SB Nation - Shaun Smith

Bengals bring Shaun Smith back (again) and release wide receiver Maurice Purify

Kirkendall — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 16:25:56 -0000

It was partly expected that when the Bengals released Shaun Smith after being on the squad for three days, that Cincinnati simply needed his spot on the roster with injuries to Chris Crocker, Morgan Trent and Kyries Hebert -- all of whom missed some practice during the week leading up to the Vikings game. Smith was cut to make room for Rico Murray to sustain some depth in the secondary and, more specifically, on special teams.

Now Cincinnati figured that they needed defensive tackle help to sustain the defensive tackle rotation against the league's 31st ranked rushing offense. On Wednesday, the Bengals brought Shaun Smith back (again), tweets Joe Reedy.

Now the question is, who did the Bengals release? The answer: Maurice Purify. Most likely, Purify will pass through waivers and re-sign on the team's practice squad. Meanwhile, is this the first indication that former second round draft pick Jerome Simpson will be activated for the first time this year? One possible answer: If he ~~contributes~~ possibly helps special teams.

BREAKING: Shaun Smith cut already, three days later.

A Pragmatic Bengals Fan — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 19:35:21 -0000

Well, that didn't take long. Here's the story from PFT.

This makes me feel good. This makes me feel very, very good. This tells me that out of all the other "dubious" signings we've had on tap this year, that had Larry Johnson or anyone else not brought what the Bengals were looking for to the table that the result would have been just this.

A player who was brought in for a legitimate need, who seemed to be the best fit physically for the need for which he was brought in, was cut a mere three days after his arrival. That apology that he reportedly called Marvin Lewis to offer got him in the door, but he didn't have any staying power (I mean really, three days?) because the team did not feel he was the asset they had hoped.

I don't know if it was a locker room issue or an on-the-field issue, but the Bengals clearly weren't impressed. So they cut him loose. Again, after THREE DAYS. Anyone think that everyone else in the locker room isn't taking notice of that?

Good job, Bengals. This is what we like to see.

A Pragmatic Bengals Fan

Bengals put Chase Coffman on season-ending Injury Reserve with bone spurs in his ankle

Kirkendall — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 16:52:59 -0000

The Bengals officially signed Defensive Tackle Shaun Smith on Wednesday, tweets Joe Reedy. After hearing rumors and reports that he was in town and could sign, that became less of a surprise.

The real surprise?

The Bengals put tight end Chase Coffman on season-ending Injury Reserve. Josh Katzowitz writes that Coffman was suffering from bone spurs in his ankle. Coffman's placement on IR is no real loss, considering he wasn't active for any regular season games this year. However, the prospect that the Bengals would cut Daniel Coats -- because, for the love god, you have to cut Daniel Coats -- suddenly dimmed.

Report: Bengals to sign Shaun Smith on Wednesday

Kirkendall — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 14:36:23 -0000

Yesterday it was reported that the Bengals were interested in defensive tackle Shaun Smith. Smith later confirmed he came into Cincinnati for a visit. Domata Peko is reportedly out until the season finale, at least. So the Bengals, with a rotation of Tank Johnson, Pat Sims, Orien Harris at defensive tackle, with Jonathan Fanene and Frostee Rucker taking few snaps is good enough for that stretch run.

And honestly, I do approve of this team actively looking and finding solutions, even if they are temporary. Most of us made our opinion known that we're not in support of it -- not because he's another trouble-making player that Mike Brown is looking to "redeem". Rather he was here already at one point, mixed it up in the media about a fight that happened three years prior and has created several lockerroom issues with other teams.

All indications are that the Bengals will sign Smith on Wednesday.

Bengals reportedly interested in bringing Shaun Smith back

Kirkendall — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 16:52:27 -0000

If there's one signing I'm dead set against, it's the Bengals bringing defensive tackle Shaun Smith back. The Enquirer's Joe Reedy writes that the "Bengals have an interest" bringing Smith back to Cincinnati. If I say it really nice, I say, "please, no". If I say it honestly, I say, "are you f***king crazy?!"

