Official NFL Thread: 2014-2015 Season

[South Pender]

So you thought you were an avid fan?
Check this guy out:


Now that's fandom! (In case you were wondering, that's a prosthetic right eye.)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Any Patriots fans here?

I've liked the Patriots through the Belichick/Brady era--they're my favorite AFC team--and was pretty choked to see them miss out on the purrfect season in 2007 by losing to Giants in Super Bowl 42.

Anyway, here's a good analysis of their 2014 team by Josh Alper for Pro Football Talk:

Five questions: New England Patriots
Posted by Josh Alper on August 21, 2014, 1:53 PM EDT

The Patriots winning the AFC East has almost reached the death and taxes level of certainty, which means the big question for them is always about something bigger.

Can they win the Super Bowl?

They’ve certainly got a chance to get there in a conference that many believe is set up for another title game clash between Bill Belichick and Peyton Manning. Winning that game for the first time since 2011 and challenging whoever survives in the NFC will take the right answers to the five questions we’re posing about the Patriots.

1. Can Gronk stay healthy?

If you can answer an unimpeachable yes to this question, you should probably do whatever you can to get in touch with the Patriots because they’d likely pay good money for help keeping tight end Rob Gronkowski on the field for an entire season.

The last time he did that was during the 2011 season, when he caught 90 passes for 1,327 yards and 17 touchdowns. Gronkowski played in seven games last year and the Patriots had 25 touchdown passes for the entire season.

During that brief period when Gronkowski was healthy last season, the Patriots were a buzzsaw on offense. They found the slogging much harder when he was out of the lineup recovering from back surgery or after he tore his ACL, though. The latter injury will him from cutting loose in a preseason game and Week One isn’t guaranteed, so there will be at least a few more weeks of wondering about when he’ll get the full green light.

And then it will be many more weeks for Patriots fans to worry about losing him every time he takes a hit.

2. How good can Darrelle Revis make this defense?

One need only look at the revolving door of cornerbacks that the Patriots have employed recently to know how much Revis changes things for New England. We’re not sure yet if he’ll be playing one side of the field or following a particular receiver each week, but it’s a good bet that Belichick will be doing things differently now that he has one of the league’s best corners to use on every snap of the ball.

It helps that he has so many other pieces to put in play around Revis. Chandler Jones, Jamie Collins and Donta’ Hightower have gained experience, Devin McCourty has transitioned well to safety, Jerod Mayo is back from last year’s pectoral injury and they’ll have Brandon Browner after he serves his four-game suspension. It adds up to the best defensive group on paper for New England in some time and Revis is the piece that could make it special.

3. Will time catch up to Tom Brady?

Brady turned 37 this year and he’s coming off a season that saw him take 40 sacks while posing his lowest completion percentage in a decade, all of which can be seen as reasons to argue that a quarterback could be starting the decline phase of his career.

Others would point to Gronkowski’s absence and a shortage of reliable wide receivers as reasons why Brady was less successful than in past seasons. The receiver question hasn’t been settled as the team is still hoping for Aaron Dobson and/or Brandon LaFell to provide a steady threat next to Julian Edelman and Danny Amendola, who Brady jokingly called pygmies this summer.

The gut feeling here is that a better cast of characters would lead to better things from Brady, but age catches up with all of us sooner or later.

4. Can their defensive tackles hold up?

If Vince Wilfork, Tommy Kelly and Dominique Easley are all healthy, they should make for an imposing trio in the center of the defensive line. It’s a big if, though.

Wilfork tore his Achilles last year and turns 33 in November while Kelly is coming back from a torn ACL and nearing his 34th birthday. Easley is a first-round pick and much younger, but he suffered the second torn ACL of his playing career last season. When Wilfork and Kelly went down last year, the Patriots defense took a serious hit and a similar turn of events this year would mitigate the good things discussed above.

5. How many fumbles is too many for Stevan Ridley?

Ridley lost a fumble in the team’s preseason game against the Eagles, an unhappy reminder of the four fumbles he lost last season. Those fumbles landed him in Belichick’s doghouse for a time and kept Ridley from building on a strong 2012 season.

