2009 NFL Thread

[kane9321]

Tony Gonzalez is a Falcon.

holy crap

 

[KALEL114]

The Carolina Panthers have signed Jake Delhomme to a five-year extension that keeps quarterback under contract through the 2014 season.

While details weren't immediately available Thursday, NFL.com's Steve Wyche reports the deal to be worth $42.5 million, with $20 million guaranteed. The move also clears needed salary-cap space for the Panthers.

The extension comes just over three months after Delhomme had the worst game of his 11-year NFL career, throwing five interceptions and losing a fumble in the Panthers' 33-13 loss to the Arizona Cardinals in the NFC divisional playoffs. But Panthers coach John Fox and general manager Marty Hurney had expressed strong support for Delhomme, who has been the team's starter since 2002.

The move also gives Carolina some breathing room under the salary cap, which is weighed down by defensive end Julius Peppers' franchise-tag tender worth $16.7 million over one year.

 

[Immortalfire]

Hmm....that's quite a lot. Guess they know something I don't.

 

[Excel]

The Carolina Panthers have signed Jake Delhomme to a five-year extension that keeps quarterback under contract through the 2014 season.

While details weren't immediately available Thursday, NFL.com's Steve Wyche reports the deal to be worth $42.5 million, with $20 million guaranteed.

Waste.

 

[RAMORE]

Chiefs trade Gonzalez for 2010 draft pickComment Email Print Share ESPN.com news services

ATLANTA -- The Atlanta Falcons obtained tight end Tony Gonzalez from the Kansas City Chiefs on Thursday for a draft pick next year.


NFL.com Video

The Chiefs trade TE Tony Gonzalez to the Falcons.

The Falcons will send a second-round pick in 2010 to Kansas City in exchange for Gonzalez, the only tight end in NFL history selected to 10 Pro Bowls, the Chiefs announced.

Gonzalez caught 96 passes for 1,058 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2008. He owns NFL career records for tight ends with 916 receptions, 10,940 yards receiving, 76 TDs receiving and 26 100-yard receiving games.

Chiefs chairman Clark Hunt called Gonzalez "one of the finest players in Chiefs history."

A person with knowledge of the negotiations said the Falcons have reached agreement with Gonzalez on a new contract. The person requested anonymity because the agreement has not been announced.

"It's somewhat bittersweet," Gonzalez told FOXSports.com. "I love Kansas City. I grew up in Kansas City. The city means a lot to me. I got there when I turned 21. It will be sad to leave a city I love.


Among good-hands people
Tight end Tony Gonzalez has remained among the NFL's primary passing targets, who are all receivers. Most receptions since 2005:


T.J. Houshmandzadeh 372
Larry Fitzgerald 368
Reggie Wayne 355
Torry Holt 352
Steve Smith 351
Tony Gonzalez 346

"But I'm looking forward to making a Super Bowl run in Atlanta every year for the next three or four years. With Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, Roddy White and now myself, we have the chance to be in the top five in the league in offense every year. How could I not be excited to join that team?"

The 33-year-old Gonzalez asked to be traded last October. But then-general manager Carl Peterson said no team Gonzalez was willing to go to made a good enough offer.

General manager Scott Pioli said it wasn't easy to trade the star, who played in 188 regular-season games for Kansas City.

"From an organizational as well as personal standpoint there are mixed emotions," Pioli said. "I have the highest personal and professional respect for Tony and consider him to be a future Pro Football Hall of Famer."

The trade addresses one of the Falcons' top needs, freeing the organization to make defense the top priority in this weekend's draft.

The Falcons expect to receive compensatory picks next year for losing several free agents, including cornerback Domonique Foxworth and linebackers Michael Boley and Keith Brooking, making it easier for the team to trade the second-round pick to the Chiefs.

Gonzalez will join Pro Bowl receiver Roddy White to give the Falcons another top target for 2008 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Matt Ryan.

"Every team in this league dreams of having Tony Gonzalez run out of the tunnel for them," Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff said.

 

[RAMORE]

Crazy good move for atlanta! Crazy bad move for carolina!

 

[That-Guy]

The Broncos are reportedly interested in J.P. Loss-Man.

I'm wondering if McDaniels is going to make it the whole way through the next season before he gets fired.

