Footballguys Daily Email - Volume 10, Issue 114 (Tuesday, August 11th)
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Introducing the 2009 Titlecraft starting lineup: Born from the idea that people play for more than just money, a Titlecraft® is a fully customizable reason to win. You choose everything, from the type of wood on the trim, to the commissioner's signature on the ball. It's everything you want in a fantasy football trophy. So go on and check out the site @: theultimatetrophy.com. |
Hi Folks,
Good Wednesday to you. It's full throttle around here as we're hustling to bring you every bit of relevant camp news as well as a ton of new content AGAIN. Dig in and let's get to it.
J
SITE NEWS
A.
Average Draft Position for PPR leagues
We've been featuring our Average Draft Position (ADP) for standard scoring systems. Now we've added the ADP for Points Per Reception (PPR) leagues so you can see where players are being drafted in leagues across the country.
B.
163 Cheatsheets
Don't have time to enter your scoring system and league info into the Draft Dominator or My FBG? No worries. Our Clayton Gray has taken our most recent stat projections for every player and run them through 163 different league scenarios and scoring systems. You're sure to find one here that's really close to your league.
C.
Top 300 Players (Non-PPR)
My partner David Dodds with his always popular Top 300 look. It's the Top 300 players to draft sorted by overall and also by position with red (avoid) and green (target) ratings for specific players we feel strongly about.
D.
Injury Update
Our Injury Expert Mark Wimer with a comprehensive look around the league at the key players battling and returning from injury.
E.
Scouting Fantasy Football
Our Jeff Pasquino with thoughts on evaluating talent from a Fantasy Football angle.
F.
Good-Byes
Our Jeff Pasquino with a unique look at making bye weeks work to your advantage.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1. CAR - HC Fox expects WR Steve Smith to be ready for Week 12. CAR - WR Steve Smith won't commit to playing in regular season opener
3. CAR - QB Delhomme expects WR Steve Smith to be ready Week 1
4. DEN - WR Brandon Marshall's hip not that serious
5. MIN - RB Adrian Peterson becoming a better receiver
6. NE - QB Tom Brady looking for extensive action in preseason opener
7. TEN - Team appears 'almost giddy' over TE Jared Cook's development
8. MIA - WR Davone Bess ahead of WR Greg Camarillo on depth chart
9. MIN - QB Sage Rosenfels and QB Tarvaris Jackson listed as co-starters
10. SF - QB Shaun Hill's leadership could be the difference
11. BAL - WR Derrick Mason suffers dislocated finger
12. MIN - QB Sage Rosenfels hasn't absorbed the offense
13. TB - HC Morris to follow Giants RB blueprint
14. MIA - WR Davone Bess emerges as starting receiver
15. BAL - Not pursuing Michael QB Michael Vick
16. OAK - RB Justin Fargas, WR Darrius Heyward-Bey listed on the first team
17. NYJ - Source: Jets not shopping RB Thomas Jones
18. DET - WR Bryant Johnson remains sidelined
19. KC - WR depth chart a little crazy
20. WAS - WR Devin Thomas to start as the 'Z' receiver
21. DEN - WR Brandon Marshall could face big suspension if convicted
22. NYJ - WR Jerricho Cotchery is the 'X' - WR Chansi Stuckey is the 'Z'
23. KC - WR Dwayne Bowe not bothered by the pressure
24. WAS - HC Zorn wants to find ways to get TE Fred Davis the ball
25. NYJ - Team shopping RB Thomas Jones?
26. DEN - WR Brandon Marshall to miss preseason game Friday
27. TEN - QB Alex Mortensen released
28. OAK - WR Javon Walker says he'll see some time in preseason
CAR - HC Fox expects WR Steve Smith to be ready for Week 1
Source: Steve Reed - CarolinaGrowl.com
Steve Reed, of CarolinaGrowl.com, reports Carolina Panthers head coach John Fox said he expects WR Steve Smith (shoulder) to be ready for Week 1. There has been speculation that Smith could miss Week 1.
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We're still waiting to completely exhale until we either hear that an MRI has been ruled out, or that the MRI was done, and that the results were good. Shoulder injuries tend to have a recurring way about them when it comes to wide receivers. Ochocinco came into 2008 with a shoulder injury, and he was a mere shadow of his usual self all year.
