Priced Out of the Citi – Page 207

NFL: Ronnie Brown Far from 100%

The AP reports that Ronnie Brown “seemed to be limping noticeably at times” in Wednesday’s return to practice.

Mancini’s Take: The truth about Ronnie is that he may nearing the end. Brown has already endured a torn ACL in 2007 and now is trying to bounce back from the dreaded Lisfranc fracture that effectively ended the careers of Ericct Rhett and Duce Staley not too long ago. The fact that Brown is still limping around with only two months left before training camp is discouraging. The big back was more than a multi-purpose weapon, he was the heart and soul of the Wildcat offense. No one ran the Wildcat better. Even if Brown does come back, he won’t any more durable. The Dolphins can’t rely on him like they used to. Ricky Williams can still ball, but running him into the ground like Dave Wannstedt once did would be ill-advised

NFL: Ronnie Brown Far from 100%

The AP reports that Ronnie Brown “seemed to be limping noticeably at times” in Wednesday’s return to practice.

Mancini’s Take: The truth about Ronnie is that he may nearing the end. Brown has already endured a torn ACL in 2007 and now is trying to bounce back from the dreaded Lisfranc fracture that effectively ended the careers of Ericct Rhett and Duce Staley not too long ago. The fact that Brown is still limping around with only two months left before training camp is discouraging. The big back was more than a multi-purpose weapon, he was the heart and soul of the Wildcat offense. No one ran the Wildcat better. Even if Brown does come back, he won’t any more durable. The Dolphins can’t rely on him like they used to. Ricky Williams can still ball, but running him into the ground like Dave Wannstedt once did would be ill-advised

NFL: Supersized Coffee in San Francisco

According to sources, Glen Coffee, who played last season between 205 and 210 pounds, plans to bulk up to 225 pounds this season.

Mancini’s Take: You think Coffee may be feeling the heat from 233-pound Anthony Dixon coming in and vying for his job? I understand why the second-year man is bulking up. Obviously, the Niners are looking for a punishing inside back to complement the versatile Frank Gore. But adding more weight isn’t going to make Coffee a better player. In fact, the extra pounds will probably just slow him down, which isn’t a good thing for a performer who hasn’t shown much in the way of lateral movement. Coffee was a bit of disappointment last year in the way he just ran straight ahead for little yardage, providing very little wiggle and no juice. What happened to the slasher I saw at Alabama? Where’s that running back who actually

NFL: Supersized Coffee in San Francisco

According to sources, Glen Coffee, who played last season between 205 and 210 pounds, plans to bulk up to 225 pounds this season.

Mancini’s Take: You think Coffee may be feeling the heat from 233-pound Anthony Dixon coming in and vying for his job? I understand why the second-year man is bulking up. Obviously, the Niners are looking for a punishing inside back to complement the versatile Frank Gore. But adding more weight isn’t going to make Coffee a better player. In fact, the extra pounds will probably just slow him down, which isn’t a good thing for a performer who hasn’t shown much in the way of lateral movement. Coffee was a bit of disappointment last year in the way he just ran straight ahead for little yardage, providing very little wiggle and no juice. What happened to the slasher I saw at Alabama? Where’s that running back who actually

NFL: Hardesty Running With the Big Dogs

Montario Hardesty is reportedly running with the first team at Browns OTAs Wednesday.

Mancini’s Take: Look for a two-headed committee approach at the running back position in Cleveland with Hardesty and Jerome Harrison providing the one-two punch. The promising James Davis looks to be the odd-man out, unless he really wows the coaching staff. There’s no doubt in mind that Hardesty can carry the load as the early-down plowhorse. He’s one of the players that keeps getting better with more carries. The only big concern with the former Volunteer are his knees. He’s already underwent multiple procedures and has even needed to have his knee drained this past season. There are only so many times you can squeeze fluid out of that joint and keep on playing. Let’s see if that becomes a problem.

NFL: Hardesty Running With the Big Dogs

Montario Hardesty is reportedly running with the first team at Browns OTAs Wednesday.

Mancini’s Take: Look for a two-headed committee approach at the running back position in Cleveland with Hardesty and Jerome Harrison providing the one-two punch. The promising James Davis looks to be the odd-man out, unless he really wows the coaching staff. There’s no doubt in mind that Hardesty can carry the load as the early-down plowhorse. He’s one of the players that keeps getting better with more carries. The only big concern with the former Volunteer are his knees. He’s already underwent multiple procedures and has even needed to have one of his knees drained this past season. There are only so many times you can squeeze fluid out of that joint and keep on playing. Let’s see if that becomes a problem.

NFL: Falcons Leave T.O. Hanging

Beat writer D. Orlando Ledbetter doesn’t believe the Falcons are interested in free agent Terrell Owens.

Mancini’s Take: There goes another team that’s turning its back on the fading wide out. A lot of people talk about T.O.’s me-first, selfish persona as the reason why there haven’t been any takers thus far. While that certainly is a factor, the real reason why Owens isn’t as coveted as he once was is because he’s no longer great. Is he still a physical specimen at 36? No doubt. He’s one of the greatest athletes I’ve ever seen and certainly one of the most powerful receivers ever. But nowadays, there’s a little something missing in his burst. He doesn’t quite get the same separation he did in his prime years. Yeah, you may still see him break loose for a long play here and there, but he’s doing it with less frequency. Cornerbacks are

NFL: Falcons Leave T.O. Hanging

Beat writer D. Orlando Ledbetter doesn’t believe the Falcons are interested in free agent Terrell Owens.

Around The Web: More NFL Rookie Updates

Denver Broncos QB Tim Tebow is working with the fourth-team offense during the team’s offseason workout Monday, May 17, reports Lindsay H. Jones, of The Denver Post.

Kansas City Chiefs WR Dexter McCluster worked with the wide receivers during the team’s offseason workout Monday, May 17, reports Josh Looney, of KCChiefs.com. McCluster worked with the wide receivers and running backs during the rookie minicamp.

Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll has stated numerous times this offseason that he wants to get rookie WR Golden Tate open in space this upcoming season, according to CBSSports.com. As a result, the Seahawks used Tate on reverse plays during practice Monday, May 17.

St. Louis Rams rookie WR Mardy Gilyard was robbed at gunpoint just off the Cincinnati campus Monday, May 17, according to WLWT TV in Cincinnati. Cincinnati police said Gilyard was walking with another man when two men approached,

Gang Green Fans Should Temper Jetspectations

Rex Ryan Has Swooped In And Given The Gang Green Faithful Hope I get it. I understand that Jets fans are starved for a winner. They’ve waited and waited, giving new meaning to the term “long-suffering”. With the arrival of Rex Ryan and Mark Sanchez, there’s a new attitude and the wins to go along with it. Following the team’s resurrection last season (remember, King Rex deemed his team dead after a 10-7 loss at home to Atlanta, which left them at 7-7) and subsequent playoff run, the team and its fans can’t wait for the 2010 season to begin.

Now, the team and its fans have a Super Bowl-or-Bust mentality. Winning it all is the only thing that will do after last season’s successful run. When you’re starved for so long, even a little bit of food will leave