Former Browns and Patriots guard diagnosed with non-Hodgins lymphoma

Getting released by the Cleveland Browns was bad enough. Now former G Joe Andruzzi, who won three Super Bowls with the New England Patriots, has been diagnosed with a form of non-Hodgkins lymphoma. Fortunately it is treatable. "He's upbeat, he's optimistic, and he's looking forward to his recovery and to the future," his agent said.

There were teams reportedly interested in his services -- who doesn't need a veteran offensive lineman? -- but you've got to figure those plans are on hold. Andruzzi also played a couple of seasons for the Green Bay Packers and even one with the Scottish Claymores, now defunct.

Baltimore Ravens: Samari Rolle talks about last year's trainwreck of a season

In an article (pay subscription) by Ravens beat reporter, Aaron Wilson, cornerback Samari Rolle had this to say: “Last year was probably my worst year. We finished No. 1 in defense and if I had just played consistent every game, there’s no limit to what we could have done.”

Rolle is both right and wrong.

Yes, last year was probably your worst year ever. At least for your sake, I hope it was your worst year ever. You got burned early and play afraid late. But, no, you playing consistent every game wouldn't have made much of a difference in the end. The Ravens lost last year to the Colts in the playoffs because they couldn't run the ball in the first half. Billick pretty much abandoned the run in the second half. He panicked.

Ravens defensive coordinator Rex Ryan goes on to defend Rolle, suggesting, without explicitly saying it, that safety Ed Reed maybe got a little bit too comfortable with taking chances and didn't give Rolle the support that was expected in the open field. Ryan goes on to say that he thinks Rolle will make the Pro Bowl this year. Encouraging news for Ravens fans, assuming he's not just blowing smoke.

Baltimore Ravens: RavenSpace killed

The Ravens recently launched its own official MySpace page: RavenSpace. It's actually pretty cool, from what I saw of it. I only found it within the past few days. But I won't bother linking to it because I received this bulletin from the team today: "After consulting with the NFL office, we will no longer be able to bring you RavenSpace."

There was more, but it was basically just PR speak to camouflage the fact the league ruled with its iron fist. I'm not sure exactly why the Ravens can't have their own MySpace page, but I'm guessing it has something to do with corporate sponsorship. MySpace is owned by Fox News Corp. and ESPN probably cried foul. Pure speculation, but regardless of what the truth is, one thing is certain: Putting handcuffs on a team's communication with its fans is generally not a good idea.

Baltimore Ravens: Steve McNair, charges dropped

Source: text message from WNST.net and AM 1570 (Baltimore).

Update (12:40 p.m.): Charges against Steve McNair not dropped, apparently; the case is scheduled to continue in court on July 11.

Recently Ravens QB Steve McNair was arrested for driving under the influence, despite the fact that he was neither driving nor under the influence. He was in the passenger seat, riding shotgun and reportedly sober. But there was a catch: He owned the vehicle, which was being driven be a relative who reportedly admitted to having a couple drinks. And in Tennessee, they make you be responsible for your actions, including giving your keys to the wrong guy.

Today charges against McNair were dropped but it remains unclear whether the league will penalize McNair for his actions, in turn also penalizing the league's fans by forcing upon them Kyle Boller, Baltimore's backup. Actually, Kyle's a great backup for Baltimore. Yes, I used "Kyle Boller and "great" in the same sentence on purpose.

Boller knows the offense, he has a good attitude about his role on the team and he knows that no matter how well he plays in McNair's absence, McNair will return as the starter, come rain, sleet, snow, six broken bones, a blind eye, whatever. McNair is the guy. The only concern is that Boller would try to do too much trying to prove his free-agency worth because when this contract is through, that's it for Boller and Baltimore. And Boller obviously knows it.

