Footballguys Daily Email - Volume 10, Issue 115 (Wednesday, August 12th)
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Hi Folks,
Good Thursday to you. Again, we've got an incredible amount of brand new content created just for our readers ready this morning. Plus tons of News and Notes. Thanks as always to our Cecil Lammey and Sigmund Bloom for the help there. Let's get to it.
J
SITE NEWS
A.
Top 300 Draft List (Non-PPR)
For you bottom line guys, we present "The Draft List" by our David Dodds. A top 300 ranking of players in a Non PPR format.
B.
Top 300 Draft List (PPR)
For you bottom line guys, we present "The Draft List" by our David Dodds. A top 300 ranking of players in a PPR format.
C.
Eliminating the Suck (PPR)
Our David Dodds ruffles a few feathers. But it's true, some of you guys are pulling for teams and drafting players that suck. David tells you who they are and how to avoid them.
D.
Eyes Of the Guru - Defensive Backs
If you're looking for the most comprehensive IDP info out there, you know Footballguys is your site. Our John Norton adds to that reputation with another huge article detailing Defensive Backs. Other sites give IDP a cursory nod and move on. With Footballguys, you'll find the most detailed IDP writing out there.
E.
Quality Running Backs
Our Jeff Pasquino continues his "quality" series this time looking at running backs.
F.
Predicting the Top 20 Running Backs for 2009
Our Jeff Haseley takes a detailed and statistics driven shot at a list we'd all like to have - The Top 20 RBs for 2009.
G.
Lineups - What Is Best For Your League?
Our Colin Dowling looks at the pros and cons of different starting lineup systems.
H.
The Imperfect Draft
Our David Dodds has been doing his Perfect Draft for a long time now. Colin Dowling turns it around with the "Imperfect Draft".
I.
Faceoff - WR Lee Evans, Buffalo Bills
Our Footballguys Faceoffs are pretty simple: We take a player or issue and throw it out to the Staff. One guy takes the upside and the other guy argues the downside. What we hope will happen is that it'll get you to think more deeply about the player or issue. In this one, we take a look at BUF WR Lee Evans.
J.
Faceoff - ILB London Fletcher, Washington Redskins
Our Footballguys Faceoffs are pretty simple: We take a player or issue and throw it out to the Staff. One guy takes the upside and the other guy argues the downside. What we hope will happen is that it'll get you to think more deeply about the player or issue. In this one, we take a look at WAS ILB London Fletcher.
K.
Faceoff - RB Ryan Grant, Green Bay Packers
Our Footballguys Faceoffs are pretty simple: We take a player or issue and throw it out to the Staff. One guy takes the upside and the other guy argues the downside. What we hope will happen is that it'll get you to think more deeply about the player or issue. In this one, we take a look at GB RB Ryan Grant.
L.
Faceoff - S Chris Hope, Tennessee Titans
Our Footballguys Faceoffs are pretty simple: We take a player or issue and throw it out to the Staff. One guy takes the upside and the other guy argues the downside. What we hope will happen is that it'll get you to think more deeply about the player or issue. In this one, we take a look at TEN S Chris Hope.
M.
Faceoff - ILB Derrick Johnson, Kansas City Chiefs
Our Footballguys Faceoffs are pretty simple: We take a player or issue and throw it out to the Staff. One guy takes the upside and the other guy argues the downside. What we hope will happen is that it'll get you to think more deeply about the player or issue. In this one, we take a look at KC ILB Derrick Johnson.
N.
Faceoff - WR Lance Moore, New Orleans Saints
Our Footballguys Faceoffs are pretty simple: We take a player or issue and throw it out to the Staff. One guy takes the upside and the other guy argues the downside. What we hope will happen is that it'll get you to think more deeply about the player or issue. In this one, we take a look at NO WR Lance Moore.
O.
Faceoff - QB Kyle Orton, Denver Broncos
Our Footballguys Faceoffs are pretty simple: We take a player or issue and throw it out to the Staff. One guy takes the upside and the other guy argues the downside. What we hope will happen is that it'll get you to think more deeply about the player or issue. In this one, we take a look at DEN QB Kyle Orton.
P.
Faceoff - S Troy Polamalu, Pittsburgh Steelers
Our Footballguys Faceoffs are pretty simple: We take a player or issue and throw it out to the Staff. One guy takes the upside and the other guy argues the downside. What we hope will happen is that it'll get you to think more deeply about the player or issue. In this one, we take a look at PIT S Troy Polamalu.
