---

POSTED 9:52 p.m. EDT, July 15, 2006

PFT PRESEASON POWER RANKINGS:  NO. 18

Every year, there's a team that many of the so-called experts peg as the next perennial postseason outsider to become a playoff contender.  With the Cincinnati Bengals finally busting through after several years of being the next rising team to reverse a long stretch of misfortune, the next logical candidate still has a long way to go.

And for now that squad comes in at the top end of the bottom half of the league's teams.

The Arizona Cardinals.

In an age of parity, which has entailed plenty of quick turnarounds and even faster falls from grace (e.g., the Super Bowl loser hasn't made it back to the playoffs in the next season for five straight years), the Cardinals have found a way to avoid playing beyond Week Seventeen since 1998.

That's the longest current drought for any NFL franchise.

How chronically bad have the Cardinals been?  But for the 16-team tournament that the league threw together at the end of the strike-shortened 1982 season, the Cards have qualified for the playoffs only once in the last 30 years.

That's pathetic, and it's evidence of a problem that runs all the way to the top of the organization.

The flaws in this franchise have been so deep and profound that not even Denny Green has found a way to turn it around quickly.  And we're talking about the same Denny Green that pulled the Vikings out of a two-year funk and thrust the team into consistent playoff contention, taking it to the playoffs in eight of his nine full seasons.

Instead, the Cards have been 6-10 and 5-11 in Green's first two years, and even with the addition of running back Edgerrin James and a brand new stadium that plenty of real, live human beings will be frequenting this year, we still think that a lot needs to be done to erase the stink of all of the years of ineptitude that have plagued one of the oldest franchises in pro football.

For now, the biggest trouble is in the trenches.

Though the guy known as E.J. might think he's on track to don an ugly mustard sports jacket and deliver a ten-minute speech on the temporary dais at Fawcett Stadium in Canton, he should give Ricky Williams a call regarding the realities of trying to gain yards on the ground without, you know, effective blocking.

So what did the Cards do in the offseason to improve an offensive line that paved the way for only 1,138 rushing yards in 2005, nearly 200 yards behind the No. 31 team?  They signed a guy that the Texans gave up on.  (They also selected Deuce Lutui in the second round of the draft, going with a guard at a time when it might have made more sense to take a tackle.)

On defense, the Cards signed tackle Kendrick Clancy, an underrated nose tackle who overachieved for the Giants in 2005.  But Clancy isn't capable of carrying the entire line, and for a franchise that has rented a string of quality defensive ends over the past decade or so there's none of them left right now.

The strangest aspect of all of this is that the Cardinals' defense wasn't all that bad last year.  Statistically, they finished in the top ten, allowing fewer yards per game than the Redskins, Colts, Broncos, Seahawks, and Patriots.  Thanks to a high-octane passing game, the offense was in the top ten as well.

And yet they still found a way to lose six more games than they won.

Thus, we think the trend will continue, at least for another year, even as more and more league observers will take the position that it's time for the Cards to make the playoffs in a non-strike year for the second time since the Ford administration. 

But barring a major injury to one or more key players, the Seahawks will win the division going away.  So then the question will be whether the Cards can snag a wild card berth.  Even though the NFC has generally become the AFC's eight-beer biatch, the numbers don't favor Arizona.  With four legitimate contenders in the East and three in the South, the Cardinals will need to rack up plenty of wins in a schedule that includes games against the Broncos, Chiefs, Chargers, Cowboys, and Falcons.

Sorry, Cardinals fans.  It'll inevitably happen for you.  But not yet.

Next, the fantasy grades.

Quarterback:  Kurt Warner still has plenty of name recognition, and with all of the hype surrounding the team this year he's certain to be drafted higher than his remaining ability merits.  Don't fall for it -- he hasn't played 16 games since 2001, and this likely will be his last season as the Week One starter.  He gets a C.  (And it might be a good idea to throw a late-round lasso around Matt Leinart, especially in a keeper league.)

Running back:  If Edgerrin James can churn out 1,500 yards behind the Arizona line, he deserves to be put in the Hall of Fame right now.  We're skeptical, however.  We think he'll get his 1,000 yards, but it won't be easy and he might get hurt.  We give him a B-.

Wide receiver:  The stats of Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin were virtually identical in 2005.  Both had over 100 catches, each had in excess of 1,400 yards.  We like Fitzgerald a little bit more than Boldin, so we'll give Larry an A and Boldin an A-.

Tight end:  With all of the balls that will be sailing toward the wideouts, there's no chance of this position generating decent numbers.

Defense:  Another unit that isn't quite elite, but still a cut above the background noise of the so-so and the poor units out there.  B-.

Kicker:  Neil Rackers set a league record with 40 field goals in 2005.  He gets a B+.

---

POSTED 11:23 a.m. EDT; UPDATED 12:30 p.m. EDT, July 15, 2006

NFL EXPLAINS THE NEW JULY 15 RULE

We've obtained more information regarding the NFL's interpretation of the new rule regarding the signing of franchise players to long-term deals.  As it turns out, our previous analysis of the rule was partially wrong (but also partially right).

Under the prior CBA, a multi-year deal signed by the franchise player and his team prior to July 15 resulted in the loss of the franchise tag for the full duration of the contract (barring circumstances such as retirement or career-ending injury).  After July 15, a multi-year deal could be executed between the franchise player and the team, without consequence.

NFL spokesman Greg Aiello tells us the procedure has changed in light of the revised CBA:  "Under the new agreement, a club has until 4:00 p.m. (New York time) on July 15 to sign its designated Franchise Player to a multi-year contract or extension.  After the deadline, the player may sign only a one-year contract with his prior club, and that contract may only be extended after the club's last regular season game."  (Aiello also advised us that, because July 15 fell on a Saturday, the actual deadline this year would have been Monday, July 17 at 4:00 p.m. EDT.)

For now, the controlling language is the "Term Sheet" negotiated by the NFL and the NFL Players Association in March.  Per the exact language of the Term Sheet, "FP signed to multi-year contract before 7/15 results in loss of designation for only one year; any contract signed after that date through the end of the season can be only for one year."

The NFL's position regarding this provision, then, is that a long-term deal signed prior to July 15 now restores the franchise tag for the following season.  But we (and possibly many others in and around the league) interpreted the phrase "loss of designation for only one year" to mean that the team would forfeit the ability to use the tag in the following season.

Here's why.  First, we considered the new rule in light of the old one.  Previously, signing a multi-year deal before July 15 forfeited the tag for the life of the contract.  Now, it's lost "for only one year."

Second, the phrase "loss of designation for only one year" is meaningless if it refers to the current league year, because the CBA plainly states at Article XX, Section 1 that "each Club shall be permitted to designate one of its players who would otherwise be an Unrestricted Free Agent as a Franchise Player each season during the term of this Agreement."  (Emphasis added.)  Thus, it's impossible for a team to:  (1) designate a franchise player; (2) sign the franchise player to a multi-year term deal; and (3) use the franchise tag on another player.  Common sense suggests that, since there's no designation to be lost in the current year since the designation can't be re-used, the key phrase in the Term Sheet applies to the next league year.

In this regard, it's important to keep in mind the fact that Aiello has provided us with only the Management Council's interpretation of the rule.  At this point, it's not clear whether the NFLPA agrees.  Though we're attempting to obtain more information regarding the union's position, it's possible that the union will contend that the Detroit Lions have lost the ability to use the franchise tag in 2007 by signing Jeff Backus to a long-term deal. 

