Holmgren tells Hillis he's trying to keep him

Browns president Mike Holmgren said he spoke recently with Peyton Hillis and told the running back that he's trying to keep him, according to The Plain Dealer's Mary Kay Cabot. Hillis At a news conference Thursday, Holmgren said there was no way he was going to trade Hillis before the NFL deadline but contract talks with Hillis have been "quiet." It appears that all of the drama this season -- which includes the questions surrounding Hillis sitting out the Miami game -- has affected negotiations.

"Let's let Peyton play," Holmgren said. "Let the dust settle and let's see what happens."

This is different from nine weeks ago, when Holmgren said the Browns are "trying like crazy" to sign Hillis to an extension. Hillis' contract ends after this season.

Holmgren also noted that the Browns will hire an offensive coordinator next season "in all likelihood." But he indicated coach Pat Shurmur will still have the option of calling plays like he's done this year.

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Union Tells NFL: No Blood Samples Yet

"We informed the NFL (Tuesday) that absent a collective agreement on several critical issues, blood collection is not ready to be implemented on Monday," the NFL Players Association said in a statement released Wednesday. "We have advised the players."

The league was preparing to draw the blood samples beginning Monday, although full testing for HGH was not yet scheduled.

"We are disappointed in the union's response," NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said. "It is contrary to the terms of the CBA and the agreements reached last Friday with the chairman and ranking member of the House Government Reform Committee.

"We are ready to begin educating players on the testing program and collecting samples. This approach was put forward by Congressmen Issa and Cummings," he added, referring to California Rep. Darrell Issa and Maryland Rep. Elijah Cummings, "It is well-reasoned and balances the need to ensure immediate deterrence with the union's desire for further review and education. We know of no reason why these initial steps should not begin next week, and none has been identified by the union."

The NFL and the players agreed to begin blood testing for HGH as part of their new collective bargaining agreement reached in late July — but only if the union agreed to the methods. The union has delayed implementing the test, asking for more scientific data to prove it is reliable.

One of the key items the NFLPA is seeking is a population study of the test — the data from the athletes who were used to originally set thresholds as to what constitutes a positive test. The union wants to compare that data to a population study on football players; the union believes players could have naturally higher HGH levels above those of other athletes.

"I am all for it, as long as it's a test that can be regulated and proved to be very accurate," Packers quarterback and Super Bowl MVP Aaron Rodgers said. "So until we get some information and data that we're very confident in, I don't know that there's going to be anything in the immediate future. I think it'd be great to even the playing field for the rest of the league."

Earlier this month, nearly two dozen scientists and lab directors from around the world signed a letter sent to the NFL and the union stating the current test for HGH is safe, scientifically reliable and appropriate for use in professional sports leagues.

The letter, obtained by The Associated Press, was dated Oct. 3 and sent to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and union Executive Director DeMaurice Smith.

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AP National Writer Eddie Pells in Denver and Sports Writer Chris Jenkins in Green Bay contributed to this story.

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Ravens Coach Harbaugh Tells Fans – “Go Root For Another Team”

You had to expect that Ravens fans were not going to be happy this week following a tough defeat to the Steelers.

Sports talk radio has been flooded this week with fans who are still seething over another close defeat to the rival Steelers with playoff implications at stake. No show was immune, not even Head Coach John Harbaugh’s radio program last Tuesday night.

Some of the exchanges got heated and Harbaugh as usual defended his team. He also went one step further and delivered a message to anyone who still isn’t on board with the current regime of the Baltimore Ravens.

“I’m proud of this football team,” Harbaugh said. “I’m proud of our defense. I’m proud of our offense. We will fight our tails off to be the best team we can every single week.”

“If that’s not enough for you then go find another team to cheer for. If you’re not proud of this team then you don’t know football,” Harbaugh said.

I’d be interested to see what are readers think about these comments but let me add my own thoughts here.

Anyone who really follows this team is frustrated. I know I am. The expectations for this team for this season were elevated due to consecutive playoff runs and new additions to the offense. For some it was “Super Bowl or Bust” to be sure.

So far what we’ve seen is that the Ravens are a very good AFC team. They are 8-4 with a two game lead over the next contender for a playoff spot with four games to play. They have proven that they can play with and possibly beat any opponent in the NFL. But the team has had its struggles and last Sunday night’s game simply magnifies any doubts that fans have as to weather or not this is a championship club.

The offense has been a concern since the days this franchise began and while they have shown improvement under Cam Cameron the first two seasons, this season they are back to being a middle of the pack unit – even with more talent.

Something has to give. Is it the play-calling? Is it the coaching? Is it execution? Is it player personnel? It’s probably a bit of all these things but it’s clear something needs to change.

I don’t really take too much stock in what Harbaugh says. I was shocked that he admitted publicly that he felt the offense was subpar. It’s the first time I can remember that he’s shown that type of honesty with the media and the fans as to his feelings about his team.

He’s never really shown much regard for those that cover the team or the fan’s knowledge of the game he coaches anyway. In some respects he’s right to be testy and upset when most don’t really know what they’re talking about. But his behavior is also consistent with who he is – a bit smug and self-assured and at times treats people with less than the respect they might be due. Just ask anyone at WNST.

But you have to expect those questions and commments when you have a public radio show. Otherwise why do it if not for the some extra money.

It’s up to you coach. If you don’t want to hear it then do something to fix it. It may mean making some hard choices at the end of the season but it’s time for you to step up and lead.

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