decagent

Tucker’s showing value to Chargers

2010-06-02T13:51:00.000-04:00

Linebacker stands out in minicamp

BY KEVIN ACEE, UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER

FRIDAY, MAY 28, 2010 AT 12:02 A.M.

SEAN M. HAFFEY / UNION-TRIBUNE

Jyles Tucker flushes Tampa Bay's Jeff Garcia from the pocket in a December 2008 game.

Jyles Tucker did a sort of double-clutch, tracking the ball, then went airborne and stopped the pass.

His body dropped back to earth along with the ball, his hands quick enough and his instincts sharp enough for him to make the interception even as he fell to a crouch.

With an agility no coach can teach, balance bestowed at birth, Tucker not only did not topple but got up before being tackled and took off running the other direction.

That was one of two balls Tucker batted down at the line during Wednesday’s second minicamp practice, and it is an example of why the Chargers gave him a five-year, $14 million contract two summers ago and why there is optimism he is on the verge of achieving the potential that made them so high on him.

“There’s a reason he came on the scene the way he did the second half of his rookie season,” head coach Norv Turner said. “… I think he’s really ready to come on and be a part of what we do.”

These are interesting times with the Chargers outside linebackers. They right now are short one very important member of the corps, but they may yet have an abundance at the position.

With Shawne Merriman staying away from Chargers Park in protest of his contract status, Larry English, Antwan Applewhite and Tucker have gotten more repetitions in practice. The Chargers believe there is tremendous upside for Applewhite, who came on strong in 2008 before missing almost all of ’09 with a hamstring injury.

“It’s time to shine – with everything that’s going on,” Tucker said.

Yes, it is.

Tucker’s contract was not monstrous, but it was sizable enough to perhaps be unprecedented for an undrafted free agent going into his second season and having played in just six games.

Tucker had almost as many sacks before signing the deal (3½) as he has in 20 games since (5½).

He missed three-plus games with a hamstring injury in 2008, was slowed by a staph infection at training camp last summer and spent the second half of the ’09 season on injured reserve after spraining his ankle against the New York Giants.

“I’ve been thinking about it since November,” Tucker said. “It’s a big year. I feel like I did when I first came in. I’ve got something to prove.… This is my fourth year in the league. I feel like I’m a veteran. I know what’s going on. It’s time for me to produce. No one needs to tell me that.”

Linebackers coach John Pagano is among several in the organization who has recently praised Tucker’s increased maturity.

“He’s learning how to be a pro,” Pagano said.

Tucker is working harder, understanding more, seemingly focused on maximizing his ability and expanding his expertise.

He is about the same weight (262) but leaner, which is already showing up in how he moves and how he feels. It should also translate into less fatigue and a sustained level of play. In addition to being able to defend the run and drop in coverage, it is durability and consistency that separates a starting outside linebacker from a pass rush specialist.

The assumption, and it would be a correct one, is that English is the heir to Merriman. But the money Tucker got in ’08 is comparable — less guaranteed but more in potential money over the life of the five-year contracts — to what English got as the 16th overall pick in 2009.

Tucker, always deferential but never shy, feels like he can be a starter in the NFL.

“I believe that,” he said. “That’s what I’m working toward. It’s an important year. I’m trying to show I can play in this league on a consistent basis.”

NT Paul Soliai knows it’s now-or-never time to make his mark with the Dolphins

2010-05-06T14:26:00.002-04:00

by Ben Volin
NT Paul Soliai (96) entered this offseason knowing he has to stand out above the rest of his teammates to earn his opportunity. (Allen Eyestone/The Post)

Dolphins fourth-year defensive tackle Paul Soliai is no dummy.

“Paul knows the challenges that are ahead of him. He reads the newspaper like everybody else,” said his new agent, David Canter of Miramar.

