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Footballguys Daily Email - Volume 10, Issue 105 (Sunday, August 2nd)

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Hi Folks,

Good Monday to you. Hope you didn't have anything much planned this morning because we've got enough new Faceoffs to keep you busy until this evening. Plus a ton of news stories so let's get to it. Thanks as always to our Cecil Lammey and Sigmund Bloom for the help with these.

J

SITE NEWS

A. Staff Faceoff - PIT QB Ben Roethlisberger - Hicks vs Bloom
Our Staff Faceoffs are one of my favorite features. We take two of our Staff guys and give them a player or topic and let them go at it. One takes the upside and the other takes the downside. In this one, they look at PIT QB Ben Roethlisberger.

B. Staff Faceoff - CAR QB Jake Delhomme - Dowling vs Bloom
Our Staff Faceoffs are one of my favorite features. We take two of our Staff guys and give them a player or topic and let them go at it. One takes the upside and the other takes the downside. In this one, they look at CAR QB Jake Delhomme.

C. Staff Faceoff - PHI QB Donovan McNabb - Hicks vs Smith
Our Staff Faceoffs are one of my favorite features. We take two of our Staff guys and give them a player or topic and let them go at it. One takes the upside and the other takes the downside. In this one, they look at PHI QB Donovan McNabb.

D. Staff Faceoff - BAL QB Joe Flacco - Tefertiller vs Baker
Our Staff Faceoffs are one of my favorite features. We take two of our Staff guys and give them a player or topic and let them go at it. One takes the upside and the other takes the downside. In this one, they look at BAL QB Joe Flacco.

E. Staff Faceoff - KC QB Matt Cassel - Tefertiller vs Haseley
Our Staff Faceoffs are one of my favorite features. We take two of our Staff guys and give them a player or topic and let them go at it. One takes the upside and the other takes the downside. In this one, they look at KC QB Matt Cassel.

F. Staff Faceoff - MIN RB Adrian Peterson - Pasquino vs Waldman
Our Staff Faceoffs are one of my favorite features. We take two of our Staff guys and give them a player or topic and let them go at it. One takes the upside and the other takes the downside. In this one, they look at MIN RB Adrian Peterson.

G. Staff Faceoff - OAK RB Darren McFadden - Dodds vs Dowling
Our Staff Faceoffs are one of my favorite features. We take two of our Staff guys and give them a player or topic and let them go at it. One takes the upside and the other takes the downside. In this one, they look at OAK RB Darren McFadden.

H. Staff Faceoff - SD RB Darren Sproles - Bloom vs Yudkin
Our Staff Faceoffs are one of my favorite features. We take two of our Staff guys and give them a player or topic and let them go at it. One takes the upside and the other takes the downside. In this one, they look at SD RB Darren Sproles.

I. Staff Faceoff - BUF RB Marshawn Lynch - Tefertiller vs Hicks
Our Staff Faceoffs are one of my favorite features. We take two of our Staff guys and give them a player or topic and let them go at it. One takes the upside and the other takes the downside. In this one, they look at BUF RB Marshawn Lynch.

J. Staff Faceoff - ATL RB Michael Turner - Bloom vs Smith
Our Staff Faceoffs are one of my favorite features. We take two of our Staff guys and give them a player or topic and let them go at it. One takes the upside and the other takes the downside. In this one, they look at ATL RB Michael Turner.

K. Staff Faceoff - HOU RB Steve Slaton - Wimer vs Hicks
Our Staff Faceoffs are one of my favorite features. We take two of our Staff guys and give them a player or topic and let them go at it. One takes the upside and the other takes the downside. In this one, they look at HOU RB Steve Slaton.

L. Staff Faceoff - IND WR Anthony Gonzalez - Wimer vs Waldman
Our Staff Faceoffs are one of my favorite features. We take two of our Staff guys and give them a player or topic and let them go at it. One takes the upside and the other takes the downside. In this one, they look at IND WR Anthony Gonzalez.

