It was New Year’s Eve, and Jeremy Bloom was close to being out of the NFL for four months. He was working out daily in hopes of signing a future contract. The 2007 season, along with the year itself, was a washout.
Suddenly, Bloom found himself in the middle of postseason excitement. Pittsburgh brought in Bloom, the former Colorado return star and Olympic skier. He was on the Steelers’ practice squad and was nearly activated to the 53-man roster because of injuries. After Pittsburgh lost to Jacksonville on Saturday, Bloom signed a two-year contract with the Steelers and will participate in the team’s offseason workout program to prepare for training camp.
Bloom, who was drafted by Philadelphia in 2006 but sat out that season with a hamstring injury, was cut in early September by the Eagles and was out of work the rest of this season, despite having several workouts, including one in October with the Broncos. He thought he’d have to hustle for a job. Then the phone rang.
“All of a sudden, I was getting ready for a playoff game,” Bloom said. “I loved it. That’s why we all play. It was a great week, and unfortunately we did not win, but that’s why I’m in this, to try to win. To be back in that environment was awesome.”
Bloom is looking forward to 2008 and another playoff push with his new team. After two mostly wasted seasons, Bloom has had quite the NFL education.
“It’s a unique business,” Bloom said. “But it’s what I want to do and I’m so happy to be back in.”
Dallas assistants in demand
Cowboys offensive assistants Jason Garrett and Tony Sparano may both end up with head coaching jobs. Garrett interviewed at Baltimore and Atlanta, and Sparano interviewed at Miami and Atlanta.
Prospective teams simply are waiting for the chance to hire these two, who have been major contributors to the Cowboys’ offensive resurgence.
Tomlin needs to hunker down
Pittsburgh’s Mike Tomlin just ended his first season as an NFL coach and has work to do when it comes to managing the game.
Tomlin was hired at age 35, and many around the league are impressed with his command of his team, his passion and knowledge of the game. Still, his game management needs work. He struggled against the Broncos in October, and was criticized after Saturday’s playoff loss to Jacksonville for going for two points after touchdowns twice late in a two-point loss.
Tomlin is in no danger of losing his job, and he is considered a bright young mind, but his lack of experience showed this season.
Around the league
Watch for the Broncos to try to move away from Travis Henry and attempt to find a bigger back to pair with Selvin Young. … Interesting side note to Jim Bates’ departure from Denver this week. Monday night, those close to the situation thought he’d stay, but Tuesday morning talks broke down and the chance of Bates staying with concessions on both sides broke down. By lunch he was out the door. … There continues to be speculation that Mike Holmgren may retire when the Seahawks’ season is over. Former Atlanta head coach Jim Mora, a first-year Seattle assistant, could be in line to take over if Holmgren walks away. … Don’t be swayed by Javon Walker’s recent changed stance on a return to Denver in an interview with a local radio station. Unless there is a major contract restructuring, the Broncos are prepared to move on without Walker. … New England director of college scouting Tom Dimitroff has become a hot name on the front-office watch around the league. … NFL names on the University of Hawaii coaching wish list include Titans offensive coordinator Norm Chow and Giants offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride. … New England offensive coordinator Josh McDaniel took his name off potential head coaching jobs this offseason, but McDaniel has to be considered a slam dunk for a job next year or whenever he wants one. … One rookie who needs to improve quickly is Atlanta defensive end Jamaal Anderson. The No. 8 pick from Arkansas started all 16 games, but did not register a sack. … Washington seemed to hit pay dirt with LSU safety LaRon Landry with the No. 6 pick. Scouts are saying Landry is an all-pro in the making. … Don’t be stunned if former Denver assistant Karl Dorrell, who was recently fired as head coach at UCLA, resurfaces in the NFL.