Hopefully it's not a concern. Hopefully with the charges dropped and the inherently strange facts of the case, league commissioner Roger Goodell will let McNair off the hook. The Ravens can weather McNair's absence, but no Ravens fan wants to see Kyle Boller open the season on the road on Monday night in Cincinnati. At home against the Jets in week two, fine; but not the Bengals, not the first division game.

Atlanta Falcons: QB Michael Vick backs the NFL into a corner

Someone dropped a dime on Michael Vick. At least that's the way it looks to me. ESPN cites a "confidential source," who has tagged Vick as one of the "big boys" in illegal dogfighting. He tells of a time years ago when his pit bull bested Vick's pit bull, a fight on which the quarterback placed a large number of bets. Vick allegedly fanned cash at the crowd in a high-profile orgy of ego and adrenaline.

The confidential source claims to have been in dogfighting for more than 30 years. During that time he says he's trained and fought 2,000 dogs. And also worked with law enforcement by providing information on dogfighters that led to felony arrests. Now he's worried about Vick dropping the dime on everyone else: "Everybody in the dog world is worried about Michael Vick talking. Michael Vick is making large money... and if he has to tell on some people, I think he would tell."

Tough to feel sorry for the snitch when he's doing the same thing.

I don't know much about dog fighting but it strikes me as pretty cruel. Plus I think it's scary in general just to have pit bulls around, bred to fight or not. I get the appeal of gambling. And I understand that unlike the rest of the country Vick can't gamble on the NFL. But why not fly to Vegas and play craps? Get a massage, chill out by the pool? Maybe see a show? Then play some more craps. Why dogfight?

If Vick is plausibly implicated, the NFL is screwed. They'll have to suspend Vick. They'll have no choice. The league has spent the entire offseason reminding everyone how they're amped up to crack down on both criminal and unsightly behavior by its players. If the NFL gives Michael Vick a long suspension, it will experience a financial punch in the gut. Nothing that'll have permanent impact but certainly it will hurt. If they give him a short suspension, the loss will be mitigated but they'll catch flak for going easy on a huge draw. And if they end of somewhere in the middle, well, they'll still probably catch heat.

Prediction: Falcons QB Michael Vick will receive a four-game suspension. Long enough for the league to pretend like they care about more than just their image, but not long enough to financially cripple Falcons owner Arthur Blank, who must be having nightmares over having traded backup QB Matt Schaub to the Houston Texans.

Baltimore Ravens QB update: Steve McNair, Troy Smith and Drew Olson

Baltimore Ravens beat reporter Aaron Wilson reported on the QB situation in Baltimore (pay article). Sounds like the team is pretty happy. Steve McNair's conditioning is improved. He's lost weight, improved his mobility and his arm looks stronger. "The going theory is that McNair's arm was tired by the end of last season," Wilson writes.

No one expects Steve McNair to get too much better. How could he after nearly 15 years in the league? But if he can avoid getting any worse, that's good enough. At least in my opinion. And hopefully next year McNair will have the same luck he had last year, when opposing defensive backs dropped a small army's worth of potential pick-6s. A lot of dodged bullets, any way you slice it. Last year McNair threw 16 TDs and 12 picks, a ratio that easily could've been closer to even.

Troy Smith vs. Drew Olson
Drew Olson is playing well in NFL Europe. But the truth is that Heisman Trophy winner Troy Smith will almost certainly be the team's third-string quarterback. He's stronger, faster and the Ravens have invested more money in Smith, a fifth-round draft pick, than Olson, who was an undrafted free agent. For those of you who think anyone except Kyle Boller should be the backup: You're out of your mind.

Oakland Raiders: last words from Death Row

Last words from Death Row: Oakland Raiders fan says, "Go Raiders."