LeGarrette Blount left as a free agent, but Shane Vereen and fourth-round pick James White are on hand as options should Ridley’s fumbles become a problem again this season. With free agency looming for the 2011 third-round pick, that would probably work out worse for him than it would for the Patriots.
____________________________________________________________________

Just one update to that report: the Patriots have cut Tommy Kelly, a guy mentioned in Alper's Point 4.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
And here's a mildly-negative story about the Seahawks by Terry Blount, who writes for ESPN:

The Seattle Seahawks and coach Pete Carroll have been collectively fined more than $300,000, according to sources, and will lose two double practices in 2015 as ruled by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell for violating no-contact rules that govern NFL teams' offseason practices.

The Seahawks are cautious when it comes to protecting injured players. That's why it's surprising they are being fined and losing practices for violating the no-contact rules in offseason workouts, Terry Blount writes. Story

Carroll's fine was at least $100,000 and the Seahawks were docked over $200,000 while the team will lose at least two minicamp practices next season because it had excessive contact between players during a June 18 practice, per sources.

The NFL confirmed the loss of two practices, but said the team will be allowed one practice session on the final day of its minicamp.

The Seahawks had been fined an undisclosed amount in 2012 by Goodell for a similar violation under Carroll's supervision and lost their final two organized team activities practices, sources added.

The 2011 collective bargaining agreement bans physical contact between players during the offseason.

A Seahawks spokesman declined immediate comment, as did a league spokesman.
_______________________________________________________________________

And here's a little more on this by Mike Florio:

Report of Richard Sherman minicamp fight sparked NFLPA investigation
Posted by Mike Florio on August 27, 2014, 10:17 AM EDT

So what caused the NFL to ultimately impose six-figure fines on the Seahawks and coach Pete Carroll for impermissible contact during a supposedly non-contact minicamp practice?

Per a source with direct knowledge of the situation, the NFLPA started the investigation after reports emerged of a fight at a June 18 practice involving cornerback Richard Sherman and receiver Bryan Walters. Coach Pete Carroll had to stop practice in order to restore order.

The NFLPA caught wind of the situation via TV reports of the altercation. At that point, the NFLPA asked the Seahawks to surrender the video of all offseason practices.

Inspection of the footage resulted in the union concluding that the practice was “way too aggressive,” per the source. Aggression was detected not simply on one or two plays but for the entire practice. While the penalties reportedly cover only the day of the fight evidence of excessive aggressiveness was spotted over multiple days of the minicamp.

“Coaches were coaching contact,” the source said. And the NFL apparently agreed, given that the league ultimately imposed unprecedented fines for something that happens in plenty of offseason practices. But apparently not to this extent.

[South Pender]

For Seahawks fans, tonight's final preseason game at Oakland might be interesting (7 p.m.on Fox; also, I believe, on the NFL Network). This will be the 9th year in a row in which the Seahawks have finished their preseason against the Raiders, and the 'Hawks lead the series 7-1.

Not sure how much a win matters, but we will see some things in the game that will be interesting:

1. Terrelle Pryor. This is really his last chance to make a good impression on the coaches and make the team as a 3rd QB. Expect to see him play a lot--splitting time with Tavaris Jackson, who has probably sewn up the No. 2 QB spot. I kind of hope the Seahawks keep Pryor--not so much as a solid No. 2, but more for his freakish athleticism and size. I'm hoping OC Darrell Bevell will design some plays to take advantage of Pryor's size and amazing speed (4.38 from a guy who's 6-6 and 233).

2. Other Guys on the bubble. The one I'm most interested in is Chris Matthews (2012 CFL Outstanding Rookie with the Bombers). He's a big guy (6-5, 230) with good speed (4.57), but is really in tough with the stable of receivers the Seahawks have acquired. Also, look at O'Brien Schofield and Benson Mayowa battle for a D-line spot (Leo end--weak-side 9 tech); I think only one will be kept, and right now, Schofield seems to be ahead. Also, Brock Coyle, a rookie MLB. Will he make the team as Bobby Wagner's backup?

[notahomer]

For Seahawks fans, tonight's final preseason game at Oakland might be interesting. This will be the 9th year in a row in which the Seahawks have finished their preseason against the Raiders, and the 'Hawks lead the series 7-1.

Used to be Seahawks with heart, Raiders with the brain........