M. Staff Faceoff - CHI WR Earl Bennett - Wood vs Pasquino
Our Staff Faceoffs are one of my favorite features. We take two of our Staff guys and give them a player or topic and let them go at it. One takes the upside and the other takes the downside. In this one, they look at CHI WR Earl Bennett.

N. Staff Faceoff - GB WR Greg Jennings - Tefertiller vs Wood
Our Staff Faceoffs are one of my favorite features. We take two of our Staff guys and give them a player or topic and let them go at it. One takes the upside and the other takes the downside. In this one, they look at GB WR Greg Jennings.

O. Staff Faceoff - PIT WR Hines Ward - Smith vs Bloom
Our Staff Faceoffs are one of my favorite features. We take two of our Staff guys and give them a player or topic and let them go at it. One takes the upside and the other takes the downside. In this one, they look at PIT WR Hines Ward.

P. Staff Faceoff - SF WR Michael Crabtree - Tefertiller vs Waldman
Our Staff Faceoffs are one of my favorite features. We take two of our Staff guys and give them a player or topic and let them go at it. One takes the upside and the other takes the downside. In this one, they look at SF WR Michael Crabtree.

Q. Staff Faceoff - Who Will Be the Top QB In Detroit? - Bloom vs Baker
Our Staff Faceoffs are one of my favorite features. We take two of our Staff guys and give them a player or topic and let them go at it. One takes the upside and the other takes the downside. In this one, they look at Who Will Be the Top QB In Detroit?

R. Staff Faceoff - Who Will Be the RB2 For the NY Jets? - Wood vs Hicks
Our Staff Faceoffs are one of my favorite features. We take two of our Staff guys and give them a player or topic and let them go at it. One takes the upside and the other takes the downside. In this one, they look at Who Will Be the RB2 For the NY Jets?

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

1. CIN - WR Chad Ochocinco explosive, tough to single cover
2. TEN - Less RB LenDale White could mean more for running game
3. ARI - Whisenhunt update on RB Chris Wells ankle sprain
4. CHI - WR Earl Bennett could be quite a catch
5. DEN - WR Brandon Marshall suffered hamstring injury
6. ARI - RB Chris Wells misses practice
7. CLE - RB James Davis getting more reps each practice
8. JAX - RB Maurice Jones-Drew reports to camp lighter
9. DEN - RB LaMont Jordan motivated to be the top back in Denver
10. CHI - Fewer receptions for RB Matt Forte?
11. CIN - QB Carson Palmer misses practice Sunday
12. CLE - No timetable to name starting QB
13. DAL - Planning to use RB Felix Jones in passing game more
14. DET - QB Matthew Stafford, QB Daunte Culpepper looking sharp
15. TB - WR Dexter Jackson shedding cornerbacks, reputation as a bust
16. PHI - Could trade one of their WRs?
17. CHI - Bears try Wildcat formation Sunday
18. OAK - WR Javon Walker impressing during Sunday workouts
19. MIA - WR Greg Camarillo feeling no ill effects from surgery
20. DEN - WR Brandon Marshall not taking part in afternoon workout
21. KC - WR Devard Darling with No. 1 offense
22. BAL - RB LeRon McClain slimming down
23. CHI - WR Brandon Rideau finally getting his chance
24. PHI - RB Leonard Weaver could be short yardage back
25. PHI - WR LeRon McCoy is a big play machine
26. ARI - Whisenhunt to call plays in 2009
27. HOU - Jacoby WR Jacoby Jones growing up
28. STL - RB Steven Jackson hits the weights hard during offseason

CIN - WR Chad Ochocinco explosive, tough to single cover

Source: James Walker - ESPN.com

James Walker, of ESPN.com, reports that Cincinnati WR Chad Ochocinco has been explosive and tough to guard in single coverage in training camp after adhering to a strict offseason workout regimen in Los Angeles.

