Footballguys Daily Email - Volume 9, Issue 36 (Thursday, May 29th)
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Hi Folks,
Welcome to Friday. Hope you're ready for the weekend as we're just getting cranked up here. Lots of News and Notes plus some cool things on the website you'll want to know about. The Early Bird Discount for the online Footballguys subscription is almost over. Get in now if you want to save some bucks. And the Footballguys magazine is off to the presses and we're taking orders now. We've got our Ultimate Strength of Schedule and brand new sets of stat projections. Plus some nice new articles including our encyclopedic team breakdowns of all 32 clubs. Hope you weren't planning on doing anything else this morning. It's the kind of Football news and info we love bringing to a fellow NFL nut like yourself. Knock yourself out and have a great Friday. JSITE NEWS
A.
Early Bird Discount For Footballguys Subscription Almost Gone
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 couple 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...
C.
Buy Low / Sell High (QBs)
Our Footballguy Sigmund Bloom takes a look at the QBs to target and buy low / sell high. Finding value is the key to winning Fantasy Football and Sigmund uncovers the guys you'll want to be acquiring and also the guys that you may want to deal at the peak of their value.
D.
Staff Team Reports Ready
Hope you guys have a few hours...
Every year, one of the key features we do are our Team Reports. We break down everything you need to know about a team. But unlike many of these reports that are created in May and never change, we'll keep them updated and current.
I've pasted below just part of a sample page from Baltimore. What I pasted covers just the QBs, RBs, and WRs. We do these for every position on every team.
Knock yourself out.
2008 Team Report: Baltimore Ravens
Quarterbacks
Starter: Kyle Boller
Backup(s): Joe Flacco [R], Troy Smith
Starting QB: With the retirement of Steve McNair, the Baltimore Ravens are left with Kyle Boller as their starter in 2008. Boller is signed only through this season and the drafting of Joe Flacco seems to indicate Boller's days as a Raven are numbered. Still, the team does not want to throw Flacco to the wolves right away. Moreover, Boller is motivated to perform his best. He is, after all, auditioning for a new team in 2009. It is unclear what kind of offense new HC John Harbaugh will install, but it can't create worse passing numbers than the anemic 2007 version of Baltimore's passing game. Boller has a big arm and he knows the personnel on offense, but his decision-making and leadership skills are questionable. His chance to lead this team is pretty much over.
Backup QB: The Ravens traded down from the eighth spot to the 26th spot and then back up to the 18th to grab Joe Flacco in Round 1. At 6-foot-6 and 240 pounds, Flacco is every bit as big and strong as Boller -- and just as immobile in the pocket. Flacco will do more than provide competition for the starting QB role -- he is expected to win it this year. Whether that comes during the season or before it starts is, of course, unknown. If Flacco displays better accuracy and decision-making than Boller, he will be starting for this squad on opening day. Troy Smith looked good in limited play in Weeks 16 and 17 of 2007. Nevertheless, unless the team either trades or outright cuts Kyle Boller, Smith is destined to be the third quarterback again in 2008.
Running Backs
Starter: Willis McGahee
Backup(s): Ray Rice [R], P.J. Daniels, Cory Ross
Fullback(s): Le'Ron McClain, Justin Green
Starting RB: The lone bright spot of Baltimore's offense in 2007 was Willis McGahee's effort in the running game. He had 1,438 total yards and eight TDs to finish as the No. 8 fantasy back. Entering his fifth year in the league, McGahee's career year is likely still ahead of him. His 294 carries and 49 targets (43 receptions) accounted for 32.9 percent of the team's total plays on offense. Expect that workload percentage to continue into 2008. McGahee runs with power, burst, vision and consistency. He catches the ball well, blocks and plays through injury. The 4.1 YPC he maintained in 2007 was a career high. Despite the possible retirement of 33-year-old Jonathan Ogden, the Ravens return a solid run-blocking offensive line. While backup running backs will receive a fair share of opportunities, McGahee will command the lion's share of the carries and targets. It's reasonable to expect McGahee to repeat his 2007 performance in 2008.