Raiders have SUCKED, IMO, for a long time......

[South Pender]

Raiders have SUCKED, IMO, for a long time......

LOL. So true. I was never a fan of Al Davis, but his son, Mark, now the owner, just seems to head up a pyramid of weak management, which now most importantly includes GM Reggie McKenzie. The team has been in some form of turmoil for over a decade and has gone through 7 head coaches (including the present one) since 2002: Callahan, Turner, Shell, Kiffin, Cable, Jackson, and now Dennis Allen. Add to that the mercurial ownership style of Al Davis, the seemingly-endless battles with the city of Oakland, the really crappy field they play in--the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum (which they share with the baseball Athletics) with its dirt infield (which has to be considered dangerous for football)--the circus at quarterback (and now with #1 QB Matt Schaub looking lousy), the uncertainty about whether they will stay in Oakland, and on and on, and it's hard to see them thriving in 2014.

The Raiders of the 1970s and early 80s under John Madden and Tom Flores (and briefly under Callahan in 2002) were good teams that gained respect around the NFL. That really seems to have changed, though. I wouldn't be all that surprised to see them decamp for LA once again, not that that will make them any better. In my view, they need to do what the Seahawks did in 2010, when they brought in Pete Carroll and John Schneider, and clean house by bringing in a talented GM and head coach and rebuild the team. However, with Mark Davis at the top, this may not happen. Paul Allen was smart enough to stand aside and support the new management in Seattle.

[South Pender]

This just out. I applaud this, even though many will see much of what Goodell has written as little more than boilerplate. It's crystal clear that this was precipitated for the most part by the lax penalty (2 games) imposed on Ravens' running back Ray Rice for cold-cocking his then-fiance, now-wife, with the unconscious woman being caught on film being dragged out of an elevator. Fans went ballistic with this penalty--and rightly so, in my opinion, when we realize that a guy like Josh Gordon is suspended for a full season for using a substance that is legal in two states of the US.

I think that the following is the heart of the communication. However, it would seem to me that the "consideration given to mitigating factors" does leave the league with an escape route should it prove unpopular--for whatever reason--to impose the full 6-game-without-pay penalty:

Effective immediately, violations of the Personal Conduct Policy regarding assault, battery, domestic violence or sexual assault that involve physical force will be subject to a suspension without pay of six games for a first offense, with consideration given to mitigating factors, as well as a longer suspension when circumstances warrant.

Here's the full communication:

Roger Goodell’s letter to NFL owners on domestic violence
Posted by Darin Gantt on August 28, 2014, 2:53 PM EDT

[Editor's note: NFL commissioner Roger Goodell sent the following letter to all 32 NFL owners today.]

Since becoming Commissioner, my focus has been on ensuring that the NFL is held in the highest regard by our fans, players, business partners, and public authorities. My commitment has always been to do what is right and to protect the integrity of the game, both now and long into the future.

Recently, we have addressed issues of respect — respect for co-workers, opponents, fans, game officials, and others. Whether in the context of workplace conduct, advancing policies of diversity and inclusion, or promoting professionalism in all we do, our mission has been to create and sustain model workplaces filled with people of character. Although the NFL is celebrated for what happens on the field, we must be equally vigilant in what we do off the field.

At times, however, and despite our best efforts, we fall short of our goals. We clearly did so in response to a recent incident of domestic violence. We allowed our standards to fall below where they should be and lost an important opportunity to emphasize our strong stance on a critical issue and the effective programs we have in place. My disciplinary decision led the public to question our sincerity, our commitment, and whether we understood the toll that domestic violence inflicts on so many families. I take responsibility both for the decision and for ensuring that our actions in the future properly reflect our values. I didn’t get it right. Simply put, we have to do better. And we will.

The public response reinforced my belief that the NFL is held to a higher standard, and properly so. Much of the criticism stemmed from a fundamental recognition that the NFL is a leader, that we do stand for important values, and that we can project those values in ways that have a positive impact beyond professional football. We embrace this role and the responsibility that comes with it. We will listen openly, engage our critics constructively, and seek continuous improvement in everything we do. We will use this opportunity to create a positive outcome by promoting policies of respect for women both within and outside of the workplace. We will work with nationally recognized experts to ensure that the NFL has a model policy on domestic violence and sexual assault. We will invest time and resources in training, programs and services that will become part of our culture. And we will increase the sanctions imposed on NFL personnel who violate our policies.

