Footballguys Daily Email - Volume 9, Issue 23 (Friday, May 16th)
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Hi Folks,
Welcome to the weekend. Hope you've got some fun stuff planned. At the very least, you've got the NFL News and Notes you need to stay on top of everything. Thanks to Footballguy Mark Wimer for the help on this tonight. Let's get to it. JINSIDE THIS ISSUE
1. SD - RB LaDainian Tomlinson 100%2. FA RB Jones - Workout for NFL Teams Scheduled June 28th
3. IND - WR Harrison Expected at Minicamp on Friday
4. STL - OC Saunders: RB Jackson Has "No Limit"
5. MIA - RB Williams Plans to Play 2 More Seasons
6. NYJ - QB Battle Between Pennington and Clemens Begins
7. OAK - QB Russell Fit and Ready to Play
8. IND - WR Harrison Present, Does Not Practice on Friday
9. TB - FB Askew Signs 4-Year Extension
10. DAL - Rookie RB Lattimore Trys to Join Brother Ray Lewis in NFL
11. STL - RB Leonard - More Special Teams and Blocking Duty; 2 Healed Shoulders
12. KC - Coach Edwards Aims to Rebuild the OL
13. NE - Writer Who Alleged Patriots Taped Rams' SB Practice Recants, Apologizes
14. NYJ - NT Jenkins at 360 for First Camp
15. DEF - NYG DE Strahan Wants $8 Million
SD - RB LaDainian Tomlinson 100%
Source: Mike Freeman, CBS Sports.com
Tomlinson said he has fully recovered from a severely sprained knee suffered at the end of last season.
"I'm running and cutting and everything is good," he said. "I'm ready to go."[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
LaDainian Tomlinson is likely to be the first pick in almost every fantasy football draft this year. Folks with the lucky first pick in the lottery will be glad to hear he's back to 100% healthy.
FA RB Jones - Workout for NFL Teams Scheduled June 28th
Source: Vartan Kupelian and Mike O'Hara, Detroit News
Jones, released in March after four seasons with the Lions, has scheduled a workout June 28. He must show NFL teams he is healthy enough to play.
For the second consecutive season Jones, a running back, is coming off a season-ending injury that required surgery (left foot, 2006; right knee ligament damage, 2007). Jones is training at the Saline Recreation Center under the guidance of Dr. D.S. Ping. Ping has trained athletes and worked as an agent for four decades. He is not representing Jones in contract negotiations. "He's progressing excellent," Ping said this week. "He's doing very, very well."[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Kevin Jones is a player who has flashed talent during his 4 years in the league - but he hasn't been a model of durability. Take a note of the June 28th workout as we'll have a much better idea of Jones' fantasy potential for 2008 after he's displayed his fitness for the teams' scouts. Fantasy owners considering him for their rosters need to be aware that he has a history of season-ending injuries that should factor into his price on draft day.
IND - WR Harrison Expected at Minicamp on Friday
Source: ESPN.com News Services
Wide receiver Marvin Harrison is expected to report for the Indianapolis Colts' mandatory three-day minicamp Friday, the Indianapolis Star reported.
When asked if Harrison would be in camp, Indianapolis coach Tony Dungy told the Star, "I'm assuming he will."[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Not even considering the shooting issue we've been talking about, the status of Harrison's knee has been the subject of intense speculation during the off-season. If he shows up and looks solid during the mini-camp, we'll feel more comfortable about his status for 2008. Stay tuned...
STL - OC Saunders: RB Jackson Has "No Limit"
Source: Mike Sando, ESPN.com
"The real good backs that I've been around -- Chuck Muncie, Marcus Allen, Marshall Faulk, Priest Holmes, Larry Johnson -- have all been three-dimensional backs," Saunders said. "Steven is in that class. He is a unique player."
Saunders sees in Jackson an authoritative and powerful runner with outstanding speed, excellent hands and good blocking skills. He also sees an improving route runner, an asset not always associated with 230-pound running backs. "When you get somebody of his stature and his physical makeup, with his speed and his ability to run, catch and block, you are only limited by your own imagination in terms of what you can do with a player like that," Saunders said.[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Saunders seems very excited to be working with Jackson, which should mean lots of opportunities for Jackson in Saunders' offense. How productive Jackson will be running behind the Ram's line (the team only managed 5 rushing TDs last season, as the story points out) has yet to be determined. The Rams continue to reshuffle their OL personnel, and keep their fingers crossed about LT Orlando Pace's health. Keep your eyes peeled to see how the line jells during the preseason.