The issue, however, most likely won't become relevant unless and until the Lions attempt to use the franchise tag in 2007.  Then, the union could file a grievance in the name of the player whom the Lions are attempting to restrict via the franchise tag, arguing that the Lions have no tag to use. 

Before then, however, the NFL and the NFLPA surely will be revisiting this provision during the process of incorporating the Term Sheet into the CBA.  If, however, the two sides had finished the job before July 15, the Lions would likely have had a greater level of certainty as to whether a long-term deal with Jeff Backus triggered the loss of the tag for 2007, or not at all.

Regardless of whether the tag is lost for a year or not at all for deals signed before July 15, the fact remains that no multi-year contract could have been signed by the Lions and their 2006 franchise player after July 15. 

Thus, contrary to other reports regarding the issue, the Lions would not have lost their franchise tag for the duration of the Backus contract if a long-term contract had been signed after July 15.  Instead, as Aiello advised us, a multi-year deal after July 15 could not have been executed or approved.

So under the NFL's interpretation of the new July 15 rule, the Lions at no time were in danger of losing their franchise tag for 2007 or beyond.  As Aiello said, "[T]here is no longer any scenario under which a club would lose its tag for future years.  They either do a multi-year deal before the deadline (and keep the tag), or they do a one-year deal after the deadline (and keep the tag)."

In fairness to the league, the NFL's position isn't something that was developed within the past few days.  In an NFL.com item dated March 11, the league explained that the franchise player could be signed to a long-term deal before July 15 without losing the ability to use the tag in the future.

Stay tuned, possibly, for the union's position on this.

---

SATURDAY AFTERNOON ONE-LINERS

T.O.'s publicist now says that T.O. was misquoted when he said that he was misquoted in his own book (unless, of course, she's being misquoted).

The publicist also suggests that the notion that T.O. misquoted himself came from "Internet reports."  (Technically, she's correct; the AP  story regarding the issue has been "reported" in various places on the "Internet.")

Former Jets G.M. Terry Bradway, demoted earlier this year, has been promoted to director of player personnel.

Pacman says that the Titans will make the playoffs this year (after they transfer to the CFL).

Falcons CB Jimmy Williams doesn't plan to part ways with agent Ethan Lock, despite the reported defection of Zeke Sandhu to David Dunn's group.

Now we understand why Madden 2007 cover boy Shaun Alexander took a dig at the game recently; EA Sports is also selling a souped-up Hall of Fame version of the game this year to commemorate its namesake's entry into Canton, and the "special" version doesn't feature Alexander's image.

Said Alexander upon eyeballing the cover shot:  "Hey, that picture makes me look fat.  And old.  And white."

Bond has been revoked for the failed hedge fund manager who is at the heart of litigation filed by current and former players against the NFL and the NFLPA.  (Rule No. 1 for guys on bail -- do not write diary entries regarding possible destinations upon fleeing the country.)

Did Bucs RB Cadillac Williams get special treatment in his quest to satisfy the rigors of a college education?  "I didn't do nothing illegal," he said.  (Hey, we didn't know he was an English major.)

The Texans have dumped OT Todd Wade, to whom the team paid a $10 million signing bonus in 2004.

Another day, another guy tempts fate by talking big:  "When I get to the Hall of Fame, I'm going to have to pick between a jersey for Arizona or the Colts," Edgerrin James said on Friday.

Titans single-game tickets went on sale this morning.  (We called a little while ago just to help keep the guy taking the phone orders awake.)

The Bills have signed RT Jason Peters to a five-year extension; not bad for a guy who was an undrafted free agent two years ago.

Jets first-round C Nick Mangold will be the first-team center at the start of training camp, due to a broken ankle suffered by Trey Teague.

The Titans have signed fourth-round S Calvin Lowry.

The Seahawks have signed fifth-round FB David Kirtman.

Danica Patrick might be wise to seek the counsel of Raiders chief executive Amy Trask regarding strategies for success in a sport dominated by dudes.

---

POSTED 11:44 p.m. EDT, July 14, 2006

POSTED 9:32 p.m. EDT, July 14, 2006

POSTONS PULLING POLITICAL STRINGS

We've obtained more information regarding the sudden interest of the U.S. Congress in the NFL Players Association, and it appears to us that someone is calling in a political favor.

That someone is agent Carl Poston, who has an office in the district of one of the persons who are now trying to apply pressure to the players union on his behalf.

As it turns out, Rep. Henry Hyde (R-Ill.) and Rep. Sheila Jackson-Lee (D-Tex.) have penned a letter to NFLPA executive director Gene Upshaw expressing their general concerns regarding the union's procedures for disciplining agents -- pointing to the particular pending action against Poston, who is described in the correspondence as an agent who has been successful in obtaining significant contracts for his clients.

The letter begins by explaining that the Congresspersons recently have become aware of the matters involving the union and Poston, and that they have concerns regarding the disciplinary procedures, given that (in their view) the NFLPA's activities affect commerce and may give rise to antitrust violations.

The letter then lists several specific concerns:  (1) the NFLPA has the sole authority to determine who will be an agent and the NFLPA alone sets the rules regarding them; (2) the mechanism for resolving disputes permits discipline to be pursued even if the player has made no complaint; (3) the NFLPA has the sole right to select the arbitrator, who is paid by the NFLPA to preside; (4) there is no procedure for making disclosures regarding any potential biases on the part of the arbitrator.

Next, the letter requests that the union make several revisions to the procedure for disciplining agents:  (1) a requirement of a verified complaint before discipline will be pursued; (2) an effort to ensure that the arbitrator will be neutral, impartial, and unbiased; (3) a requirement that the arbitrator make disclosures to the parties so that an evaluation may be performed as to whether there is the potential for bias; (4) the availability of discovery devices used in most legal proceedings; (5) steps to prevent surprise, such as the identification of witnesses and the exchange of exhibits prior to the hearing; (6) the availability of subpoena power for the arbitrator, so that the agent subject to discipline may compel persons to appear and testify; and (7) the prohibition of direct contact between the parties and the arbitrator.

Finally, the letter explains that, if the NFLPA does not voluntarily make these changes, legislation will be drafted that, if enacted, would require the union to do so.  Likewise, the letter states that hearings regarding the matter could be conducted.

Regardless of whether two members of the House of Representatives have the juice to get Congress interested in this topic at a time when there are far greater issues facing our nation, we agree with most of the changes that have been suggested.  We disagree only with the requirement of a verified complaint, if the requirement will be a verified complaint from one of the agent's clients.

The reality for NFL players is that:  (1) a lot of them aren't very bright; and (2) the curious culture of the locker room requires most players to stand behind their chosen representatives, lest the players look like stooges for hiring them in the first place.  Thus, it's not surprising that a guy like linebacker LaVar Arrington wouldn't complain about the conduct of Carl Poston, even though Poston screwed up Arrington's December 2003 contract extension by, you know, not reading it, and advised him in February to pay back $4 million in earned money in order to get onto the market early enough to . . . ask for too much money and sign a deal not much better than the one Arrington would have gotten if he'd waited for the Redskins to release him before a $6.5 million roster bonus came due in July.