Cincinnati Bengals: A.J. Nicholson released

Former Bengals fifth-round draft pick LB A.J. Nicholson last week was charged with beating his girlfriend, who later changed her tune and said she accidentally hit herself with a cellphone. Not sure how exactly that happens, unless perhaps she hit herself in the head when she realized how much money she'd lose out on if Nicholson were released from the Bengals due to legal troubles. And, big surprise, that's exactly what happened today, only a few hours after Nicholson pleaded not guilty in a Covington, Kentucky court to misdemeanor assault. The linebacker only played in two games last season, so his departure isn't necessarily a step backward for Cincinnati's defense.

Cincinnati more so than any other organization has to tread lightly, so guilty or not Nicholson had to go. But the fact that his girlfriend recanted raises an interesting question. What if he really didn't do anything wrong? Yeah, he's had some past legal troubles, but with the league's increased scrutiny on player conduct, you've got to figure one of these days a player will be suspended or released prematurely, only to later be exonerated. The league needs to clean up its image, yes, but it also needs to be careful not to consolidate too much power in one office.

NFL Power Rankings: the four best teams, in no particular order

Notice how all of the best teams are in the AFC: Baltimore Ravens, Indianapolis Colts, New England Patriots, San Diego Chargers.

Baltimore will get a chance to not only play each of these three other teams next year, but they'll do it in back-to-back-to-back weeks. In week 12, Baltimore travels to San Diego and plays the Chargers. In week 13, they return home and play the Patriots on Monday night. Then in week 14, on Sunday night, the Colts return to Baltimore for a rematch of last year's divisional playoff game, which the Colts won 15-6 en route to its first Super Bowl victory since the Colts left Baltimore for Indianapolis. That is a brutal late-season three-game stretch.

Baltimore Ravens: These teams are in no particular order, but of course I'm going to start with Baltimore. The Ravens lost linebacker Adalius Thomas to the Patriots, which is tough, but Baltimore has a track record for getting quality linebacker play regardless of who's in the lineup. Love him or hate him, that's what happens with Ray Lewis.

Last season the Ravens shut down the predictably awesome Colts offense. No touchdowns, five field goals. With even a semblance of a running game, the Ravens win that game and maybe the Super Bowl. Of course, offense is a big maybe in Baltimore. That's why the Ravens signed RB Willis McGahee and shored up the offensive line in the draft (Auburn G Ben Grubbs; Iowa G/T Marshall Yanda).

They also got a fullback to replace Ovie Mughelli and picked up the fastest player in the draft to compete with return man B.J. Sams, whose late-season injury last year crippled the Ravens' chances to do damage in the field-position game.

Indianapolis Colts: The biggest concern will still be the defense. Superstar DE Dwight Freeney wants a new contract, and even though he isn't threatening a holdout the Colts should be careful not to upset him. Without Freeney this defense is significantly worse, which is something the team cannot afford. Yeah, the defense stepped up when it needed to last year in the playoffs, but I wouldn't bet the farm that they can do it again. I wouldn't even bet a few of the cows. The defense is bad, and it doesn't seem to be getting any better.

The offense will be great, of course. The Colts picked up a wide receiver and offensive guard in the first two rounds of the draft. Not that the offense really needed much improvement. Or any for that matter.

New England Patriots: The Patriots are the odds-on favorite to win next year's Super Bowl, mostly because of Randy Moss, or so the hype suggests. But I think their biggest pickup has been Adalius Thomas. Moss will make the offense better, but Tom Brady is good enough to fare well without him, and the Patriots haven't won three titles by relying on name-brand stars (except for Brady, of course).

Head coach Bill Belichick prefers guys who can contribute in more than one way, versatility on both sides of the ball. Adalius Thomas is that guy on defense, and I think New England is probably the only franchise where he could have as much success as he had in Baltimore. Yeah, I know he turns 30 this summer. Doesn't matter. Adalius Thomas should be just fine in New England.

Because the AFC East competition is weak, expect the Patriots to get a high seed in the playoffs again. And with Tom Brady's leadership? I don't think they're a sure thing, but they've got as good a chance to win the Super Bowl as any of these other three teams, if not better.

