SB Nation - Ingle Martin

Tennessee Titans Morning Links: It Really Is Your Fault Edition

August West — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 13:43:51 -0000

More photos » by Bill Kostroun - AP

Something tells me this was not what Chuck Cecil drew out on the white board.

I get the feeling that before the Titans cut Chris Henry yesterday Fisher and Reinfeldt stood in front of each other, repeating the phrase 'It's not your fault'. Question is, who started crying first?

What SI.com's John P. Lopez doesn't know, is that we've got the rest of the NFL right where we want them:

Don't bet on a return to the playoffs. The road is too tough and the odds stacked against them.

Our guys love the underdog card... you hear that groaning sound? That's me reaching a long way for that one.

I didn't post this yesterday because it hurts me, but Boom King really has been the biggest disappointment out of the front seven so far this year. If you focus in on him, he just isn't beating tackles and ends up on the ground way more than I've ever seen him do as a Titan. I'm not sure what the fix is, but he needs to find it because he's our best chance to demand consistent double teams.

Follow us though the jump to see who is filing a restraining order against Albert Haynesworth...

The most surprising thing about this week's DVOA rankings from Football Outsiders: the Titans actually rank 11th on defense... of course we're 23rd on offense and 32nd on special teams. That last one may yet be a little generous.

Albert Haynesworth's divorce case is starting to get ugly, as his wife is filing a restraining order and alleging a laundry list of charges mostly relating to money.

Hey, at least we have the second most prolific RB in the league.

Pretty good team recap from Fox Sports.

In local news, MBA alum and former Titan practice squad player Ingle Martin has signed with the UFL's New York Sentinels.

If there's anything you would like to share with the MCM community, please take advantage of the comments, fanshots and fanposts to do so! Or, you can always email me at mcmaugustwest@gmail.com.

Broncos Release Nine Players; Place G McChesney On Injured Reserve

Tim Lynch — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 22:00:22 -0000

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — The Denver Broncos on Friday released nine players and placed guard Matt McChesney on their reserve/injured list, it was announced.
The following nine players were released by Denver on Friday:

Released September 4, 2009
Player	NFL Exp.	College
DL Matthias Askew	3	Michigan State
G Kory Lichtensteiger	2	Bowling Green State
QB Ingle Martin	3	Furman
CB Rashod Moulton	1	Fort Valley State
T Clint Oldenburg	2	Colorado State
DL Carlton Powell	2	Virginia Tech
ILB Lee Robinson	R	Alcorn State
WR Nate Swift	R	Nebraska
RB Marcus Thomas	2	Texas-El Paso

Horse Tracks 9/2/09 - Roster down to 75; Brandstater to start tomorrow; Moreno, Jordan, Thomas return to practice

Douglas A. Lee — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 12:11:05 -0000

DB - Roster Trimmed to 75 - Zach Eisendrath
Denver released P Britton Colquitt, WR C.J. Jones, TE Jeb Putzier and C Blake Schueter yesterday to get down to the 75-man roster limit. Friday comes the final cut, to 53 players. Obviously, expect some players you had high hopes for. It happens every year, folks...

DB - Tuesday: McDaniels - Broncos TV

DP - Moreno back at work - Lindsay Jones
Not only did Knowshon practice yesterday, but so did LaMont Jordan.

DP - Brandstater shifts to driver's seat - Mike Klis
Sounds like Chris Simms will be starting in Cincinnati (speculation on my part). Although the Broncos did put a claim in on QB Kevin McConnell, Detroit snatched him up with their own QBs Culpepper and Stanton banged up. Tom Brandstater will start Thursday, and Ingle Martin will see some action.

DP - Versatility will be a big factor in finalizing roster - Jeff Legwold
The Browns and Jets also put claims in on O'Connell (not the Chefs). DL Marcus Thomas also returned to practice yesterday.

FOX - On the Mark: Diva WRs don't impress Rice - Mark Kriegel
Jerry Rice is (obviously) not happy with how Brandon Marshall and others have soiled the image of his position.

FOX - NFL trades that need to happen before kickoff - John Czarnecki
Czarnecki thinks the Ravens or Colts should give it up for Brandon Marshall.

N - Jets consider deal for unhappy receiver Marshall - Bob Glauber

DB - Maintaining Their Mentality - Chris Gentilviso

DP - Security on alert for Broncos game after vehicles broken into at RTD lots
Umm, I guess you should take the bus to the Big IF on Thursday...

DB - Wait and See - Mike Rice

DB - Bears Game Review - Mark Cooper

SI - NFC North, not NFC East, might be best division in NFL - Peter King
PK says don't compare JC to The Greatest Ever. Plus, lots more on Floyd Little. Not really in a good way, either...

