Footballguys Daily Email - Volume 10, Issue 108 (Wednesday, August 5th)
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Hi Folks,
Good Thursday to you. Hope you're having a good week. Hard not to as we're finally in the midst of real Training Camps. And real live (OK, preseason) NFL Football is on tap for this weekend. It's a great time of the year.
Big news as our Training Camp Reports are rolling out. Even bigger news as our $35,000 Subscriber Contest is unveiled as well. Tons to see so let's get to it.
J
SITE NEWS
A.
$35,000 Subscriber Contest Ready To Roll
Here's the announcement I told you about - our $35,000 Subscriber contest is back. That's right, we're ponying up $35,000 in cold hard cash to give away just to our Footballguys subscribers. This isn't a deal where there are a zillion people competing for a crappy TV. We're stupid enough to put up $35,000 in cash and distribute every penny of it to just the folks that subscribe to the Footballguys Premium subscription. If we didn't have anything but this contest, the subscription would be worth the money. Throw all the information we provide in with the contest and it's a no brainer. Knock yourself out and I hope you win the big money.
B.
Training Camp Report - Bob Henry and Jason Wood
They're back. Every August, we feature weekly Training Camp Reports that cover everything you could possibly want to know about every team. They're one of my favorite features and most people are blown away by how comprehensive they are. We're making the first edition free here so enjoy.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1. ATL - WR Harry Douglas suffers torn ACL, out for the year2. CIN - TE Ben Utecht carted off Wednesday
3. PHI - RB Brian Westbrook cutting at full speed for Reid, return imminent?
4. WAS - QB Jason Campbell takes charge
5. OAK - RB Darren McFadden getting work in WR drills
6. STL - QB Marc Bulger still learning the new offense
7. ARI - RB Chris Wells expected to return by next week
8. MIN - QB Tarvaris Jackson back on practice field
9. PIT - WR Santonio Holmes is putting team first
10. TB - RB Earnest Graham thinks highly of new offense
11. CAR - Steve WR Steve Smith is still amazing
12. PHI - WR Dexter Jackson catching everything
13. TEN - RB Jameel Cook could have an early impact
14. KC - QB Matt Gutierrez claimed off waivers
15. MIN - WR Percy Harvin's skill set calls for creative playcalling
16. BUF - Starters playing time in HOF game undetermined
17. ATL - Watch out for their 'Bulldog' offense
18. NO - RB Reggie Bush practices Wednesday night
19. CIN - TE Reggie Kelly placed on IR
20. NYJ - QB Mark Sanchez slightly sharper than QB Kellen Clemens
21. KC - RB Larry Johnson content headed into the season
22. SD - WR Chris Chambers is meeting challenge
23. NE - QB Kevin O'Connell and QB Andrew Walter battle to be the backup
24. NFL - Former WR Charles Rogers said he smoked marijuana daily
25. CLE - RB James Davis the most impressive rookie so far
26. TEN - TE Jared Cook impressing and lining up at receiver
27. BAL - WR Kelley Washington, Demetrius Williams lining up with the first team
28. ARI - QB Matt Leinart sinking?
29. IND - RB Joseph Addai limited in practice, helping out RB Donald Brown
30. WAS - OC Sherman Smith’s father dies
ATL - WR Harry Douglas suffers torn ACL, out for the year
Source: Adam Schefter, ESPN
Adam Schefter, on his Twitter feed, reports that players tell him Atlanta WR Harry Douglas has a torn ACL and is out for the year.
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It certainly had the feel of a serious injury as reported. The Falcons can look to free agent players like Matt Jones or Ike Hilliard, or they could pull a trade with a WR-rich team like Philadelphia or San Francisco.
CIN - TE Ben Utecht carted off Wednesday
Source: Joe Reedy - the Cincinnati Enquirer
Joe Reedy, of the Cincinnati Enquirer, reports Cincinnati Bengals TE Ben Utecht (neck) was carted off the field during practice Wednesday, Aug. 5. Utecht's neck has been immobilized.
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According to Reedy, Utecht had motion and sensation in all of his extremities. With the loss of Reggie Kelly, the Bengals need Utecht to stay healthy.
