SB Nation - Tony Curtis

Carson Palmer's performance against the Bears was a career high; Bengals bring in new players for evaluations

Kirkendall — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 13:27:47 -0000

about 1 month ago: Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer (9) passes against the Chicago Bears in the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2009, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Ed Reinke)

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It's been over a day since the Bengals put together perhaps their most complete game that we've seen since 2007. How do you feel now? Amped? Have you talked trash to all of your Pittsburgh Steelers fans, who lost to the Bears 17-14? I didn't. I just don't trash talk. It's not that I hate the act of talking trash, but I have better things to do. Like reading a Computer magazine while taking a number two during a blizzard while the heater is out. Well, giving a #2, as I always reprimand my cousin. Who takes a number two? You're giving it, not taking it -- and if you're taking it, well, there's issues that are far beyond this blogger's capacity to analyze. Welcome to the unabridged, unabashed encore version of our post-game review. Where, apparently, we dissect the phrase "taking a crap". Moving on.

The passing game was nearly perfect. The rushing offense was effective (I mean, really effective). The passing defense was strong; interceptions, sacks, quarterback pressures. And the rushing defense only allowed 35 yards, which is, at this point, a season best. Also season bests are points allowed (10), forced turnovers (4), rushing yards on offense (215), total yards (448) and points scored (45).

	Broncos	Packers	Steelers	Browns	Baltimore	Houston	Chicago
Passing Yards	221	168	173	221	261	250	233
Rushing Yards	86	151	100	154	142	46	215
Total Offense	307	319	273	375	403	296	448
Points Scored	7	31	23	23	17	17	45

Passing Defense	227	222	271	249	175	385	244
Rushing Defense	75	89	102	146	82	87	35
Total Defense	302	311	373	395	257	472	279
Points Allowed	12	24	20	20	14	28	10

Passer rating is only the holy mecca of quarterback statistics. Against the Chicago Bears, Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer (in case you needed his position and full name) recorded a career-high 146.7 quarterback rating. It was Palmer's 25th game with a passer rating of 100 or better. Of his top ten quarterback rating performances, two of his top three have come against the Chicago Bears -- and three of the top seven against the Baltimore Ravens.

Date	Opponent	Score	QB Rating	Yards	Comp %	TDs	INTs
10.25.2009	Chicago	W, 45-10	146.7	233	83.3 (20/24)	5	0
11.12.2006	San Diego	L, 41-49	131.1	440	73.8 (31/42)	3	0
9.25.2005	@ Chicago	W, 24-7	130.3	169	69.6 (16/23)	3	0
11.6.2005	@ Baltimore	W, 21-9	128.4	248	73.1 (19/26)	2	0
11.19.2006	@ New Orleans	W, 31-16	127.8	275	63.6 (14/22)	3	1
12.5.2004	@ Baltimore	W, 27-26	127.1	382	80.6 (29/36)	3	1
11.27.2005	Baltimore	W, 42-29	124.6	302	73.3 (22/30)	3	1
12.30.2007	@ Miami	W, 38-25	121.4	316	71.9 (23/32)	3	1
10.16.2005	@ Tennessee	W, 31-23	121.2	272	81.8 (27/33)	2	0
11.26.2006	@ Cleveland	W, 30-0	120.7	275	78.1 (25/32)	3	1

Palmer's 83.3% completion rate ranked fifth in franchise history.

Hello, noobs. Joe Reedy writes that the Bengals have invited six players for tryouts, "including former Ravens TE Tony Curtis, who was cut a couple weeks ago." Additionally, Reedy writes:

The Bengals also brought in three defensive backs to evaluate – Brannon Condren, Emanuel Cook and DeAngelo Willingham. Marcus Freeman, who was drafted in the fifth round by the Bears this year before being released, was in for a visit.

You can never take the big red ball off the clown. Nor can you take the clown off the big red ball. There are clowns that currently believe the Bengals were trying to run up the score by keeping Cedric Benson in the game while the game, well, clearly dominated in the fourth quarter. Some wondered if the Bengals were trying to give him a shot at 200 yards rushing. For one thing, Marvin Lewis isn't the type. With 3:48 left in the game, the Bengals had fourth-and-four at the Bears 28-yard line. If the Bengals elected to kick a field goal, they'd have a 48-10 lead. That is running up the score. Instead, handoff to Cedric Benson. No gain. Turnover on downs. Even if Benson picks up the first down, the Bengals would milk the clock and not score. That's Marvin Lewis. That's his respect for Lovie Smith.