CSG - Brandstater will be the starting quarterback for Broncos - Frank Schwab

TJ - Brandstater could benefit from ugly situation - Chhun Sun

CSG - Report: Orton dislocation might jeopardize opener - Frank Schwab

NFP - NFL notes: Broncos may need help at QB - Matt Bowen

CBS4 - Rookie Tom Brandstater To Start Broncos Finale - Vic Lombardi

LTC - Broncos struggle through injuries - Brian Howell

NFL - Teams incorporating 3-4 defense to add pressure on quarterbacks

AFC West News

NFL - Chiefs release veteran WR Toomer; DE Boone, OT Goldberg also cut

KCS - Croyle gets nod to start Chiefs’ preseason finale - Adam Teicher

KCS - Chiefs notebook: Veterans Darling, Boone won’t play for team this season - Adam Teicher

SDUT - Picture is bleak for watching live tilts - Jay Posner
Way to go, Dolts fans. You're supposed to be SB contenders, and you don't even show up?

SDUT - Newest Charger says he's finally healthy - Kevin Acee

SFC - Russell's universe - David White

SFG - Raiders Silver and Black Blog : Asomugha won't miss opener - David White

NFL News

NFL - Nursing sore shoulder, Brady's status for Pats' preseason finale unknown

NFL - Bad break: Bengals rookie OT Smith out two weeks with foot injury
Is it just me, or does every lengthy rookie holdout seem to result in injury?

NFL - Umenyiora back with Giants, expresses regret over skipping practice

NFL - Williams, Dolphins work out 'quiet and easy' extension through 2010

NFL - Kubiak: QB Schaub should be healthy for Texans' season opener

NFL - Niners release veteran QB Huard in favor of rookie Davis

NFL - Rams trade oft-injured CB Hill to Falcons, cut TE Klopfenstein

NFL - Panthers acquire DT Leonard from Browns to help fill void along defensive line

NFL - Browns place OL Tucker on injured reserve, ending season, maybe career

NFL - Bears sign veteran Hood to help injury-depleted secondary

NFL - Portis has more words for Riggins, whose Redskins record he's chasing

NFL - Feds investigating charges that players' union tried to collude with NFL

NFL - Passed over by the NFL, Pacman close to deal to play in CFL

NFL - Goodell says it will be challenge for some teams to avoid TV blackouts

NFL - Sons of Panthers owner Richardson resign from organization

NFL Opinion

NFP - Preparing for cutdown day - Jack Bechta

NFP - DMN: Real action is off the field - Mike Lombardi
Lombardi says this week is all about the waiver wire, not the final preseason games.

Y! - Carpet burns bumbling Lions - Dan Wetzel

Y! - Disciples can learn from 'warm' Belichick - Jason Cole

Y! - Lawsuit latest chapter in NFLPA mudslinging - Jason Cole

NFP - Why Favre doesn’t have to be great - Matt Bowen

Y! - Analyst: Favre looks 'slow' - Jason Cole

NFP - Tavern talk: Blue team observations - Mike Lombardi

PFW - Teams overspending on 'name' players - Audibles
Not expecting much from the Cutler-Bennett connection.

PFW - Many head coaches already on hot seat

CBS - NFC East preview: Giants, Eagles look playoff-bound - Clark Judge

CBS - Camp wrap: Highs, lows, faves, raves from national tour - Pete Prisco

NFL - QB group rankings reveal teams in trouble if starter goes down - Pat Kirwan
Denver's group comes in at #26

NFL - Offseason showed that quarterbacks matter, now maybe more than ever - Steve Wyche

NFL - Three for the show: Decade dominators know what's at stake in '09 - Thomas George

NFL - Relationship between QBs and coordinators is secret to success - Vic Carucci

NFL - Spread the news: More teams looking for wide-open attack - Bucky Brooks

NFL - Working with young QBs can lead to system changes - Steve Wyche

ESPN - Small rookie giving Steelers big lift - Len Pasquarelli
Obviously, Pasquarelli must be friends with Stefan Logan's agent; it's the only way he comes up with these individual stories...

NFP - Preseason rankings: linemen - Wes Bunting

NFP - What's the matter with Michigan? - Ray Gustini
Good question.

Preseason Week #4 - Josh McDaniels Weekly Presser

John Bena — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 01:03:06 -0000

More photos » by Jack Dempsey - AP

3 months ago: Denver Broncos quarterback Tom Brandstater passes during an NFL preseason football game against the Chicago Bears in Denver on Sunday, Aug. 30, 2009. The Bears won 27-17. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)

Browse more photos »

On having limited preparation time before Thursday’s game against Arizona

"We play a Thursday game during the year. I think everybody that has been in the NFL has probably played a Thursday game at some point. You just cram everything in. You have got a couple days. Today, we worked on first, second and third down short yardage stuff and multiple stages of our kicking game. Tomorrow, we’ll finish it up with stuff we haven’t hit yet. Everybody has got the same amount of time. (Arizona) does not have more than we do. You just have got to shorten it down and do what we can do."

