Diner Morning News: Michael Vick's New Team

National Football Post

QUOTE: “The things taught in colleges and schools are not an education, but the means of an education.” —Ralph Waldo Emerson

If you're logged on to your computer today at 3:30 p.m. eastern, be sure to check out a live chat with my man Matt Bowen. He's going to talk about AFC training camps and other subjects, but he's ready for anything. Throw him your toughest questions, but be sure to ask him about his Texans and why he hasn’t included CNBC’s Erin Burnett in his Eight in the Box.

 

Michael Vick Update

Last night, I reported on NFL Network that my sources are saying there’s no question Michael Vick will return to the NFL. I was told that Vick will likely sign with a team east of the Mississippi.

I know that’s a little vague, but when you examine all those cities—eliminating both New York teams, Indy, New England and Atlanta—that leaves roughly 15 potential landing spots. Also, teams that have said no publicly seem to privately express an interest. So what does this all mean?

On Tuesday, Packers GM Ted Thompson, looking rather uncomfortable in front of the media, didn’t rule out Vick. He attempted (somewhat lamely) to say that all players who are free agents are given the same attention as they’re being evaluated. I understand and respect the Packers’ protocol in considering players, but this is Michael Vick, this is the quarterback position and this is a unique situation.

The Packers signed Aaron Rodgers to a large contract extension and used a second-round pick on Brian Brohm, so where would Vick fit in, unless he’s a specialist? Do we rule out the Packers? My sense is yes, but in the NFL, I’ve learned to never rule out anything.

Back to Vick. By the way, did you see him working out with those kids on the high school field? He looked good, throwing the ball around softly. In fact, I mentioned on the air that we should send him some new NFL footballs. Quarterbacks cannot be properly evaluated unless they have the right footballs.

So where does this leave Vick?

I put my thinking cap on (yes, Raiders fans, I have one) and, based on the east of the Mississippi clue, my best guess is Carolina.

I still feel Jacksonville is in play, especially because they went after Andrew Walter and failed to land him, despite the fact their offensive coordinator, Dirk Koetter, coached Walter in college.

Carolina badly needs a backup quarterback and has seen firsthand how Vick can create problems with his running skills. It makes sense, but it’s still a guess. I’ll keep working on the clues.

 

Glenn Dorsey

The fifth pick in the 2008 draft did not have a great first year, and his second year in Kansas City has begun slowly. Dorsey had a shin problem, but now, after finally being removed from the PUP (physically unable to perform) list, he can get back on the field and start to practice.

Last season, Dorsey did not dominate as many (including me) had expected. This is a new year, but conditioning problems have put him in the head coach’s doghouse. Dorsey still has time to get out of the doghouse and make an impact, and it’s too early to be down on him as a player.

Is he fat and out of shape? Yes, but that’s a common trait among defensive linemen.

Dorsey can make an impact in the Chiefs’ defense despite the move to a 3-4. The defense will still be a one-gap defense and he’ll be listed as an end, but he can slide down over the guards when the front is reduced and be back in his natural position.

Dorsey needs to get his act in gear—quickly. He doesn’t want the tide of public opinion going against him.

 

Eli Manning

We at the Post heard from someone close to Eli Manning that his deal would be done soon after the Super Bowl, but it never transpired. Finally, it’s done now. The Manning deal is for a reported six years and $97 million, which would top his brother Peyton’s deal.

Peyton had the biggest contract for a quarterback even though he did it five years ago. If these numbers are correct, Eli broke the $15-million-per-year mark, surpassing Peyton.

Philip Rivers is sitting in San Diego saying, “Now it’s my turn.”

 

Dallas Cowboys

Speaking of extensions, the Cowboys know they have to get DeMarcus Ware done sometime soon, but the biggest question for me is how the Dallas offensive line is going to play this year, specifically Flozell Adams. Adams reported to camp much lighter, which the Cowboys hope will help his overall quickness. But they seem short on backups based on the way they played last year.

I had high hopes for Doug Free and expect him to take the next step this season. He was not very impressive in camp last year and needs to show progress because every member of the Cowboys’ starting unit is over 30.

 

Holdouts and Injuries

When a player is holding out and another player at the same position gets injured for the season, there’s a perception that the club will have to cave to the demands of the first player. But this doesn’t hold true. Overpaying because of an injury is a huge mistake as the value of the player doesn’t change, even though the need has become greater.

So although Texans corner Jacques Reeves is out 6-8 weeks with a broken left leg, it doesn’t mean the team will up the ante and pay Dunta Robinson. Robinson is a good corner and might become a better corner with a little pass rush, but the underlying theme in the signing of Robinson to a long-term deal is that the Texans still need a corner. He doesn’t solve any problems—and let’s not talk about shut-down corners; we know they do not exist.

 

Carson Palmer

We had Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer on NFLN Tuesday, and he seemed genuinely happy with his team, most notably the wide receivers. He thinks Antonio Chatman can be a great player, and the sleeper might be Jerome Simpson, the second-round pick from Coastal Carolina in 2008.

Simpson can flat out fly, has huge hands and perhaps has developed his receiving skills. I don’t want to step on Joe “The Tipper” Fortenbaugh’s fantasy toes, but we’ll monitor Simpson this summer to see if the sparkle in Palmer’s eyes is for real.

I told Marshall Faulk after our interview that the Bengals might be better than I think. With Palmer back and some help at wideout, maybe, just maybe, they can do a few things. My summer homework will be studying the Bengals.

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