"There are enough people around the league that believe Matt Cassel is good enough to challenge Ponder," stated Schefter, adding that Cassel "could unseat Ponder at some point this season." Although Schefter confirmed Ponder won't lose his job before Week 1, he called it a "situation that bears watching." Ponder endured a brutal nine-game stretch last season (Weeks 7-16) where he completed 140-of-245 passes (57.1 percent) for just 1,267 yards (5.17 YPA), and a 7:8 TD-to-INT ratio with two lost fumbles. Ponder was serviceable to solid (67.2 percent, 7.01 YPA, 11:4) in his other seven starts.
Ponder may have shaky in-season job security
Christian Ponder | MIN
(June 18, 2013 4:24 PM EDT)
ESPN's Adam Schefter suggested on NFL Live that Christian Ponder will be in danger of losing his job this season if the Vikings begin to struggle.
Gronkowski expected to open camp on PUP list
Rob Gronkowski | NE
(June 18, 2013 4:06 PM EDT)
ESPN's Adam Schefter confirmed on NFL Live that Rob Gronkowski (back surgery) will open training camp on the active/PUP list.
"I think the one thing that does seem certain at this time is, he is expected to open training camp on the Physically Unable to Perform list," stated Schefter. Schefter added that the Patriots anticipated Gronk needing back surgery all offseason, but the procedure was repeatedly delayed due to his four forearm procedures. Because Gronkowski will open camp on PUP, he'll be a candidate to open the regular season on the reserve/PUP list, costing him six games.
'Some sense' Clady, Broncos will strike deal
Ryan Clady | DEN
(June 18, 2013 1:41 PM EDT)
CBS' Jason La Canfora reports there is "some sense" the Broncos and unsigned franchise player LT Ryan Clady will hammer out a long-term deal before next month's deadline.
La Canfora expects talks to come down to the July 15 deadline, but believes the Broncos are "edging closer to reality on what the cost will be." Clady is believed to be seeking Joe Thomas or Jason Peters money, which would put him in the neighborhood of $35-$45 million guaranteed. The Broncos would be wise not to upset the man tasked with protecting Peyton Manning's blindside.
Source:
CBSSports.com
Desmond Bishop to visit Chiefs after Vikings
Desmond Bishop | FA
(June 18, 2013 11:55 AM EDT)
Free agent ILB Desmond Bishop is scheduled to visit with the Chiefs Thursday.
Bishop is meeting with the Vikings on Tuesday. By arranging a visit with another suitor, his agent exerts some leverage over Minnesota. If they want him to help fill their gaping need at inside linebacker, they better get a deal done before he leaves town. Bishop would provide the Chiefs with a significant upgrade over Akeem Jordan at the inside 'backer spot next to Derrick Johnson.
Source:
Ian Rapoport on Twitter
Vincent Brown 'spectacular' during offseason
Vincent Brown | SD
(June 18, 2013 9:30 AM EDT)
The Union-Tribune says Vincent Brown was "just plain spectacular" during OTAs and minicamp.
We can now safely say that the broken ankle that ruined Brown's 2012 season is water under the bridge. And since the Chargers are installing a more precise offense that de-emphasizes the deep ball, Brown has a realistic shot to beat out Malcom Floyd for the starting Z receiver spot. He's a far superior route-runner. Brown has plenty of sleeper appeal in upcoming fantasy drafts.
Source:
Union-Tribune San Diego
Jonathan Stewart in doubt for start of camp
Jonathan Stewart | CAR
(June 18, 2013 8:34 AM EDT)
GM Dave Gettleman admitted that he doesn't know if Jonathan Stewart (ankles) will be ready for training camp.
"We'll see. Time will tell," Gettleman said. Stewart is coming off surgery on both of his ankles and did not participate in any of the offseason program. DeAngelo Williams and Mike Tolbert split the first-team reps. If Stewart can't participate fully in camp, the likelihood of a full-blown committee to start the regular season will increase. The Carolina backfield is as cloudy as ever.
Source:
Charlotte Observer
Panthers are de-emphasizing the zone read
Cam Newton | CAR
(June 18, 2013 8:29 AM EDT)
The Panthers are de-emphasizing the zone read play under new OC Mike Shula.
During OTAs and minicamps, the Panthers did not practice very many option plays. The franchise wants Cam Newton to make plays from the pocket first and use his legs to create opportunities in the scrambling game. Essentially, Shula is planning on running more of a conventional offense that features base runs to the backs. It's a good thing for Jonathan Stewart and DeAngelo Williams, but it could lead to deflated rushing stats for Newton. In his first two NFL seasons, he's rushed 253 times for a jaw-dropping 1,447 yards and 22 touchdowns.
Source:
Charlotte Observer
Patriots 'don't know' when Gronk will return
Rob Gronkowski | NE
(June 17, 2013 1:18 PM EDT)
ESPN's Ed Werder reported on SportsCenter Monday that the Patriots legitimately do not know when Rob Gronkowski will return from back surgery.
"The fact is the Patriots really don't know when he's gonna come back," Werder stated. The Pats will have a better feel once Gronk's back operation is performed Tuesday, but Werder reports Bill Belichick has prepared "many contingencies," and noted New England is currently carrying a league-high seven tight ends on its 90-man roster. Gronkowski will open camp on the PUP list, and we suspect he may stay there into the regular season.
Denver Post projects 75 catches for Welker
Wes Welker | DEN
(June 17, 2013 11:55 AM EDT)
The Denver Post considers 75 catches the ideal number for Wes Welker and Eric Decker.
Reporter Mike Klis believes the "new balance" in the Broncos' passing attack needs to be Welker and Decker each snagging around 75 balls while Demaryius Thomas gets 85. Peyton Manning has never been a part of an offense where at least three players caught 75 passes, but Reggie Wayne, Pierre Garcon and Jacob Tamme all cleared 67 in 2010. Decker is the most obvious candidate to fall below 75 grabs, but if he does, it won't be by much. The projection is another reminder Welker's fantasy value is on the downswing in Denver.
Source:
Denver Post
Broyles fully expects to be ready for Week 1
Ryan Broyles | DET
(June 17, 2013 11:22 AM EDT)
Ryan Broyles (ACL surgery) fully expects to be ready for Week 1.
"I’m out there doing full practices right now so in a couple months I feel like I’ll be pretty good," Broyles said after minicamp. Broyles added he's going "full blast in the weight room." It would be a Peterson-esque recovery were Broyles to be ready for the regular season, but there's no reason to doubt him at the moment.
Source:
Detroit News