One of the greatest and controversial skits on Saturday Night Live was Racist Word Association with Richard Pryor and Chevy Chase. When it was aired, it was an instant classic. With the offseason coming to a close, let's play word association with all 32 teams. This is the one word that comes to mind when I hear each NFL's team name:


Batimore Ravens - Consistent
Arizona Cardinals - Rising
Buffalo Bills - 90's
Atlanta Falcons - Receivers
Cincinnati Bengals - Improved
Carolina Panthers - Blah
Cleveland Browns - Draft???
Chicago Bears - GROSSman
Denver Broncos - Whoa
Dallas Cowboys - Laugh
Houston Texans - Why?
Detroit Lions - Megatron
Indianapolis Colts - Housecleaning
Green Bay Packers - Defense??
Jacksonville Jaguars - Meh
Minnesota Vikings - Eh
Kansas City Chiefs - Coach?
New Orleans Saints - LOL
Miami Dolphins - Hmm
New York Giants - Champs
New England Patriots - Aerial
Philadelphia Eagles - Likey
New York Jets - Feet  :)
St Louis Rams - Unknown
Oakland Raiders - Circus
Pittsburgh Steelers - I hate the Steelers with a passion! I hope they lose every game!
San Francisco 49ers - Studs
Seattle Seahawks - USC
San Diego Chargers - Gates
Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Intriguing
Tennessee Titans - Injured
Washington Redskins - Haynesworth


 
NYG - WR Hakeem Nicks' Week 1 availability in question

Source: NFL.com - Brian McIntyre

New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin said WR Hakeem Nicks' (foot) availability for Week 1 could be in question because the estimated recovery time from his fractured foot is close to the start of the regular season.

NYG - WR Hakeem Nicks out around 12 weeks for broken foot

Source: Giants.com - Michael Eisen

New York Giants WR Hakeem Nicks (foot) fractured the fifth metatarsal of his right foot during organized team activities Thursday, May 24, and is expected to miss around 12 weeks. He is scheduled to undergo surgery Friday, May 24, to repair the fracture.

TEN - No timetable for naming starting QB

Source: The Tennessean - John Glennon

Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator Chris Palmer said the team does not have a definite timetable on when they want to name a starting quarterback. "We've not put a time schedule on it," Palmer said. "I think [head coach Mike Munchak] will sit and talk with the offensive coaches. I think [general manager Ruston Webster] will come down and talk with the coaches, and I think we'll come to a conclusion as soon as we can." Palmer said the competition will help QBs Matt Hasselbeck and Jake Locker elevate their play.

NYJ - QB Mark Sanchez a fan of Tony Sparano

Source: CBSSports.com

New York Jets QB Mark Sanchez said he is a fan of new offensive coordinator Tony Sparano, particularly his approach with players. 'Coach Sparano is very matter of fact, to the point. There are no gray areas,' Sanchez said.

STL - QB Sam Bradford still dealing with sore ankle

Source: St. Louis Post-Dispatch - Kathleen Nelson

St. Louis Rams QB Sam Bradford (ankle) said he is still experiencing soreness from the sprained ankle he suffered last season. 'It's getting there,' Bradford said. 'It seems to feel better every week. There's less soreness, more things I can do. I think it's definitely on the right track.'

BAL - Optimistic a RB Ray Rice deal will get done

Source: NFL.com

There is hope among those in the Baltimore Ravens organization that a long-term deal with franchise free-agent RB Ray Rice can be hammered out, though it might not happen until July.

CHI - QB Jay Cutler impressed with WR Devin Hester

Source: Chicago Tribune - Fred Mitchell

Chicago Bears QB Jay Cutler has been impressed with WR Devin Hester during offseaso workouts. Cutler said Hester is having the best camp of the team's receivers thus far.

MIA - QB Matt Moore says team does not need go-to WR

Source: Palm Beach Post - Brian Biggane

Miami Dolphins QB Matt Moore said the team will not need a go-to receiver under offensive coordinator Mike Sherman's offense because all the receivers move to different spots on every play.