Q.
Faceoff - QB Brady Quinn, Cleveland Browns
Our Footballguys Faceoffs are pretty simple: We take a player or issue and throw it out to the Staff. One guy takes the upside and the other guy argues the downside. What we hope will happen is that it'll get you to think more deeply about the player or issue. In this one, we take a look at CLE QB Brady Quinn.
R.
Faceoff - OLB Keith Rivers, Cincinnati Bengals
Our Footballguys Faceoffs are pretty simple: We take a player or issue and throw it out to the Staff. One guy takes the upside and the other guy argues the downside. What we hope will happen is that it'll get you to think more deeply about the player or issue. In this one, we take a look at CIN OLB Keith Rivers.
S.
Faceoff - RB Jonathan Stewart, Carolina Panthers
Our Footballguys Faceoffs are pretty simple: We take a player or issue and throw it out to the Staff. One guy takes the upside and the other guy argues the downside. What we hope will happen is that it'll get you to think more deeply about the player or issue. In this one, we take a look at CAR RB Jonathan Stewart.
T.
Faceoff - RB LaDainian Tomlinson, San Diego Chargers
Our Footballguys Faceoffs are pretty simple: We take a player or issue and throw it out to the Staff. One guy takes the upside and the other guy argues the downside. What we hope will happen is that it'll get you to think more deeply about the player or issue. In this one, we take a look at SD RB LaDainian Tomlinson.
U.
Faceoff - OLB DeMarcus Ware, Dallas Cowboys
Our Footballguys Faceoffs are pretty simple: We take a player or issue and throw it out to the Staff. One guy takes the upside and the other guy argues the downside. What we hope will happen is that it'll get you to think more deeply about the player or issue. In this one, we take a look at DAL OLB DeMarcus Ware.
V.
Faceoff - RB DeAngelo Williams, Carolina Panthers
Our Footballguys Faceoffs are pretty simple: We take a player or issue and throw it out to the Staff. One guy takes the upside and the other guy argues the downside. What we hope will happen is that it'll get you to think more deeply about the player or issue. In this one, we take a look at CAR RB DeAngelo Williams.
W.
Faceoff - Name a Sleeper Backup RB
Our Footballguys Faceoffs are pretty simple: We take a player or issue and throw it out to the Staff. One guy takes the upside and the other guy argues the downside. What we hope will happen is that it'll get you to think more deeply about the player or issue. In this one, we take a look at the charge: Name a Sleeper Backup RB.
X.
Faceoff - Who is the Jets WR2?
Our Footballguys Faceoffs are pretty simple: We take a player or issue and throw it out to the Staff. One guy takes the upside and the other guy argues the downside. What we hope will happen is that it'll get you to think more deeply about the player or issue. In this one, we ask: Who is the Jets WR2?
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1. OAK - QB JaMarcus Russell remains too inconsistent2. NYG - TE Kevin Boss could approach double-digit TDs