Secondly, the Bengals had absolutely no other option. Brian Leonard was inactive. Bernard Scott suffered a knee injury. Jeremi Johnson left early with an injury. Who are you going to put back there? TheWalrus1971, Sloppygolf, laibach, Timzilla, Pragmatic, bodacio, Mehl, Jake, Carsonorbust, Jay, Danimal, Adam, Chris, Darren, Mike or firstPick? All are worthy candidates. However, all are questionable with fumbling tendencies. TarZander has a bum knee and cokane hasn't been eligible since Roger Goodell became commissioner. My point is that Benson was the only option and throwing just anyone back there, wouldn't benefit the Bengals at all. Perhaps next time we'll just keep Brian Leonard active.

Injury Updates, including status on Brian Leonard.

Bengals tweet that Brian Leonard is actually healthy, and that he was simply inactive because of the way the roster was structured. "The team needed the extra spot on the D-line."
Marvin Lewis thinks, the Bengals official twitter account writes, Andre Smith and Roy Williams will be probable for Baltimore.
Bernard Scott left in the second half with a knee injury. Indication is that the injury isn't serious and Scott said he'll be ready for Baltimore.
Jeremi Johnson also left the game. Marvin Lewis said he's fine.

Noteworthy: Shayne Graham kicked six PATs on Sunday. The total number of point after touchdowns in the past four weekends combined.

Caption Contest. Whomever comes up with the best caption, as voted on by your peers, will win some seriously awesome respect.

Nice Timing: Ravens Take a Look at a Former Chief

Joel Thorman — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 22:20:51 -0000

More photos » by Orlin Wagner - AP

3 months ago: FILE -- This is an Aug. 2, 2009, file photo showing Kansas City Chiefs general manager Scott Pioli during NFL football training camp in River Falls, Wis. (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner, File)

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Ah yes, very interesting timing.

The Baltimore Ravens worked out former Kansas City Chiefs tight end Tony Curtis this week according to Aaron Wilson of the Carroll County Times.

Hmm.

Curtis was signed by the Chiefs on April 24th and remained with the club through August 4th. That means he's probably got a fairly good grip on the offense and, at least philosophically, what the Chiefs are trying to do on offense.

They worked out four other tight ends, obviously a sign that they're looking for help since L.J. Smith is unlikely to play, but Curtis' arrival in Baltimore is curious timing.

It's not a secret that some teams like to pick up a player, who previously played for their upcoming opponent, and hammer whatever they can out of him. In fact, it just happened last week.

Andre Woodson, recently cut by the New York Giants, was picked up by the Washington Redskins.

"You mean, 'Why is he in Washington right now?' " head coach Tom Coughlin asked before laughing. "It's pretty obvious why he's in Washington. There's no question that's what's going on. We'll see what transpires. It works both ways a little bit."

And then Coughlin said he knows what'll happen with Woodson.

"I've been a part of it. I've seen it done," Coughlin said. "The guy doesn't get in the door two seconds and he's in a classroom getting grilled."

Remember Brian De La Puente? He was cut by the Chiefs and, coincidentally (or not), the Seattle Seahawks picked him up the week they played the Chiefs.

Interesting. Curtis wasn't a multi-year presence on the Chiefs but he was there for the majority of Todd Haley's tenure thus far.

What do you think? Is Curtis giving the Ravens the goods? Does Curtis even know the goods since Haley has taken over as offensive coordinator?

Philadelphia Eagles 53 man roster by the numbers

JasonB — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 05:35:19 -0000

More photos » by Matt Rourke - AP

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The Eagles have made their cuts and whittled their roster down to 53 men. However, just because those guys survived cut day, doesn't mean they'll actually be on the team come September 13th. Let's look at some positions where changes are still likely to be made.

Wide Receiver - The Eagles currently have 7 WRs on their roster and are only likely to start the season with 6. Desean Jackson, Kevin Curtis, Jason Avant, & Jeremy Maclin are all locks. The guys not guaranteed a spot are rookie Brandon Gibson, Reggie Brown, and Hank Baskett. Since Gibson wasn't cut with the first round and wouldn't be valuable trade bait, it may actually be safe to assume that he made the team. It's likely that the Eagles held onto Reggie and Hank(esp the former) since those guys may have some trade value to fill another spot.

Tight End - The Eagles currently have just two TEs on the roster. That will not be the case for very long as the Eagles will carry a 3rd TE on their roster. Whether it's through trade or free agency, I'm guessing we'll find out who that guy is before the weekend is out. Considering that Tony Curtis was signed just before the preseason game against Jacksonville, the Eagles will go into this season with just one TE(Celek) that was on the roster at least 3 weeks before the season.

