Archives for May 6, 2006

‘Nine of the Bears’ 11 defensive starters in 2005 were drafted players, six taken when Jauron was still coaching — Brian Urlacher, Mike Brown, Ian Scott, Lance Briggs, Charles Tillman, Alex Brown. Linebacker Hunter Hillenmeyer was a free-agent pickup from Green Bay in 2003, Jauron’s last season in the Windy City. Last season under coach Lovie Smith, Chicago ranked No. 1 in scoring defense, No. 2 in yards allowed and No. 4 in interceptions as the Bears finished 11-5.’

‘Among their most intriguing post-draft signings are wide receiver Martin Nance and defensive ends Ryan Neill and Jason Hall.’

‘Clements said he’d like to sign a long-term deal with the Bills, and it’s in the club’s best interest to lower that $7 million-plus salary-cap figure for this season. The Bills have until July 15 to sign him and still retain their franchise tag so that it can be used on a future player. But while he’d like the security of a long-term deal, Clements – if he can stay healthy and post another good year – could hit a mother lode of cash next year.’

‘Clements got an added perk because the Bills have promised him they will not put the franchise tag on him again next year, league sources told The News.’

‘Nance caught 90 passes for 1,498 yards with 11 touchdowns in 2003. Roethlisberger then went on to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Nance suffered a knee injury in 2004 that limited him to just five starts. But in 2005 he rebounded with 81 catches for 1,107 yards.’

‘Mayock probably shocked Bills fans last Saturday before General Manager Marv Levy did by correctly predicting the Bills would take Donte Whitner if they couldn’t trade down. Mayock had six of the first eight picks right in his mock draft and would have had all eight if Houston had selected Reggie Bush instead of Mario Williams. Mayock flip-flopped the picks.’

‘Salaries, now tied to total league revenues, are scheduled to soar in future years. Clements had been seeking to match the deal Denver paid Champ Bailey in 2004: seven years, $63 million, with $18 million guaranteed. But that was before the new labor deal. Clements’ franchise tag price rose $1.3 million alone because of the new deal. “At first I had mixed feelings about it but I tried to put myself in their shoes and see how I would manage a player of that caliber, and I take it as a compliment,” Clements said of being given the franchise tag.’

‘”Guys are a little bigger and faster here, but once you get out there, that all leaves your mind,” Whitner said. “The nerves left when we started doing the special teams drill (and it included veterans). I realized then that everybody’s on the team, everybody’s working to get better, and everybody wants to win. That’s what I’m here for. To help this team win.”‘

‘Added Clements: “This is where I started my career and I’d like to finish my career here. But I don’t really have control of the numbers, all I can control is the way I play and perform on the field.” Takeo Spikes showed up. The veteran linebacker is coming off an Achilles injury and is nowhere up to speed. But Spikes says he will be by training camp.’