CAR - WR Steve Smith won't commit to playing in regular season opener
Source: Charles Chandler - Charlotte Observer
The Charlotte Observer posted a transcript from todays interview with Steve Smith in Spartanburg where he was asked about his shoulder injury, suffered Monday night after he collided with cornerback Chris Gamble. "If I can play, then I'm playing, whether it be preseason or the regular season. If I can't play, I'm not going to play. If I'm not going to be effective and able to compete, then it's not best for the team. I think you've got to be comfortable where you are and feel like you can help. If I'm a lame duck out there, the 11th guy just out there, I don't that's going to really benefit the team."
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The injury isn't as serious as first thought, but Smith is no lock to start in week one. Fantasy owners have to consider that Smith may start off slow this season while he comes back from the injury.
CAR - QB Delhomme expects WR Steve Smith to be ready Week 1
Source: Pat Yasinskas - ESPN.com
ESPN.com reports Carolina Panthers QB Jake Delhomme said he expects WR Steve Smith (shoulder) to be ready for the team's regular season opener.
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We're happy to hear that, but we're reserving judgment until we hear any results from a possible MRI. It's a good sign that Smith hasn't had one immediately, but he said he believed the shoulder was broken when the injury happened, so it was obviously a painful incident for him.
DEN - WR Brandon Marshall's hip not that serious
Source: Jason LaConfora - NFL.com
Jason LaConfora, from NFL.com, reports Brandon Marshall continues to sit out of practice with a hip problem. Marshall, who has sought a trade and a big contract this offseason, has practiced sparingly and the team is not saying much about the injury (as is the case in many places this time of year). Marshall has a history of hip issues and while this injury is not considered severe, according to a league source, the team wants to take precautions.
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Hip or hamstring? While Josh McDaniels doesn't talk about injuries to the media, there is speculation that Marshall injured his hamstring the last time he practiced in training camp. The team is being very careful with Marshall, but as we saw in last year's camp perhaps Marshall needs a little motivation to play through injury.
MIN - RB Adrian Peterson becoming a better receiver
Source: Chip Scoggins - The Minneapolis Star Tribune
Chip Scoggins, from The Minneapolis Star Tribune, reports Vikings head coach Brad Childress said he sees improvement from Adrian Peterson in terms of pass blocking, route running and his comfort level catching passes out of the backfield. "He's not a satisfied guy," Childress said. "He's not sitting back on his laurels, patting himself on the back. He wants to be well-rounded, he wants to be diversified. While he may be as good a running back as there is in the league, he wants to be great in all facets. You've got to give it to him from the standpoint of working on your weaknesses or your perceived weaknesses or getting better at something you can get better at."
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Adrian Peterson is already one of the best runners in the game today, and improving his ability in the passing game will only make him a more dangerous player. Peterson may have a bigger role in this offense which is saying a lot because he was involved in 65% of the offensive plays last year.
NE - QB Tom Brady looking for extensive action in preseason opener
Source: Ian Rapoport - Boston Herald
The Boston Herald reports New England Patriots QB Tom Brady said he expects that he will make more than a cameo appearance in the team's preseason opener. Head coach Bill Belichick said he and Brady haven't talked about the plans they have for his playing time, and Brady said the same thing. However, when asked what he expects, Brady didn't hesitate. 'I'm expecting to play,' Brady said. 'There's no reason why I wouldn't. I've been out here doing everything.'
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Brady is a terrific competitor, and we're sure that he wants to feel how his knee responds in game action. If he gets hurt, everyone will bray about how terrible a decision it was to play him, but we trust Brady on this one.
TEN - Team appears 'almost giddy' over TE Jared Cook's development
Source: Terry McCormick - the Nashville City Paper
Terry McCormick, of the Nashville City Paper, reports that the Titans "appear almost giddy over the quick development of TE Jared Cook, and the ways he can be used to jazz up a passing game that has flat-lined at times over the past few years." Cook is lining up as a tight end and an H-back in training camp, and he has been praised by offensive coordinator Mike Heimerdinger and QB Kerry Collins for his work in camp. Heimerdinger even went as far to say that Cook is "similar" to Shannon Sharpe, who he coached in Denver.
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Cook is going to eat into Bo Scaife's touches, but probably not have enough to be a fantasy factor this year. He is probably one of the five most physically gifted TEs in the league, so he definitely has fantasy starter upside in dynasty leagues.