PHI - RB Brian Westbrook cutting at full speed for Reid, return imminent?
Source: Brian Seltzer - 950 ESPN Philadelphia
Brian Seltzer, of 950 ESPN Philadelphia, reports on his Twitter feed that Eagles RB Brian Westbrook did about 10 minutes of cutting at full speed for head coach Andy Reid, likely to see if he's ready to return to the field.
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Great sign for Westbrook. We're almost ready to move him back into the first round in PPR leagues, and maybe even non-PPR leagues. Just watch out for LeSean McCoy, who is getting tons of kudos, especially for his blocking, which is instrumental for a rookie RB trying to get on the field.
WAS - QB Jason Campbell takes charge
Source: ProFootballTalk.com
ProFootballTalk.com is reporting Redskins QB Jason Campbell is taking charge like never before in practice, yelling at teammates and grabbing them in the huddle, when the need arises. And his attitude came through when Campbell spoke to the media on Wednesday. "We all have to be focused," he said. "Being a leader of a football team, practice goes the way you come out here and participate. You play upbeat. I'm coming out here, we're having fun and guys are paying attention to detail. Of course we make mistakes out here at the same time, but there are things you do to correct it. It's all about how you bounce back and continue to move forward."
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Jason Campbell was involved in nearly every trade scenario that involved a quarterback this offseason yet the 'Skins never found a willing trade partner. Instead of crying about it in the media and avoiding calls and text messages from his coach/owner, Campbell has stood strong and taken the high road. He's very aware that this could be his final season in Washington, but he's set to go out swinging. Campbell has had flashes here and there, but his overall game has lacked consistency. We'll see if a fired up Campbell can be a consistent Campbell.
OAK - RB Darren McFadden getting work in WR drills
Source: David White - the San Francisco Chronicle
David White, from the San Francisco Chronicle, reports on his twitter feed - McFadden doing some WR drills to the side, one more sign he'll get lots of snaps at wideout this season.
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We've been alerting fantasy owners to this during the offseason. Darren McFadden is most likely going to lead this team in carries (if he can stay healthy) and he could grab upwards of 40 passes in 2009. In a year when you can take star WRs early and wait on RBs, McFadden would make for a nice third or fourth round pick - and he could be a stud in PPR leagues.
STL - QB Marc Bulger still learning the new offense
Source: Associated Press
The Associated Press is reporting the switch to the West Coast offense is taking some time to sink in for Marc Bulger. New St. Louis Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo hired Pat Shurmur as offensive coordinator, and Shurmur is going with the West Coast offense. Bulger has had to adjust to numerous coaches and offensive coordinators over his nine years with the Rams. He admits this latest change is taking some getting used to. "I'm still not there yet," Bulger said after practice Tuesday. "I still hear my old coach's voice, coach Martz, you know, with certain plays that are named differently but I just go back to that. I'm getting to the point now where I can get a mental picture in my mind when I hear West Coast terms."
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The Rams want to feature a run-heavy offense in 2009 with RB Steven Jackson set to lead the way. Bulger's current ADP (QB29) reflects the change in offensive philosophy, but it only means Bulger comes at a value price for your backup fantasy quarterback. If he can stay healthy he has a good chance of outperforming his ADP, and even with Torry Holt gone Bulger still has good targets to throw to like Donnie Avery, Keenan Burton, and Randy McMichael. Steven Jackson is a dependable receiver out of the backfield as well.
ARI - RB Chris Wells expected to return by next week
Source: Randy Brinkley - The Arizona Republic
Randy Brinkley, of The Arizona Republic, reports Arizona Cardinals head coach Ken Whisenhunt said he expects RB Chris Wells (ankle) to return to practice by next week.
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Wells has been doing rehab work with trainers during practice sessions, and the Cardinals will bring him back slowly as not to aggravate the injury. Tim Hightower's hold on the starting job becomes stronger with each day Wells misses. However, if Wells can stay healthy he should seize the starting role before the midway point of the season.
