Dennis Northcutt traded to Detroit Lions / Image: Zuma Press

The Lions get a smart, veteran receiver who actually led the Jags in catches last season with 44 (for 545 yards). Dennis will provide depth at the receiver position and he’ll be a reliable target (who knows his way around opposing defenses) for either Daunte Culpepper or Matthew Stafford.

Source: ESPN.com

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Dennis Northcutt Traded to Detroit Lions

Torry Holt, Jacksonville Jaguars / Photo: Newscom

As far as I’m concerned, Torry’s got six-to-eight more years left in his career. You can’t base an opinion on his production — or lack thereof — with the Rams last season (64 catches, 796 yards, three TDs). STL was a train wreck. And they let their best receiver go in some kind of crazy “youth movement”. But if any other team needs help at the receiver position, it’s the Jags. Last offseason they thought they were getting some quality depth with the additions of Jerry Porter and Troy Williamson, but Jerry is no longer with the team and Troy struggled to stay on the field. Plus Matt Jones was waived because he can’t stay out of trouble. And unrestricted free agent Reggie Williams (an 11-game starter last season) is not listed on the team’s current roster. So, the receiver-depleted Jaguars are suddenly feeling a lot better about themselves.

Source: Jaguars.com

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Jaguars Sign Torry Holt

Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville Jaguars / Photo: Newscom

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 offer some security and put MJD in a good mood, the team chose to get a deal done now and lock up their top offensive weapon (6,003 all-purpose yards and 40 touchdowns in three seasons). He’ll be a marked man, but Maurice promised a return on their investment:

“The Jaguars didn’t have to do this. They wanted to; they felt that way about me. Some guys get paid and shut it down. That’s not the way I am.”

Now, the verdict is still out on just how MJD will fare touching the ball some 300 times in a season. But at 5′7″ I can tell you he rarely takes a big lick from any defender and he’s built like a bowling ball so he’s more likely to be dishing out the punishment than receiving it. As long as his knees can withstand the extra workload, I think the next four years will find Maurice Jones-Drew at his very best.

Source: Jaguars.com

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Jags Give Maurice Jones-Drew Another Term

About Dhani Tackles the Globe

Dhani Jones will need more than shoulder pads where he’s going. This NFL linebacker and Renaissance man is about to embark on a global sports odyssey that will take him anywhere with a scoreboard. By trying his hand at beloved national pastimes from around the globe, Dhani explores the way sports help to define culture. As a top athlete, Dhani will be able to demonstrate the thrills and challenges of each game by playing it himself. Off the field, Dhani immerses himself fully in each city, getting the locals’ take on the best places to eat, drink, shop and sleep. Throughout his travels, Dhani finds the love of sports to be universal, providing common ground wherever he lands.

Sources: Travel Channel, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, Bengals.com

Dhani Tackles the Globe Episode One Preview – Muay Thai
Dhani Tackles the Globe Episode Two Preview – Schwingen
Dhani Tackles the Globe Episode Three Preview – Schwingen
Dhani Tackles the Globe Episode Four Preview – Dragon boat racing
EMQB Interview: Dhani Jones

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Dhani Tackles the Globe: Episode Five

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 scheduled to make $6 million next season. Let’s face it. In the National Football League, 33-year-old running backs do not make $6 million. But he was willing to take a pay cut. So, Fred’s age played more into this decision than anything financial. The Jags wanted to work with their crop of younger running backs. Head coach Jack Del Rio talked about it:

“He clearly wanted to play football so, out of respect to him, we’re doing this early so he’ll have a chance to catch on. We just see a very talented group of backs, a very competitive group, and felt it’s time to move on as a football team. He’s still got some talent. I’m sure there will be interest by other teams.”

I think Fred could expect roughly 10-12 touches per game playing as a backup to a younger teammate at the running back position. After all, he’s got some tread on his tires. He’s piled up 11,271 yards in his career, good for 16th place on the all-time NFL rushing list. It’s rare a running back lasts as long as Fred has. So a limited role is really the only reasonable option.

Source: Jaguars.com, Photo: Newscom

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Jaguars Release Fred Taylor

National Football League Blogcast, NFL Blogcast

It’s been a really bad season for the Jacksonville Jags. Not only are they playing some of the worst football in their recent history, the Jags are a mess off-the-field as well. Most troubling was when offensive lineman Richard Collier was tragically shot, taking his leg and ending his pro football career. That’s enough to ruin any team’s season. Now, Jag’s top receiver Matt Jones (65 catches, 761 yards, two touchdowns) has been officially suspended by the NFL for violating the league’s substance abuse policy. Head coach Jack Del Rio issued the following brief statement today:

“We have received notice from the league and will move ahead accordingly. We spoke earlier and Matt indicated to me how intent he is on putting this behind him.”

