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Volume 8, Issue 58 (Thursday, June 21st)
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Footballguys' podcast hits the hottest NFL topics from the perspective of savvy fantasy football owners. Join Cecil Lammey, Sigmund Bloom, and FBG staff as they spotlight the NFL landscape, highlight up-and-coming fantasy players and interview veteran NFL players! Also, the Audible team is throwing gas on the fire by interviewing NFL insiders from the NFL home-team markets. Current Episide:
Interview With Pete Dougherty, Packers Beat Writer from the Green Bay Press Gazette |
Available NOW! Download the Footballguys.com Podcast "The Audible"!LIMITED TIME OFFERS
Hi Folks,
Happy Friday to you. It's a good one here for me as my Footballguys Magazines arrived last night. If you'll allow me to brag on my guys a little, they look fantastic. I think it's easily our best magazine yet. They'll be on the newsstands around July 3 but we still have some left that you can order online for immediate shipping. With the USPS Express Mail shipping built into the price, you can have it in your hands well before the other guys in your league. Ordering info is in the Site News below. Quote Of The Day: "If we take performance in the minicamps into account, I'd be an All Pro the last few years." -- Tampa QB Chris Simms basically saying the depth chart in June doesn't mean a whole lot. Which is good for him right now. OK, enough talk. We've got News and Notes you need to know so let's get to it. JSITE NEWS
A. They're here. The 2007 Footballguys Strategy Guide Magazines are here and ready for shipping to our folks that order online. The official release date for the newsstand is July 3 so you should have the magazine in hand well before the other guys in your league. Shipping by USPS Priority Mail is included in the price. There are some good magazines out there but we honestly think the FBG mag is the best on the market. Click the link in the headline to order.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1. KC - Chiefs RB Johnson Prepared For Holdout2. TEN - Titans QB Young, CB Hope Miss Practice
3. NFL Network's Bryant Gumbel Says Gene Upshaw Is League 'Embarrassment'
4. ATL - WR Finneran Out For Season After Surgery
5. TEN - QB Young Says CB Jones Doesn't Care About Them
6. TB - QB Plummer Subject To Fines
7. BAL - Ravens RB McGahee Alone In Backfield
8. CAR - Panthers WR Jarrett In Minor Car Accident
9. SF - 49ers Goal: 25 Touches For RB Gore
10. TB - Tampa RB Williams Catching On
11. WAS - HOU - WR McCardell, Redskins Exchange Offers
12. DEF - PIT - Steelers Extend DT Hoke Four Years
13. DEF - TEN - Titans CB Jones Too Busy For Police In Georgia
14. DEF - MIA - Dolphins DE Taylor Nearly Quit Football
15. DEF - TB - Tampa Bay DT Competition Heating Up
KC - Chiefs RB Johnson Prepared For Holdout
Source: Jason Whitlock, Kansas City Star
Kansas City Chiefs running back Larry Johnson said he is prepared to sit out training camp in an effort to secure a lucrative contract extension from the team.
"He's going to test me," Johnson said of team president Carl Peterson. He was asked, "Do you think you will have to hold out?" "I've talked with Herm (Edwards) about it," Johnson replied. "Herm said he doesn't even know the money I'm asking for. He said he doesn't really care. He said I've done a lot in terms of OTAs (organized team activities) and minicamp to buy into the program. He said he'll talk with Carl and those things will get handled. It all depends on how the upstairs people play it." "I'm prepared," Johnson said matter-of-factly. "They (my agent and father) got me saving money, ...to make sure that if it goes down like that, then I've got to be able to pace myself so I won't be in trouble." Johnson is scheduled to make $1.7 million this season and it is believed he is seeking a contract that falls between the deals given LaDainian Tomlinson ($21 million in guarantees) and Peyton Manning ($35 million in guarantees.)[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
This is all pretty friendly right now. But I don't expect it to stay that way. Naturally, Johnson's agent is playing the standard, "This is not about greed. It's just about business" angle. Don't look for the Chiefs to play softball here. We'll see. Much of it will be how much Johnson is actually asking. Few would doubt he's due one of the top RB salaries in the game. But if he wants a lot more than Tomlinson, that could be an issue. Stay tuned.
TEN - Titans QB Young, CB Hope Miss Practice
Source: Jessica Hopp, Nashville Tennessean
For the second consecutive day Tennessee Titans quarterback Vince Young missed part of practice with a "mild" calf strain. On Wednesday Young participated in individual warm-up and 7-on-7 drills before HC Jeff Fisher pulled him out. Said Fisher, "(Young) was not happy about not being able to finish practice, but we are just trying to be smart about it." Fisher added, "If we were playing Sunday he'd play. It's not an issue."
Cornerback Chris Hope was also held out for the second day in a row with a hip flexor strain.[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
As we said yesterday, we're not panicked over this at all but we'll watch it. If you've ever had a calf strain, you know how aggravating it can be and long it can linger. As Fisher said, they're just trying to be smart.