In the past few weeks, I have reviewed all aspects of our Personal Conduct Policy and met with a wide range of experts (several of whom we have been working with for some time), as well as with the NFLPA and many of you. Those discussions will continue. They have helped us to identify a number of steps that will better communicate our position and strengthen our policies on domestic violence and sexual assault.

These steps are based on a clear, simple principle: domestic violence and sexual assault are wrong. They are illegal. They have no place in the NFL and are unacceptable in any way, under any circumstances. That has been and remains our policy.

Many of you have done excellent work in this field, both personally and through the efforts of concerned players and your community relations and player engagement departments. Our goals are to prevent violence, impose appropriate discipline, provide professional support resources when appropriate, and publicly embrace a leadership role on this issue.

Consistent with that view, I have directed the following actions to reinforce and enhance our policies:

First, we will continue our work with leading experts to expand the scope of our education on domestic violence and sexual assault for all NFL personnel – players and non-players. This will include enhanced training for entering players through the Rookie Symposium and Rookie Success Program, as well as new programs designed for veteran players and other NFL personnel. All NFL personnel — players and non-players — will receive information about available league resources and local support and advocacy groups in their community.

Second, our club Player Engagement Directors, Human Resource Executives, and other appropriate team personnel will undergo comprehensive training to help them understand and identify risk factors associated with domestic violence and sexual assault. Any person identified as being at risk will be afforded private, confidential assistance. Persons who decline this assistance will be held accountable for that decision in determining discipline for any subsequent act of domestic violence or sexual assault. This is a complicated matter and must be approached with care. We will work with experts to identify strategies based on the most reliable research, recognizing that violence can and does take different forms but generally involves a pattern of coercive behavior.

Third, we will ensure that the NFL LifeLine and NFL Total Wellness Program are staffed with personnel trained to provide prompt and confidential assistance to anyone at risk of domestic violence or sexual assault – whether as a victim or potential aggressor. Information regarding these resources will be furnished to all NFL personnel and their families. Our Player Engagement Directors and Human Resource Executives will meet with team spouses and significant others to ensure that they are aware of the resources available to them as NFL family members, including the ability to seek confidential assistance through independent local resources, as well as through the club or the NFL Total Wellness Program. In this respect, we will utilize our existing, established telephone and on-line programs, and will communicate the full range of available services to all NFL personnel and their families.

Fourth, the outside groups we met with have emphasized that the NFL can play an important role in communities throughout the nation. Consistent with that advice, we will expand the educational components in our college, high school and youth football programs that address domestic violence and sexual assault. We will seek to create and promote programs that develop the character of the young men who play, coach or manage our game, emphasizing respect for women and appropriate ways to resolve conflicts. Outreach efforts embodied in these programs will help young people recognize, establish and maintain healthy relationships. In our earliest contact with young men, we can communicate our expectations, establish NFL standards of conduct, and stress the responsibility that all men have to adhere to those standards.

Fifth, we recognize that domestic violence and sexual assault are broad social issues, affecting millions of people. We want our public role to be both constructive and effective. In the coming months, we will explore meaningful ways to incorporate domestic violence and sexual assault awareness and prevention into our public service work. We will do this with the assistance of responsible outside organizations and the potential participation of current and former players, coaches and families who have been affected and are willing to speak out. Actions we take in this respect will be sensitive, thoughtful and will recognize the positive role models and high character presented by so many men in the NFL.

Finally, and consistent with our Personal Conduct Policy, our own response to domestic violence or sexual assault incidents by NFL personnel will include new elements of evaluation, treatment and family support, as well as enhanced discipline. We will address these issues fairly and thoughtfully, respecting the rights of all involved and giving proper deference to law enforcement and the courts. If someone is charged with domestic violence or sexual assault, there will be a mandatory evaluation and, where professionally indicated, counseling or other specialized services. Effective immediately, violations of the Personal Conduct Policy regarding assault, battery, domestic violence or sexual assault that involve physical force will be subject to a suspension without pay of six games for a first offense, with consideration given to mitigating factors, as well as a longer suspension when circumstances warrant. Among the circumstances that would merit a more severe penalty would be a prior incident before joining the NFL, or violence involving a weapon, choking, repeated striking, or when the act is committed against a pregnant woman or in the presence of a child. A second offense will result in banishment from the NFL; while an individual may petition for reinstatement after one year, there will be no presumption or assurance that the petition will be granted. These disciplinary standards will apply to all NFL personnel.