Smith was released by the Browns during training camp, signed with Detroit and then was released the last weekend of training camp. He has also been suspended for the first four games of the season for violating the league’s anabolic steroid policy.

Over the past two seasons, Smith started 20 games for the Browns. He played two games in the UFL with Las Vegas.

Back in March 7, 2008, Smith had broken the silence over the infamous fight between Chad Johnson (as he was called at the time) and Marvin Lewis during the 2005 Wild Card game that the Bengals lost to Pittsburgh. Smith said in 2008:

"He swung on Marvin. . . . [Johnson] shattered the training room glass. . . . He swung on Marvin [and] hit Marvin in the eye. . . . Then he tried to swing on wide receivers coach Hue Jackson, who's now in Baltimore."

The Bengals refused comment. Hue Jackson told his side of the story. Smith is also known for getting into a fight with Browns quarterback Brady Quinn. Per PFT, "After a verbal altercation, between the two, Smith punched Quinn in the face." Then earlier this year, per PFT:

According to WKNR radio (via the Akron-Beacon Journal), Smith gave Browns G.M. George Kokinis an "expletive-filled tongue lashing" in a stadium hallway after Saturday's preseason game in Cleveland.

So, really. Bengals. Are you f***king serious?!

Chiefs Work Out Two Defensive Tackles

Joel Thorman — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 01:23:38 -0000

More photos » by Stephan Savoia - AP

2 months ago: Newly-aquired New England Patriots defensive lineman Terdell Sands (74) stretches before practice begins at the NFL football team's facility in Foxborough, Mass., Wednesday afternoon, Sept. 30, 2009. (AP Photo/Stephan Savoia)

Browse more photos »

The Kansas City Chiefs worked out two defensive tackles today according to Bill Williamson of ESPN.com. Shaun Smith and Terdell Sands could both be used as depth behind Ron Edwards.

Sands should be familiar to Chiefs fans. He was drafted by the Chiefs in the seventh round of the 2001 draft. He spent time with the Green Bay Packers and Oakland Raiders. He spent three weeks on the New England Patriots this season.

He is listed at 6'8", 355 pounds and is 29 years old (for only another four days).

Smith was a UDFA with the Dallas Cowboys in 2003. He also played for the Arizona Cardinals, New Orleans Saints, Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns.

He is the guy that reportedly punched Brady Quinn in a locker room fight last year with the Browns.

He is listed at 6'2", 325 pounds and is 28 years old.

Williamson reports that the Chiefs don't necessarily have any plans to sign either one at this time. It's possible they were just keeping up on players that are out there.

Former Chiefs LB Vince Redd Back from Suspension

Joel Thorman — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 13:01:55 -0000

More photos » by Anonymous - AP

4 months ago: FILE -- This is a 2009 file photo of Vince Redd wearing a New England Patriots NFL football team uniform. Linebacker Vince Redd has been waived by the Kansas City Chiefs, the team announced Monday Aug. 24, 2009. Redd had been claimed off waivers from the New England Patriots on Aug. 4. (AP Photo, File)

Browse more photos »

On the morning of August 24th, the Kansas City Chiefs unexpectedly released Vince Redd, a former New England Patriots linebacker. On the evening of August 24th, we found out why.

Redd was suspended for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy. More specifically, per his agent Joe Linta, he took over-the-counter Sudafed, which contains Ephedra, an ingredient on the league's no-no list.

After serving a four game suspension, Redd is now available according to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk. Redd's part of the family tree, having previously served under Bill Belichick and Scott Pioli in New England. He was signed by the Chiefs on August 3rd and spent the majority of training camp with the team so he knows at least the beginnings of the system.

I'm certainly not dismissing the possibility of him returning to the Chiefs despite seeing little playing time in two preseason games. Like we've previously said, the Pioli/Haley/Parcells connection seems to be strong.

Another interesting name on the returning-from-suspension list includes Shaun Smith, most recently of the Cleveland Browns. Smith is a 6'2", 320 pound nose tackle out of the University of South Carolina (Maybe former SC resident Kent Babb can fill us in on him). He's also got experience in the 3-4.

The reason I bring his name up is because he's got the Chiefs Connection.