On if his preparation is focused internally or on Arizona

"We are doing both. We are doing both for sure. We certainly are doing things that just apply to us, and then we certainly worked quite a little bit on Arizona. You have got to get ready for a game. You can’t go out there and not have prepared for what they do differently than the last so many teams that we have played, or you look silly."

On if QB Kyle Orton will be ready for the regular season opener at Cincinnati

"I don’t know that. I am hopeful we will have all of our players ready to go on opening day. Again, the timetable for that, I would be totally guessing and (would be) probably wrong if I started guessing about that kind of stuff right now."

On QB Tom Brandstater’s performance at practice today

"Tom did well. He is getting better every day. He is a mature kid. He has really picked up some of the things that sometimes take quarterbacks longer to do: run the huddle, get the formations lined up and all that kind of stuff. It seems to have been an easy transition for him to do that. Now, it comes down to playing and throwing and being accurate. He had a really nice red-area period against the defense today, where he completed, I think, 9-out-of-10. He is getting better every day, and that is what we like to see out of our young guys."

On RB Knowshon Moreno’s return to practice

"He didn’t take a ton of reps today. He took some and looked fine doing it. We are going to work him back in the way we should, not 100% of the reps the first day, but he took plenty (of reps) in the passing game and did some stuff in the running game. We didn’t have pads on, so it is a little different, but he was fine."

On if Moreno will play in Thursday’s game against Arizona

"I don’t know. We are not sure about that yet. That will be probably something we decide here in the next day or so. (We will) see how he feels tomorrow and make a smart decision about that on Thursday."

On if QB Ingle Martin is prepared to play in Thursday’s game against Arizona

"No doubt. He will be ready to go on Thursday. He took some reps in practice today for Arizona. He is a smart kid (and is) picking it up pretty quickly. He will be ready to go if we need him."

On QB Chris Simms’ status

"Hopefully, he will be ready to go next week. He is doing a great job. He is doing everything he can do to get ready as soon as possible. He has got a great work ethic now in the training room. We all saw it on the field, in the weight room and everything else, but he is busting his butt to try to get out here as fast as he can. Hopefully, that will be sooner rather than later."

On approaching the final preseason game prior to trimming the roster to 53 players

"I think there are a lot of things at stake for a lot of people and also some things that we want to get better at in terms of our football team, but we certainly need to evaluate the last so many decisions we need to make. Some of that is going to come down to how people play on Thursday (vs. Arizona) and what we feel about them after the preseason is over with."

On if the 53-man roster will include players intended to only play special teams

"We would definitely do something like that if we felt like the spot was more valuable in that area than it could be as a backup lineman or receiver or whatever. What we have tried to do and accumulate here in the spring and going into the training camp are enough players that can play on defense or on offense that have speed and qualities you want in the kicking game so we don’t have to do that. We would if we had to, but we are not looking to if we can avoid it."

Horse Tracks 8/31/09 - Broncos fall to Bears, 27-17; Orton, Kuper injured; Gaffney has broken thumb

Douglas A. Lee — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 12:30:54 -0000

I think Ted's analysis summed up the game quite well, so I won't rehash. Lots of injury-related news, unfortunately. Jabar Gaffney broke his thumb on Friday, while Orton hurt his right index finger last night. Chris Kuper hurt his ankle and was helped off the field; X-rays were negative but he'll have an MRI today. Eddie Royal and Peyton Hillis both were banged up during the game but returned shortly after. The QB carousel is still spinning, as Matt Cassel may miss the Chefs' regular season opener and the Pats will waive Kevin O'Connell. I wouldn't be surprised to see him end up in Denver and Chris Simms on the PUP to start the season. Josh McDaniels worked O'Connell out before the '08 Draft and liked him enough that the Pats spent a third-rounder on the QB. I'd think Gaffney's injury means Brandon Lloyd has to make the team now.

NFL - Bears 27, Broncos 17 - Highlights with local color - Video

NFL - Pre WK 3: Kyle Orton highlights - Video

NFL - Bears vs. Broncos highlights - NFLTA Video
If you can stand his voice, Jamie Dukes is actually objective in his analysis. Who knew?

DB - Bears Postgame: McDaniels - Broncos TV

DB - Bears Postgame: Orton - Broncos TV
Orton says he thinks he'll be physically "ready to go" next week.