 

[NotFadeAway]

Be warned, I was already in a bad mood before I just found out about the Delhomme deal, and I've been irritated in the Panthers all off-season, so I'm about to go on one big f-ing rant.

I have supported John Fox during his entire tenure with the Panthers, he saved us from the 1-15 mess we were with George Sea-fart. I've always thought we could do better than Marty Hurney for a GM, and every year that feeling increased slightly, but I wasn't going to pout about it. But as of today, I want both men GONE.

The Delhomme deal is one of the biggest jokes this off-season. Tommy Kelly 2.0. I understand we need the cap space because of Peppers, and I understand that Peppers isn't helping us by not signing his tender, but you know what, franchises with good management, with aggressive management, find ways around these scenario's, you lethargic pieces of crap. So now, we have given a 34 year old Quarterback who has only been above average $20 million garunteed. Good luck re-signing DeAngelo Williams or Thomas Davis now, you idiots. Like I said, we needed cap room because of Peppers, but good management can fix that in a hurry.

And it seems as if the Panthers think they can win now with the squad we have. We can't, I'm a realistic fan, and I'm about to burst some bubbles. We aren't talented enough, and everyone around us is getting better. We have a great O-line, a great RB tandem, and a superstar wideout and MLB. Thats it. We have a corner in Gamble who could be great if he was allowed to play man to man. We need a DT, DE, OLB, 3rd CB, another DT, and a QB of the future. We are not good enough as a team, we played over our heads last year. The talent on this squad scream 9-7. And we don't have a 1st round pick, and I love JStew, but we could have had Otah in the 1st last year, Forte in the 2nd, and kept this years 1st. And again, I love JStew, but that was an overall dumb decision. I HATE giving away picks, and this is why. We could sure use that pick right about now. I can't wait until we get our a$$es kicked by a hungry, aggressive Eagles team on opening day.

And another thing, I'm sick of the passive, conservative overall approach this team takes. All around the league, teams are getting better, getting fiery coaches who want players full of p*ss and vinegar and ready to beat up on other teams. I want us to be like that. I'm so envious of other teams right now. And we aren't, and thats finally gotten under my skin. The last couple seasons, since 2005, combined with the ugly playoff game and this off-season, it's broken me. And the fact that they want to keep Peppers makes me f-ing sick. I'll never forget when little Maurice Jones-Drew stiff armed Peppers lazy ass and flipped him in mid air.

Thanks for everything you did John Fox, but good bye, and screw you Marty Hurney, you were never truly cut out to be an NFL GM anyway.

Atleast the next coach will have solid pieces to build around. Our O-line is good, young, and under contract for some time. Jonathan Stewart will be here. Sadly, we probably won't be able to re-sign Williams, I always knew that guy was going to be great, I knew it. I wish the Panthers had known it as well, we would have a first round pick right now. BUT, again, Stewart is a damn talented back in his own right. We will have Jon Beason, and hopefully Chris Gamble will be used right by the next staff. Chris Harris is solid, Charles Johnson has a vast amount of potential, as does Hilee Taylor. And of course, Steve Smith, although for some reason I can see a new regime dangling him as trade bait. The next regime will have to figure a way out of this horrid Delhommre deal.

Oh, and I'd rather have a guy like Chad Pennington at Quarterback than Jake Delhomme. I think Smitty and Moose would be more dangerous running shorter, sharper routes with an accurate QB throwing there way. Thats just me though, I've always liked shorter, more accuracy based passing attacks. My favorite QB of all time is Joe Montana, who mind you is the best QB of all time. I miss Steve Beurlein, the best Panther QB in franchise history.

As far as coaches next season, I'd like a number of guys. Rob Ryan, Sean McDermott, Brian Schottenheimer, Kyle Shanahan, and if you want to go older, Mike Shanahan. I love Marty Schottenheimer to death, and I think he deserves a Super Bowl win, but thats jumping right back into conservative game planning, although defensively Marty is more aggressive than Fox.