Bottom line -- Carl Poston isn't in hot water because the NFLPA doesn't like him.  He's in trouble because he admitted that he didn't read a contract before allowing his client to sign it.  Even if Arrington genuinely doesn't care, the NFLPA has an obligation, in our view, to protect other players who might fall victim to similar behavior.

So in our view the NFLPA should seriously consider making most of the suggested changes, but the NFLPA likewise should not relent in its efforts to hold Poston accountable for his gross negligence in the representation of an NFL player. 

Even if the NFL player in question thinks that "gross negligence" means a picture of a fat chick in lingerie.

---

POSTED 6:44 p.m. EDT, July 14, 2006

CONGRESS INVESTIGATING NFLPA?

We've just caught wind of a potential investigation of the NFL Players Association by the United States Congress regarding the manner in which the union metes out discipline to the NFLPA-registered contract advisors.

A league source tells us that Congress could be looking into potential antitrust violations arising from allegedly selective enforcement of regulations and generally arbitrary and capricious actions of the union when investigating and punishing agents.

Under such a theory, the argument would be that some agents get nailed for certain conduct that other agents can engage in without scrutiny. 

Stay tuned.

---

POSTED 4:32 p.m. EDT; UPDATED 5:18 p.m. EDT, July 14, 2006

T.O. SAYS  "I BLAME ME SOME ME"?

From the "Nothing That Happens Can Ever Freaking Surprise Us" file (to which we only recently added the Ahmad-Brooks-to-Bengals story), it now appears that Cowboys receiver Terrell Owens believes that he was misquoted . . . in his own book.  

Actually, Owens claims that it was his co-author, Jason Rosenhaus, who added the last word to the following description of T.O.'s efforts to return from a December broken leg in order to play in Super Bowl XXXIX:  "If you'll forgive me for saying so . . . [it was] nothing short of heroic."

"[Heroic] was one of the words that Jason used," Owens said on Thursday after signing copies of the books for fans at a Wal-Mart near the Cowboys' headquarters.  "I can't say that I called it 'heroic.'"

Um.  Um.  You know, after nearly five years of doing this, we finally are speechless.

But not completely.  T.O.'s strategy unlocks an entire new realm of easy excuses for guys who have other writers assist with their memoirs.  

If there's something in there that stirs up enough criticism, point the finger at the other guy.

Of course, the "next question" becomes whether Owens bothered to read the galley proofs before the book was put into production.  If he did, and if he failed to object to the presence of the word "heroic," then he ratified its presence -- and it becomes his term.

So what else in the book didn't T.O. actually write, or later read?  We've got a feeling that the insertion of the term "heroic" isn't a one-shot thing, and that on the spectrum of reality the final product might be somewhere near the Milli and/or Vanilli categories.

If nothing else, it'll give him something to discuss on his nationwide talk-show tour, which to date has included one less stop than Kramer's efforts to generate interest in his coffee table book about coffee tables.  

---

FRIDAY AFTERNOON ONE-LINERS

Marco Coleman has bailed out of the group of plaintiffs suing the NFL and the NFLPA for failing to conduct background checks of a failed hedge fund manager; the amended complaint also names two John Doe corporations who were allegedly supposed to conduct the background checks on behalf of the primary defendants.

Pacman's party in Atlanta is the talk of the town.

Steve Largent's son is charged with soliciting sex from a girl under the age of 16.

Frostee Rucker's latest criminal case has been continued to August 11.

Zygi Wilf's college-aged nephew is a part-owner in the team; the Wilfs won't disclose the school to which the younger Wilf attends, but our sources say he's a Harvard man.

The Vikes had no interest in LB Ahmad Brooks:  "[H]e had character issues and medical issues, and that wasn't something we were looking to get involved in," V.P. of player personnel Rick Spielman said Thursday (as Fred Smoot tried his damnedest not to laugh).

The tailback position is wide open in Tennessee.

Daunte Culpepper's passer rating in 2004 was the fourth-best in NFL history.

Thanks to the Washington Times for crediting us in connection with Frostee Rucker's history of alleged misconduct with females, but ultimate credit for that one should go to ESPN's Outside the Lines, which did a great in-depth report on Rucker and his alleged victims.

The Texans have signed sixth-round RB Wali Lundy and seventh-round WR David Anderson.

The Eagles have inked fourth-round WR Jason Avant to a four-year deal.

The Titans have inked free-agent FB Ahmard Hall, who was passed over in the supplemental draft.

---

POSTED 8:12 a.m. EDT, July 14, 2006

BROWN MADE THE CALL ON BROOKS

A league source tells us that, although Bengals coach Marvin Lewis has plenty of influence over the composition of his team's roster, the decision to select Virginia linebacker Ahmad Brooks in the third round of the Supplemental Draft came from owner Mike Brown.

Our guess?  Lewis is putting the word out that Brown made the decision in order to deflect a mounting storm of criticism regarding the team's addition on Marvin's watch of guys like Chris Henry and A.J. Nicholson and Odell Thurman and Frostee Rucker and Fahu Tahi. 

Even if Brown did in fact make the decision, we wonder what if anything Marvin had to say as the boss was pondering the possibility.  Did the coach say, "You know, this guy's college coach is putting out the word that the kid is a turd, and there are reports he failed multiple drug tests"?  Or did Marvin merely keep his mouth shut and let nature take its course?

Our Internet gambling money is on the latter.

And the irony here is that Brooks became a necessity for the team because Thurman, also a linebacker, has been suspended for four games to start the season due to violation of the league's substance abuse policy.  (Despite reports raising the possibility that the suspension is the result of a missed test, the substance abuse policy doesn't require a four-game suspension for a first strike; to reach the level of having to sit four games, there must have been prior positives and/or skipped tests -- and likewise a four-game fine without a suspension.)

So what's next?  Drafting a receiver with a bad reputation in 2007 to replace Henry?  A defensive end who likes to smack around the ladies in 2008 to replace Rucker?  A linebacker with a taste for other people's stuff in 2009 to replace Nicholson?

Really, the situation in Cincinnati is beyond amazing.  And as one league source mentioned to us on Thursday, few if any members of the "real" media have anything to say about it.

Meanwhile, Bengals fans generally are tolerant because they're starved for a winner.  But as we suggested on Thursday after word broke of Brooks' selection, the locals will turn on Lewis quickly if/when the team with too many turd returns to its pre-2005 form. 

---

GET THAT SPRINT PHONE

Recently, we were meeting with someone who got a quick glimpse of yours truly's Samsung A900 phone, available only through Sprint.

"Is that a Sprint phone?" the person asked.

"Yes, it is," I said, handing it over for an inspection.

"Damn.  That's a nice phone."

A nice phone it is.  And you can explore the Samsung A900 and other Sprint and Nextel products by clicking the ads to the right and on top.

Remember, it's Sprint's sponsorship of the site that has helped us to streamline the appearance of the Rumor Mill and the Front Page, and to keep the site free of charge at a time when more and more sites are imposing monthly or annual charges -- and more and more readers who want the site to be successful are asking us why we don't do the same thing.

So support the companies that support your favorite source of NFL news and information, which if you haven't noticed gradually has gotten to the point where it's standing toe-to-toe with the big boys who actually have, you know, multiple employees and actual resources.

---

POSTED 11:47 p.m. EDT, July 13, 2006

LIONS LOSE FRANCHISE TAG FOR 2007

Lost in the reports regarding the decision of the Detroit Lions to sign offensive lineman Jeff Backus to a six-year contract is the reality that, in doing so, the team has forfeited the franchise tag for the 2007 season.