Soliai, the 2007 fourth-round pick out of Utah, knows it’s now-or-never time to earn his way onto the field in Miami. He sees his team draft Penn State defensive lineman Jared Odrick in the first round and switch Randy Starks to defensive tackle this offseason, and Soliai knows he better step up his production if he wants to be in the Dolphins’ long-term plans.

“That’s putting pressure on Paul,” Canter said, “and I think he’s responding tremendously thus far.”

Soliai, one of two remaining players from the 2007 draft (the other is punter Brandon Fields), has started just five games in three seasons and has yet to record a sack. Listed at 6-foot-4 and 355 pounds, Soliai has also battled weight issues during his time in Miami, earning two separate one-game suspensions in 2008 for not making weight.

But he finally worked his way into the rotation last year, finishing the season with 25 tackles (including six against the Jets), a forced fumble and a pass defensed. The Dolphins hope Soliai, 26, will help fill the void created by nose tackle Jason Ferguson and his 8-game suspension.

But Soliai must also prove he is worthy of the extra playing time. Canter said Soliai feels refreshed this offseason and is getting his “second-chance opportunity.”

“He’s ready to go,” Canter said. “He works out at the facility in the offseason program, from 7 in the morning ‘til 10 at night, doing their thing.”

Soliai, an American Somoan who played at Utah and hired a Colorado-based agent out of college, is trying to become more of a “South Florida” guy, and that started by switching to Canter this offseason.

“Making a change sometimes can be the greatest thing ever for a player,” Canter said. “Hiring an agent that’s local, someone that’s going to be on top of him on a regular basis, someone that’s going to motivate him, having the confidence of his wife behind him in the decision, in all honesty I think it’s kind of a refreshing.”

United Way Stuff the Bus

2010-04-22T15:12:00.000-04:00

Paul Soliai hires local agent David Canter

2010-04-09T13:18:00.000-04:00

Dolphins nose tackle Paul Soliai on Wednesday evening signed a new representation agreement with South Florida based agent David Canter.

Soliai, 26, recently fired former agent Leo Goeas over a financial disagreement. Soliai's is signed through 2010 when he is scheduled to make $550,000.

"Paul knows he's now got a local team of people that are behind him 100 percent and will do everything we can to help him with every aspect of career," Canter said, "And that could translate directly to better performance on the football field."

Canter said he and his new client are aware the Dolphins will be looking for a nose tackle in the coming NFL draft. But that isn't their concern or focus.

"The focus is getting Paul playing like the dominant player he's shown he can be at times," Canter said. " ... Everything after that will take care of itself."

Canter also represents cornerback Sean Smith and believes the second-year corner is taking the necessary steps for a good second season.

"He's so focused right now he turned down some off-field [offers] that would have taken literally five minutes of his time," Canter said.

Kragthorpe: Whittingham places his faith in Johnson

2010-04-05T14:25:00.000-04:00

Jordan Wynn looked around, making sure Brian Johnson was close enough to hear every word before launching into a mock tirade about the horrors of working with Utah's new quarterback coach.

His joking approach to answering the question illustrated that even as a sophomore-to-be, Wynn is feeling comfortable as an established QB. And Wynn having a 23-year-old position coach is creating a new dynamic in a critical relationship.

I'm having trouble picturing Wynn publicly kidding Dave Schramm, in other words.

Johnson becoming the Football Bowl Subdivision's youngest full-time coach is a major statement for coach Kyle Whittingham. As the Utes practice in Whittingham's sixth spring, he recognizes that quarterback is as important as cornerback. That's saying something. In Utah's high-pressure, man-to-man defensive scheme, the corners are the key to the whole operation.

When offensive coordinator Andy Ludwig left after the 2008 season, Whittingham filled the vacancy by hiring J.D. Williams to coach the corners. Yet when Williams moved to UNLV in December, Whittingham made offense a priority by hiring Johnson. Jay Hill's versatility enabled him to move from offense back to defense, coaching the corners again.