NYJ - Tim Tebow seeing time on special teams

Source: CBSSports.com

New York Jets QB Tim Tebow saw time on special teams, protecting the punter, in addition to working as a backup quarterback, during organized team activities Thursday, May 24.

CHI - Could give QB Jay Cutler new deal before RB Matt Forte

Source: Chicago Tribune - David Haugh

The Chicago Bears could possibly award QB Jay Cutler a long-term deal before disgruntled franchise free-agent RB Matt Forte. If the Bears budget at least $20 million in guarantees to one offensive back, investing in Cutler is smarter money than Forte. Cutler has two years remaining on a five-year, $50 million extension he signed in 2009.

BAL - QB Joe Flacco accepts more pressure to perform

Source: ESPN.com - Jamison Hensley

Baltimore Ravens QB Joe Flacco understands there will be more pressure on the offense to perform in 2012, particularly with the injury to LB Terrell Suggs (Achilles') and FS Ed Reed apparently not committed to football. 'I hope it does put more pressure on us,' Flacco said. 'I feel like we need that pressure. I feel like I want that pressure on us. I feel like we need to become a better offense and we need to become somebody that goes out there and puts points on the board week in and week out and is really responsible for winning a lot of games. If it does put pressure on us, I'm all for it.'

SF - Alex Smith impressed with receivers

Source: The Associated Press

San Francisco 49ers QB Alex Smith has been impressed with the team's new additions at wide receiver: WRs Randy MossMario Manningham and A.J. Jenkins. 'It's like waking up on Christmas,' Smith said. 'You have a lot of new toys out there, new presents.' Head coach Jim Harbaugh added Smith has done a good job of distributing the ball during workouts. 'Alex has really been, in the two days out here, has been spreading the ball very well,' Harbaugh said. 'He's got a lot of options. That's been evident, too, for two days.'

PIT - Want QB Ben Roethlisberger to stay in pocket

Source: NFL.com

New Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Todd Haley is trying to teach QB Ben Roethlisberger to play more from the pocket. Roethlisberger said he is still adjusting to the new scheme. 'I know that I'm supposed to get rid of the ball, stay in the pockets and not get hits,' Roethlisberger said. 'I guess I better learn where the protections are coming from so I don't get hit.' The offense is also expected to feature the running game more. The Steelers have added fullbacks and more tight ends on the field.

DAL - QB Tony Romo says window not closing

Source: ESPNDallas.com - Tim MacMahon

Dallas Cowboys QB Tony Romo does not believe the team's sense of urgency has increased despite owner and general manager Jerry Jones expressing concern that the current roster's window to contend for a title is closing. 'It's not closing,' Romo said. 'I think there's a sense of urgency every year that you play, whether it's your first year in the league or your 22nd. You never know when all that stuff is going to happen, so you just play every year as if it's an urgent day. Forget about thinking about the end of the year or two months away. You've got to get better today. Whether you're a rookie or an 11-year veteran around here, you've got to do that same approach.'

CHI - WR Brandon Marshall and QB Jay Cutler have chemistry

Source: CBSSports.com

Chicago Bears WR Brandon Marshall feels he and QB Jay Cutler see the field the same type of way, which helps them during the course of a game when things break down and they are forced to wing it. 'We seem to be on the same page when we do that and that's what the great ones do,' Marshall said of his connection with his quarterback.

DAL - WR Kevin Ogletree on the bubble?

Source: The Dallas Morning News - David Moore

If Dallas Cowboys WR Kevin Ogletree does not emerge as the team's No. 3 wide receiver out of training camp, he may not make the final roster. He likely isn't valuable enough as a special teams player to hold down a spot.

CIN - Andy Dalton more vocal

Source: CBSSports.com

Cincinnati Bengals QB Andy Dalton has displayed more vocal leadership this offseason as he has become more comfortable with his role. 'Early on last year you do kind of feel things out,' Dalton said, 'but I feel like I've gotten to the point where I can be more vocal out there.'