3. IND - WR Pierre Garcon and WR Austin Collie may share No. 3 duties this year
4. KC - WR Dwayne Bowe making progress
5. NFL - Schefter: QB Michael Vick will sign in next five days
6. DEN - McDaniels doing things his way in Denver
7. DET - Kevin Smith the best RB at blitz pickup
8. BAL - QB Joe Flacco struggling during camp
9. DEN - RB Correll Buckhalter receives praise from head coach
10. TB - Team won't keep four quarterbacks
11. NYJ - QB Mark Sanchez will be limited because of O-Line injuries
12. NYJ - Ryan emphatically denies RB Thomas Jones is on the trade block
13. DEN - WR Brandon Marshall not discussing settlement, plea agreement
14. MIA - Coach says Patrick RB Patrick Cobbs is invaluable
15. CLE - QB QB Brett Ratliff making a strong impression
16. CHI - WR Devin Hester a willing blocker too
17. DEN - WR Brandon Marshall expected to be ready for start of season
18. NFL - QB Michael Vick in Chicago, but not to meet with the Bears
19. BUF - No huddle offense a work in progress
20. DEN - LaCanfora: RB Knowshon Moreno to start preseason opener
21. BAL - RB Willis McGahee has adjusted attitude
22. PIT - Interested in QB Michael Vick?
23. CLE - RB Jamal Lewis looking sharp
24. SD - RB LaDainian Tomlinson pretty sure he is going to play in preseason games
25. MIN - WR Percy Harvin feels comfortable running Wildcat
26. MIN - Still no decision on QB starter for Friday
27. GB - James Jones leading the 3rd WR competition
28. DEF - IND - HC Caldwell says S Bob Sanders questionable for Week 1
OAK - QB JaMarcus Russell remains too inconsistent
Source: David White - The San Francisco Chronicle,
David White, of The San Francisco Chronicle, reports Oakland Raiders QB JaMarcus Russell continued his ongoing trend Tuesday, Aug. 11, of following up a good practice with a pretty bad one. The team is looking for Russell to put together two consecutive good practices. Timing is a big issue for Russell, as the receivers are on time with their routes but Russell isn't always on time with his throw. He holds onto the football too long still, hoping his arm strength will buy him the extra second to deliver the football. Head coach Tom Cable said Russell needs to speed up and he keeps reminding his quarterback of that. Russell also had trouble getting the football to the receivers Tuesday. Of his 13 attempts to receivers, only three of them were completions.
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This doesn't sound good for the former #1 overall pick. If Jeff Garcia were healthy right now, he might be more of a threat to take the starting job.
NYG - TE Kevin Boss could approach double-digit TDs
Source: Mike Garafolo - the Newark Star-Ledger
Mike Garafolo, of the Newark Star-Ledger, reports that he predicts a breakout year for TE Kevin Boss. Garafolo writes, "I just think the guy was a big factor in the red zone last year with TDs of 1, 2, 4, 4, 10 and 13 yards. And that was when this team had Plaxico Burress for a chunk of the season... He might threaten double digits in TDs this year."
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Boss is another excellent upside pick as a backup TE in PPR or TE premium leagues. With the infusion of talented pass catchers in the draft this year, the position could be 20-25 deep in the near future.
IND - WR Pierre Garcon and WR Austin Collie may share No. 3 duties this year
Source: Paul Kuharsky - ESPN.com
Paul Kuharsky, of ESPN.com, reports the Indianapolis Colts may not have a clear-cut No. 3 receiver this year. WRs Pierre Garcon and Austin Collie may split the role. Garcon has looked very good during training camp and is more confident this season. Collie has been working hard in the slot. There is a chance the two could split the duties, sometimes with Garcon lining up on the outside with either Reggie Wayne or Anthony Gonzalez moving to the slot, or having Collie enter the field in the slot role with Wayne and Gonzalez on the outside.
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Gonzalez is more comfortable in the slot, so Garcon winning a bigger part of the job would probably be better for his prospects. This split role could also be a preview of how the Colts would handle an injury to Gonzalez or Wayne. It is important to remember that TE Dallas Clark is really the #2 target in the passing offense.
KC - WR Dwayne Bowe making progress
Source: Adam Teicher - The Kansas City Star
Adam Teicher, of The Kansas City Star, reports Kansas City Chiefs head coach Todd Haley said he wants to see WR Dwayne Bowe be more aggressive when going after the ball and show that he wants it more than the defender. Haley recently said he has seen improvement in that regard with Bowe. 'I thought he probably made one of his better plays of the camp (Tuesday, Aug. 11) on the sideline,' Haley said. 'He competed for the football and made a play. Today it looked like he was competing for the football and with the football.'
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Bowe should start no matter what, but this progress is encouraging because it means that he will probably start applying himself more in camp and be in better shape for the beginning of the season.
NFL - Schefter: QB Michael Vick will sign in next five days
Source: Adam Schefter - ESPN
Adam Schefter, of ESPN, reports on his Twitter feed that free agent QB Michael Vick will sign with a new team soon. He wrote, "And mark this down: Tony Dungy is right. Vick will have a new team in the next five days. Signing is coming down. Just don't know where."
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Schefter's guesses on a possible destination were Pittsburgh, New England, Baltimore, Carolina, and Green Bay. Armen Keteyian said it would definitely not be New England, to which Schefter replied that whichever team signs Vick, it will be one that denied interest in Vick at some point. We are fatigued by all the speculation, and we're happy to sit back and wait for some hard news on Vick before speculating any further about his future.