DP - Cutler, Bears bounce Broncos 27-17 - Mike Klis

DP - Broncos' receivers caught short in numbers - Lindsay Jones
Jabar Gaffney broke his thumb in Friday's practice. No word on when he will return. Chris Kuper has a right ankle injury, while the status of Kyle Orton's finger is unknown.

DP - Lots to refine for Broncos before it counts - Jeff Legwold

DB - Mistakes Lead to Loss - Zach Eisendrath

DB - Hungry for a Win - Gray Caldwell

DP - Dumervil still a rush job - Jeff Legwold

DP - Tall tasks for Broncos' special teams - Lindsay Jones

DP - Bears-Broncos game breakdown - Jeff Legwold

DP - Broncos fans singing the boos - Lindsay Jones

DP - Chicago "D" notices Orton, but that's it - Adrian Dater
Says Tommie Harris, "Jay is Mr. Consistent. He's going to give you a great game every week."

DP - Orton's finger injury puts QB spot on the spot
The Patriots are going to waive QB Kevin O'Connell, who Josh McDaniels worked out before New England drafted him in 2008. Sounds like a short stay for Ingle Martin, if you ask me. Meanwhile, X-rays were negative on Chris Kuper's ankle, although he will have an MRI today.

DP - Paige: This act won't fly come regular season

SI - Jay Cutler's Mile High reunion, 10 Things I Think and more - Peter King
Ron Turner apparently thinks Jay Cutler the QB is all growns up. On page 4, PK has some interesting thoughts on what the dumping of Kevin O'Connell means in New England (and thinks he'll end up in Denver). Plus, he starts to consider the case of Floyd Little.

CSG - Broncos QB Orton leaves with cut finger - Frank Schwab

CSG - Ramsey: Cutler won, Broncos nothing

CSG - Broncos notes: Injuries are piling up - Frank Schwab

CSG - Bears-Broncos: Three things we looked for - Frank Schwab

AP - Jay Cutler Beats Denver Broncos In Mile High Return - Arnie Stapleton

DB - Bears vs. Broncos: First Half Live Blog - Chris Gentilviso

DB - Bears vs. Broncos: Second Half Live Blog - Chris Gentilviso

CBS - Cutler's success might be start of season-long nightmare for Broncos fans - Aaron J. Lopez

FOX - Cutler vs. Orton: It's no contest - Alex Marvez

ESPN - Greenberg: Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler impresses in his return to Denver

ESPN - Bears take it to the Broncos - Kevin Seifert

ESPN - Denver is shaking mad over Cutler - Bill Williamson

SI - Former NFL player Lennie Friedman adjusts to regular life - Jeff Pearlman
Old friend Lennie Friedman is back at Duke to get his MBA and has lost 70! pounds.

AFC West News

KCS - Chiefs mum on Cassel - Adam Teicher

Y! - Chiefs QB Cassel could miss opener - Jason Cole

PFW - Chargers' hard decisions just beginning - Michael Blunda

SFG - Raiders Silver and Black Blog : (Non) Progress report - David White

NFL News

NFL - Patriots' Bruschi to announce retirement after 13 seasons

NFL - Bengals sign first-round pick Smith, ending lengthy holdout

NFL - Pats considering adding a veteran backup QB

NFL - With Bradley out for season, Eagles moving LB Gaither back to middle

NFL - 49ers S Lewis to be evaluated after second concussion in 11 days

PFW - NFC Whispers - Saints may part ways with Hartley

NFL Opinion

NFL - Crabtree hurting himself more than 49ers by holding out - Steve Wyche

FOX - Preseason points: Daunte should get nod - Ed Thompson

NYT - The Belichick Way: Still the Best - KC Joyner

The Kansas City Chiefs Lead the League In...

Chris Thorman — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 11:59:01 -0000

More photos » by Orlin Wagner - AP

4 months ago: Kansas City Chiefs coach Todd Haley, center, works with the offense during NFL football training camp in River Falls, Wis., Saturday, Aug. 1, 2009. (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner)

Browse more photos »

Roster transactions! Yes!

The Kansas City Chiefs have fourteen total roster transactions since the general start of training camp in the NFL, the last day in July. That number includes trading, cutting and waiving players and does not include draft pick signings.

An excellent article by Yahoo Sports Charles Robinson brought this stat to my attention in his article yesterday.

Enter Haley and general manager Scott Pioli, two men who have seemingly gone to work on the franchise’s psyche with a blowtorch and a chainsaw. With that in mind, you need only look at the Chiefs for one afternoon to realize that the blood-letting has just begun. And by the time it’s over, there may not be a player on the roster who hasn’t had the buttons inside his head re-programmed – if he can survive long enough.