MIA - QB David Garrard eager to prove owner wrong

Source: NFL.com

Miami Dolphins QB David Garrard said he is eager to prove owner Stephen Ross wrong regarding his perception that QB Matt Moore will likely be the Week 1 starting quarterback. 'That's just more fuel for me. It's somebody else I have to try and prove wrong,' Garrard said. 'The owner is the owner. He can make all of the comments that he wants. I am never going to dispute him, but I'll just let my play on the field go out and show for it.'

BAL - Expect S Ed Reed to play in 2012

Source: Carroll County Times - Aaron Wilson

Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh fully expects FS Ed Reed to play this upcoming season. 'Ed is a guy that I really trust and really care about,' Harbaugh said. 'I believe in him. There's been no indication that he's not going to play this year as far as I'm concerned.'

KC - Dontari Poe on with starters during practice

Source: KCChiefs.com - Josh Looney

Kansas City Chiefs DT Dontari Poe worked with the first-team defense during organized team activities Thursday, May 24.

NO - Martez Wilson seeing time at DE

Source: CBSSports.com

New Orleans Saints LB Martez Wilson saw plenty of time during organized team activities Thursday, May 24, at defensive end.

 
Multiple sources reporting that WR Hakeem Nicks is out 12 weeks after breaking a bone in his foot during OTA's!
 
OAK - RB Darren McFadden looks healthy in workouts

Source: ANG Newspapers - Steve Corkran

Oakland Raiders RB Darren McFadden (foot) has showed no lingering effects during offseason workouts from the foot injury that forced him to miss the final nine games last season.

MIA - Ryan Tannehill mainly works with backups

Source: The Miami Herald - Barry Jackson

Miami Dolphins QB Ryan Tannehill worked mainly with the backups in practice Tuesday, May 22, during organized team activities (OTAs).

ARI - QB Kevin Kolb gets first reps

Source: AZCardinals.com

Arizona Cardinals QB Kevin Kolb worked with the first-team offense during the organized team activities Tuesday, May 22.

PIT - RB Rashard Mendenhall has no timetable for return

Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette - Ed Bouchette

Pittsburgh Steelers RB Rashard Mendenhall (knee) said he is doing well in his rehab but does not know when he will be able to return. He said he has been able to do more than just run straight ahead.

CHI - WR Johnny Knox unsure about availability for 2012

Source: ESPNChicago.com - Jeff Dickerson

Chicago Bears WR Johnny Knox (back) said he is working hard in his rehab from back surgery but is not sure if he will be able to play this season. Knox said he lost 30 pounds after the surgery but has added 10 of those pounds back.

DEN - RB Chris Gronkowski acquired

Source: DenverBroncos.com - Stuart Zaas

The Denver Broncos acquired FB Chris Gronkowski from the Indianapolis Colts Wednesday, May 23, in exchange for CB Cassius Vaughn.

SD - QB Philip Rivers would like RB LaDainian Tomlinson to return

Source: NFL.com

San Diego Chargers QB Philip Rivers said he would have no issue if free-agent RB LaDainian Tomlinson (Jets) were to return to the team as a third-down back. 'I love LT and all that he brought and meant to us when he was here. I don't know if that is being considered or that's even an option, but I wouldn't have any objection to it whatsoever,' Rivers said.

PIT - WR Mike Wallace has received playbook

Source: Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Pittsburgh Steelers restricted free-agent WR Mike Wallace visited the team last week and talked with head coach Mike Tomlin. When Wallace left, he took with him a playbook. 'He's going to be studying, so when he comes he knows (the plays),' WR Antonio Brownsaid. Tomlin is not concerned with Wallace falling behind. 'It will be a little bit of short-term misery,' Tomlin said, 'but it won't be significant in the big scheme of things, hopefully.'

BAL - QB Joe Flacco will attend minicamp

Source: CBSSports.com

Baltimore Ravens QB Joe Flacco, who is looking for a new contract, said that he plans to attend organized team activities and minicamp. 'It's always fun to get back to doing what you love,' Flacco said. 'It's good for the young guys. I think every little bit helps.'

