Footballguys Daily Email - Volume 9, Issue 43 (Thursday, June 5th)
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Hi Folks,
Welcome to Friday. It's early June but the buzz is definitely in the air with teams hitting minicamps and position battles starting to be drawn. It's a great time of year as Football starts to warm up in different spots. And we'll be right here for you with a ton of new content on the website. Plus a special offer on ordering our 2008 Footballguys Strategy Guide Magazine that you'll want to take advantage of. And of course we've got all the News and Notes you'll need. Let's get to it. JSITE NEWS
A.
Order Your Footballguys Strategy Guide Magazine NOW
Great news as the Footballguys 2008 Strategy Guide is about to hit the presses. You can click the link in the headline to pre order and make sure you'll have your copy well in advance of the non sharks in your league that have to wait until they arrive on the newsstand. Check the link to see all the extra stuff you get when ordering the magazine online. If you're going to buy one magazine this year, this is the one and this is the way to buy it.
B.
Order Your Footballguys Full Season Online Subscription
Don't worry, these emails will keep coming to you every day right up till the Week 1 Kickoff. And they don't cost a penny. But pretty soon, much of the content on the website will only be available to our Online Subscribers. For just $26.95, they'll have complete access to everything we do for the entire season all the way through the Super Bowl. All the latest projections, the most current versions of the Draft Dominator, the latest strategy articles, and about 50,000 other pages of content. For the price of a couple of pizzas, you can have the most comprehensive source for fantasy football information on the planet. And we have a money back guarantee to put our money where our mouth is.
C.
Rearview Strenth Of Schedule - QBs 2008
Our Footballguy Chase Stuart presents his always popular method for looking at this year's QB crop.
D.
Receivers That Change Teams
Our Footballguy Chris Smith ranks, reviews and analyzes that always elusive player to evaluate - Receivers that have changed teams.
E.
IDP Dynasty League: Case Study
Our Footballguy Anthony Borberly takes a look at a case study digging into an IDP Dynasty League.
F.
Interview with Will Allensworth from Hogs Haven
Our Footballguys Cecil Lammey and Sigmund Bloom dig deep into Redskins talk with Will Allensworth from Hogs Haven.
G.
Interview with Chris Harris from Big Cat Country
Our Footballguys Cecil Lammey and Sigmund Bloom talk Jacksonville Jaguar football with Chris Harris from Big Cat Country.
H.
New Stat Projections
It's Friday so how about ANOTHER set of the most detailed stat projections you'll find anywhere. Let the other sites give you their bucket list and simple cheat sheet. We'll keep projecting every stat that matters for every player. It's the way we've done it for years at Footballguys.com and it's the way we'll keep doing it. Enjoy.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1. BUF - RB Lynch 'Principle Suspect' In Hit And Run2. TB - TE Stevens Suspended
3. STL - Rams Claim QB Gradkowski
4. WAS - Redskins RB Portis, OL Fabini Out Of Practice
5. TB - WR Galloway Says He's Ready
6. NYJ - TE Baker Practices - Then Vents
7. NYJ - Jets OTA Update: QB Clemens Struggles
8. Man Who Sold Steroids To NFL Players Found Dead
9. WAS - RT Jansen's Duties Now Include Backup Center
10. CIN - HC Lewis Indifferent To WR Johnson's Comments
11. PHI - QB Kolb Penciled In As No. 2
12. TB - QB Garcia Says Retirement Is An Option
13. DAL - QB Romo Suffers Minor Finger Injury
14. NYG - WR Tyree's Return, Roster Spot Unknown
15. OAK - Raiders WR Walker Out Of Shape
16. DEF - JAC - Jaguars S Sensabaugh Arrested In Tennessee
17. DEF - MIA - Parcells Is Open To DE Taylor's Return
BUF - RB Lynch 'Principle Suspect' In Hit And Run
Source: John Wawrow, AP
Erie County District Attorney Frank Clark calls Bills running back Marshawn Lynch the "principal suspect" in an alleged hit-and-run accident, saying the player was inside his vehicle when it struck and injured a pedestrian.
