So, the New York Giants defensive end is willing to step up and be the top bidder in the auction that ends tonight. But it comes with a catch. Umenyiora says he will buy the ring and return it to Taylor if he gets one million followers on Twitter.

The problem? The auction ends tonight. Umenyiora had 27,133 followers on Twitter when this story was written. That leaves him nearly 975,000 Twitter followers short.

“L.T is a football LEGEND! If 1,000,000 people support him getting his ring back, then its worth it to me to buy it and give it back to him,” Umenyiora wrote.

If, by chance, folks start following Umenyiora on Twitter in droves, he will let a random fan personally return the ring to Taylor.

Sounds to us like Taylor won’t be seeing the ring again that he says he gave to his son and his son is auctioning.

Follow me on Twitter: @BradBiggs

Brad Biggs covers the Bears for the Chicago Tribune
 

Follow @footballpost on Twitter for the latest news

Article source: http://us.rd.yahoo.com/sports/rss/nfl/SIG=12gce0drm/*http%3A//sports.yahoo.com/news/umenyiora-buy-lts-ring-gets-142013217--nfl.html

Johnson, the All-Pro wide receiver, homered in batting practice before the Tigers game on Friday at Comerica Park.

“I told Delmon Young I would keep coming back until I hit one out, and I happened to hit one out today,” Johnson said, according to John Niyo of the Detroit News. “I’m still coming back, though.”

Johnson connected off coach Gene Lamont, who was throwing batting practice, putting the ball over the left-field fence.

Now, if the Tigers just had some players that could help the Lions out in their secondary, we’d really have something going on here.

Follow me on Twitter: @BradBiggs

Brad Biggs covers the Bears for the Chicago Tribune
 

Follow @footballpost on Twitter for the latest news

Article source: http://us.rd.yahoo.com/sports/rss/nfl/SIG=12kqhoht5/*http%3A//sports.yahoo.com/news/calvin-johnson-goes-deep-tigers-145008393--nfl.html

Wells told the team’s Web site he doesn’t have a timetable for a return but plans to be in action by the time training camp rolls around, if not sooner.

“I am hopeful, but it’s offseason stuff,” Wells said, according to Darren Urban. “Being ready for training camp is the most important thing.”

Wells was hampered by knee issues most of last season and still managed to rush for 1,047 yards and 10 touchdowns. The Cardinals’ other top back, Ryan Williams, is rehabilitating his way back from patella tendon surgery.

With any luck, the Cardinals will have a pair of backs at full strength this season.

Follow me on Twitter: @BradBiggs

Brad Biggs covers the Bears for the Chicago Tribune

Follow @footballpost on Twitter for the latest news

Article source: http://us.rd.yahoo.com/sports/rss/nfl/SIG=12q0sk6t2/*http%3A//sports.yahoo.com/news/cardinals-running-backs-still-working-153014754--nfl.html

A year ago, receiver Terrell Owens tore an ACL.  In October, he held a public workout that no team attended.  That same day, 53 other players got private workouts with individual teams.

Since then, not a single NFL team has given Owens a workout, even though he has shown that he can play football, via his decision to play on a part-time basis in the Indoor Football League.

Even now, with 90 players on each team’s offseason roster, no one has offered Owens an opportunity to come in and show what he can do.

In an interview that will air Monday on 95.7 The Game in San Francisco (they’ve actually sent out a quote sheet), Owens says he’d like to play for the 49ers or the Raiders.

We wouldn’t be surprised to learn that this is part of a new strategy that entails appearing on a radio station in each NFL city and making a public pitch to play for the local team, like Chad Ochocinco did at Radio Row a few years ago when he was trying to get traded out of Cincinnati.

It’s sad, really.  The NFL wants nothing to do with Owens, and yet he still desperately wants back in.

There’s a bizarre Bruce-Willis-in-The-Sixth-Sense quality to Owens’ depths of denial and delusion.  His NFL career is dead, and we’re well past that moment at the end of the movie when the wedding ring hits the ground and everyone in the theater figures out what was going on.

And as to anyone for whom I’ve just spoiled the ending of a 13-year-old movie, you really need to get out more.

Article source: http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/05/19/t-o-still-doesnt-realize-its-over/

Drew Brees has been the Saints’ No. 1 quarterback every day since the day he arrived in 2006, but he’s not right now, because as an unsigned free agent he doesn’t even play for the Saints right now at all. And that means when the Saints begin their organized team activities next week, Chase Daniel will be running the first-string offense.