Bill Parcells ('03-'04: Signed as a UDFA and spent rookie season on the practice squad
Clancy Pendergast ('04): Claimed off waivers for five days
Romeo Crennel ('07-'08): Spent two years with the former Patriots defensive coordinator

Now, Smith doesn't come without a little baggage. Find out about that, and three other players that are returning from suspension after the jump.

There was the report last year that he cold-cocked Brady Quinn (If you're a fan of the other SC then this might be a good thing). Then came a run-in with Browns defensive line coach Bryan Cox which preceded his release from the team. Then came his release from the Detroit Lions for not buying "into the team's philosophy, attitude and direction." (Seriously, any player cut by the Lions needs to be evaluated twice.) Then came the September suspension for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy.

However, he does have talent which is evidenced by the fact that six teams inquired about his services following his release from the Lions.

Also returning from suspension is:

DE Brent Hawkins: 2006 5th round draft pick by the Jags, decent I-AA player setting school sack records
S Daren Stone: 2007 6th round draft pick by the Falcons, bounced around the league
RB Cory Boyd: 2008 7th round draft pick by the Bucs, most famous for being the other participant in the Aqib Talib NFL Symposium fight last year

Thursday Notes: Jason Hanson Expected to Play on Sunday

Sean Yuille — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 20:19:51 -0000

More photos » by Duane Burleson - AP

4 months ago: Detroit Lions kicker Jason Hanson kicks a 47-yard field goal, held by punter Nick Harris, with three seconds remaining to defeat the Atlanta Falcons 27-26 in an exhibition NFL football game, Saturday, Aug. 15, 2009 in Detroit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)

Browse more photos »

Jason Hanson is probably going to play on Sunday, though there is still a chance the Lions could sign another kicker for kickoffs. Based on how Hanson did in yesterday's practice, I don't think that will happen unless his leg is too sore to do all the kickoffs.
Drew Stanton's knee is feeling better.
The now teamless Shaun Smith has been suspended for four games for allegedly taking a water pill, which is a violation of the NFL's anabolic steroid policy. Tom Kowalski doesn't think his suspension was the main reason why the Lions released him (assuming they knew of the suspension), though it obviously could have been one of the reasons why he was cut.
The Lions are suing Charles Rogers, as he hasn't paid the team the millions of dollars he owes them. The Lions are owed $6.1 million by Rogers, who has 20 days to respond to the lawsuit.
Tristan Davis is simulating Reggie Bush in practice.
Four games on the schedule stand out for Julian Peterson.

"I've got four of them. Seattle because they traded me. San Francisco because they didn't give me a contract to my liking. Washington because I'm from there and they didn't even try to draft me. Green Bay on Thanksgiving, just because I don't like the Packers."
I like his reasoning for the Packers game the most.

(More after the jump)

Kevin Smith put up a new post on his blog about how he considers himself 0-0 in his career rather than 0-16. He also talked about how the team is supportive of all three quarterbacks, especially Matthew Stafford now that we know he is starting.
Stafford basically laughed off some comments Saints players made about how they're looking forward to playing against a rookie quarterback.
Saints running back Pierre Thomas is questionable for Sunday. That's good news for the Lions and bad news for one of my fantasy teams.
Saints defensive ends Charles Grant and Will Smith aren't going to be suspended this week. Both were involved in the StarCaps case, which is why there is no suspension this week. I imagine the same goes for Grady Jackson. His case is still under review, but the league isn't going to suspend him this late into the week of a game.
SBNation.com isn't the only site to relaunch this week. DetroitLions.com, the team's official site, also got a much-needed makeover. The new site is much more modernized and is a huge upgrade over what the Lions had before.

Tuesday Notes: Grady Jackson Case "Still Under Review"

Sean Yuille — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 15:47:34 -0000

Tom Kowalski is reporting that Grady Jackson has not been suspended yet. I stress the last word of that sentence, because the case is apparently still under review.
Here's a great stat from Nicholas Cotsonika: 31 players on the 53-man roster weren't part of last year's 0-16 season.
Jason Hanson is almost fully recovered and is going to spend this week shaking off the rust.
Jim Schwartz commented on why Shaun Smith was released and said that he "was a good citizen" while playing for the Lions. It sounds like he was cut simply because the coaches opted to go with younger players like Sammie Hill and Landon Cohen.
While Schwartz made sure to say that the Lions are fully behind Matthew Stafford starting, he also praised Daunte Culpepper for what he did to make this such a tight competition.