MIA - WR Davone Bess ahead of WR Greg Camarillo on depth chart
Source: Armando Salguero - the Miami Herald
Armando Salguero, of the Miami Herald, reports that WR Davone Bess was listed with the first team ahead of WR Greg Camarillo on the Dolphins first depth chart of training camp.
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Whether it's Bess or Camarillo, the WR starting opposite Ted Ginn will be an excellent PPR sleeper this year. Camarillo was on pace for 80 receptions before he got hurt, and Bess was on pace for over 90 during his stint as a starter. A possible outcome is that the players rotate, just as they have been in training camp, and neither one tops 70 catches.
MIN - QB Sage Rosenfels and QB Tarvaris Jackson listed as co-starters
Source: Sean Jensen - St. Paul Pioneer Press
The St. Paul Pioneer Press reports that on the Vikings initial depth chart under quarterback it says Tarvaris Jackson or Sage Rosenfels.
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C'mon Brad Childress, take a stand. If the season started today Rosenfels would most likely be the starter because of Jackson's training camp injury. We just wish the head coach would show a little more clarity. At least it didn't list Brett Favre as the starter.
SF - QB Shaun Hill's leadership could be the difference
Source: Jason LaConfora - NFL.com
Jason LaConfora, from NFL.com, notes that some people in the San Francisco 49ers organization believe that veteran Shaun Hill's superior intangibles might be what sets him apart from former first-round pick Alex Smith in the team's ongoing quarterback competition. This battle could go to the end of camp and the first real test comes Friday in the preseason opener against the Broncos but according to some in San Fran, privately, Hill's command of the team could be the edge. "He's taking to the QB role as a leader," one team source said. "He's more vocal."
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Hill may throw the ugliest "spiral" in all of football, but he's a winner. Players rally around his tough, gritty style but with so much invested in former #1 overall pick Alex Smith the team may decide to go with upside over leadership. However, if the team gets off to a rough start, we could see the lockerroom calling for Shaun Hill to be the starter. Coach Mike Singletary has not named a starter for Friday night's preseason game against the Broncos.
BAL - WR Derrick Mason suffers dislocated finger
Source: Ken Murray - The Baltimore Sun
Updating previous reports, The Baltimore Sun reports Baltimore Ravens WR Derrick Mason (finger) dislocated the middle finger on his right hand Tuesday, Aug. 11.
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Mason was in street clothes at the end of the day, and his finger was in a wrap. He may not play in the Ravens first preseason game, and the team will be cautious when bringing him back from this injury.
MIN - QB Sage Rosenfels hasn't absorbed the offense
Source: John Czarnecki - Fox Sports
John Czarnecki, from Fox Sports, writes the whole pursuit (of Brett Favre) has damaged Childress in the locker room, but the coach also knows that Sage Rosenfels hasn't absorbed his offense while Tarvaris Jackson remains injury-prone.
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Sage Rosenfels is a gunslinger that doesn't always follow the script. He will make some plays with his arm, but there will also be several throws that are forced into coverage and intercepted. That's why we've given him the nickname Captain Turnover. Fantasy owners who play in leagues that deduct points for interceptions had better take note of Rosenfels reckless nature.
TB - HC Morris to follow Giants RB blueprint
Source: St. Petersburg Times
The St. Petersburg Times notes Bucs coach Raheem Morris commented on the RB situation after practice. "I've been kind of talking to you about it, but you have to use the Giant format if you're going to do anything. That was a perfect format, and gave you two thousand yard rushers and a five hundred yard rusher. But it's all going to depend; sometimes you get a running back that gets into the game and gets hot. You put Earnest Graham out there and he starts rolling, you keep him out there and let him roll. It happens how it happens. I'm not going to make a set appointment on how I want them to play right now. You have to just let them go out there and just play. Put them out there for their situation, for whatever Michael Jordan situation they're going to be involved in and let them go."
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This is why the starting RB in Tampa is only a title. Graham is seriously underrated in fantasy circles but he shouldn't be because he should lead the team in carries as long as he stays healthy. Derrick Ward is the receiving back, and coming off a 1,000 yard season last year he will command a certain amount of carries (in addition to the most receptions out of the backfield) as well. One player that is holding onto his roster spot is Cadillac Williams. He's coming back from yet another devastating knee injury, but do not count him out. The darkhorse in this rotation could be return man Clifton Smith, who could use his quickness and agility as a change of pace back.