 

[NewYorkSpider]

John Fox and Marty Hurney brought you Jonathan Stewart and Jeff Otah last season. I don't know why you would think they need the boot. They've also drafted Julius Peppers, Steve Smith, DeAngelo Williams and Jordan Gross. The Delhomme deal isn't as bad as you make it out to be. The Panthers in '07 were nothing without Delhomme. They went back and forth between QB's to a 7-9 record. Imagine if Delhomme was the starter all year. The Panthers are 21-9 playing in divison games with Delhomme as their starter. Delhomme has also led this team to three playoff appearances, 2 NFC Championship games and 1 Super Bowl. Steve Beurlein the best QB in Panther history? Here's another little stat you should know. Since 2003, Jake Delhomme has won 54 of his starts (regular season and postseason). That would make him 6th behind, Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, Ben Rothlisberger, Donavan McNabb and Brett Favre. If Panther fans are really up in arms about his playoff performance against the Cardinals, then they're completely ignorant. The entire team didn't click, which included the defense. 2-3 of those INT were out of desperation to score. As far as the deal goes, the length is ridiculous, but it's basically a 2-3 year deal anyway.

 

[NotFadeAway]

John Fox and Marty Hurney brought you Jonathan Stewart and Jeff Otah last season. I don't know why you would think they need the boot. They've also drafted Julius Peppers, Steve Smith, DeAngelo Williams and Jordan Gross. The Delhomme deal isn't as bad as you make it out to be. The Panthers in '07 were nothing without Delhomme. They went back and forth between QB's to a 7-9 record. Imagine if Delhomme was the starter all year. The Panthers are 21-9 playing in divison games with Delhomme as their starter. Delhomme has also led this team to three playoff appearances, 2 NFC Championship games and 1 Super Bowl. Steve Beurlein the best QB in Panther history? Here's another little stat you should know. Since 2003, Jake Delhomme has won 54 of his starts (regular season and postseason). That would make him 6th behind, Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, Ben Rothlisberger, Donavan McNabb and Brett Favre. If Panther fans are really up in arms about his playoff performance against the Cardinals, then they're completely ignorant. The entire team didn't click, which included the defense. 2-3 of those INT were out of desperation to score. As far as the deal goes, the length is ridiculous, but it's basically a 2-3 year deal anyway.

First off, I've calmed down now. I flew off the handle in that last post.

Second, it was George Seifert and Jack Bushof that drafted Steve Smith. Hurney was only the Director of Operations then. That draft also included Dan Morgan, Kris Jenkins, Jarrod Cooper, and Chris Wienke(lol). And Dee Brown did win us a game in 2002 against Cleveland, replacing Lamar Smith.

Third, don't laugh at Steve Beurlein, he did a good job for us. Seifert gave him a very, very raw deal. I've always wondered how he would have done with the teams Delhomme has played with? Beurlein and Wesley Walls, two of my all time favorite Panthers.

Fourth, I love both Otah and Stewart as players. Otah is, in my mind, the next Willie Anderson, and Stewart is a helluva Running Back. But we didn't NEED to take Stewart in the 1st round. We NEEDED to take Jeff Otah. Then, and now, I would have taken Otah at #13, and then taken Matt Forte with our 2nd round pick, we were ahead of the Bears. Now, I loved watching Matt Forte play in College, and he did great for the Bears, so I may be biased. And this is nothing against Stewart, I just hate giving away draft picks, and we didn't have to in this case. It also boggles my mind that the coaching staff didn't see how talented DeAngelo Williams was until after this decision was made. I knew Williams would be a big deal.

Fifth, I'm more than happy to have Jake back as our QB next season. Our offense is just fine, we have a talented young O-line, a two headed beast at RB, Steve Smith, the always dependable Muhammed, and a QB who knows how to win in Jake. But, our defense needs ALOT of help. Agan, we need a DE, DT, OLB, 3rd CB, maybe another DE. Our defense sucked down the stretch last season, and the way the defense was ran sucked. I cannot stand the soft defenses that we ran last season. I was so hoping Del Rio got fired in Jacksonville so he could come back and save our Defense. Attack, attack, and attack some more. No more finesse defense. We need to match Gamble and Marshall up one on one with wideouts, no more zone coverages. I want to be more like the Eagles, not the Bucs.

Sixth, I think the thing that bugs me most about the Jake contract is it basically says, "were keeping Peppers", which sucks. He doesn't want to be here, and as a fan, I don't want him there. I want some picks damnit, so we can more on with our franchise. I can't believe teams are talking about giving up a 1st for a Wideout like Braylon Edwards, who has the dropsies, but we can't get a wiff for Peppers. And it doesn't seem like Furney is even eager to deal him, they seem like they want to keep him, which is dumb.