Robinson goes on:

That latter point is significant. Since the start of training camp on July 31, the Chiefs have made more roster moves than any other team – signing, cutting or trading 14 players. And that’s a tally that doesn’t include the inking of draft picks. While at their training site in River Falls, Wis., the Chiefs released five players. The previous regime had cut three players while in River Falls … in three years.

It really is a startling difference once you sit down and think about it. Fourteen players over just three in three years by the previous staff? Talk about contrasting styles.

We know that the news can come at quite a rapid pace around here sometimes so I've summed up all of those fourteen roster transactions after the jump. By next Tuesday, the team will have to trim down to 75 players so there will be more cutting and signing coming soon.

After the jump, check out the Kansas City Chiefs training camp roster transactions.

July 28th - K Connor Barth waived

And the Ryan Succop era (however long it may last) began with the release of Barth.

Total transactions: 1

August 3rd - Claimed LB Vince Redd off of waivers

A 6'6", 260 pound outside linebacker, Redd saw limited action in five games with the Patriots last season. He was signed as an undrafted free agent on May 2, 2008 and appeared in five of the team's final six games accumulating two tackles.

Redd was waived on August 24th after being suspended for four games by the NFL. Ephedra containing Sudafed is reportedly to blame.

Total transactions:3

August 4th - Chiefs sign veteran WR Amani Toomer

However you look at it, it's fairly clear to me that the Chiefs would point to option one. After listening to fomer Giants GM Ernie Accorsi on 610 Sports, I'm definitely on board with this signing. He's in the same veteran mold as Mike Vrabel and Zach Thomas and embodies the high character players the Chiefs have targeted.

TE Tony Curtis was released to make room for Toomer on the roster.

Total transactions:5

August 5th - QB Ingle Martin cut

My initial speculation on the waiving of Ingle Martin was that it was to make room on the roster for DE Tyson Jackson. Not so as you'll find out next.

Total transactions:6

August 5th - Chiefs sign former Patriot QB Matt Gutierrez

Yep, another New England QB. Guttierrez is looking to beat out Tyler Thigpen for the third string spot and so far, he's doing just that.

Total transactions:7

August 13th - Chiefs swap snappers

The Chiefs released long snapper Tanner Purdum in exchange for now second time Chief Thomas Gafford.

Total transactions: 9

August 17th - Chiefs sign WR Ashley Lelie; Release WR Jeff Webb

Former Bronco and journeyman Lelie took three year Chief Jeff Webb's spot on the team and so far in limited action has done more than I ever remember Webb doing. We'll see if Lelie makes the final 53.

Total transactions:11

August 24th - Chiefs trade for G Andy Alleman

This is the second time since Pioli's hiring on January 13th that he has made a trade with his father-in-law, Bill Parcells. The Chiefs traded up to acquire TE Jake O'Connell on the second day of the draft.

Total transactions:12

August 24th - G/T Ikechuku Ndukwe also included in the trade

And the Chiefs weren't done on the 24th, adding another guard from the Dolphins in the trade and releasing G Brian De La Puente to make room on the roster.

Total transactions:14

Poll

Have the Chiefs made....

Too many roster moves

15 votes

About the right amount

162 votes

Not enough moves

337 votes

Not sure yet

153 votes

667 votes | Poll has closed

Horse Tracks 8/27/09 - Hillis returns kicks; Thomas reportedly has separated shoulder

Douglas A. Lee — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 11:51:40 -0000

DB - Broncos sign Martin, waive Thigpen - Chris Gentilviso
Ingle Martin and Russ Hochstein practiced with their new team yesterday.

DB - Opening the Doors - Gray Caldwell
The Broncos are looking forward to playing in front of the home crowd.

DB - Wednesday: McDaniels - Broncos TV
McDaniels talks about Ingle Martin and reacts to Jay Cutler's hatchet burial.

DB - Wednesday: Orton - Broncos TV
Orton talks about facing his old mates; he reminds us that the Broncos won't be passing three times down at the goal line very often during the regular season.

DB - Wednesday: Martin - Broncos TV
No offense to Martin, but I'm not expecting to see many more of these...

DP - Martin signs, gives boost to QB depth - Jeff Legwold
To make room for new QB Ingle Martin, the Broncos released RB Marcus Thigpen.

DP - To shore up kickoff return, Hillis receives plenty of reps - Jeff Legwold
Peyton Hillis practiced returning kicks yesterday, which he had done at Arkansas. Brandon Lloyd practiced and hopes to play Sunday. Marcus Thomas was wearing a brace on what's being reported by KDVR as a separated shoulder yesterday, but left practice and hit the weight room instead.

