SB Nation - David Macklin

Rick Gosselin continues to set a high bar for sports journalism

BigBlueShoe — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 19:43:12 -0000

More photos » by Michael Conroy - AP

Indianapolis Colts corner Tim Jennings, center, intercepts a pass intended for Denver Broncos wide receiver Brandon Marshall, right, in the third quarter of an NFL football game in Indianapolis, Sunday, Dec. 13, 2009. Antoine Bethea of the Colts is at the left. The Colts defeated the Broncos 28-16. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

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I don't think I've ever read anything bad about Rick Gosselin, the columnist for the Dallas Morning News. Maybe Kissing Suzy Kolber once wrote something (likely comparing Gosselin to porn fluffer, with Jerry Jones starring as Dirk Diggler), but that doesn't count. They'd do a hit piece on Ghandi naked with a goat if it would get anyone to laugh.

While self-important scribes like Peter King all rightly bashed for their lack of objectivity in analyzing the NFL, Gosselin is one of the very few writers who does a magnificent job breaking down the game and business of football, but without the slightest hint of bias or favoritism.

So, when Gosselin writes an article about how the "shutdown corner" no longer exists in football, and how the Colts have been ahead of the curve defensively (at a time when other meatheads have wrongly stated the Tampa-2 is "quickly disappearing" in the NFL), it's one of those "required reading" articles all informed NFL fans should take the time to digest.

The Indianapolis Colts have long been ahead of the curve in their approach to pass defense. Playing the Cover Two scheme that Tony Dungy brought with him from Tampa Bay in 2002, the Colts give up yardage. They rank 20th in the NFL in pass defense this season.
But the premise of the Cover Two is to deny the big play. Do not allow receivers behind you. Keep the ball in front of you. So offenses can complete passes as the Colts sit in their zone coverages. Quarterbacks have a completion percentage of 64.3 against Indianapolis this season.

Cornerbacks are evaluated by the NFL based on coverage ability. But the Colts also place a premium on tackling ability. They want cornerbacks who can close on the ball, attack the receiver and deliver him to the turf.

This style of defense has been the cornerstone of the Colts Tampa-2 scheme since 2002. We've talked about it countless articles. I personally bring it up every time someone starts bashing fan-whipping boy Tim Jennings. Remember the days of David Macklin, allowing big play after big play to happen down the field? Say what you want about Tim Jennings. I agree, he isn't a great player, and probably not worthy of second round status. But is he a decent Tampa-2 corner? Yes.

Tampa-2 defensive philosophy was on full display this past Sunday against the Broncos, and the astute Gosselin was on hand at The Luke to witness it. Gosselin saw what I saw, but unlike me, the dude actually had the stones to write down what he saw:

Brandon Marshall's 21 catch performance wasn't anything to terribly amazing.

Yes, catching 21 passes in one game is a feat. There is a reason they keep records like that. However, one of the reasons Marshall had 21 receptions was because of how the Colts defended him.

Brandon Marshall caught an NFL record 21 passes against the Colts last Sunday for 200 yards — but he averaged less than 10 yards per catch. Thirteen of his catches covered fewer than 10 yards and seven went for five yards or less.
When Marshall caught a pass Sunday, he was tackled. There were no big plays to be had — no turning a seven-yard catch upfield into a 70-yard touchdown. That’s why the Colts were able to withstand Marshall’s onslaught and claim a 28-16 victory over the Broncos.

Indianapolis also limited Pro Bowl wideouts Larry Fitzgerald to 10.9 yards on nine catches and Andre Johnson to 10.3 on 10 catches this season. That’s how the Colts play pass defense — if you catch it, they will tackle you. The play ends at the reception.

"Tackling is important," Colts general manager Bill Polian said of his defensive backfield, "and we’re pretty good at it."

Again, the point Gosselin makes is not one that dismisses Marshall's catching 21 balls. He is simply stating the obvious: Marshall caught 21 balls because the Colts kept tackling him after every catch. Down 21-0 after a little more than a quarter's worth of play, the Broncos had to use 28 total plays and well over 13 total minutes of clock time to score at total of 16 points on their three scoring drives. That is far to long, and far too many plays, when trying to overcome a 21-0 hole.

Again, vintage Tampa-2.

At some point in the ball game, the Broncos needed to take a shot down the field. Dinking and dunking and slanting to Marshall all day is not going to beat a team like the Colts. For whatever reason, the Broncos didn't take any shots. Thus, a win for the Colts.

