Footballguys Daily Email - Volume 9, Issue 76 (Tuesday, July 8th)

Hi Folks,

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Second Trial Schedule For WR Henry

Source: James Walker, ESPN.com

The second assault trial for former Bengal WR Chris Henry has been scheduled for next week, beginning July 14th. Henry's previous trial ended in a mistrial after the jury could not agree on a decision. ESPN's James Walker speculates that Henry could be immediately reinstated to be able to play in the league if he is found not guilty.

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Keep an eye on this one as if Henry is reinstated, another team will likely roll the dice on him. He's still obviously a high risk guy as he seems unable to stay out of jail but he's obviously extremely talented. And this is a league of 4th and 5th chances if you can run fast and jump high.

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OAK - Second Suspect Arrested In WR Walker Assault

Source: Mary Manning, Las Vegas Sun

Monday night detectives arrested a second suspect in the beating and robbery of Oakland Raiders WR Javon Walker. Deshawn Thomas faces charges of kidnap, robbery and conspiracy to commit robbery with substantial bodily harm. Walker was found beaten and unconscious near Winnick Avenue and Koval Lane on June 16. Police investigated and found Walker had been robbed. Another suspect has already been arrested and has a hearing scheduled.

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No real fantasy football value here but there will be some interest in this case if the details start to come out.

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DEN - Legal Woes Continue For Broncos WR Marshall

Source: Denver Post, via completecolorado.com

Denver Broncos wide receiver Brandon Marshall was ticketed on June 12 for making an illegal lane change, according to Denver County Court records. Marshall, stopped on northbound Interstate-25, was also ticketed for not having his driver's license or proof of insurance, according to the court document. Marshall is scheduled to be arraigned on July 24, according to the records.

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It's the "fishbowl" concept we talked about. Once you get the reputation as a troubled guy, every little thing you do gets noticed. Jay Cutler could get a traffic ticket like this and nobody cares. But when Marshall does this, it's just "another" issue in a long line of issues. He is definitely a guy that carries a big upside but also a significant risk so be careful.

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NYJ - Jets QB Pennington Working On Mechanics

Source: Bill Eichenberger, Sporting News, via Yahoo Sports

As training camp nears, the New York Jets find themselves to be one of many teams with a quarterback battle on their hands. In Chad Pennington's case, his battle with strong-armed, third-year pro Kellen Clemens has prompted him to reinvent the way he throws the football. "The biggest point of emphasis for me right now is I'm changing mechanical issues with my throwing motion," Pennington said after a recent workout. "I really went back and studied it, and I want to really focus on it to where I gain more consistency with my throws, be more consistent with the velocity and really take it to the next level."

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I'm no QB coach but it makes me nervous to hear about a guy as established as Pennington start talking about changing his throwing motion. He's been throwing this way for a while and I'm not a big fan of altering a guy's throwing motion. On the flip side, it's not like he's been that effective doing what he's doing. He realizes that if he's going to compete with Clemens, he has to overcome some velocity issues. We'll see how this plays out but I'm not too optimistic for him here.

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PHI - Eagles RB Booker Working Behind RB Westbrook

Source: Joe Dolan, PhiladelphiaEagles.com

Philadelphia Eagles running back Lorenzo Booker saw quite a few reps in the spring workouts, and he's mirroring Brian Westbrook - lining up as a lone setback, tailing a fullback or running routes from the slot. The idea seems to be allowing Westbrook to get a little extra rest while not drastically changing the gameplan for head coach Andy Reid and offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg. "We're just trying to get more speed on the field." Westbrook said. "Lorenzo brings a big-play capability as well to the field. He's very fast, very shifty, has very good hands. We're just trying to put more playmakers on the field at the same time."

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Good news for Booker here. If Westbrook stays healthy, Booker probably won't see enough time to be a serious contributor. But if something were to happen to Westbrook, Booker would be a guy they'd insert and probably not have to change the offense too much. He's a nice handcuff for you guys that draft Westbrook.

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DAL - Cowboys Look To Upgrade Behind QB Romo

Source: Mac Engel, Fort Worth Star-Telegram

Multiple sources have said the Dallas Cowboys are looking for an upgrade at quarterback to play immediately behind Tony Romo this season. Current second-stringer Brad Johnson will be 40 in September, and the team has witnessed that his arm is no longer what it was when he was 30. The name that continues to float around Valley Ranch is former Texas star Chris Simms. Simms, 26, is under contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and has told friends he would definitely be interested in signing with the Cowboys.

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Jerry Jones has been all over the board on this one. He'll talk about upgrading the backup QB and then talk about how much confidence he has in Brad Johnson. Simms would be a guy that would make sense as I think he can play. Even if it looks like he'll never get the chance in Tampa.

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SD - Chargers WR Naanee Expected To See Increased Role

Source: Casey Pearce, Chargers.com

San Diego Chargers wide receiver Legedu Naanee is expected to see an increased role in the team's offense during the 2008 season. "Just with the way last year went, the coaches expect more from me," Naanee said. "That's exciting. I'm ready to step up to the task."

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We like his attitude but we still don't see Naanee being a big factor but he's a guy we'll keep an eye on for you.

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NYG - WR Burress Doesn't Know What Will Happen With TE Shockey

Source: Ohm Youngmisuk, New York Daily News

Giants WR Plaxico Burress was asked what he thought would happen with his friend and TE Jeremy Shockey: "I think it is some more personal things that went on with him and with the organization," said Burress, who has an entire chapter in his new book, "Giant: The Road To The Super Bowl," dedicated to his relationship with Shockey. "I think Jeremy, at the end of the day, he wants to be around. I think it is all about wanting to feel wanted for him. I am in the dark like everybody else. With him, come training-camp time, I have no idea of what is going to happen."

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We don't claim to know any more than Burress there. It seems pretty clear that Shockey is less than content to be in New York although he may not have much choice in the matter.

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QB Vick Files For Bankruptcy

Source: Associated Press via ESPN.com

Imprisoned ex-Falcons QB Michael Vick filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy. Vick estimates that he owes between ten and fifty million dollars to his many creditors, including the Atlanta Falcons. The team is trying to recover part of the signing bonus Vick has already received.

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Because I know you guys can't live without your Mike Vick updates...

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That'll do it for today, Folks. Have a great Wednesday and we'll see you tomorrow with the update.