Footballguys Daily Email - Volume 10, Issue 107 (Tuesday, August 4th)
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Hi Folks,
Good Wednesday to you. It's early August and the floodgates for camp news are open. We'll keep filtering the noise for you and bring you the stories you need to know. Plus lots of new Footballguys content today. And a big announcement tomorrow. So let's get to it.
J
SITE NEWS
A.
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I hope you're enjoying these email updates. But this information is just a tiny bit of what we offer. If you haven't already subscribed to our Premium Subscription service, I hope you'll take a look. The signup page is in the headline link. From now up to the Super Bowl, we give our Premium Subscribers everything we possibly can so they can dominate their league. And we put our money where our mouth is offering a money back guarantee. Please give it a look and give us a shot. Thanks.
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2009 Coaching and Philosophy Changes by Jason Wood
Our Jason Wood with some crucial information when it comes to predicting how this season will unfold: Coaching and Philosophy changes for every pertinent team.
Here's the first one on the list for the Cardinals:
Arizona Cardinals
Head Coach: Ken Whisenhunt
Offensive Coordinator: Russ Grimm & Mike Miller (replaces Todd Haley)
Defensive Coordinator: Bill Davis (replaces Clancy Pendergast)
What to expect on offense: The Cardinals offense won't look much different this year under the watchful eyes of Russ Grimm and Mike Miller. Whisenhunt will call the plays on game day, and work closely with Grimm and Miller to game plan. Grimm, who has worked alongside Whisenhunt for a long time in Pittsburgh and Arizona, will serve as the run game coordinator. Miller, the WR coach last season, will be the passing game coordinator. Expect a renewed emphasis on the ground game. The team drafted Chris "Beanie" Wells in order to inject life and balance into the play-calling.
What to expect on defense: Hopefully, improvement. The Cardinals made the Super Bowl last year despite allowing almost 27 points per game defensively. Clancy Pendergast was let go in favor of Bill Davis, the Cardinals linebackers coach. Although it's hard to argue change was warranted, it's unclear whether Davis will have more success. Davis struggled as the 49ers defensive coordinator before joining the Cardinals staff, and the Cardinals haven't done much to improve the defensive roster.
C.
From the Gut by Sigmund Bloom
Our Sigmund Bloom with a monster article as he details some of his "gut" feel thoughts on a ton of players.
Here's the excerpt from Tom Brady:
Tom Brady, New England - We lost the opportunity to determine whether the "real Tom Brady" would have numbers closer to his record-breaking 2007 or his historical numbers when his season was ended in Week 1. Judging by Matt Cassel's 2008, people who take a chance on Brady before we see how his knee looks in regular season action will be rewarded. He's still the most likely QB to lead the position in fantasy scoring in 2009, and do it by a large margin. Brady is easily worth a second-round pick in 6-point-per-passing-TD leagues.
D.
Individual Defensive Player Tiers - Defensive Backs by Sigmund Bloom and Jene Bramel
Our Sigmund Bloom and Jene Bramel with the final segment of our three part series taking a critical look inside our IDP rankings.
E.
WR Quality Starts by Jeff Pasquino
Our Jeff Pasquino with an interesting way to look at good and great games by wide receivers.
F.
The Weekly Gut Check #162 - WR and TE Consistency by Matt Waldman
Our Matt Waldman with another installation of the Gut Check. This time he looks deeply into WR and TE Consistency.
G.
WR Quality Starts (PPR) by Jeff Pasquino
Our Jeff Pasquino takes his "Starts" concept further and looks at Quality Starts for WRs in PPR leagues.
H.
WR3BC by Jeff Pasquino
Our Jeff Pasquino looks at creating WR3 value by using a committee approach
I.
Upside Of Danger by Colin Dowling
Our Colin Dowling with a different way to look at risk and danger.
J.