DEN - McDaniels doing things his way in Denver
Source: Bill Williamson - ESPN.com
Bill Williamson, of ESPN.com, reports Denver Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels is planning on doing things his way while with the team. Players are amazed by how swift and precise McDaniels' practices are held, while former head coach Mike Shanahan ran more relaxed practices. WR Eddie Royal said, "He really spends a lot of time in game situations. We are practicing real game stuff all the time. He doesn't want us to panic when we get to a situation. It's all very well prepared."
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The differences between Camp McDaniels and Camp Shanahan has been staggering. Dove Valley had more of a country club atmosphere under Mike Shanahan, but so far under coach Josh McDaniels the players are not taking it easy. The team works a lot on technique, and game time situations. In addition to wearing pads and hitting from day one, the Broncos players are made comfortable while they work. Coach McDaniels lets the players choose a playlist of music to warm up to, and the guys are having fun even though the practices are very serious. So far, the players in Denver have really warmed up to their young coach.
DET - Kevin Smith the best RB at blitz pickup
Source: Tom Kowalski - MLive.com
Tom Kowalski, from MLive.com, reports when it comes to RBs picking up the blitz in drills, Kevin Smith is probably the best blocker.
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We all know that a young running back must be adept at picking up the blitz if he wants to be in on passing downs. Kevin Smith will be the primary ball carrier for the Lions, and with his blocking ability he could see more time on passing downs than most are expecting.
BAL - QB Joe Flacco struggling during camp
Source: Jamison Hensley - The Baltimore Sun
Jamison Hensley, of The Baltimore Sun, reports Baltimore Ravens QB Joe Flacco has been throwing a high number of interceptions and has struggled reading defenses during training camp, but offensive coordinator Cam Cameron is not worried about Flacco. 'I'd be concerned if he weren't throwing some interceptions, because now's the time to test your limits,' Cameron said. 'The only way your quarterback can grow is to try to squeeze some balls in at this time of year to find the limits, find the limits of the receiver, find the limits of the defender, find the limits of your protection. Then, as the season approaches, and obviously it starts to change. Now, if he's doing it every snap, which he's not doing that, [I'd be concerned]. But that's the only way I know.'
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Flacco had a very simplified system last year that only asked him to throw deep and to the sidelines. Now he'll have to grow to make the more dangerous throws in the middle of the field. He could be in for a sophomore slump. We would only recommend him as one of the last backup fantasy QBs on the board.
DEN - RB Correll Buckhalter receives praise from head coach
Source: www.denverbroncos.com
Denver Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels said RB Correll Buckhalter is like the rest of the team's backs in regards to having a lot of versatility. 'He can, certainly, run the ball. He has got a great, great burst,' McDaniels said. '(He) may be our fastest back.' McDaniels added Buckhalter is very good in pass protection and can catch the ball well out of the backfield.
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Buckhalter has been catching a lot of passes in training camp. He may play the "Kevin Faulk" role for the Broncos, and has even been splitting out wide on certain plays. The Broncos will use a RBBC, and at this time it appears like Buckhalter is at least going to be their primary receiver out of the backfield.
TB - Team won't keep four quarterbacks
Source: Katrina Haumschild and Scott Reynolds - PewterReport.com
PewterReport.com notes Tampa Bay had the luxury of keeping four quarterbacks on its 53-man roster last year with Jeff Garcia, Brian Griese, Luke McCown and Johnson, the team's fifth-round pick in 2008. According to Morris, that won't be the case in 2009 as the team will need to maximize its roster spots. With Luke McCown and Leftwich battling for the starting job and Freeman being the team's first-round pick this year, Johnson may be the odd man out as he has been getting fourth-string reps in practice. "Honestly, I don't see us [taking four quarterbacks]," Morris said. "I see ourselves keeping three, but I don't want to rule anything out. Like I said before, I can only keep 53 [players]. If those four quarterbacks are the best guys on the unit, then I may have to break the rules. We've got to keep the guys on our team that we think will help us win."
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Josh Johnson has NFL ability, but may have to go to another team to prove it. However, if Byron Leftwich doesn't win the starting job the Bucs may decide to let him go because his contract has no guarantees in it.
NYJ - QB Mark Sanchez will be limited because of O-Line injuries
Source: M.A. Mehta - Newark Star-Ledger
The Newark Star-Ledger is reporting the fallout of the injuries to the offensive linemen -- center Nick Mangold (knee) and Damien Woody (concussion) will also miss Friday's game -- is simple: The much ballyhooed quarterback competition between Kellen Clemens and Mark Sanchez will be scaled back, Ryan said. Clemens and Sanchez will get fewer reps with the first team. "I don't think we'll go as long with those two as maybe we would have liked to have," Ryan said. "It'll affect our plans a little bit."