MIA - WR Davone Bess emerges as starting receiver
Source: Omar Kelly - The Sun-Sentinel
Omar Kelly, of The Sun-Sentinel, reports Miami Dolphins WR Davone Bess has leapfrogged WR Greg Camarillo (knee) into the starting lineup. Camarillo said he doesn't have a beef with the situation, noting the most consistent will end up playing.
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Camarillo is the ultimate team player so it's not surprising he wouldn't have a problem with Bess. However, he is also a fierce competitor, so this lineup may change by the end of the preseason. Even if he played in the slot Camarillo could still be an effective player for the Dolphins and a nice WR3 in PPR leagues.
BAL - Not pursuing Michael QB Michael Vick
Source: Aaron Wilson - the Carroll County Times
Aaron Wilson, from the Carroll County Times, reports on his twitter feed that he's been told the Ravens aren't going to pursue Michael Vick. Nothing going on at this point and that isn't expected to change.
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The Ravens have been near the top of the list when it comes to teams that are rumored to have an interest in Michael Vick. According to Vick's agent, and his new mentor Tony Dungy, a deal for Vick should be done by the end of this week. Apparently, Baltimore will not be his destination.
OAK - RB Justin Fargas, WR Darrius Heyward-Bey listed on the first team
Source: www.raiders.com
The Oakland Raiders released their first depth chart of the preseason and RB Justin Fargas was listed as the first team running back. Rookie wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey was also listed on the first team.
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By the time the regular season rolls around Darren McFadden could be the starting running back, but until then he'll have to keep fighting his way up the depth chart. Darrius Heyward-Bey has dropped a lot of passes in training camp, but he's also made quite a few plays and the Raiders love his upside. If he has strong games in the preseason, DHB should hang on to his starting job.
NYJ - Source: Jets not shopping RB Thomas Jones
Source: Dave Hutchinson - the Newark Star Ledger
Dave Hutchinson, of the Newark Star Ledger, reports that the rumor of a trade of running back Thomas Jones to an NFC West team is "not true, according to a person with knowledge of the club's plans. That person spoke on the condition of anonymity because he's not authorized to speak on the matter publicly."
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Well, now we have both sides of the story.
DET - WR Bryant Johnson remains sidelined
Source: Tom Kowalski - mlive.com
Detroit Lions WR Bryant Johnson (lacerations) did not practice Tuesday, Aug. 11, and remains on the team's active non-football injury list.
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Johnson hasn't practiced in training camp after a golf cart injury that apparently was at a breakneck speed of 5 MPH. He needs to get on the field to learn the offense and develop chemistry with his quarterback. With each passing day we like Dennis Northcutt more and more.
KC - WR depth chart a little crazy
Source: KCChiefs.com
KCChiefs.com posted the Chiefs first depth chart of the preseason and there were quite a few surprises at the WR position. Terrance Copper and Devard Darling were listed on the first-team. Mark Bradley and Amani Toomer were listed on the second-team. Bobby Engram and Dwayne Bowe were listed on the third-team.
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We know new head coach Todd Haley is trying to set a tone here, but this is a bit much. At the start of the regular season we should see Bowe and Bradley as starters with Toomer or Engram playing in the slot. Darling has been getting good press in training camp, so he could be a surprise player when all is said and done.
WAS - WR Devin Thomas to start as the 'Z' receiver
Source: Jason Reid - the Washington Post
Jason Reid, from the Washington Post, reports the plan is for Devin Thomas, who returned to practice after missing time because of a hamstring injury, to start at Z receiver, or flanker, ahead of Malcolm Kelly. Top wideout Santana Moss, the X receiver, or split end, might sit out or play sparingly.
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Thomas has a good size/speed combination but was fairly raw coming into the league last season. He should see a lot of single coverage opposite Santana Moss, and can turn short passes into long gains. Thomas could also be a useful target in the red zone. Antwaan Randle-El works better as a slot receiver and the 'Skins will hopefully use him on more gadget plays this season.
DEN - WR Brandon Marshall could face big suspension if convicted
Source: Mike Klis - the Denver Post
Mike Klis, from the Denver Post, notes if Brandon Marshall is found guilty of a misdemeanor battery charge, he could be suspended for a substantial period.
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Marshall has his day in court in Atlanta on Thursday so we will find out pretty quickly what his fate is for the 2009 season. He hasn't practiced in over a week, although he did look good at the start of training camp. The Broncos are hoping that Marshall is found not guilty, so he can get healthy and get back into the starting lineup.