"I want to say this: Daunte Culpepper is back," Schwartz said. "There's no doubt in my mind -- I don't think there's any doubt around the league. The commitment that he made over the last six months to get back to being a starting NFL quarterback, I mean, that's obvious, that's apparent. He's gonna be back as a starting quarterback at some time in this league."

Asked if the Lions would consider trading Culpepper, who is scheduled to make more than $4 million in salary and bonus money this season, Schwartz said, "We're very happy with where we are quarterback-wise. ... I think (quarterback is going to be a strength on our team, and I don't think we're in a position of getting rid of good players."
I still don't understand why people think Culpepper will be traded. Yes, it would be nice to cut the salary loose, but the Lions need a solid backup in case Stafford gets hurt. While Drew Stanton has played well in the preseason, there's probably a reason he is third-string, and he's not even healthy right now. Simply put, as Schwartz said, the Lions aren't in a position to trade someone like Culpepper.

(More after the jump)

As mentioned in a FanShot yesterday, quarterback Brock Berlin has been signed to the practice squad. He was brought in because he is familiar with Scott Linehan and Jeff Horton, who both coached him in St. Louis.
Bill Ford Jr. promised that there will be some sellouts this season for Lions home games. I think it's safe to say that if the home opener isn't already sold out, it is close enough for a company to come in and buy the rest of the tickets. That's what the Lions did in the past, but then again, if the home opener isn't already sold out, what does that say about the ticket sales for the rest of the home games?
Aaron Brown shared an interesting story about his first encounter with Matthew Stafford.

"The first time I met him, he stuck his leg out and tripped me," the running back recalled. "It caught me off-guard because I didn’t know him at all. Then I walked away and said to myself, ‘Man, he is cool, crazy and just like everybody else.’ He’s not stuck up. He’s just a good dude."
Stafford definitely seems more like your usual player than somebody who is a No. 1 overall pick.
ESPN.com's Jeffri Chadiha wrote a nice piece on Ernie Sims.
The Lions are Norman Chad's "Team of Destiny" this season.
Ralph Wilson Jr., the owner of the Bills, still lives in Detroit.
There was some speculation that the Jets traded for Kevin O'Connell to get trade talks with the Broncos started up again. That makes the most sense out of why the Jets traded for him, though the Broncos still claim they aren't going to trade Brandon Marshall.

Pour Some Sugar On Me - Preseason Wrap-up: Can We Build a Team That Can Beat the Raiders? Yes We Can!

Sugar — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 10:00:22 -0000

I understand how important this last preseason game was for roughly 20-30 players per team. I do. For some it was the difference between making the 53-man roster or getting cut. For others who were relatively certain of their impending unemployment, it was a chance to get on tape for potential future employers. For coaches, it was one last look at a few players they may try to retain on the practice squad. But for just about everybody else (in the world) these games were simply painful to watch.

As a Redskins' fan, I of course watched the game against the Jaguars intently and hung on most every play. But as I watched the games around the league, I found myself losing interest quickly as penalty flags rained down on my living room as if Pacman Jones himself were throwing them.

To write a recap of each game would be worse than having to read Peter King rate every latte he has ever drank. So instead, this week I thought I would put my preseason watch-a-ton to the test. Every team has made their final cuts. I will attempt to build a 53-man roster from all the players released by the Saturday deadline. This may include some players who ended up on the practice squad, but you'll have to excuse that. After all, even though I did watch pretty much every preseason game played in the last month, my knowledge of certain teams' backups probably doesn't go much further than guys who should rightfully land on the practice squad. This already feels like a poor man's version of Madden fantasy draft. I get to decide who I am going to keep and at what position they will play. My ultimate goal: a 53-man roster capable of beating the Oakland Raiders final 53-man roster. Our team name: Sugartime Ballers. At the end, you'll get to vote on whether you think the Ballers can take down the Raiders. The first picks after the jump...