Daniel sounds ambivalent about that, knowing it’s a good experience for him while also knowing that this team needs Brees.

“First and foremost, we miss Drew,” Daniel told the Associated Press. “This whole team, the community, the fans, everybody misses Drew, but we also realize right now we have to move on without him,” Daniel said. “Is a deal going to get done? Yes, I have faith. But right now it’s a great opportunity for myself to go in, show the type of skills I’ve [developed] and really earn the trust of the guys. I’m looking forward to it. Obviously, Drew runs the ship. I’m just here to get ready.”

Daniel has spent the last three seasons with the Saints but has only seen the field in garbage time, throwing eight passes. After three years as Brees’ understudy, he says Brees is behind him now.

“He just says, ‘Steer the ship,’” Daniel said of his conversations with Brees. “It hurts him not to be there. It really does. We’re like family to him and he’s family to us and we miss him . . . but he also realizes that this is a business and he has to get a deal done first.”

And until that deal gets done, Chase Daniel is the starting quarterback of the New Orleans Saints.

Article source: http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/05/19/chase-daniel-reflects-on-his-status-as-saints-no-1-quarterback/

Jim Harbaugh was a teammate of Marvin Harrison’s for two years. He was an assistant coach on a Raiders team that had Jerry Rice and Tim Brown. He was a contemporary of Steve Largent and Cris Carter. As a boy who loved football he surely grew up watching Fred Biletnikoff and Lynn Swann. He’s no doubt watched NFL Films footage of Raymond Berry. In his first year as the 49ers’ head coach his team played against Larry Fitzgerald and Calvin Johnson. He’s seen many great wide receivers with great hands.

And apparently he’s had a bad case of amnesia that made him forget all of that.

That’s the only possible explanation for the statement Harbaugh made about his own receiver on the 49ers, Michael Crabtree, who according to Harbaugh has better hands than any of those receivers, or any other receiver he has ever watched play in a lifetime around the game of football.

“Crab’s got the best hands I’ve ever seen on a wide receiver,” Harbaugh said on KNBR-680, via CSNBayArea.com.

Sure, Crabtree is a talented receiver who had his best season yet last year with 72 catches, but saying Crabtree has the best hands he’s ever seen just sounds crazy, not to mention a little insulting to the many great receivers Harbaugh has seen in person through the years. Perhaps Harbaugh just wants to show Crabtree that his coach is confident in him, and he’s willing to go a little overboard to express that confidence.

That’s the explanation I’ll go with when Harbaugh says Alex Smith has the best arm he’s ever seen.

Article source: http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/05/19/jim-harbaugh-michael-crabtree-has-the-best-hands-ive-ever-seen/

With the draft over and all wrapped up, we thought it would be a good idea to get back on the phone with our buddy Greg Cosell of NFL Films and ESPN’s “NFL Matchup,” and talk about the NFL by division. Who did themselves the most favors in the draft, and who came up short when addressing their roster deficits?

The Shutdown Corner Podcast Greg Cosell on the NFC West draft

We started off with the NFC West last week, and we now move to the hyper-competitive AFC North. Appropriate, given Greg’s recent post on the NFL Films Blog praising the Cincinnati Bengals’ draft strategy. With that in mind, we asked Greg what he thought the Bengals, Baltimore Ravens, Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers did to bolster their teams.

Related: [Cosell on quarterbacks, running backs/wide receivers, tight ends/offensive line, OLB/DE/DT stars, the ILB/DB class, and overall draft review]

Baltimore Ravens OLB Courtney Upshaw, and how he’ll be tasked to replace Terrell Suggs: “The Ravens are very versatile with their fronts. Suggs would line up in two-point and three-point stances. He played a number of different positions and alignments — that’s what the Ravens do, and Upshaw fits that role. I don’t think anybody’s going to say that he’s going to do what Suggs has done for a number of years — Suggs is a pretty damned good player — but the way Upshaw plays, I think he could eventually become similar to that guy.”

Cincinnati Bengals OG Kevin Zeitler: “I seem to be in the minority here, and we’ll never know how the Bengals felt because David DeCastro was gone when they picked, but I thought Zeitler was a little more complete than DeCastro — I thought he was a better athlete. I thought he had more scheme-versatility, and he fits very well in a zone run game. I’m not sure DeCastro does. Now, DeCastro fits in the power run game better; that’s what he did at Stanford. But given what the Bengals want their guards to do, I think Zeitler was the better choice, and would have been the better choice had DeCastro been available.”

