Times wires
Sunday, February 27, 2011
INDIANAPOLIS — The "Cam-bine" didn't go too well for Auburn quarterback Cam Newton on Sunday.
Newton completed 11 of 21 throws to a variety of receivers who were unfamiliar to him at the NFL combine, according to ESPN.com's John Clayton.
Even the coach who prepared Newton for this event noted the need for improvement.
"It was a pop quiz, and he didn't ace it," George Whitfield Jr. was quoted as saying to USA Today. "But his final exam is in a week and a half."
Newton's pro day workout is scheduled for March 8.
Newton attributed his struggles to the variety of speed in the receiving corps.
"I underestimated the timing aspect of playing quarterback," Newton told NFL Network. "You had receivers from the SEC, the SWAC, the MAC. … I was somewhat frustrated, but at the same time, I was having fun out there."
Arkansas' Ryan Mallett was said to have impressed scouts in the same drill, and FSU's Christian Ponder also was on target.
Newton ran a 4.59-second 40-yard dash, tied with Washington's Jake Locker for third among quarterbacks behind Virginia Tech's Tyrod Taylor (4.51) and Nevada's Colin Kaepernick (4.53). Ponder ran a 4.65.
Bench record: Oregon State defensive tackle Stephen Paea broke the combine bench press record, performing 49 reps of 225 pounds. The previous mark of 45 was shared by current Giants guard Mitch Petrus, and washouts Leif Larsen and Mike Kudla.
Bucs' McCoy hits biceps rehab hard
NORMAN, Okla. — Bucs defensive tackle Gerald McCoy said he's approaching his rehabilitation for a torn left biceps aggressively.
McCoy, the third pick in last year's draft out of Oklahoma, spoke before the Sooners' women's basketball game against Baylor, where he got an ovation when introduced at halftime.
McCoy missed the final four games after being placed on injured reserve. He said he was medically cleared Jan. 24 and flew the next day to San Diego, where he's working with trainer Todd Durkin.
"I'm workhorse. I don't know how to take a break," McCoy said. "… I'm working out and trying to be at my best, so when they say, 'Gerald, it's time to get back to work,' I'm ready."
He finished with 43 tackles and three sacks as Tampa Bay went 10-6.
"We knew what type of talent we had in the locker room and the staff that we had," he said. "… It was great to see things develop, turn into what it turned into."
Colts: With less than a week to go before the league's collective bargaining agreement expires, the team and quarterback Peyton Manning say they have made progress on his deal, though neither appears in a hurry to finish the agreement. Two weeks ago, the Colts designated Manning their exclusive franchise player, a move designed to keep him off the free-agent market. If the tag sticks, as team officials contend, Manning could not negotiate with other teams. He also would make $23 million if he plays under the tag next season.
Dolphins: Nose tackle Paul Soliai signed a franchise-tag contract that guarantees him about $12.5 million for the 2011 season. Soliai made $550,000 in 2010.