Le Tigre Posted February 20, 2009 Report Share Posted February 20, 2009 [quote name='scharm' post='747966' date='Feb 20 2009, 07:39 AM']Saturday would be huge for this team. I'd put my black and orange homer glasses back on and proclaim we are going to the superbowl if it would happen.[/quote] x2. You will hear the usual rebuttals: too old...too small to hold up against the AFCN interior lines...etc. But there are few, if any, with the smarts, savvy, and toughness of this guy. He would make line calls and adjustments in his sleep. Another QB on the field. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bengals1181 Posted February 20, 2009 Report Share Posted February 20, 2009 [quote name='scharm' post='747966' date='Feb 20 2009, 07:39 AM']Saturday would be huge for this team. I'd put my black and orange homer glasses back on and proclaim we are going to the superbowl if it would happen.[/quote] if he can prove to stay healthy, definately. It also allows us to not have to necessarily take a C in round 2. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
|SF2| Posted February 20, 2009 Report Share Posted February 20, 2009 [quote name='oldschooler' post='747410' date='Feb 18 2009, 11:25 AM']Just because they weren't signed to long term deals, doesn't mean contracts were not offered. The Bengals offered to re-sign TJ last January. And they re-signed (or extended which is the same thing) Willie, Levi, Chad, TJ once before, Rudi, Bobbie Williams, Geathers, Peko and Whitworth.[/quote] X2. They tagged Smith for big money and my guess is they tried to resign him but Justin wanted to test the FA market. Just because some other team offers one of our FAs too much money doesn't mean we should match it. Any decent player with a good agent is going to test the market if they think they can get a much better deal. TJ, Smith and Steinbach are all part of this club. As much as we bash Smith I would have loved to have kept him around at a decent price. That wasn't possible. As far as the FA centers go, I would certainly love to see an upgrade but this may be a strange year for FAs. If you are a stud, do you sign a long term deal knowing next year is uncapped? I would think having the money in hand is important but looking at what happened to baseball salaries in a very short period of time has to be weighing on these guys. Saturday would be a very nice pick up no question. I agree with GO, an uncapped NFL would be a travesty. Carson would already be gone as well as Chad (pre bitch Chad) unless MB was willing to part with very large sums of money. Also, how will this affect the rookie payscale? Will the top pick get way more money? Will some team be unable to afford a top 5 pick? Buehler? Anyone? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChicagoBengal Posted February 20, 2009 Report Share Posted February 20, 2009 What about Jake Grove? I know he's tough and was the #1 center coming out in '04 (I think). Beyond that, how would he hold up against AFCN DT's and how would he be viewed snapping to an established QB like Carson as opposed to Jamarcus Russel or Andrew Walter? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldschooler Posted February 22, 2009 Report Share Posted February 22, 2009 [quote][size=5][b]Bengals need to draft center in second round; no shot at top centers in free agency[/b][/size] [img]http://cdn2.sbnation.com/profile_images/19467/atari_tiny.gif[/img] by [url="http://www.cincyjungle.com/users/Kirkendall"][color="#d8431a"]Kirkendall[/color][/url] on [url="http://www.cincyjungle.com/2009/2/21/766949/bengals-need-to-draft-cent"][color="#d8431a"]Feb 21, 2009 11:44 AM EST[/color][/url] in [url="http://www.cincyjungle.com/section/Analysis"][color="#d8431a"]Analysis[/color][/url] [img]http://cdn3.sbnation.com/images/icons/comment.v1599.png[/img] 1 comment Read more: [url="http://www.cincyjungle.com/nfl/players/l.nfl.com-p.4931"][color="#d8431a"]Eric Ghiaciuc (C - CIN)[/color][/url], [url="http://www.cincyjungle.com/nfl/players/l.nfl.com-p.1235"][color="#d8431a"]Matt Birk (C - MIN)[/color][/url], [url="http://www.cincyjungle.com/nfl/players/l.nfl.com-p.425"][color="#d8431a"]Jeff Saturday (C - IND)[/color][/url], [url="http://www.cincyjungle.com/ncaaf/players/l.ncaa.org.mfoot-p.39763"][color="#d8431a"]Alex Mack (OL - California)[/color][/url], [url="http://www.cincyjungle.com/ncaaf/players/l.ncaa.org.mfoot-p.46440"][color="#d8431a"]Eric Wood (OL - Louisville)[/color][/url] It was learned earlier in the week that Cal Center Alex [url="http://www.cincyjungle.com/2009/2/18/762933/best-argument-against-tagg"][color="#d8431a"]Mack wouldn't take part in