What's unclear, Clark said Thursday, is whether Lynch was driving the 2008 Porsche SUV when it struck a woman crossing an intersection in downtown Buffalo before speeding off early Saturday. "There were other people in the car, too, (Lynch) wasn't the only person in the car," Clark told The Associated Press. "I don't know whether he was driving that car or not. But I'm confident that before the investigation ends, we're going to find out, whether he talks to us or whether he doesn't."[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Clark has said he's willing to accept a plea deal. If Lynch was the driver here, it would seem that now would be the time to face the music and take a lesser punishment.
Source: Yahoo Sports / Ticker
Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Jerramy Stevens was suspended without pay for the first two games of the 2008 season and fined an additional game check for violating the league's substance abuse policy, according to a report in the Tampa Tribune Wednesday.
Stevens could have his suspension extended a game if he violates the league's personal conduct policy between now and the start of the season. Stevens also would face additional discipline for a new violation. The current suspension stems from the driving while intoxicated charge Stevens was convicted of last September. A former first-round pick of the Seattle Seahawks in 2002, Stevens was released by Seattle following his arrest for investigation of DUI and possession of marijuana in March 2007.[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Stevens is a guy that is extremely talented but just can't get his act together. Now it'll cost him at least the first two games of the season. Factor that into your projections accordingly.
STL - Rams Claim QB Gradkowski
Source: Stephen Holder, St. Petersburg Times
Quarterback Bruce Gradkowski, released by Tampa Bay last Friday, has been claimed off waivers by the St. Louis Rams. That means the Rams will take on the final two years of his deal, which is set to expire after the 2009 season. St. Louis currently has three QBs on its roster: Marc Bulger, Trent Green and Brock Berlin.
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I'd have to think Gradkowski has a good shot at beating out Brock Berlin. And you know Trent Green isn't going to be there much longer. Considering the log jam of QBs in Tampa, this looks like a pretty good move for Gradkowski.
WAS - Redskins RB Portis, OL Fabini Out Of Practice
Source: Jason La Confora, Washington Post
Washington Redskins HC Jim Zorn said today that RB Clinton Portis and OL Jason Fabini missed practice today with excused absences. He said Fabini would definitely be back for Monday's session, but Portis could miss more practice next week. Portis has been experience discomfort in his hip, but the team says that is not related to his need to be out of practice today. Meanwhile, CB Shawn Springs is still absent and has not communicated with the team.
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Maybe it's nothing and I'm being skittish but I don't like the vibe I'm getting from Portis. I don't have anything concrete at all to base that on so take it for what it's worth. But the red light is going off - just a little. We'll keep an eye on this for you.
TB - WR Galloway Says He's Ready
Source: Ira Kaufman, Tampa Tribune
Buccaneers WR Joey Galloway said he is fully recovered from offseason shoulder surgery, an injury that limited him greatly in the team's playoff loss to the Giants. "It's fine, it's ready to go," the 36-year-old speedster said following Thursday's OTA session. "I have a lot of confidence in our medical staff here. It was pretty smooth and the rehab was pretty smooth."
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We don't have any reason not to believe Galloway here. I'd be more concerned if it were a leg injury but when he says the shoulder is good to go, I'm good.
NYJ - TE Baker Practices - Then Vents
Source: Rich Cimini, NY Daily News
Chris Baker told any reporter who would listen that the team has lied to him about a contract extension and that he thinks the team tanked the season with its treatment of OL Pete Kendall last year, which he fears is what will happen to him. "I want to be a member of the Jets ... But, at the same time, if it's ignored and swept under the rug the way it's been done, then I do not want to be here."
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No surprise here. I'm not sure Baker has a full understanding of his value here. He feels he's the best TE on the roster but his pay doesn't reflect that: "Imagine if coach Mangini was the third highest-paid coach on the staff. You think he'd be happy about that? You think he would allow that to happen? I mean, that's how I feel." I'd expect this will be something he keeps saying as long as he can find a reporter with a microphone.
