The Jacksonville Jaguars expressed their devotion to running back Maurice Jones-Drew today by giving him a four-year extension worth $32 million ($17.5 guaranteed). In the process, they announced very clearly that his days of sharing the spotlight at the running back position were over. Former teammate Fred Taylor chose to finish his career in New England so MJD is now the Jags’ go-to guy.
With next season (2010) scheduled to have no salary cap, the Jags really could’ve forced Maurice to spend a number of consecutive years as a restricted free agent, something he obviously would’ve wanted to avoid. So, to …read more

National Football League Blogcast, NFL Blogcast
It looks like former Jacksonville Jags running back Fred Taylor will be finishing his National Football League career in New England — where all good veteran players go to end their time in the NFL. All partial kidding aside, it’s really a perfect fit. Fred still has some tread left and won’t be expected to shoulder the workload. He’ll share time in a currently crowded backfield with Laurence Maroney, BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Kevin Faulk and Sammy Morris and contribute maybe 10 touches each week. And that’s on a good week. Plus his leadership and knowledge of …read more

National Football League Blogcast, NFL Blogcast
The Jacksonville Jags released running back Fred Taylor today. I wasn’t surprised and I’m sure Fred wasn’t, either. He hasn’t been the team’s number one running back for several seasons and didn’t fit with the team’s ongoing, offseason facelift. So after 11 years in Jacksonville, Fred was given his walking papers. It’s difficult to see this happen — especially when the guy has been such a good player for one team for so long. But I can understand why the decision was made. And apparently, it wasn’t about the money. Fred is 33-years-old and was …read more

National Football League Blogcast, NFL Blogcast
A year after Washington Redskins safety Sean Taylor’s death, NFL players are still living scared. And with good reason. There’s an interesting article in the 11.24 Dec 01 2008 ESPN Magazine that features seven current NFL players discussing their own concerns and experiences with crime and the issue of safety in their own lives — Clinton Portis, Ben Roethlisberger, Dunta Robinson, Kevin Mawae, Derrick Brooks, Branden Albert and Fred Taylor. In the “special report,” ESPN senior writer David Fleming writes:
“When asked about their fears, players cite the same frightening flashpoints: New Year’s Day 2007, when …read more

Blogcasting the National Football League, Blogcasting the NFL
With about a month to go before NFL training camps open, quarterback Byron Leftwich is without a job. Which is hard to believe considering Byron was the starting QB of the Jacksonville Jaguars a year ago at this time. But after a demotion and release — then a brief, unsuccessful stint with the Atlanta Falcons last season — Byron has been spending his time in a daily workout program at a high-tech training facility near Miami, Florida. NFL players Plaxico Burress, Frank Gore, Anquan Boldin and Fred Taylor have been among those working …read more

Blogcasting the National Football League, Blogcasting the NFL
As a member of the Pro Football Writers of America, I have a vote in the Annual PFWA Awards. Below are the five categories, the nominees, and who I voted for.
Horrigan Award (for the person — not a player or team PR staffer — who helped the media best do its job last season):

Roger Goodell, NFL commissioner. Roger’s background in NFL public relations and his understanding of our jobs have helped improve the lines of communication between the media and teams. His appearances at our writers meetings at the Super Bowl, where he …read more

Blogging the National Football League, Blogging the NFL
Jacksonville Jags RB Fred Taylor has been added to the 2008 Pro Bowl roster for the first time, replacing Willie Parker of the Pittsburgh Steelers. It will mark Fred’s first Pro Bowl appearance in his 10-year career. He is the first Jags offensive player to make the Pro Bowl since Jimmy Smith was named a starter in 2001. Fred is the club’s career, single-season and single-game rushing leader. He ranked fifth in the AFC in rushing in 2007 with 1,202 yards on 223 carries and led the AFC with a 5.4 average per …read more

Blogging the National Football League, Blogging the NFL
The NFL playoffs begin today and tomorrow with Wild Card Weekend. This afternoon, the Washington Redskins play at the Seattle Seahawks (NBC, 4:30 PM ET) and this evening, the Jacksonville Jaguars visit the Pittsburgh Steelers (NBC, 8:00 PM ET). Wild Card Weekend continues tomorrow with the New York Giants at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (FOX, 1:00 PM ET) and the Tennessee Titans traveling to face the San Diego Chargers (CBS, 4:30 PM ET).
Today’s game between the Washington Redskins and Seattle Seahawks will feature two of the most successful coaches in NFL history in …read more

Blogging the National Football League, Blogging the NFL
Sixteen carries for 45 yards isn’t anything to get excited about, but in Fred Taylor’s case today, it was. First and foremost, his Jacksonville Jaguars beat the Tennessee Titans 28-13 to improve to 6-3 and tie the Titans for second place in the AFC South behind the Indianapolis Colts. Secondly, he became the 21st player in NFL history to rush for more than 10,000 yards in his career in the process. Pretty impressive for a guy who has never made the Pro Bowl and holds franchise rushing records for a career, season and …read more