Footballguys Daily Email - Volume 9, Issue 33 (Monday, May 26th)
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Hi Folks,
Hope you had a nice holiday weekend. It's back to work for us and things are starting to heat up. You can see below that we've got two big items for today. We've got a few days left on our Early Bird Discount and we're ready to start taking orders for the brand new 2008 Footballguys Strategy Guide Magazine. Good stuff. Plus we've got our News and Notes for today from around the league. Let's get to it. JSITE NEWS
A.
Early Bird Discount For Footballguys Subscription Ends Soon
Many of you have already signed up for this discount as it's been running for a few weeks but I wanted to make sure you all saw this. For just a few more days, we're offering our 2008 Footballguys Premium Subscription at the early bird discount rate of just $20.95 for the entire season. After June 1, the price goes to $26.95. So don't wait and miss your chance to save some money.
We'll give you everything you need this summer to dominate your draft and then once the season starts, you'll have the info and tools you need to manage your team to victory. We obviously can't promise every subscriber a championship, but we do offer a money back guarantee. We give you till the end of September and if you don't think the subscription was worth it, we refund your money. It's as simple as that. Because we're that confident it's a great value. Check it out and I hope you'll hang with us all season.
B.
Footballguys Strategy Guide Magazine - Taking Orders Now
That collective sigh of relief you might hear from us is because we just put the final touches on the 2008 Footballguys Strategy Guide Magazine. It's off to the presses and will be ready for shipping soon. You can click on the link in the title to get all the details. We've got some special perks for folks that purchase the magazine online from us in addition to the fact you'll receive it before your buddies can buy it on the newsstand. We live on the internet but our magazine is something we're really proud of. I hope you'll check it out. If nothing else, you can click the link to see our choice for this year's cover guy...
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1. NE - Healthy RBs May Change Pats Offensive Approach2. TB - Bucs QB Garcia Won't Hold Out
3. CLE - Browns QB Anderson Working On Throwing Mechanics
4. SF - 49ers Seeking Veteran Help On O-Line
5. BUF - Bills Tight End Situation Remains Unsettled
6. DAL - QB Romo Looking Forward To 2008 Season
7. MIA - Dolphins QB Beck Increases Playing Weight
8. TB - Bucs RB Graham Continues To Miss Work
9. DEF - CAR - Panthers, DE Peppers Contract Discussions Ongoing
10. DEF - MIN - Vikings DB Sharper Quietly Reaching Prominent Status
11. DEF - MIA - Dolphins LB Ayodele Brings Flexibility
12. DEF - DAL - CB Jones Will Wear Number 21
NE - Healthy RBs May Change Pats Offensive Approach
Source: John Tomase, Boston Herald
The New England Patriots running backs are healthy now, and with Laurence Maroney the starter, Sammy Morris the bruising change-of-pace runner and Kevin Faulk the jack of all trades, the Patriots have the makings of a solid group of runners. It would appear to be unlikely the Pats will be as pass happy as they were in 2007, so if the top three running backs stay healthy, there should be ample opportunity to run out the clock, which they did so successfully at the beginning of last year.
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This is an excellent example of looking at the big picture. Tom Brady was pass happy last year almost to the point of being comical. Not all of that was because he wanted to throw the ball to Randy Moss. Some of it undoubtedly was due to the fact their running backs were less than full strength. Sammy Morris especially is a guy that I was excited about last season. Unfortunately, he didn't see any action after his injury in week 6. If he can stay healthy this season, we'll likely see more production from the running game and likely less fireworks through the air.
TB - Bucs QB Garcia Won't Hold Out
Source: Rick Stroud, St. Petersburg Times
Despite being unhappy with his contract, Tampa Bay Buccaneers starting QB Jeff Garcia will not miss a day of training camp because of holding out. If a new contract isn't hammered out before Garcia becomes a free agent next season, the team would likely franchise him.
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Not exactly the strongest negotiating tactic but it's good to see Garcia has his focus on getting into camp. I said it the other day, a guy his age doesn't need to be holding out when the team has what seems like 15 quarterbacks on the roster.