With very few exceptions, NFL personnel conduct themselves in an exemplary way. But even one case of domestic violence or sexual assault is unacceptable. The reality is that domestic violence and sexual assault are often hidden crimes, ones that are under-reported and under-acknowledged. The steps we are taking will reinforce our commitment to address this issue constructively.

In addition to focusing on domestic violence and sexual assault, we will continue to maintain strong policies regarding weapons offenses. We are similarly working to strengthen our response to impaired driving. We have sought – unsuccessfully – for several years to obtain the NFLPA’s agreement to more stringent discipline for DUI, including mandatory deactivation for the game immediately following an arrest and a minimum two-game suspension for a first violation of law. We will continue to press our position on this issue in the hope of securing the union’s agreement.

There are three steps that each club should take promptly: first, post and distribute the attached “Memorandum to All NFL Personnel” to every player under contract to your club; second, ensure that your head coach reviews the information in that notice with his staff and with all your players; and third, share this letter and the attached Memorandum with all members of your organization, including your team president, General Manager, Human Resources Executive, Security Director, and Player Engagement Director.

In the coming weeks, we will contact all clubs on further steps to be taken in support of these initiatives. I am grateful for the thoughtful advice received from so many of you and for the support that I know you will give to this important work.

MEMORANDUM TO ALL NFL PERSONNEL

Domestic violence and sexual assault are wrong. They are illegal. They are never acceptable and have no place in the NFL under any circumstances.

Our Personal Conduct Policy has long made clear that domestic violence and sexual assault are unacceptable. We clearly must do a better job of addressing these incidents in the NFL. And we will.

Earlier today, I sent NFL owners a letter that identified specific actions we will take to improve our response to domestic violence and sexual assault. Those actions include the following:

All NFL Personnel will participate in new and enhanced educational programs on domestic violence and sexual assault. We will also increase our outreach to college and youth football programs.

Families will receive detailed information about available services and resources, both through the club and independent of the club. These resources and services will be available to employees and their families on a confidential basis.

Violations of the Personal Conduct Policy regarding assault, battery, domestic violence and sexual assault that involve physical force will be subject to enhanced discipline. A first offense will be subject to a suspension of six weeks without pay. Mitigating circumstances will be considered, and more severe discipline will be imposed if there are aggravating circumstances such as the presence or use of a weapon, choking, repeated striking, or when the act is committed against a pregnant woman or in the presence of a child. A second offense will result in banishment from the league; an offender may petition for reinstatement after one year but there is no assurance that the petition will be granted. These disciplinary consequences apply to all NFL personnel.

* * * * *

If you believe that you or someone you know may be at risk of domestic violence or other misconduct, we strongly encourage you to seek assistance through your club’s director of player engagement, human resources department, the NFL LifeLine or an independent local domestic violence resource. Help is available and can prevent potentially tragic incidents.

ROGER GOODELL
COMMISSIONER

[notahomer]

Re: Ray Rice Renovations:Good reaction by the NFL, IMO.... Message sent loud and clear!

The Raiders of the 1970s and early 80s under John Madden and Tom Flores (and briefly under Callahan in 2002) were good teams that gained respect around the NFL. That really seems to have changed, though. I wouldn't be all that surprised to see them decamp for LA once again, not that that will make them any better. In my view, they need to do what the Seahawks did in 2010, when they brought in Pete Carroll and John Schneider, and clean house by bringing in a talented GM and head coach and rebuild the team. However, with Mark Davis at the top, this may not happen. Paul Allen was smart enough to stand aside and support the new management in Seattle.

