"The day Sam walked back into the building (this offseason) we started making adjustments," Schottenheimer said. 2013 marks the first time in Bradford's four-year career that he's had the same coordinator as the previous season. A lack of continuity has been just one of the reasons for Bradford's slow progression, but we believe he could eclipse 4,000 yards after coming up 298 yards short last season. Coming off a hot finish to 2012, the Rams have upgraded Bradford's line while surrounding him with more explosive weapons.
Rams OC: Bradford '1,000 years' ahead of '13
Sam Bradford | STL
(June 19, 2013 3:44 PM EDT)
Rams OC Brian Schottenheimer believes Sam Bradford is "a thousand years" ahead of where he was a year ago.
Source:
ESPN.com
SI: A-Hern not believed to be murder suspect
Aaron Hernandez | NE
(June 19, 2013 3:10 PM EDT)
In its latest update to the Aaron Hernandez story, Sports Illustrated reiterates he is "not believed to be a murder suspect."
Hernandez's role in the alleged crime remains unclear after Massachusetts State Police searched his home for over two and a half hours Tuesday. Per reporter Greg A. Bedard, police are looking for a second vehicle under Hernandez's name in addition to the rental car considered a "key piece of evidence." We're nowhere near the end of this.
Source:
Sports Illustrated
Cards website convinced Levi Brown will start
Levi Brown | ARZ
(June 19, 2013 2:56 PM EDT)
AzCardinals.com doesn't "see any way" LT Levi Brown isn't a Week 1 starter.
We agree, even after coach Bruce Arians seemed to crack the door open for Nate Potter in a Tuesday radio interview. Arians has spent the entire offseason pumping up Brown, who, if nothing else, has plenty of experience on the blindside. It's make-or-break year for the former No. 5 overall pick.
Source:
azcardinals.com
Team website projects Floyd as Cards starter
Michael Floyd | ARZ
(June 19, 2013 2:53 PM EDT)
AzCardinals.com projects Michael Floyd as the Cardinals' No. 2 receiver, and believes he's "primed for a leap in year two."
In-house reporter Darren Urban has been leading the Floyd hype train all spring, but has plenty of company from less-biased observers. Floyd made big strides late in 2012 despite the Cardinals' farcical quarterback situation, and should start living up to his first-round pedigree under Carson Palmer.
Source:
azcardinals.com
Goodson's grand jury out until September?
Mike Goodson | NYJ
(June 19, 2013 2:48 PM EDT)
The Newark Star-Ledger "gets the sense" that the grand jury in Mike Goodson's gun/drugs case won't decide whether to pursue charges before September.
That means Goodson could enter Week 1 without a suspension in hand, and likely put off any league-mandated punishment until 2014. ESPN New York considers Goodson's Jets status "up in the air," but most signs still point toward him reporting to camp as Chris Ivory's top backup.
Source:
Conor Orr on Twitter
Bush to be 'situational' punt returner
Reggie Bush | DET
(June 19, 2013 2:39 PM EDT)
DetroitLions.com expects Reggie Bush to be a "situational" punt returner this season.
"Reggie will have a role," ST coordinator John Bonamego said. "Reggie (can return punts) and is willing to do it. That's more situational — we need one, let's put him back there and let's see if he can make something happen." For the sake of Bush's health, we'd prefer he didn't play special teams, but the idea of "situational" returning is understandable. Bush could be a game-breaker in critical situations.
Source:
detroitlions.com
Nicks says OTAs absence wasn't about contract
Hakeem Nicks | NYG
(June 19, 2013 2:29 PM EDT)
Hakeem Nicks claims his absence from OTAs wasn't contract related.
"I really don't talk about my contract in the media and stuff like that," Nicks said. "But contract wasn't related." Even though players of Nicks' status skip OTAs all the time, it's a hard-to-believe claim, especially since the coaching staff expressed open irritation at his absence. Regardless, it's a dead issue with Nicks pledging he won't hold out of training camp going into the final year of his rookie contract.
Source:
ESPN New York
Broncos likely to 'take a look' at Dan Koppen
Dan Koppen | FA
(June 19, 2013 2:20 PM EDT)
The Denver Post expects the Broncos to "take a look" at free agent C Dan Koppen with C J.D. Walton (ankle surgeries) likely out for the season.
Koppen was Walton's fill-in last season, grading out as the No. 22 center in Pro Football Focus' ratings as he made 12 starts. Koppen is the market's top-remaining center — which isn't saying much — but turns 34 in September. The Broncos don't have any compelling in-house options.
Source:
Jeff Legwold on Twitter
49ers sign OC Greg Roman to 2-year extension
Fortyniners Offense | SF
(June 19, 2013 2:05 PM EDT)
49ers signed OC Greg Roman to a two-year contract extension through 2015.
It's well deserved for one of the league's most creative offensive minds, but shouldn't prevent him from bolting for a head-coaching job next offseason. Roman might already be a head man if not for the 49ers' Super Bowl run. Although coach Jim Harbaugh deserves a ton of the credit for San Francisco's ever-evolving, visionary offense, it's Roman who keeps the trains running on time.
Source:
Ian Rapoport on Twitter
Report: A-Hern was sued for February shooting
Aaron Hernandez | NE
(June 19, 2013 1:36 PM EDT)
TMZ.com reports Aaron Hernandez was recently sued for allegedly shooting a man in the face in February, and the suit will be refiled Wednesday after being temporarily withdrawn due to a paperwork mishap.
Things are going downhill quickly for New England's star tight end. It sounds like the February shooting was accidental, but allegedly came in the course of an argument. It's important to note that the entire episode is hearsay since criminal charges were never pursued, but it's an ominous backdrop to Hernandez being one of the subjects of a Massachusetts murder investigation. Hopefully his situation will clarify before the end of the week, and for the better.
Source:
TMZ.com