Gosselin also points out the absurdity of "pass defense" ranked by total yards per game. Limiting, or at times nullifying, the big play is often the difference between winning and losing.

Again, for those who think the Tampa-2 scheme is out of style, kindly look at the Steelers, Giants, and Patriots. All run heavy blitz package schemes. All have given up huge big plays this season due to poor or blown coverages. and while Brandon Marshall is receiving a lot of love for snatching 21 passes Sunday, the fact that not one of those receptions resulted in a big gain is likely THE reason the Colts are still undefeated.

Chiefs Brass Has History of Dealing With These Problems

Joel Thorman — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 15:53:48 -0000

Photo courtesy the Kansas City Star

In the Scott Pioli era, the Kansas City Chiefs have reacted appropriately and relatively quickly to off-the-field trouble. This is one of the reasons I expect a decision, whether it be a suspension or an out-right release, on Larry Johnson to come down by next week.

The Chiefs have had two players arrested under the Pioli regime:

Michael Merritt: On February 5th, news breaks that Merritt was arrested for marijuana possession. (I can't mention this without repeating Merritt's best line to a police officer: "All this for a little bit of weed?")

19 days later, Merritt was released.

David Macklin: On March 13th, reports surface that Macklin was arrested for DUI.

5 days later he was released.

The Chiefs have also had another release due to violation of NFL rules:

Vince Redd: On August 24th, the Chiefs released linebacker Vince Redd. Later that night we learn that he had tested positive for a banned NFL substance.

***

These are three situations that the Chiefs have acted on. LJ's situation is kind of unique since he technically hasn't broken any laws (neither did Redd). However, he is possibly in violation of the personal conduct policy which may as well be the law as far as NFL players and teams are concerned.

The Denver Broncos WR Brandon Marshall acted immature and disrespectful in practice and he was suspended by the team. LJ's situation isn't much different.

CBS Sports Clark Judge has an idea of how the Chiefs should react.

"So make this quick and decisive," Judge writes. "Someone needs to step in here and remind Larry Johnson that he is wrong for what he did and how he did it. I don't care that he's frustrated. I don't care that his offensive line can't open holes for him. I don't care that he's not the back he was two or three years ago. I don't even care that the Chiefs can't win. What I do care about is that he behaved in a reprehensible way, daring someone, anyone, to do something about it.

"So do something."

Arizona Cardinals: Jeckyl and Hyde in 44-37 loss to Green Bay

Hawkwind — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 18:41:15 -0000

More photos » by Jason Babyak - AP

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner looks to throw as Green Bay Packers linebacker Brady Poppinga, left, rushes during the second quarter of an NFL preseason football game Friday, Aug. 28, 2009. The Packers forced Warner into numerous mistakes and induced a shower of old-folks' walkers (aka boos) to be thrown onto the Cardinals' sideline by frustrated fans. (AP Photo/Jason Babyak)

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What a game, albeit a preseason game.

First off, I had to wait on the re-air on NFL Network and then I had to wait for the wife to get bored with the Patriots' recording on TiVo before I could watch the Cardinals game. Something in my mind told me I wouldn't be missing much. I was right and wrong.

First Half — Hyde Please

Whether the Cardinals looked as bad as they did, especially on defense, or the Green Bay Packers and Aaron Rodgers are that good will have to wait for the regular season to prove (Week 17 to be exact). Kurt Warner was repeatedly harried by the Packers' swarming defense and never was quite in sync with the offense (10 of 16 for 139 yards, one interception and a couple of fumbles). For the first time in a couple of years I was wishing the Cards would just run the ball as Tim Hightower (six carries for 38 yards with a stellar long of 23 yards) and Chris "Beanie" Wells (seven carries for 46 yards with an "oh-face" touchdown run of 20-yards and another for two yards) were the only highlights of the first half. The Cardinals' defense was active but Aaron Rodgers was victimizing the secondary repeatedly. It didn't help that Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie was looking like a rookie again getting burned for a couple of touchdowns.

By the time the first half had ended it was 38-10 and I was in such a foul mood I turned off the game and slept on the couch. ::grumble, grumble:: Perhaps I was having a "hard hat" moment and had no faith in Matt Leinart but my "lack of faith" was reduced upon my continued viewing of the game this morning.

Second Half — Is There a Doctor (Jeckyl) in the House?