QB (3): Jeff Garcia, Joey Harrington, Chase Daniel

This team is going to have a questionable offensive line, so I am going to need a veteran quarterback capable of escaping pressure and getting rid of the ball. I watched as much of the Raiders' preseason as I could stomach and to me it seemed like Jeff Garcia was the quarterback that gave them the best chance to win now. My guess is that they sensed that too and decided that going with a guy staring down 40 years old would be the nail in the coffin for the JaMarcus Russell era, at least from a confidence perspective. Joey Harrington (cut by the Saints) is experienced in the art of art of hand signaling, which is what I want in my backup QB. Plus he is a great pianist so he can play getaway music on the piano as Jeff Garcia is running fro his life behind whatever offensive line I can put together. Chase Daniel gave it a good run in D.C., but failed to be named as the 3rd quarterback when the team decided to go with nobody instead (ouch).

RB (5): Dominic Rhodes, Anthony Alridge, Ian Johnson, Fui Vakapuna, Isaac Redman

It struck me as a little odd when the Bills jettisoned Rhodes. With Lynch out for the beginning frames of the season and Fred Jackson a little dinged this preseason, I figured a veteran like Rhodes would have value for that team. Alridge just barely missed being the last running back kept by the Redskins and adds speed out of my backfield. Ian Johnson is a young buck that got bounced by the Vikings. I have a soft spot in my heart for this guy after watching him have such a great career at Boise State, not to mention the now famous Statue of Liberty play against Oklahoma a couple seasons ago. Vakapuna is a guy I picked because I need a blocking fullback and I have been watching HBO's Hard Knocks this season featuring the Bengals. He is a big, athletic dude, and we are going to need a Samoan presence in the backfield on this team. Redman had a great preseason in Pittsburgh but the numbers game beat him. We are lucky to have him and Vakapuna muscling up in our backfield.

TE (4): Leonard Pope, Alex Smith, Bear Pascoe, Garrett Mills

The Cards cut Pope and the Pats cut Smith. Both are capable receivers that understand the position well. Bear Pascoe was on the 49ers squad and I remember hearing his name for the first time late in the game against the Raiders I think. He was described by his college coach at Fresno State as the "most devastating blocker" they had ever seen. He started out there as a quarterback. He blocked 6 kicks on special teams, and keeps his edge by participating in rodeos. He's an old-school kind of player and on my team he will play an old-school role: Iron Man. At 6'5", 250+ lbs, he will never leave the field. Our wildcat offense will be called the "Wild Bear" formation and we will direct snap it to him. He will rush the passer on defense and he will line up all over the field on offense. His importance on this roster almost necessitated adding a 4th tight end to help carry the load at the position, and Mills, fresh off the Vikings roster, will fit in nicely. The Raiders will not have a chance.

OL (9): Damien McIntosh, Tony Pashos, Andrew Crummey, Kynan Forney, Jeremy Bridges, Scott Burley,Justin Geisenger, Mike Butterworth, Mark Wilson

McIntosh (Chiefs), Pashos (Jaguars), Crummey (Bengals), Forney (Chargers), and Bridges (Redskins) are my starting five. Burley (Redskins), Geisinger (Panthers), and Butterworth (Falcons) are my backups. Burely went to University of Maryland and has been hanging around the league the last two years. Geisinger is a journeyman lineman who spent a season with the Redskins but has also been a member of the Bills and Titans. The Raiders gave Mark Wilson his walking papers, but he has had steady employment as a backup since 2004. Mike Butterworth made this team because I simply ran out of guys that I really knew much about...and I love maple syrup on pancakes.

All of my starters would likely be welcome on most squads in the league after a few weeks when teams are all of a sudden hit by injuries and become starved for guys who have played before. Forney was a huge shock getting cut by San Diego. He might be one of the two or three best players on the Ballers.