Whittingham believes in Johnson, saying he approached him about coaching immediately after graduation. Johnson, who finished his college career in '08 with a school-record 26 victories as a starting QB, initially chose to pursue pro
Advertisement
Quantcast
football.

While hiring a quarterback coach with no experience seems like accepting fan-forum advice, it has worked for BYU with Brandon Doman and likely will do the same for Utah.

Whittingham also gave former Ute safety Morgan Scalley a job soon after his playing career ended. So Whittingham laughed when I reminded him that everybody should have to spend six years coaching at a place like Idaho State, as he did, before landing a prime position in a Top 25 program. Johnson, who enrolled in the school at 17, "has always been ahead of the curve," Whittingham said.

Somebody's responsibilities had to change as a result of Johnson's hiring. After one season in his dream job of coaching quarterbacks (and seven games of calling the plays) at this level, Schramm is now working with tight ends, and receivers coach Aaron Roderick, promoted to co-offensive coordinator with Schramm, will remain the play-caller.

"It's tough to be a coordinator and give the quarterback the attention that he needs," Whittingham said. "This year, I think the configuration is better for that."

Amid the staff issues and the switch from Terrance Cain to Wynn at halftime of the eighth game, the Utes still ranked third in the Mountain West Conference in total offense at 393 yards a game. If a rebuilt receiving corps comes along and Wynn keeps developing under Johnson's guidance, Utah should be more effective.

"He's a young guy with a lot of excitement, and he's doing all he can to make me great," Wynn said.

That process begins at the end of games, when Johnson excelled. The Utes won four one-score games in Johnson's unbeaten senior season, highlighted by three winning drives in the final minutes.

In his five starts, Wynn faced critical sequences only once. "The BYU game comes to mind," said Johnson, who wants to help him become "a master of situational football."

In moving from player to coach, Johnson is glad to have a one-year buffer, with receiver Jereme Brooks and tailback Matt Asiata the only remaining players among '08 offensive regulars. Aside from Wynn's progress, Johnson's biggest success this spring may be the way Cain keeps competing as a deposed starter, earning praise from Whittingham. Griff Robles is the No. 3 quarterback.

"I'm responsible for the production of that position," Johnson said. "It's something I take great pride in, and I have a great relationship with all three of those guys."