Backup RBs: McGahee had fewer than 300 of the team's 430 rush attempts in 2007, which leaves plenty of carries for backup RBs. With Mike Anderson gone, P.J. Daniels and rookie Ray Rice will compete for an active role in the offense. Daniels was drafted in 2006 as Chester Taylor's heir apparent, but he did not see the field. Then he spent 2007 on injured reserve. Rice was not drafted in the second round to sit on the bench. He has a nose for the end zone and runs with power and vision. He may not run away from defenders, but he has good lateral quickness. He can also catch the ball well. He would be a natural replacement for McGahee, but he does not provide much change from McGahee's pace. Whichever back is second on the depth chart holds value in deep leagues as an insurance policy against a McGahee injury.
Fullback: The fullbacks in Brian Billick's offense blocked and did little else. While it is unclear what kind of offense will be installed under John Harbaugh, it can safely be assumed that neither of these fullbacks holds much fantasy value. That said, they may be instrumental in opening holes for the RBs and in keeping Joe Flacco upright while he learns the game.
Wide Receivers
Starters: Mark Clayton, Derrick Mason
Backups: Demetrius Williams, Yamon Figurs, Marcus Smith [R], Justin Harper [R], Matt Willis
Starting WRs: Despite horrendous play from the quarterback position, the loss of Todd Heap and the poor play of his fellow receivers, Derrick Mason actually had a pretty good 2007. He bounced back from a forgettable 2006 season (and an offseason of trade requests and questions about his role on the team) with over 100 receptions, over 1,000 yards and five receiving TDs. All three statistics easily led the team. One still must question how much this 34-year-old has left and how much of a future he has on a rebuilding team. Mark Clayton, meanwhile, had a nightmare third season. He showed tremendous promise in 2006, displaying both athleticism and downfield burst, but he failed to find the end zone in 2007. He must improve on his career 55 percent reception rate if he is to earn more targets and keep his starting spot. Both receivers suffered tremendously by inaccurate and rushed downfield passes, not to mention an inability to avoid safety help. Mason averaged just 10.6 YPC and Clayton averaged 11.1 YPC. Without TE Todd Heap threatening the deep middle of the field, teams easily prevented the Ravens from having downfield threats. Both receivers have to do a better job of stretching the field if the Ravens are to have a successful 2008 season.
Backup WRs: Heading into his third year in the league, Demetrius Williams will be the team's primary backup WR. He had a promising 2006 campaign demonstrating his big-play ability. He uses his size and athleticism well as he fights for balls, but his progress was stunted in 2007 due to the anemic passing game. Moreover, he was probably misused as a slot receiver. Williams should line up as an outside receiver where he can play one-on-one against cornerbacks. It may be beneficial to the Ravens to move Derrick Mason into the slot. Seattle's Bobby Engram embraces the role and flourishes. It may be time for Mason to make that transition. If that happens, Williams will become a starter. Yamon Figurs is exclusively a PR/KR man, and he excels in that role. The team drafted two developmental WRs in Marcus Smith and Justin Harper. One might make the active roster and the other will probably be relegated to the practice squad. Unless Flacco breathes life into the passing game, approach any Baltimore backup receiver with caution.
E.
Ultimate Strength Of Schedule
Our Footballguy Clayton Gray debuts the 2008 Ultimate Strength of Schedule. Often imitated but never duplicated. It's everything you need when it comes to schedule strength.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1. DAL - Cowboys Ask WR Glenn To Sign Injury Settlement2. GB - Packers RB Grant Sits Without Contract