Defensive Tackle - After cutting loose Dan Klecko, the Eagles DTs are Broderick Bunkley, Mike Patterson, & Trevor Laws. Two starters and one backup. That said, there's a decent chance that they may not add another DT. The Eagles love rotate DEs inside to DTs on passing downs. Darren Howard, Victor Abiamiri, & Juqua Parker have all done it in the past. Those guys, especially Howard and Abiamiri, could be defacto backup DTs. Last year, it seemed that Darren Howard played more inside than he did outside... I'd look for the Eagles to add a couple DTs to their practice squad just in case.

Quarterback - The Eagles currently have 4 QBs on their roster, but due to an exemption Michael Vick does not count against the 53 man roster. While Vick is on the exempt list he can't practice with the team, so obviously the Eagles will be looking to take him off as soon as possible. I'm sure that over the next day or so they'll be trying to trade A.J. Feeley to make room for Vick. If they can't swing a deal, they'll probably just outright release him.

Eagles drop preseason finale to Jets

JasonB — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 02:28:54 -0000

More photos » by Bill Kostroun - AP

3 months ago: Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Kevin Kolb (4) is sacked by New York Jets safety Eric Smith (33) during the first quarter of an NFL preseason football game at Giants Stadium, Thursday, Sept. 3, 2009, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)

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If I had to invent a word to describe tonight, I would call it "preseasony." No name guys coming out of nowhere for big games, sloppy coverage, missed blocks, penalties... all the stuff you'd expect from a game played entirely by second, third, and fourth stringers.

There's really no point in talking about the game itself, so after the jump I have some thoughts on specific players and some position battles. The good news is that preseason is over, roster cuts come this weekend, and we've got the real thing to look forward to in a little over a week's time.

First off, see ya Lorenzo Booker. Eldra Buckley will make the team as the 3rd RB on his special teams play alone.

Michael Vick... I suppose you could say this game was more about him than maybe any other player and Vick looked like a guy who hadn't played QB in two years. He made a few decent plays with his legs including converting a third and short, a TD from the wildcat on the goal line, and a 16 yard scramble. Athletically he's not at his peak right now, but he doesn't look that far off.

As for plays with his arm, again he looked he hadn't played in two years. The game seemed to be moving too quickly for him, but that's to be expected at this point. It certainly didn't help that the blocking in front of him was absolutely terrible. He's rusty and if you didn't expect that to be the case... then you should have.

I will say... could the WildVick formation be the answer to our short yardage woes? It worked tonight?

Kevin Kolb needs to play more. His problems are all the things guys develop by playing. Sensing when the blitz is coming, knowing where to go with it when you see pressure, having that mental "clock." That's all stuff that guys get by being in games. Problem is, he may not play again until next preseason. He was under pressure all night as well, which also made it tougher to evaluate. He does need to learn to deal with that pressure better, especially learning to not run backwards!

Yes, it was somewhat satisfying to watch Jeremy Maclin draw a big PI penalty on Lito Sheppard...

Jack Ikegwuonu... Up and down for him tonight. He had a pick and a nice return afterward, but got absolutely smoked by a guy for a TD late in the game.

Brandon Gibson. I don't know exactly who's spot he's competing for(Baskett or Brown) but he's done pretty much everything he could to make the team.

Babin had a sack. There's another guy who's done pretty much everything he could to earn a roster spot.

These backup o-lineman really struggled. The Jets did blitz quite a bit for preseason, but the second and third stringers certainly didn't handle it. Kolb and Vick were under pressure all night. The backs also did a pretty bad job picking up rushers.

Tony Curtis caught a TD pass in his Eagles debut. He had 4 catches for 40 yards.

Danny Amendola looked like a guy willing to do anything to win a job out there. He did a nice job on those sweep pitch plays they ran with Vick, he was aggressive on returns, and made two catches.

I'd be remiss is I didn't mention how bad Sav Rocca was tonight. He must have shanked two or three punts tonight. Not sure what happened with him, but he struggled.

Finally, way to go Danny Woodhead of the Jets. That guy worked his tail of tonight and had a great game. Ran for 158 yards and 2 TDs. Hopefully he wins himself a job.

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)

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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

Vick to play with starters Thursday night

JasonB — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 17:47:13 -0000

More photos » by Matt Rourke - AP

3 months ago: Philadelphia Eagles quarterbacks Michael Vick, right, and Donovan McNabb practices at NFL football training camp in Philadelphia, Monday, Aug. 24, 2009. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

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Andy Reid just concluded his post practice press conference and filled us in on who's and who's out of this Thursday's 3rd preseason game against the Jaguars. The third preseason game is typically the most important as it's the one the starters play the most.

