NFL - NEWS & NOTES

Another notable cut is OL Andrew Gardner who was the starting RG last season.

 

Houston downs Arizona, 34-24.

 

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) ? The Cincinnati Bengals were so sharp against Jacksonville that Andy Dalton and several teammates were done long before halftime.

Dalton led the Bengals to two touchdowns in three possessions, earning him a little extra rest in a 26-21 loss to the Jaguars in the preseason Sunday night.

"It was a good outing for us," said Dalton, who completed 6 of 10 passes for 77 yards and a TD. "Two touchdowns in the first half of a preseason game is pretty good, and we got them both ways. ... It's a good feeling to do it both ways."

The Bengals (1-2) felt good on both sides of the ball, too. Dalton found Giovani Bernard for a 19-yard score on a third-down play, and then Jeremy Hill capped a 9-minute drive with a 1-yard scramble to the pylon. Defensively, the Bengals held Jacksonville to just 90 yards in the first half. Jacksonville's first three drives: turnover, three-and-out and three-and-out.

Cincy's only concern in the regular-season dress rehearsal was the health of three Pro Bowlers.

Receiver A.J. Green left in the first quarter with a bruised right knee, but said he's fine. Cornerback Adam Jones strained his right calf in preseason warmups and did not play. And special teams ace Cedric Peerman broke his left forearm and could be out for the season.

 

Broncos name Trevor Siemian starting quarterback

Trevor Siemian, a former seventh-round pick, will start at quarterback for the defending Super Bowl champions when the season opens.

The Denver Broncos announced Monday that Siemian will be the starter in the Super Bowl rematch with the Carolina Panthers on Sept. 8.

Siemian started the third preseason game, which intimated he was in line for the regular-season start, with veteran Mark Sanchez sitting the entire contest.

Broncos coach Gary Kubiak praised Siemian throughout summer workouts, noting the second-year player's grasp of the offense and mental acumen.

Through three preseason games, the Northwestern product has looked steady, if unspectacular, guiding the Broncos' offense. The 6-foot-3 quarterback stands tall and maneuvers the pocket well, has the athleticism to run Kubiak's bootleg offense and has enough arm to make throws into tight windows.

Siemian completed 27 of 43 preseason passes in three preseason contests -- two starts -- for a 62.8 percent completion rate, one touchdown pass and two picks.

Fun fact from NFL Media research: the last Northwestern QB to start in Week 1 was Otto Graham in Week 1, 1955.

Kubiak is clearly comfortable with Siemian's ability to run the offense and not turn the ball over. As they displayed in their Super Bowl run, the Broncos have the ground game, receiving weapons and defense to buoy below-average quarter play, so long as the signal-caller takes care of the ball.

Two main questions now remain:

1) What becomes of Mark Sanchez?

It appears his rollercoaster play and knack for turnovers cost the former first-round pick another starting gig. While he was the only quarterback on the roster to make an NFL start, Kubiak went with the younger player he trusted more to take care of the ball.

If Sanchez can't beat out a seventh round pick, second-year player with no experience, he'll likely never get another full-time gig. The Broncos could ask Sanchez to take a pay cut to remain on the roster. Or John Elway could cut him outright to save the money and the conditional draft pick he shipped to Philadelphia for Sanchez.

2) How long will Siemian fend off Paxton Lynch?

It was clear in the preseason that Lynch owns by far the most talent of any Broncos quarterback, he just needs seasoning. Lynch has a huge arm -- one of the strongest in the entire NFL -- and unique athleticism. He can be a difference maker in Kubiaks offense in time. If Siemian stumbles, will Kubiak have confidence Lynch's talent will outweigh his inexperience?

Lynch is the future in Denver. We've thought all offseason the first-round pick could play at some point this year, the question will be how early will he get a shot? (NFL.com)
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Preseason is important, very important. Good for Trevor.

 

Cullen Jenkins is staying in the NFC East.


NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported Monday that the free-agent defensive lineman has signed a one-year deal with the Redskins, per a source informed of the deal. The Redskins later confirmed the move.

Washington inked the 35-year-old lineman after a successful Monday morning workout. Jenkins spent the past three seasons with the New York Giants after two campaigns with the Philadelphia Eagles. Prior to that, he started 66 games for the Green Bay Packers from 2004 to 2010.

It's a depth signing for the 'Skins, who plan to roll out a D-line led by Chris Baker, Kedric Golston and Ricky Jean-Francois. It wouldn't be shocking to see the club dump Jenkins if younger talent becomes available in the oncoming flood of league-wide cuts.

 

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) ? The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' preseason game against the Washington Redskins has been moved to Wednesday night because of a potentially severe storm headed to the area.

The game will remain at Raymond James Stadium and will now be played Wednesday at 8 p.m. ? instead of Thursday night ? in an attempt to avoid Tropical Depression Nine which is expected to impact the Tampa Bay area.

"We have been in regular communication with administrators from the Tampa Sports Authority, Hillsborough County, the City of Tampa and the National Weather Service over the past day as it has become apparent that the most severe weather associated with Tropical Depression Nine will likely make landfall on Thursday," Buccaneers chief operating officer Brian Ford said.

"This decision was made by both teams in conjunction with the National Football League and local authorities in an effort to ensure the safety of our fans, players and stadium staff."

 

Pretty sure Otto Graham started for the Browns week 1 in 1950, 1951, 1952, 1953 & 1954.

 

First year they joined the NFL (1950). I think he was their starter before that.

 

Indeed he did. But '55 was the last time he did it.

 

*BREAKING*

Teddy Bridgewater has gone down in practice in a non-contacted way. Initial reports are left knee. Practice was instantly called off and Vikings huddled around Teddy and were seen praying. Some slamming their helmets.
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Details as they become available...

 

Ambulance has shown up... Zimmer press conference soon.

 

Ouch. From what I've heard it is very bad. Waiting on something official though.

 

The one they couldn't afford to lose. Will they now be in the market for Sanchez?

 

Sanchez = turn over machine. He couldn't beat out a rookie or 2nd year QB......

 

This is just sad news.

I've never really looked at Bridgewater as "The guy who'll win the Superbowl", but he sure was looking good for this season. This just stinks.

 

Vikings Press conference at 4pm, 5 Eastern.

 

The Steelers have placed Ladarius Green on the Reserve/PUP List. He is ineligible to practice or join the active roster until after Week 6.

 

Mike Zimmer says Teddy Bridgewater suffered a significant knee injury.

Mike Zimmer said it's possible it's a season ending injury...

 

Bring on Shaun Hill.