Per the "Term Sheet" negotiated by the NFL and the NFL Players Association more than four months ago, if a team signs its franchise player to a multi-year deal before July 15, the team loses the franchise tag for one year.  (Originally, the Collective Bargaining Agreement called for the forfeiture of the franchise tag for the full term of the contract if a long-term deal was reached prior to July 15.)  The Lions previously applied the franchise tag to Backus, and then signed him to a one-year deal with a promise that he would not be tagged again in 2007.

As a result, the Lions now will apply the tag in 2007 to no one.

The deal was done before July 15 despite the loss of the tag because the Term Sheet also provides that "any contract signed after [July 15] through the end of the regular season can be for only one year."

So what does that mean?  ESPN.com says that the Management Council advised the Lions that a multi-year contract signed after July 15 would have triggered the loss of the franchise tag for the life of the deal.  We disagree; we think the proper outcome would have been invalidation of the contract.  If the Term Sheet says that any post-July 15 contract "can be for only one year," then it can be for only one year.  Period. 

The overriding problem, in our view, is that the Term Sheet still has not been incorporated into the formal CBA.  As a result, the sketchy, sometimes vague language that was hammered out at the bargaining table isn't as clear or precise as it will be once it is fully articulated with wherefores and heretofores in the official contractual document.  (Okay, maybe it won't be clear -- but it definitely will be precise.)

So please, NFL and NFLPA, we beg you, on behalf of the 32 teams and the agents and the players.  Finalize the CBA so folks will know exactly what the HEL is going on.

---

POSTED 10:59 p.m. EDT; UPDATED 11:28 p.m. EDT, July 13, 2006

PFT PRESEASON POWER RANKINGS:  NO. 20

After knocking out 12 full-blown analyses of the 12 worst franchises in the NFL over the first 12 days of July, we're relieved to finally scrape the bottom of the league's barrel of top 20 teams.

And as easy as it was for us to pinpoint each and every member of our Dirty Dozen, we've struggled in identifying the team that we regard as the worst of the remainders.

We considered several possibilities.  The Eagles.  The Cardinals.  The Ravens.  The Chiefs.  Even the Jaguars.

But then it hit us.  Like . . . like . . . like a badly overthrown pass from an overhyped quarterback who can't pass from the pocket. 

The Atlanta Falcons.

Yeah, they made it to the NFC championship two years ago.  But they didn't even qualify for the postseason in 2005, limping to a 5-7 finish after a 3-1 start -- and dropping four out of five down the stretch.

Most significantly, the Falcons were 0-4 against their primary rivals from the NFC South, Tampa and Carolina.  And while Atlanta lost narrowly twice to the Bucs, the Falcons were filleted by the Panthers, outscored to the tune of 68-17 in two games.

The root of the problem is quarterback Michael Vick.  He's not a real leader, in our opinion.  Never will be. 

He won't be a leader because he's never been expected to lead.  Instead, he's merely been expected to dazzle with his incredible God-given skills, and he's constantly had his crotch nuzzled (maybe not the best choice of words, given the whole Ron Mexico thing) for his ability to run out of trouble and make defenders look like Keystone Cops full of Krispy Kremes.

We've heard that part of the problem is that Vick isn't as tall as advertised, and thus can't see over the wall of blockers and those trying to get past them.  Regardless of the reason, these Falcons will never get to the Super Bowl without 53 tickets.

And it could be that the front office and coaching staff are starting to figure it out.  After all, the new quarterbacks coach, Bill Musgrave, is the guy who helped turn Matt Schaub into a Heisman candidate at the University of Virginia. 

Musgrave replaces Mike Johnson, whom Vick wasn't happy to lose.  "It hurts me to see him go," Vick said in January.  "I wish we could've kept him around.  I don't know why he's gone, but that decision was made, and it's just something I've got to deal with."

Indeed, there were rumblings earlier this year that Vick wants out of Atlanta, and there's a feeling that the sentiment could be mutual.  The Falcons, after all, resisted opportunities to trade Schaub in the offseason, and he'll be eligible for restricted free agency in 2007.

And regarding those rumors of a rift between Vick and head coach Jim Mora?  Mora got a three-year extension in the offseason, which suggests that if the two get into a tug-o-war, Mora will be yanking Mike into the mud.

Our guess?  If the Falcons tank again, it very well could be bye-bye for Vick, who'd be a perfect fit for the Raiders.  And pretty much no one else.

Is it blasphemy to suggest that a superstar who serves as the face of a franchise might make a premature exit?  It used to be.  But that was before Randy Moss and Daunte Culpepper proved that even the longest-term deals can become short-term arrangements if both sides aren't fully committed to the relationship.

Apart from Vick, the Falcons don't look much different than they did in 2005.  Wayne Gandy replaces Kevin Shaffer at left tackle, but the rest of the offensive line returns.  Roddy White and Michael Jenkins are the top two wide receivers, who do more widing than receiving in the Valtrex offense.   Warrick Dunn and T.J. Duckett (we almost had a very unfortunate typo on that one) are the tailbacks, and Justin Griffith is the fullback.

But the key is still Alge Crumpler, who is the Mike Vick safety valve, primarily since he's one of the few pass-catchers that Vick can see.

The big additions on defense are end John Abraham and safeties Lawyer Milloy and Chris Crocker.  Second-round rookie Jimmy Williams will get a shot at serving as the nickel corner.

In all, the team isn't that much different.  But given the 8-8 record of a year ago, that's not necessarily a good thing.  We don't think the team has done enough to get back to the top of the conference -- primarily because the Falcons won't be able to get back to the top of their division.

Okay.  Fantasy grade time.

Quarterback:  In 2004, Vick performed like a running back who throws passes on the side.  He rushed for more than 900 yards and three scores and threw for 2,313 yards and threw nearly as many picks (12) as touchdown passes (14).  In 2005, he was pretty much the same, but with more than 300 fewer rushing yards and twice the rushing touchdowns.  So, in selecting a quarterback, we prefer to go with a real one.

Running back:  Dunn had the most rushing yards of his career in 2005, but managed only three touchdowns on the ground.  With T.J. Duckett falling farther out of favor and Dunn showing no signs of wearing down, he gets a solid B for 2006.

Wide receiver:  Roddy White could be a breakout player in 2006.  If Michael Vick tears an ACL in August.  Ditto for Michael Jenkins.  As long as Vick is healthy, avoid either guy.

Tight end:  Alge Crumpler is one of the top tight ends in the league, but we'd keep an eye on him in light of recently-disclosed shoulder surgery.  If healthy -- and if Vick is the quarterback -- Crumpler's 65 receptions, 877 yards, and five touchdowns from 2005 gives him a solid B as tight ends go.

Defense:  Even with the new additions, we don't see the Falcons improving much on the performance in 2005 that left them as the 22nd-ranked defensive unit.  Still, the presence of speedster DeAngelo Hall and the disruptive Abraham could generate some touchdowns.  They're above the "crapshoot" category, but not in the upper echelon.

Kicker:  We don't see the Falcons scoring many more points in 2006, which means that newcomer Zac Derr won't get many chances.  If Zac Derr makes the team.  Look elsewhere.

---

THURSDAY NIGHT ONE-LINERS

The field of potential Commissioner candidates has narrowed.

All politics aside, we invite anyone who objects to a security pat-down when entering an NFL stadium to stay the f--k home.

