Entries Tagged 'NFL Rumors and Speculations' ↓

According to reports from ESPN and now the AP, Bill Parcells is considering a position with the Atlanta Falcons which would basically give him the power to hire a new head coach for the Atlanta Falcons after Bobby Petrino walked out on the team last week. Parcells would likely be a fine candidate because of his experience and his network of resources is fairly widespread.

Interestingly, Parcells could, if he wanted, name himself the head coach. But given the nature of the team — its talent — it would be surprising if he did so. Besides, being let go by the Dallas Cowboys probably left a bitter taste in his mouth and, while coaching there, he didn’t appear to enjoy the work. At his age, rebuilding a team from scratch — which is about where the Falcons are at this point — may not be the best idea.

According to report in the New York Post, Eric Mangini was presented with opportunity after opportunity to clarify the quarterback situation in New York. Five times, in fact. But Man-genius (sure, I’ll still call him that) isn’t going to say.

“We’ve got to see where Kellen is in terms of the injury,” Mangini said. “I think Kellen has done a lot of good things and there’s a lot of things that he’s still growing into and learning about with experience.

“On the other side, I thought Chad did a really nice job in the role that he has, to have limited reps and come in and execute all the different things we asked him to execute. That to me is classic Chad.”

We’re not even through the 2007 season and we’re already beginning to discuss his plans for 2008. At least one AP reporter isn’t afraid to speculate about what’s going on in Favre’s head:

Favre at least hinted that the Packers’ successful season makes him more likely to return next year.

“If last season gave me hope, if I felt optimistic after our Chicago game last year at 8-8 and not making the playoffs, sure, I obviously have to feel a little bit better — especially individually,” Favre said.

Circle your calendar, Oakland fans. ESPN’s Chris Mortensen reports that, according to sources, the Russell-era will begin December 2nd against the Denver Broncos. Evidently, that’s the perfect time.

The Raiders have circled Dec. 2 vs. the Broncos as the likely starting debut for the 2007 No. 1 overall pick, team sources told ESPN.

Russell’s “light came on” a couple of weeks ago, a source told ESPN.

Russell had a great week of practice, then weighed in at 259 on Friday after hovering in the 270s most of the season.

On a 6-game skid, the Raiders have decided that prioritizing the future may be in the best interests of the team, especially after locking up JaMarcus Russell with the largest rookie contract in NFL history — a 6 year, $68 million deal.

The city of Philadelphia is losing patience with Donovan McNabb and the relationship between the two continues to worsen. This is not a city known for its love, not when it comes to sports. These fans are die-hards — the best kind — but there comes a point when you need to relax and not call for a rookie quarterback to replace your franchise quarterback.

But that’s the case. As one’s career nears its end, another is ready to step up (sort of). Kevin Kolb is no Donovan McNabb, at least not yet. His mechanics are still maturing, as is his adjustment to the pro game. Is he ready? No. But fans don’t care. They want to see Kolb step in and lead the team to the promised land.

A blog I enjoy reading recently asked this question. His argument is that “he simply makes too much money to stand around and watch” and “he needs to be on the field.”

The blog actually broke down all aspects of the argument, but those are a couple of the main points. And they make sense. Unfortunately, the Raiders haven’t been effective in pass protection and the team’s discipline on the football field hasn’t been on par with the rest of the NFL. In fact, it’s been much much worse as the team is at the bottom of the league when it comes to committing holding and false start penalties.

Just when Larry Johnson began to have some success on the field, it looks now as if he’ll be making an early exit. What was originally reported to be a minor foot sprain now appears to be a much more serious fracture, something that could send him to the sideline for the remainder of the season (while putting the Chiefs’ playoff hopes in serious doubt). The report comes from a Denver news station which cites team sources.

Keep in mind, however, this is still in its rumor stages. Team officials, including head coach Herm Edwards, have not been negative to this point. Tuesday he said that while Johnson will miss week 10 and perhaps additional time, though he didn’t make the suggestion that his running back’s season could be over. Incidentally, the same report also said Johnson was to receive further testing in the near future.

According to Yahoo! Sports, the Miami Dolphins are going to throw John Beck into the starting lineup, following the team’s bye on November 4.

Backup quarterback Cleo Lemon is expected to make his third start of the season Sunday against the New York Giants in London. However, rookie John Beck could be the starter on Nov. 11 when the 0-7 Dolphins play host to the Buffalo Bills, two sources said this week.

If it’s true, it’s about time. I have no problem with Cleo Lemon — aside from his awful numbers this season — but Beck is (presumably) the team’s quarterback of the future. The Dolphins’ season is clearly lost, so why not play the rookie and get him some game time experience before next season?

Here’s a rumor, one with no foundation whatsoever — other than the fact it makes some sense: Bill Parcells could be in Miami’s plans for the future. Not as a head coach, however; rather as the team’s GM.

“It makes a lot of sense that the Dolphins would be a job he’d be very interested in if it came open,” a source close to Parcells said Friday. “But only as the GM. I don’t think he’ll ever coach again.”

At least one person thinks it’s logical.