Three and Out

Rosters were trimmed to 53 players today, and there were a few ProUtes who did not make the cut.

AFC - James Aiono and Zane Taylor (Colts), Conroy Black (Raiders), Sealver Siliga (Broncos).

NFC - Shaky Smithson (Packers), R.J. Stanford (Panthers).

Physically Unable to Perform (PUP list): David Reed (Ravens).

Brett Ratliff had a rough outing in Tampa Bay's final preseason tune up, a 30-3 loss to Washington. Ratliff completed 14 of 30 passes for 164 yards, threw three interceptions, and was sacked five times. He was one of the last players to be cut by the team.

On a positive note, Matt Asiata beat out two other running backs for a spot on Minnesota's roster. He is now listed as the third-string tailback, and his ability to play fullback and special teams set him apart from the others. Asiata joins Brandon Burton as a member of the Vikings.

Rookie of the Year

C.J. Cron was named Rookie of the Year of the California League after leading the league in RBI. He celebrated the award by having surgery to repair a torn labrum in his shoulder. Cron's 123 RBI tied the franchise mark, and he was the first Sixer first baseman selected to the All-Star Team since 2005. Cron is considered the #2 prospect in the Angels organization.

Score One for Asiata

The Vikings lost to the Chargers 12-10, with Matt Asiata scoring the only touchdown of the game on a short pass. He might have had another, but he fumbled on the two yard line. Minnesota's running backs fumbled three times (one forced by hard-hitting Eric Weddle), so Asiata wasn't alone in that. He led the team with 9 carries for 48 yards, with a long of 18. At this rate he may make the final roster as a fill-in until Peterson is all the way back.

Three players have been released as teams trimmed rosters to 75: Justin Taplin-Ross by the Cowboys and Brian Hernandez by the Eagles. As I mentioned in a previous post, the NFC East is not known for its ProUte pedigree.A bigger surprise was seeing Jonathan Fanene has been cut by New England. He was released under the new "failure to disclose physical condition" designation, one of two NFL players to be so designated, according to ESPN.com.

Two Deep: NFC

R.J. Stanford's interception was mentioned in the AFC post; he is listed as Carolina's second-string right cornerback. Staying in the NFC South: Journeyman Brett Ratliff is currently listed as Tampa Bay's third string quarterback, behind Josh Freeman and Dan Orlovsky. Through two preseason games he is 8-of-13 for 62 yards. In week two's 30-7 loss to Tennessee Orlovsky was 1-of-5 for 6 yards and one INT, so there is a possibility Ratliff could pass him on the depth chart.

The NFC East has some strong traditions, but drafting players from Utah is not one of them. Currently there are two in the division: Justin Taplin-Ross is a third-string strong safety for Dallas, while Brian Hernandez has resurfaced on Philadelphia's roster after being released by the Redskins during training camp. He is buried on the depth chart at wide receiver, but he is on the roster for now. The Eagles already waived defensive tackle Tevita Finau (who was previously dropped by the Cardinals).

Aside from Alex Smith, there are no other ProUtes in the NFC West. Could that change with Utah's membership in the PAC-12, or will the territorial rivalry prevent teams from Arizona, California (it didn't bother Oakland), and Washington from picking ProUtes?

In the NFC North: Matt Asiata carried 7 times for 43 yards (with a long of 22) as Minnesota spread the ball around during Adrian Peterson's rehab. He is listed as the third-string fullback, which probably doesn't earn a spot on the 53 man roster. Brandon Burton is not listed on the depth chart at all, although he is still on the roster and recorded 4 tackles in the first preseason game. Shaky Smithson is tied for fourth on the depth chart as a wide receiver and kick returner for Green Bay. He is tied with Diondre Borel from Utah State, incidentally. In week one each player fielded a punt, with Borel returning his a yard and Smithson having no gain. Both players fumbled, with Shaky covering his up. Borel also returned two kickoffs for 58 yards and had 3 catches for 13 yards. Neither player saw the field in week two's 35-10 loss to Cleveland.

Two Deep: AFC

S. Smith battles S. Smith for the ball

Yeah, it smacks of desperation to write about the second week of the NFL preseason, but when have we seen seven ProUtes play in the same game? Miami has four on defense, while Carolina has two on offense and one on D. That meant we got to see Steve Smith go against Sean Smith (when he wasn't tussling with Vontae Davis). Miami's Smith appears to come away with the interception in this photo, but he was flagged for PI on the play. R.J. Stanford's INT in the end zone with :04 left stood, and put an end to the game.

The real standout in the game wasn't Smith, Smith,  or Stanford; it was Derrick Shelby, an undrafted rookie defensive end. Prior to this game the local media was already positing that Shelby would make the Dolphins 53 man roster. After his 4 tackle (2 for a loss), 1 sack, 1 forced fumble performance there's little doubt! Shelby is listed as second string on the depth chart, meaning Miami should field four ProUte defenders this season.

The AFC East has only one team without a ProUte on the roster: the Buffalo Bills. Jonathan Fanene is now a second-string defensive end for the New England Patriots, while Caleb Schlauderaff is a second-string center for the New York Jets.

The AFC South likewise has one team unrepresented: the Jacksonville Jaguars. With Jordan Babineaux sitting out, Robert Johnson got the start at strong safety for the Titans but did not record any stats against Tampa Bay. He is listed as the second-string free safety behind Michael Griffin, but it seems he is second-string for both safety positions. Brice McCain is second-string at right cornerback for the Houston Texans. In Indy, Zane Taylor is a third-string center.

In the AFC North: Stevenson Sylvester is listed as the second-string inside linebacker for the Steelers; he had three tackles in the first preseason game. Paul Kruger is slated to be the starter at Sam linebacker for the injury-prone Ravens. Kruger had 4 tackles and a PDef in last night's 27-12 loss to Detroit. Ma'ake Kemoeatu is the back up nose tackle in Baltimore, and had 2 tackles. David Reed is listed as a third-string wide receiver in Baltimore, but has not made any plays this preseason.

Over in the AFC West: Tony Bergstrom is listed as the second-string left guard for the Raiders, while Conroy Black is fourth-string at left cornerback. Sealver Siliga is a third-string nose tackle with the Broncos. John Cullen was released by the Chargers earlier this month.

Tommy's Records

Tommy Grady broke all kinds of AFL records this season, including passing yards (5,970), passing touchdowns (142), pass completions (507), and pass attempts (743). The previous record for TDs was 117, a mark that Grady shattered in the 15th game of the season. He led the Utah Blaze into the playoffs, where they went on the road to knock off #1 seed San Antonio, 35-34. In the conference championship the Blaze had a 9 point lead with 9 seconds remaining but succumbed to the Arizona Rattlers, 75-69. Grady led the league in 9 offensive categories en route to his record breaking performance, for which he was voted the Top AFL Player by the fans. He was recently invited to workout for the San Diego Chargers.

Grady was named league MVP and Offensive Player of the Year as well!