MIN - QB Tarvaris Jackson back on practice field
Source: Judd Zulgad - the Minneapolis Star Tribune
Judd Zulgad, of the Minneapolis Star Tribune, reports Minnesota Vikings QB Tarvaris Jackson (knee) was on the practice field Wednesday, Aug. 5, and has participated in all of the drills.
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Great news for Jackson and for Vikings fans, because a robust competition will be good for whomever wins the QB job.
PIT - WR Santonio Holmes is putting team first
Source: John Harris - the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
John Harris, from the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, notes Santonio Holmes said it isn't about the number of catches for him as much as it is the quality of catches. "We're not concerned about being compared to other guys. All we want to do is win a Super Bowl,'' Holmes said. "If Ben (Roethlisberger) and I can work on the same page and win another Super Bowl, that's what we want to do. We're not going to worry about being compared to other quarterbacks and receivers, or is our package better than the other guys?''
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The emergence of Holmes moved the double-teams away from Ward which led to Hines catching a team high 81 passes in 2008. Fantasy owners need to take note because even though Holmes has matured and developed as a player, he is still a somewhat unpredictable WR2 in fantasy football leagues.
TB - RB Earnest Graham thinks highly of new offense
Source: Jim Flynn and Kristina Haumschild - PewterReport.com
Jim Flynn and Kristina Haumschild, of PewterReport.com, report Tampa Bay Buccaneers RB Earnest Graham said the offense new offensive coordinator Jeff Jagodzinski has brought to the team is one of the best he has played in as a member of the Buccaneers. 'This offense has got to be the most talented offense since I got here. Our quarterbacks are making plays, our receivers are making plays, and our offensive line is awesome. The scheme we have here suits us well. Right now, I think we have a great chance, but right now we just have to go out there and put our time in,' Graham said.
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He seems to be 100% after battling an ankle ligament injury last season. Fantasy owners need to remember that the Bucs RB coach said earlier this offseason that Ward would make for a nice change of pace back behind Earnest Graham. Ward should lead all running backs in receptions, but Graham may lead the team in carries, including those near the goalline. Graham has had to work hard his entire time in the league and has overachieved at this level so don't count him out just because the team has a new (and oft-injured) running back.
CAR - Steve WR Steve Smith is still amazing
Source: Darin Gantt - the Rock Hill Herald
Darin Gantt, from the Rock Hill Herald, notes that you'd think after watching him every day for going on nine years, you'd stop being amazed by Steve Smith. But Gantt is not. He routinely makes plays in practice that would lead SportsCenter if there were cameras rolling. Tuesday's latest jaw-dropper was a reverse run, during which he made at least five cuts or stop-and-go moves. The last one left Julius Peppers (as nimble as anyone else on the roster) standing flat, as Smith cut inside and dashed upfield. Smith has no fear on the field, and practices as hard as any player Gantt's ever seen.
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Steve Smith is one of the most dangerous playmakers in the entire league and it's good to hear that he hasn't lost any of his ferocity on the field. The Panthers are desperate for help at the WR position, but we've seen Smith succeed when he was triple covered! He should once again be the Panthers leading receiver and a fantasy force to be reckoned with.
PHI - WR Dexter Jackson catching everything
Source: Bob Glauber - Newsday
Bob Glauber, from Newsday, reports on his twitter feed - Best player in #Eagles camp: DeSean Jackson. Catching everything.
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Jackson got off to a fast start during his rookie season and quickly earned the trust of his quarterback Donovan McNabb. The Eagles added several weapons to the passing game this offseason, but the most dangerous threat is DeSean Jackson. Fantasy owners should be excited about Jackson avoiding the sophomore slump and producing even better numbers that what he did in 2008.
TEN - RB Jameel Cook could have an early impact
Source: Paul Kuharsky - ESPN.com
Paul Kuharsky, from ESPN.com, reports if Titans rookie TE Jared Cook keeps doing what he's been doing, the Titans will have a hard time not using him in Pittsburgh on opening night. Right now, if you list the team's three most dynamic weapons on offense, I am certain Johnson is No. 1, feel confident putting Washington second and don't feel like I am stretching to place Cook third.
