Compiled by Billy Wellner and Arthur Arkush
Feb. 15, 2008

Random quotes from around the league

Friday, Feb. 15, 2008

Cardinals GM Rod Graves, quoted on azcardinals.com after designating LB Karlos Dansby with their franchise tag Thursday: "We certainly consider Karlos one of our prize players. He is one of the more talented linebackers in the NFL. I certainly believe his agent and I will work aggressively to get a long-term deal before the deadline."

Browns QB Brady Quinn, responding to allegations that he was involved in an altercation Jan. 1 in a Columbus restaurant, as quoted on NJ.com: "At no time that night was I involved in a verbal or physical altercation, nor did I have any interaction with the police. I want to be clear that I did not engage in any of the alleged conduct, nor did I make inappropriate comments to anyone. Any allegations to the contrary are either untrue or the result of misidentification."

ESPN Monday Night Football analyst Ron Jaworski, quoted on Examiner.com regarding the Redskins switching to the West Coast offense this season, and the impact it will have on QB Jason Campbell: “From what I’ve seen of Jason, he’ll be able to handle that. When I look at tape of him, I see steady growth. He won’t have any problems at all adjusting to this offense. In today’s game, with the offseason and minicamps, they’re much more ready to handle the nuances of an offense.”

Colts QB Peyton Manning, discussing his expectations and the bar that has been set so high the past several years in Indianapolis, as quoted on IndyStar.com: "There's no question we have set high standards around here, mainly as a team but also at certain positions. We have competitive guys who want to go out and try to raise the bar even a bit higher. Manning continued: I have never once taken for granted the opportunity to play quarterback for 10 years. We talked about it a few years ago that I'm sort of entering the second half of my career. Whether it's realistic or not, I hope to be a better player here in this second half than I have been in the first half. It will take more work physically just because of the natural wear and tear on your arm and body, but that's certainly what I'm looking for.''

U.S. Senator Arlen Specter, still troubled about the destruction of Spygate tapes by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, as quoted in the Philadelphia Inquirer: "I'm determined to go forward. You have answers and positions where [Goodell] is saying that with the destruction of tapes that, 'We did the right thing. We're absolutely sure.' Well, that is absurd. . . . Goodell says things that don't make sense."

Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2008

Dolphins GM Jeff Ireland, quoted on MiamiHerald.com after the team released nine players yesterday, including veterans Trent Green, Marty Booker and Keith Traylor: “This is never easy, especially since all of these players worked hard during their tenure here. In particular, in the case of each of the veterans, it's especially difficult to release players who have been productive and valued members of the organization. However, we feel these decisions are in the best interest of the team.”

Ravens GM Ozzie Newsome, revealing his plan to franchise LB Terrell Suggs if an agreement is not reached in the next few weeks, as quoted in the Carroll County (Md.) Times: “If we do not have a long-term contract in place before the final day, we will franchise Suggs. At his position, we feel like he’s one of the top two or three outside linebackers in the game. He does a very good job against the run and the pass.” Newsome added: “He’s only 25 and has already done a lot in this league.”

Former Panthers LB Dan Morgan, believes he has plenty left in the tank after being released by Carolina Monday, as quoted in the Charlotte Observer: “I'm not ready to retire. I still feel like I have a lot of football left in me. I'm still rehabbing my Achilles injury, but I should be able to run fine. Whoever gets me will get a great player who's committed to winning.” When asked if there was any resentment toward his former team, Morgan went on to say: “They always treated me with class. They stuck with me, even when some people thought they stuck with me too long.”

Steelers president Art Rooney II, quoted on BaltimoreSun.com regarding his team’s decision to keep natural grass at Heinz Field despite being among the league’s worst playing surfaces: “The majority of our players have told us that they prefer natural grass to any artificial surface. Grass is also the preference of our coaches and athletic staff.”

Redskins DE Andre Carter, relieved that the coaching search has finally concluded with the hiring of former Seahawks QB coach Jim Zorn, as quoted on WashingtonPost.com: “The players, the fans, the organization itself, [were] on pins and needles not having a head coach. We're just happy that we finally have somebody to lead us.”