drills during the Combine[/color][/url] after he supposedly sprained an ankle last Monday. This was good news, from a Bengals perspective who has the 38th overall pick (sixth in the second round). With Mack sidelined, he can't impress teams enough through the Combine to move his value up on the charts, potentially becoming a rare first-round pick for a center. Only four centers have been drafted in the first round in the past 10 years. I believe that the Bengals are solid with using their second round slot for a center, either Mack or Louisville's Eric Wood. The first round is still strongly believed to be one of the four best offensives in the draft. Mack, who played some guard at the Senior Bowl, is still considered the most valued center in the draft, and it's likely he'll still go in the second round, writes Pete Prisco. "[url="http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/story/11399893/rss"][color="#d8431a"]I got to get some good playing time at guard[/color][/url] and show that I can be a versatile lineman and play a lot of positions," Mack said. Versatility among linemen is a valued commodity with the Bengals vision of linemen. In 2008, the Bengals played Stacy Andrews and Andrew Whitworth, both of whom have played either guard or tackle in regular season games in their careers. Even Bobbie Williams took snaps during the 2008 pre-season at center, making him the team's emergency center during the season. With Eric Ghiaciuc expected to hit the free agency market, the Bengals will be left with three centers under contract: Andrew Crummey, Kyle Cook and Dan Santucci. Center has always been an underrated position. Case in point, the Bengals offense [url="http://www.cincyjungle.com/2006/11/10/11548/967"][color="#d8431a"]hasn't been the same[/color][/url] since Rich Braham [url="http://www.cincyjungle.com/2006/9/26/92843/8457"][color="#d8431a"]broke his leg against Cleveland[/color][/url] ending his career. In fact, [url="http://www.cincyjungle.com/2006/9/17/234444/511"][color="#d8431a"]two players had their careers end in the game[/color][/url], and Tab [url="http://www.cincyjungle.com/2006/9/17/162344/119"][color="#d8431a"]Perry's promise as a kickoff return specialist died[/color][/url] too, which was only the second game of the 2006 season. Braham was a rock and a quarterback among linemen. One of the greatest legends of NFL football, the guy that made the NFL and the process in which it is conducted today, Paul Brown viewed center as such an important position, that he drafted Bob Johnson as the team's first ever draft pick in 1968. In this division, against defensive tackles like Shaun Rogers, Casey Hampton and Haloti Ngata, the Bengals need to pick up the best center available. Otherwise, we'll be stuck with performances we've seen since the loss of Braham, which has seen a steady decline of the team's rushing offense. There is the question of available free agents, which is a headed by names like Matt Birk and Jeff Saturday. It's not that we think the Bengals can't afford a veteran Pro Bowl center; it's just that we don't think that veteran Pro Bowl centers are interested in coming to Cincinnati after recent seasons that included appearances in the playoffs. Since the Bengals aren't considered a well-run franchise with a limited chance of making the playoffs, and since veteran players tend to view the playoffs as a greater reward (not always, but many do), we don't expect the Bengals to be considered as an option, even if they were interested. Their best option of upgrading center, is the NFL draft. Alex Mack is generally considered the best, and if he's available by the 38th pick in the 2009 NFL draft, the Bengals need to go after him.[/quote] [url="http://www.cincyjungle.com/2009/2/21/766949/bengals-need-to-draft-cent"]http://www.cincyjungle.com/2009/2/21/76694...d-to-draft-cent[/url] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldschooler Posted February 22, 2009 Report Share Posted February 22, 2009 [quote][size=5][b]Mack's injury could help AFC North suitors [/b][/size] February 20, 2009 2:00 PM Posted by ESPN.com's James Walker Although it may be to different degrees, California center Alex Mack is on the radar of at least three AFC North teams. The Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals certainly have an immediate need for Mack, while the Cleveland Browns could consider a center/interior lineman after the first round. But no NFL team will get an extended look at Mack in Indianapolis this week after he suffered an ankle injury during a recent personal workout. It's expected to keep Mack out of most events at the combine. "[The ankle] turned funny," Mack said in Indianapolis. "It'll be all right, and I'll see what I can do Saturday. But no one is more disappointed about it than I was." How does this help the AFC North? Mack, who is the best prospect at center, was considered a late first or early second round prospect. Not performing at the combine could be a blessing in disguise because the incomplete grade in Indy cannot raise his stock, leaving Mack in the running for Pittsburgh at No. 32 at the end of the first round or the Bengals and Browns with their early second round picks.