NFL Network's Bryant Gumbel Says Gene Upshaw Is League 'Embarrassment'
Source: Neil Best, Newsday.com
Bryant Gumbel on HBO's "Real Sports" show had some choice words for NFLPA Union Leader Gene Upshaw:
"Finally tonight a few words about that popular new game: all pile on the Upshaw. The Upshaw is of course, Gene Upshaw, the titular head of the NFL Players Association who has become, with good reason, the sports world's most popular pinata. "Rarely a day goes by now when you can't find Upshaw's name in your local newspaper, generally being verbally assailed by folks with legitimate grievances. A number of ex-NFL players find him cruel and callous, a variety of folks are taking exception to his definition of disability, medical people are questioning his seeming lack of regard for player safety, some veterans have filed suit claiming he's denied them millions in licensing fees. Congress, too, wants some answers up on Capitol Hill. "Now instead of being professional, Upshaw, in response to all this has adopted the turtle defense, choosing to explain himself to no one. At a time when NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell is rightly using an iron fist to upgrade the image of active players, the players' union boss has become the league's biggest embarrassment, even stooping to physical threats against one of his critics. "As one whose low opinion of Gene Upshaw is a matter of record, I can't say I'm surprised. History suggests you can only deceive so many for so long. One can only wonder when the active players will join the growing chorus of those crying out for new leadership. It is, after all, their union. It'd be nice to see them reclaim it before they become ex-players, and find out the hard way why so many are so outraged."[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Ouch. This is especially interesting as Gumbel is the voice of the NFL Network game broadcasts. This isn't like someone out in left field saying this. Gumbel is closely and very visibly connected with the NFL.
And you'll remember this isn't really anything new for Gumbel. He was critical of Upshaw back when then commissioner Paul Tagliabue handed over the reins to Roger Goodell.ATL - WR Finneran Out For Season After Surgery
Source: Associated Press via ESPN
The Atlanta Falcons will be without wide receiver Brian Finneran for a second straight season after he underwent his second re-constructive surgery on his left knee in two years last week. Finneran, 31, missed last season with a severe knee injury. He hurt the knee again in May while going through rehab.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Tough luck for Finneran and the Falcons. Again. It looks like it'll be Michael Jenkins, Joe Horn and Roddy White handling the WR duties. You can see how we've projected all the Falcons here http://subscribers.footballguys.com/2007/currentproj-atl.php
TEN - QB Young Says CB Jones Doesn't Care About Them
Source: CBS Sportsline
If Vince Young is any indication, cornerback Adam "Pacman" Jones may have used up the patience of his Tennessee Titans teammates.
Young was asked during a minicamp session Thursday if he was concerned about Jones, who's been told to turn himself in to Las Vegas authorities to face two felony charges. "We love him a whole lot, but we feel like he don't care about us right now," Young said.[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
It's not hard to see how Young could feel like this. Jones has let his team down by not being able to stay out of trouble. As part of a team, it's more than just about Adam Jones. I, like Young, am not sure Jones gets that.
TB - QB Plummer Subject To Fines
Source: Katherine Smith, Tampa Tribune
Tampa Bay Buccaneers GM Bruce Allen said that QB Jake Plummer could be subject to fines for missing the mandatory minicamp sessions that just ended. Allen added he hopes Plummer shows up at training camp. It is unknown if more fines will incur at that time or not.
Allen added the team has not "missed a beat" at the quarterback position without him here.[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Tampa Bay is holding out hope that Plummer won't officially retire. It's crowded enough with Garcia, Simms and Gradkowski. Adding Plummer to that mix for training camp would really make things fun. And if he shows, he won't be fined.
BAL - Ravens RB McGahee Alone In Backfield
Source: Mike Duffy, BaltimoreRavens.com
Baltimore Ravens OC Rick Neuheisel will adjust a bit from the team's typical power running style to one built more around recent acquisition RB Willis McGahee. McGahee's speed will enable the Ravens to run more one-back sets. "With McGahee, we'll probably be more in one-back [formation]," Neuheisel said. "He's more of a draw runner, outside, zone runner, able to use his speed. Our personnel will adapt to the style of the runner. We'll have a chance to be more explosive and get four receivers down the field fast."
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
This is really more about QB Steve McNair than anything. McGahee's skill set means that the Ravens can use more four WR sets giving him more options and hopefully helping the passing game. McGahee is an interesting player to look at this season. He's been underwhelming but obviously has flashes that make you stop and notice. He'll be moving to an offensive line that should be able to make a difference for him. Here's how we see the Baltimore team this year: http://subscribers.footballguys.com/2007/currentproj-rav.php
CAR - Panthers WR Jarrett In Minor Car Accident
Source: Pat Yasinskas, Charlotte Observer
Carolina Rookie WR Dwayne Jarrett was involved in a car accident Wednesday night, but it is believed that he was not seriously injured. The second-round draft pick, who is competing for the No. 2 WR spot, is said to be fine according to GM Marty Hurney. "Dwayne is fine,'' Hurney said. "I just heard about it a little bit ago and don't have all the details yet. But he's fine.''