Extreme Pressure On Rookie Head Coaches by Jeff Tefertiller
Our Jeff Tefertiller delves into the pressure some rookie head coaches are dealing with.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1. KC - WR Amani Toomer signs2. NYJ - No timetable for QB Mark Sanchez to work with starters
3. MIN - QB Tarvaris Jackson unsure of return
4. BAL - RB Ray Rice getting majority of first team carries
5. OAK - WR Javon Walker anxious to start practicing
6. GB - Thompson won't rule out QB Michael Vick
7. DAL - Not easy to keep up with RB Felix Jones
8. IND - WR Reggie Wayne wants the ball - feels like a decoy
9. OAK - WR Darrius Heyward-Bey keeps dropping passes
10. DET - Linehan impressed with QB Matthew Stafford's mental abilities
11. CAR - RB Jonathan Stewart may be limited to one practice per day
12. NO - RB Lynell Hamilton sees time with starters Tuesday
13. ARI - WR Anquan Boldin not disappointed he was not traded
14. PIT - WR Limas Sweed standing out in the crowd
15. SF - TE Vernon Davis catching everything thrown at him
16. DET - Kevin RB Kevin Smith lower body strength improved
17. PIT - RB Willie Parker not in future plans?
18. BAL - QB Joe Flacco in command
19. NO - RB Reggie Bush returns to practice
20. MIA - WR Ted Ginn building on impressive minicamp
21. OAK - RB Darren McFadden, RB Michael Bush, RB Justin Fargas receiving equal work
22. SD - Gartrell RB Gartrell Johnson one of the most impressive in camp
Source: John Clayton - ESPN.com
John Clayton, of ESPN.com, reports the Kansas City Chiefs have signed free-agent WR Amani Toomer (Giants) to a one-year deal, according to a source. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
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We like this move a lot for Matt Cassel. It gives him another dependable veteran who will be where they are supposed to be in the spread offense. Cassel knows how to quickly read the defense and find the open man, and Toomer will get open with veteran savvy even though his best days are behind him.
NYJ - No timetable for QB Mark Sanchez to work with starters
Source: Eric Allen - NewYorkJets.com
Eric Allen, of NewYorkJets.com, reports New York Jets offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer said QB Mark Sanchez will receive reps with the first-team offense but there is no timetable for when that will happen. 'I think that's something we definitely want to do. We're not going to put a timetable on it. We're just a couple of practices in. A big part of it - like any rookie or player - is that you have to earn those reps. So as Mark continues to get more comfortable and continues to grow, which he's doing, we'll make sure we give him some more work,' Schottenheimer said.
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Kellen Clemens is outplaying Sanchez, but the gap is closing. Expect Sanchez to get time with the first team soon. Clemens had a nice interview on Sirius NFL Radio today and he sounds like he's handling this just right. He said that the minute Brett Favre announced his retirement from the Jets, Clemens started thinking of himself as the starter. And he hasn't moved from that. He's not an idiot, he knows what drafting Sanchez means. But he can also look around and see the Kurt Warners and Kerry Collins of the league and how they're doing with a young hotshot QB on the roster. Sanchez will get his shot soon enough. But for now, Clemens seems very comfortable.
MIN - QB Tarvaris Jackson unsure of return
Source: Judd Zulgad - the Minneapolis Star Tribune
Judd Zulgad, of the Minneapolis Star Tribune, reports Minnesota Vikings QB Tarvaris Jackson (knee) said Tuesday, Aug. 4, he does not know exactly when he will be able to resume practicing with his teammates. '(There's) not a certain goal but just as soon as possible,' Jackson said of his return from a sprained knee. 'I feel a lot better the last couple of days. I was in there (rehabbing) with (athletic trainer Eric Sugarman) just trying to do whatever they tell me to do and try to get back out here.' Jackson did say he fully expects to be back playing at 100 percent by the time the Vikings open the preseason Aug. 14.
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If he can get back by the preseason opener, he should still have a shot to beat out Sage Rosenfels to start.
BAL - RB Ray Rice getting majority of first team carries
Source: Jamison Hensley - the Baltimore Sun
Jamison Hensley, of the Baltimore Sun, reports that Ravens RB Ray Rice is getting the majority of the first-team reps at RB, even though offensive coordinator Cam Cameron has stated that there will be a three-headed RBBC with Rice, Willis McGahee, and LeRon McClain again this year.
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Don't sleep on this one. We still love Rice as a sixth-eighth round pick. The news about the RBBC will keep his ADP from getting too high, allowing you to steal him as your third or fourth RB after you've filled out your starters at other positions.
OAK - WR Javon Walker anxious to start practicing
Source: Jerry McDonald - ANG Newspapers
Jerry McDonald, of ANG Newspapers, reports Oakland Raiders WR Javon Walker (knee) continues to look good working with the team's training staff and is hopeful to begin practicing soon. 'It's coming back quick, quick, quick so that's also working on the conditioning,' Walker said. 'I'm looking forward to getting back out there practicing so I can get a little more of a breather.'
