Footballguys Daily Email - Volume 9, Issue 96 (Monday, July 28th)
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Hi Folks,
Good Tuesday to you. Hope you're into a great week - we're rolling here. Camps are buzzing and we've got all the news and notes you need plus a bunch more Player Spotlights on the website. Also be on the lookout as we're putting the finishing touches on the first issue of our world beating Training Camp Updates. Stay tuned. JSITE NEWS
A.
Footballguys Podcast - The Audible - NFCW QBs Preseason Watch List
In This Episode: Cecil Lammey and Sigmund Bloom review the QBs in the NFCW Preseason Watch List Edition of the Audible. Topics Include: who wins the battle in Arizona, how much does Marc Bulger have left in the tank, does Alex Smith bounce back under Mike Martz, why Matt Hasselbeck may produce more than people expect, plus more!
B.
Footballguys Gear Is HERE
We did the Footballguys gear a few years ago and it was a big success but honestly, it got to be more work than we could keep up with producing and shipping all the stuff. We're proud to announce that there is a separate company that has filled the gap there and they are producing OFFICIAL Footballguys gear. And not just that, they have Official Audible gear as well. You can click on the headline link to see all that they're offering. Such items available include four different T-shirt designs, two styles of hats, two different styles of golf shirts, hooded sweatshirts, duffel bags and more! I've personally seen it and I can vouch for it being quality. It's great stuff and we'd be honored for you to be sporting the FBG and Audible logo. Check it out as it's available only at the Footballguys Online Store.
C.
More Player Spotlights Added
You know the routine - Our Player Spotlights offer an indepth look at the player giving you all the information you need. New players added today: QB J. Delhomme, Car - TE T. Gonzalez, KC - TE T. Heap, Bal - WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Cin - RB R. Johnson, Cin - TE D. Lee, GB - QB M. Leinart, Ari - RB D. McAllister, NO - WR J. Porter, Jac - TE J. Shockey, NO - RB K. Smith, Det - WR J. Walker, Oak - QB K. Warner, Ari - TE K. Winslow, Cle
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1. BUF - Bills RB Lynch Will Not Receive Disciplinary Action2. SEA - Seahawks HC Holmgren Clarifies RB Situation
3. NYG - Giants WR Burress Ankle Ailment Different Than Last Year
4. CIN - Bengals Place RB Irons On Reserve List
5. NYG - Giants OT Olivea Admits Painkiller Addiction
6. DEN - Broncos WR Jackson, WR Colbert Could Start If Marshall Suspended
7. SF - 49ers TE Davis To Be Used Like WR
8. TB - GB - Report: Favre Almost Traded To Tampa Bay
9. BAL - Ravens WR Clayton Running With First Team
10. STL - Rams RB Jackson Still Out, But Staying Connected
11. CHI - Bears Have Hester, Lloyd Starting At WR
12. HOU - Texans RB Brown Already Nicked Up
13. PHI - Eagles RB Westbrook Wants Deal Done
14. NYJ - Jets QB Pennington Well Ahead Of Clemens
15. DEF - GB - Packers DT Harrell Suffers Another Setback
16. DEF - PIT - Steelers S Polamalu Among Three Placed On PUP
BUF - Bills RB Lynch Will Not Receive Disciplinary Action
Source: Chris Brown, BuffaloBills.com
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell appeared at Buffalo Bills training camp this morning after having a meeting with Senator Schumer and owner Ralph Wilson. Goodell stated that running back Marshawn Lynch, based on how his hit-and-run case played out, did not violate the league's personal conduct policy and will not face any disciplinary action from the league.
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Cowboys QB coach Wade Wilson buys HGH with a prescription to help with his diabetes and he's fined $100,000 and suspended for five games. Lynch runs over a lady in his car and flees the scene and he's good to go. Awesome...
SEA - Seahawks HC Holmgren Clarifies RB Situation
Source: Frank Hughes, Tacoma News-Tribune
Seattle Seahawks HC Mike Holmgren said he met with RBs Julius Jones and Maurice Morris yesterday and informed them of his plan to have them share carries. He said they both took it well and accepted it. He said he may even rotate who starts and then go with the hot hand. He also said he is asking T.J. Duckett to learn both fullback and halfback spots.
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"Clarifies" is an interesting way to describe this. I think I would have leaned more toward "muddied". If you're looking to draft Morris or Jones here, caution is advised. Holmgren isn't a guy that normally blows a lot of smoke. When he says he's informed both guys they'll be sharing carries, I believe he means it. Obviously, if one guy outplays the other, he could wind up seeing most of the carries. But for now, it's looking like a Running Back By Committee.