Seventh, it occured to me about an hour ago that the Delhomme deal doesn't matter if the league goes uncapped. I've read several sources say that the Panthers will be just fine without a salary cap.

 

[NewYorkSpider]

Second, it was George Seifert and Jack Bushof that drafted Steve Smith. Hurney was only the Director of Operations then. That draft also included Dan Morgan, Kris Jenkins, Jarrod Cooper, and Chris Wienke(lol). And Dee Brown did win us a game in 2002 against Cleveland, replacing Lamar Smith.

I forgot Steve Smith was drafted in '01. The Chris Weinke expierement was just a disaster waiting to happen. Wienke was one of those great College QB's that would be horrible in the NFL.

Third, don't laugh at Steve Beurlein, he did a good job for us. Seifert gave him a very, very raw deal. I've always wondered how he would have done with the teams Delhomme has played with? Beurlein and Wesley Walls, two of my all time favorite Panthers

.

I wasn't laughing at Beurlein. I was laughing at you because you thought he was the greatest QB in Panther history. If you believe that, then I STRONGLY disagree with you. Beurlein would've been pretty good with the team they have now. Greatest Panther, IMO, was Sam Mills.

Fourth, I love both Otah and Stewart as players. Otah is, in my mind, the next Willie Anderson, and Stewart is a helluva Running Back. But we didn't NEED to take Stewart in the 1st round. We NEEDED to take Jeff Otah. Then, and now, I would have taken Otah at #13, and then taken Matt Forte with our 2nd round pick, we were ahead of the Bears. Now, I loved watching Matt Forte play in College, and he did great for the Bears, so I may be biased. And this is nothing against Stewart, I just hate giving away draft picks, and we didn't have to in this case. It also boggles my mind that the coaching staff didn't see how talented DeAngelo Williams was until after this decision was made. I knew Williams would be a big deal.

Last years draft was the most brilliant planning by a coach/GM that I've seen. The Panthers were very high on Ryan Clady at the time, but he was selected one spot before us to Denver. They then decided that RB would be the best option, then trade up to get a OT (which was Otah). I'm not complaining about what they did last year in the draft. It was worth it IMO.

Fifth, I'm more than happy to have Jake back as our QB next season. Our offense is just fine, we have a talented young O-line, a two headed beast at RB, Steve Smith, the always dependable Muhammed, and a QB who knows how to win in Jake. But, our defense needs ALOT of help. Agan, we need a DE, DT, OLB, 3rd CB, maybe another DE. Our defense sucked down the stretch last season, and the way the defense was ran sucked. I cannot stand the soft defenses that we ran last season. I was so hoping Del Rio got fired in Jacksonville so he could come back and save our Defense. Attack, attack, and attack some more. No more finesse defense. We need to match Gamble and Marshall up one on one with wideouts, no more zone coverages. I want to be more like the Eagles, not the Bucs.

Defense is the #1 priority in the draft. The Panthers seem to like DE/DT Jarron Gilbert out of San Jose State. Another player I'm intrested in is CB Coye Francies also from San Jose State. I think he's the steal of the draft. Ron Meeks takes over the defense this season. He's led two teams to the Super Bowl.

Sixth, I think the thing that bugs me most about the Jake contract is it basically says, "were keeping Peppers", which sucks. He doesn't want to be here, and as a fan, I don't want him there. I want some picks damnit, so we can more on with our franchise. I can't believe teams are talking about giving up a 1st for a Wideout like Braylon Edwards, who has the dropsies, but we can't get a wiff for Peppers. And it doesn't seem like Furney is even eager to deal him, they seem like they want to keep him, which is dumb.

The Peppers deal has gone back and forth. Peppers doesn't have to except a deal to a team that he doesn't want to play for. He listed 4 teams that he wanted to play for. Either the Panthers are reluctant to trade him, or the deals they're getting for him are ridiculous. Hurney isn't in a hurry to deal him, he's just taking his time trying to find the best deal. It might not happen now since Delhomme has signed a contract.