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Jared Cook may never be confused for a traditional tight end, but the demands of the position is changing and Cook is an extremely athletic weapon. While in college his coach Steve Spurrier compared his athletic ability to that of Calvin Johnson. Cook plays like a big receiver, and while he may struggle blocking, he creates mismatches every time he's on the field because he's too big for a safety to cover and too fast for a linebacker to cover.
KC - QB Matt Gutierrez claimed off waivers
Source: Adam Teicher - The Kansas City Star
Adam Teicher, of The Kansas City Star, reports the Kansas City Chiefs have claimed free-agent QB Matt Gutierrez (Patriots) off waivers from the New England Patriots.
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It just makes sense. The former Michigan and Idaho State quarterback was released by the Patriots yesterday when the team decided to sign former Raiders quarterback Andrew Walter. Gutierrez could have either landed in Denver or in Kansas City as both Josh McDaniels and Scott Pioli are familiar with his playing style. He's not a bad quarterback, and could battle with Tyler Thigpen for the second-string job behind Matt Cassel.
MIN - WR Percy Harvin's skill set calls for creative playcalling
Source: Jim Souhan - the Minneapolis Star-Tribune
Jim Souhan, from the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, reports for Vikings head coach Brad Childress, Percy Harvin is a gift, and a challenge. "Whether you're handing it to him, or throwing it to him, or he's in the return game, you're going to find a way," Childress said.
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We had our doubts about Childress being able to use Harvin the right way when he was initially drafted back in April. Those doubts have mostly been erased with the reports coming out of minicamps and training camp. Childress knows that Harvin is one of those special players that has a chance to score nearly every time he touches the football. It will be exciting every time Harvin touches the ball in 2009.
BUF - Starters playing time in HOF game undetermined
Source: Chris Brown - BuffaloBills.com
Chris Brown, of BuffaloBills.com, reports Buffalo Bills head coach Dick Jauron confirmed the backups will see the majority of playing time in the team’s preseason opener Sunday, Aug. 9. Jauron said it is uncertain how much time the starters will play in the game.
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Thank goodness football starts Sunday!
ATL - Watch out for their 'Bulldog' offense
Source: D. Orlando Ledbetter - the Atlanta Journal-Constitution
D. Orlando Ledbetter, from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, reports when the Falcons worked on their goal-line offense Wednesday, the trotted out their "Bulldog' set. D.J. Shockley was at quarterback with Verron Haynes at fullback and Thomas Brown at running back, all former Georgia Bulldogs players.
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Gotta love this. Especially in Atlanta. Every team in the NFL will have their own version of the "Wildcat" offense. Fantasy owners need to remember the name Thomas Brown. He spent his whole rookie season on Injured Reserve, but the former Georgia tailback is an efficient and effective runner. He's currently third on the depth chart behind Michael Turner and Jerious Norwood and will most likely only contribute on special teams unless injuries strike in front of him.
NO - RB Reggie Bush practices Wednesday night
Source: Pat Yasinskas - ESPN.com
Pat Yasinskas, of ESPN.com, reports New Orleans Saints RB Reggie Bush (knee) participated fully in the team's afternoon practice Wednesday, Aug. 5. Bush said, "The knee is fine. It's great. You saw me running." Bush's absence from the morning practice was planned.
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The Saints are going to limit Bush throughout training camp, so be prepared for more "Bush misses practice" reports. In the meantime running backs like Lynell Hamilton get a bigger opportunity to show off their skills.
CIN - TE Reggie Kelly placed on IR
Source: Joe Reedy - the Cincinnati Enquirer
Joe Reedy, from the Cincinnati Enquirer, reports TE Reggie Kelly has been placed on injured reserve, thus ending his 2009 season. "He's been very durable and played through some injuries," said coach Marvin Lewis of Kelly. "That's the challenge of coaching, to look and see what our best opportunities are to replace Reggie's snaps and his influence."
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Kelly is an 11-year veteran and underwent surgery in Cincinnati to repair a ruptured left Achilles tendon, which he suffered during a morning practice on Monday. The Bengals TE position has been snake bit recently with injuries to Kelly, Utecht, and Daniel Coats. Rookie TE Chase Coffman has also been slowed by an injury as well.