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Jets fans who want to see Mark Sanchez with the first team will be disappointed, but this is a smart move by the Jets.
NYJ - Ryan emphatically denies RB Thomas Jones is on the trade block
Source: Rich Cimini - the New York Daily News
Rich Cimini, from the New York Daily News, asked Rex Ryan about the Thomas Jones trade rumors, and he angrily refuted the internet report that said the Jets are shopping Jones. "I promise you, that is ridiculous," he said. "Shoot, I'm not going to trade that. You know what I'm all about. This guy is huge in our plans. I'm not going to trade the running back that led the AFC in rushing. We ain't dealing him. No way."
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That was a short lived rumor.
DEN - WR Brandon Marshall not discussing settlement, plea agreement
Source: Mike Klis and Lindsay H. Jones - The Denver Post
Mike Klis and Lindsay H. Jones, of The Denver Post, reports Denver Broncos WR Brandon Marshall will face trial Thursday, Aug. 13, on a misdemeanor battery charge in the Georgia State Court of Fulton Court. There have been no discussions regarding a settlement or plea agreement between Marshall and the alleged victim, Rasheedah Watley. Watley is expected to be among several witnesses to testify. Although misdemeanor trials typically are hard and ruled upon in one day, both sides are preparing to wait until Friday, Aug. 14, before the jury receives the case.
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If convicted Marshall may be in line for a rather large suspension.
MIA - Coach says Patrick RB Patrick Cobbs is invaluable
Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel
The South Florida Sun-Sentinel posted an interview transcript with Dolphins head coach Tony Sparano. During the interview he was asked about his short and long-term vision for RB Patrick Cobbs. "No, I have to be honest with you; it is going to be really hard for me to give that guy up. I mean, I really like Pat Cobbs as a player. I like what he brings to the table for our football team. So I wouldn't want to say short term. I think people coming in here, having to compete with Pat Cobbs, they have an all day sucker when they do that. This guy is going to show up and give you his best shot every single day. He is one of the few players on this team - I don't want to gloat about him but - that what you see every day in the practice field is what he does in the game. He plays at that pace every day. When you look at his vision, he has run skills, he catches the ball out of the backfield, he blocks on third down, he is a special teams player - the best one we had last year - he has return ability. So there are a lot of jobs for a guy like Pat Cobbs and I think that is what makes him valuable. I like those guys that can do a lot of jobs."
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Fantasy players (especially Ronnie Brown owners) need to remember the name Patrick Cobbs. Ricky Williams is no longer the player that he used to be and with Cobbs' all-around skill set we could see him get touches as a runner and a receiver. With three-headed RBBCs becoming the norm, we could see Cobbs have a role on the offense even without injuries in front of him on the depth chart.
CLE - QB QB Brett Ratliff making a strong impression
Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer
The Cleveland Plain Dealer is reports that nobody's saying, for now, that the Cleveland Browns starting quarterback competition includes anyone besides Derek Anderson and Brady Quinn. Presumed third-stringer Brett Ratliff, though, is the current rage. He's having a fine training camp, excelled in Sunday's scrimmage and has the admiration of coach Eric Mangini, who has nurtured Ratliff through his young professional career.
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While Quinn and Anderson continue to struggle, Brett Ratliff moves the offense - even when going against the first string defense. He is a dark horse to win this competition, but Eric Mangini brought Ratliff over from the Jets in the trade that allowed New York to select Mark Sanchez. Ratliff is a young gunslinger that looked fantastic in last year's preseason. He has a very strong arm and loves to challenge a defense deep. When Ratliff does throw a bad pass he shows good short-term memory and comes back swinging - he doesn't get down on himself like other quarterbacks. He most likely won't win the starting job in week one, but remember the name Brett Ratliff if the the Browns QB struggles continue into the regular season.
CHI - WR Devin Hester a willing blocker too
Source: Dan Pompei - the Chicago Tribune
Dan Pompei, from the Chicago Tribune, reports Devin Hester never has been a "blow 'em up" type of blocker, but his position coach Darryl Drake said he is very pleased with the progress Hester has made in this area. "Blocking is want-to," Drake said. "He wants to do that more than anything else. I have to keep him from doing it. I don't want him doing a whole lot of that, digging out safeties like [Muhsin Muhammed] did. Block that corner, use good technique and just make sure your man doesn't make the tackle. I'm not looking for him to be that monster like maybe Hines Ward is. I want him to be a complete receiver, but I don't want him dive bombing at safeties."