Going to LA would solve what I see as a puzzling aspect of the NFL, NO LA franchise but based on history (and other factors) maybe Oakland needs to stay (AFL, Davis etc...). IMO, its upto the Owner, Oakland and Oaklands fans. In a similar vien, I have heard quite a bit of sniping regarding the 49ers move. These are the kinds of things that mean nothing to me, quite a distance away but many fans are miffed at the move the team made. I don't know the logistics (maybe they used to play in a location like the PNE and now they have moved to just outside Kelowna?). There will ALWAYS be grumblers (sometimes its me ) but obviously this move is a big one for many SF fans......

I'm not footing the bill so I vote for Oakland to build a football only stadium for the Raiders and have a Tony Dungy style leader be part of a managment/coaching regime that can bring some pride back to the Silver&Black....

[notahomer]

Raiders got a big win over the Seahawks tonight. Doesn't matter its preseason and if had been a game that mattered much, I would have cheered for the Seahawks. I always hate saying that, I really shouldn't. Preseason games may not matter much to many fans, established vetrans etc... but they are the LAST opportunity for so many to fufill that dream of being an NFL player.

Thankfullly some of them don't give up and try out the CFL. Some once here, end their careers happy to play our brand of football. Others like Cam Wake, obviously appreciated the leg up, but are now willing to build upon a career that NEVER EVER SHOULD HAVE started in the CFL, IMO. Okay, I'm not an NFL scout or coach or GM but, IMO, Cam Wake WAS ALWAYS good enough to play in the NFL, its just the shortsightedness (tunnel vision) that allowed us to benefit from his time here. Many great players will end up having their NFL dreams ended by weeks end, so thats why I feel a little guilty saying the games don't matter yet...
_________________________
Sounds like quite the festival happening next week in Seattle. I guess its the season kickoff leading upto the big game on Thursday. They'll be raising their championship banner etc.... So happy the Seahawks are now CHAMPIONS. I hope they repeat but I think it will be tough and it always is regardless......

[South Pender]

That Seahawks-Raiders game last night was really odd (ugly), even if only a preseason tilt . A rookie quarterback absolutely torches the vaunted Seahawks defense for multiple touchdowns in the first half (including one against the Seahawks' first-team D). I know that there were second-teamers in there for much of it, but, migawd, it was brutal. This Derek Carr definitely looked like the real deal, and I think Dennis Allen may want to revise his choice for starting QB.

Hard to say whether Terrelle Pryor helped his case much. He went 11/17 (65%) for 134 yds. Chris Matthews had two receptions for 27 yards. By tomorrow we'll know whether he showed enough to stick. They like his size, but the competition at receiver is pretty intense. I think Bryan Walters looked good and may be the last receiver to make the final 53. Hard to say who won the Mayowa-Schofield competition. With practice rosters expanded to 10, some will end up there, rather than being released.

[sj-roc]

Roger Goodell’s letter to NFL owners on domestic violence
...
Violations of the Personal Conduct Policy regarding assault, battery, domestic violence and sexual assault that involve physical force will be subject to enhanced discipline. A first offense will be subject to a suspension of six weeks without pay. Mitigating circumstances will be considered, and more severe discipline will be imposed if there are aggravating circumstances such as the presence or use of a weapon, choking, repeated striking, or when the act is committed against a pregnant woman or in the presence of a child. A second offense will result in banishment from the league; an offender may petition for reinstatement after one year but there is no assurance that the petition will be granted. These disciplinary consequences apply to all NFL personnel.

This new policy could affect the CFL as some players disciplined under it might try continuing their careers on this side of the border. I'm not sure whether they'd be handled under the existing "Ricky Williams rule" or if they would be treated, for purposes of playing eligibility, more like LaVon Brazill. If the latter, the league should consider broadening the RWR. Perhaps they are already considering this in response to LB's situation.

[South Pender]

This new policy could affect the CFL as some players disciplined under it might try continuing their careers on this side of the border. I'm not sure whether they'd be handled under the existing "Ricky Williams rule" or if they would be treated, for purposes of playing eligibility, more like LaVon Brazill. If the latter, the league should consider broadening the RWR. Perhaps they are already considering this in response to LB's situation.