With a 38-10 score I was expecting some boring garbage time playing and was watching only to see how the "bubble" players were doing, especially on the defensive side of the ball (Hawkwind <3 Reggie Walker). Matt Leinart came out with effectively the first team offense and showed some flashes of what most Cardinals fan hope he will be (kinda like that Rodgers guy on the other team). His throws had zip on them and were quite catchable (alas, not frequently enough *cough*Doucet*cough*). With the Cardinals' defense holding the Brian Brohm-led Packers in check, Leinart (24 of 38 for 360 yards, three touchdowns and an interception) was able to lead the Cardinals to within a touchdown when Neil Rackers' self-possessed on-side kick gave the Cardinals an opportunity to win the game. Jason Wright showed some ability to navigate on two interior receptions, the second for a touchdown, making a case for the Cardinals to keep four running backs on the 53-man roster (pending LaRod Stephens-Howling's recovering from getting his bell rung). With the Cardinals going for the victory, Leinart tossed a perfect floater to Early Doucet who got two hands on the ball but couldn't secure the catch and the two-point conversion. Former Amsterdam Admiral Ruvell Martin recovers the following on-side kick easily and scores uncontested to effectively squelch any further "WTF" Cardinals come-back magic.

Upon Reflection

Matt Leinart: Seeing that Brian St. Pierre wasn't even dressed, Matt Leinart's job as the Cardinals' back-up QB is secure (was it really ever in doubt? Really? Really!). Granted, Leinart wasn't going against the Packers' first-team defense but Dom Capers wasn't playing a vanilla defense either. Matt and the second-team offense did well and in the back of my mind I am hearing a voice saying "start Leinart against Denver next week".

First-team Secondary: Is there a need to be worried still? Like most, I've figured the Cardinals' secondary was no longer a weak link but after yesterday's game I'm biting my lip and doubting them. Certainly the front seven could have helped by getting some better pressure but DRC looked, well, like crap. If it weren't for his long neck, his facial expressions were reminding me of David Macklin after getting beaten repeatedly. ::cringe:: He should have had an interception on the first Packers' drive but then he shouldn't be letting receivers past him for uncontested receptions either. At this point I have to write this off as preseason football and assume that with some game planning the secondary and overall defense will play much better against the 49ers in a couple of weeks.

Reggie Walker: Okay, I'm going to admit to being a total homer on this but damn, he looked good. He's been catching my eye since the Steelers' game and I'm breathing a sigh of relief knowing that he's on the roster. Who the back-up for Gerald Hayes and Karlos Dansby has been a nagging question (Pago? Ali?) and this UFA Rookie out of Kansas State is making a serious case to be that back-up.

Will Davis (?!): With Cody Brown likely out for the season after dislocating his wrist, Davis saw a lot of playing time and looked good, even great at times (sweet sack!). Davis was a shoo-in for the practice squad in most RotBer's minds but with the depth at outside linebacker looking weak, Davis' play is encouraging (#59 was doing well on kick-off coverages too).

Doucet vs. Morey vs. Long vs. Jones: Who is playing in Kansas City in Week One? Morey is too much of a beast on special teams and Long's fumbled punt return didn't help his case for replacing Sean. Onrea Jones has looked good but is just another big target on a team full of big targets. Early Doucet has the third round draft pick albatross around his neck which may explain his dropped balls. With Jerhame Urban solidifying his #4 WR spot, who deserves that #5? Is #6 still Morey's? Will Long or Jones clear waivers if that's their fate?

For the third preseason game, the first half results are discouraging and fill me with thoughts of "same ol' Cardinals" once more. Yet the depth of talent on this roster brushes those thoughts away with positive thoughts of "Defending NFC Champions". What are your thoughts, the RotB Faithful, and who do you think solidified their roster spot(s) on the Cardinals?

Chiefs' Thigpen: 'Some Players Took Advantage of the Freedom Herm Edwards Gave Us'

Joel Thorman — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 12:06:27 -0000

"And if you real look real close, you'll see it's a...dog? No no. It's a pony! You have to cross your eyes and then slowly pull the sheet of paper back. OK, we're done here today." (via Photo Source)

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For the past three years, Kansas City Chiefs fans have been subjected to Hermisms, press conferences where the coach talked a lot without saying anything and a general feeling that there was a lack of accountability around One Arrowhead Drive. Maybe that's because, you know, there wasn't any accountability.

In an appearance on Sirius Satellite Radio, Tyler Thigpen told Bryan McGovern and Ross Tucker that he felt some players took advantage of this. I was listening to the show but here's Tucker's latest Tweet:

Chiefs QB Tyler Thigpen just told us that he felt like some of the players took advantage of the freedom that Herm Edwards gave them.

