National Football League News

Franchise tag not appealing to Griffin
Wednesday, February 22, 2012 - 17:33
CBS Rapid Reports
Though FS Michael Griffin hasn't been offered the franchise tag yet, he appears to be frustrated at the possibility. “I don't mind playing under a franchise tag, it's more of understanding it's a business and you have no control if you're franchised,” Griffin tweeted. Griffin is set to make $6.2 million if he's offered the franchise tag.
Wilf optimistic Minneapolis stadium deal is close
Wednesday, February 22, 2012 - 17:05
CBS Rapid Reports
Vikings owner Zygi Wilf emerged from a meeting with Gov. Mark Dayton on Tuesday and reported that an agreement on a Vikings stadium could be finalized soon: "We don't feel they're major points" holding up an agreement in Minneapolis, Wilf told the Star Tribune. "I think over the next couple of days, or week, we'll be able to get it done."
Players with minor surgical procedures ready
Wednesday, February 22, 2012 - 17:03
CBS Rapid Reports
Players who underwent minor surgical procedures during the offseason but are expected to participate in spring practice starting March 19 include PK Dustin Hopkins (left knee), DT Darious Cummings (knee), DT Anthony McCloud (knee) and CB Xavier Rhodes (left knee) and S Karlos Williams (wrist).
QB Manuel on the mend
Wednesday, February 22, 2012 - 17:00
CBS Rapid Reports
QB EJ Manuel, who sustained a fractured fibula in his left leg in the Champs Sports Bowl win over Notre Dame, has recovered and is expected to participate in spring practice starting March 19. Manuel, a redshirt senior, threw for 2,666 yards and 18 TDs last season.
3 keys to a Blue Devils win
Wednesday, February 22, 2012 - 16:57
CBS Rapid Reports
No. 1 –Will to win. The players have credited their will to win for recent comeback victories. In losses to Temple, Ohio State and Miami, they said the opponents wanted it more. A regular-season title and top NCAA seed may be at stake in Thursday's game at FSU, so both teams will want it equally. No. 2 – Protect the paint. Seminole Fs Xavier Gibson and Bernard James scored 10 more than their season averages in the first game, mostly on layups, dunks and short shots. “They were setting a lot of little screens around our basket. We need to protect it better,” SF Ryan Kelly said. No. 3 – Make jump shots. Florida State is on pace to become the first team to lead the ACC in FG percentage defense four straight years. SG Seth Curry shot 4 for 16 in the first game. He's hit nearly half his 3-pointers in the last two weeks, so something will have to give.
TB Thompson expected back for spring practice
Wednesday, February 22, 2012 - 16:51
CBS Rapid Reports
TB Chris Thompson, who suffered a season-ending back injury at Wake Forest in the season's fifth game, is expected to participate in spring practice starting March 19. Leading rusher Devonta Freeman (120 attempts, 579 yards) has been rehabbing a lower back injury but also is expected to participate in spring practice.
Dominate play at home
Wednesday, February 22, 2012 - 16:49
CBS Rapid Reports
Syracuse's 20-game win streak dating to last season is already the best in CarrierDome history. The previous record was 19 set by the 2001-02 team and the 2002-03 team, which went 17-0 at home and won the national championship. The streak was snapped by Charlotte in the first Dome game of the 2003-04 season. SU is 17-0 at home this season and hosts South Florida tonight.The school record is the 57-game streak at Manley Field Housefrom 1976-80. That's the one Georgetown ended and head coachJohn Thompson ignited the rivalry by saying, “Manley Field House is officially closed.''
Savannah State 1-10 in 2011
Wednesday, February 22, 2012 - 16:48
CBS Rapid Reports
Savannah State of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference won't be much of a test for FSU on Sept. 8. Savannah State went 1-10 in 2011 and dropped a 47-7 decision to FSU's neighbor, Florida A&M University. Savannah State lost its final seven games, averaged 12.5 points per game and surrendered 40.2.
G Morris was cleared to play
Wednesday, February 22, 2012 - 16:47
CBS Rapid Reports
G Jason Morris started vs. Clemson despite a mid-foot strain he suffered Saturday at Virginia Tech. Doctors cleared Morris and said he would not do further damage by playing, coach Brian Gregory said. Morris was ineffective in 17 minutes; his status for Saturday's game vs. Maryland is unclear.
Childress: Browns looking for 'more explosive players'
Wednesday, February 22, 2012 - 16:46
CBS Rapid Reports
Offensive coordinator Brad Childress on the need for speed and talent at the skill positions: "The whole mode is to get more exposive players -- guys who can get chunks of yardage whether throwing, catching or [running]." The Browns lack explosive players at all skill positions.