[/quote] [url="http://myespn.go.com/blogs/afcnorth/0-2-120/Mack-s-injury-could-help-AFC-North-suitors.html"]http://myespn.go.com/blogs/afcnorth/0-2-12...th-suitors.html[/url] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sparky151 Posted February 22, 2009 Report Share Posted February 22, 2009 I think the Bengals are likely to sign a veteran center in FA. Yes, the team will have to overpay but there are lots of vet centers who would be an upgrade over Ghiaciuc. The alternative is taking whoever is available at 38 but that locks the team in too much, puts Carson's health in the hands of a rookie, and sets the rookie up for failure with his first season featuring 6 games vs Ngata, Rogers, and Hampton. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bengaled Posted February 22, 2009 Report Share Posted February 22, 2009 [quote name='kennethmw' post='747503' date='Feb 18 2009, 04:12 PM']I get enough entertainment just reading your posts, Carnac![/quote] yeah, pretty much what i figured, wise guy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldschooler Posted February 22, 2009 Report Share Posted February 22, 2009 [quote][size=5][b]Agent: Colts won't deal with center Saturday[/b][/size] By Mike Chappell Posted: February 22, 2009. The Indianapolis Colts won't attempt to re-sign Jeff Saturday, their starting center the past nine seasons, before the start of the league's free agent signing period, according to his agent. In an e-mail to The Indianapolis Star late Saturday, Ralph Cindrich said "discussions and events this past week'' confirmed the team will allow Saturday to "test the free agent market,'' which opens Friday. Saturday, 33 and a three-time Pro Bowl selection, is one of eight Colts who will become unrestricted free agents at the end of the week. Depending upon interest shown by other teams, "there is a possibility he could return to the Colts,'' Cindrich added. Saturday has been the cornerstone of the Colts' offensive line and quarterback Peyton Manning's center since 2000. With Saturday starting 138 regular-season games the past nine seasons -- he missed six games with injuries, including four last season -- Manning has worked behind one of the league's most efficient offensive lines. The unit allowed a league-low 178 sacks during that stretch, tying a club record by yielding only 14 last season. The decision not to attempt to re-sign Saturday isn't a surprise, especially on the heels of the Colts locking up cornerback Kelvin Hayden with a five-year, $43 million contract last week.[/quote] [url="http://www.indystar.com/article/20090222/SPORTS03/902220373/1004/SPORTS"]http://www.indystar.com/article/20090222/S...373/1004/SPORTS[/url] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldschooler Posted February 22, 2009 Report Share Posted February 22, 2009 Saturday, Jeff Year Team Base Salary Sign Bonus Other Bonus Total Salary Cap Value Position 2008 Colts $ 3,000,000 $ 550,000 $ 503,840 $ 3,503,840 $ 5,188,509 OL 2007 Colts $ 2,400,000 $ 550,000 $ 504,320 $ 2,904,320 $ 4,588,986 OL 2006 Colts $ 1,750,000 $ 550,000 $ 504,840 $ 2,804,840 $ 3,939,506 OL 2005 Colts $ 637,647 $ 1,660,000 $ 455,280 $ 2,752,927 $ 2,496,613 C 2004 Colts $ 535,000 $ 1,265,000 $ 4,400 $ 1,804,400 $ 1,625,733 OL 2003 Colts $ 530,000 $ 5,000,000 $ 5,600 $ 5,535,600 $ 1,368,933 OL 2002 Colts $ 1,227,000 $ 0 $ 3,600 $ 1,230,600 $ 1,230,600 OL 2001 Colts $ 389,000 $ 0 $ 4,160 $ 393,160 $ 393,160 OL 2000 Colts $ 275,000 $ 0 $ 3,500 $ 278,500 $ 278,500 OL [url="http://content.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/salaries/playerdetail.aspx?lname=Saturday&player=2000"]http://content.usatoday.com/sports/footbal...amp;player=2000[/url] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sparky151 Posted February 22, 2009 Report Share Posted February 22, 2009 Anyone else surprised by these lists of top free agent centers that don't mention Jason Brown? IMO he's the best center available for the AFCN but some people don't seem to rate him very highly. The team should still make him their top fa target. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldschooler Posted February 23, 2009 Report Share Posted February 23, 2009 [quote][size=5][b]Colts' Saturday ready to look around[/b][/size] By Mike Chappell Posted: February 23, 2009. Jeff Saturday was succinct, and disappointed. "In a perfect world, I would have stayed here for good,'' he said Sunday afternoon. A perfect world it's not. Saturday, a mainstay on the the Indianapolis Colts' offensive line for 10 years, is eligible for free agency and will test the market when it opens Friday. He'd like to remain a Colt, but the team's offer, at least in its present form, is unacceptable to him. So, come Friday, he'll shop around. "I had expectations on what the offer would be,'' he said. "It just wasn't there.'' The Colts haven't closed the door on Saturday returning, but the veteran center wants to see what's out there. That doesn't mean he's gone for good. He has loved his time here. "I love the city, man. I love the fans here. I still have people coming up to me every day saying, 'Please stay.' That's very flattering.'' Still . . . "I'm fully expecting to go to free agency and see what's going on out there,'' he said. "The Colts have made me an offer, but I owe it to my family to explore all the options before we make a final decision.'' Saturday, who will turn 34 before the start of the 2009 season, declined to address the parameters of the Colts' offer. In 2003, he signed a six-year, $19.2 million deal. It included a $5 million signing bonus and a base salary of $3 million in 2008. Saturday has talked with other NFL players since the end of the season. He got the sense there is interest in a player who has started 154 games (including playoffs), worked with quarterback Peyton Manning since 2000 and been voted to three Pro Bowls. "I would expect there to be a better offer (than Indy's),'' Saturday said. "That's the only reason I'm going to free agency. Otherwise I would have just taken the deal now. "I fully expect there to be teams that step up and match the things I want and we'll have a future together.'' The Colts have given Saturday a deadline to accept their offer, which he wouldn't disclose. He's still trying to come to grips with a probable move. "I feel I've given everything I could to the Colts,'' he said. "I've played as well as I could, and that's all you can ask. "Now, they've got to decide what to do, and I do as well.'' While Saturday weighs his options, the Colts must brace for yet another major change on their offensive line. Since the team defeated the Chicago Bears in Super Bowl XLI after the 2006 season, left tackle Tarik Glenn retired and right guard Jake Scott was allowed to sign with Tennessee as an unrestricted free agent. Left guard Ryan Lilja missed the '08 season -- he has had three procedures on his right knee in the past 12 months -- and his status for next season won't be known for a couple of months. And now, Saturday. Team president Bill Polian remains hopeful Saturday returns, but said the team is prepared for the alternative. "The club that we have coming back, specifically on the offensive line absent Jeff, we feel very good about,'' he said Sunday during a break at the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. The Colts addressed the position during the 2008 draft, selecting three interior line prospects: Mike Pollak in the second round, Steve Justice in the sixth and Jamey Richard in the seventh. When knee and calf injuries forced Saturday to miss four games, Richard started. "We had to play without Jeff for (four) games,'' Polian said, "and did well.'' Saturday paused as he considered the massive changes the offensive line has experienced over the past 24 months. "It's an ever-evolving thing, man,'' he said.[/quote] [url="http://www.indystar.com/article/20090223/SPORTS03/902230353/1004/SPORTS"]http://www.indystar.com/article/20090223/S...353/1004/SPORTS[/url] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldschooler Posted February 23, 2009 Report Share Posted February 23, 2009 [quote][size=5][b]Wish likely not reality for Ravens' Brown [/b][/size] By Aaron Wilson, Times staff writer Monday, February 23, 2009 OWINGS MILLS — Center Jason Brown would like nothing more than to continue playing football for the Baltimore Ravens. However, the potential money Brown might command as an unrestricted free agent in a market where several teams are looking for an interior player capable of playing both center and guard, it seems like a long shot that Brown will return. “I would love to stay with the Ravens,” Brown said in a telephone interview from his North Carolina home. “I would like to feel as though my stock is pretty high on the team. There are other options out there. I’m not going to be afraid to say that, but I would love to stay with the Ravens. At the same time, I do have a family I love very much as well and my first responsibility as a father and as a husband is loyalty to my family. “I have prayed about it instead of worrying about, ‘Do the Ravens want me back? Will they re-sign me?’ I’m not going to do that. I’m going to know I’ve done everything possible to determine the outcome of my future. I’m very confident and I have a lot of faith that the personnel with the Ravens and my agent will be able to work something out.” If Brown, who started a total of 28 games at left guard in 2007 and 2006 before starting every game at center last season, is seeking upper-echelon guard money, then it will be extremely hard for the Ravens to keep him on the roster. A year ago, the New York Jets signed Alan Faneca to a five-year, $40 million contract that included $21 million in guaranteed money. Two years ago, the Cleveland Browns signed guard Eric Steinbach to a seven-year, $49.5 million contract with $17 million guaranteed. [b]It’s a matter of fact in NFL circles that centers traditionally make a lot less money than guards. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are paying center Jeff Faine a total of $37.5 million on a six-year pact, including $15 million in guaranteed money. It’s the richest center contract in NFL history and it’s still less than the guard deals.[/b] With the Ravens set at left guard and right guard with starters Ben Grubbs and Marshal Yanda, who’s expected to recover fully from a major knee injury suffered last year, the obvious spot for Brown is to stay at center. It’s expected that Baltimore will want to pay him like a center. “In the past few years, guards have stepped above the centers,” Brown said. “In the early 2000s, centers were making more than guards. Different positions go through different cycles. “As far as a preference, center is what I’m most comfortable with now. If I had to go back to guard, it would take me a little while to knock the rust off. I feel like I’m a true center-guard.” [b]If Brown does test free agency, it’s believed that the Miami Dolphins, Washington Redskins and the Jacksonville Jaguars are among the teams that would have an interest in him.[/b] When asked specifically by reporters at the NFL scouting combine if there was a concern about being able to keep Brown on the team contractually, general manager Ozzie Newsome acknowledged the possibility that the team may lose some players. “My philosophy has always been right player, right price,” Newsome said. “We do a good job of putting a value on what we think that player is worth for us. We always feel like we’re willing to pay more for our players than other people will. “But over the past few years, we have lost players because they’ve had the opportunity to help their families by making a lot of money. I always tell the players that we put a value on it, and if there is a chance for them to go out and help their families, then go do it.” Plus, the prospect of an uncapped year in 2010 because of the NFL owners’ decision to opt out of the current collective bargaining agreement is affecting contract talks around the league. “It’s going to be a little difficult this year, you have to be a little more creative,” said Harold Lewis, Brown’s agent. “Jason would love to be back. I’ve got a lot of respect for the Ravens and nothing would make me happier than for Jason to stay there. What we wish for and what’s the reality may not be the same thing.” The Ravens have other high-profile unrestricted free agents they’re in discussions with, including star middle linebacker Ray Lewis and inside linebacker Bart Scott. Those talks, particularly ongoing negotiations with Lewis’ agents, will likely affect Brown’s status. “Obviously, I know Ray Lewis is a higher priority than Jason Brown,” Brown said. “That’s just common sense. Ray is just that franchise type of player. We’ve got to direct all our attention to this man before we can go down our list of priorities. I would love to see Ray start and finish his career as a Raven, but he’s earned the right to do what he wants.” After helping the Ravens make it to the AFC title game last season, Brown remains hopeful about getting to stay in Baltimore. However, he’s also aware of the reality that it might not happen. “We accomplished so many great things this past year that I feel as though it’s just the beginning,” Brown said. “Even though we made it so far, it’s just the foundation. I feel like there’s unfinished business and I would love to continue what we’ve been working on. It’s tough. “I feel as though I’ve made too many sacrifices to leave or want to go somewhere else. There’s a personal aspect to it. I’ve made so many life-long relationships. The Ravens have a wonderful organization. You hear so many horror stories around the league about staph infections or whatever. I’m praying that I get to stay.” Reach staff writer Aaron Wilson at 410-857-7896 or sports@carrollcountytimes.com.