I’m sure coach Del Rio would just as soon see this season be over right now. The Jags have lost four straight and look as uninspired as ever, prompting coach, in his Monday presser, to say “We’re just not functioning at a level that gives us a chance as a football team.” And that explains the 4-9 record. Matt has been one of the few bright spots for the Jags, but off-the-field — well, you know what he did.

For a team that was expected to challenge for the AFC title this season, they have been a monumental disappointment. A housecleaning might be in order starting in January. I really don’t see any other solution for a group of players who have practically no sense of how to play well together.

Source: Jaguars.com, Photo: Newscom

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Matt Jones Suspended

National Football League Blogcast, NFL Blogcast

Here’s a great story on former Jacksonville Jags offensive lineman Richard Collier that was on ESPN’s Outside the Lines yesterday morning. I realize he lost a leg in this terrible crime, but because of the adversity he’s already been through in his life, I believe “Big Rich” will find a way to walk again.

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Richard Collier on ‘Outside the Lines’

Not surprisingly, Jacksonville Jags leading receiver Matt Jones has been suspended three games for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy. The suspension comes a week after Matt was accepted into a drug treatment program that could erase a felony cocaine charge against him. Matt has to participate in NFL-sponsored substance-abuse counseling and random drug testing through the end of the football season. Then he’ll have to complete the intervention program. I think he’s lucky to get three games. We’re not dealing with an over-the-counter supplement here. Sure, he pleaded not guilty to the felony drug charge and he’ll even likely appeal this suspension. But why did he enter into the rehab agreement if he was innocent?

Source: ESPN.com

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Matt Jones Suspended Three Games

National Football League Blogcast, NFL Blogcast

Jacksonville Jags receiver Matt Jones’ cocaine charge will be heard in drug court rather than in the regular criminal system, allowing him to keep any conviction off his record. If you’ll recall, Matt was to have gone on trial this Friday for his July 10 arrest when a Fayetteville police officer saw him inside a car allegedly cutting up cocaine with a credit card. Well, prosecutor John Threet said his office reached an agreement with Matt yesterday to send the case to drug court. Matt still could be suspended by the NFL under the league’s substance abuse policy. First-time offenders (as Matt would be) are subject to suspensions ranging from one to four games. Matt didn’t have much to say after practice today:

“I’m not supposed to talk about it. I can’t talk about it.”

As I looked into why Matt’s felony charge was being handled in drug court rather than the regular system, I found out that he has entered a drug intervention program. If he successfully complies with the terms of the nine-month program, the charges will be dismissed. But if he screws up, he’ll probably be behind bars. Under the program, Matt will be required to submit to 78 random drug tests, attend 136 hours of group therapy, and perform 30 hours of community service. Now, even though he won’t be tried (he pleaded not guilty to the charges, by the way), his acceptance into the intervention program exposes him to potential discipline under the NFL’s aforementioned substance abuse policy. Correct me if I’m wrong, but doesn’t entering a nine-month drug rehab program constitute some kind of admission of guilt?

The Jags are probably relieved. Matt has been the team’s top receiver so far this season — 23 catches for 269 yards and a touchdown.

Source: Jacksonville.com, Photo: Newscom

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Matt Jones Ordered to Drug Court

Jacksonville Jags offensive lineman Richard Collier is in critical but stable condition after he was shot numerous times early this morning. Apparently, he and a former Jacksonville teammate (Kenneth Pettway) were waiting for two women they had met at a nightclub when a gunman fired into the Cadillac Escalade they were in. The motive behind the attack was unknown and the sheriff’s office was investigating. Jags owner Wayne Weaver released the following statement today:

“We’re shocked and deeply saddened by this morning’s news about Richard Collier. We have been informed that Richard has had surgery and he’s in critical but stable condition. The entire Jaguars family is praying for Richard and his family at this time.”

It’s really an unfortunate situation that immediately brings to mind the tragic separate shooting deaths of Washington Redskins safety Sean Taylor and Denver Broncos defensive back Darrent Williams last year. I don’t know enough about this specific situation to comment, but I do know the NFL is constantly talking about how to avoid these circumstances. For any number of reasons, professional athletes are targets of crime and they need to realize that is the case more often than not. And they need to take the proper precautions to help prevent these crimes.

Sources: Jaguars.com, NFL.com

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Jags Richard Collier in Critical Condition