[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]

We can put to rest any worries that Ochocinco is going through the motions again. The real worries about his fantasy value this year, and reasons we can't put him in the top 10-12 where he used to reside, mainly have to do with the Bengals offensive line giving Carson Palmer time to find Ochocinco deep, and the possible emergence of Chris Henry as one of Palmer's favorite targets.

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TEN - Less RB LenDale White could mean more for running game

Source: Jim Wyatt - the Tennessean

Jim Wyatt, from the Tennessean, reports Titans running back LenDale White continues to turn heads because he looks so different, so much lighter than he looked last season. Among those who've taken notice: the team owner. "Bud Adams came in here today and told me I looked like a brand new person," White said after Saturday's training camp practice at Baptist Sports Park.

[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]

White weighed in on Friday at 228 pounds, down a pound from the end of June's organized team activities, where he promised head coach Jeff Fisher he would report to camp at under 230 pounds. White admitted that he weighed 265 pounds at one point last season, but attributed his weight loss to less tequila. "To be honest, it really wasn't a lot of major diet change. Really watching what I drink. I was a big Patron consumer and that's what it was," White said. "I was drinking a lot, I drank a lot of alcohol. I cut that out of my diet all the way, I don't drink at all, I stopped drinking for six months and the weight it just started falling off. It's a tremendous difference and I feel it in my body."

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ARI - Whisenhunt update on RB Chris Wells ankle sprain

Source: Darren Urban - AZCardinals.com

Darren Urban, of AZCardinals.com, reports that head coach Ken Whisenhunt spoke on the condition of RB Chris Wells today. Whisenhunt said, "His MRI revealed a right ankle sprain but at this point it doesn't appear serious, which is obviously good news. In terms of missing time, it's tough to say now but we should have a better idea in the coming days."

[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]

At least "high ankle sprain" wasn't mentioned. It sounds like Beanie will miss at least a few days of practice, and we'll also get a good chance to see how quick of a healer (mentally and physically) he is in his first camp.

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CHI - WR Earl Bennett could be quite a catch

Source: David Haugh - the Chicago Sun-Times

David Haugh, from the Chicago Sun-Times, notes August is too early to predict how significantly the Bears' game plans will involve WR Earl Bennett, the de facto rookie who began camp as a starting wide receiver opposite Devin Hester. But one thing everybody at Olivet Nazarene already knows: If Bennett emerges as a solid wide receiver the way his teammates and coaches insist he can, the Bears offense will gain a threat and lose a nagging problem.

[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]

Bennett and Cutler have great chemistry dating back to their days at Vanderbilt. Cutler's favorite and most trusted target in college was Earl Bennett. Many are expecting them to pick up where they left off, and Bennett is more comfortable this season after struggling with the playbook his rookie season.

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DEN - WR Brandon Marshall suffered hamstring injury

Source: ESPNews

Updating previous reports, ESPNews reports Denver Broncos WR Brandon Marshall (hamstring) suffered a hamstring injury Sunday, Aug. 2, which forced him off of the field. The injury was not related to his previous hip problem, as previously believed.

[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]

There was some question about Marshall's effort in certain drills, as it seemed like he was dogging it at different times in practice. Both Champ Bailey and Josh Barrett shot that sentiment down and both said Marshall was giving full effort on every play. Barrett commented how Marshall only looks like he was running slow in order to blast past an unsuspecting defender. The Broncos will bring Marshall back carefully from this latest injury.

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ARI - RB Chris Wells misses practice

Source: ESPNews

ESPNews reports Arizona Cardinals rookie RB Chris Wells (ankle) did not practice Sunday, Aug. 2.

[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]

His injury is not considered serious, but he needs to prove his durability.