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
There is no truth to the rumor that Jarrett was run off the road by an Escalade driven by Keyshawn Johnson with Adam Jones riding shotgun sitting on Daunte Culpepper's lap...
SF - 49ers Goal: 25 Touches For RB Gore
Source: Kevin Lynch, San Francisco Chronicle
Updating previous reports, 49ers head coach Mike Nolan may have backed off his desire to lightly limit RB Frank Gore's touches-per-game. He said yesterday that he would like to get Gore 25 a game, which would come to 400 (including receptions) over a 16-game season.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Gore had 312 carries to gain a team-record 1,695 yards last season. So 400 would be a pretty sharp increase. Don't forget there are some durability issues with Gore. He was fantastic last year and there's no doubt he's supremely talented, but he's a guy that's had issues with both knees and both shoulders. It's perfectly reasonable to think the 49ers might want to be careful with him.
TB - Tampa RB Williams Catching On
Source: Joanne Korth, St. Petersburg Times
Buccaneers RB Cadillac Williams continues to work at becoming a better receiver out of the backfield and it showed this week with the third-year pro making a few difficult grabs away from his body and at his feet. "He could be a force on the perimeter as a pass receiver and down the field. His versatility as a pass receiver has really gotten better," HC John Gruden said.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Williams caught 30 passes last year on 43 targets. A solid boost there would obviously be a welcome addition by fantasy owners. Running back receptions and yards can be a quiet difference maker in leagues that award points for them.
WAS - HOU - WR McCardell, Redskins Exchange Offers
Source: Jason La Canfora, Washington Post
The Washington Redskins and WR Keenan McCardell have exchanged contract offers to one another. McCardell is seeking a signing bonus and/or more than the veterans minimum salary. It is believed should the Redskins not appease the 17-year veteran, he would likely accept an offer with the Houston Texans.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
A little more followup to the story we told you about recently. It would be sort of cool to see McCardell wind up in Washington where he started. I usually think of McCardell as a Jaguar. Lots of folks don't remember he was with the Redskins in 1991 for his rookie year. Then went to Cleveland for four years, then Jacksonville and then Tampa then San Diego. That's a nice long career.
DEF - PIT - Steelers Extend DT Hoke Four Years
Source: John Clayton, ESPN
The Pittsburgh Steelers have reached a deal with defensive tackle Chris Hoke that will keep him with the team through 2010. Per the terms of the extension, Hoke will get a four-year, $6 million contract that includes a $1.5 million signing bonus. He was scheduled to make $900,000 this season, the final year of his contract. Now, he will make $2.1 million this year including the signing bonus.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Nice salary bump for Hoke and the Steelers lock a guy up they like. Good for both sides.
DEF - TEN - Titans CB Jones Too Busy For Police In Georgia
Source: S.A. Reid, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The police in DeKalb County, Ga. want to talk to
Tennessee Titans CB Pacman Jones, but Jones seems busy elsewhere. Authorities say they are working out the details with Manny Arora, Jones' lawyer, on when Jones will come in and share what he knows about those accused of firing at a former police officer and his nephew. Arora has said his client plans to cooperate with police. "What we've heard [from his lawyer] is that he is in Tennessee on the practice field, so we're trying to coordinate when he would come back to Atlanta," said Keisha Williams, a DeKalb police spokeswoman. However, Jones has not practiced in weeks.[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Sadly, this is really nothing really more than the daily, "Adam Jones is in deep trouble" story...
DEF - MIA - Dolphins DE Taylor Nearly Quit Football
Source: Harvey Fialkov, South Florida Sun-Sentinel
In this week's Sports Illustrated, Miami DE Jason Taylor admits that he nearly quit football in order to save his marriage. His wife, Katina, filed for divorce twice last year although she pulled the papers back both times. "It's ironic that he had his greatest season after talking about quitting just before it started," Katina Taylor told S.I. "He told me he was willing to give up his sport for his family, to get things straightened out. My response was that quitting football wouldn't be the answer." Taylor went on to have a career year and earned Defensive Player of The Year honors.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Little fantasy impact here but a good human interest story. Best wishes to Taylor with his marriage and also with his playing career.
DEF - TB - Tampa Bay DT Competition Heating Up
Source: Roy Cummings, Tampa Tribune
The best position battle this offseason for the Buccaneers will take place in the trenches along the defensive line. DTs Kevin Carter, Ellis Wyms, Darrell Campbell, Jovan Haye and rookie Greg Peterson are all battling for the "under" position. Carter and Wyms are the incumbents, while Haye and Campbell are the flashy newcomers. "We're looking for somebody to make it obvious to all of us that he is the Bucs' [under tackle] for the '07 season," DL Coach Larry Coyer said.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Something to watch closely for you IDP guys. Looks like the Buccaneers could be featuring a new DT this fall.
That'll do it for today, Folks. Have a great Friday and we'll see you tomorrow with the update.
J