. “I’ve had a lot of fun playing. I’ve seen a lot of things. I’ve played in a lot of games. The reality is that for me it came down to risk and reward. I think you’ve always got to weigh that out. At some point, you’ve got to kind of figure out what you’re in the game for.”

The threat of concussions and other debilitating injuries that could leave lasting damage was a major factor in Bell’s decision.

“One of my biggest concerns when it comes to the game in general is my personal health. One thing that’s obviously on the minds of a lot of people lately is brain research and all the stuff that’s going on with that. One of the big things that I thought about when I was considering this is how much do I love the game? How much can they pay me to take away my health and my future and being able to be with my family and just have a healthy lifestyle?”

The old school ‘suck it up and be a man’ crowd will likely look at Bell with a frown, but more and more athletes would be wise to weigh their options before it’s too late. Seau joins an ever increasing list of ex-players whose lives were cut short by depression and brain issues.

Bell calls it quits after eight seasons with the Titans and Rams. He started 100 out of 109 career games.

Source: St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Jackson’s payday goes against the grain by league standards. At 31, he is one the game’s oldest starting running backs. In addition, he is coming off a shortened 2011 campaign that cost him six games due to a broken right leg suffered in mid-November. He still finished with a team-high 934 yards and a career-best 5.5 yards per carry.

Jackson is relieved the financial wranglings are complete and is looking forward to getting back his leg strength and returning to the field.

“I’m here to prove to myself that this is where I belong,” said Jackson, who has been cleared for practice. “It’ll be another challenge, and I love challenges, so I look forward to getting out there and continuing to play well.”

Jackson’s journey to the top has been an unorthodox and bumpy one. After starring at tiny Division III Coe College, he went undrafted and played two years for Sioux City of the U.S. Indoor Football League.  He then joined the Bills in 2006, but played sparingly until 2008. He split time with Marshawn Lynch before taking over the starting gig in 2009 when he climbed the 1000-yard plateau.

With quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, wide receiver Stevie Johnson and change-of-pace back C.J. Spiller emerging on offense, the Bills have the makings of a potent attack, provided they all continue to hone their skills. Jackson still fuels the engine though, so keeping him happy and healthy is imperative if Buffalo wants to contend in the AFC East in 2012.

Source: ESPN.com

As if the pressure on the Heisman Trophy winner isn’t massive enough, now the local sports writers are resorting to hyperbole to describe a quarterback yet to throw a pass in a pro game.

“It didn’t take long to figure this out: Robert Griffin III will be the Washington Redskins’ best quarterback since Sonny Jurgensen,” [Rick] Snider writes.

A ridiculous statement to write for sure, but the sight of a tall rookie with obvious talent can easily cloud the judgments of people accustomed to watching the likes of Jason Campbell, Rex Grossman, John Beck and a washed-up Donovan McNabb in recent years. By comparison, RG III must look like a Hall of Famer.

That being said, Griffin hasn’t earned a thing  in the NFL, except a high draft ranking and a promised starting gig from head coach Mike Shanahan. Mentioning him in the same category as Sonny Jurgensen or Joe Theismann or Doug Williams makes a great headline, but it’s nothing more than easily attacked fodder.

It’s the Cam Newton effect. Very few, if any, pigskin pundits thought Newton was prepared to step under center during Week 1 of last year. 422 yards and three total touchdowns later and the naysayers were quickly changing their tunes. Truth be told, nobody knows anything when it comes to predicting a player’s career path.

Once upon a time, the Chargers believed they had themselves a franchise signal-caller named Ryan Leaf. The Texans had David Carr. The Raiders had JaMarcus Russell. It’s not fair to lump Griffin into the list of cautionary tales, but it’s also not fair to  compare the kid to a legend.

Source: NFL.com

Despite the tactical disadvantage of starting on the far outside against a large twenty horse field, I’ll Have Another underscored the fact that ‘there’s a first time for everything’. The California based colt ran down a fading Bodemeister in the stretch to take the Kentucky Derby and become the first #19 starter to win the race. He ran the 1 1/4 mile in 2:01:83.

It wasn’t just the problematic starting position that scared handicappers off of I’ll Have Another–there was some concern about how first time Derby starter Mario Gutierrez would fare against a field with the best jockeys in the business. Gutierrez has become a solid jockey in Southern California but is perceived as being a notch below Rafael Bejarano, Julien Leparoux and Garrett Gomez–considered the best in the Golden State jockey colony. The 25 year old Mexico native got a big break when trainer Doug O’Neill and owner J. Paul Reddam saw him race at Santa Anita–needing some ‘new blood’ they decided to give the youngster a chance. Gutierrez has justified their faith and then some–in his two races aboard I’ll Have Another he’s got a Santa Anita Derby win and a Kentucky Derby win. There’s a story going around about how Gutierrez had a chance to briefly gallop I’ll Have Another at Santa Anita before crossing paths with his connections. After the ride he commented to his agent about how much he liked the horse–his agent told him to ‘forget about it’ and that he’d never get a chance to ride a talented equine athlete in the immediate future. Fate changed that and after the race Hall of Fame trainer noted that due to the quality of Gutierrez’s ride “you would have thought it was Calvin Borel” referring to the veteran considered the best at navigating the Churchill Downs track.

Bodemeister finished second after setting blistering fractions early and Dullahan finished third.

Sparano, who coached Tebow at the 2010 Senior Bowl, sees vast improvement in his fundamentals and instincts.

“Fundamentally, Tim has gotten much better,” he said. “You could see the amount of time he spent at it … He’s completely different now than he was when he came out of college.”

Sparano was coy about a specific role for Tebow, but did admit strengthening the weaknesses of his new signal-caller is a top priority.

“Obviously, our first goal here is to turn Tim into … uh, to continue to work with him and to have him mature as a quarterback,” said Sparano… “That’s what we’re trying to do here. With that being said, he comes with a different skill set, obviously, from college. That’s a good thing for us. He has the ability to do a lot of different jobs. At the game, that’s what you really want.”

The phrase “turn Tim into” is very telling. Turn him into what exactly? A starting quarterback? No matter how he or Rex Ryan or anyone else in the Jets front office spins it, they didn’t trade for Tebow to simply run the Wildcat or install special packages for him to run.

Their confidence in Sanchez has clearly waned. And unlike college football, rotating quarterbacks is not a sound offensive strategy in the NFL. The coaches want Tebow to emerge and evolve into a consistent passer for the trade to be justified. Filling seats is one thing, but unless the Jets rebound and qualify for the playoffs, the fans will revolt, no matter who is under center.

Source: ESPN.com