DAL - Owner says Super Bowl window closing

Source: ESPNDallas.com - Tim MacMahon

Dallas Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones is concerned that his current roster's window to contend for a Super Bowl title is closing. 'Well, my window is getting shorter. Time goes by,' Jones said. 'I do feel real pressure because we do have players not only in (quarterback) Tony Romo, but (tight end) Jason Witten (and outside linebacker) DeMarcus Ware, to leave out several that are (also) in the prime of their career. And we need to strike and strike soon with those guys ... Candidly, you're looking through rose-colored glasses if we all don't realize that now is the time to compete on the field.'

ARI - TE Jeff King injured

Source: AZCardinals.com - Darren Urban

Arizona Cardinals TE Jeff King (quadriceps) recently suffered a partially torn quadriceps injury and underwent surgery to repair the injury.

DAL - RB Tanner is back to full strength

Source: Todd Archer - ESPN Dallas

Todd Archer, from ESPN Dallas, reports second-year RB Phillip Tanner looks fully recovered from the hamstring injury that landed him on Injured Reserve last year.

DAL - RB Jones limited in OTAs

Source: Charean Williams - Star Telegram

Charean Williams, from the Star-Telegram, reports via Twitter that Cowboys RB Felix Jones is still rehabbing his shoulder and not doing much in OTAs. Head coach Jason Garrett believes Jones will be ready for training camp.

JAX - WR Thomas on the roster bubble?

Source: Mark Long - Associated Press

Mark Long, from the Associated Press, reports via Twitter that the more he watches Jaguars practice the more he feels WR Mike Thomas may not make the final roster.

ARI - QBs working on fundamentals

Source: The Arizona Republic - Kent Somers

The Arizona Cardinals believe a full offseason of work under new quarterbacks coach John McNulty will mean improved play from QBsKevin Kolb and John Skelton. The quarterbacks have been working on improving their fundamentals so that when a play breaks down, the fundamentals don't. Last season, Skelton had a tendency to not move his feet when he had to go to a second option. Sometimes the pass got there, sometimes it didn't. In the same situations, Kolb would just start moving, rather than adjust his feet to throw to a secondary target. 'If you get out of rhythm with your feet,' McNulty said, 'then the whole thing is broken down. You may end up moving, getting out of the way and making a play, but as far as what the play is supposed to be, it's been lost and you're playing catch-up. More times than not, bad things happen.'

NFL - QB Brodie Croyle retires

Source: The Birmingham News

Free-agent QB Brodie Croyle (Chiefs) has retired from the National Football League.

CLE - QB Colt McCoy wants fair shot at QB job

Source: ProFootballTalk.com - Mike Florio

Cleveland Browns QB Colt McCoy said he hopes for a full and fair chance to compete for the team's starting quarterback job, even though QB Brandon Weeden appears to be the favorite. 'This is the card that's been dealt,' McCoy said regarding his status. 'I can just say that I'm working as hard as I can. You never know what to expect. One of my favorite quotes by the NAVY Seals is, 'The only easy day was yesterday.' That's just kind of how I have to live right now.'

MIA - Not interested in WR Plaxico Burress

Source: The Miami Herald - Barry Jackson

The Miami Dolphins have not shown any interest in free-agent WR Plaxico Burress (Jets), even though Burress would love to work out for the team.

MIA - Joe Philbin says QB will be his decision

Source: Palm Beach Post - Brian Biggane

Miami Dolphins head coach Joe Philbin said he will decide who starts at quarterback for the team following comments made by owner Stephen Ross, who suggested QB Matt Moore will start. 'I know he's the owner, but he might not sign my check, the treasurer does,' Philbin said. 'But last time I checked, he's on board. We've been very up front with him, that we want a competitive situation at that position.'

DAL - Not trading CB Mike Jenkins

Source: ESPNDallas.com - Calvin Watkins

Dallas Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett said the team will not trade CB Mike Jenkins this season.