San Diego Chargers: The Chargers have LaDainian Tomlinson, which is enough to win a bunch of games right there. And they also have Shawne Merriman, one of the best defenders in the league. But there are concerns, at least two of them. Can Phillip Rivers win the Super Bowl? And will the Chargers regret firing head coach Marty Schottenheimer? I'm not sure about the first question. Why not, is my answer. Phillip Rivers doesn't need to win games; he needs only to not screw up. It worked for Trent Dilfer and Ben Roethlisberger.

I'm pretty sure they'll regret dumping Schottenheimer for Norv Turner, though. Schottenheimer might've kept too short of a leash on Phillip Rivers for too long last year, but he is one of the greatest football coaches ever: 200 career wins, which is very difficult in the NFL. I don't care if he plays Martyball. If you can control the clock and play defense, you can win the Super Bowl. I'm not sure Norv Turner can do that.

Philadelphia Eagles: Trading QB Donovan McNabb would be a big mistake

An article on The Philadelphia Inquirer's website today suggests that the Eagles should consider trading QB Donovan McNabb for disgruntled Bears LB Lance Briggs.

Excerpt: "The question most Eagles fans are asking right now is: Why would the Bears make that deal?"

The question I'm asking is why anyone thinks this would be a good deal for the Eagles. Donovan McNabb has been hurt on and off for the past few years, but he is one of the best quarterbacks on the planet. And even when he's hurt, he often plays and wins. He once broke his ankle on the third play of a game but instead of taking a seat on the bench, he kept playing and threw four touchdowns. Four TDs on a broken ankle.

The article argues that the Bears are ready to win the Super Bowl now, and that McNabb can lead them there more easily than current Bears QB Rex Grossman. No argument, there. But who's to say the Eagles can't win the Super Bowl right now? They'd probably be underdogs against any AFC opponent, but they're no worse than the Bears, not significantly, and with a healthy McNabb the Eagles can compete with the best the NFC has to offer. Trading McNabb for Briggs, a disgruntled linebacker from an overrated defense, would be disastrous.

New Jork Jets: Justin Miller arrested

The New York Jets had only one Pro Bowl player last year, Justin Miller, who also happens to be the only Jets player who spent this morning in handcuffs. Ever since NFL commissioner Roger Goodell enacted the league's stricter conduct code, it seems players have taken it as a challenge. They just keep getting themselves arrested. Friday it was Cincinnati's roster that took a hit, and today it was the New York Jets.

Miller allegedly punched a woman in the face, that much is clear. He wasn't trying to hit her. Sounds like he was aiming for a guy and missed, but that won't matter. Punching a woman in the face is a no-no, Justin, even in the NFL. Tsk, Tsk, Justin Miller.

Miller made the Pro Bowl as a kick returner, but he also plays cornerback. He hasn't done much in his first two seasons as a defensive back (no interceptions and only a handful of passes defensed) but the Jets can't afford to take any steps backward on defense, especially since Tom Brady will actually have a decent wide-receiver corps in New England this year, headlined of course by Randy Moss.

Cincinnati Bengals: Linebacker A.J. Nicholson arrested, yet again

Bengals LB A.J. Nicholson was arrested today. Again. He was one of the nine Bengals arrested in a nine-month span last year. Regardless of whether or not the charges (misdemeanor fourth-degree assault) are legitimate, I'd be very surprised to see Nicholson in tiger stripes next year. The Bengals can't afford even the suggestion of embracing the criminal element, and they've got to lay down the law. The only question is what will happen first: the Bengals cutting Nicholson or new commissioner Roger Goodell suspending him.