Safety Busing's Drive Goes Back to the Driveway

2010-03-12T18:00:00.000-05:00

Author: Jim McCurdy, Red Line Editorial Posted: 3/10/2010

The days in the driveway have not been forgotten. For John Busing, a restricted free-agent safety who played last season for the Houston Texans, they helped pave the way for his success as an athlete later in life.
Brotherhood battles with his twin, Ryan, were part of his daily routine.
“It was everything from one-on-one (basketball) in the driveway to throwing the ball with each other—anything,” Busing said. “Everything we did was competitive. It could’ve been a game of checkers … you name it.
“Having that growing up was really special. And I definitely think that it put those competitive juices in me early. Being able to do that with my brother has kind of gone with me the rest of my life.”
A .500 winning percentage in the family ledger always inspired the two to play “just one more game.”
“For the most part, he’d win one, I’d win one,” Busing said. “We’d go back and forth all the time. That’s why we’d be playing best out of 50 games because we’d keep wanting to go one more, one more to see who could get that win. It was definitely very competitive.”
Those early household battles began in Johns Creek, Ga., where the Busing twins stood out at Chattahoochee High School. John played seven positions on the high school football team. Eventually they ventured off together to Miami (Ohio) to continue their college football careers.
Busing said, “Miami of Ohio was the only place that offered us both scholarships. One thing we wanted to do was continue to play together, so we went up there. I still had to go against him every day in practice. He was on the offensive side; I was on the defensive side.”
Busing was a linebacker for the Red Hawks, and his brother played wide receiver after beginning as a quarterback. Then, a player named Ben Roethlisberger changed the plan. With John earning first-team All-Mid-American Conference honors as a senior, leading the RedHawks with 97 tackles, he reinforced the success of his sophomore year, when he led all Division I linebackers with five interceptions.
After college, Ryan entered the corporate world in Atlanta and John began the grind as an undrafted NFL player. After spending three seasons with Cincinnati, he registered 32 tackles and an interception for the Texans in 2009. Busing gradually earned the coaches’ respect with his steady play at free safety and on special teams.
“I knew, coming in, that I’d be battling for a roster spot,” Busing said. “So I just worked through OTAs (Organized Team Activities) and training camp, trying to make myself valuable on special teams and on defense and make enough plays to stick around.
“It’s always been a fight. That’s the way it is for a lot of guys in this league. You get very few guys who are guaranteed spots,” he continued.
In the 2009 season opener against the New York Jets, Busing’s interception led to the Texans’ only score in a 24-7 loss. It was the first pick of his career. Two games later, he earned his first start as a Texans in a 31-24 loss to the Jaguars.
“He’s like a ball magnet,” Texans head coach Gary Kubiak said. “He’s really sharp in the game. Everybody in the secondary trusts him.”
Busing made a career-high five tackles in his first start with the Texans. They say the NFL is all about seizing opportunities, and Busing has made the most of his in Houston.
“It was good knowing the coaches had the faith in me to give me a start, so I went out there with the mindset of putting in a lot of work,” he said. “If you’re not starting on defense, you’re gonna be expected to contribute on special teams, if not some smaller capacity on defense. So anytime I get a chance to go out there and play, whether it [is] on special teams, goal line, if we have any three-safety packages, you go out there and try to make the most of it.”
Busing has made his mark on special teams during his career. But given the chance, he also has shown a knack for getting to the ball on defense. He said he tries to hang his hat on being a sure tackler.
“We all trust him back there,” said unrestricted free-agent cornerback Dunta Robinson, Busing’s teammate in Houston last season.
Since he entered the league, Busing has had to earn his teammates’ trust. Talking to him, it sounds like he wouldn’t have it any other way.
“It’s a grind,” he said. “It’s a challenge. That’s why it’s hard to make a long career out of this sport. But having that challenge presented to you every day, and knowing you’ve got to go out there and make plays and prove yourself, keeps you sharp. I feel like it keeps you young, keeps you passionate about the game. That’s the part I enjoy the most.”

Interview with agent David Canter DEC Sports Management

2010-03-05T15:20:00.001-05:00

http://www.thebrettandbrianshow.com/home/Brett_and_Brian_Show_Seahawk_Podcast/Entries/2010/3/4_Interview_with_agent_David_Canter_DEC_Sports_Management.html

STEVE GREGORY WORKS THE STEVE GREGORY OFFENSE DEFENSE CAMP

2010-02-03T02:27:00.002-05:00

Emotions don't get in way of Chargers' win

2009-12-21T12:25:00.001-05:00

SAN DIEGO -- It was early in the third quarter of a hotly contested game with huge AFC playoff ramifications. Yet, Chargers safety Eric Weddle and Bengals wide receiver Chad Ochocinco appeared a million miles away.

During an injury timeout, Weddle approached Ochocinco -- the two men did not know each other -- and just started talking. Weddle was trying to be supportive of Ochocinco, but Weddle admitted talk also was cathartic for himself in the aftermath of the death of Bengals receiver Chris Henry.

The Cincinnati Bengals were not alone in their sorrow Sunday.

Even though they naturally assumed the role of the bad guys Sunday, the Chargers were hurting for the Bengals, who had to travel across country and play a pivotal game three days after Henry died. Henry, 26, died Thursday from head injuries he sustained Wednesday when he fell from the back of a pickup truck during a domestic dispute.

Even though the Chargers were elated to win a thrilling 27-24 game that gave them their fourth straight AFC West division title and put them on the doorstep of a first-round bye in the playoffs, they took time to reflect on Henry.