You're right in noting that the CFL may want to develop a definitive policy in this regard--i.e., whether someone suspended by the NFL can play in Canada--as it seems vague at this time. But this would apply primarily (probably only) to players who were cut by their NFL team. That's the case with LaVon Brazill, but not with Josh Gordon. In cases in which the team doesn't cut the player, he's still under contract to them, and they can block his attempt to play in the CFL, as the Browns did with Gordon. I doubt that any NFL team would let one of their players suspended under the NFL's rule, but still on the team (and expected to return to play once the suspension was served--like Brandon Browner and Walter Thurmond of the Seahawks), play up here.

Just as an aside, I'd like to see the CFL articulate and enforce a clear policy that players suspended by the NFL would not be eligible to play in the CFL. This would, in my opinion, lend some credibility--and a little stature--to the CFL. I think the CFL would look weak, opportunistic, and a little desperate if it were to welcome players--to pump up attendance--who've broken the rules in the US. Just my opinion, of course, and others may see it differently.

[South Pender]

For all the fans of Da Bears, we have this by Mike Wilkening of Pro Football Talk. Some good points to ponder as the season is close to beginning. I think Question 3 is the big one.

Five Questions: Chicago Bears
Posted by Mike Wilkening on August 28, 2014, 5:55 PM EDT

There will surely be moments this season where the Chicago Bears look like contenders — legit contenders. They will look this way because of their offense, which is loaded with top-tier talent at quarterback (Jay Cutler), tailback (Matt Forte) and wide receiver (Brandon Marshall, Alshon Jeffery). In fact, the Bears may look their very best when they are behind and it’s time for Cutler and Co. to pass Chicago back into the game.

Assuming the 2014 Bears stay healthy on offense, they are going to have more than enough highlights for the annual NFL Films season-review video. But can the Bears do enough in the other phases to be a playoff team? Are they going to be a lamentable 8-8 or a you-don’t-want-to-face-them-in-January 10-6 or 11-5?

Here are five questions to weigh about these intriguing Bears:

1. Will Jay Cutler be named to the Pro Bowl for the second time in his career?

We hear you: The Pro Bowl doesn’t matter, you say. Look at some of the recent rosters — the game has lost luster being moved a week before the Super Bowl, which precludes players from the conference winners playing in the NFL’s all-star affair. And what’s the deal with the new captains system? Why not call it the “Rock N’ Jock Football Jam” and get it over with?

Well, in the case of Cutler, a Pro Bowl selection would be a big deal. And we’re talking about a selection right off the bat, not an addition to the roster because of injuries/defections at the position.

Here’s why this would be notable:

It means he played all or nearly all of a full season. Considering he’s missed at least five games in two out of the last three seasons, 16 Cutler starts would be a welcome development for Chicago.

It means the Bears’ offense likely would have met the high expectations set for the group entering this season. There haven’t been many, if any, Chicago offenses with this much talent. If Cutler shines, the Bears’ skill position players should stand out, too.

He would have beaten out several other capable quarterbacks along the way. Consider the NFC’s depth at the position: Aaron Rodgers. Drew Brees. Russell Wilson. Colin Kaepernick. Nick Foles. Tony Romo. Cam Newton. Matt Ryan. Matthew Stafford. Robert Griffin III. Eli Manning. If Cutler is one of the NFC’s top three initial selections at the position, he likely will have had a monster year.

2. Was the Bears’ preseason debacle at Seattle an aberration — or a chilling hint of where the club fits in the NFC’s pecking order?

In the third preseason game for both clubs last Friday, Seattle converted all seven third-down attempts in the first half, running out to a 31-0 halftime lead on Chicago. Yes, it was just an exhibition, but it was the most important of the preseason games — the closest to a real dress rehearsal. And under the somewhat-bright lights, Chicago wilted. At best, it’s a throw-out performance, one not to be taken at face value. At worst, it’s a loss that suggests Chicago’s ceiling isn’t at high at all.

3. Is Chicago’s defense materially better than a season ago?

It better be. The Bears’ run defense was the NFL’s worst a season ago — and the pass defense wasn’t much better, frankly. Chicago spent big in free agency to improve the defensive line, signing defensive ends Jared Allen, Lamarr Houston and Willie Young. Then, in the draft, the club added secondary help in Round One, selecting Kyle Fuller.

The moves were a nod to the obvious — the Bears needed to get deeper and more talented on defense. If indeed the Bears have succeeded in this regard, it should show up early in matchups against the Bills (Week One) and Jets (Week Three) — clubs without much offensive punch.