CLE - Browns QB Anderson Working On Throwing Mechanics
Source: Marla Ridenour, The Akron Beacon Journal
Cleveland Browns starting QB Derek Anderson is working on improving some of his throwing mechanics. With the help of QB coach Rip Scherer, Anderson hopes to eclipse the marks he set during his Pro-Bowl caliber 2007 season. "The two major things with him are opening up his hips and throwing to his left, and not changing his arm slot when he throws underneath throws," Scherer said of the 6-foot-6 Anderson. "Release the ball at the same level, just take a little speed off of it. Every day after practice he stays with me and works on those things." Anderson threw 29 TDs and 19 INTs in 2007.
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I'll be honest in that this makes me cringe a little when I see NFL quarterbacks start changing up their motion. I know these coaches know what they're doing but I always lean more toward the approach the Titans took with Vince Young and letting the guy throw the way he's been throwing successfully. But that's why these guys coach and I just write about it. We'll keep an eye on Anderson here and see if these tweaks start making a difference.
SF - 49ers Seeking Veteran Help On O-Line
Source: Matt Maiocco, Santa Rosa Press-Democrat
Over the last several weeks, the San Francisco 49ers have shown interest in several veteran free-agent offensive linemen. They recently asked about former San Diego Charger Shane Olivea, but were told that Olivea has already agreed to terms with another club. Olivea is expected to sign with that team in June. Some other veterans seeking work, are Fred Miller, Barry Sims, Oliver Ross, Stockar McDougle, Wayne Gandy, Barry Stokes and Mike Rosenthal. All would be considered possible targets for the 49ers.
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Running back Frank Gore can use some help on the OL. At this point, the team seems to be coming up a little empty on the free agent market. Veteran offensive lineman usually aren't in a hurry to get into training camp though so it might take a little while to get what they're looking for here.
BUF - Bills Tight End Situation Remains Unsettled
Source: Chris Brown, BuffaloBills.com
The Buffalo Bills have quite a few options at tight end for the upcoming season, and Robert Royal, currently recovering from an injury, is one of the main cogs. Getting him back on the field will be important because there is no clear cut starter at this point. "There's no doubt it's unsettled," said HC Dick Jauron. "We addressed the position to some degree in free agency with Courtney Anderson. I really like the upside to him. Robert has had a good offseason physically, so that's a piece. Derek (Schouman) will come back and that's a piece. We went out and got Teyo (Johnson) and we have Tim Massaquoi and we drafted Derek Fine. So it's unsettled, but I like the group. We're optimistic."
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I show 9 different TEs seeing the field for Buffalo last year. They've lost some and added a few for this year. When Jauron says the position is "unsettled", I believe him. Let's see if training camp gives us many answers. The key will be Royal and how healthy he is.
DAL - QB Romo Looking Forward To 2008 Season
Source: NFL.com, Associated Press
Dallas Cowboys QB Tony Romo is working on some special things for next season. He just won't say what they are. "I don't want to tell you just because they're important to me and I want to continue to improve in certain areas," Romo said. "But I'm pretty excited about a couple areas that are taking shape. I think it's going to allow me to take the next step this year, hopefully. It's a little deeper than (fundamentals)," Romo said, smiling. "It's good. I'll tell you guys about it later, once it comes to full fruition."
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Typical May article but it is sort of interesting that with all the vacation and golf and Jessica Simpson stuff that surrounds Romo, he does a good job of taking care of his business.
"It's amazing, I think, to be in his position," coach Wade Phillips said. "He doesn't miss anything. He hasn't missed any of our offseason the two years I've been here. I think that's special. When your top players are there all the time, I think it helps get all the other players there." That's cool. Cowboys fans are hoping it pays off on the field this year.MIA - Dolphins QB Beck Increases Playing Weight
Source: Harvey Fialkov, South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Miami Dolphins quarterback John Beck has added 11 pounds to his frame this off-season, and is currently at a playing weight of 218 pounds. "Now, I feel much stronger and built better to handle the season," said Beck.
