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Volume 8, Issue 54 (Sunday, June 17th)
 FanStar Fantasy League Manager FanStar introduces an entirely new interface using the latest Web 2.0 technology. We merge the convenience of website delivery with the use-ability of desktop software. Throw in Live Stats, a Cell Phone Interface, Fast Tech Support and Unparalleled Customability and you have a fantasy league experience that is second-to-none. |
Hi Folks,
Good Monday morning to you. Hope you had a nice weekend and you're ready for a new week. It was a pretty thin day for news but we've gathered the stories you need to know. But first, the Quote Of The Day: "I want them to enjoy themselves, prepare themselves and to not be The Guy ... simply, not being one of 'the guys' we are usually seeing in the headlines this time of year. The guys that are making the headlines this time of year are not the type of guy that we are looking for. Don't be The Guy." -- PIT coach Mike Tomlin's parting words to his players on their time off before training camp. Now let's get to it. JSITE NEWS
A.
Footballguys Magazine Off The Press
The Footballguys Strategy Guide is hot off the press and it looks better than ever. They're in transit to us as we speak and we'll be filling orders for you folks that have ordered online. The official release date for newsstands is July 4 so you can order from us and have it in your hands well before the guys in your league.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1. JAX - Coach Del Rio Optimistic - WRs In Question2. CLE - QB Position Open But Anderson Seems To Have A Leg Up
3. CLE - Browns Thrilled With RB Lewis
4. NYJ - Jets WR McCareins Looks To Stick Around
5. WAS - Redskins Move OT Wade To Guard
6. NYG - Jacobs Ready To Replace Barber
7. CAR - Panthers Camp Ends On High Note
8. NFL Calendar Dates
9. DEF - NYG - New Giants DC Spagnuolo Looks To Improve Pass Rush
10. DEF - GB - LB Barnett Arrested
JAX - Coach Del Rio Optimistic - WRs In Question
Source: Vito Stellino, Florida Times Union
Coach Jack Del Rio said the team's two major free-agent acquisitions, offensive tackle Tony Pashos and wide receiver Dennis Northcutt, both performed well during the workouts.
"Dennis Northcutt was brought in here to fill a role (slot receiver), and he's exactly what we thought we were getting. Tony Pashos was brought in here to fill a role (right tackle). We think he's exactly what we thought we were getting,'' Del Rio said. Among the other players Del Rio mentioned in a positive light were wide receiver Ernest Wilford, cornerback Dee Webb, defensive end James Wyche and tight end Greg Estandia. Conversely, wide receivers Reggie Williams and Matt Jones, first-round picks in 2004 and 2005, respectively, were hurt much of the offseason and are under pressure to stay healthy and perform well in camp if they're to make the team. Teams tend to be patient with players drafted high, but Del Rio said: "There is no question that at some point there has to be production.'' Del Rio knows that with or without Williams and Jones, the passing game, ranked 24th in the league last year, is the team's biggest question mark. "I think the area that has been most scrutinized, I guess because it lagged [behind] the other areas of our football team, is the passing game,'' he said. "I feel confident based on what I've seen and the steps that we have taken that we will be an improved offense. We're going to throw it and catch it better.''[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
We've been hearing negative rumblings about the starting WRs but nothing near this level. For Stellino to suggest that Matt Jones and Reggie Williams might not make the team is a bold statement. We don't think there's any question they'll make the team but it is pretty clear that Del Rio is expecting more production.
As we've been telling you, keep a very close eye on WR Charles Sharon. He didn't play in a single game last season but he seems to have caught Del Rio's eye in a big way. At least for now.CLE - QB Position Open But Anderson Seems To Have A Leg Up
Source: Terry Pluto, Akron Beacon Journal
In a minicamp that has seen all three competitors struggle somewhat, QB Derek Anderson seems to have the leg up for now over QB Brady Quinn and Charlie Frye. The Browns coaching staff was pleased with what they saw of Anderson last year, except for his final start of the season.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Note that this is just speculation for now. This isn't anything like Jon Gruden in Tampa saying that Jeff Garcia is the starter. Romeo Crennel and offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski haven't made any kind of definitive statement. Look for a training camp battle between Anderson, Charlie Frye and Brady Quinn if he gets into camp soon enough.
CLE - Browns Thrilled With RB Lewis
Source: Terry Pluto, Akron Beacon Journal
The Browns were thrilled with the early look at Jamal Lewis, who has taken part in more drills than anticipated. He had surgery to remove bone spurs from an ankle, and he feels better than at any time last season, he has said.
Lewis is only 27. He has a lot of miles on his legs and has been knocked around, but he rushed for 1,122 yards last season with that painful bone spur. He has lost about 10 pounds to 248, and might drop a few more before training camp to help his speed. As Savage said, ``I've got a very good feeling about Jamal. He is hungry and has something to prove. He wants people to see that he has a lot left, and he's very happy here.''[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Outstanding news for Jamal Lewis. He's still relatively young although he does have a good bit of mileage on his body. It's encouraging to hear he's feeling better now than he did at any point last year.