NYG - Giants WR Burress Ankle Ailment Different Than Last Year
Source: Mike Garafolo, The Star-Ledger
New York Giants coach Tom Coughlin, in his first meeting with a group of reporters since Plaxico Burress was examined by a team doctor, said the veteran wide receiver is suffering from a different right ankle ailment than the torn deltoid ligament than hampered him last year. "This is different. It's not the same problem," Coughlin said after this morning's practice. "I just think it's a little bit of structure and something he's going to have to deal with. Still, Coughlin didn't seem too nervous about the diagnosis (he never did say specifically what the problem is) and is confident Burress will be back on the field within the next few days.
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Coughlin didn't seem too worried so we're not too worried. But this is definitely something to watch. Especially if his contract situation doesn't go the way he's looking for it to go. Right now, we're feeling cautious here. Stay tuned.
CIN - Bengals Place RB Irons On Reserve List
Source: Mark Curnutte, Cincinnati Enquirer
RB Kenny Irons has returned to the Cincinnati Bengals today, being placed on the reserve/physically unable to perform list. Irons was waived Friday but cleared waivers. He will resume rehabilitation of his knee Tuesday.
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Just for you guys that need to keep up with everyone.
NYG - Giants OT Olivea Admits Painkiller Addiction
Source: CBSSports.com
On Monday NY Giants OT Shane Olivea admitted he was addicted to painkillers while playing for the San Diego Chargers last season. "It's a second chance in my life and football and I'm just happy to have that opportunity," said Olivea, who was signed by the Super Bowl champions on July 10. "A lot of guys aren't given that opportunity, so I feel very blessed and very fortunate to have that opportunity." Olivea received treatment for his problem at the Betty Ford clinic after his family intervened in April.
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Best wishes to Olivea as he battles this very serious issue. He seems like he has the right attitude and I hope he does great.
DEN - Broncos WR Jackson, WR Colbert Could Start If Marshall Suspended
Source: Lindsay H. Jones, The Denver Post
If Denver Broncos WR Brandon Marshall receives an NFL suspension from commissioner Roger Goodell for his off-field incidents, newly acquired WR Darrell Jackson as well as WR Keary Colbert would be likely to start.
"It would be safe to say we'd be without our best player in the group. Everyone is talented, but he is extremely talented; he is the head of our group," Colbert said of Marshall. "If that happens, we have to be able to hold it down for him while he's out."[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
It's clear that Marshall is by far the team's best WR. If he were to miss time, it'd be a blow but the Broncos would try to fill the void with more solid but unspectacular types in Jackson and Brandon Stokley and a guy in Colbert that hasn't lived up to his rookie promise. Bottom line is the Broncos need Marshall as much as his fantasy owners do.
SF - 49ers TE Davis To Be Used Like WR
Source: Matt Maiocco, Santa Rosa Press Democrat
While speaking to the press today, new San Francisco 49ers OC Mike Martz indicated he planned to use TE Vernon Davis like a WR. "Well, 52 (catches) is pretty good production. That's really good for the tight end position. What we'll try to do with him is try to take advantage of his speed more, probably, than what they've done in the past. We'll try to get him down the field, more or less like a wide receiver -- move him out, move him around. At first it was so different for him, but he's really adapted well to it. He's really kind of thrived with it."
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If you're looking for someone that's over valued Vernon Davis every year of his career, I'm guilty as charged. So I'm trying to ignore as much of this talk from Martz as much as I can. But I have to admit I'm loving what I'm hearing. Could this year be THE year for Davis? Hmmm...
TB - GB - Report: Favre Almost Traded To Tampa Bay
Source: Roy Cummings, Tampa Bay Online
Roy Cummings of Tampa Bay Online is reporting that retired Green Bay QB Brett Favre was almost dealt to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Saturday. The sticking point in negotiations seems to be that Green Bay is holding out for a conditional first round pick if Favre plays a certain number of games or the team secures a playoff berth.
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This is interesting if true. But right now it's just speculation and I'm passing along. We should know here pretty soon what's happening and maybe we can put this soap opera behind us at least for a bit.
BAL - Ravens WR Clayton Running With First Team
Source: Jamison Hensley, Baltimore Sun
Baltimore Ravens WR Mark Clayton, who was supposed to compete with Demetrius Williams for a starting spot, has been running exclusively with the first team this week because of Williams' injury. "From my standpoint, his focus and his enthusiasm has really shown up," Ravens WR coach Jim Hostler said. "So I'm assuming he's in a better place. He's communicated to me that his personal life is in better shape. If your personal life is in order, working is a lot easier. But when it's not, it's hard."
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We keep saying it but success at this level is often about opportunity. Or more specifically, taking advantage of opportunity. Clayton seems to be making the most of his chance here.
STL - Rams RB Jackson Still Out, But Staying Connected
Source: Associated Press
St. Louis Rams RB Steven Jackson missed his fourth day of camp today. He is keeping in touch, though with HC Scott Linehan. Linehan hasn't spoken with Jackson since Wednesday. Instead, he's been text-messaging Jackson. Several teammates also have been in contact, including backup running back Antonio Pittman, who's been getting the bulk of Jackson's carries. Pittman said he's spoken with Jackson, while staying out of the impasse.