[/quote] [url="http://www.carrollcountytimes.com/articles/2009/02/23/sports/bsports22309.txt"]http://www.carrollcountytimes.com/articles...sports22309.txt[/url] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
claptonrocks Posted February 23, 2009 Report Share Posted February 23, 2009 this stuff about Saturday being to small..... He held his own againsts the likes of Jacksonville's duo of Henderson and Stroud for years and he's gone up against Haynesworth in their division... still made the probowl team .. Kyle Cook may be better than we know .... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
|Bunghole| Posted February 24, 2009 Report Share Posted February 24, 2009 It would be just our luck to sign Saturday to a big deal and have him get hurt early in the season. He is 33. I like him, but I would prefer that we find someone (if in fact we even sign a center in FA) younger. I do think that signing a center in FA would really open up that second round pick to a whole realm of other possibilities, though. I hope the Bengals go that route rather than hoping the guy they want is there when they pick, missing out on him and/or having to deal with a rookie at that position next year. We have got to start protecting Carson better and get the running game on solid ground, otherwise 2009 will be not much different than 2007 and 2008. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sparky151 Posted February 24, 2009 Report Share Posted February 24, 2009 [quote name='claptonrocks' post='748857' date='Feb 23 2009, 05:17 PM']this stuff about Saturday being to small..... He held his own againsts the likes of Jacksonville's duo of Henderson and Stroud for years and he's gone up against Haynesworth in their division... still made the probowl team .. Kyle Cook may be better than we know ....[/quote] Presumably Ghiaciuc was the best center we had last year since the coaches started him every game. I wouldn't want to count on Cook, Santucci, or Crummey as this year's starter. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bengals1181 Posted February 24, 2009 Report Share Posted February 24, 2009 [quote name='sparky151' post='748892' date='Feb 23 2009, 08:19 PM']Presumably Ghiaciuc was the best center we had last year since the coaches started him every game. I wouldn't want to count on Cook, Santucci, or Crummey as this year's starter.[/quote] actually, Cook was set to be a starter (forget which game) and send Bluto to the bench, but got hurt in warmups. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maanster Posted February 24, 2009 Report Share Posted February 24, 2009 [quote name='Bengals1181' post='748901' date='Feb 23 2009, 08:55 PM']actually, Cook was set to be a starter (forget which game) and send Bluto to the bench, but got hurt in warmups.[/quote] true. it was the dallas game. cook injured his toe during pregame drills Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bengals_12th_Man Posted February 24, 2009 Report Share Posted February 24, 2009 I love the Chia pet quote. "He can't run block but he backs it up not being able to pass block". At least that's what I got out of it, and it seems DEAD on... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BENGALS666 Posted February 24, 2009 Report Share Posted February 24, 2009 [quote name='claptonrocks' post='748857' date='Feb 23 2009, 05:17 PM']this stuff about Saturday being to small..... He held his own againsts the likes of Jacksonville's duo of Henderson and Stroud for years and he's gone up against Haynesworth in their division... still made the probowl team ..[/quote] No matter what Saturday is a nice upgrade over Guycheck. AFCS doesn't blitz the way our division does but the Indy line protects well in a quick strike environment and reacts well to the big guys up front. Those elements would be a welcome addition to this team. If Cincy doesn't commit dollars to pass protection and the running game none of the other stuff that happens in the next few months will matter quite as much.