"It was tough out there," Weddle said. "I just felt like I had to say something to Chad."

Weddle is deeply religious and said he spoke from the heart to Ochocinco. The two opponents stood alone in the middle of the field for several moments.

"I just told him that we were hurting too and that we’re a football family," Weddle said. "I told Chad that as a leader, this is his time to take charge and help his teammates and Chris’ family. ... It was just something I felt I needed to do. Look, it was a huge game out there, but you can’t help but feel for the situation and realize the bigger picture.”

The Chargers didn’t exactly feel guilty about beating the Bengals. But they knew a nation was rooting against them. The Bengals were the story in the NFL on Sunday.

Trailing 24-13, the Bengals, who were listless in the third quarter, roared back with 11 points in the fourth quarter to tie the score with 54 seconds to go. However, San Diego drove down the field to set up a 52-yard field goal by Nate Kaeding with three seconds to go.

The Bengals slumped off the field in obvious despair.

"They really played hard," Weddle said. "Emotions were high all game long on both sides."

Other key developments from the game:

The Chargers are in great shape: While it certainly wasn't easy, the Chargers' mastery continued. The 11-3 Chargers have won nine straight games. They have won an NFL-record 17 consecutive December games dating to 2006.

Moments after Kaeding’s game-winning kick sent the crowd -- which was the loudest it has been in some time -- into hysterics, the Chargers got another holiday treat.

With the game playing on the jumbo screens, some Chargers players and many fans watched Oakland stun Denver. The Raiders’ big road upset dropped the Broncos to 8-6, clinching the Chargers' fourth division title in a row.

The fact that San Diego clinched the division in Week 15 is particularly remarkable considering Denver led the Chargers by 3.5 games after Week 6. Much has changed in nine weeks.

Most notably, the Chargers have been unstoppable. While they didn’t dominate Cincinnati in the fourth quarter, the Chargers once again made enough plays to win.

Just as important as winning the division title, San Diego closed in on the No. 2 seed in the AFC playoffs and a first-round bye. If the Chargers win one more game or if New England (9-5) loses one, the Chargers will get the No. 2 seed, which would be paramount in its chase for the Super Bowl.

San Diego plays at Tennessee on Friday and then closes out the season at home against Washington. The Patriots play host to Jacksonville next week and then close out the season at Houston.

And the kick was good: Kaeding may be one of the most underrated kickers in the NFL. He shouldn’t be after Sunday.

After quarterback Philip Rivers drove the Chargers 46 yards in six plays to the Cincinnati 34, Kaeding came in and blasted the 52-yarder to win the game. Kaeding, the most accurate kicker in NFL history with a career percentage of more than 86 percent, cleared the cross bar easily.

“When I hit it I knew it was good,” Kaeding said. “There was a lot of adrenaline in that situation coming down to the wire, trying to hit it for the win and since it came off my foot I knew it was good. Mayhem ensued from there.”

Defense needs to tighten: The Chargers’ defense has had some moments of vulnerability this season. The issues crept back Sunday, especially in the fourth quarter. Cincinnati, which has had trouble scoring at points this season, dominated in the fourth quarter. Cincinnati had 314 yards passing and 114 yards rushing.

With a game against the dangerous Titans and superstar running back Chris Johnson approaching on a short week -- San Diego travels to Nashville on Wednesday for the Friday night game -- the Chargers need to iron out the kinks.

Despite the late defensive lapse, the Chargers did what it took to win another December game.

"It was hard-fought," San Diego cornerback Antonio Cromartie said. "But we went out and finished it. That’s what counts most."

Kruger downplays rave reviews for Steelers game, But teammates say he's just being modest

2009-12-02T12:23:00.000-05:00

When Paul Kruger arrived as the Ravens' second-round pick from Utah, Terrell Suggs was clearly the leading man, a Pro Bowl linebacker who would sign a $63 million contract making him one of the highest-paid defensive players in NFL history.