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All the best receivers are willing blockers, so it's great to see that Hester is developing all aspects of his game.
DEN - WR Brandon Marshall expected to be ready for start of season
Source: Bill Williamson - ESPN.com
Bill Williamson, of ESPN.com, reports Denver Broncos WR Brandon Marshall (hip, hamstring) is expected to be ready for the start of the regular season Sept. 13.
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Marshall hasn't practiced since August 2nd, and is currently listed as a second-stringer on the depth chart. The Broncos are slowly bringing him along, but he needs to get into practice so he can get used to his new QB and new offense.
NFL - QB Michael Vick in Chicago, but not to meet with the Bears
Source: Jason LaConfora - the NFL Network
Jason LaConfora, from the NFL Network, reports on his twitter feed that Mike Vick sightings in Chicago not football related. Humane society stuff. Bears not among the interested parties in the free agent.
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Vick continues making appearances on behalf of the humane society as he tries to rework his public image. Both Tony Dungy and Vick's agent have said that a deal with a team should be done by the end of this week. So far, no word on who is the likely team to sign him.
BUF - No huddle offense a work in progress
Source: Sal Maiorana - the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
Sal Maiorana, from the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle, reports that in their 21-18 Hall of Fame game loss to the Tennessee Titans the Bills spent most of Sunday night operating out of the no-huddle and there is no denying that it is very much a work in progress. "We will certainly get better at it, too," coach Dick Jauron said after the game in which the Bills finished with only 16 first downs, 247 yards, and did not score an offensive touchdown. "For the first night I was pleased." The Bills have spent almost the entire offseason practicing in the no-huddle, so much so that left tackle Langston Walker joked that he wouldn't know where to stand in a huddle if the Bills actually decided to circle up and call a play. "We haven't worked on that," the affable Walker said. "This is the offense.''
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If the Bills are going to use the no huddle offense almost exclusively this year they will have a lot of work to do in the last 4 weeks of the preseason. They may never look like the Jim Kelly led K-Gun, but the Bills are hopeful that running the no huddle will help their young offensive linemen protect QB Trent Edwards.
DEN - LaCanfora: RB Knowshon Moreno to start preseason opener
Source: Jason La Canfora - the NFL Network
Jason La Canfora, of the NFL Network, reports that Broncos first-round pick Knowshon Moreno will start the preseason opener at RB. This conflicts with head coach Josh McDaniels depth chart that listed Correll Buckhalter as the #1 RB for the preseason opener.
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It's a great sign for Moreno's progress in his abbreviated camp experience, but we still think he is a mid to low RB2 at best this year because of McDaniels penchant for using the many talented backs on the roster.
BAL - RB Willis McGahee has adjusted attitude
Source: Aaron Wilson - the Carroll County Times
Aaron Wilson, of the Carroll County Times, reports that Ravens RB Willis McGahee is displaying the attitude and work ethic that the coaches have wanted from him during training camp. McGahee said, "I'm a little different, I'm not going to lie to you. I go with the flow. That's how you've got to be. You can't go around here moping about things. You just control what you do, and that's your own destiny." RB Coach Wilbert Montgomery has noticed, saying "We've got a smarter Willis McGahee, more of a student of the game with a good work ethic. He has totally committed himself to the Ravens' way that John Harbaugh preaches. He has really taken the fundamentals and the techniques to the fullest."
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McGahee is still the third most valuable fantasy RB of the three in Baltimore because second-year RB Ray Rice will get first crack in the rotation, and LeRon McClain will get the all-important goal line carries. Still, this is encouraging news for McGahee's fantasy prospects this season.
PIT - Interested in QB Michael Vick?
Source: Scott Brown - the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Scott Brown, of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, reports Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday, Aug. 11, that the team is doing their 'due diligence' on all free agents, including former free-agent QB Michael Vick (Falcons). Tomlin didn't rule out the Steelers having interest in Vick. 'If people are capable of helping us win, we're going to have a level of interest in those guys,' Tomlin said. 'I'm never going to discuss free agents individually. I don't think that's appropriate. I think that that conversation could be endless. We do our due diligence on guys that have a professional skill level and of course (Vick) is one of them.'