We're only four and a half months into the Scott Pioli and Todd Haley era but we've quickly realized that there is assuredly a level of accountability with the "new" Chiefs.

David Macklin was arrested for DUI. Five days later he was released.
Michael Merritt was arrested (over just a little bit of weed?). 19 days later he was released.
Will Franklin reportedly showed up to mini-camp overweight. He was released.

I'm not trying to hold resentment against the previous regime because at this point it doesn't really matter. A cynic might say I posted this to take a shot at Herm Edwards (Hint: You may be partially right). But it's also interesting to note that for a player like Branden Albert, who was on the Red Zone Podcast today, have said that Herm was a coach who conducted toned down practices. At least comparative to the reports coming out of Haley's practices.

S Bernard Pollard:

"They hold everybody accountable. So if you mess up, they’re gonna call you out. That’s the thing with this coaching staff, they’re not going to hold anything back."

LB Derrick Johnson:

"I like the coaches. They are very passionate about what they do. There’s an energy around the Chiefs right now. There’s a lot of change going on. Everybody is adjusting and we are ready to go."

NT Tank Tyler:

"Well, I wouldn’t say that. I’ve had some conversations with Coach Haley and he’s a real cool dude but an intense coach. He’s strictly business and that’s a good thing."

DE/DT Glenn Dorsey:

"I won’t say he’s different. He’s really hands on. He doesn’t play any bull. He’s real straight forward. He tells you like it is. He don’t sugarcoat anything. If you ain’t doing good, he’s gonna tell you. He’s straightforward and I like him. He’s no nonsense, man. He’s ready to win."

LB Zach Thomas:

"I think he's doing great with the team. He’s tough and that’s what you need. He’s trying to get the mindset changed here and he does make you a little uncomfortable – which is good. You need that."

***

That's half the defense on record talking about the intensity of Todd Haley and his practices. That's gotta count for something come September.

Poll

Do you think that Herm Edwards' more laid back approach to practice and conditioning hurt the Chiefs?

Yes

797 votes

No

30 votes

Not sure

35 votes

862 votes | Poll has closed

Same Old Chiefs Defense

Joel Thorman — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 12:48:05 -0000

via www.chicagotribune.com

"Same Old Chiefs" was kind of the theme of last season between Chris and I. It seemed like we were blogging about the same thing over and over again, week after week, game after game. The season dragged on and the defense continued to do the same things over and over again to little avail. The team would play a decent first half, only to inevitably collapse in the 3rd and 4th quarters.

So what has really changed with the Chiefs' defense?

Players Lost	Players Gained
DE Jason Babin (UFA)	LB Mike Vrabel
LB Rocky Boiman (UFA)	LB Corey Mays
S Oliver Celestin (UFA)	CB Travis Daniels
LB Pat Thomas (UFA)	LB Monty Beisel
CB David Macklin (Released)
CB Patrick Surtain (Released)
LB Donnie Edwards (Released)

The Chiefs re-signed S Jon McGraw and tendered S Jarrad Page with a second round tender as a restricted free agent. I think most of us will agree that both these players warranted being re-signed (especially considering the poor state of the Chiefs defense).

So what have we really done? Are you telling me a semi-scheme change in the defense will be that much of a boost?

Sorry. I don't buy it.

Let's say the Chiefs ignore the offensive line and go defense with their first two picks in April's draft. Are these draft picks (only two of which can likely be depended upon to start) going to have a bigger impact than Jason Babin and Rocky Boiman and Donnie Edwards (when healthy) and Patrick Surtain (when healthy)?

As someone who's firmly entrenched in the mindset that it's easier to win consistently for years with a great defense and mediocre offense (vs. a great offense and mediocre defense) I'm coming to grips with the fact that the Chiefs defense has a very good chance of being almost as terrible as they were last year.

The acquisitions during free agency, while definitely upgrades in certain spots (Vrabel and Beisel), aren't nearly enough to warrant any game-changing predictions about the Chiefs defense.

With all that said, I know I'm being impatient. As Chris blogged in early March, the Chiefs shouldn't expect more than an 11 spot defensive ranking boost on average over the course of the next season. But, in most of those cases, the offseason acquisitions have been more than a 34 year old linebacker.

Only the Lions would do the same thing over and over again and expect different results.