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldschooler Posted February 24, 2009 Report Share Posted February 24, 2009 [quote][size=5][b]Scouts Inc. on ... Jason Brown [/b][/size] February 23, 2009 4:00 PM Posted by ESPN.com's James Walker In this week's visit to the film room, we check in with Scouts Inc. to get their insider take on Baltimore Ravens center and pending free agent Jason Brown. Here is comprehensive film analysis on Brown from Scouts Inc.: Brown has been a mainstay on the Ravens' offensive line for the past three seasons. He has an excellent combination of size, strength and athleticism. He works well with a low center of gravity to anchor effectively versus powerful bull rushers as well as getting movement off the line as a run-blocker. He has good pop and power initially to engage defenders as well as powerful leg drive at the point of attack. He is an instinctive player who understands leverage, angles and body positioning. He is best to short set defenders as a pass-blocker and can clog up the middle on combination blocking schemes. He will struggle at times with quicker interior stunters, when he is blocking one-on-one. He isn't always effective to chip up to the second level and stay connected to moving targets. He is a tough hard-nosed player who finishes well and brings attitude to the offensive line.[/quote] [url="http://myespn.go.com/blogs/afcnorth/0-2-131/Scouts-Inc--on-----Jason-Brown.html"]http://myespn.go.com/blogs/afcnorth/0-2-13...ason-Brown.html[/url] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldschooler Posted February 24, 2009 Report Share Posted February 24, 2009 [quote][size=5][b]Agent says Ravens unlikely to sign both Scott, Brown[/b][/size] By Aaron Wilson, Times Staff Writer Tuesday, February 24, 2009 OWINGS MILLS — Citing a gut instinct, the agent for Baltimore Ravens inside linebacker Bart Scott and center Jason Brown isn’t ruling out the possibility that one of those pending free agents will sign a new contract with the team prior to the launch of free agency early Friday morning. It’s believed to be more likely that Scott will return than Brown given the Ravens’ preference to retain all of their linebackers, including star Ray Lewis, for the NFL’s second-ranked defense. The Ravens already locked up Pro Bowl outside linebacker Terrell Suggs with a $10.2 million franchise tag last week. Harold Lewis, the agent for Scott and Brown, met twice with Ravens vice president of football administration Pat Moriarty at the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis. “The hope is to get both Jason and Bart done with Baltimore this week, but my gut instinct tells me it will only be one of the two,” Lewis said in a telephone interview. “That’s more of a realistic situation. If they make it to free agency, we would definitely stay in touch with the Ravens. So, they could still re-sign with the Ravens even if they look at other teams. “The question is: Are the Ravens willing to pay these guys a premium price? ... Our goal is to keep both Jason and Bart in Baltimore. It’s their No. 1 choice, but I believe things will happen fast once free agency starts Friday at 12:01 a.m.” A former undrafted free agent from Southern Illinois, Scott ranked second on the team in tackles last season behind Lewis. He had just 1 1/2 sacks last season after leading all NFL inside linebackers with 9 1/2 in 2006, but his pass coverage responsibilities have increased significantly since Adalius Thomas signed with the New England Patriots a few years ago. “I think everybody in Baltimore knows what Bart brings to the table: tremendous tenacity on the field,” Lewis said. “He’s such a leader on the field, a sure tackler, he can play safety. He has great athletic ability in coverage. He’s also a lead blocker for Ray, but he has no argument about that. “He’s thrilled to play with a Hall of Famer. If Bart goes to another city, he can be the leader of that defense immediately and bring that Ravens mentality to wherever he goes. He’s pure quality, a great student of the game.” If Scott tests free agency, he’s expected to draw interest from the New York Jets, Kansas City Chiefs, Cincinnati Bengals and the Arizona Cardinals, among others. Scott has repeatedly reiterated that he prefers to remain with the Ravens. “All things being equal, the Ravens don’t have to come up with the biggest price,” Scott said Monday in a radio interview with FOX-1370 AM. “If it’s close, I’ll stay. I left $12.5 million on the table the last time I was a free agent. If somebody blows you away with a big offer, then you have to do what’s best for you. “I don’t have to be the highest-paid anything. I want to make market value. If you’ve got an idea