The New York Giants are off today before hitting the field Friday and Saturday for the final two practices of what is still considered training camp. I thought I would use the opportunity to look around and see what the other fine writers at our NFL team blogs are talking about.
So, let's go Touring The Nation.
NFL Kind Of Forced Michael Vick To Sign With Eagles - Bleeding Green Nation
Michael Vick did an interview with GQ that's set to come out tomorrow and what is likely to be the biggest takeaway is his revelation that he didn't really want to sign with the Eagles, but the NFL and Roger Goodell kinda made him.
"I think I can say this now, because it's not going to hurt anybody's feelings, and it's the truth... I didn't want to come to Philadelphia. Being the third-team quarterback is nothing to smile about. Cincinnati and Buffalo were better options."
Those two teams wanted him and would've allowed him to start, but after meeting with commissioner Roger Goodell and other reps from the NFL, Vick was convinced—and granted league approval—to sign with Philly. "And I commend and thank them, because they put me in the right situation."
I had not really been aware of this, and to be honest it sort of annoys me. Is it really the NFL's business to be telling players which teams they can and cannot play for? Plus, should the league really be in the habit of directly impacting competitive balance?
Great story from training camp typifies new way of thinking - Cat Scratch Reader
This is a story about how Carolina coach Ron Rivera deal with running back Mike Goodson's fumbling issues. I can't imagine Tom Coughlin doing this with Ahmad Bradshaw.
Raiders Should Try DHB as a Slot WR - Silver And Black Pride
Darrius Heyward-Bey in the slot? Sounds like a horrible idea on the surface, right? Typically, slot receivers are smaller guys with good hands. DHB is clearly neither of those. He is 6'2", catches the ball with his body and jumps to catch every pass. But, I still think he may be better suited for this position.
Ideally, DHB will progress to an outside threat. He has speed to get downfield and has the size and hops to go over corners to snag a pass. One big quality keeps him from doing this though. He has shown zero ability to track a ball and make adjustments when it is in flight.
I wouldn't want DHB to make a full-time switch to the slot. The lack of hands and jumping thing mean this team needs a more consistent option there. Still, I would like to see him learn the position, and get some snaps there. I think it will put him in a better chance to succeed.
Remember the days when some BBV'ers thought DHB would be the answer to the Giants' wide receiver prayers? Thank goodness Al Davis is blinded by speed.
-- Arrowhead Pride says running back Jamaal Charles knows other teams will be game-planning to stop him.
-- Buffalo Rumblings looks at the link between former Buffalo linebacker Aaron Maybin and Jets coach Rex Ryan, since Maybin just signed with the Jets.
-- Big Cat Country reacts as the Jacksonville Jaguars have closed out training camp. Yep, we are moving to the next phase of the preseason.
-- Battle Red Blog talks about what is going on between the team and Mario Williams.
-- Turf Show Times offers some thoughts on the Rams' rumored move back to Los Angeles.
-- Windy City Gridiron offers a preview of Monday night's preseason game against the Giants. In the process, they show exactly how much they don't know about Big BLue.