Footballguys Daily Email - Volume 10, Issue 122 (Wednesday, August 19th)
|
Sign Up For Free Newsletter
85,000+ Mailing List |
|
FANDRAFT: Fantasy Football Draft Board software Take your fantasy football draft to the next level with FanDraft: Fantasy Draft Board software. Make your fantasy draft feel like an actual NFL Draft with tickers, custom logos, live clock, multiple board views, and more. Perfect to display on a large screen TV or digital projector, or just use to keep your draft running smooth and organized. Use promotional code "footballguys" during check out, and save 10% off your order (offer only valid for new sign ups). Download a free demo from our website FanDraft.com |
Hi Folks,
Good Thursday to you. We've got another HUGE day for subscriber content plus a boatload of news and notes for you. Let's get to it.
J
SITE NEWS
A.
Start Dominating Your Competition With A Footballguys Subscription
I hope you're finding these emails helpful. We'll keep scouring the news and sifting through the mountain of stories each day to bring you the nuggets you need to know. But this is just a tiny sliver of what we do. For $27.95, a Footballguys subscription gives you everything you need to dominate your league. We'll produce about 50,000 pages of content this season. All with the goal of giving you what you need. We have our $35,000 Subscriber Contest where we'll throw tons of money at our subscribers as a way to say thanks. And to top it off, our subscriptions come with a MONEY BACK GUARANTEE. Try it out and if you find that it's not worth the $27.95 to, we refund your money. For the price of a couple pizzas and drinks, we'll give you the edge you need and if you don't agree, you get your money back. It's a can't lose.
B.
Training Camp Report #3 Ready
The third round of our training camp reports are ready. You have to see this report to believe it - this thing is insanely detailed with 40+ fact filled pages detailing everything you need to know about every situation in every camp from every team. You could read nothing but this report and be the most informed owner in your league. Check it out.
C.
Footballguys $35,000 Subscriber Contest
You read that right. We're giving away $35,000 to folks that purchase a Footballguys Premium Subscription and enter our Subscribers Contest. No tricks or goofy stuff. This isn't a deal where there are 2 million entrants and we give some crappy TV away. It's $35,000 bucks. And it's just Footballguys subscribers that are competing for the money. If you're as good as you think you are, I like your chances...
D.
Our New Feature This Year - Rate My Team
I won't lie, I think we've done some pretty cool things over the years at Footballguys. But this year, we've raised the bar WAY up with what I think is the coolest feature we've done to date. It's called Rate My Team. And it does just what it says. Spend a few seconds entering your team and information and with one click, we give you a detailed analysis of your team that I think you're going to love. Check it out for yourself. It's 100% FREE.
E.
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.
F.
Top 300 Players (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. In this one, we look at it from a PPR (Points Per Reception) angle.
G.
The Weekly Gut Check - Must-Picks And The All-Gut Check Team
Our Matt Waldman checks in with another edition of his Gut Check. In this one, he looks at the "All Gut Check Team".
H.
Keep up with Footballguys and Joe on Twitter and Facebook
Lots of people want more from us than just what we're doing here with these email updates. You're in luck as I'm doing a good bit with Twitter and Facebook. If you want to keep up with Footballguys on our Facebook page, just click here.
If you'd like to keep up with all that I'm doing on Twitter, plus breaking news and Footballguys site info, just click here.
And if you want to keep up with me on Facebook, click here.
Get signed up as this Friday, we'll be giving away some good stuff to Folks that are keeping up with us on Twitter and Facebook.
I.
163 Cheatsheets
Don't have time to enter your league data for a custom cheatsheet? No worries. Our Clayton Gray's done all the work for you creating 163 different cheatsheets for 163 different league scenarios. One is bound to be close to yours.
J.
Ultimate Team By Committee - UTBC
Our Jeff Pasquino with a unique look at the "committee" angle - The Ultimate Team By Committee.
K.
Eyes Of the Guru - Preseason Update
Our John Norton is back with another issue of his world beating IDP column - Eyes of the Guru.
L.