OAK - Ron Bartell will not wear leg pads

Source: ProFootballTalk.com

Oakland Raiders CB Ron Bartell is one of many NFL players who doesn't wear knee and thigh pads and doesn't like the NFL's plan to make them mandatory starting in 2013. Bartell is saving up some money now to pay whatever fines he gets for refusing to wear the pads a year from now. 'Personally, I won't be wearing them,' Bartell said. 'So I'd better put some fine money away.'

OAK - ILB Rolando McClain issues apology

Source: The Associated Press

Oakland Raiders LB Rolando McClain apologized Tuesday, May 22, for bringing bad publicity to the team following his recent conviction in Alabama for assault and other charges stemming for allegedly threatening to kill a man and firing a gun next to his head. McClain was convicted last week of third-degree assault, menacing, reckless endangerment and discharging a firearm in the city limits last week and sentenced him to 180 days in jail. McClain is out on bail and rejoined the Raiders this week at the team's offseason workouts. 'I apologize for the bad publicity that has been put out there,' McClain said. 'It is a legal process so I can't talk much about it but I think in due time if the Raiders and the Raiders fans that are out there, we'll all see, it will all come to an end and it is what it is. I can't really talk much about it, but it will be resolved in the near future.'

KC - S Eric Berry still expects to be ready

Source: The Kansas City Star - Adam Teicher

Kansas City Chiefs SS Eric Berry (knee) is not practicing during organized team activities (OTAs), but he still expects to be ready by training camp in July.

 
We call this segment C'mon Son! C'mon Son was made popular by the living legend Ed Lover! I'll use this forum to identify some of the idiocies that have and will take place.

A few things have really gotten to this offseason that has caused me to sit back and say C'mon Son!

1st up, Jonathan Vilma! Your suiing Commissioner Goodell for defamation. C'mon Son, you did it, take the year off and hang with your coach.

2nd, NY Jets, you get a big C'mon Son! You are already a circus, you have an over rated QB and then you bring in a not so good virgin who is a FB.

3rd, the NFL! Knee and thigh pads are now mandatory! C'mon Son, I guess with this new rule in place, the 1500 former players suiing you for concussions will now drop their suits. Because clearly, players can get a concussion from a thigh bruise.
 
HOU - WR Andre Johnson expects to miss 3-4 weeks

Source: The Associated Press

Houston Texans WR Andre Johnson (knee) is expected to miss three to four weeks after having arthroscopic surgery on his left knee.

CLE - Expect Brandon Weeden to start

Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter

Cleveland Browns general manager Tom Heckert said he expects QB Brandon Weeden to be the team's starting quarterback this year over QB Colt McCoy. 'The best guy is going to play and we fully expect Brandon to be that guy,' Heckert said.

ARI - Beanie Wells had clean-out procedure

Source: ESPN.com - Mike Sando

Sean Howard, the agent for Arizona Cardinals RB Beanie Wells (knee), said his client underwent 'a clean-out procedure' and not microfracture surgery, which would have required extensive rehab. 'He's in shape and looks good,' Howard said. 'The doctors and the Cardinals have decided to play it safe. Rather than rush him back, the consensus opinion was to let him heal.

CLE - Competition nothing new for QB McCoy

Source: Nate Ulrich - Akron Beacon-Journal

Nate Ulrich, from the Akron Beacon-Journal, reports Browns QB Colt McCoy is no stranger to competition. "I had to earn my job at [the University of Texas] every year, basically except my senior year," McCoy said. "I had to earn my job in high school. My dad didn’t start me when I was a freshman. I had to play when I was a sophomore, so I understand the idea.

PHI - QB Michael Vick willing to play safer

Source: NFL.com - Marc Sessler

Philadelphia Eagles QB Michael Vick watched film of all 18 of his turnovers a season ago and vowed to be smarter and safer with the ball this year. 'He's learned from that. I think it makes him a better quarterback going forward, obviously. If we cut those two areas down, be more efficient in the red zone, don't turn the ball over as much ... your chances of success obviously go up,' quarterbacks coach Doug Pederson said.