3. CIN - Bengals Release WR Gabriel, Sign CB Gaines
4. Free-Agent RB Jones Looks Good In Workout
5. PHI - RB Booker Letting Loose
6. KC - Chiefs OC Gailey Making Changes; Run-Run-Run
7. DEN - QB Ramsey Could Receive Extension
8. BAL - No Word On Ravens OT Odgen
9. HOU - RB Green Contracts Food Poisoning?
10. PIT - WR Sweed Working On Special Teams
11. JAC - Jaguars WR Porter Has Hamstring Pull, Not Knee Injury
12. MIN - Vikings WR Rice Adds Eight Pounds To Playing Weight
13. DEN - Rookie WR Royal Impressing
14. DEF - GB - Packers DE Gbaja-Biamila Has Knee Scoped
15. DEF - JAC - DE Spicer Returns To Jags Practice
16. DEF - CIN - Bengals DE Odom Earns Praise
17. DEF - DEN - CB Bly Pulls Hamstring
18. DEF - TB - DE Adams Improves Diet, Looking Good
19. DEF - DAL - LB Ellis Skips OTA In Protest
20. DEF - DAL - Coaching Staff, Team Owner Come To S Williams' Defense
21. DEF - CHI - LB Urlacher To Attend Mandatory Minicamp
DAL - Cowboys Ask WR Glenn To Sign Injury Settlement
Source: Clarence E. Hill, Fort Worth Star Telegram
The Cowboys have asked veteran WR Terry Glenn to sign an injury settlement in the event his troubled right knee prevents him from playing this season. The settlement would be for $500,000 relieving Dallas of any further obligation if he is sidelined for the season. Team doctors believe he needs microfracture surgery to fully repair the injury. But because microfracture surgery would end his season and/or his career Glenn has opted to strengthen the knee through rehabilitation and weight training. If Glenn was injured without the waiver, the team would have to pay his salary of $1.74 million. So far, Glenn has declined to sign the waiver. "I should have seen this coming," Glenn said via text message.
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We told you last week that Jerry Jones had ordered Jones to sit out some of practice.
From the May 23rd Email Update: "Just proceeding with caution," owner Jerry Jones said. "There is no medical reason right now that he couldn't come out," Jones said. "But we weren't going to ask him to win the Super Bowl out there. We don't want him to do that in training camp, but we do want him to get as much timing and as much work with Romo as he can. He's doing some receiving. And we want him to spend as much time with the young receivers as he can." This is starting to be more clear now. What Jones said on the 23rd can be translated: "We want to cover our butt in case his old and decrepit knee folds up and the lawyers haven't drawn up the contract yet." There's a reason these guys make enough money to be able to afford a team...GB - Packers RB Grant Sits Without Contract
Source: Lori Nickel, Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel
Green Bay Packers RB Ryan Grant was in attendance but was allowed to sit out practice today because he is not under contract. Grant has reportedly done everything that's been asked outside of his business situation. The article notes that both sides are in conversation, and that Grant is doing the best he can from his standpoint to stay involved.
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Doesn't sound like a big deal. Grant will get in there soon enough we'd bet.
CIN - Bengals Release WR Gabriel, Sign CB Gaines
Source: Mark Curnutte, Cincinnati Enquirer
The Cincinnati Bengals announced today that they have terminated the contract of WR Doug Gabriel. He had signed with the team as a free agent earlier this offseason. In other news, the club also announced it had signed CB Jerrid Gaines, a rookie from Miami (Ohio). He had signed as a rookie free agent in April with the Cleveland Browns.
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It's a little interesting as with all the uncertainty surrounding the Bengals WRs these days, you'd think they'd hold on to all they could. But apparently, Gabriel just didn't fit into their plans.
Free-Agent RB Jones Looks Good In Workout
Source: Nicholas J. Cotsonika, Detroit Free Press
In an informal workout today in Detroit, free agent RB Kevin Jones looked good according to Cotsonika. Jones was running. bursting up hills -- changing directions - left, right, backward, forward. He "looked far ahead of schedule" in his recovery. He plans to work out for NFL teams June 28. "I'm not even worried about my knee," Jones said. "The only thing maybe I have some hesitation about is getting in contact and stuff like that because I haven't done that. But that's just the next hurdle. I've already overcome. As you guys saw today, I was running, sprinting."