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The Twittersphere lit up with positive reports on Walker when he returned to the field to rehab on Sunday, we're interested to see if he can carry that over to practices.
GB - Thompson won't rule out QB Michael Vick
Source: Greg Bedard - the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Greg Bedard, from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, reports General manager Ted Thompson spoke a few minutes ago and the headline will be that he refused to rule out the Packers signing quarterback Michael Vick. Yes, Thompson only gave his standard answer -- that the Packers never rule anything out and are always looking for ways to improve their football team -- but that answer probably isn't going to hack it anymore. Not about Vick. Not when you run the publicly-owned, small-market Green Bay Packers.
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Michael Vick is running out of options with the NFL as several teams have come forward to publicly declare they have no interest in the former Falcons quarterback. Wherever he goes, there will have to be a strong fan base that could stand up to the strong PR hit the team would take. The Packers have some of the best fans in the league and could use Vick to back up Aaron Rodgers in addition to running their version of the Wildcat offense.
DAL - Not easy to keep up with RB Felix Jones
Source: Chad Peters - the San Antonio Express News
Chad Peters, from the San Antonio Express News, reports Jones entered training camp with some concerns about how he might recover from season-ending toe surgery that cut short his rookie season after six games. So far at camp, Jones has put those concerns to rest. He has continually wowed the Alamodome crowd with his electrifying — and unhampered — quickness. Cowboys coach Wade Phillips even referred to Jones as a "Pro Bowl-caliber" player last week. It was a comment that left the soft-spoken Jones about as stunned as he's prone to make a defender look with a single cut of his feet. "Wow," the 6-foot, 212-pound Jones said. "Yeah, you know, that's — I mean, I don't know what to say. Yeah, I want to be a Pro Bowler. And I'm glad my coach has that belief in me. I love it."
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The Cowboys plan on using Jones in a similar fashion to the way the Eagles use Brian Westbrook - but with even more versatility. Jones proved last year that he could score on any play, from any distance and the Cowboys expect him to be their big play running back. He'll get carries and receptions out of the backfield. He has also been lining up in the slot during Cowboys camp, so he could run some routes as well. When the Cowboys decide to go with their "Wildhog" formation it will be Jones lining up at quarterback just like he did back at Arkansas when he was joined in the backfield with Darren McFadden and Peyton Hillis. Cowboys fans and fantasy owners will hold their breath every time Jones touches the ball in 2009.
IND - WR Reggie Wayne wants the ball - feels like a decoy
Source: Mike Chappell - The Indianapolis Star
Mike Chappell, of The Indianapolis Star, reports Indianapolis Colts WR Reggie Wayne said he felt like a decoy during workouts Monday, Aug. 3. QB Peyton Manning previously said with WR Marvin Harrison no longer on the right side of the field, he would be looking more to Wayne on the left side of the field. 'I didn't see it happen (Monday),' Wayne said. 'We've got a long way to go. I'll keep my fingers crossed.'
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Peyton Manning smiled when heard about the comments, saying all of the great wide receivers want the ball every play and said that's just Wayne being Wayne. 'I feel confident that come crunch time, Reggie will be getting plenty of catches,' Manning said. We totally agree with Manning on this one. Every great wide receiver wants every pass thrown their way, and we wouldn't want to hear Wayne say anything differently.
OAK - WR Darrius Heyward-Bey keeps dropping passes
Source: David White - the San Francisco Chronicle
David White, from the San Francisco Chronicle, reports on his twitter feed - DHB (Darrius Heyward-Bey) with 3rd drop in 1 on 1s, including two straight clanks. Squats with helmet off, coaches coming over. Seems to run routes well enough.
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At least his route running seems to have improved. Coming out of Maryland scouts knew that DHB would drop a few easy passes, and that he had to become more creative after the catch. The rookie hasn't gotten off to the best start in training camp, but the Raiders are hopeful he will get through this shaky start and develop into the perfect deep threat in Al Davis' dream offense.