NYJ - Jets WR McCareins Looks To Stick Around
Source: Tom Rock, Newsday.com
New York Jets wide receiver Justin McCareins may go from the disappointing story line of 2006 to the inspiration of 2007. The receiver, who had been linked to trade and release rumors during the offseason, has been impressive on the field for the Jets and appears to be part of the team's plans at third wide receiver. "I'm here and it seems like I'm getting some good reps," McCareins said. "I'm a part of the offense. I'm doing the best that I can to put my best effort into the practices and meetings. I feel like I'm still part of the group."
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The Titans desperately need some WR help and McCareins was a guy they'd targeted. But that doesn't look like it'll come to be. The Titans loss seems to be the Jets gain.
WAS - Redskins Move OT Wade To Guard
Source: CBS Sportsline
Washington Redskins offensive tackle Todd Wade had been informed from head coach Joe Gibbs that he would probably be moved to guard if the team were to lose Derrick Dockery to free agency, which they did. Dockery signed with the Buffalo Bills in March. Initially, Wade was not thrilled with the idea, saying "Coach, I'm 6-8. I'm not a guard." Wade has since began to accept his new position.
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At 6' 8", Wade is one tall guard. But he's also interested in keeping a job at this level so when Coach Gibbs says to move, he moves.
NYG - Jacobs Ready To Replace Barber
Source: Charlotte Observer News Services
During two seasons with the New York Giants, running primarily in short-yardage and goal-line situations, Jacobs became a fan favorite because of his powerful running style. Listed at 6-foot-4, 264 pounds, Jacobs is built more like a linebacker than a running back, and defenders attempting to tackle him have often found themselves overpowered. Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora admitted that he has avoided tackling Jacobs during practice.
"Jacobs is bigger than I am, I don't want to tackle that guy," Umenyiora said. "I guess you try to take his legs up from under him. But a lot of teams are going to be in a lot of trouble when that guy starts coming downhill."[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
With Tiki Barber out of the picture, all eyes will be on Jacobs. He's a radically different type of player because he's so much bigger physically. The scary part is offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride says Jacobs is faster than Barber was. If he gets the opportunities, it could be a fun season for Jacobs owners.
CAR - Panthers Camp Ends On High Note
Source: Pat Yasinskas, Charlotte Obsever
"Look," a gasping Jake Delhomme said after finishing a series of sprints to wrap up three weeks of voluntary workouts for the Carolina Panthers. "You've probably heard this from a few people. But, without a doubt, this was by far the best summer camp we've ever had. The energy and enthusiasm and the new things we're doing -- and it's not just me saying it to give it window dressing. Players are saying it."
Games aren't won and lost in June. Just think back to last year at this time when the masses were predicting the Panthers were on their way to a Super Bowl. That didn't come close to happening and Delhomme said that's a big part of the reason he felt a different vibe the past few weeks. "I'm sure pride and ego have a lot to do with it," he said. "If you're a prideful person and you play the way we did last year, you should be ashamed."[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Delhomme had better be working hard with David Carr looking over his shoulder. The Panthers do have some pride and they will be looking to rebound.
Source: Yahoo
Aug. 4 -- Pro Football Hall of Fame inductions, Canton, Ohio.
Aug. 5 -- Hall of Fame Game, Canton, Ohio (New Orleans vs. Pittsburgh). Aug. 28 -- Roster cutdown to 75 players. Sept. 1 -- Roster cutdown to 53 players. Sept. 6 -- Regular season opener.[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Just a few dates to highlight on your calendar.
DEF - NYG - New Giants DC Spagnuolo Looks To Improve Pass Rush
Source: Clifton Brown, The New York Times
Steve Spagnuolo spent eight seasons as an assistant coach with the Philadelphia Eagles, a team the New York Giants play at least twice every season. Now he is the Giants new defensive coordinator. While Spagnuolo may not completely adopt Philadelphia’s blitz-happy approach, he is looking for the Giants to have a more consistent pass rush. Mathias Kiwanuka, a rookie defensive end last season, has been converted to linebacker. Switching Kiwanuka to linebacker will put him on the field with the Giants’ two best pass rushers, defensive ends Michael Strahan and Osi Umenyiora.
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Every defense wants to pressure the quarterback and it looks like the Giants are juggling personnel to put their best pass rushers all on the field at the same time. You'd think that would have to help.
DEF - GB - LB Barnett Arrested
Source: AP
Green Bay Packers linebacker Nick Barnett was arrested early Sunday after a disturbance at a nightclub.
Police said in a statement that Barnett was taken into custody for battery after allegedly being involved in a physical altercation about 2 a.m. He was taken to Outagamie County Jail in Appleton and released within an hour after posting a $500 cash bond. Barnett appeared for a charity softball event later Sunday, participating in a preliminary game involving Packers players and sponsors. But he left the field before the regular game and didn't return.[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Barnett has been the starting middle linebacker since his rookie season in 2003. Stay tuned to see how this develops.
That'll do it for today, Folks. Have a great Monday and we'll see you tomorrow with the update.
J