NYJ - Jets OTA Update: QB Clemens Struggles
Source: Rich Cimini, New York Daily News
If one had to declare a winner today in the quest to be the Jets starting QB, he would have to choose Chad Pennington by default. Cimini notes that QB Kellen Clemens "really struggled", throwing one interception in a seven-on-seven drill, and tossing another pick in 11-on-11. At one point, OC Brian Schottenheimer criticized Clemens, who worked with the first team. Perhaps more alarming than the interceptions, Cimini exclaims, was Clemens' penchant for holding the ball. He ate the ball on three plays in the 7-on-7s, pulling it down and trying to scramble. On another note, rookie QB Erik Ainge (broken pinky) still isn't throwing.
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Fortunately for the Jets, they don't have to declare a winner today. This is looking like a pretty close competition. And not for good reasons.
Man Who Sold Steroids To NFL Players Found Dead
Source: USA Today, Associated Press
A convicted steroids dealer who recently met with NFL officials and gave them names of players he said bought steroids from him was found shot to death in his home today. Early Thursday morning, Plano, Tx. police found 35-year-old David Jacobs and 30-year-old Amanda Jo Earhart-Savell shot to death. Plano detectives aren't releasing information about whether the deaths were a double homicide or a murder-suicide, whether a weapon was found near the bodies, or any other details.
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I don't know enough about this obviously very serious and sad story to comment so I won't. Just passing it along so you'll know about it.
WAS - RT Jansen's Duties Now Include Backup Center
Source: Jason La Canfora, Washington Post
In need of a proven backup to C Casey Rabach, the Redskins have been trying out RT Jon Jansen, who is acclimating well to playing under center having never done so before in the pros. Jansen, who played a little center in college, has been rotating with Rabach during the team's OTA sessions. "Jon has been a backup center in college and we have him working at backup center," OL coach Joe Bugel said. "We always want to get the five best guys on the field, so if Rabach got hurt who do you plug in? Right now I'd have to say Jon Jansen."
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We've talked about it here before - versatility and flexibility is as important to these guys running NFL teams as it is to your boss in your company. A guy like Jansen that is willing and able to move around a little is a big plus.
CIN - HC Lewis Indifferent To WR Johnson's Comments
Source: Mark Curnutte, Cincinnati Enquirer
Bengals HC Marvin Lewis brushed off comments made by disgruntled WR Chad Johnson on the possibility of his return to the team as early as next week. "No. 1, he's not here. No. 2, it's something he said awhile back, a long time ago. So it's really not a concern. Chad has a contract to play football. He has to make some decisions on his own." When asked if the team would fine Johnson in the event he does not show up for mandatory camp, Lewis said, "We're not concerned about those things, about players who aren't here. When mandatory work begins, you have steps you can take."
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Veteran Willie Anderson had a great line on this one when asked if Johnson's negative comments could divide the locker room.
"We played with (running back) Corey (Dillon). We didn't have a problem with him. We played with (wide receiver) Carl Pickens."PHI - QB Kolb Penciled In As No. 2
Source: Bob Brookover, Philadelphia Inquirer
Eagles HC Andy Reid said that second-year QB Kevin Kolb has a grip on the No. 2 quarterback job, behind starter Donovan McNabb and in front of veteran A.J. Feeley. "I've seen improvement [in Kolb], and right now he has a seasoned veteran ahead of him and behind him," Reid said. "He has a lot of knowledge there to draw from and learn from. He's competing right now. That No. 2 spot allows him to get a few more reps than what A.J. might get in the third spot." Feeley played in three games last season, throwing three interceptions, the same number McNabb had in 14 games played.
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This has to be expected given where the Eagles drafted Kolb. McNabb is clearly the guy though.