4. Will the special teams be a weakness?

For years, the Bears’ special teams were a major strength, but entering 2014, they are, at best, a question mark outside of steady kicker Robbie Gould. The Bears’ coverage units are worth monitoring; Chicago really struggled in his regard at Seattle. The Bears also need a returner to emerge to replace Devin Hester. And Chicago is untested at punter and long-snapper, too.

5. Can the Bears survive their first nine games?

After beginning their season at home vs. the Bills on Sept. 7, the Bears then play 6-of-8 away from Soldier Field, with road trips to the 49ers (Sept. 14), Jets (Sept. 22), Panthers (Oct. 5), Falcons (Oct. 12), Patriots (Oct. 26) and Packers (Nov. 9). This will be a test of the Bears’ resolve and their readiness. They probably will have to shake off some adversity and perhaps steal a road game or two early to give themselves a chance to make the most of having five of their last seven at home. If the Bears are truly playoff contenders, they can emerge from these first nine games with a winning record. However, if they start slowly, it’s probably unreasonable to expect a strong stretch run.

[South Pender]

Notable NFL Cuts and Additions, 53-Day, 2014.

It's now past the time at which all NFL teams must be down to their 53-man rosters. The final rosters will be in a state of some flux for the next couple of days as the 10-man practice rosters are assembled and some guys cut find a place on another team's 53. I'm more interested in who teams pick up than who they cut and will be interested in whether the Seahawks pick up an O-lineman now that Eric Winston has been cut. Anyway, here's the beginning of a list, I'll update from time to time.

Notable Cuts:

Michael Sam - DE Rams. Amid all the hoopla, Sam didn't make the final 53 for the Rams. He did play well in preseason, though, and might well catch on with another team--or make someone's PR.

Champ Bailey - CB - Saints. Now 36, Bailey has lost a step (or two) and wasn't effective last season. One of the all-time great corners.

Eric Winston - OT - Seahawks. This is a big surprise, given Winston's past performance and the relative thinness on the Seahawks' O-line with the loss of Michael Bowie.

Terrelle Pryor - QB - Seahawks. Looks as if the 'Hawks will go with two QBs, with B. J. Daniels going to the PR in all likelihood. I'm sorry to see this, as I thought Pryor could be used in some innovative packages. Just not an accurate-enough passer to stick (not to mention a somewhat weird delivery).

[notahomer]

Notable NFL Cuts and Additions, 53-Day, 2014.

It's now past the time at which all NFL teams must be down to their 53-man rosters. The final rosters will be in a state of some flux for the next couple of days as the 10-man practice rosters are assembled and some guys cut find a place on another team's 53. I'm more interested in who teams pick up than who they cut and will be interested in whether the Seahawks pick up an O-lineman now that Eric Winston has been cut. Anyway, here's the beginning of a list, I'll update from time to time.

Notable Cuts:

Michael Sam - DE Rams. Amid all the hoopla, Sam didn't make the final 53 for the Rams. He did play well in preseason, though, and might well catch on with another team--or make someone's PR.

Champ Bailey - CB - Saints. Now 36, Bailey has lost a step (or two) and wasn't effective last season. One of the all-time great corners.

Not too surprised by either of those cuts by the chatter I've heard on NFL Network (usually Total Access, IIRC). Maybe Sam will try and make it up here if he doesn't catch on with another NFL team?

Glad Johnathan Martin made the roster. Lots of chatter that he wouldn't. Wonder where Incognito lands......

[notahomer]

Apparently the Seahawks have traded for an undrafted DB?

MIchael Sam is almost definately going to make the Rams practice roster. Fisher sounds high on him, just not high enough to keep him on the roster.... Paraphrasing Fisher "all Sam needs is reps...reps are the difference between a good player and a great player"

[South Pender]

Apparently the Seahawks have traded for an undrafted DB?

Yeah...Marcus Burley. Got him from the Colts for a 6th round pick. Burley is a somewhat-smaller CB (5-10, 190), but with great speed (ran a 4.35 40), a UFA with the Jaguars first, then the Colts. A bit of a surprising pickup by the Seahawks given their strength at CB, but is probably seen as a good slot CB against smaller opposing slot receivers.