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Kevin Jones can be a contributor at this level for someone. He had the foot problem and the knee surgery (ACL) last year. But he's making a strong comeback.
The man working with Jones, Dr. D.S. Ping, says Jones will be ready. "I know the NFL will be shocked," Ping said. "He can go into camp right now, and all he's got to do is learn the plays and just get into more conditioning of football shape in the respect of if they tag him a couple times or what have you." Before the workout, Ping said: "I know people are saying it takes a year, a year and a half. But I'm telling you guys, when you see him today ... I'm sticking my neck way out in a respect to say that. But I believe that, and he believes in it."Source: Kate Fagan, Philadelphia Inquirer
Eagles RB Lorenzo Booker, acquired in a draft-day trade from the Dolphins, has been going all out during the team's OTAs. Booker has been showcasing his speed and YAC (yards after catch) abilities and coaches and teammates alike are impressed. QB Kevin Kolb said Booker has a "one of a kind burst (of speed)" and OC Marty Mornhinweg said Booker has been better than what the team expected out of him. "I'm not a guy that can go out there and jog through stuff. To me, there is no halfway. Going full speed and working hard is the only thing I know how to do," Booker said.
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The Brian Westbrook comparisons will continue to flow for Booker. And some of them are deserved. He's a guy that just never seemed to catch his groove in Miami but always seemed to have the skills to excel. He'll likely spell Westbrook and the team can hopefully interchange him in the offense without having to change too much of the scheme as they bring similar things to the table.
KC - Chiefs OC Gailey Making Changes; Run-Run-Run
Source: Kent Babb, Kansas City Star
New Chiefs OC Chan Gailey has been making several changes to the offense since arriving to the team in January. Gaily is simplifying the playbook and going back to a power running game. The Chiefs attempted 563 passes last year, 11th-most in the NFL. Gailey's offense centers on power running and play-action, which coaches hope will relieve pressure on second-year starting quarterback Brodie Croyle. "I believe in running the football," Gailey said. "I believe you have to be a physical football team to win. It's a tough game for tough people." Also rookie OL Branden Albert will play left tackle. Albert played guard at the University of Virgina but his move will force OT Damion McIntosh to the right side.
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I'd have to look it up but I wonder if a Herman Edwards team has ever ranked higher than #11 in pass attempts. Gailey brings that power running attitude that you know Edwards likes. The question though is that outside of Mike Martz, many teams choose not to run out of necessity, not just because they don't want to run. Most all teams want to run the ball. They're just forced to the air by the game situation. So while Gailey may prefer to run, if he doesn't have the personnel (or defense) to keep his team in running situations, this might be more talk than reality. We'll see.
DEN - QB Ramsey Could Receive Extension
Source: Mike Klis, Denver Post
The Broncos and backup QB Patrick Ramsey are discussing a possible contract extension. Ramsey is in the final year of a two-year, $4.5 million deal.
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This makes good sense for both sides. Ramsey is an ideal backup guy as he's capable, smart and still young. And it's good for him as Denver is a nice place to be a quarterback. Hopefully they can work out a deal here.
BAL - No Word On Ravens OT Odgen
Source: Aaron Wilson, Carroll County Times
While the theory is Ravens OT Jonathan Ogden is leaning towards retirement, HC John Harbaugh would not speculate one way or another. "Nothing definitive on Jonathan, no time table that I've heard," Harbaugh said. "I don't think there's any change. I wouldn't speculate on it. You know the old saying: ‘I'd rather have a guy who thinks with his brain than his gut.' I don't have a gut feeling about it." Harbaugh did say Ogden has been in contact with GM Ozzie Newsome on a regular basis.
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The Ravens haven't given up hope but the general feeling seems to be that Ogden will retire. Hopefully he'll make a decision here pretty soon so the team can make plans going forward.
HOU - RB Green Contracts Food Poisoning?