Chiefs Release David Macklin After Arrest

Joel Thorman — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 20:53:56 -0000

via www.dailypress.com

The Kansas City Chiefs have parted ways with cornerback David Macklin just five days after he was arrested on suspicion of DUI.

The Chiefs official statement was short and sweet:

The Kansas City Chiefs terminated the contract of CB David Macklin on Wednesday. Macklin played in four games with the Chiefs in 2008.

Michael Merritt, a 2008 draft pick that didn't see the field, was also a rrested earlier this offseason and, like Macklin, was "terminated" days after the incident.

According to NFL bylaws, the Chiefs can't technically cut Macklin based on this arrest. No player can be subjected to discipline from the team for something like this.

But, from the Chiefs perspective, they can release a player based on skill. Especially one that only saw action in four games last season.

This goes to show that if you're a fringe player that can't keep his mitts clean, the Chiefs won't have anything to do with you.

Morning Update (Happy St. Patrick's Day Edition)

Chris Thorman — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 12:47:47 -0000

I found a clip of Justin Medlock as a child. (H/T Chiefs Planet)

Kansas City Chiefs News

Arrowhead Pride is doing an NCAA tourney contest. Check it out here.
Len Dawson is stepping down as sports director at local KC ABC affiliate KMBC to focus more on the football season. (H/T JayKC)
Dwayne Bowe spoke with eight kids (and one older dude) about the importance of education, kicking off their spring break this week.
Arrowhead Addict is continuing with their mock draft (Monroe fell to the Bengals over there) and talking about Jay Cutler.
Bob Gretz is talking about the new ED of the NFLPA.

AFC West News

Jake Plummer > Jay Cutler? Clark Judge says it may be true.
Yesterday, I counted at least a half dozen writers covering various NFL teams wondering if Cutler would be a good fit for their team. Check out the Jay Cutler SportsSpyder news feed to try to wrap your mind around all of them.
If you're a Raider coach, you get excited about guys arriving to workouts on time.

NFL News

Not so fast on that Julius Peppers to New England rumor (It's probably going to happen anyway).

Happy St. Patrick's Day everyone! I'm oh so tempted to duck out a bit early today from work to grab a beer (or a couple). Anyone else lucky enough to do that today?

We've got the next pick in the AP mock draft coming up for you in just a bit.

Poll

How drunk are you going to get today?

David Macklin drunk

30 votes

Larry Johnson drunk

61 votes

Lawrence Tynes drunk

61 votes

Jon McGraw drunk (not drinking)

184 votes

336 votes | Poll has closed

Chiefs David Macklin Arrested for DUI

Joel Thorman — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 17:15:04 -0000

via nationalpost.pa-sportsticker.com

Kansas City Chiefs cornerback David Macklin was arrested early Friday morning on suspicion of DUI.

WTKR out of Newport News, VA (Hey, Michael Vick lives there) has the scoop:

David Thurman Macklin, 30, who lists his address as in Phoenix, Ariz., was charged with DUI after being arrested on J. Clyde Morris Boulevard at 3:13 a.m., according to a police record at the Newport News City Jail.

Macklin was signed by Chiefs former GM Carl Peterson on November 5th of 2008.

Macklin, like another former Chiefs arrestee Michael Merritt, played sparingly in his half season with the Chiefs.

H/T NJChiefsFan in the FanShots

Chiefs-Chargers Week in Review

Chris Thorman — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 13:42:37 -0000

via NFL.com

I feel like it's been a haphazard week of coverage here at Arrowhead Pride so I wanted to take a minute to recap all the going ons of this past week. We've had roster moves, injuries and all that other good stuff to talk about. Here we go...

Injuries

I'm sure you saw Kolby Smith go down in last Sunday's game clutching his knee and it turns out he is done for the season and has been placed on injured reserve.

LB Derrick Johnson strained his hamstring against the Bucs and is out for this weekend's game.

S Jarrad Page (groin) and CB Pat Surtain (quad) both did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday. Surtain has already been ruled out for Sunday's game and the team has left open the possibility of Page playing.

S Dajuan Morgan tweaked his leg a bit in yesterday's practice, prompting Herm to say, "We’ll see where he’s at." Finally, DE Turk McBride is also listed on the injury report with a shoulder problem and both are questionable to play this weekend.

Roster moves

Because of recent issues with corner back play, the Chiefs signed CBs Richardo Colclough and David Macklin this week. They also added RB Omar Cuff to the practice squad and DE Wallace Gilberry to the active roster.