Donovan McNabb will play the first three quarters and Kevin Kolb will play the 4th. Where does that leave Mike Vick you ask? Good question. Reid was cagey as to what Vick's role would be, but he did say that Vick would play the first 3 quarters with the starters. It seemed the implication was that he could see time both with McNabb and maybe even take a series with the starters at QB himself. He also said he had no reservations about showing Vick in the Wildcat formation. I gotta say, Big Red looked downright giddy as he announced this. Should be interesting...

He also ran down the list of guys who won't be playing this Thursday.

Coach Reid also updated the injury status of a number of players. Sheldon Brown (rib strain), Omar Gaither (knee sprain), Leonard Weaver (sprained MCL), Shawn Andrews (back), Todd Herremans (stress reaction in foot), Darren Howard (groin), Charleston Hughes (foot contusion), Tracy White (rib strain), and newly acquired Tony Curtis (high ankle sprain) all will not play against the Jaguars.

You may notice that one big name is not on that list, Brian Westbrook. Westbrook will play, but won't go the three quarters with the starters. My guess is that he goes a couple series or a quarter at most. Stacy Andrews and Jason Peters will also play.

Eagles Pick Up Two More Former Chiefs

Joel Thorman — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 16:54:10 -0000

The Philadelphia Eagles have added TE Tony Curtis and LB Curtis Gatewood to their roster. Curtis, of course, was with the Chiefs for just the 2009 offseason. Gatewood, however, played in six games for the Chiefs last year.

The Eagles previously added former Chiefs DE Jason Babin.

Three Chiefs in three weeks? After the last two years, that's wouldn't be my first strategy.

While we're on the subject, here's a complete update on the Chiefs six unrestricted free agents following the 2008 season.

LB Pat Thomas - Signed a one year deal with the Buffalo Bills
S Oliver Celestin - Signed with the UFL
DE Jason Babin - Signed with the Eagles
LB Rocky Boiman - Signed with the Titans
S Jon McGraw - Signed contract with the Chiefs
G Adrian Jones - Signed by the Houston Texans

And of course, the Chiefs three restricted free agents (Webb, Niswanger and Page) signed one year offers from the team. Webb was later cut.

Any chance one of these players turns out to be more than just a reserve player?

H/T tomahawk44 in the FanShots

Philadelphia Eagles add LB Curtis Gatewood

JasonB — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 15:47:53 -0000

As it turns out, the Eagles added two player yesterday. In addition to TE Tony Curtis, they also signed OLB Curtis Gatewood formerly of the Redskins, Chiefs, & Lions. Gatewood was a college DE that was converted to linebacker.

Gatewood, an outside linebacker, originally signed with the Washington Redskins as an undrafted free agent out of Vanderbilt in 2008. After spending several weeks on the Redskins practice squad, he was signed by the Kansas City Chiefs and appeared in six games, recording four tackles on special teams. Gatewood played defensive end at Vanderbilt, where he was teammates with Eagles safety Reshard Langford. He spent part of the 2009 training camp with the Detroit Lions.

To make room the Eagles released QB Adam DiMichele and WR Shaheer McBride.

Report: Philadelphia Eagles sign TE Tony Curtis to one year deal

JasonB — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 02:41:58 -0000

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Well, contrary to the Daily News report earlier today that said the Eagles would not be signing former Cowboys and Chiefs TE Tony Curtis, word is now that he has agreed to terms. This from ESPN 950's Brian Seltzer.

Per a source, the Eagles have come to terms on a one year-deal with TE Tony Curtis. He arrived at Nova Care Complex earlier this evening.

The 6'5, 265lb Curtis will compete with Matt Schoebel, Rob Myers, & Eugene Bright for a spot on the roster and the backup TE job behind Brent Celek.

[Note by JasonB, 08/24/09 10:45 PM EDT ] Extra bonus, he comes already injured. So he should have no trouble fitting right in!

Curtis apparently suffered a high ankle sprain about 2.5 weeks ago before Chiefs cut him. Will continue rehabbing w/ Eagles.

Philadelphia Eagles to pass on TE Curtis

JasonB — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 17:00:20 -0000

Last week the news broke that the Eagles had invited former Cowboy and Chiefs TE Tony Curtis in for a workout. However, it seems that Curtis didn't impress. From Les Bowen,

There was a report over the weekend that the Eagles had worked out former Dallas tight end Tony Curtis (Jack Lemmon being dead and all). A source close to the situation said the team won't be signing Curtis.

At the very least, it is somewhat telling to know that they're at least looking at TEs.