Footballguys Daily Email - Volume 9, Issue 6 (Tuesday, April 29th)
Posted 4/29 by Joe Bryant, Exclusive to Footballguys.com
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Hi Folks,
It's on. Sorry for the hiccup with yesterday's email update but we were finishing the new server transition for 2008 and Keith was afraid I'd blow things up trying to mail out the update last night. We're good to go now with enough hardware and horsepower to launch the Space Shuttle. (At least that's what the bill looks like...) Seriously, it's going to be a fun year so hang on. Our "Footballguys Season" is officially under way as we'll start the site rolling today. Believe it or not, we're already well underway in creating the content for our Footballguys Magazine. Once that gets underway, everything else starts to pick up steam as well. We love getting an early start for you guys as when we release a set of projections in June, we're already on the umpteenth revision of the numbers as we hone and polish the projections. It's the best way we know how to get you the most accurate numbers possible. Same goes for these Daily Email Updates. By the time Training Camp rolls around, you'll have a mountain of information we've sent you each day and you'll be that much further ahead of the other guys in your league. At least the guys that aren't subscribing... Enough rambling, thanks for reading and let's get to the News for today. JSITE NEWS
A.
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1. PIT - OC Arians To Use Some Two RB Packages2. SD - The New Handcuff for LT: Jacob Hester
3. OAK - Former DT Sapp Likes RB McFadden
4. ARZ - Cardinals Rookie OT Keith Arrested Last Month
5. STL - Rams Release TE Byrd
6. WAS - Redskins To Use Some Two TE Sets
7. NYJ - Jets First Round Pick Miffs TE Baker
8. BAL - How Quickly Will QB Flacco Play?
9. GB - Packers on QB Rodgers: 'He Is Our Guy'
10. OAK - Raiders Release RB Rhodes
11. BUF - Bills To Be Paid 78 Million To Play In Toronto
12. PHI - DAL - Eagles File Lawsuit Against Cowboys WR Owens
13. DEF - JAC - Jaguars Agree To Terms With Free Agent S Prioleau
14. DEF - JAC PHI - Jaguars Exploring Trade For CB Sheppard
15. DEF - MIA - DE Taylor May Stick With Miami
PIT - OC Arians To Use Some Two RB Packages
Source: Ed Bouchette, Pittsburgh Post Gazette
Steelers OC Bruce Arians said that he will make packages involving both incumbent RB Willie Parker and rookie RB Rashard Mendenhall on the field together this season. Arians described Mendenhall as as a bigger, faster version of Edgerrin James and wants to utilize both to keep defenses guessing. "Other than the normal one-two punch, they can play together," Arians said. "Rashard has enough size as a pass blocker and pass receiver and Willie is improving in that area every year as a receiver." Arians also said Parker could be used as a lead blocker, but with limitations. "You're not going to ask (Parker) to lead on the linebacker, but he can handle certain things."
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Willie Parker owners may not be excited but long time Steeler fans will likely be glad to see a backfield package they hope is a flashback to the Chuck Noll two back days when Franco Harris and Rocky Blier tore up the league.
Last year, Willie Parker saw 321 carries compared to Najeh Davenport's 107. But I don't think I've ever heard the offensive coordinator refer to Davenport as a "bigger, faster version of Edgerrin James". The primary running back that can completely shoulder the rushing load seems to be a rare commodity in today's NFL and it looks as if the Steelers will try to get their money's worth out of Mendenhall. Of course, what a team wants to do and what their talent will allow them to do are very different things. How much Parker yields to Mendenhall will be completely dependant of course upon how quickly the rookie adapts to life at the next level. And it's important for Parker owners to not panic just yet. Arians doesn't sound like he's completely changing things. "Again, it'll be a package. It won't be the focal point of the offense because you'd beat the two guys up. But it gives you another package, and in the middle of the season if you lose somebody you have a package you can go to."SD - The New Handcuff for LT: Jacob Hester
Source: Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune
The Chargers' AJ Smith traded a second-round pick in 2009 and this year's fifth-round pick to New England to get back into the third round and then selected Hester, a 5-foot-11, 230-pound fullback from LSU.
"This is the guy we wanted," Smith said. Asked when he targeted Hester, Smith said, "When I left the LSU campus in November."[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Michael Turner for years has been the must have "handcuff" pick for fantasy owners who spend a high pick on LaDainian Tomlinson. With Turner gone, it would appear that the new backup for Tomlinson is Jacob Hester. He was listed as a fullback but the team envisions him as Tomlinson's primary backup. File that one away for your draft.
OAK - Former DT Sapp Likes RB McFadden
Source: Michael Silver, Yahoo Sports
Said retired Raider DT Warren Sapp, "after three games last season, LaMont Jordan led the NFL in rushing. But LaMont is like the worst offseason running back I've ever been around; he was out of shape and couldn't keep it going. Then, remember late in the season, Justin Fargas was slashing and cutting and gaining all those yards? (McFadden) is the same guy, but he's faster. I promise you, this guy will hit those holes and take it to the house, and then our offensive line will slash people up."