But Kruger was the diligent understudy despite being inactive for seven of the first 11 games, learning his lines in case he was needed. Radio sports-talk callers and the Internet blogs and message boards clamored for Kruger to make an appearance, especially when Suggs was injured two weeks ago.

Kruger stepped into the spotlight Sunday night at M&T Bank Stadium. He picked off a pass from Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Dennis Dixon and ran it back 26 yards, leading to Billy Cundiff's 29-yard field goal and a 20-17 Ravens win in overtime against their AFC rivals.

Even standing at center stage, Kruger downplayed his rave reviews.

"It was a designed blitz," Kruger said of his pick. "They were coming from the other side. I was the dropper [in the passing lane].

"I just happened to be at the right place at the right time. My teammates did a great job getting there. It was a great call, obviously. So it was a number of things."

But Kruger's teammates seemed to feel he was far too modest in describing his interception, as well as the role he has played in filling in lately for Suggs.

"It was just an unbelievable play," linebacker Jarret Johnson said. "It wasn't an easy catch. To get out and make a catch like that shows unbelievable athleticism."

Said middle linebacker Ray Lewis: "It just doesn't get any better than that. You have a young man who is just patiently waiting his turn. Can you replace a Terrell Suggs? No, unless you're replacing him with Paul Kruger. For him to come in the game at that crucial situation and to make a play that big, it shows what it means about 'next man up' around here.

"I've been praising Kruger for a long time. It was just his time."

But the long wait for that moment of glory was killing Kruger, 23. The Ravens signed him to a four-year, $3.25 million contract in July. Yet he was on the inactive list for the Ravens' first three games, against the Kansas City Chiefs, San Diego Chargers and Cleveland Browns, then played only sparingly against the New England Patriots.

He was then inactive for the Cincinnati Bengals, Minnesota Vikings and Denver Broncos games, as well as the rematch with the Bengals, before rotating into the defensive lineup the past three games against the Browns, Indianapolis Colts and Steelers.

"It's been hard all season," Kruger said of having to watch from the sideline. "I'm a competitive guy. I want to be on the field, but I respect the coaches' decision."

The Ravens' coaches said the lack of playing time was no reflection on his talent or work ethic. They said it was simply a matter of who was ahead of him on the depth chart and the defensive schemes the team was using each Sunday.

Kruger said coach John Harbaugh even approached him a few days before the Steelers game to offer encouragement.

"Just keep fighting. Keep going in practice," Kruger said Harbaugh told him. "Work hard and when I'm in there in a game, make the best of every opportunity I can."

But it was the injury to Suggs, who suffered a severe ligament sprain in his right knee from an illegal chop block by Browns quarterback Brady Quinn in the Ravens 16-0 win Nov. 16 that significantly increased Kruger's playing time.

"It's tough, especially when you're a rookie and you're behind a player like Terrell Suggs," Johnson said of Kruger's place on the depth chart. "You're a high draft pick and all that stuff. You just tell him: 'Be consistent. Focus every day.'

"You gotta use those [practice days] to get better and he's done that. The guy's done nothing but improve."

Johnson said he and other Ravens sensed Kruger's frustration from time to time during the season.

"Oh, sure, it's natural," Johnson said. "But he's kept his cool and not really said anything. I've only been down one day and I almost lost my freaking head. I almost went nuts.

"And for him to come into the situation he's been in, just numbers-wise, and there's not a whole lot he can do and just to stay as cool as he is and get better every day, that's huge."

So was the interception against the Steelers, which Kruger hopes was a sign of big things to come.

"I want to be out there," he said. "I wanted to work hard and do well in games to give Baltimore City the best team we can. So I hope it's a starting point."