DP - McJaygate taboo issue among Broncos - Mike Klis
Nobody involved really wants to talk about you-know-what.

ESPN - Source: Palmer out vs. Rams, maybe preseason - James Walker
Walker is hearing that the next time QB Carson Palmer plays could be Week 1 versus the Broncos.

DP - Kiszla: A blame game fit for booing
Kiszla says that although McDaniels and Cutler claim the offseason drama is over, there will be plenty of boos come Sunday night, and that the fans will decide when the feud is done with.

DP - Cutler puts Broncos' trade in rearview mirror - Jeff Legwold

DB - Wednesday: Transcripts - McDaniels and Orton

DP - Sweet smell of success headed for Graham - Anthony Cotton
Former Bronco Tom Graham (and father of TE Daniel) has reached a licensing agreement with the NFL to sell team-logo air fresheners. Pretty good idea, huh?

DB - Bears Conference Call: Cutler - Audio
JC talks to the Denver press; he sounds comfortable with being a Bear now and ready to move on from the offseason drama.

AP - Cutler Has Good Things To Say About McDaniels - Arnie Stapleton

KDVR - Broncos News: Simms, Thomas hurt

CSG - Broncos not changing QB plans despite Simms' injury - Frank Schwab

CSG - Cutler makes nice about Denver return - Frank Schwab

DP - New Broncos QB completes circle - Jeff Legwold
The Titans cut Ingle Martin last year to make room for Chris Simms.

ESPN - Tuesday Morning Quarterback's AFC preview - Gregg Easterbrook
Hmm. Easterbrook thinks the Broncos will really miss Jeremy Bates because he'd done such a great job with Cutler. Not sure if he's ever heard of this guy McDaniels...

ESPN - Don't let Cutler's low-key approach fool you about his return to Denver - Melissa Isaacson

AP - Little had given up on Hall of Fame consideration - Arnie Stapleton

AFC West News

ESPN - Oakland Raiders coach Tom Cable to be questioned by Napa police - Colleen Dominguez

SFC - Heyward-Bey's catch excites Cable - David White
Wow. Kid made one great catch. In practice. It's the small things in Jokeland...

CCT - Raiders' Huff working to turn his career around - Steve Corkran
This is the guy Al took over JC and Matt Leinart. Oops...

ESPN - Raiders ready to make move up - John Clayton
I think he's actually serious...

SDUT - There's more to Chargers at tight end than Gates - Bill Center

SDUT - In the sack is no place for Rivers, even in preseason - Nick Canepa

SDUT - Castillo happy to feel healthy - Kevin Acee

KCS - Chiefs notebook: Haley sees progress at wide receiver - Kent Babb

KCS - Thigpen keeps working despite frustration at quarterback - Adam Teicher

Y! - Haley, Pioli trying to reprogram Chiefs - Charles Robinson

NFL News

ESPN - Source: Minnesota Vikings locker room facing 'schism' over Brett Favre arrival - Adam Schefter

NFL - 'Dreams are coming true': Rookie Sanchez is Jets' starting QB

NFL - Niners starting QB Hill leaves practice with hurt back, should play Saturday

NFL - Boldin likely to miss Cardinals' game vs. Packers with sore hamstring

FOX - Last two draft holdouts far, far away from signing - John Czarnecki

NFL - Bucs RB Williams to see first game action since latest knee injury

NFL - Ravens TE Smith might be out for rest of preseason; DT Gregg also hurt

NFL - Bills RB Jackson should be OK to start season despite sprained wrist

NFL - Carriker back with Rams, but starting DT job isn't guaranteed, coach says

NFL - Bears DT Dvoracek to undergo arthroscopic surgery on right knee

NFL - Court documents show Roethlisberger's accuser offered fake resignation

NFL Opinion

NFP - Diner morning news: picking the right 14 - Mike Lombardi

SI - NFL preseason is poor imitation of real thing - Don Banks

SI - Aaron Brown, Jason Babin are reasons to like NFL preseason - Ross Tucker

NFP - Wednesday whys: No complaints from Rivers - Andrew Brandt

NFP - Expect Sanchez to struggle early - Matt Bowen

PFW - In QB standstill, tie goes to Sanchez

CBS - Cardinals camp tour: Good times to Super hangover? - Mike Freeman

SI - Shaun Hill ready to lead San Francisco 49ers after frustrating '08 - Jim Trotter

NFP - NFL notes: Bucs looking to make a deal? - Matt Bowen

NFP - Tavern talk: final almost blue list - Mike Lombardi

NYT - Assessing Packers’ Defensive Switch - KC Joyner

NYT - Why Dick LeBeau Deserves to Be in the Hall of Fame - Andy Barall

NFP - 2009 NFP scouting series: Maryland - Wes Bunting

Broncos sign QB Ingle Martin

Douglas A. Lee — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 18:10:43 -0000

More photos » by Orlin Wagner - AP

Then-Chiefs QB Ingle Martin at practice during NFL football training camp in River Falls, Wis., Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2009. (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner)

Browse more photos »

According to Jeff Legwold of the Denver Post, the Broncos have signed QB Ingle Martin after working him out this morning. Martin was a fifth-round selection of the Packers in 2006 after splitting his college career between the University of Florida and Furman University.

