NFC Notes: Packers, Rams, Seahawks

Packers

Jimmy Graham said Sunday that he’s “going to go prove a lot of people wrong” in 2019 after a down year in his first season with the Packers.

“I mean we all have our ups and downs,” Graham said Sunday, via Kelly Price of Green Bay’s NBC 26. “Obviously, there was a lot going on last year for all of us in the building. But all that’s in the past. I know the player that I am, and I know I still have juice; I know I still can run. I’m going to go prove a lot of people wrong.”

“Obviously, last year was disappointing for everybody,” Graham added. “I’m not used to losing. I don’t think anybody here is, you know? And for me, it was not a good year. I’m completely focused on putting my best foot forward and being the player that I am: Scoring in the red zone and being that big threat on third down. I mean, I’ve got to get back to that, and I take it serious. It’s something that eats at me every single day, not making the playoffs and sometimes not making the plays that I should have. So you better believe I’m going to be ready.”

Rams

• According to Michael Lombardi, people in NFL circles were shocked the Rams gave RB Todd Gurley a massive contract extension because the running back’s knee issues were well-documented as he was coming out of Georgia. 

Seahawks

• The Seahawks and DT Malik McDowell had reached an agreement through an arbitrator where McDowell would get half of his $3.918 million bonus, per the Seattle Times’ Bob Condotta. 
• The bonus was scheduled to be paid out in four installments and the Seahawks had already paid out three, meaning McDowell had to pay Seattle back $799,238. 
• McDowell did not meet the 30-day deadline following the Feb. 27 ruling to pay back the money, which is why the Seahawks sued him this past week. 
• While the Seahawks’ consulting neurologist, Dr. Samuel Browd, did not clear McDowell to play, McDowell says he was cleared by an independent neurologist, Dr. Jeffery Kutcher.