My guess is that it's the former, and that the commissioner will give the right of first refusal to Cincinnati, meaning that before a suspension is handed down, Goodell will pull Cincinnati's ownership and management aside and say, 'Hey, this guy is going to get four games, minimum; FYI, in case you want to cut your losses.' And if the Bengals are smart, they will cut their losses. They should cut their losses even if he isn't suspended. It would be a smart PR move for both the team and the league. A no-brainer, really. The commissioner has stated that teams will be more accountable for their players' actions, and this is a great opportunity for the league to sit back and let the Bengals step up and do what's right: cutting a guy who has worn out his welcome in a little more than one year. That's impressive. And not in a good way.

This is a guy who was once accused of stealing from a teammate, and last year he pleaded no contest to burglary and grand theft. Yes, the linebacker corps in Cincinnati is thin, but so is the ice, and there isn't any room for error. Nice knowing you, A.J. Good riddance.

Around the league: New England Patriots; Ricky Williams; Michael Vick; Steve McNair

New England Patriots: I was in Vegas this past week, where the Pats are 3-1 favorites to win the Super Bowl. Before acquiring Randy Moss, the line was at least 10-1. So basically Vegas is saying that the Pats are at least three times more likely to win the Super Bowl thanks solely to Randy Moss (and, I guess, their draft). The Patriots are a good team. A very good team. But they're not (and never have been) as good as everyone thinks they are.

Sure they've won three Super Bowls, but they won each of them by a field goal, and with a gust of wind here and there they could easily be the modern-day Buffalo Bills. And let's not forget the Colts. It's not like they slacked off this offseason, either. In the first two rounds of the draft, they grabbed another receiver for Peyton Manning and shored up the offensive line, too. But the defense is suspect and Tom Brady will eat them alive in the playoffs. Maybe, but what happens if they face Baltimore instead, a team who last year in the playoffs put the brakes on the Colts' offense, which, let's face it, Randy or no Randy, is better than the Patriots offense. The Patriots will be very strong contenders to win the Super Bowl next year, but they shouldn't be the overwhelming favorite that everyone thinks they are. They do have the advantage of playing in the weak AFC East, though.

Ricky Williams: Ricky, Ricky, Ricky. Another failed drug test. And another round of choruses criticizing Williams for passing up the golden privilege that is playing in the NFL. But Williams may be doing himself a favor. He's spent the last few years studying restorative medicine and yoga. And of course violating the NFL's drug policy along the way. Does the latter guarantee that he'll never play in the NFL again? Probably. But it also increases the likelihood that he won't be forced into more serious drug addictions. Consider former Ravens star Michael McCrary, whose "knees ache with pain so intense he says he is unable to stand for more than a few minutes." McCrary's post-NFL career injuries, which are hardly an exception, are so intense that he's "been on Percocet, Percodan, Oxycontin, Oxycodeine, three different psychiatric medicines," he said. "I had a fentanyl patch; that's like heroin. I'm on methadone now." In this context, Ricky's choice might be the lesser of two evils.

So for those of who you think Ricky's throwing his life away, look at the bigger picture. Playing in the NFL is an extremely dangerous career choice (certainly more so than teaching yoga). Especially if you don't walk away early enough. It's why Tiki Barber walked away, and it was disgusting that so many criticized him for walking away in his prime despite never having won a Super Bowl ring. Without your health, you can't be happy, no matter how big the ring is.

Michael Vick: I think the criticism that Michael Vick is inaccurate and isn't a great franchise quarterback is silly. He may not have the best completion percentage, but his wideouts drop a ton of balls. Besides Alge Crumpler, he's got nothing. Michael Vick is a great quarterback, but he also is starting to show the signs of a downward spiral. If the allegations of illegal dogfighting are true, owner Arthur Blank should cut his losses and move on. If it turns out that it was Vick's relative, and not Vick directly, leave him alone. At that point, it's a moot issue. Buying a house for someone is not a crime. Regardless, I bet Blank is regretting trading backup QB Matt Schaub this offseason.