NYJ - QB Mark Sanchez slightly sharper than QB Kellen Clemens
Source: Rich Cimini - the New York Daily News
Rich Cimini, from the New York Daily News, reports rookie Mark Sanchez was slightly sharper than veteran Kellen Clemens. He was 6-for-12, with no turnovers, and he handled the blitz particularly well. His best throw was a laser to Wallce Wright, fitting it between two defenders. When Wright came out of the crowd with the ball, it surprised some observers on the sideline because many assumed it was incomplete. In the two-minute drill, Sanchez led the second-team offense to the opponents' 23, but it fizzled there with three incompletions and a false-start penalty. Afterward, this is how Ryan assessed the QB competition: "Clemens has a better grasp of the system than Sanchez does. They've both had their moments, and they've both had their moments when you're like, 'What are they doing?'"
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This competition should go back and forth all through training camp. Sanchez got more 1st team reps in 9-on-7 drills, but Clemens got almost all the 1st team reps when the team went 11-on-11.
KC - RB Larry Johnson content headed into the season
Source: John Marshall - the Associated Press
John Marshall, from the Associated Press, reports Kansas City has been through various incarnations of Larry Johnson. There was workhorse Larry, injured Larry, trouble-with-the-law Larry. They've seen recommitted Larry, malcontent Larry, then apologetic Larry after trouble-with-the-law Larry reappeared. Now the Chiefs are experiencing a new version: content Larry.
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Johnson has been quiet this offseason and has basically kissed the backside of the new regime in order to preserve his job. Will Johnson be able to hold his tongue after games where he only gets a small handful of carries? The defense is a major rebuilding project and the Chiefs may find themselves in situations where they are forced into throwing more just to stay in the game. When the Chiefs go pass-happy it means backup Jamaal Charles will get the most touches. If Larry Johnson can stay in line and not be a malcontent in a season where he may not be the most productive running back we'll be surprised.
SD - WR Chris Chambers is meeting challenge
Source: Kevin Acee - the San Diego Union-Tribune
Kevin Acee, from the San Diego Union-Tribune, points out that not enough can be said about how important Chris Chambers was to the Chargers' succes in 2007. Then injuries stalled him last season. Up until Tuesday, Chambers had been having such a quiet camp that it was noticeable. But some big plays Tuesday and this morning showed he's still a great ball-catcher.
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What do we know about Chris Chambers? He's a fantastic player when healthy, but he's also very inconsistent. It sounds like other than Tuesday his play has been average. He's not the player he used to be, but if he can avoid the injury bug he should be an important target in this offense.
NE - QB Kevin O'Connell and QB Andrew Walter battle to be the backup
Source: Christopher L. Gasper - the Boston Globe
Christopher L. Gasper, from the Boston Globe, notes that you know training camp is off to an uneventful start when after six days the biggest controversy revolves around backup quarterbacks. Tom Brady is healthy and entrenched as the starter, but there is some intrigue regarding who will be Brady's backup, as the Patriots brought in veteran Andrew Walter to compete with second-year signal caller Kevin O'Connell.
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Walter played with Randy Moss back in Oakland and threw a nice pass to his back shoulder for a touchdown his first day in practice. O'Connell was the backup last season when Matt Cassel stepped in as the starter after Tom Brady went down for the season. Walter is more of a pocket passer than O'Connell who has the athleticism to throw on the run and make plays with his feet. Undrafted free agent Brian Hoyer may be destined for the practice squad now that Walter is on the roster.
NFL - Former WR Charles Rogers said he smoked marijuana daily
Source: James Jahnke - the Detroit Free Press
James Jahnke, of the Detroit Free Press, reports former NFL WR Charles Rogers admitted during an interview on ESPN's 'Outside the Lines' that he used to smoke marijuana 'every day.'