WR Kevin Robinson and TE Michael Merritt, both 2008 rookies who have yet to see the field, were activated this week. Merritt was placed on Reserve/Non-Football Injury on August 30th, while Robinson had been on Reserve/Physically-Unable-To-Perform since August 26th. Merritt won't play this week but may get a chance later on in the season. Robinson is currently third on the depth chart for the kick return position, making the possibility of him taking the field small.

To make room for these new additions, the Chiefs cut P Steve Weatherford, because Dustin Colquitt will play this weekend. TE John Paul Foschi and WR Nate Hughes were let go as well. Finally, just-signed CB Tyron Brackenridge was let go and DT T.J. Jackson was put back on the practice squad after spending time on the active roster.

For a full list of recent transactions, click here.

Depth chart

With Kolby Smith out for the rest of the season and Larry Johnson suspended this weekend, Jamaal Charles steps into the starting role, with Dantrell Savage backing him up. Right before last week's game against the Bucs, RB Jackie Battle was promoted from the practice squad which now makes him the #3 running back.

The full depth chart is here.

The Chargers

The 3-5 San Diego Chargers are coming off of a bye week and Chris Jenkins of the San Diego Union-Tribune gives us a quick synopsis of what's happening in San Diego:

The location of the bye week couldn't be any better, what with the Chargers precisely at the halfway point of their season, coming off two straight losses, road-weary from a trip of more than 11,000 miles across eight time zones. They've used the break to install a new defensive coordinator, Ron Rivera, and get themselves back into their best physical health of the season.

The Chargers literally are in the best team health of the season, with only WR Chris Chambers and CB Antonio Cromartie limited in practice and their center is out with an illness. Both Chambers and Cromartie are likely to play on Sunday.

Of course, the biggest news coming out of San Diego over the bye week was the hiring of inside linebackers coach Ron Rivera as defensive coordinator. The Chargers' 25th ranked team defense caused former Charger DC Ted Cottrell to be fired after giving up 37 points in Week 8 to the New Orleans Saints.

Quick look at the Chargers:

Team Stats - Game Averages

	Pts	Yrds	Pass	Rush
Off	28.0	343.0 (12th)	246.4 (7th)	96.6 (24th)
Def	24.9	371.6 (26th)	265.1 (32nd)	106.5 (16th)

Misc News and Notes

Last night on Thursday night football, the Broncos defeated the Browns on the strength of three 4th quarter touchdown passes by Jay Cutler.

I have to feel for the Broncos as a Chiefs fan when I read that they will likely place their 4th running back on injured reserve this season.

If you've got time today, check out this CBS preview of the game this weekend.

Wow, 19 rookies on the Chiefs' roster right now.

That's what I've got for this morning. The Kansas City Chiefs play a rare 3:15 PM central time game this weekend so make sure you come by for the open thread.

It's the final cut down...for the Rams

VanRam — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 16:12:24 -0000

And then there were 53. The Rams made their final round of cuts yesterday. No big surprises.

Depth behind the starters looms as the Rams biggest red flag heading into the season. That saved a few players who otherwise might not have made the cut, like David Vobora. With Fakhir Brown hurting, I was mildly surprised to see Darius Vinnett go; I felt like he had a decent camp. However, the Rams probably need a solid veteran to back up that group. Watch for something to happen on the waiver wire today.

Defensive end C.J. Ah You had tied for the third most tackles in the preseason and had a good camp. He should be a lock for the practice squad, which will be decided this evening and into tomorrow as the team offers unclaimed players contracts for the practice squad.

Back to the d-backs. The Rams have 8 on their roster now. That includes: Atogwe, Chavous, Todd Johnson and Eric Bassey at safety and Brown, Hill, Bartell and Wade at corner. If they do add another d-back, they'll have to trim a position elsewhere. With Jackson back, 6 running backs on the roster is probably one too many (they've got Jackson, Pittman, Minor, Leonard, Dan Krieder and Richard Owens), especially if camp standout Lance Ball gets signed to the practice squad.

One possibility for a late summer pickup at CB, Fernando Bryant. The Patriots brought the 10-year vet in as part of the competition to replace Asante Samuel. Bryant had 2 INTs with the Lions last season and 69 tackles. He had 6 tackles playing the Pats first team in the preseason, and he can play ST. The Giants kept both Madison and McQuarters who we mentioned as possibilities yesterday.

Linebacker is another position where the Rams could add some help.