what the market is going to be and your team can get it done for you, why test the market? I’m not about playing games. I thought I was the odd man out a month ago. I’ve always been the dark horse.” Because it’s believed that Brown may seek top guard money, which can average $6 million to $8 million annually, and the Ravens want to pay him like a center, it’s considered much more of a reach that he’ll be back. Several teams looking to upgrade their interior offensive line, including the Miami Dolphins, Washington Redskins and Jacksonville Jaguars, may make a strong run at Brown as an unrestricted free agent. “I would expect teams to not only look at Jason at center, but also as a guard,” Lewis said. “He’s only 25 years old. He’s got the feet, tremendous athleticism. He’s big and strong. He’s smart. I think wherever he goes he’ll make somebody very, very happy.” The Ravens sound prepared for the likelihood that they will not be able to keep all of their high-profile unrestricted free agents. “For the most part, the ones that we want to keep, we try to keep,” general manager Ozzie Newsome told reporters at the scouting combine. “We realize we can’t keep them all.” [b]NOTES:[/b] Although Dallas Cowboys outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware recently stated that Ray Lewis has repeatedly lobbied for the Cowboys to pursue him in free agency, saying it’s his dream to wear the Cowboys’ star, it doesn’t sound like they’re going to reciprocate necessarily. “It would surprise me to see a big splash,” Cowboys team owner Jerry Jones told Dallas reporters. Of course, Lewis may just be attempting to drive up his price by engaging other teams like Dallas and the Jets. ... The representative for Ravens cornerback Samari Rolle said he hasn’t heard from team officials regarding speculation that Rolle might be asked to take a pay cut from his $4.1 million 2009 salary or that he might be released. “I don’t deal in hypotheticals,” agent Peter Schaffer said. “I like to deal with reality.”[/quote] [url="http://www.carrollcountytimes.com/articles/2009/02/24/sports/dsports22409.txt"]http://www.carrollcountytimes.com/articles...sports22409.txt[/url] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Memphis_Bengal Posted February 24, 2009 Report Share Posted February 24, 2009 [quote name='Bunghole' post='748881' date='Feb 23 2009, 07:19 PM']It would be just our luck to sign Saturday to a big deal and have him get hurt early in the season. He is 33. I like him, but I would prefer that we find someone (if in fact we even sign a center in FA) younger. I do think that signing a center in FA would really open up that second round pick to a whole realm of other possibilities, though. I hope the Bengals go that route rather than hoping the guy they want is there when they pick, missing out on him and/or having to deal with a rookie at that position next year. We have got to start protecting Carson better and get the running game on solid ground, otherwise 2009 will be not much different than 2007 and 2008.[/quote] If we signed Saturday I would think we still have to sign a Center of the future as this draft seems to have several very good options and I would still not be against to taking one as high as the 2nd round. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
|Bunghole| Posted February 24, 2009 Report Share Posted February 24, 2009 [quote name='Memphis_Bengal' post='748947' date='Feb 24 2009, 08:45 AM']If we signed Saturday I would think we still have to sign a Center of the future as this draft seems to have several very good options and I would still not be against to taking one as high as the 2nd round.[/quote] If you get Birk or one of the younger guys, you can ink a 3 year deal and draft a center next year and use this year's 2nd round pick on a RB, WR or LB. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sparky151 Posted February 24, 2009 Report Share Posted February 24, 2009 [quote name='Bengals1181' post='748901' date='Feb 23 2009, 08:55 PM']actually, Cook was set to be a starter (forget which game) and send Bluto to the bench, but got hurt in warmups.[/quote] If you're saying the coaches were going to bench Ghiaciuc, fine. If you are suggesting that we go with Cook as our starting center, you're bonkers. Cook hurt himself in warmups. Doesn't exactly inspire confidence does it? If he was all that, he would have seen more playing time before that game too. Let him compete for a roster spot with the other scrubs, but he's obviously not the answer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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