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CLE - RB James Davis getting more reps each practice

Source: Lane Adkins - the OBR.com

Lane Adkins, of the OBR.com, reports that Browns RB James Davis has been "a player of significant interest over the course of the first two days of camp." Adkins writes that his running style fits well in the Browns one-cut-and-go rushing attack. Adkins reports, "Displaying more than enough quickness to get to the outside, while also strong and with solid vision to clear the hole inside, Davis has consistently gained positive yardage in team drills. As a result, his reps have appeared to increase with each session."

[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]

Jamal Lewis is going ridiculously late for a starting RB in fantasy drafts right now, but with Davis coming on and Jerome Harrison getting the trust of the new coaches, plus the Browns playing in the toughest defensive division in the league, it's still hard to pull the trigger. Davis is looking like a nice RB to stash in dynasty leagues.

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JAX - RB Maurice Jones-Drew reports to camp lighter

Source: CBSSports.com

CBSSports.com reports Jacksonville Jaguars RB Maurice Jones-Drew reported to training camp at 208 pounds. He was at 220 pounds during minicamp.

[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]

Despite his size Jones-Drew is capable of being used at the goalline and in short-yardage situations. The Jaguars may use FB Greg Jones or rookie RB Rashad Jennings when they only need a few yards to save wear and tear on their feature back.

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DEN - RB LaMont Jordan motivated to be the top back in Denver

Source: Frank Schwab - the Colorado Springs Gazette

Frank Schwab, from the Colorado Springs Gazette, reports LaMont Jordan said he owed it to Broncos coach Josh McDaniels, who showed faith in him by "bringing me out here and signing me when I was overweight." This is Jordan's ninth training camp, and he said he has never felt this good. For the moment, things are working out just fine. The trim and focused Jordan was Denver's starting tailback when camp opened as Moreno continued his contract holdout.

[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]

Jordan has looked very fit out at Dove Valley, but he hasn't lost any power even though he's shed quite a few pounds. The Broncos are turning their attention to signing Knowshon Moreno, but the rookie is missing valuable time and if Jordan keeps performing like he's been doing then he should hang on to the starting RB job. The team may decide to bring Moreno along slowly if he can't beat out Jordan in August.

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CHI - Fewer receptions for RB Matt Forte?

Source: Vaughn McClure - the Chicago Tribune

Vaughn McClure, from the Chicago Tribune, reports Matt Forte is sure to get his share of touches in the regular season even if he doesn't get all the reps during camp. But don't expect Forte to have as many receptions as he did last year. The Bears would prefer him to get his touches on hand-offs rather than catches out of the backfield.

[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]

Fantasy owners who are super-high on Forte need to take note here. Improved QB play may help the offense as a whole, but it could have an impact on the number of receptions that Forte gets. Jay Cutler will challenge a defense deep instead of checking down after a couple of reads like Kyle Orton did last year. The Bears are also going to mix in Kevin Jones if he can stay healthy in order to keep Forte fresh for what they hope is a playoff run.

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CIN - QB Carson Palmer misses practice Sunday

Source: James Walker - ESPN.com

James Walker, of ESPN.com, reports Cincinnati Bengals QB Carson Palmer (illness) missed the team's practice Sunday, Aug. 2, because of an illness.

[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]

This is the 2nd straight practice that Palmer has missed, and some of his fantasy owners may be getting nervous. Palmer is expected to bounce back from an elbow problem that plagued him all of last season, but it would be nice to see him in practice. This illness isn't anything major, so Palmer should still be a nice value with high upside in most fantasy leagues.

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CLE - No timetable to name starting QB

Source: Associated Press

The Associated Press reports Cleveland Browns head coach Eric Mangini said he will not rotate quarterbacks and that he has not timetable on picking a starter at the position.

[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]

Mangini envisions both QB Derek Anderson and QB Brady Quinn on the team's roster once the regular season starts. Mangini is not planning to switch starters on a weekly basis. He added that once he decides on a starter, he intends to stick with that player.