NYJ - WR Jerricho Cotchery is the 'X' - WR Chansi Stuckey is the 'Z'
Source: Rich Cimini - the New York Daily News
Rich Cimini, from the New York Daily News, reports Jerricho Cotchery, who was the Z receiver (flanker) last season with Laveranues Coles at the X spot (split end), is being used mostly in the X spot. Generally speaking, the X usually is on the backside of the formation, which should create more single coverage -- so they hope. Right now, Chansi Stuckey is working in the starting Z spot.
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The Jets want to get Cotchery in as many 1-on-1 situations as they can, and lining him up at split end gives him the best chance to do that. The NFL is all about mismatches and Cotchery could also be put in motion to get a clean release off the line of scrimmage. Cotchery isn't the Jets only weapon in the passing game and Dustin Keller should help take some of the attention away from him as well.
KC - WR Dwayne Bowe not bothered by the pressure
Source: Kansas City Star
The Kansas City Star posted a video where WR Dwayne Bowe comments on the pressure of being a third-year receiver in the league. Bowe says "I don't call it pressure, I call it fun."
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Bowe is not currently in the starting lineup as new head coach Todd Haley is trying to motivate him to become a better blocker and better route runner. By week 1 of the regular season Bowe should be the number one receiver for the team and there is a chance that he could be the most targeted receiver in the league in 2009.
WAS - HC Zorn wants to find ways to get TE Fred Davis the ball
Source: Ryan O'Halloran - the Washington Times
Ryan O'Halloran, from the Washington Times, notes the Redskins are desperately seeking a third receiving option to help Chris Cooley and Santana Moss. If injuries prevent Devin Thomas and Malcolm Kelly from filling that role, Fred Davis could develop into an option. "He wants to be a great player," coach Jim Zorn said. "He's worked hard to get himself to where he is today, and I imagine as he continues through this preseason we're going to find him more ways to get him on the field and get him the ball."
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The Redskins have some young playmakers in the passing game with good upside and potential. As we know, potential doesn't put you in the Pro Bowl - production does. Davis is an athletic TE that knows how to find the soft spots in a zone, but he needs to be quicker off the line of scrimmage and play with more passion and consistency. The Redskins may play out of 2 TE sets during the season to get both Cooley and Davis on the field at the same time. Don't rush out and draft Fred Davis, but keep his name in mind if there is a Chris Cooley injury.
NYJ - Team shopping RB Thomas Jones?
Source: Brad Biggs - the National Football Post
Brad Biggs, of the National Football Post, reports that Jets are gauging trade interest for RB Thomas Jones, and that they have already placed a call to an NFC West team.
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Seattle clearly makes the most sense as the destination for Jones. In a dramatic twist, that would-be trade would pit Jones against little brother Julius in a battle for the starting spot. Leon Washington and Shonn Greene's potential ceiling in 2009 just got a lot higher.
DEN - WR Brandon Marshall to miss preseason game Friday
Source: Frank Schwab - the Colorado Springs Gazette
Frank Schwab, of the Colorado Springs Gazette, reports Denver Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels said WR Brandon Marshall will not play in the team's preseason game Friday, Aug. 14, because Marshall has to attend a trial in Atlanta on a misdemeanor battery charge he is facing.
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This shed light on Marshall's place on the depth chart, too. He should return to the first team as soon as he can play.
TEN - QB Alex Mortensen released
Source: Jim Wyatt - The Tennessean
Jim Wyatt, of The Tennessean, reports the Tennessee Titans have released QB Alex Mortensen and CB Jeremy Haynes.
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Alex is the son of ESPN's Chris Mortensen. Best wishes to him in finding a new team.
OAK - WR Javon Walker says he'll see some time in preseason
Source: Jerry McDonald - ANG Newspapers
Jerry McDonald, of ANG Newspapers, reports Oakland Raiders WR Javon Walker (knee) said he will likely see some action during the preseason, although he remains about two weeks away from a return to practice. 'Obviously, they're still taking their time with me,' Walker said. 'I am going to get my chances in preseason. I'm not sure if it's this week or the next week or the week after that. I'm just excited to feel like my old self again, where nothing's really bothering me.'
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We're very interested to see how Walker looks after the buzz his return created at Raiders camp.
That'll do it for today, Folks. Have a great Wednesday. Thanks for reading and we'll see you tomorrow with the update.
J
