Newcomer Wahle has solidified front wall

August 14, 2008

Although the Seahawks currently have their share of issues at center and right guard, daily camp observers tell us the stabilizing force that veteran newcomer Mike Wahle has been providing at left guard has certainly helped to partially offset those concerns. “His impact was noticeable right from the start,” a longtime team insider told PFW. “He immediately became like another coach in the weight room during the team’s offseason conditioning program, and although he’s not overpowering like Steve Hutchinson was, he’s very solid and very quick, particularly pulling on screen passes and runs to the outside.” Clearly, the former Pro Bowler has solidified what has been a sore spot since Hutchinson split the scene for Minnesota. “He will definitely make life a lot easier for (longtime OLT) Walter Jones, the insider said. “Unlike some of the other guys who have been working next to Walter since Hutchinson left, Mike really appears to know what he’s doing.”

Tauscher honored at Welcome Back Packers luncheon

August 28, 2008

Green Bay Packers tackle Mark Tauscher received this year’s Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce Service Award at the annual Welcome Back Packers luncheon at the Lambeau Field.

Taucher was honored for his involvement with area schools, hospitals, food pantries and civic organizations. In 2005, he established the TRIFECTA (Taucher’s Reading Initiative For Every Child to Achieve) Foundation as a means to encourage literacy in Wisconsin. The foundation has raised more than $110,000 so far.

Tauscher, who played college football at the University of Wisconsin, has been involved in numerous other community and nonprofit programs.

He once cut his trademark long hair to raise $25,000 for St. Joseph's Hospital in Marshfield and organized a charity basketball game to benefit cancer research.

Tauscher, 31, is beginning his ninth season with the Packers.

Vince Lombardi initiated the luncheon tradition in the 1960s as a way for fans and players to mix prior to the start of the regular season. Players are randomly placed at tables with fans.

Almost 1,000 people attended the luncheon, which is sponsored by the Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce. This year's event was sold out in April. Head coach Mike McCarthy spoke about the upcoming season that begins Sept. 8 against the Minnesota Vikings.

Phil Dawson named "one of the best Browns, 1999-present"

August 26, 2008

This is not a ranking, because it's stupid to compare linebackers to wide receivers. But as we enter the 10th season of the "new Browns," it seems appropriate to look back at some of the best players from what has been a mostly forgettable period.

Phil Dawson (1999-present): Every year people wonder about Dawson, and almost every year he remains one of the most consistent kickers in the league.

Last year he kicked two game winning field goals in overtime. He made 26 of 30 kicks last year, and has a career success rate of 82.7 percent.

Here's another intersting stat. In 1999, he attempted 12 field goals all year, making eight. It's easy to forget how inept the 1999 offense was.

Jamir Miller, ILB (1999-2001): What could have been. Miller's 2001 season was remarkable. Thirteen sacks, 83 tackles, four fumbles forced.

If he'd have played in 2002, the Browns may have won 11 games instead of 9. Instead, his career ended after an injury in the 2002 preseason. It was at that time that Butch Davis brilliantly referred to Miller's 2001 season as a "product of the system."

Darrin Hambrick replaced Miller, and he lasted all of one season. Miller also had two strong seasons under Chris Palmer. He was the best free agent signing of the Dwight Clark era, and even though his career with the Browns was brief, he was often the only light on a consistently pitiful defense.

Until 2007, Miller was the franchise's only pro bowler since coming back.

Kellen Winslow TE (2004-present): If it seems like he hasn't been around that long, well, he really hasn't. But when he has been on the field, he's been a beast. He had 89 catches in what was an atrocious 2006 for the Browns, and last year, put up one of the best receiving seasons in team history. Eighty-nine catches, more than 1,100 yards, five TDs.