MIA - RB Williams Plans to Play 2 More Seasons
Source: Armando Salguero, Miami Herald
Ricky Williams apparently plans to play out his current contract which expires after this season, play one more year after that, then hit the road.
"All professional athletes have to come face to face one day with their professional mortality and finding a way to cope with it," Williams told News 8 Austin. "I've managed that. I have a couple of more years of football left in me and then I'll go off and explore the world after that."[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Williams will be 31 when the season starts and he's a long ways from the fantasy star he once was. Whether or not he can return to top form this year will likely determine whether the Dolphins want to keep him past the end of his contract (which ends after this season). We'll see what Williams can do on the field.
NYJ - QB Battle Between Pennington and Clemens Begins
Source: Erik Boland, Newsday.com
The progression: Pennington, 31, went with the first team Monday and Clemens, 24, worked with the first team Tuesday. Pennington was back with the first team yesterday and Clemens will finish the week tomorrow with the "ones," as the Jets are trying to give every indication this preseason fight isn't fixed.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
The Jets would like to get the QB position settled and move on to improving their record - most observers believe they'll go with the QB of the future in Kellen Clemens. We'll see whehter Clemens can put the issue to rest with his performance during the coming weeks.
OAK - QB Russell Fit and Ready to Play
Source: Steve Corkran, Contra Costa Times
Raiders coach Lane Kiffin said Thursday that QB JaMarcus Russell has spent more time at the team's facility this offseason than any other player. The dedication and work is apparent in Russell's play so far.
"It shows his commitment to the team and to the players," Kiffin said of Russell's offseason preparation. "They see that. They notice his body being different. He has great energy about himself, and he looks really good. He's moving around great and making plays on the run. I know it just creates a good feeling around the locker room as well."[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
So far, so good for JaMarcus Russell it appears - rumors of his weight gain have been unsubstantiated, according to the story. It can only help Russell to participate in a full pre-season of camps and training room time, something he didn't do as a rookie holdout. Hopefully, he'll start to realize his potential on the field from the first game of regular season this year.
IND - WR Harrison Present, Does Not Practice on Friday
Source: ESPN.com News Services
Wide receiver Marvin Harrison reported for the Indianapolis Colts' mandatory three-day minicamp that opened Friday but did not practice with the team.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Updating the earlier item - Harrison didn't practice on Friday, and isn't anticipated to practice on Saturday or Sunday. We'll have to wait until later in the preseason to get a look at him in action - whenever that happens.
TB - FB Askew Signs 4-Year Extension
Source: Stephen F. Holder, St. Petersburg Times
Fullback B.J. Askew, who provided a major boost for the running game after joining the Bucs in 2007, signed a four-year contract extension, according to agent Scott Smith of XAM Sports.
Askew, who was entering the final season of a two-year contract, is signed through 2012. The deal is believed to be worth more than $8-million and include a signing bonus of $2-million.[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
FB is a position that doesn't usually produce a lot of fantasy points, but the presence of a good blocking fullback on a team can pay huge dividends for the backs who run behind him. Askew is one of those guys, so it is good news for Earnest Graham and the Bucs that Askew is going to stick around this year and beyond.
DAL - Rookie RB Lattimore Trys to Join Brother Ray Lewis in NFL
Source: Lori Dann, Star Telegram
"Anytime you sign as a free agent you've got to come in with a chip on your shoulder because your window for error is going to be a little less than the guys who got drafted," Keon Lattimore said. "But the biggest thing I learned from Ray is to never let anyone outwork me.
"A guy may be bigger, stronger, faster or smarter, but he's not going to work harder than me."[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
This is the time of year when free agents have a shot to prove that they belong in the NFL - some become fantasy stars. Keon Lattimore seems to have the attitude it takes - we wish him luck in his quest to join his brother, the Raven's Ray Lewis, in the NFL.
STL - RB Leonard - More Special Teams and Blocking Duty; 2 Healed Shoulders
Source: Bill Coats, St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Said RB Brian Leonard, "I'll be playing a little bit of running back, a little bit of fullback, special teams. I think I'm best when I'm in different roles at different times."