Seventh, it occured to me about an hour ago that the Delhomme deal doesn't matter if the league goes uncapped. I've read several sources say that the Panthers will be just fine without a salary cap.

That's if the league doesn't come to an agreement.

 

[Cmill216]

Too....many.....words.....

 

[StorminNorman]

Defense is the #1 priority in the draft. The Panthers seem to like DE/DT Jarron Gilbert out of San Jose State. Another player I'm intrested in is CB Coye Francies also from San Jose State. I think he's the steal of the draft. Ron Meeks takes over the defense this season. He's led two teams to the Super Bowl.

I am interested in Gilbert, but I am not sure how I feel about him going to Carolina. Gilbert is an ideal fit for a 3-4.

The DE Athletic freak that Carolina should taget to replace Peppers is Michael Johnson. He is a huge boom/bust pick (then agian, so was Mario Williams a few years ago) - if he finds a coach that he falls in love with, who can motivate him, he could be a beast.

The Peppers deal has gone back and forth. Peppers doesn't have to except a deal to a team that he doesn't want to play for. He listed 4 teams that he wanted to play for. Either the Panthers are reluctant to trade him, or the deals they're getting for him are ridiculous. Hurney isn't in a hurry to deal him, he's just taking his time trying to find the best deal. It might not happen now since Delhomme has signed a contract.

The Panthers can't trade Peppers right now. Not until Pepper's signs his tender. This is exactly why Peppers hasn't signed it. Right now the only person any team interested in trading for Peppers can talk to is his agent. Pepper's hold all the cards right now.

 

[The Game]

Madden fans (if such a thing still exists) here is the new cover

http://twitpic.com/3vywb

Double curse

 

[jks]

Did anyone hear what ESPN's Michael Smith said about Madden?

"If aliens came to our planet and they we're looking to talk to someone about Football, Madden would be the guy to talk to."

I thought madden WAS the alien talking about football....

 

[jks]

Hmm...1,058 yards, 10 touchdowns for him with KC last year. He's had 2 1000 yard seasons in 3 years with the Chiefs. Not too bad.

Falcons are an offensive juggernaut at this point. Another higher end reciever to go with white and they'd be the hulk.

Best thing is kc took a 2010 pick, which means the falcons can drop any attention they might have had on brandon pettigrew and focus virtually the entire draft on defense. *hopes cushing lasts until #24*

 

[RAMORE]

I can't tell who that is Larry fitz and I think but who's the guy on the left?

 

[Erzengel]

Looks like Troy Polamalu.

 

[jks]

I can't tell who that is Larry fitz and I think but who's the guy on the left?

troy polamalu

 

[Dark Donnie]

Watch out Fitzgerald and Polamalu fans as those two are next on the list.

Larry Fitzgerald-WR-Cardinals Apr. 24 - 9:32 am et

Larry Fitzgerald and Troy Polamalu are expected to be on the cover of EA Sports' Madden 2010.

Adrian Peterson backed out of an offer earlier. Fizgerald is being rewarded for the finest postseason by a wideout in playoff history. Polamalu is coming off his first 16-game season since 2005. He also picked seven passes.

Source: Profootballtalk.com

 

[Mister J]

Larry Fitzgerald and Troy Polamalu are expected to be on the cover of EA Sports' Madden 2010.

Adrian Peterson backed out of an offer earlier.

 

[Dark Donnie]

Not real surprising I guess....he's not trying ot get Eddie George'd

 

[Mister J]

It's not that uncommon for athletes to be superstitious to a degree; favoring certain routines, circumstances and/or an order. It seems most common in baseball, but I've read a fair share of football players subscribing too. Why tempt fate for (what I'm assuming is) a few extra 100K?

**** is still funny. "Thank you, but no thank you."

 

[Dark Donnie]

It's not that uncommon for athletes to be superstitious to a degree; favoring certain routines, circumstances and/or an order. It seems most common in baseball, but I've read a fair share of football players subscribing too. Why tempt fate for (what I'm assuming is) a few extra 100K?

**** is still funny. "Thank you, but no thank you."

Oh I agree....this has happened in the past. I believe LT turned the cover down either last year or two years ago.

 

[BlackLantern]

Oh I agree....this has happened in the past. I believe LT turned the cover down either last year or two years ago.

Yea...I believe in the Madden curse