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Tomlin is not really indicating interest one way or the other. Even if he ruled out Vick, we wouldn't take him completely at his word. Hopefully Vick will sign somewhere soon (even the UFL) so we can stop this endless speculation about his destination.
CLE - RB Jamal Lewis looking sharp
Source: John Clayton - ESPN.com
John Clayton, of ESPN.com, reports Cleveland Browns RB Jamal Lewis looks trim at 240 pounds. He is motivated to have a good season. The Browns are expected to run more early in the year, as head coach Eric Mangini believes in learning the basics before trying to get too cute on the field.
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It's hard to picture Lewis doing much as the Browns lead back no matter what kind of shape he is in. Rookie James Davis is creating a ton of buzz and he could cut into Lewis's workload this year. We have a feeling Davis could be the more valuable Browns back by the end of the year.
SD - RB LaDainian Tomlinson pretty sure he is going to play in preseason games
Source: Kevin Acee - The San Diego Union-Tribune
Kevin Acee, of The San Diego Union-Tribune, reports San Diego Chargers RB LaDainian Tomlinson is pretty sure he is going to play during preseason games. 'From what I've been told, it's pretty encouraging. So I'd say it's 85 percent (likely),' Tomlinson said. In eight career preseasons, Tomlinson has just 14 carries. 'This year could be different. I wouldn't rule out me playing,' he added.
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When pressed about it after practice head coach Norv Turner said that he had a plan for LaDainian, and that he didn't need to talk about it.
MIN - WR Percy Harvin feels comfortable running Wildcat
Source: Chip Scoggins - The Minneapolis Star Tribune
Chip Scoggins, of The Minneapolis Star Tribune, reports Minnesota Vikings rookie WR Percy Harvin said he is comfortable running the team's Wildcat offense, but he said it is a work in progress. Harvin also noted he can throw the ball from that formation, but said it isn't going to be a perfect spiral.
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Harvin is the type of player that just loves to have the football in his hands. The Vikings are going to use Harvin in a number of different ways, and he will continue to be a threat to score every time he touches the football. We're sure that defenses are going to be very aware of where Harvin is on the field every time he's out there.
MIN - Still no decision on QB starter for Friday
Source: Chip Scoggins - the Minneapolis Star Tribune
Chip Scoggins, of the Minneapolis Star Tribune, reports Minnesota Vikings head coach Brad Childress still has not decided if QB Tarvaris Jackson or QB Sage Rosenfels will start in the team's preseason game Friday, Aug. 14.
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That's not a great sign for Rosenfels. Considering how much extra time he has had with the ones so far, he should have been the easy choice.
GB - James Jones leading the 3rd WR competition
Source: Rob Demovsky - Green Bay Press-Gazette
The Green Bay Press-Gazette, is reporting that after a week and a half of practice, James Jones has erased all doubts and looks like a clear-cut favorite to again be the team's all-important third receiver. He regularly has lined up ahead of Jordy Nelson in the "zebra" or three-receiver set and has been catching just about everything thrown his way. "He's having a very good camp," offensive coordinator Joe Philbin said this week. "He's catching the ball well; he's making some plays down the field; he's competing well for the football down the field. Talking to some of our defensive backs, they say his blocking - you know a guy his size, it's critical in our running game that the receivers do the job down the field - has been good. So I think in all those categories he's been doing well."
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The Packers have the best wide receiver corps in the league, as both James Jones and Jordy Nelson would be starters on different teams. Jones has looked like the best deep threat in practice, but Nelson is great at working underneath routes. Jones may start as the 3rd receiver, but the team could rotate in Nelson depending on what the situation calls for. When the team goes to four WR sets, forget it! Both James and Nelson can abuse nickel and dime cornerbacks.
DEF - IND - HC Caldwell says S Bob Sanders questionable for Week 1
Source: Mike Chappell - The Indianapolis Star
Mike Chappell, of The Indianapolis Star, reports Indianapolis Colts head coach Jim Caldwell said he is not sure if FS Bob Sanders (knee) will be ready to play in the team's regular-season opener because of a knee injury.
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You knew it wasn't a good thing when Sanders was scheduled for a consultation with Dr. James Andrews. Don't neglect Melvin Bullitt in your deep IDP dynasty leagues.
That'll do it for today Folks.
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