Footballguys Daily Email - Volume 9, Issue 102 (Sunday, August 3rd)
|
Sign Up For Free Newsletter
85,000+ Mailing List |
FJ Fantasy Sports sells a complete line of free standing draft boards for fantasy football. We have 3 sizes of draft boards, 5 sizes of color-coded labels, and multiple-team formats. Our draft boards are known as the best in the fantasy industry, and are used at WCOFF, NFFC, and all other national fantasy football and baseball events. No matter what your league requirements are, we can supply you with a quality, no-nonsense draft board that is sure to please your league owners. If you feel it's time for a huge upgrade at an economical price, please visit our website at www.fjfantasy.com or call us toll free 866-200-7493 and talk to a "real" person. You'll find our customer service second to none. |
Hi Folks,
Good Monday to you. Brett Favre is raising the collective blood pressure of the Packers front office and the first preseason game is in the books - we're officially off and running. Let's get to it. JSITE NEWS
A.
Footballguys $35,000 Subscriber Contest Ready
It's back. We're not giving away some big screen TVs. Or a few thousand dollars to a handful out of fifty zillion players. We're giving away $35,000 in cold hard cash to our Footballguys Subscribers that enter our contest. To be eligible, all you have to do is to purchase a subscription to the website. Now get busy with that winning lineup.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1. GB - QB Favre Says He's Reinstated, Heading For Green Bay2. OAK - WR Walker Downplays Reports He Considered Retirement
3. BAL - Ravens RB Rice Shining In Camp
4. Commissioner Goodell Wants Shorter Preseason
5. ATL - QB Redman Works With Falcons First Team, QB Ryan With Second
6. GB - Packers Hire Former White House Press Secretary Ari Fleischer
7. DEN - New Broncos PK Prater Nails 68-Yarder In Practice
8. PIT - QB Roesthlisberger, LB Woodley Strain Groins
9. NYG - WR Burress Does Light Running
10. SF - 49er QBs To Split Work With First Team
11. DEF - PHI - No Timetable For Eagles CB Samuel's Return To Practice
12. DEF - KC - DT Dorsey Injury Not Serious, OL Albert Injury Could Be Serious
13. DEF - NE - Rookie LB Mayo Practicing With First Team
GB - QB Favre Says He's Reinstated, Heading For Green Bay
Source: Ed Werder, ESPN
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell reinstated QB Brett Favre on Sunday, the three-time MVP told ESPN's Ed Werder. The Green Bay Packers couldn't confirm the reinstatement, and said because it wasn't an official business day for the league it wasn't possible Sunday. Nevertheless, Favre arrived in Green Bay Sunday evening. Reports were that Favre didn't plan to attend the sold-out Packers Family Night at Lambeau Field, which more than 60,000 fans were expected to attend. But his wife was seen at the event and it was reported that Favre was also there. He is expected to officially report to camp Monday at noon.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Don't get carried away just yet. As of Sunday afternoon, there wasn't a clear indication whether this move meant that Favre would be returning to the Packers or if this was a negotiating move to move forward on the discussions where the Packers have offered Favre 20-25 million to stay retired.
He is in Green Bay though and the pressure on the Packers to get a deal done has been turned up several notches. It remains to be seen whether it's a deal to stay retired, a deal to trade Favre, or working out how it would look if Favre returned to the Packers. ESPN is reporting that several sources are saying that Favre will report to camp and it will be an "open competition" for the starting QB job. Stay tuned.OAK - WR Walker Downplays Reports He Considered Retirement
Source: Associated Press, USAToday.com
Oakland Raiders WR Javon Walker denied reports that he contemplated retirement. "That's a done issue," said Walker. "I'm not really sure what happened but that's a done issue. That's something that obviously people hear stuff. I'm here practicing, waiting, and (I) obviously can't wait till the season starts."
"I'm in a great frame of mind. Why wouldn't I (be)? I'm with a new team, a great bunch of guys. I'm looking forward to getting this season on the road and actually looking forward to going into next week and try to put everything together as a team and as an offense."[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Just some follow up to the report from yesterday. The story that Walker wanted to retire was an ESPN story that did not cite a source. But head coach Lane Kiffin confirmed that Walker approached him about retiring. Bottom line is Walker is a guy we're very leery of right now.
BAL - Ravens RB Rice Shining In Camp
Source: Aaron Wilson, Carroll County Times
Baltimore Ravens rookie running back Ray Rice has been enduring punishing hits and bouncing off tackles, as well as honing his skills catching passes out of the backfield. Mostly, though, team officials took notice of his toughness and hard-nosed nature. Rice never complained while taking virtually every snap with starter Willis McGahee sidelined due to a knee injury with three other running backs injured, too. "I was impressed with the way he came through that," Ravens coach John Harbaugh said. "He learned how to pick up blitzes. He was dog-tired, and he stepped in the A gap and hit linebackers in the face. That's not easy to do."
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Rice is a guy that many are sky high on. I've held back because of Willis McGahee but if McGahee's knee continues to be a problem, this could be the opportunity that Rice needs. Offensive coordinator Cam Cameron has talked a good bit about increasing the workload for McGahee but if injury concerns derail that plan, watch out for Rice.