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At 218, Beck is no JaMarcus Russell. But it's better than trying to get under center at 207. He'll need every bit of bulk he can muster this season.
TB - Bucs RB Graham Continues To Miss Work
Source: Roy Cummings, TBO.com
RB Earnest Graham continues to miss the Tampa OTAs. "I hope to see him soon," coach Jon Gruden said of Graham. "He's a key member of our team. In the meantime, we're very pleased with our addition of Warrick Dunn. Michael Bennett has been outstanding in the offseason. I hope Earnest gets in here soon. He's a good football player."
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This is classic Jon Gruden. He smiles and says nice things about Graham while at the same time sending a very clear message that there are players on the roster ready to take his job. Warrick Dunn and Michael Bennett are putting a major crimp in Graham's negotiating position. But that's life. If he knows what's good for him, he'll get a deal worked out pretty soon or else he may be on the outside looking in.
DEF - CAR - Panthers, DE Peppers Contract Discussions Ongoing
Source: Darin Gantt, The Herald
If there's anything holding up the negotiations between the Carolina Panthers and defensive end Julius Peppers, it apparently isn't his lackluster 2007 season. Peppers' agent said last week he's received no indication from the team that his client's 2.5-sack disaster has had any impact on their talks. While neither side is giving specifics, the discussions are ongoing, aimed at getting something done before Peppers becomes a free agent at the end of the 2008 season.
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I know it's the agent's job to get us to believe what he wants us to believe. But if he really thinks Peppers' 2007 season isn't factoring into these contract talks, he needs a reality check. No team wants to be the guys that give the aging veteran a huge deal that's more a reward for the past than it is payment for future production. Peppers will be no different.
DEF - MIN - Vikings DB Sharper Quietly Reaching Prominent Status
Source: Jim Souhan, Minneapolis Star-Tribune
Minnesota Vikings defensive back Darren Sharper has 53 career interceptions, placing him first among active players and tied for 21st all-time, with Deion Sanders. If Sharper snags six interceptions this year -- and that would be a median expectation with defensive end Jared Allen expected to cause many a fluttering pass -- he will pass more of the greatest names in NFL history. Six interceptions would move him past Darrell Green, Willie Brown, Eric Allen, Aeneas Williams, Pat Fischer, Lem Barney, Everson Walls, Johnny Robinson, Eugene Robinson, Bobby Boyd, Mel Blount and Emmitt Thomas into ninth on the career list.
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Tell the truth, did you know Sharper had the most interceptions among active players? Unlike guys like Deion Sanders, he's done it pretty quietly. Those are some great names he's close to passing. Very cool.
DEF - MIA - Dolphins LB Ayodele Brings Flexibility
Source: Palm Beach Post
Miami Dolphins head Coach Tony Sparano feels newly acquired linebacker Akin Ayodele brings options, saying "Akin, as far as outside or inside, if you were a 4-3 team I think Akin can play an outside linebacker or an inside linebacker. In the 3-4, Akin would probably be inside, whether it's weak or strong he's played in a few different positions. He's played both in Dallas. He's played the MIKE end, what we call the MOE; either position. It's good flexibility."
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The NFL isn't really all that different from your job in this respect - the more flexibility you afford your boss by being proficient in different jobs, the more valuable you are. Ayodele fits that bill with Sparano's defense as they'll be able to move him around if they need to.
DEF - DAL - CB Jones Will Wear Number 21
Source: Clarence E. Hill, Jr., Fort Worth Star-Telegram
If he's reinstated by the league, Dallas cornerback Adam Jones will wear jersey number 21, as did Deion Sanders.
"I've been knowing Deion since I was in college,” Jones told the NFL Network in an interview posted on NFL.com. "I've always respected him and looked up to him as an idol. He's been a big inspiration in my life. "When I had my downtime for a year, he was one of those guys that would call me every week and make sure my spirit's OK and I was doing alright.”[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
For all you guys that keep up with this sort of thing...
That'll do it for today, Folks. Have a great Tuesday and we'll see you tomorrow with the update.
J