Steve McNair: So let me get this straight? Steve McNair was arrested for driving under the influence, despite the fact that he was neither driving nor under the influence? Makes sense to me. Should it be a crime to let an intoxicated person drive your car? Sure, it's a dangerous move and it puts others at risk. But at least take five minutes to come up with an accurate name for the crime. Because being sober and riding shotgun certainly does not qualify as driving under the influence. That's just ridiculous.

Philadelphia Eagles: Donovan McNabb on QB Kevin Kolb

The Philadelphia Eagles used their first pick in last month's draft to select a quarterback, Houston's Kevin Kolb. In the first paragraph of ESPN.com's coverage, they say that Donovan was shocked by the pick. They wait until the 11th paragraph to quote the following: "I'm going to try and help him as much as I can. I'm sure he's going to do great."

ESPN is trying to make a story where there isn't one. No surprise there. The truth is, the only person likely to be truly concerned with this pick is McNabb's mom, who does have a tendency to complain publicly just a little too much (a la Kurt Warner's wife). If you honestly think McNabb is concerned, consider this: McNabb led the Eagles to the Super Bowl, once threw four TDs on a broken foot, and almost certainly has the support of all of his teammates. Kolb has, well, um, let's see... never played a game in the NFL.

Donovan McNabb will be the starting quarterback in Philadelphia for at least a few more years, and if he's not, good luck getting to the playoffs. Of course, the Eagles know this, and the Kolb selection is nothing more than insurance in case McNabb gets injured.

Cincinnati Bengals: Leon Hall throws a forkball

New Bengals CB Leon Hall threw out the first pitch at tonight's baseball game the between Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies. Apparently Hall has never even played Little League before, yet he planed to attempt a forkball (not exactly the easiest pitch to master). Pretty confident guy, I guess. But that's exactly what you'd hope for in an elite cornerback, which is what the Bengals are expecting from the 19th overall selection in last month's draft.

I'm not sure if Hall actually pulled it off because I don't watch baseball. Especially not the National League.

Pittsburgh Steelers: Deshea Townsend, charges dropped

Pittsburgh Steelers CB Deshea Townsend was at the scene of a fight that resulted in him facing criminal charges. Today the charges were dismissed by a judge. Here's what Townsend's lawyer had to say: "There were six witnesses, and four said he wasn't involved in the fight and two said they weren't sure who was involved in it."

Seems pretty clear that this wasn't Townsend's fault, but my guess is that he's being criticized at this very moment by the 'holier-than-thou'est of all professions: sports-talk radio hosts.

Give Townsend a break. Sure, his friend might have been involved in the fight, but you can't pin that on Townsend. And the argument that he should choose his friends more carefully holds no water, at least not with me. Americans have enough trouble taking responsibility for their own actions, yet we expect athletes to be responsible for their friends' actions. Talk about unfair.

Pittsburgh Steelers: Will Alan Faneca skip camp?

The Steelers host their first mandatory mini-camp this week, and the biggest question is whether or not Steelers G Alan Faneca will attend. The veteran skipped a voluntary camp, but the camp was just that: voluntary. He's made it clear he wants a new contract, though, and holding out for the entire season is a possibility.

That said, it'd be a big mistake. For starters, he has $4.3 million coming to him this season. But only if he plays. If he sits out this season, he will lose that money forever, and even a new contract won't make up that much of a difference. Also, he doesn't need a new contract today. He's still young enough to cash in on a big payday next year. Maybe not as big as he'd like, but he's certainly not completely on the decline. The Ravens fan in me wants to see him skip camp and rock the boat, but the football fan in me hopes he shows up on time and honors his contract.

Cleveland Browns: O-line breakdown

Usually when a team loses its two starting guards in the offseason, that's a bad thing. Not so for the Browns. Cosey Coleman's contract is up, and the Browns are letting him walk. Joe Andruzzi, who like coach Romeo Crennel came to Cleveland from the Patriots, was released today. And three Super Bowl rings leave Cleveland.