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DAL - Planning to use RB Felix Jones in passing game more

Source: Tim MacMahon - The Dallas Morning News

Tim MacMahon, of The Dallas Morning News, reports the Dallas Cowboys are planning to utilize RB Felix Jones in the passing game more in 2009.

[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]

Jones is expected to line up in the slot or split wide more often, particularly in packages that put him on the field with RB Marion Barber III. The Cowboys backfield is loaded, and it's in the best interest of the team to use all three running backs - Jones, Barber, and Tashard Choice.

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DET - QB Matthew Stafford, QB Daunte Culpepper looking sharp

Source: Nicholas J. Cotsonika - the Detroit Free Press

Nicholas J. Cotsonika, of the Detroit Free Press, reports Detroit Lions QB Matthew Stafford and QB Daunte Culpepper appeared sharp during practice Sunday, Aug. 2. WR Calvin Johnson said they are both at the same level.

[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]

This competition may be neck and neck at the end of the preseason if both players keep performing like this. Stafford has looked great up to this point but will have to prove what he's learned in the preseason. Culpepper may begin the season as the starter, but the team could replace him with Stafford before the end of the year.

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TB - WR Dexter Jackson shedding cornerbacks, reputation as a bust

Source: Scott Reynolds - PewterReport.com

Scott Reynolds, from PewterReport.com, notes WR Dexter Jackson gets the nod for being the biggest surprise on Saturday as last year's second-round pick is trying to do his best to shrug off the bust label he wore through a disastrous rookie season in 2008. Jackson certainly shrugged off those pesky cornerbacks on Saturday, blowing past cornerbacks Aqib Talib and Elbert Mack on slant passes in 1-on-1's and diving past cornerback Kyle Arrington and safety C.J. Byrd for a touchdown in the morning practice, or diving for a 20-yard sideline grab or racing 40 down the sidelines for a bomb in the night practice at Raymond James Stadium.

[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]

Jackson accelerates quickly and uses that to gain separation from cornerbacks. His hands are inconsistent, and he was very raw as a route runner coming out of Appalachian State. He's currently sixth on the depth chart, but has the potential to be a good slot receiver in the NFL. Jackson is going to have to keep showing improvement in his game in order to get on the field in the regular season.

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PHI - Could trade one of their WRs?

Source: Adam Schefter - ESPN

Adam Schefter, from ESPN, reports on his twitter feed - Eagles so loaded at WR, don't be surprised to see them trade one later this summer.

[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]

The injury bug needs to stay away from the receiving corps, but Schefter points out that not only does the team have depth - but talent behind their starters. Jeremy Maclin also needs to sign with the team before they would even consider trading one of their wideouts. Reggie Brown, Jason Avant, and Hank Baskett could all be candidates to be traded.

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CHI - Bears try Wildcat formation Sunday

Source: Brad Biggs - the Chicago Sun-Times

Brad Biggs, of the Chicago Sun-Times, reports the Chicago Bears tried using the Wildcat formation for one play during practice Sunday, Aug. 2. WR Devin Hester lined up at quarterback with QB Jay Cutler lined up at wide receiver.

[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]

The Wildcat offense is all the rage in the NFL, so it's not surprising the Bears would practice a new wrinkle in their offense. Cutler is more athletic than some defenders realize so it's possible he may actually get a target or two this year because he could make something happen after the catch in the open field.

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OAK - WR Javon Walker impressing during Sunday workouts

Source: Jerry McDonald - ANG Newspapers

Jerry McDonald, of ANG Newspapers, reports Oakland Raiders WR Javon Walker (knee) is running routes and catching passes from a team trainer Sunday, Aug. 2.

[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]

McDonald noted Walker was looking pretty darn good, too, catching a one-handed pass during the workouts. The Raiders would love to actually get something out of Javon Walker because he's been a bust since signing with the team last offseason. This is good news for Walker, but we are skeptical about whether he can stay healthy for a full 16 games.