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Remember this is Warren Sapp talking here. The same Warren Sapp who lost interest in the first round of the draft Saturday saying "I don't know any of these (expletive) kids."
But the man does know football. And specifically, he knows running backs and what it takes to stop them. Just something to file away...ARZ - Cardinals Rookie OT Keith Arrested Last Month
Source: Kent Somers, Arizona Republic
Cardinals seventh round draft pick OT Brandon Keith was charged with three misdemeanors last month from an incident at a party in Cedar Falls, Iowa last month. Keith was charged with disorderly conduct, rioting and interfering with officials and a Taser was used on Keith when he charged at officers, a police spokesman said. The Cardinals did not seem overly concerned upon drafting him.
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What's a little Tasering anyways? Rumor has it they are already offering Keith up as trade bait to Cincinnati...
Source: Bill Coats, St. Louis Post Dispatch
The Rams stuck true to their word in saying that they were interested in character quality players this season by releasing troubled TE Dominique Byrd, a 2006 third round draft choice. Byrd produced more headlines off the field than he did on and faces assault and armed criminal action charges next week from a 2006 nightclub incident. He was also with a DUI in California in 2007. HC Scott Linehan declined to comment on Byrd's release.
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Bottom line is everything is a balance. And Byrd simply wasn't productive enough to tolerate the headaches. When your negatives outweigh your positives, back your bags.
WAS - Redskins To Use Some Two TE Sets
Source: Jason Reid, Washington Post
Redskins WR coach Stan Hixon said that second round pick TE Fred Davis could see some time on the field with starting Pro-Bowl TE Chris Cooley this season. "There are plans for him," Hixon said. "We'll have some two tight-end sets. We'll have two tight ends, two wideouts and one back. We want to be in a situation where we can be very versatile, and utilizing talent in multiple formations. Obviously, Cooley is a Pro Bowler and he's going to be the guy. We can fill Fred in there as we go."
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The Redskins were unable to land big name WRs in Chad Johnson and Anquan Boldin through a trade so they went hard after receivers in the draft. Along with Davis, they grabbed wide receivers Devin Thomas and Malcolm Kelly. That's three talented receivers. But obviously three very young receivers.
Davis won the won the Mackey Award as college football's top tight end last season. So he's used to playing a big role. He said he is eager to see what happens next for the Redskins' top three picks. "It's going to be a learning experience first, there's a lot to learn, but there's a lot of possibilities, too," he said. "I guess we're about to find out."NYJ - Jets First Round Pick Miffs TE Baker
Source: ESPN.com
Jets starting TE Chris Baker will likely become the third highest paid player at his position after the team drafted rookie TE Dustin Keller and signed free agent Bubba Franks. The Jets even traded up to select the rookie, giving up a second and fourth rounder while Baker's frustrations continue to grow.
He recently left in the middle of offseason conditioning programs because negotiations on a new contract were going slowly. "I'm angry about the fact that they said, 'We're going to do something for you,' and nothing's being done," Baker said. "It doesn't make any sense. I've been here six years and I've always done what they've asked me to do." Baker's agent has requested a trade but GM Mike Tannenbaum has said the team has no plans to trade Baker.[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
While I don't see the Players Union budging on their stance with regard to a rookie salary cap, it's not hard to see how some of the veteran players are chafing at some of these rookie contracts. From Baker's side, he's coming off a career best season last year with with 41 catches. He is in the third year of a $6.6 million contract, and will earn $683,000 this season, according to the Post.
BAL - How Quickly Will QB Flacco Play?
Source: Jamison Hensley, Baltimore Sun
On the NFL Network, Deion Sanders suggested to former Ravens coach Brian Billick that new Ravens QB Joe Flacco should play right away.
"You've got to remember, they ran me out of town for doing that with Kyle Boller," Billick responded. John Harbaugh, who replaced Billick in January, has not ruled out Flacco starting immediately. "We said all along that the quarterback job is going to be an open competition," Harbaugh said. "Whoever gives us best chance to win, I think is going to be our quarterback."[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
It takes a very special quarterback to be able to start right away at this level and not have his confidence destroyed. Is Flacco that guy? It's way too early to speculate on that now. We'll have to see how he handles the work this spring and summer. And we'll also need to see how quickly he gets signed and into camp. He's got the size at 6' 6" and 235 and has the arm. But we've all seen workout warrior QBs with great physicals that could never pick up the game at this level. So we'll see. On the bright side for Flacco, he only has Kyle Boller and Troy Smith to beat out...