Rookie Kruger, who nearly died two years ago, saves the day for Ravens

2009-11-30T11:45:00.000-05:00

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-game-highlights/09000d5d8149876a/Paul-Kruger-overtime-INT

Want a reason to cheer despite the Dolphins' depressing loss to the Bills? Want to hear about a player who makes a fight for the playoffs seem trivial, especially considering the fight for his life less than two years ago?

Check this out.

Before Sunday night, when he was called upon to start in place of an injured Terrell Suggs, Ravens defensive end Paul Kruger previously saw minimal action in only two other games. During overtime, a big night became even bigger.

Kruger, a rookie from Utah, vaulted onto the NFL scene with an interception during overtime that set up Baltimore for a huge win against the Steelers. Now, for the reason to cheer him on.

The story goes like this: In the January following a huge freshman season at Utah, Kruger was making a one-block walk toward his car, joined by his brother and sister, along with fellow Utah teammate Greg Newman.

Wrong place. Wrong time.

A car rolled past at a slow speed. The passengers, who are still unknown to this day but were believed to be members of a gang, began hurling random obscenities at the group. When Newman hurled a snowball at the car in response, things got ugly.

Newman never could have anticipated the response from the strangers. Another car rolled up, and all of the passengers exited. Kruger tried to keep the peace – until someone spit in the face of Newman.

By the time it was over, Kruger’s brother had been punched with brass knuckles; blood pouring from his face. Newman took a screwdiver in his side. And Kruger was stabbed in the ribs and the abdomen with a knife.

After a four-hour surgical procedure, doctors found a damaged artery and a collapsed lung, among other injuries. Kruger, who already had one of his kidneys and his spleen removed following an auto accident, was facing life-threatening injuries.

He’d have his stomach stapled shut. The recovery was long and grueling, causing the once-intimidating Kruger to lose 20 pounds of muscle. For the next eight months, he’d rehabilitate his body in an effort to try to get back onto the field.

Feel like fast forwarding? No problem. The following season, he’d have 7.5 sacks, seven pass breakups, two forced fumbles – and a season good enough to cause pro scouts to provide raving feedback.

Only 15 months after being stabbed in the stomach, Kruger was selected in the second round of the 2009 draft. Less than two years after that day, when a run-in with the wrong people nearly ended his football career and possibly his life, Kruger arrived on the NFL scene with a huge, game-changing interception.

Kruger, who attended Utah with Dolphins second-round draft pick Sean Smith and is represented by South Florida-based agent David Canter, surely has a reason to celebrate tonight.

The dude is alive. And doing well.

CONGRATULATIONS TO DEC CLIENTS

2009-10-01T21:13:00.001-04:00

Todd Sauerbrun, Tra Battle, Jon Abbate, Sonny Shackleford, Brian Hernandez, & Cecil Sapp for making the UFL final rosters

DEC CLIENT JOHN BUSING'S FIRST CAREER INTERCEPTION

2009-09-14T21:18:00.004-04:00

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-cant-miss-plays/09000d5d812918a0

Smith's one-handed interception

2009-09-04T21:31:00.001-04:00

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-game-highlights/09000d5d8125cab9/Smith-s-one-handed-interception

Busing steps up in win over Bucs

2009-09-04T21:24:00.009-04:00

Safety John Busing tried to earn a spot on the squad with a good performance, tying for the team lead with six tackles and adding an interception and a fumble recovery.

Forcing more turnovers has been an offseason priority for the Texans' defense.

“At this point, there is no more I can do, I stated my case,” Busing said.

Coach Gary Kubiak said Busing has made an impression.

“He's kind of made plays throughout camp, and he's done some good things for (special-teams coach) Joe (Marciano),” Kubiak said. “He obviously helped himself again tonight.”
Foster's philosophy

Rookie running back Arian Foster, who is competing for a spot on the team, carried 16 times for 49 yards.

His longest run, a 36-yarder, was called back because of a holding call on guard Chester Pitts.

“I put my heart on the field, and the chips are going to fall where they may,” he said. “I gave it everything I could.”