The Shutdown Corner Podcast: Greg Cosell on the 2012 AFC North Draft

The Cleveland Browns’ first-round selections of Trent Richardson and Brandon Weeden: “Theoretically, you could look at it this way — they ended up with Richardson and Weeden instead of Ryan Tannehill and Doug Martin. And I think Richardson/Weeden is the better combination … in fact, I don’t think, I know. Richardson, we don’t need to discuss … I thought he was the best player in this draft. Weeden has some concerns. He was the best pure pocket passer in this draft, but he’s got meaningful and troublesome issues with pressure. That’s a serious red flag when you transition to the NFL.”

Pittsburgh Steelers RB Chris Rainey: “I love this pick for them. It’s funny how things change in given years, and where people get drafted — I like Rainey more than Dexter McCluster, and McCluster was a second-round pick of the Chiefs [in the 2910 NFL draft]. The reason he’s a fifth-round pick? He is what he is. He’s not a feature back, but you design 12 to 15 plays [around him], whatever you choose — but this guy can score from anywhere on the field.”

As always with everything involving Greg Cosell, this podcast is a must-listen for those fans of advanced tape analysis. Subscribe to the Shutdown Corner iTunes link (in iTunes, go to “Advanced/Subscribe to Podcast,” and paste this link in: http://ysportspods.podbean.com/category/shutdown/feed/). You can also use the link below to either left-click and listen, or right-click to save to your computer.

The Shutdown Corner Podcast: Greg Cosell on the 2012 AFC North Draft

Article source: http://us.rd.yahoo.com/sports/rss/nfl/SIG=13n5j0gqm/*http%3A//sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nfl-shutdown-corner/shutdown-corner-podcast-greg-cosell-2012-afc-north-162304494.html

Excited About Signed, New Talent

After selecting a draft class that fills several needs, the Steelers have backed it up by signing almost all of their picks. Only first round pick, G David DeCastro and third round linebacker Sean Spence have yet to make their employment official. There should be no lengthy holdouts to impede the team’s progress. In particular, it is helpful that fourth round NT, Alameda Ta’amu, is signed and ready to learn. Casey Hampton may miss the first quarter of the season. Ta’amu may not start, but he would at least provide a large body for depth.

The Steelers have at least two feel good stories among their undrafted free agent signings. Before the draft, the Steelers went to West Virginia University’s pro day and walked away with Will Johnson. He was undrafted in last year’s shortened off-season, but continued to work out. He performed the most bench presses at the pro day and ran a 4.49 40 yard dash. The Steelers quickly signed him. He is projected as an H-back or fullback. With the glut of TEs on the roster, he is probably practice squad material, but I am rooting for him to show something at camp and make the 53 man roster.

The Steelers also signed Georgia punter Drew Butler, a Ray Guy award winner in his sophomore season and a high character guy. At Georgia, Butler made his best kicks when the team really needed the change of field position. With the departure of former 4th round pick, Daniel Sepulveda and the average results from Jeremy Kapinos, I think Butler may stick as a low price, high-upside option.

Excited About a Stronger Offense

The Steelers have a new offensive coordinator, Pittsburgh-born Todd Haley. His 2008 Arizona Cardinals offense (number two in passing yards) played well against the Steelers in the Super Bowl. In 2010, his Kansas City Chiefs led the league in rushing. Now, he and offensive line coach Sean Kugler are rebuilding the Steelers’ most notable weakness from recent seasons – the offensive line. With a healthy Willie Colon moving to guard, it seems that the two young tackles (rookie Mike Adams and second year man Marcus Gilbert) will join DeCastro and Pro Bowl center Maurkice Pouncey on the line. With all that young, early round talent, I expect the line to be a new strength for the team. That will help Ben Roethlisberger to stay healthy and also improve the running game toward the dominance Steelers fans expect.

The Steelers also have some new specialized weapons for the offense. Chris Rainey is a dangerous, Darren Sproles type player who adds a score-from-anywhere threat to the backfield and special teams. They also chose a big, red zone target in WR Toney Clemons. Will he be the next late round diamond to emerge in the Steelers passing game?

Excited About the Unanswered Questions

There are questions to be answered, though. Can Isaac Redman be the work horse running back while Rashard Mendenhall heals? Can one of the young corners step up to replace William Gay? Can the Steelers and elite speedster Mike Wallace come to amicable terms on a long term deal? There is work to be done in camp and in preseason. The good news, though, is that these questions can be realistically resolved. They are relatively minor compared to what the competition is facing.