Tight end Randy McMichael said he's checked in several times with Jackson. "He misses it, don't think he doesn't miss this because I know he does," McMichael said. "But this is the business part of the game. He's not the first person to do it and he's not going to be the last person to do it. It's just part of the game." Coach Scott Linehan said he had "no idea" where Jackson is during the holdout. The coach also said Jay Zygmunt, the team's president of football operations, again reported no progress. "We talk about it all the time, and there's really nothing new to add," Linehan said.[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
We'll see if the Rams cave from their hard line stance that they won't negotiate with Jackson until he gets into camp. That's a pretty demeaning position to take with a player as good as Jackson.
CHI - Bears Have Hester, Lloyd Starting At WR
Source: David Haugh, Chicago Tribune
During full-team drills today, the Chicago Bears had Devin Hester lined up with Brandon Lloyd at receiver with the No. 1 offense.
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Some of it is the novelty factor I know but I'm really intrigued by how Hester might do as a full time WR. I think what we're going to find is that there is as much technique involved as physical talent and it'll be a steep learning curve. But it should be fun.
HOU - Texans RB Brown Already Nicked Up
Source: Megan Manfull, Houston Chronicle
Houston Texans RV Chris Brown is already being forced to the sidelines with various aches and pains. Brown was signed to help spell RB Ahman Green, but Brown came with injury issues of his own. And those issues are already starting to creep up. He has a sore back that has forced him to miss this morning's practice. Manfull speculates that it's not a good sign for a player who has only played in 17 games with four starts over the past two seasons.
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Not exactly the insurance Houston was looking for here. Let's hope Brown can get healthy and back on the field. But for now, it looks like Ahman Green is the guy.
PHI - Eagles RB Westbrook Wants Deal Done
Source: Les Bowen, Philadelphia Daily News
Philadelphia Eagles RB Brian Westbrook is intent on getting his contract restructured sooner rather than later. "That's what I'm counting on," Westbrook said, when asked if he wanted the deal done before the start of the season. "I don't have a deadline right now...I want those guys to be able to work through something. Hopefully, it happens some time soon." The team converted a payment to Westbrook earlier this year from a roster bonus to a signing bonus, which was something both sides had agreed to do. If there's another adjustment in Westbrook's salary within a year of that move, it can't change his total cap figure for the remaining years of his deal. "I think they can abide by those rules and get a contract done," Westbrook said. "It's an obstacle, of course, but working together with them and the NFLPA, they can get it done."
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Agents may not like it but it's always a good sign when the player is saying he wants to get the deal done. As we said yesterday, when all the sides are going for relatively the same thing, deals usually get done.
NYJ - Jets QB Pennington Well Ahead Of Clemens
Source: Dave Hutchinson, New Jersey Star-Ledger
New York Jets quarterback Chad Pennington is pitching a shutout through the first four days (six practices) of training camp, and it's looking more and more like the ninth-year pro will be the man behind center for the Jets on opening day in Miami. Pennington has hardly been overwhelming, but Kellen Clemens has been a disappointment. Despite starting eight games last season (posting a 3-5 record), Clemens still appears a bit uncomfortable in the pocket and has thrown an interception during 11-on-11 drills in each of the first four days of camp at Hofstra. Pennington hasn't thrown one yet.
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If you ask me, it's way too early to be making opening day predictions here as it's a long ways to September. But clearly, it appears Pennington has been the better QB through the first few days of camp.
DEF - GB - Packers DT Harrell Suffers Another Setback
Source: Greg Bedard, Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel
Green Bay Packers DT Justin Harrell had a setback about a week ago and the situation, based on the way he appeared Monday, doesn't look good. The worst-case scenario is that he'll need more surgery and likely miss the season. "I was up here the whole offseason working out pretty good with some of the other injured guys, just getting ready and things were going good," Harrell said. "Up until last week, I was schedule to go for training camp. But you never know with injuries," Harrell said. "We have a plan right now to try some things and we'll see how it works out. You've got to take it day by day. When it gets right, they'll let me go. Until then I just have to get going."
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Tough news for Harrell as it's not looking too good for him.
DEF - PIT - Steelers S Polamalu Among Three Placed On PUP
Source: Scott Brown, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
The Pittsburgh Steelers placed three players on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list Sunday, including Pro Bowlers defensive tackle Casey Hampton (conditioning) and safety Troy Polamalu (hamstring). Chris Kemoeatu, who entered training camp No. 1 on the depth chart at left guard, also is on the (PUP) list. Kemoeatu has experienced weakness in one of his triceps. There's no timetable for when those players will come off the PUP list.
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Definitely a situation to watch here as Polamalu is a key part of this offense. PUP often sounds worse than it is so don't panic.
That'll do it for today, Folks. Have a great Tuesday and we'll see you tomorrow with the update.
J