GB - Packers on QB Rodgers: 'He Is Our Guy'
Source: WBAY.com
The Packers are taking some shots from pundits nationwide who think by drafting two quarterbacks -- and particularly Brohm in the second round -- they're putting undue pressure on starter Aaron Rodgers.
Drafting two quarterbacks addressed much needed depth at that position, but the organization remains steadfastly in Rodgers' corner. It is Rodgers' job, and one his coach believes he is handling very well. "The only thing he needs to focus on is getting better. He is our guy and he has done a great job this off-season. I'm very impressed with how far he has come in our time together. He is our quarterback," Mike McCarthy said.[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Of course the team is going to say Rodgers is "their guy". But actions speak loudly. The truth is that Rodgers is a huge question mark still. Teams don't spend second round draft picks on players they don't think they need. Rodgers will have a medium length leash for this season likely but if Brohm shows good things this summer, don't be surprised to see a full fledged QB controversy this fall.
OAK - Raiders Release RB Rhodes
Source: Mercury News Wire
The Raiders released running back Dominic Rhodes on Monday, a move precipitated by their trade of cornerback Fabian Washington a day earlier.
The Raiders absorbed a $1.1 million salary-cap hit when they traded Washington to the Baltimore Ravens for a fourth-round draft pick, pushing them over the cap limit. Releasing Rhodes saved the Raiders approximately $1.25 million in cap room. Rhodes or fellow running back LaMont Jordan were the most logical cap casualties, especially after the Raiders selected running back Darren McFadden in the NFL draft Saturday. Jordan is due $4.7 million in base salary this season and remains likely to be released if the Raiders don't receive a suitable trade offer.[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Not a big surprise given the drafting of McFadden. And the productivity of Rhodes. He'll likely contribute with some team this year though so keep an eye out where he lands.
BUF - Bills To Be Paid 78 Million To Play In Toronto
Source: John Wawrow, AP
The Buffalo Bills will receive $78 million-more than double their calculated 2006 operating income-to play eight games in Toronto over the next five years.
The payment to the Bills was disclosed for the first time in Rogers Communications' 2008 first-quarter report released Tuesday. The Toronto-based company is part of a consortium that negotiated a deal with the Bills to have them play five regular-season and three preseason games, starting this year, at the downtown Rogers Centre. In becoming the NFL's first team to play annual games outside the United States, the Bills are scheduled to host Pittsburgh in a preseason match at Toronto on Aug. 14, followed by a regular-season game against Miami on Dec. 7.[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Money talks. Not much else to say for this one. For Bills fans, I guess it's better than moving the team.
PHI - DAL - Eagles File Lawsuit Against Cowboys WR Owens
Source: Associated Press, ESPN
The Philadelphia Eagles have filed a lawsuit against Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Terrell Owens in effort to recoup $769,120 in unpaid bonus monies due to the organization as the result of a January 2008 arbitration ruling.
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It's not like it needed any, but this adds just a little more fuel to the fire...
DEF - JAC - Jaguars Agree To Terms With Free Agent S Prioleau
Source: Jason La Canfora, Washington Post
The Jacksonville Jaguars have agreed to terms with free agent safety Pierson Prioleau, formerly a member of the Washington Redskins. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
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With 31 solo tackles last season, Prioleau isn't a star, but he can contribute. He made a nice comeback after missing most of the 2006 season. He's a veteran and should provide experience for this defense.
DEF - JAC PHI - Jaguars Exploring Trade For CB Sheppard
Source: Paul Domowitch, Philadelphia Daily News
The Eagles were unable to unload CB Lito Sheppard during the draft, but the Jaguars haven't given up the possibility of acquiring him for a package of 2009 draft picks. Having moved up in the first round, the Jaguars could not afford to spend their second round pick last week. Sheppard's agent Lamont Smith has been in discussions with the Jaguars but did not return calls seeking comment.
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Sheppard was one of several players along with guys like Jeremy Shockey and Chad Johnson that didn't see a trade over the weekend. But it looks like there is still interest in a Sheppard deal. This actually makes a lot of sense to see how the draft shakes out and then to make a move. Stay tuned.
DEF - MIA - DE Taylor May Stick With Miami
Source: Steven Wine, AP
Jason Taylor, the defensive end and star of "Dancing With the Stars" was the subject of trade speculation throughout the weekend. But when the NFL draft ended Sunday, general manager Jeff Ireland denied the Dolphins were eager to part with Taylor.
"We want the guy back," Ireland said. Jacksonville Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio said his team pursued a deal, but the Dolphins took Taylor off the trading block. "We talked," Del Rio said. "They had a certain price in mind, and nobody in the league was interested in that price. They like the player, and they're going to keep him. There's nothing wrong with that."[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
There were several big name players this past weekend that were rumored to be on the trading block. Taylor was one but it looks like he may be staying put in Miami. That's good news for the Dolphins and their defense.
That'll do it for today, Folks. Thanks for reading and we'll see you tomorrow with the update.
J