The Browns signed former Bengals G Eric Steinbach to play left guard. The Steinbach pick sounds great in theory, but Steinbach thrived on a team that was loaded with talent. Whether or not that talent travels well remains to be seen. Right guard is up for grabs. There's a chance they could move former LT Kevin Shaffer, who lost his job when the Browns took "franchise tackle" Joe Thomas, to guard, but Shaffer wants a trade instead. Can't say I blame the guy.

If the Browns are lucky, they'll convince Shaffer to stay. Or better yet, just not trade him. They could use a bit of consistency on the line, especially this year, because if they can't create holes for Jamal Lewis, defenses will eat him alive. He doesn't create his own holes like he used to. The rest of the team is going to have to do it for him.

Cincinnati Bengals: video interview with Leon Hall

The Cincinnati Enquirer interviews new Bengals CB Leon Hall at Paul Brown Stadium (3-4 minutes). He talks about his mom dying when he was 12 and growing up with his sister. He also breaks down his special-teams experience and says he's ready to contribute immediately. The book on this guy is that he's level-headed and stays out of trouble. He comes across as humble, excited and appreciative to be in Cincinnati.

I'm disappointed the Bengals drafted him, not only because I like Michigan football and think he's a good corner, but because I thought maybe he'd drop to the bottom of the first. The Ravens definitely need another good corner. Samari Rolle is old and gets burned too often. Hall would've paired up nicely with C-Mac.

Cincinnati Bengals: LB Edgerton Hartwell

Linebacker Ed Hartwell is reported to be nearing a one-year deal with the Cincinnati Bengals. Hartwell used to play for the Ravens, and playing alongside Ray Lewis makes linebackers look like demi-gods. Hartwell skipped town for a fat contract in Atlanta, where he injured himself pretty much right away. That's what happens when you cross Ray. (Adalius Thomas: You've been warned.) Hartwell is confident that his injuries are behind him, so he only wants a one-year deal. The contract probably would've been signed already if it weren't for the fact that Hartwell's wife is pregnant, or in labor, or something equally important but totally unrelated to football.

Hartwell was pretty damn good in Baltimore, but I don't think he'll be much more than average in Cincinnati. During the past three seasons he had a total of 102 solo tackles, one sack and zero picks (in 29 games). Eh, not impressed. Oh, and during those same three seasons he knocked down zero passes, exactly the national average for guys sitting on their asses and doing nothing.

Cleveland Browns: Kevin Shaffer wants trade

Now that the Browns have Wisconsin T Joe Thomas, apparently Browns T Kevin Shaffer is yesterday's news, and his feelings must be hurt. He wants a trade. His agent said this to members of the Cleveland media (all three of them): "I think Kevin, in our dialogue, would welcome an opportunity to go somewhere else."

Good for him, unless he gets traded to the Lions, of course.

Pittsburgh Steelers: Sepulveda smack-down

Two days ago I thought the Steelers drafting Baylor punter Daniel Sepulveda in the fourth round was a good idea. And after watching this video, I still do. The video shows a 51-yard Sepulveda punt from, I don't know, last season, the season before, the season before that -- really, when is not important. What's important is that he chases down the runner himself and smacks the life out of him. This guy could've played linebacker in college, and he wanted to, but it's probably best for both him and Mike Tomlin that he didn't.

Houston Texans: QB Jared Zabransky

I normally don't pay attention to the rash of free-agency signings following the NFL Draft. I can't. Too much more football right now and I'd probably have a seizure. But Boise State QB Jared Zabransky is an interesting guy. He knows how to win, and after his dramatic come-from-behind victory last year against Oklahoma he at least deserves a shot to try out somewhere. He'll get it in Houston, where it's being reported that Zabransky will sign as a free agent.

He'll compete with recently acquired QB Matt Schaub. Zabransky probably won't win the job, but maybe he'll get a free trip abroad and a chance to play in NFL Europe. A nice consolation prize for going undefeated and not getting a shot at the title.