Excited About the Baltimore Ravens‘ Turmoil

Last season the hated Baltimore Ravens won the AFC North and swept the Steelers. However, their offseason has been more dramatic than they want. Ferocious linebacker Terrell Suggs is likely out for the season with an injury. Mauling guard Ben Grubbs is gone. Banged up superstar safety Ed Reed is questioning whether he will play this season. Ray Lewis has to be slowing down with age (except for his mouth). Starting QB Joe Flacco and RB Ray Rice are in contract disuptes with the team. Even coach John Harbaugh has been in trouble for bashing the “stained” New England Patriots (though I agreed with him). All this distraction and difficulty couldn’t happen to a more deserving team.

There are so many reason to look forward to this season that I want to fast-forward DVR-style to week one, but I can’t. So, I will just have to sit back and let the excitement build. June mini-camps are coming soon. Preseason games will be in August. I can’t remember a more exciting offseason. Let’s hope the payoff is another Lombardi trophy!

Sean Durity is a Terrible Towel twirling Steelers fan living in Atlanta. He grew up cheering the 1970s dynasty and appreciates the organization’s excellence even more as an adult. Follow him on Twitter @SeanDurity

More from this contributor:

2012 Pittsburgh Steelers Schedule Features Games Against Both Mannings, Tebow: A Fan’s First Reaction

Pittsburgh Steelers 2012 Draft Sends Clear Messages: A Fan’s Interpretation

Why I Hate the Ravens: A Steelers fan explains

SOURCES

Official Steelers Player Transactions, steelers.com

NFL Team Stats

Article source: http://us.rd.yahoo.com/sports/rss/nfl/SIG=13j1bogf9/*http%3A//sports.yahoo.com/news/2012-pittsburgh-steelers-build-offseason-excitement-fans-giddy-030900054--nfl.html

The film, which premiered in the East Club Lounge at Heinz Field, details the Steelers’ 2011 season and their journey to a 12-4 regular season record.  Pittsburgh overcame injuries to key players on both sides of the ball to earn their 26^th playoff berth since 1970, tying the Dallas Cowboys for the most in the NFL over that time span.

The team showed heart and determination throughout the 2011 campaign. Pittsburgh tied Baltimore with the best record in the division, making the AFC North the only division in the NFL where two teams had at least 12 wins and three teams had at least nine wins.

The 24-minute film showcases how Head Coach Mike Tomlin led the Steelers to a 9-3 record through the first 12 games for the fourth time in his first five seasons, a franchise record. The 12 wins marked only the second time in team history that Pittsburgh recorded back-to-back regular seasons with at least 12 victories (1978-79). The Steelers again showcased one of the league’s best defenses, leading the NFL in pass defense and being the only team to register two shutouts. Pittsburgh’s number one ranked pass defense held nine teams under 175 net passing yards, including limiting the New England Patriots to 170 net passing yards in a Week 8 victory at Heinz Field.

Viewers were also witnesses to the strong performances made by many Steelers last season. For the 11^th straight season and the 20^th time in the last 23 seasons, multiple Steelers were selected to the Pro Bowl, including Ben Roethlisberger who became the Steelers’ leader in career completions. Roethlisberger also threw for the second most passing yards during a single season in team history while only playing in 15 regular-season games. One of his targets, Hines Ward, became the eighth player in NFL history to record at least 1,000 receptions and 12,000 receiving yards. Team MVP Antonio Brown passed Barry Foster for the franchise single-season record for all-purpose yards and became the first player in NFL history with at least 1,000 receiving yards and 1,000 return yards in the same season.

“Heart” was produced by Bethel Park-native John Weiss of NFL Films, his 22^nd Steelers highlight project. KDKA Radio’s Larry Richert narrates the video, while the Steelers broadcast team of Bill Hillgrove and former Steelers Tunch Ilkin and Craig Wolfley are featured in radio calls of game action.

The 2011 season highlight film will be available in early July exclusively at all Steelers Sideline Stores and on www.steelers.com.

Article source: http://www.steelers.com/news/article-1/Steelers-2011-Season-Chronicled-In-Highlight-Film-Titled-“Heart”/041a67b4-7061-40ba-958d-ed392916259e

Rooney made the announcement prior to the viewing of the 2011 season highlight film, which debuted in Heinz Field’s East Club Lounge. Richert was on hand as he annually narrates the team’s highlight film.

Article source: http://www.steelers.com/news/article-1/Larry-Richert-To-Serve-As-Voice-of-Heinz-Field-During-Home-Steelers-Games/5d6c8a08-f5c3-4050-9bda-9e25ae681c46