NE - Want to keep WR Wes Welker around

Source: NFL.com - Gregg Rosenthal

New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft said that he wants to see WR Wes Welker remain a Patriot for life. Welker said over the weekend that negotiations on a long-term contract had gotten worse.

PIT - QB Ben Roethlisberger has good relationship with Todd Haley

Source: NFL.com - Marc Sessler

Pittsburgh Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger said he and new offensive coordinator Todd Haley aren't on bad terms to begin the season. Under Haley, the team is expected to a more balanced attack, and Roethlisberger admitted that the new scheme is 'a 90 percent change.'

DAL - Rookie WR Coale needs surgery

Source: Todd Archer - ESPN Dallas

Todd Archer, from ESPNDallas.com, reports Cowboys rookie WR Danny Coale will need surgery to repair a broken bone in his left foot.

CIN - WR Tate opens OTAs as 2nd WR

Source: Joe Reedy - Cincinnati Enquirer

Joe Reedy, from the Cincinnati Enquirer, reports Bengals veteran WR Brandon Tate opened up OTAs as the team's second WR oppositeA.J. Green.

MIN - WR Jenkins says he's ready to go

Source: Jeremy Fowler - Pioneer Press

Jeremy Fowler, from the Pioneer Press, reports Vikings WR Michael Jenkins said the torn meniscus in his knee has fully healed and he will be with the team for the start of Organized Team Activities that start on May 30th.

MIN - Sign six draft picks

Source: KFFL.com

The Minnesota Vikings signed WR Jarius Wright (fourth-round pick), WR Greg Childs (fourth round), DB Robert Blanton (fifth round), PK Blair Walsh (sixth round), LB Audie Cole (seventh round) and DT Trevor Guyton (seventh round) to undisclosed deals Tuesday, May 22.

PIT - S Troy Polamalu joining workouts

Source: NFL.com - Marc Sessler

Pittsburgh Steelers SS Troy Polamalu is joining the team for their organized team workouts this season, which is something he usually skips in order to workout with a personal trainer in Los Angeles.

 
There is a new #1 overall pick! Arian Foster is a monster on the turf. A hamstring injury made is draft stock drop last year and I was the lucky one to get him at the 5th pick. He missed week 2 and 3 because of his injury but came back in week 4 against Pittsburgh. I had a decision to make, do I start a RB is not 100% against one of the best defenses or do I sit him. I decided to start him and he did not disappoint. Foster rushed 30 times for 155 yards. Foster splits carries with Ben Tate who would probably start on another team. I see Foster having another big year! 

Year   Team   G    Yards    Avg    TD
2011      HOU      13     1224        4.4        10   
 
Ray Rice is averaging the #2 pick which I believe is about right. I have drafted Rice at the 3 and 4 spots over the last couple of years and he did not disappoint. He continues to perform in the run and the pass game. He catches alot of passes and gains alot of yards. The Ravens added Jacoby Jones to their WR corps and he should be a nice compliment to Boldin and Smith. My only concern is I believe Flacco is overrated. Rice should be in for another big year.
Year   Team   G    Yards    Avg    TD
2011     BAL        16     1364         4.7        12
 
Leasean Mccoy took the world by storm last year. I'll be honest, I had no idea Mccoy would be able to put up 20 td's (17rushing). The Eagles are a pass happy offense but they will not hesitate to run it down a defenses throat. They utilize the pass to open up the run. The Eagles had one of the best offseasons in terms of upgrading their defense. This will translate to getting the offense the ball and will prove beneficial for Mccoy.

Year   Team  G     Yds     Avg     TD
2011      PHI       15     1309      4.8       17
 
Some would argue that Rodgers could actually go #1 overall. That wouldn't necessarily be a bad thing. If your league scores the QB position favorably, go for it. Rodgers had one of the best season's for a QB. He has a ton of weapons and should have a 2012 season identical to 2011. It would be hard to pass on Rodgers at 4.
YR     Team  GP  Att  Comp   Comp%  Yds     TD  INT  Rtg
2011    GBP       15    502   343          68.3           4643    45     6         122.6