DET - Linehan impressed with QB Matthew Stafford's mental abilities
Source: Tom Kowalski - MLive.com
Tom Kowalski, of MLive.com, reports Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Scott Linehan said he has been impressed with how QB Matthew Stafford has been able to understand things without having a lot of repetition. 'I don't feel like I'm coaching or talking to a rookie when we work with him. That's not just talking and saying 'That's how it is because he's a No. 1 pick.' He has a very natural feel for the game and understands concepts, he can translate things he's done before to what he's doing now without a lot of repetition. He can go right to it and make that decision. He's pretty impressive that way,' Linehan said.
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Stafford has been better than advertised, which is quite a compliment considering he was the #1 overall draft pick. Stafford will have to have a strong preseason in order to beat out Daunte Culpepper for the starting job at the beginning of the year. Even if Stafford doesn't begin the year as the starter he should be in the lineup after the Lions week 7 bye.
CAR - RB Jonathan Stewart may be limited to one practice per day
Source: Darin Gantt - the Rock Hill Herald
Darin Gantt, from the Rock Hill Herald, reports on his twitter feed that Panthers RB Jonathan Stewart said he thinks his nagging Achilles soreness will likely keep him to one practice a day through camp.
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Stewart is a fantastic back when healthy, but he certainly has durability issues dating back to his days at Oregon. His limitation in practice will just open the door even more for rookie RB Mike Goodson. The duo's running style is completely different, with Goodson being more of a Reggie Bush-type of player. However, with three-headed RBBC's becoming en vogue in the NFL, we could see the Panthers use DeAngelo Williams, Jonathan Stewart, and Mike Goodson effectively in different packages. This would keep the defense on their heels and also help keep every running back fresh for what the Panthers hope is a playoff run in 2009.
NO - RB Lynell Hamilton sees time with starters Tuesday
Source: Mike Triplett - the New Orleans Times-Picayune
Mike Triplett, of the New Orleans Times-Picayune, reports New Orleans Saints RB Lynell Hamilton saw some reps with the first-team offense during practice Tuesday, Aug. 4.
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Deuce McAllister is no longer with the team, and the Saints are looking for a strong backup running back behind Pierre Thomas and Reggie Bush. Hamilton had a great start to his college days at San Diego State, but never repeated the success from early in his career. He is instinctive, has good field vision and decisiveness as a runner. He is in a competition with Mike Bell, P.J. Hill, and Herb Donaldson for the third string job in New Orleans.
ARI - WR Anquan Boldin not disappointed he was not traded
Source: Mike Sando - ESPN.com
Mike Sando, of ESPN.com, reports Arizona Cardinals WR Anquan Boldin recently had an interview with Mike Jurecki, of XTRA 910 in Phoenix and talked about his name being tied to trade speculation all offseason.
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Boldin said he knew of 15 teams that were willing to make an offer for him, but the Cardinals never said what their 'right deal' was in order to pry him away. 'I never thought once that I'd be traded and I wasn't disappointed that it didn't happen,' Boldin said.
PIT - WR Limas Sweed standing out in the crowd
Source: Gerry Dulac - Pittsburgh Post-Gazett
Gerry Dulac, of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, notes that three days into training camp and not much has stood out more at Saint Vincent College than Limas Sweed, not even James Harrison's Smart car. He runs routes with authority, catches passes seemingly with ease and even has learned to find a seam or two in a zone defense. In other words, all the things he did not do last season as the team's No. 2 draft choice. "I said to him the other day, 'Who's that big, pretty guy out there running,' " offensive coordinator Bruce Arians said. "He said, 'Man, this is so much different than last year.' "
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With Nate Washington gone to the Titans, it's time for Limas Sweed to prove that he was worth a second-round pick. Last season was a big learning process for the rookie as his hands were inconsistent, and he was plagued by dropped passes in key moments. Sweed is the big receiver that Big Ben wanted, so at the very least he develop into a nice target in the red zone.
SF - TE Vernon Davis catching everything thrown at him
Source: Mike Sando - ESPN.com
Mike Sando, from ESPN.com, reports tight end Vernon Davis continues to catch everything thrown to him. Davis has to show consistency over time. That said, he has certainly caught the ball well this offseason.
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It's a little premature to call Davis a top 10 fantasy tight end, but this is the year you can wait to draft your tight end and still get great value with guys like John Carlson, Zach Miller (OAK), and Vernon Davis. At the very least Davis could be a player with upside to target if you plan on (and have the roster room for) a TEBC.