The Lions have signed OL Jeff Backus to a six-year deal with $15.5 million in guaranteed money.

The Saints have signed FB Mike Karney to a four-year extension.

---

POSTED 4:53 p.m. EDT, July 13, 2006

THURMAN SUSPENDED FOR FOUR GAMES

A league source tells us that Bengals linebacker Odell Thurman has been suspended four games for violation of the NFL's substance abuse policy.  

The suspension helps to explain the team's surprising decision to select linebacker Ahmad Brooks in the third round of the Supplemental Draft.  However, Brooks has had his own history with banned substances; he was once arrested for possession of marijuana, and Jason Cole reported for the Miami Herald last month that Brooks failed two drug tests while at the University of Virginia.

As to Thurman, word is that he is making a conscientious effort to rectify the problem.  We're told that he wants to comply with the rules and to play football.  With that said, a four-game suspension is imposed only after a player has progressed through several levels of the substance abuse program, which means that the problem has been around for a while.  Here's hoping that he can get on the right track, because he definitely has the talent to be a force in the NFL.

The four-game suspension takes effect after the final preseason game on September 1 at Indianapolis.  He'll miss games on September 10 at Kansas City, September 17 at home against the Browns, September 24 at Pittsburgh, and October 1 at home against the Patriots.

---

POSTED 4:40 p.m. EDT, July 13, 2006

WHO'S CALLING THE SHOTS IN CINCY?

As league insiders continue to express shock regarding the decision of the Cincinnati Bengals to select linebacker Ahmad Brooks in the third round of the Supplemental Draft, there are now questions as to whether coach Marvin Lewis is the one making the final decisions as to personnel in the Queen City.

"I know Marvin," one league source told us, "and I can't believe this is Marvin's doing."

Added the source:  "Whoever is picking the guys is f--king crazy."

Brooks, the latest link in a chain-chain-chain, chain of turds to be acquired by the Bengals, has had plenty of issues.  He was kicked off of the Virginia football team.  He failed at least two drug tests.  He was arrested for marijuana possession.  And coach Al Groh let it be known to his NFL contacts that Brooks was not a guy worthy of drafting.

In addition to the question of who's calling the shots in Cincy, there's also a question as to who's gathering the info.  The Brown family is notoriously tight with the money, which explains why a franchise among the lowest in the league in revenue is also among the highest in the league in profit.  As a result, the Bengals don't devote to the screening of potential draft picks the same resources that other teams expend.

Still, there are some league insiders who are convinced that, in the end, Lewis has final say, and that Lewis believes he can turn turds into treasure.

"He's got a lot of confidence in his own ability to reform," said one league source.  "He's always been that way.  Marvin thinks he's smarter than everyone else.  That's his hubris, his tragic flaw.  In the end, it could be his downfall." 

Indeed, if the Bengals continue to win plenty of games and sell plenty of tickets, Marvin's moves in this regard will be overlooked.  But as soon as the team tanks, blame will fall to his decision to acquire and to keep guys like Brooks and Chris Henry and A.J. Nicholson and Fahu Tahi (or is it Tahu Fahi . . . or Fahi Tahu?). 

---

POSTED 1:35 p.m. EDT; UPDATED 1:43 p.m. EDT, July 13, 2006

BENGALS TAKE BROOKS IN "TURD" ROUND

Two league sources advise us that the Cincinnati Bengals have selected linebacker Ahmad Brooks in the third round of the Supplemental Draft.

It figures.

Perhaps Marvin Lewis and the Bengals should change the name of the third round to the "turd" round, since they've now used three consecutive picks in round three on guys of questionable character.

In the 2005 draft, Lewis snagged receiver Chris Henry, who has since been arrested four times.  In April 2006, Lewis took defensive end Frostee Rucker, who has faced multiple accusations of misconduct with females.

Now, it's Brooks -- who was kicked off of the Virginia Cavaliers after his junior season.  Jason Cole, formerly of the Miami Herald and now of Yahoo! Sports, reported that Brooks failed multiple drug tests while in college.

Nice job, Marvin.  

---

POSTED 1:22 p.m. EDT, July 13, 2006

ROUND ONE OVER -- NO ONE PICKED

A league source tells us that no one was selected in round one of the Supplemental Draft.

---

POSTED 1:05 p.m. EDT; UPDATED 1:10 p.m. EDT, July 13, 2006

SUPPLEMENTAL DRAFT UNDERWAY 

Here's the order for the 2006 Supplemental Draft, which was scheduled to get underway at 1:00 p.m. EDT.

1.  San Francisco

2.  Houston

3.  Tennessee

4.  Green Bay

5.  Detroit

6.  Baltimore

7.  New Orleans

8.  Philadelphia

9.  Buffalo

10.  Arizona

11.  Cleveland

12.  St. Louis

13.  Oakland

14.  New York Jets

15.  Miami

16.  San Diego

17.  Kansas City

18.  Minnesota

19.  Atlanta

20.  Dallas

21.  Jacksonville

22.  Cincinnati

23.  Carolina

24.  Seattle

25.  New York Giants

26.  Chicago

27.  Tampa Bay

28.  Indianapolis

29.  Pittsburgh
 
30.  Washington

31.  New England

32.  Denver

The order is determined via a weighted lottery based on the 2006 draft order.  For each round, teams have ten minutes to decide whether to use a pick on a player.  If two teams or more teams put in a claim on a player in a given round, the team with the highest priority gets the player.

The player most likely to be selected is former Virginia linebacker Ahmad Brooks.  Since the 49ers have first priority and are one of the teams believed to be most interested (indeed, San Fran coach Mike Nolan was the only head coach present for Brooks' Pro Day workout), a team like the Giants or the Dolphins will have to predict when the Niners would make a move, and jump on Brooks one round earlier.

Using a pick in the Supplemental Draft results in a forfeiture of that pick in the April 2007 draft.  Also, the team using a pick in a given round must actually hold the rights to the pick -- if the pick has already been traded away in a given round by the team, the team can't use a pick in that round for the Supplemental Draft. 

---

POSTED 7:36 a.m. EDT; UPDATED 8:15 a.m. EDT, July 13, 2006

BEN CLAIMS HE FORGOT HELMET

Although the interview that Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger granted to ESPN's Jim Rome will generate plenty of attention for his claim that he was "seconds from death," the most significant aspect of the interview, in our view, is Roethlisberger's explanation that he forgot to get his helmet from the basement on the day of the accident.

He says that he sometimes uses a helmet and sometimes doesn't.  "It's nice to be free when you're out riding a motorcycle," he said. 

Roethlisberger also contends that he's not breaking the law by not wearing a helmet.  Apparently, he still doesn't understand that the law in Pennsylvania requires helmets to be worn except by riders who have had a license for at least two years or who have passed an appropriate safety course.  He didn't qualify for either exception (as evidenced by the police citation he received for not wearing a helmet), and thus he was in violation of the law.

Ben also offered some goofy-ass logic in comparing his situation to folks who opt for cars over crotch rockets.  "If you don't wear a seat belt every time you ride in a car, should I label you as someone who doesn't wear a seat belt?"

Well, if I get in an accident while not wearing a seat belt, yeah, you should.  (It's really good to see he hasn't suffered any apparent drain bamage.)

Roethlisberger also stopped short of committing never to ride a motorcycle again, but promised to wear a helmet if he does.