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Filed under: "Ruining a bright NFL career, How to"
CLE - RB James Davis the most impressive rookie so far
Source: George M. Thomas - The Akron Beacon Journal
George M. Thomas, of The Akron Beacon Journal, reports Cleveland Browns rookie RB James Davis has impressed the coaching staff with his play on special teams. He has also shown ability on offense, as people have noticed his balance of power and speed. He has also caught the attention of the coaching staff with his pass blocking. Zac Jackson, of ClevelandBrowns.com, reports Davis has looked smooth, quick and polished any time his number has been called so far in training camp. Thus far, he has been the standout rookie during training camp.
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The volume of positive reports on Davis is overwhelming. He could be breathing down Jamal Lewis neck by mid-season at this rate.
TEN - TE Jared Cook impressing and lining up at receiver
Source: Gary Estwick - The Tennessean
Gary Estwick, of The Tennessean, reports Tennessee Titans rookie TE Jared Cook is a lean, athletic, tall tight end and is grabbing balls out of the air during training camp. His play has been turning heads, and is giving the Titans a lot to consider in the passing game this year. He has been lining up at wide receiver a lot with the Titans, but the coaches want him to continue picking up the offense and improving his blocking.
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Cook is the most physically talented pass catcher on the Titans roster, and he could force himself into a role in his rookie season with a good camp.
BAL - WR Kelley Washington, Demetrius Williams lining up with the first team
Source: Edward Lee - the Baltimore Sun
Edward Lee, from the Baltimore Sun, notes when the offense opened the morning's full-team drills with three wide receivers, Derrick Mason, Demetrius Williams and Kelley Washington were on the field. Washington replaced Justin Harper, who stood opposite Mason to begin Monday's practice.
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Mark Clayton could miss a few more weeks due to his hamstring injury and the Ravens are just trying to find the right combination of wide receivers. Harper, Williams, Washington, and Marcus Smith are all in the mix in the receiving corps after Derrick Mason.
ARI - QB Matt Leinart sinking?
Source: Jason Cole - Yahoo! Sports
Jason Cole, from Yahoo! Sports, notes a year ago Matt Leinart, the 2006 first-round pick and Heisman Trophy winner was the No. 1 quarterback for the Arizona Cardinals going into training camp before he was beaten out for the job by veteran Kurt Warner(notes). With Warner fresh off having led the Cardinals to their first Super Bowl, Leinart (at right) is not even competing for the No. 1 job anymore. But he is still competing. Arizona brought back veteran backup Brian St. Pierre(notes) and promised him a chance to compete with Leinart for the No. 2 job.
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Some people think that Whisenhunt's promise to St. Pierre was nothing more than empty words, but according to Cole there are sources that say the threat to Leinart's #2 job is real. Matt Leinart has been doing some MMA work in order to be a tougher quarterback, but that won't help him make better decisions when throwing the football.
IND - RB Joseph Addai limited in practice, helping out RB Donald Brown
Source: IndyFootballReport.com
IndyFootballReport.com notes RB Joseph Addai, who underwent arthroscopic knee surgery in the offseason, is currently working on a one-practice-a-day basis. Addai has spent some time in training camp answering questions and offering advice. The player receiving the tutoring? RB Donald Brown. When asked about the concept of assisting a player with which he also is competing, Addai this week said that's the wrong way to view the situation. Yes, Addai said, there is competition. And yes, he wants to be the starting running back. But they're also teammates and Addai said, "Regardless of what you do, it's a competition. If you're asking me, 'What kind of relationship?' Everybody wants to play, no matter what, but the biggest thing is helping each other out. The ultimate goal is to win games."
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It's good to hear that Addai is helping out Donald Brown and there is a chance that Brown will be the starting RB at some point during his rookie season. Addai is known to get dinged up quite a bit, and Brown proved last year at UCONN that he could be a bellcow running back. The Colts have Addai insurance in Donald Brown, and it may not be long before the learner becomes the master.
WAS - OC Sherman Smith’s father dies
Source: Ryan O’Halloran - The Washington Times
Ryan O’Halloran, of The Washington Times, reports Washington Redskins offensive coordinator Sherman Smith’s father died this week after a lengthy illness. Smith missed practice Wednesday, Aug. 5, and is expected to return Aug. 6.
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Footballguys.com sends our condolences to Smith and his family.
That'll do it for today, Folks. Have a great day and we'll see you tomorrow with the update.
J