Source: Megan Manfull, Houston Chronicle
Texans RB Ahman Green has come down with a case of food poisining and missed Wednesday's OTA session. "He's sick," HC Gary Kubiak said. "He was really sick this morning, and he came in and we took him to the doctor. We think he may have food poisoning. But he's fine."
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I'm sure coach Kubiak meant that Green is going to be fine...
PIT - WR Sweed Working On Special Teams
Source: Scott Brown, Pittsburgh Tribune Review
Steelers rookie WR Limas Sweed has been getting work on special teams coverage, primarily as a punt blocker. Sweed, a 6-foot-4 1/2, 219-pound receiver, is expected to fill the role of former Steelers WR Plaxico Burress, a tall, rangy red-zone threat. But his speed and long arms could also be an asset on punt coverage. "Coach (Bob Ligashesky) said he likes me coming off the edge, using my speed to block punts," Sweed said. "I never did special teams in my life until I came here, and I actually like it."
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Welcome to the NFL, rookie. Special teams is where it starts for many young guys. But this isn't so much about special teams as it is Sweed's attitude. A highly touted rookie that says he likes special teams is a good start.
JAC - Jaguars WR Porter Has Hamstring Pull, Not Knee Injury
Source: Vic Ketchman, Jaguars.com
Contrary to previous reports, Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Jerry Porter suffered a pulled hamstring and not a knee injury during the team's practice sessions on Tuesday.
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Just repeating the story we sent our readers Thursday morning clarifying Porter's injury.
MIN - Vikings WR Rice Adds Eight Pounds To Playing Weight
Source: Ryan Kibbe, KSTP-TV
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Sidney Rice has added eight pounds to his frame this off-season, and is anticipating a playing weight of 210 pounds heading into the 2008 regular season. He reportedly has not lost any speed as a result of the weight increase.
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Bigger at the same speed is always good. We like Rice to make an impact this year. Right now, we see him as the second most productive Viking WR behind Bernard Berrian. But it's close. If he can make a push, he could easily be the #1 guy in Minnesota. QB Tarvaris Jackson likes what he sees: "Just that he's got the advantage over any corner (back) out there. A 1-on-1 matchup-jump ball-all day, every day."
DEN - Rookie WR Royal Impressing
Source: Lee Rasizer, Rocky Mountain News
During recent quarterback camps, Broncos 2nd-round pick WR Eddie Royal has been standing out among a bounty of new talent at WR in Denver. QB Jay Cutler said, "He's got a lot of speed in and out of his breaks, and I was surprised at his hands. I didn't know he had such great hands."
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As I said the other day - I try not to get too excited in May. And I especially try not to get too excited about rookie WRs in May. But still, take note of this kind of thing. Every year there are players (especially WRs it seems) that come out "of nowhere" when in reality the people that pay attention like you saw it coming through little bits and blurbs like this. Stay tuned.
DEF - GB - Packers DE Gbaja-Biamila Has Knee Scoped
Source: Lori Nickel, Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel
Green Bay Packers DE Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila had knee surgery today, and he will be out for two months. "It was minor surgery, something that's been bothering him throughout the offseason, so we probably won't get him back until training camp," said HC Mike McCarthy. "But I haven't had the results yet."
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It's getting pretty close to training camp to not be concerned over surgery that might take a player out for 2 months. We'll watch this one closely for you.
DEF - JAC - DE Spicer Returns To Jags Practice
Source: Florida Times Union
Jaguars DE Paul Spicer had been skipping the team's OTAs in protest due to a lack of contract extension. But he will attend today's OTA because he felt too much was being made of his absence, according to his agent Drew Rosenhaus. Spicer could become an unrestricted free agent after this season without a new contract.
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Sometimes the player wins these standoffs. Sometimes the team wins. Chalk this one up to the team.