His appearance meshed with our recent report based on his attendance at the Jerome Bettis wedding over the weekend.  He indeed looks "almost normal."  There's blood on the right side of his right pupil, and his face seemed a little puffy while he was talking.

Look, we mean the guy no ill will.  We're glad he made it, and we're amazed that he could smash his face into a car and look so good barely a month after the incident. 

But if his first comments on the subject are any indication, we still think he's a dope.

And if a near-death experience didn't change him, nothing will.

---

BEN SHOWS UP AT ESPYS

Ben Roethlisberger also made his first public appearance on Wednesday night at the ESPY awards.   

Per the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Roethlisberger walked onto the stage as his team was receiving the ESPY for "Best Team."  He briefly addressed the crowd, expressing far more contrition than he did during his Jim Rome sit-down.

Moments before Roethlisberger's appearance, actor Mark Wahlberg (who coincidentally stars in an upcoming movie produced by ESPN's corporate parent) took a jab at the Steelers signal caller in unveiling the best team award.  "Teams are about rising up together, not one individual riding around on his motorcycle in the offseason," Wahlberg said.

Ouch.  That hurts. 

But not as bad as taking a Chrysler to the chin at 35 miles per hour.

---

SUPPLEMENTAL DRAFT TODAY

The annual Supplemental Draft unfolds today, with seven players in the mix.  The most recognizable candidate is former Virginia linebacker Ahmad Brooks, who was kicked out of school following an injury-shortened 2005 season.

Considered by some scouts as one of the top linebacking prospects in years, the concern is whether Brooks can put behind him the demons that resulted in his dismissal from the Cavaliers.  As one league source told us, "You don't know whether you're getting Lawrence Taylor or Lawrence Phillips."

And there continue to be concerns regarding Brooks' inability during his Pro Day workout to perform some of the running drills without specific and explicit instruction on how to do so -- even though he had been working with a trainer to get ready for the session for weeks.

There also is confusion as to the number of teams that attended the workout.  We initially heard that everyone but the Bears showed up.  Gil Brandt reported that everyone but the Vikings was there.  Brooks' agent said that only 22 teams were present.  We've since confirmed that the Bears weren't there, even though the agent claims the Bears are interested.  We've also confirmed that the Vikings weren't there either, since they don't think he fits in their system and they are concerned about his history.

Now, Giants G.M. Ernie Accorsi says that only 18 teams were present.

We also continue to hear that Brooks' former coach at Virginia, Al Groh, isn't doing Brooks any favors by giving his NFL contacts bad reviews regarding the player.  Moreover, Brooks has had trouble with his weight.  Though he got it under control in time for his Pro Day, the crash course to drop pounds might have left him weaker for the workout than he should have been.

In the end, though, none of it will stop him from getting drafted; he's got too much potential to ignore.  Our guess?  He'll go in the late fourth or early fifth round.  The most likely candidates are the 49ers, Dolphins, and Giants.

The fun begins at 1:00 p.m. EDT.  Check back for updates as it unfolds. 

---

POSTED 11:40 p.m. EDT, July 12, 2006

DAVIS DUMPS LOCK, HIRES DUNN?

A league source tells us that 49ers tight end Vernon Davis, the sixth overall selection in the draft, could be making an agent change. 

Per the source, the talk in league circles is that Davis is replacing Ethan Lock with David Dunn. 

Remaining in the mix is Zeke Sandhu, whose name appears on the SRA with Lock.  But Sandhu, we're told, is heading to Dunn's shop, and Davis is going with him.

The move has sparked speculation that Pats' first-round running back Laurence Maroney and Falcons' second-round corner Jimmy Williams might follow, since Sandhu is on the SRA for both of them, too.

Stay tuned.

---

POSTED 11:12 p.m. EDT, July 12, 2006

PFT PRESEASON POWER RANKINGS:  NO. 21

We can't think of anything interesting to say before unveiling the next team on our worst-to-first hierarchy of the 32 NFL teams.  So here's the latest entry.

The St. Louis Rams.

Click here for the full analysis, with fantasy grades.

---

POSTED 8:31 p.m. EDT; UPDATED 9:10 p.m. EDT, July 12, 2006

GREEN STABBER CHARGED, AT LARGE

Police have charged a man with first-degree attempted murder in connection with the recent stabbing of Ravens linebacker Roderick Green.

21-year-old Chase Williams has not been arrested, and it still at large.  Given that he had the stones to stick a shiv into the stomach of an NFL linebacker, Williams is considered armed and dangerous.

Williams allegedly stabbed Green in the parking lot of a bowling alley after the two bumped into each other inside the building.  Williams also is charged with first-degree and second-degree assault.

---

WEDNESDAY NIGHT ONE-LINERS

Santurdio has submitted a written plea of not guilty for disorderly conduct.  ("I didn't hit the bitch," he wrote before being realizing that he'd gotten his criminal cases confused.)

Falcons G.M. Rick McKay didn't completely dismiss the possibility of using a pick in the supplemental draft.

The Browns have signed KR Josh Cribbs to a one-year deal, and DB Daven Holly to a two-year deal.

The Texans have signed fourth-round TE Owen Daniels.

NBC 10 in Philly is looking for ten fans to appear in NFL promos.

The Eagles have signed third-round DE/LB Chris Gocong to a four-year deal.

Former NFL LB T.J. Turner has been arrested on "charges surrounding kidnapping and assault."

The new Ben Roethlisberger sort of looks like Robert Barone with facial hair.

Things could get interesting in Atlanta on Friday night.

Thanks to the reader who pointed out the curious choice of advertising on the WTAE-TV web site above the first pictures of Ben Roethlisberger after his accident . . . on a Suzuki motorcycle.

---

POSTED 9:39 a.m. EDT, July 12, 2006

SHAUN NOT AN MVP IN HIS HOMETOWN

At a time when Seahawks running back Shaun Alexander is basking in the spotlight that comes from being the NFL's MVP, playing in the Super Bowl, landing a huge offseason payday, and serving as the cover boy for the soon-to-be-released Madden offering, there's evidence that reminds us of his reputation for being a selfish, me-first/me-only punk.

On Tuesday, the Cincinnati Enquirer reported that a YMCA purchased last year by Alexander in his hometown of Florence, Kentucky is in serious disrepair.  When Alexander paid $1.8 million for the property in 2005, he said that he planned to put a community center there.  Alexander conducted a ceremonial groundbreaking at the scene, promising to install a weight room, an indoor soccer field, and a game room.

"I've been blessed with great mentors that have taught me a lot about football, life and who I am," said Shaun Alexander after bidding to buy the center in 2004.  "I want to provide the same thing to the next generation."

Instead, he's provided the next generation with an eyesore.

"I'm sickened by the condition they have allowed this place to end up in," Florence mayor Diane Whalen told the Enquirer. "It's an unfulfilled promise.  I hope it's not a broken promise, but it's pretty mangled."

There are busted windows, graffiti, and trash.  The property was cited on Monday for five code violations.

Alexander's brother, Durran, acknowledged the problem:  "Unfortunately, we do have some kids who are skateboarding back there," he said.  "We don't have security cameras and that kind of stuff, so you're always going to get some punk kids or some gangs that want to go back there.  I guess it's their turf now."

Great attitude, Durran.  Why not focus instead on getting your brother to cough up some of that $63 million contract he received earlier this year to fix the situation? 