In addition to his time with the Packers, Martin has been a member of the Titans and Chiefs organizations, having dressed for only one game in 2006 while with Green Bay. The native of Memphis, TN is listed at 6'2" and 220 lbs. and just turned 27 on August 15th. Martin has never attempted a pass in the NFL but has 2 rush attempts for minus-5 yards.

Martin played in all four preseason games for the Chiefs in 2008, completing 13 of 25 passes for 185 yards, no TDs or INTs and a QB rating of 76.2.

Martin will reportedly be available to play in Denver's fourth and final game of the preseason, against Arizona on September 3. Backup QB Chris Simms is expected to miss up to a month with a high ankle sprain, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.

Unless Simms begins the regular season on the PUP (physically-unable-to-perform) list, don't be surprised to see Martin released after the preseason finale.

Tennessee Titans Morning Links: Meager Upside Edition

August West — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 13:37:35 -0000

More photos » by Mark Humphrey - AP

I'm sure Kevin Mawae is very happy to have dumped the PUP list...

Browse more photos »

An MRI showed no major damage to Nate Washington's hamstring, but his status for the season opener at Pittsburgh is still very much in doubt. Given how tough the early third of our schedule appears to be, this could be a significant injury due to the lack of experience behind him. The meager upside to the situation is that coaches will get a good long look at those young guys over the final two preseason games with the starting unit.

Traditionally Coach Fisher has had the starters play into the first few series in the third quarter during the third preseason game so that they get a feel for the halftime process and making adjustments. This squad is so experienced, however, that Fish is saying he may forego that route this time.

Graduating from Vanderbilt and carving out a good career in the NFL is more than most people can accomplish, and it doesn't get a bit easier if you throw dyslexia in the mix... just ask Jovan Haye.

Follow us through the jump to see why the Titans aren't sweating the ground game's lame preseason production...

Teresa Walker explains why the Titans aren't concerned about the lackluster production in the running game over the preseason: mainly because there's no sense of urgency due to the fact that these guys have proven themselves in real action. You can also point to the O-line injuries as affecting the running game as well.

Paul K watched a big-time goal line stand in practice yesterday, and then decided to quiz those involved to see how it looked from their perspective.

Peter King can name at least 10 rookies who have been more impressive than Jared Cook or Javon Ringer? Really?

Former Titans camp player from last year and local (Montgomery Bell) product Ingle Martin has an audition for the Denver Broncos.

The Football Outsiders take a look at what they perceive (via their proprietary DVOA stats) to be a steady decline in the competitive balance across the NFL.

Horse Tracks 8/26/09 - Dreaming of an Orange August in Canton

Douglas A. Lee — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 12:02:15 -0000

DB - Floyd a Hall Finalist - Gray Caldwell
Floyd Little took a giant step toward the Pro Football Hall of Fame yesterday, as he and Dick LeBeau were announced as senior nominees. Can you imagine The Franchise and Big Play Shay going in together next summer?!?!?! A Denver weekend in Canton?

DB - 44 Reasons to Elect No. 44 - Thomas Mackie
A must read for all Broncos fans...

DB - Floyd Little - Jim Saccomano
Sacco shares some of what Floyd Little meant to the Broncos.

DB - Tuesday: McDaniels - Broncos TV
McDaniels praises Russ Hochstein's versatility (sound familiar?), as he can play every line position, plus TE and FB. Plus the team is looking forward to playing at home after two weeks on the road. McDaniels actually says the Seahawks forced the Broncos to pass more than planned. Lots of dancing around Brandon Marshall questions...

DB - Tuesday: Sounds from the Locker Room - Broncos TV
Quotes from several players after a rain-shortened practice...I am crushed to see that Mario Haggan walks around with a Yankees cap. What is he THINKing??

DB - On the Right Track - Zach Eisendrath
On progress, Hochstein and turnovers.

DP - Broncos' Little a lot closer to the hall - Mike Klis

DP - Hochstein latest Patriot to join roster - Mike Klis
Klis says Hochstein's arrival (for the same 7th-rounder New England had sent over in the Le Kevin Smith trade) may put Kory Lichtensteiger and Mitch Erickson on the bubble.