TB - QB Garcia Says Retirement Is An Option
Source: Adam Schefter, NFL Network
Tampa Bay QB Jeff Garcia is becoming more frustrated with his contract situation, so much so that he's offering retirement as one of his options. "If it doesn't work itself out, if a contract is not presented as far as a renewal to finish my career, then I will seriously think about what my alternate options may be. And it may come to not playing football anymore." he said. Garcia reiterated that he feels "taken advantage of." He has one year left on a contract that is scheduled to pay him $2 million, below market value for a Pro-Bowl quarterback.
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We'll obviously watch this one closely. Personally, I don't think there's much chance he passes up this money and retires. I'd say the Bucs call that bluff but they wind up working something out that's acceptable for both sides.
DAL - QB Romo Suffers Minor Finger Injury
Source: Mac Engel, Fort Worth Star Telegram
Cowboys QB Tony Romo dinged his left, non-throwing hand during team drills. He was examined by athletic trainer Jim Maurer and had his left middle finger taped. Romo was able to complete the rest of practice and did not appear bothered by the injury.
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Because we know you guys need to know everything...
NYG - WR Tyree's Return, Roster Spot Unknown
Source: Ralph Vacchiano, NY Daily News
Giants WR and Super Bowl hero David Tyree is still rehabbing his left knee, which underwent arthroscopic knee surgery in April. His return is unknown, as is his place on the roster which is loaded with young talent at wideout. Tryee has, however, also earned a bid to the Pro Bowl as a special teamer. But it's even possible the team could place him on the PUP list to start the season. "Whether I'm on the roster, off the roster, the fifth receiver or the third receiver, they're going to make decisions based on what's best for the team," Tyree said. "My job is to go out there and make the plays when I'm given the opportunity. When you look back at what I've done when given the opportunity, I've showed up. I can't do any more than that."
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Things move pretty fast. From Super Bowl hero to maybe opening the season on the PUP list. We'll continue to watch his progress for you but right now, it's looking a little shaky.
OAK - Raiders WR Walker Out Of Shape
Source: Jason Jones, Sacramento Bee
Oakland Raiders head coach Lane Kiffin said on Wednesday that wide receiver Javon Walker is currently out of shape. "Javon's a little heavy right now so we're going to continue this off-season to get him down by training camp and the regular season, the final thing that counts," Kiffin said. "He's picking up the offense fine but we've got a long way to go."
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You're a newly acquired WR earning a zillion dollars and you show up to your new team out of shape? How does that happen?
DEF - JAC - Jaguars S Sensabaugh Arrested In Tennessee
Source: Michael C. Wright, Florida Times-Union
Jacksonville Jaguars safety Gerald Sensabaugh was arrested May 30 for reckless driving in Kingsport, Tennessee. Sensabaugh was allegedly "doing wheelies on a motorcycle." The arrest was Sensabaugh's second in a little more than a year in his hometown and occurred on the same stretch of road on which he was arrested last March. Sensabaugh couldn't be reached for comment. Team spokesman Dan Edwards said the team was aware of the incident, but refused to provide an official comment.
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The term "slow learner" comes to mind here...
DEF - MIA - Parcells Is Open To DE Taylor's Return
Source: Armando Salguero, Miami Herald
Dolphins vice president of football operations Bill Parcells finally spoke out on DE Jason Taylor and said that he would welcome six-time pro-bowler on the roster despite the rough start the two have had this offseason. "I've had run-ins with players before and it got resolved," Parcells said. "We want good players on this team, and I think [Taylor] is a good player. So could we have him back? I think we can."
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There seems to be a little bit of softening here on both sides. The team evidently hasn't been able to trade Taylor so I'd expect to see Taylor back as a Dolphin for this season.
In an AP interview, Parcells was even more clear. "Why wouldn't you want one of the very best players? This thing has kind of taken on a life of its own and a large measure of this 'rift' is fabrication. I don't really know what the genesis was, other than there was some talk about a trade and people naturally thinking that when I come in it's going to be confrontational. And that's not necessarily true." "Of course I want him here," Parcells said.That'll do it for today, Folks. Have a great Friday and we'll see you tomorrow with the update.
J