The challenge was heightened with the arrival of Al Saunders as offensive coordinator. Now Leonard is toiling in his third offense in as many years. "I think it's an awesome offense, but they say it's one of the hardest offenses to learn, and one of the most complex," said Leonard, 24. "It's a spread offense, and we've got a lot of different stuff in there. We throw to the backs a lot, screens, all that kind of stuff. It looks like they're going to get the ball in the running back's hands a lot this year."[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
The story goes on to highlight Leonard's rehabilitation of his shoulders, which were both surgically repaired during the offseason. "Now I'm probably the strongest I've ever been," Leonard said. "I've got my upper body a little bulkier, and my legs are stronger. I've put on some good weight." With Leonard fully healthy, he should be able to really help out Steven Jackson when asked to lead-block - a situation that could help Jackson be more productive during 2008.
KC - Coach Edwards Aims to Rebuild the OL
Source: Adam Teicher, Kansas City Star
"After the (offseason practices) and the minicamp, you've got to have the five starters," Edwards said. "You've got to know who the five are going into training camp. Really, you've got to know who the seven (including the two top reserves) are. They've got to work together. I was talking with Brian (Waters) last week and he told me that's what killed us last year. We never seemed to practice together.
"You've got to have the five guys playing together. That's how the good offensive lines play. That's why they're good. They know each other and have a feel for each other." Edwards wouldn't talk about his plans, but the Chiefs will probably line up with rookie Branden Albert at left tackle, Waters at left guard, Rudy Niswanger at center, Adrian Jones at right guard and Damion McIntosh at right tackle. Albert, Niswanger and Jones are new starters. McIntosh is moving from left tackle. Only Waters is a familiar face in his same place.[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
The Chiefs are addressing their problems from the first, which is a good sign. We'll see how effective the reshuffled line is once the pads and helmets go on, but given how often KC struggled to run block last year, averaging a mere 3.3 yards per carry - 31st in the NFL - there is a lot of room for improvement. The Chiefs also allowed the most QB sacks in the NFL last year, with 55 given up, by the way. They have a lot of hard work to do during training camp, as you can see.
NE - Writer Who Alleged Patriots Taped Rams' SB Practice Recants, Apologizes
Source: John Tomase, Boston Herald
John Tomase of the Boston Herald apologized for incorrectly reporting the story that the Patriots taped a walkthrough of the Rams Super Bowl preparations.
From his apology article: "There was no tape made of the walkthrough. Former Patriots video assistant Matt Walsh confirmed this in his meetings this week with the league and Sen. Arlen Specter. An internal investigation by the Patriots reached the same conclusion. "Because I expect accountability of the people I cover, I must demand the same of myself. I owe that to both the readers of my stories and the subjects of my stories. "While I have no regrets over going to print the day before the Super Bowl, this is a story I simply could not afford to get wrong. And I did."[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
The taping allegations have been widely discussed - now, the reporter who "broke" the Super-Bowl practice/taping story has admitted he was in error. Read through the whole explanation and judge for yourself, if this story still interests you.
NYJ - NT Jenkins at 360 for First Camp
Source: Erik Boland, Newsday.com
Mangini said NT Kris Jenkins, who struggled with weight issues last season in Carolina and nearly reached 400 pounds, was at 360 for camp.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
We'll see if Jenkins can stay in shape and get back to playing solid football in New York - sometimes a change of scenery helps a player rebound after an off season.
DEF - NYG DE Strahan Wants $8 Million
Source: Ralph Vacchiano, Newsday.com
The $8 million Strahan is seeking isn't an arbitrary number, either. It's the 2008 salary of Miami's Jason Taylor, a defensive end in a comparable situation. The 33-year-old Taylor is obviously nearing the end of his career after 11 seasons, though he did have 11 sacks in 2007. Strahan, 36, has played 15 seasons and had nine sacks last year...
It's not clear whether Strahan is willing to play for less than $8 million, nor is it clear whether he'd be willing to come to training camp as a condition for getting that much. Strahan, according to a source, has not yet been given permission to miss camp again this year without the fear of being fined. That could factor into whether he decides to return, too.[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
The latest update on the Giants' negotiations with Strahan, for the IDP owners out there. This won't be the last we hear of this situation before training camp.
That'll do it for today, Folks. Have a great Saturday and we'll see you tomorrow with the update.
J