There is always plenty of news when the NFL is involved.
With training camp less than a week away, it’s time to start looking at on-field matters instead of all the off-field headlines. In that vein, Denver Broncos strong safety T.J. Ward certainly gave us a talking point.
Earlier this week, Ward told the Denver Post that Denver’s defense could be the greatest of all-time. This would be quite the feat, considering there are defenses like the great Steel Curtain, Purple People Eaters, ’85 Bears and 2000 Ravens. Still, Ward sees that type of greatness in this unit, which is fairly justifiable after the Super Bowl run the Broncos enjoyed last season.
Meanwhile, the New York Giants announced that they will induct former head coach Tom Coughlin into the team Ring of Fame on Nov. 14 during halftime of their Monday night game against the Cincinnati Bengals. Coughlin won two Super Bowls with the franchise, including the unforgettable Super Bowl XLII upset over the previously undefeated New England Patriots.
In another episode of the Johnny Manziel drama, the former Cleveland Browns quarterback took to Instagram to let folks know he is doing well and is planning on a comeback. Manziel, who was released in March only two years into his four-year rookie deal, wants to return to the NFL but first has to clear several legal hurdles along with regaining his sobriety, something he is currently aiming to do.
As for the Baltimore Ravens, they are getting good reports on quarterback Joe Flacco. Wide receiver Kamar Aiken talked about Flacco’s recovery from a torn ACL and MCL last season, noting that the veteran looks 100 percent, according to the team’s official website. If the Ravens want to threaten for a playoff spot and perhaps unseat the Cincinnati Bengals in the AFC North, they will need Flacco at his best.
Finally, Charles Tillman gave us one of the cooler retirement announcements of all time, punching the time clock and showcasing a bunch of his forced fumbles. Tillman, who played with the Chicago Bears for most of his career before finishing with the Carolina Panthers, is a borderline Hall of Famer candidate who was one of the best for a decade. Tillman’s play and leadership will be missed in Carolina.