Commissioner Goodell Wants Shorter Preseason
Source: Mark Curnutte, Cincinnati Enquirer
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell wants a shorter preseason. The NFL has a 20-game season, four preseason and 16 that count. "I've been quite clear publicly and with our membership that I think the quality of the preseason is not up to NFL standards, and that we should address that," Goodell said. "So we're actively evaluating and considering whether we should modify that ratio and make it 17 and 3 as one example where there's an additional regular-season [game] rather than the preseason game. We swap it out (with) the same number of games. I think it's a better reflection on the quality of our game. I wouldn't rule out 18-2." Asked if teams need four preseason games to prepare, Goodell said, "It is my opinion we need less."
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
From a fan's perspective, this makes sense. I'm not sure how this will go over with the teams though. Adding more regular season games means more "real" work for the player and I doubt that salaries will be adjusted to reflect that. So we'll see how this plays out down the road.
ATL - QB Redman Works With Falcons First Team, QB Ryan With Second
Source: Steve Wyche, AJC.com
QB Chris Redman worked with the first team at yesterday's Atlanta Falcon's scrimmage. QB Matt Ryan worked with the second unit while QB Joey Harrington practiced with the third and QB D.J. Shockley played with the fourth team.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
There is still a long ways to go but this is the order as of now. All of this is subject to change of course. They'll evaluate in practice and then they'll see how the guys perform in the preseason games.
GB - Packers Hire Former White House Press Secretary Ari Fleischer
Source: Jay Glazer, FoxSports.com
Jay Glazer of Fox Sports is reporting that the Green Bay Packers have hired former White House press secretary Ari Fleischer as a public relations consultant for one month. It is also reported that this plan was put into motion before the QB Brett Favre controversy took over national headlines.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Too little too late.
DEN - New Broncos PK Prater Nails 68-Yarder In Practice
Source: Bill Williamson, ESPN.com
Denver Broncos PK Matt Prater hit a 68 yard field goal in practice Saturday. Prater is the replacement for PK Jason Elam, who left for Atlanta after 15 years in Denver.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
We all know there's a huge difference between practice and the real thing but the point here is that Prater has a big leg. The Colorado air helps certainly but he'll see half his games there. Just something to keep in mind, especially for you guys that earn bonus points for the longer field goals.
PIT - QB Roesthlisberger, LB Woodley Strain Groins
Source: Associated Press, NFL.com
QB Ben Roethlisberger and LB LaMarr Woodley are both suffering from groin strains in Pittsburgh Steelers training camp. Neither situation is considered serious but both players are expected to miss some practice time.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
This doesn't sound like it's a serious deal but missing time in camp is always a worry. We'll watch this one for you of course.
NYG - WR Burress Does Light Running
Source: Mike Garafolo, Newark Star-Ledger
The Giants held another up-tempo practice this evening, but the team's most significant move might have occurred on a side field. Wide receiver Plaxico Burress did some light running for the first time since training camp started. Burress has missed all 14 training camp practices because of a sore ankle. Team doctors were in town today and gave him permission to begin light running.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Finally some good news for Burress. Let's hope he can keep things moving in the right direction here.
SF - 49er QBs To Split Work With First Team
Source: Matt Maiocco, Santa Rosa Press-Democrat
There are 15 practices remaining in San Francisco's training camp, and coach Mike Nolan said he plans for each of the quarterbacks, including J.T. O'Sullivan, to get five sessions with the first, second and third teams.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Interesting strategy from coach Nolan. I have a hard time believing he's already decided how much work each QB will get with the first team but that's the word for today from the Press Democrat. We'll see. If true, this obviously means the QB competition is wide open.
DEF - PHI - No Timetable For Eagles CB Samuel's Return To Practice
Source: Matt Gelb, Philadelphia Inquirer
In recent days, Philadelphia Eagles injured cornerback Asante Samuel has done more running and leg exercises, perhaps in anticipation of a return to practice. Reid pointed out Samuel's progress, but said the team is taking precautions with regards to his hamstring strain. "I want to get him back in, but I want to make sure he's healthy at the same time," Reid said. "I'm anxious to get him back in there and going. Samuel, who signed a six-year, $57 million contract with the Eagles in the off-season, has missed the last week of practice. Reid is unsure of when he'll return.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
The Eagles know what they have in Samuel. They also know they don't need to rush him back and risk re-injury so it's not surprising they're taking their time here. They're more concerned that he's ready in Week 1 than they are that he's ready next week.
DEF - KC - DT Dorsey Injury Not Serious, OL Albert Injury Could Be Serious
Source: Bill Williamson, ESPN.com
DT Glenn Dorsey's sprained knee is not expected to be serious and the rookie could return as soon as the second preseason game for the Kansas City Chiefs. Meanwhile, rookie OL Branden Albert could be out for the entire preseason.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Good news for Dorsey but Albert will one that's a worry.
DEF - NE - Rookie LB Mayo Practicing With First Team
Source: John Tomase, BostonHerald.com
First round pick LB Jerod Mayo practiced with the first team defense today for the first time at New England Patriots training camp. LB Tank Johnson had been filling that role for the past week.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
With the rest of the New England linebacking corps ready to start receiving Social Security benefits, the Patriots know they need Mayo contributing as soon as possible. They didn't draft him to sit on the bench so this isn't surprising to see him getting first team work. We'll see how well he can get up to speed in camp.
That'll do it for today, Folks. Have a great Monday and we'll see you tomorrow with the update.
J