DP - Haggan would love to put a hit on Cutler - Mike Klis
Haggan says the fans would love to see a sack of JC. Chris Simms is thankfully off crutches already, although he is not expected to play again in the preseason. The Broncos may sign QB Ingle Martin as presumed preseason fodder.

DP - Marshall's deal doesn't distract - Jeff Legwold
For what it's worth, Kenny Peterson and Correll Buckhalter downplay the effects of BMarsh's situation in the locker room.

ESPN - Receiver, Broncos in a whirl of hurt - Jeffri Chadiha
Chadiha is expecting the BMarsh situation to only get worse.

CBS4 - Elway: Don't Panic, 'Preseason Is Preseason' - Video
Two videos with The Greatest Ever.

CSG - Marshall listed as a starter for Broncos - Frank Schwab
But will he play??

CSG - Broncos notes: Running back Little named a Hall of Fame finalist - Frank Schwab

DB - Tuesday: Transcripts - Josh McDaniels

DB - Ask Chris Baker...
Submit your questions for the rookie in the middle

AP - Marshall Practicing; Preseason Debut Still Unclear

AP - Patriots Trade Hochstein To Denver For Draft Pick

ESPN Insider - Kicking off my Insider blog - Adam Schefter
Schefter has heard rave reviews about Josh McDaniels, including a prediction that "McDaniels is going to be one of the greatest NFL coaches ever." Meanwhile, a silly Bears fan tries to make the case that JC's receiving cast wasn't all that great because it had Eddie Royal!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

TJ - Brandstater roughed up in first NFL game - Chhun Sun
Tom Brandstater's hometown paper on the rookie's debut.

AFC West News

SDUT - Bolts' Clary toughest on himself - Kevin Acee

SDUT - Cromartie continues to impress - Kevin Acee

CBS - Declining Tomlinson? L.T. aiming to prove otherwise - Clark Judge

CBS - Chargers: Five things to know - Clark Judge

NFP - Very Fake Al Davis - Ray Gustini
Another gem from Gustini...

CCT - Raiders add defensive tackle

CCT - Peterson: Raiders backup could make an impact

ESPN - Miller aims to build on Raiders' tradition - Pork Chop

KCS - Haley expects Charles and other Chiefs backs to improve their ball handling - Kent Babb

KCS - Chiefs notebook: New linemen could play right away - Adam Teicher

NFL News

NFL - Reid: Eagles will give Vick 'a couple shots' Thursday vs. Jaguars

NFL - Big Ben practices, but will he miss any time? 'Not that I know,' he says

NFL - With a QB surplus, Bucs calling teams about trades

NFL - Bills WR Owens still not ready to play; RB Jackson re-injures thumb

NFL - Giants CB Ross re-injures left hamstring on last day of training camp

NFL - Titans WR Washington still limping, leaving status for opener in doubt

NFL - Rams WR Avery practices just three weeks after breaking his left foot

NFL - NFL officially gives Saints K Hartley a four-game suspension for drug use

NFL - Wilford returns to Jaguars, but this time, he's a tight end

NFL - Cowboys assistant coach, scouting aide sue over practice-facility collapse

NFL - Williams sisters become latest celebrities to buy part of Dolphins

NFL Opinion

SI - Preseason Week 2, Winners/Losers - Don Banks
Banks acknowledges Orton's progress but reminds us that Kyle didn't throw any deep passes. Interesting point, one which crossed my mind, too.

SI - MMQB Mailbag: 10 rookies who've impressed; Cowboys video fallout - Peter King
What a shame. Peter King lists 10 rookies who he likes, writing about nine of them. For the tenth one (Alphonso Smith), he mentions only the draft choice Denver gave up for him.

Y! - Niners' Hill proves his head's in the right place - Mike Silver

NFP - QB Battles: time to make the call - Matt Bowen

NFP - Why Tarvaris is the player's choice - Matt Bowen

NFP - Diner morning news: Sanchez needs time - Mike Lombardi

NFP - Tavern talk: Finalizing our blue list - Mike Lombardi

CBS - Texans camp tour: Slaton's progress makes Houston contender - Pete Prisco

CBS - Texans: Five things to know - Pete Prisco

NFL - Prediction time: Picking first and last place teams in each division - Jason La Canfora

PFW - Madden's replacement primed for gig - Barry Jackson

FOX - NFL pressure cooker the true test of young QBs - Peter Schrager

ESPN - LeBeau among many worthy candidates - Len Pasquarelli
Pasquarelli thinks the HOF should include more assistant coaches.

NFP - The story of Curtis Buckley and how he made the Bucs - Jack Bechta

NFP - 2009 NFP scouting series: Vanderbilt - Wes Bunting