DEF - CIN - Bengals DE Odom Earns Praise
Source: Mark Curnutte, Cincinnati Enquirer
Bengals HC Mavin Lewis has been impressed with his newest DE Antwan Odom's ability to fit in and get in shape this spring. "We've been very pleased with Antwan," Lewis said. "The biggest thing for him has been the offseason program part. From what he has said, his commitment and his being here to be a part of the weight room and the things he's done that way to transform his body a little bit - he's a very slender person in general, and he's added a lot of strength." Odom, 6 feet 5, 274 pounds, had eight sacks for the Titans last season. The Bengals had 22 as a team, including 3.5 by Odom's line mate Robert Geathers, who had to play part of the season at outside linebacker because of injuries.
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The Titans' loss seems to be the Bengals' gain here. If Cincinnati is to be a force, they have to pressure the QB. And Odom is a guy that can do that.
DEF - DEN - CB Bly Pulls Hamstring
Source: Mike Kils, Denver Post
Broncos CB Dre Bly will miss the rest of passing camp after pulling his hamstring during Tuesday's practice. He likely won't return until sometime next week. "It didn't pop or anything, so it's nothing bad," Bly said.
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Doesn't sound too serious. Just another May hamstring tweak.
DEF - TB - DE Adams Improves Diet, Looking Good
Source: Stephen F. Holder, St. Petersburg Times
Tampa Bay DE Gaines Adams has made a significant change to his diet; Eliminating fast food. "Oh, it was bad," Adams said. "I drive by all these McDonald's, and then I see Chick-fil-A. You just want to get a 12-piece (nuggets meal)." Adams has overhauled his diet and has rededicated himself to the weight room at the urging of defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin. "He has to break out this year. He's no rookie anymore. And I can see it out here. He's been around here a lot," Kiffin said. "He's been in the weight room. He's getting stronger, and he'll be stronger against the run. ... I'm really pleased." Adams weighs about the same, 255 pounds, but is noticeably leaner and more muscular.
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McDonalds and Chick-fil-A aren't good for you? Who knew? Seriously, it's a fairly common learning curve here. As these guys get older, they realize they need every edge they can find. And better nutrition is part of that.
DEF - DAL - LB Ellis Skips OTA In Protest
Source: Todd Archer, Dallas Morning News
Cowboys LB Greg Ellis has opted to skip today's OTA session due to his lack of repetitions in practice. He's already missed the first two days this week, and he's been watching LB Anthony Spencer take more and more snaps on the field. Ellis has been told the team doesn't want to wear down his body in May and HC Wade Phillips has said Ellis is still the starter, but Ellis is suspicious of the team's motives. He and his agent, James Williams, were unavailable for comment.
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You're not getting enough reps while the other guy Spencer gets more work. So you voice your displeasure by skipping practice. So Spencer can get more work. Genius.
DEF - DAL - Coaching Staff, Team Owner Come To S Williams' Defense
Source: Associated Press, NFL.com
Cowboys S Roy Williams returned to practice Tuesday, to a reportedly supportive group of players and coaches. "I hate to see somebody get bashed, and it's kind of a Roy Williams bash here for some reason," Head Coach Wade Phillips said. "He can do better, but he was voted into the Pro Bowl. He was our second-leading tackler missing two games, so he had a lot of positive last year that I think people are overlooking."
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I've been critical of Williams too but there is some truth to what Wade Phillips is saying. We have been sort of piling on. Let's see if he can adjust better to the defense this year.
DEF - CHI - LB Urlacher To Attend Mandatory Minicamp
Source: Vaughn McClure, Chicago Tribune
Despite continuing indications of dissatisfaction with his contract status, Bears LB Brian Urlacher is expected to attend the mandatory three-day minicamp, which starts Friday.
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Good news for the Bears. This wasn't expected but it's good to see. Urlacher will likely continue to campaign for a better deal and the team may wind up working something out. But at least he'll be there for minicamp and that's a good start.
That'll do it for today, Folks. Have a great Friday and don't forget about our Early Bird discount and the Footballguys Magazine. See you tomorrow with the update.
J