Indeed, what was Alexander thinking when he plunked down $1.8 million for the center?  That elves would arrive in the dark of night to take care of the property?

It's no wonder that so many NFL players have no money after their careers are over; too many of them don't know how to properly position it during their careers.  In this case, it looks like Alexander realized at some point after his initial seven-figure investment that it was going to cost him a lot more money going forward, so he's dragging his feet.

Way to give back, Shaun.  Way to give back.

---

LENDALE LASHED OUT AT TUAOLO

Last month, former NFL defensive lineman Esera Tuaolo was the first openly gay player to speak at the rookie symposium.

Asked one attendee during Tuaolo's session, "Is it offensive if I call you a faggot if you are a faggot?"

Many readers were curious as to the identity of the person who asked the question.  On Tuesday, we received a tip in this regard, and we then obtained confirmation from a league source.

The question, we're told, was posed by former USC tailback LenDale White, second-round draft pick of the Tennessee Titans.

White gained significant notoriety prior to the draft when he arrived at the USC Pro Day workout out of shape and unable to run.  He didn't perform a 40-yard dash for scouts before April 29, and consequently fell out of the first round. 

We suspect that there won't be much fallout from White's statement.  If asked about it by anyone in the media, he'll surely deny it.  Then, others who were in attendance surely will confirm it -- hopefully at some point on the record. 

Heck, it could be a good idea for White to admit that he said it.  It might go a long way toward building up his fan base in the red states, including the one in which he'll be playing his home games.

---

WEDNESDAY MORNING ONE-LINERS

Cards second-round OL Deuce Lutui signed a four-year deal on Tuesday.

The Panthers have signed third-round LB James Anderson to a three-year deal.

The Patriots have agreed to terms with sixth-round OL Dan Stevenson.

It's the middle of July, which means it's time to cue the "Ty Law is in great shape and is still a great player" media coverage.

FOX analyst Troy Aikman says that it's not good for QB Eli Manning's development for TE Jeremy Shockey, WR Plaxico Burress, and WR Sinorice Moss to not work out with the team in the offseason.  (And at some point blame needs to fall on the front office for bringing in so many guys who insist on staying in Miami.)

Police have released surveillance video of Ravens LB Roderick Green running away from the guy who stabbed him outside of a Baltimore-area bowling alley.  (Why do we have a feeling that this thing eventually will show up in the team's film room with the "Chariots of Fire" theme as a soundtrack?)

The Fins will throw the ball deep less often under Mike Mularkey in 2006.

Miami coach Nick Saban apparently has decided not to officially make Dom Capers the defensive coordinator in order to limit the amount of his 2006 salary that the Texans won't have to pay.

Talks between the Fins and DT Dan Wilkinson continue.

The Dolphins likely won't be acquiring another running back before camp.

Training camp in Latrobe will feature the "Steelers Experience" for fans (which probably won't include the "Helmetless Motorcycle Mash," the "South Beach Stakeout," the "Baby Mama Beatdown," "Shoot the Linebacker in the Ass," or "Long-Distance Say-It-Don't-Spray It").

Bookies of the world, take the day off; it's the only one you get each year.

---

POSTED 11:28 p.m. EDT, July 11, 2006

PFT PRESEASON POWER RANKINGS:  NO. 22

It's ironic that, while watching the MLB All-Star Game, we pounded out the latest summary of the NFL's few-star teams. 

The sad part is that we'd rather watch football's worst play to a scoreless preseason tie than take in a game involving baseball's best.

And as the All-Star Game plays out in Pittsburgh, it's fitting that one of the most bitter rivals of the Steel City's football team has "earned" the position of the No. 22 franchise in our preseason peek at the NFL's bottom-to-top.

The Cleveland Browns.

Click here for the full analysis, with fantasy grades.

---

POSTED 6:54 p.m. EDT; UPDATED 7:42 p.m. EDT, July 11, 2006

CLARIFYING THE COIN TOSS RULE . . . AGAIN

We've received a mountain of e-mails from readers who still insist that an NFL team has the option upon winning the coin toss to defer the choice of whether to kick or to receive to the second half.  Few readers will take our word for the fact that NFL rules do not contemplate such a choice.

So since most of our readers won't listen to us, we took the matter straight to the league office.

And NFL spokesman Greg Aiello confirms our interpretation of the rule:  "There is no option to defer. . . .  This is the tradition of our league and, although the rule has been discussed, there has been no consensus to change it."

Though the NCAA recognizes the option to defer, the NFL rule is that the winner of the toss can choose one of two privileges to start the game -- whether to kick or receive or which goal to defend.  At the start of the second half, the team that lost the toss gets its choice of the same two privileges.

Thus, in nearly every game, the team that wins the toss chooses the ball, and the team that loses the toss chooses which end of the field to defend in the first quarter.  To start the second half, the team that lost the toss chooses the ball, and the team that won the toss chooses which end of the field to defend in the third quarter. 

We're convinced that the misunderstanding held by many has its roots in the long-standing flaw in the Madden video game, which essentially allows the team that wins the toss to defer receiving the kick until the third quarter.

At least one reader has argued that the flaw in the Madden game is intentional, which prompted us to wonder whether the slogan for EA Sports should be changed to "If it's in the game, it's in the game . . . unless we decide not to put it in the game."

---

TUESDAY NIGHT ONE-LINERS

The Packers have signed sixth-round S Tyrone Culver; we've learned that Culver signed a four-year deal with a $93,500 signing bonus, a fourth-year escalator to the low RFA tender, and a fourth-year de-escalator of $5,000 for each year in which he doesn't participate in the offseason workout program.

The AP is at it again, this time ripping off not only us, but also ESPN.com and the Philadelphia Daily News.

Seven more years of the most boring sport known to man on FOX.

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers have signed a former NFL player who wasn't a complete turd.

Falcons TE Alge Crumpler had shoulder surgery in February.

This might just be the most uninspired article we've ever seen.

Recent reports paint a bleak picture for Barbaro.  (That explains why the dog has been drooling on the newspaper a lot more than usual.)

World Airways will provide plane transportation for the Jaguars in 2006 (hopefully, the Jags do a better job of picking pilots than they do of picking doctors).

Titans rookie LB Terna Nande has decided not to travel to Nigeria to see his mother and sister before training camp starts (hey, he hasn't seen them in 17 years -- what's another seven months?).

---

POSTED 6:44 a.m. EDT; UPDATED 7:19 a.m. EDT, July 11, 2006

BIG BEN LOOKS ALMOST NORMAL

Our moles who were in attendance at the wedding of Jerome Bettis in Montego Bay, Jamaica over the weekend tell us that Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger looks almost normal less than a month after getting his face slammed into a moving car at 35 miles per hour.

The only visual evidence, we're told, of the incident is some lingering blood inside one of his eyes and a long scar in the back of his head, which is visible because his hair was apparently shaved in the area of the gash.  His face otherwise looks the same as it did prior to the incident.

We're also told that the lingering injuries didn't stop Big Ben from continuing his "drink like a champion today" thing during the weekend in Jamaica.

Roethlisberger will make his first public appearance since the accident this weekend at a golf tournament in Lake Tahoe.

---

MARINELLI WAS NEVER INTERVIEWED BY THE BEARS

As our traffic continues to grow and an ever-increasing number of NFL fans are finding the site, we're noticing a curious trend.