DET - Kevin RB Kevin Smith lower body strength improved
Source: Tom Kowalski - mlive.com
Tom Kowalski, of mlive.com, reports that Lions RB Kevin Smith's work running hills in the offseason has shown up in pass protection and when he's running the ball in form of increased lower body strength.
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Smith is looking like a better and better pick in the third round, even on a losing team like Detroit. He seems to be very dedicated and should be even better than he was in the second half of 2008, when he helped a lot of people make it to and through the fantasy playoffs.
PIT - RB Willie Parker not in future plans?
Source: Ed Bouchette - the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Ed Bouchette, of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, reports the Pittsburgh Steelers have sent out signals by their silence that perhaps there is no future for RB Willie Parker with the team. Parker is heading into the last year of his contract, and there are no discussions to extend the deal. 'That's neither here nor there,' Parker said of the lack of talks to extend his contract. 'I'm here trying to get right this season. I have to bounce back from last season and see where it goes from there.'
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Parker is loyal to the Steelers organization. He might even be willing to come back as a backup next year. Don't automatically assume that he'll be wearing colors other than black and gold next year.
BAL - QB Joe Flacco in command
Source: Ross Tucker - Sports Illustrated
Ross Tucker, of Sports Illustrated, reports that Ravens QB Joe Flacco is much improved from his rookie year training camp. Tucker writes that Flacco has command of the offense, and he's looking good against the Ravens defense, even without Derrick Mason, who is about to return to practices.
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Flacco is a solid fantasy backup QB, and he is going later than QBs with bigger names, but similar outlooks, such as Eli Manning and Ben Roethlisberger.
NO - RB Reggie Bush returns to practice
Source: Brian Allee-Walsh - the New Orleans Times-Picayune
Brian Allee-Walsh, of the New Orleans Times-Picayune, reports that Saints RB Reggie Bush returned to practice on Tuesday August 4 after missing practice on Monday due to swelling in his surgically repaired left knee. "He had some swelling, mild, not significant, but enough to where I didn't want to see that thing start to get irritated and prohibit him from being out for more than just a practice or two, " head coach Payton said. Bush said he wasn't worried, and he was taking as many as steps as he could to keep the knee healthy.
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It's great to see Bush back, but this has an ominous vibe. It is starting to feel like Bush will never have a complete season pass without knee problems.
MIA - WR Ted Ginn building on impressive minicamp
Source: Edgar Thompson - the Palm Beach Post
Edgar Thompson, of the Palm Beach Post, reports that Dolphins WR Ted Ginn is building on his impressive minicamp. Ginn has been catching long passes behind the safeties and separating from corners early in training camp. Head coach Tony Sparano is pleased, but said he wants to "see it happen in the game with Ted."
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Ginn is a fine flyer to take as your WR4, especially in non-PPR leagues, but don't expect him to become an everyweek starter because of the Dolphins spread it around philosophy on offense.
OAK - RB Darren McFadden, RB Michael Bush, RB Justin Fargas receiving equal work
Source: Jerry McDonald - ANG Newspapers
Jerry McDonald, of ANG Newspapers, reports Oakland Raiders RBs Darren McFadden, Michael Bush and Justin Fargas each received an equal amount of reps in practice Monday, Aug. 3.
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The important thing to take away here is that Michael Bush is not a forgotten third-string back. He's prominent in the team's plans.
SD - Gartrell RB Gartrell Johnson one of the most impressive in camp
Source: Kevin Acee - the San Diego Union-Tribune
Kevin Acee, from the San Diego Union-Tribune, reports one of the most impressive players the past two days, since the Chargers started practicing in pads, has been rookie running back Gartrell Johnson. He has certainly taken his licks, and he has been impressive doing so. Said Johnson: "I love it, baby. That's my M.O."
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Johnson is one of our favorite rookie running backs, but he may have to wait a year before he really gets a chance at production. He is a powerful running back that will make his living between the tackles. Johnson's first 10 yards are fast enough, but he doesn't have long speed. Catching out of the backfield is an underrated part of his game, and the Chargers could keep LaDainian Tomlinson fresh this year by spelling him with Gartrell Johnson. If Tomlinson leaves the Chargers after this season it will be Johnson who gets the first shot at taking over as the feature back.
That'll do it for today, Folks.
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Have a great Wednesday.
J