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MIA - WR Greg Camarillo feeling no ill effects from surgery

Source: Ethan J. Skolnick - the South Florida SunSentinel

Ethan J. Skolnick, of the South Florida SunSentinel, reports Miami Dolphins WR Greg Camarillo (knee) was able to practice Sunday, Aug. 2, without a brace on his knee. He is eight months removed from an ACL tear and said that he felt no ill effects.

[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]

Camarillo looks like a nice sleeper in PPR leagues and his current ADP (WR 68) means you can get him at a value. Dolphins beat writer Omar Kelly told us that Camarillo and cerebral QB Chad Pennington are on the same page, so don't be surprised if Camarillo catches 70+ passes if he stays healthy.

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DEN - WR Brandon Marshall not taking part in afternoon workout

Source: Frank Schwab - The Colorado Springs Gazette

Frank Schwab, of The Colorado Springs Gazette, reports Denver Broncos WR Brandon Marshall (hamstring) is not taking part in afternoon workouts Sunday, Aug. 2.

[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]

"I don't know anything about it yet, we'll see," McDaniels said. "You know I wouldn't tell you even if I did." The Broncos media is loving the Bellichick treatment in regards to injury news. Denver reporters will have to get used to vague comments and lack of specifics now that Josh McDaniels is the head coach.

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KC - WR Devard Darling with No. 1 offense

Source: CBSSports.com

CBSSports.com reports Kansas City Chiefs WR Devard Darling is running with the No. 1 offense during practice Sunday, Aug. 2.

[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]

Dwayne Bowe is locked in as a starter and veteran Bobby Engram is best used from the slot, so the #2 in KC may come down to Mark Bradley or Devard Darling. Darling had a couple of good plays last season and if Bradley struggles with injury he may get the starting nod by default.

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BAL - RB LeRon McClain slimming down

Source: Aaron Wilson - the Carroll County-Times

Aaron Wilson, from the Carroll County-Times, reports Baltimore Ravens Pro Bowl fullback LeRon McClain uses visions of grinding out pivotal fourth-quarter drives and touchdowns are a primary motivating factor as he tries to exercise and diet his way down to his ideal playing weight.

[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]

McClain reported at 270 pounds with a target goal of getting down in the 260 or 255 pound range. "I'm in pretty good shape right now," McClain said. "I've got about 10 more pounds to lose. I want to be in that 12-play drive kind of shape." It's going to be a three-headed RBBC once again in Baltimore, and McClain could once again prove to be the Ravens TD vulture.

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CHI - WR Brandon Rideau finally getting his chance

Source: Brad Biggs - the Chicago Sun-Times

Brad Biggs, from the Chicago Sun-Times, reports Brandon Rideau is third on the depth chart right now behind Devin Hester and Earl Bennett. If he can hold his ground with veteran Rashied Davis and three draft picks behind him, his opportunity finally will arrive. "If he can continue to make strides, yeah, I am excited about him," Turner said. "He is a big target. I know [quarterback] Jay [Cutler] feels excited about him. He catches the ball. We'll have to see how he progresses, but if he can keep making the strides he has made, he can be a factor. I like him."

[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]

A star last August, Rideau led the NFL with three touchdown receptions in the 2008 preseason. He's a bigger target (6'3" 198 pounds) and uses his speed to get on top of a defense in a hurry. Rideau also has long arms that he uses to keep cornerbacks off when they're trying to jam him, and they also help him grab passes that may seem out of reach.

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PHI - RB Leonard Weaver could be short yardage back

Source: Chris McPherson - PhiladelphiaEagles.com

Chris McPherson, from PhiladelphiaEagles.com, reports Ross Tucker (former Eagles offensive lineman) of SI.com was raving about FB Leonard Weaver. "He is so much faster than I thought," said Tucker. "He is going to turn out to be a great signing by the Eagles." Weaver has looked superb. He is a very good blocker, a receiver who actually ran a "go" route and caught a pass behind the defense in passing drills, and a runner who has some wheels and power. Need somebody to carry the ball on short yardage? Consider Weaver, please. He looks great.