More and more of our readers are willing to tell us that we're wrong.  Even when, you know, we're not.

After stating in the PFT Preseason Power Ranking summary of the Detroit Lions at No. 24 that new head coach Rod Marinelli hadn't interviewed before 2006 for a gig of that ilk, several readers insisted that Marinelli interviewed with the Bears a couple of years ago.

So we checked it out, just to make sure that we weren't wrong.

Marinelli, we've confirmed, was not interviewed by the Bears, who talked only with Nick Saban, Russ Grimm, Jeff Tedford, and Mike Nolan in the hiring cycle that resulted in the arrival of Lovie Smith.

Smith wanted to hire Marinelli to be the team's defensive coordinator, but the Bucs refused to allow Marinelli, who was still under contract, to leave.  NFL teams are allowed to block moves by assistant coaches who are under contract, even if those moves would technically be promotions.  Teams cannot prevent an assistant coach under contract from interviewing for or accepting a head coaching position with another club.

But please keep sending the e-mails.  We'd much rather be accused of being wrong and end up being right than the alternative.

---

TUESDAY MORNING ONE-LINERS

The Jets have extended the contract of Patrick Ramsey through 2007; the deal includes a $1.4 million roster bonus due next March, and a $600,000 salary in 2007, and he received $250,000 of his 2006 salary as a roster bonus in June.

The Jets have commenced preliminary talks with LT D'Brickashaw Ferguson.

Police are trying to figure out who stabbed Roderick Green.  (We think it was Maggie Simpson.)

Eagles WR/KR Jeremy Bloom is working out with QB Donovan McNabb in Arizona.

Agent Gary Wichard suggests that Eagles first-round DT Brodrick Bunkley will be willing to sign even if the guys in front of him and behind him in the draft haven't.

Giants DE Michael Strahan says that his team has the talent to go to the Super Bowl.

Rams RB Marshall Faulk will make a decision on whether to play this year within the next week to 10 days.

The personal trainer of Chiefs RB Priest Holmes says that the player is "in limbo" and that he has been working out but "not a lot."

The Broncos are facing the tough question of whether to risk the health of starting CB Darrent Williams by allowing him to return punts and kickoffs.

Agent Major Adams says that negotiations on the contract of Titans QB Vince Young, No. 3 overall pick in the draft, will include the deal signed last year by 49ers QB Alex Smith, who was the first pick in the draft.

---

POSTED 11:44 p.m. EDT, July 10, 2006

PFT PRESEASON POWER RANKINGS:  NO. 23

Okay, time to shake things up.  In honor of the fact we're often accused by Packers fans of being Vikings fans, and that we're often accused by Vikings fans of being assholes, we've decided to give both demographics a treat by installing in position No. 23 the franchise that has for most of the past four decades combined above-average performances on the field with close-but-no-cigar outcomes when it matters most and all-too-embarrassing off-field incidents.

The Minnesota Vikings.

Click here for the full analysis, with fantasy grades.

---

POSTED 8:28 p.m. EDT; LAST UPDATED 10:03 p.m. EDT, July 10, 2006

STEINBERG IN HOT WATER WITH UNION?

The Los Angeles Times recently reported that Giants running back/kick returner Chad Morton has sued agent Leigh Steinberg and an associate for allegedly defaulting on more than $330,000 in loans.

And based on the regulations applicable to football agents, Steinberg could have some 'splainin' to do to the NFLPA.

A league source has alerted us to Section 3(B)(6) of the regs, which prohibits agents from "[d]irectly or indirectly borrowing money from any player (whether or not the player is a client), either by receiving the funds directly from the player or by the player providing collateral for or agreeing to guarantee a loan to the Contract Advisor by another party."

In this case, it appears that Steinberg wasn't "directly" involved in any borrowing, but it could be determined that he was "indirectly" involved, which would be enough to constitute a violation.

Per the Times report, David Kim borrowed the money from Morton while running SLL, which stands for Steinberg, Lee, and Lou.  Kim said that Steinberg didn't know about the loans.

"I was not involved in the initial transaction," Steinberg told the Times, "and I only later became aware that the transactions had occurred.  When I did, I attempted to assist Chad in unraveling the situation."

Steinberg's comments are, in our view, ambiguous at best, and a parsing of the language that he used arguably indicates that he was involved and/or had knowledge at some point after the "initial transaction."  And if he had knowledge of the loans and then didn't take immediate steps to pay the money back, there's a case to be made that from that point forward he was an active party to the ongoing debt.

Our guess is that the NFLPA will monitor the litigation closely, and might ultimately take action based upon the evidence that is developed as the case unfolds.  The NFLPA followed a similar course of conduct in connection with Steinberg's lawsuit against former colleague David Dunn, initiating disciplinary proceedings against him based in large part on the testimony introduced at trial.

---

BLOOM SIGNS WITH EAGLES

Profootballtalk.com has confirmed that the Eagles have signed fifth-round wide receiver/kick returner Jeremy Bloom.

Bloom, we've confirmed, signed a four-year deal with a $172,000 signing bonus and minimum base salaries.

We've also learned some of the specifics regarding the fourth-year salary escalators.  There are two levels of escalator.  Under the lower level, Bloom's fourth-year salary will match the low RFA tender.  The higher level pushes his salary to the first-round RFA tender.

Bloom, we're told, can hit the first trigger not only through playing time on offense, but also if he generates 11.1 yards per punt return in any season, 350 total punt return yards in any season, or two punt returns for touchdowns in any season.  The second level can be achieved if Bloom makes it to the Pro Bowl.

---

RYAN'S DEAL HAS LOWER SIGNING BONUS THAN LAST YEAR

Continuing a trend that is the direct result of a $45,000 increase in the rookie minimum salary but only a five percent increase in the rookie pool, the deal signed by Texans second-round draft pick DeMeco Ryans pays out less signing bonus money than the contract signed by the player drafted in the same spot a year ago.

We've learned that Ryans, the first pick in round two, will receive a $1.425 million signing bonus on a four-year deal.  Last year, the first pick in round two, 49ers center David Baas, was paid a $2 million dollar bonus on a five-year deal.  Baas also received a $200,000 roster bonus in 2005 and an $800,000 option bonus in 2006, pushing the total bonus money to $3 million.

But Ryans' deal makes up the difference via other devices.  Specifically, there's also a $650,000 one-time NLTBE based on minimum playing time and a team qualifier, and there's a $475,000 NLTBE roster bonus based on minimum playing time and a team qualifier, if Ryans is on the the Texans' roster the first day of the 2008 league year.  (If the NLTBE incentives aren't reached, Ryans has more than $1.1 million in guaranteed salary from 2007 through 2009.) 

Including the NLTBE money, Ryans' total bonus is $2.55 million on a four-year deal, which averages out to $637,500 per year.  For Baas, the per-year average on his bonus is only $600,000.  Plus, Ryans is committed for one less year.

And Ryans also has more than $1 million in salary guarantees that apply if the NLTBE incentives aren't earned.

Ryans also can earn a 2009 salary escalator of up to $550,000 based on the number of years in which he participates in at least 90 percent of the defensive snaps.  Baas can pump up to $2.2 million into his 2009 salary via a complex formula based on playing time and other qualifiers.

---

MONDAY NIGHT ONE-LINERS

Hard News Alert, Pt. 1:  The Cardinals have signed sixth-round DT Jon Lewis to a three-year deal with an $81,200 signing bonus.