WR (6): Keary Colbert, Robert Ferguson, David Tyree, David Patten, Trent Shelton, Steve Sanders

Ferguson (Falcons), Colbert (Lions), and Patten (Browns) have all been unfortunate members of previous unfortunate fantasy teams of mine. So they owe me. Hard to argue against Tyree (Giants). He can start on special teams and catch balls with his helmet. With Bear Pascoe behind center, he might have to catch a few wild pitches. Shelton (Redskins) should make their practice squad and Steve Sanders (Cardinals) was great on Beverly Hills, 90210.

DL (8): Shaun Smith, Alex Buzbee, Ryan Boschetti, Darryl Richard, Rob Jackson, Tommie Hill, Matthias Askew, Terrance Taylor

The Patriots drafted Richard last April, and that is pretty much good enough for me. I recall Tommie Hill made a huge play late in the first Monday Night game against the Panthers, scoring a touchdown with no time left on the clock. Not being good enough for the Giants defensive line does not necessarily make you bad. Rob Jackson and Alex Buzbee both got cut from the Redskins so I have seen plenty of them and are comfortable with them as backups. Boschetti got dumped by the Raiders--can't remember anyone listing their personnel decisions as better than...well, anyone's. Shaun Smith was a shock to get sent home by the Lions. He is definitely good enough to anchor the Ballers' defensive line. And Terrance Taylor was a 4th round pick for the Colts. I am little surprised to see him gone from there, but we will not ask too many questions and scoop him up.

LB (8): Tim Crowder, Zach Thomas, Rocky Boiman, Khary Campbell, Bruce Davis, Jeremy Leman, Robert Thomas, Cody Glenn

Crowder should have cracked the Broncos' Final 53. Our squad will benefit from the veteran presence of Zach Thomas, who might not really have ever been realistically in the Chiefs' plans. Rocky Boiman has been around, most recently ending his second stint with the Titans. He has a ring from the Colts' Super Bowl victory and his experience will be put to good use for the Ballers. Khary Campbell is a special teams standout that did not make the last cuts in Houston. Bruce Davis was a huge underachiever for the Steelers. Here's hoping he can turn it around for the Ballers. Leman (Panthers) was a guy who I thought played well enough in the preseason to stick. I guess that is why my phone isn't ringing off the hook to become anybody's GM. Thomas and Glenn were both waived by the Skins. Thomas has plenty of experience in the league and Glenn (while still an odd draft choice by Vinny Cerrato--read: "wasted draft choice") is a raw player from the Nebraska Cornhuskers' program.

DB (8): Deltha O'Neal, Brian Russell, Brian Williams, Bernard Pollard, Corey Lynch , Deangelo Smith, Corey Ivy, Lendy Holmes

O'Neal (Texans), Williams (Jaguars), Russell (Seahawks), and Pollard (Chiefs) are my starting defensive backs (first two are CB's, second two will man the safety positions. Smith (Cowgirls), Lynch (Bengals), Ivy (Browns), and Holmes (Redskins) round out our scrappy secondary.

P: A.J. Trapasso - Any guy who takes aim for a $40 million video board in a preseason game, ESPECIALLY one bought by Jerry Jones, gets a spot on my team.

K: Brandon Coutu (Seahawks) - The 'Hawks kept this guy on their roster all season last year behind Olindo Mare in the hopes they could trade him. He has a hell of a leg and will get a shot from another team very soon.

Give Me the Numbers, Stat!

27-17, Ballers over the Raiders. Bear Pascoe has 78 yards rushing, 2 rushing touchdowns, 1 blocked field goal and 3 sacks. Jeff Garcia runs in for the other TD and throws the ball straight into the owner's box where Al Davis is sitting. Davis sues the NFL.

Next week at this time, we will be through the first weekend of meaningful football. Imagine...four quarters without any fourth-stringers (God willing). The season of excessive penalty-calling is over. Let the games begin. We'll see you back here on Tuesday--with nary a mention of any battles for the backup long snapper position.

Poll

Can this team I have constructed beat the Raiders today, on a neutral field, with a run-heavy offensive philosophy behind the Iron Man Bear Pascoe?

Yes, handily

164 votes

Maybe 51 times out of 100

142 votes

Maybe once in a 100 tries

51 votes

Not a chance

42 votes

399 votes | Poll has closed