[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]

We thought Weaver should have gotten more carries when he was with the Seahawks, so we'd be thrilled in the Eagles finally used him the right way. Weaver is a good receiver, and runs with strength and power between the tackles. He's the perfect goalline back, and a change of pace from the backs (Westbrook, McCoy) he's blocking for.

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PHI - WR LeRon McCoy is a big play machine

Source: Chris McPherson - PhiladelphiaEagles.com

Chris McPherson, from PhiladelphiaEagles.com, notes running back LeSean McCoy is making more big plays early in these full-team practices than he has ever seen from a rookie. Everything about him has been impressive. He runs low, accelerates well and makes great cuts when he has the football in his hands. As a receiver, McCoy has been nearly flawless. McCoy hasn't been perfect as far as where he has lined up and the many mental challenges that he faces, but at no time have the coaches stopped a play because he lined up wrong, or ran a wrong route, or headed in the wrong direction out of the huddle.

[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]

With Westbrook out rookie LeSean McCoy has been making the most of his opportunity. He is must-handcuff for all Westbrook owners and the Eagles would be wise to keep Westy fresh by using McCoy more than people are expecting.

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ARI - Whisenhunt to call plays in 2009

Source: Kent Somers - The Arizona Republic

Kent Somers, of The Arizona Republic, reports Arizona Cardinals head coach Ken Whisenhunt said he will call plays in 2009.

[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]

The former Steelers offensive coordinator has plenty of experience here. He did call plays two years ago in his first season as the Cardinals head coach. Late that season, he handed over the duties to offensive coordinator Todd Haley, who became the Chiefs head coach earlier this year. "I'll be a lot better than Todd," Whisenhunt said, joking.

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HOU - Jacoby WR Jacoby Jones growing up

Source: Jordan Godwin and John McClain - the Houston Chronicle

Jordan Godwin and John McClain, of the Houston Chronicle, reports that WR Jacoby Jones had an "exceptional" morning practice on Saturday, August 1, catching long and short passes, and showing "a toughness at taking away the ball from defensive backs." "When you're watching Jacoby, growing up is the key," coach Gary Kubiak said. "He's got to grow up as a player, but he's got to grow up in his accountability to the team and everybody else off the field and in the classroom. And he's doing it. It's a long process, though. I told him it's not about doing it in spurts; it's about doing it on a daily basis. So let's just keep our fingers crossed and hope he keeps heading in that direction."

[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]

Make no mistake, Jones is an NFL starting quality physical talent. He had a growth spurt at Division II Lane College that gave him great size and strength to go with a smaller WR's quickness and guile. He has had fumble problems on the field, and other issues off the field, but if it all clicks for Jones, he could be a good one.

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STL - RB Steven Jackson hits the weights hard during offseason

Source: Steve Korte - the Belleville News-Democrat

Steve Korte, of the Belleville News-Democrat, reports that RB Steven Jackson took weight training more seriously this offseason. "The only thing I really did differently than I have in the past is I really approached weight training a lot more aggressive than I have in the past," Jackson said. "The past three or four years I really focused on trying to just work conditioning and make sure my lungs are strong, but this year I really focused on weight lifting and making sure I am strong.' Asked whether he feels leaner, Jackson said, "My body fat is still five percent. But, I do feel leaner."

[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]

That should help keep you from letting any injuries concerns about Jackson keep you from taking him in the to 5-7 picks. He is one of the best two or three backs in the game, injuries and poor offense in St. Louis the last two years have kept his year-end stats from showing that.

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That'll do it for today, Folks.

And remember, if you want to keep up with Footballguys on our Facebook page, just click here.

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Have a great Monday and we'll see you tomorrow with the update.

J