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It's so slw so here's something to read on.
Today Posted By: Chris Brown | Time: 8:20 AM ET | Link
MOVEMENT ON BRIGGS: With the July 15th deadline fast approaching, Lance Briggs agent Drew Rosenhaus is in Chicago trying to work something out with the Bears. According to the Chicago Tribune Rosenhaus has presented the Bears front office with a handful of proposal options. Of course the details of those weren't released. I'd be surprised if Rosenhaus already has a trade partner lined up somewhere in the league, but you never know. And no, I don't believe the Bills are even a candidate. Briggs' future salary in a long term deal would be too restrictive to their financial model especially with players like Lee Evans and J.P. Losman to lock up to long term deals in the near future.
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WHITNER TURNOVER MOTIVATED: When I spoke to Donte about this upcoming season and talked to him about how he was criticized by some national media outfits for managing just one interception last season, he gave me a look. One of those looks that gave you the feeling he was saying, 'I'll show them.' After a long pause Whitner looked me dead in the eye and said.
"We'll see, we'll definitely see."
I think Whitner was somewhat at a disadvantage for interceptions as a rookie because he was playing down close to the line so much because Buffalo needed all the men they could get in the box to stop the run, which they didn't do very well last season. But with more man-to-man coverage responsibilities anticipated this season and hopefully improved run defense from the front seven his numbers should go up in terms of plays on the ball.
BUTLER'S TRANSFORMATION: In talking to and observing Brad Butler's approach this offseason it's hard not to come away impressed. The guy was here the entire offseason, and focused on his strength primarily since his one shoulder was never right in 2006 coming off January shoulder surgery. But he also studied film especially knowing he'd be spending a lot of time at guard this year. So in addition to building strength back into his shoulder and the rest of his body for that matter, he also spent time in the film room.
"The other part is the mental aspect of watching tape and becoming a more intelligent player," he said. "You watch Baltimore and you see their defense get a ton of sacks and half the time it’s not because they physically beat somebody, but because they ran a blitz that confused the offensive line. That’s something you can improve on and prevent and when recognizing those things becomes second nature it really helps your game in the long run.”
A very professional approach for a very young player, and he's really transformed his body this offseason. Because he couldn't really hit the weights as a rookie he wasn't toned up, but he has firmed his body up and looks to be a much more solid 315.
Coach Jauron says a lot of players make their biggest jump in ability and performance from their rookie season to their second season because they get a full offseason in an NFL program. I think Butler will be one of those guys and I wouldn't be surprised if he shocks people and takes that right guard job becaue once the pads go on a guy like him suddenly becomes much more noticeable.
To give you an example of his intense demeanor when competing here's a comment he made to me when I asked him about it.
“I think it’s just the competition," said Butler. "You want to go out there and do the best you can. This is a sport where you can’t be even keeled. I’m definitely that type of person off the field, but when it comes to competitions I’ve been known to throw a few golf clubs in the past and even break a few. In fact I had to give up golf for a few months and cool off. It’s just something where competition is something I enjoy. When I step off the field I come back down to earth.”
This is what you want in an offensive lineman.
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Today Posted By: Chris Brown | Time: 8:20 AM ET | Link
MOVEMENT ON BRIGGS: With the July 15th deadline fast approaching, Lance Briggs agent Drew Rosenhaus is in Chicago trying to work something out with the Bears. According to the Chicago Tribune Rosenhaus has presented the Bears front office with a handful of proposal options. Of course the details of those weren't released. I'd be surprised if Rosenhaus already has a trade partner lined up somewhere in the league, but you never know. And no, I don't believe the Bills are even a candidate. Briggs' future salary in a long term deal would be too restrictive to their financial model especially with players like Lee Evans and J.P. Losman to lock up to long term deals in the near future.
---
WHITNER TURNOVER MOTIVATED: When I spoke to Donte about this upcoming season and talked to him about how he was criticized by some national media outfits for managing just one interception last season, he gave me a look. One of those looks that gave you the feeling he was saying, 'I'll show them.' After a long pause Whitner looked me dead in the eye and said.
"We'll see, we'll definitely see."
I think Whitner was somewhat at a disadvantage for interceptions as a rookie because he was playing down close to the line so much because Buffalo needed all the men they could get in the box to stop the run, which they didn't do very well last season. But with more man-to-man coverage responsibilities anticipated this season and hopefully improved run defense from the front seven his numbers should go up in terms of plays on the ball.
BUTLER'S TRANSFORMATION: In talking to and observing Brad Butler's approach this offseason it's hard not to come away impressed. The guy was here the entire offseason, and focused on his strength primarily since his one shoulder was never right in 2006 coming off January shoulder surgery. But he also studied film especially knowing he'd be spending a lot of time at guard this year. So in addition to building strength back into his shoulder and the rest of his body for that matter, he also spent time in the film room.
"The other part is the mental aspect of watching tape and becoming a more intelligent player," he said. "You watch Baltimore and you see their defense get a ton of sacks and half the time it’s not because they physically beat somebody, but because they ran a blitz that confused the offensive line. That’s something you can improve on and prevent and when recognizing those things becomes second nature it really helps your game in the long run.”
A very professional approach for a very young player, and he's really transformed his body this offseason. Because he couldn't really hit the weights as a rookie he wasn't toned up, but he has firmed his body up and looks to be a much more solid 315.
Coach Jauron says a lot of players make their biggest jump in ability and performance from their rookie season to their second season because they get a full offseason in an NFL program. I think Butler will be one of those guys and I wouldn't be surprised if he shocks people and takes that right guard job becaue once the pads go on a guy like him suddenly becomes much more noticeable.
To give you an example of his intense demeanor when competing here's a comment he made to me when I asked him about it.
“I think it’s just the competition," said Butler. "You want to go out there and do the best you can. This is a sport where you can’t be even keeled. I’m definitely that type of person off the field, but when it comes to competitions I’ve been known to throw a few golf clubs in the past and even break a few. In fact I had to give up golf for a few months and cool off. It’s just something where competition is something I enjoy. When I step off the field I come back down to earth.”
This is what you want in an offensive lineman.
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"Expect rejection, but expect more to overcome it." 
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