IDP Spotlight: NY Jets Linebackers
Our Spotlight Series dig down deep for the best analysis of a player / situation you'll find anywhere. In this one, we look at the NY Jets Linebackers.
M.
IDP Spotlight: Philadelphia Safeties
Our Spotlight Series dig down deep for the best analysis of a player / situation you'll find anywhere. In this one, we look at the Philadelphia Safeties.
N.
IDP Spotlight: Which rookie safety will make the biggest impact in 2009?
Our Spotlight Series dig down deep for the best analysis of a player / situation you'll find anywhere. In this one, we look at which rookie safety will make the biggest impact in 2009?
O.
Understanding IDP Dynasty Rankings
Our Anthony Borbely digs deep in explaining IDP Dynasty Rankings.
P.
Draft Slot Study - From the #3 Position
Our Chris Smith continues his "Draft Slot" series. In this one, he takes a look at drafting from the #3 spot.
Q.
Draft Slot Study - From the #4 Position
Our Chris Smith continues his "Draft Slot" series. In this one, he takes a look at drafting from the #4 spot.
R.
Draft Slot Study - From the #5/6 Position
Our Chris Smith continues his "Draft Slot" series. In this one, he takes a look at drafting from the #5/6 spots.
S.
Draft Slot Study - From the #7/8 Position
Our Chris Smith continues his "Draft Slot" series. In this one, he takes a look at drafting from the #7/8 spots.
T.
Draft Slot Study - From the #9/10 Position
Our Chris Smith continues his "Draft Slot" series. In this one, he takes a look at drafting from the #9/10 spots.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1. DEN - WR Brandon Marshall 'not close' to knowing the playbook2. KC - QB Matt Cassel slipping in camp?
3. NYJ - Looking to add another wideout
4. SD - WR Vincent Jackson goes to trainer's room holding hand, unlikely that it's broken
5. DEN - WR Brandon Marshall takes part in both practices Wednesday
6. BAL - RB Willis McGahee healthier, happier
7. OAK - QB JaMarcus Russell struggles without WR Chaz Schilens
8. CHI - Dungy would encourage team to sign WR Marvin Harrison if needed
9. JAX - TE Zach Miller suffers knee injury
10. BUF - WR Terrell Owens will not play in next preseason game
11. CLE - WR Braylon Edwards says dropped passes part of football
12. SEA - John TE John Carlson ready for a breakout season
13. PHI - Reid satisfied with RB Brian Westbrook's progress
14. MIN - QB Tarvaris Jackson on way out?
15. OAK - WR Chaz Schilens injury update
16. SF - Offensive coordinator raves about RB Glen Coffee
17. CLE - Mangini mum on a starting QB
18. IND - TE Dallas Clark expected to start vs Eagles
19. MIN - Team could keep all 4 QBs for a few weeks
20. SF - RB Frank Gore is fired up
21. ARI - RB Chris Wells twists bad ankle again Tuesday
22. TB - QB Luke McCown struggling
23. CAR - RB Mike Goodson given night off Wednesday
24. NYJ - Team increases offer to RB Leon Washington
25. GB - RB Tyrell Sutton must improve blitz pickup
26. STL - WR Donnie Avery lobbying for an earlier return
27. NYG - RB Brandon Jacobs focused on receiving skills
28. ATL - WR Eric Weems appears to have leg up for punt returns
29. MIA - CB Eric Green released
DEN - WR Brandon Marshall 'not close' to knowing the playbook
Source: Frank Schwab - the Colorado Springs Gazette
Frank Schwab, from the Colorado Springs Gazette, reports that after basically disengaging himself from practice by standing with the defensive players on the sideline and not taking any normal repetitions during 11-on-11 drills (he said it is because he is "not close" to learning the playbook), Broncos receiver Brandon Marshall reiterated he is not happy with the team. He was asked if there were irreconcilable differences with the team. "Unfortunately, sometimes it gets to that point," Marshall said. "There are trust issues on both sides. It's understandable. We've got to try our best to move forward."
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Marshall has missed a lot of time in training camp because of his hamstring injury, and that's why he's still not working with the first-team in practice. With teams like the Jets rumored to be interested in adding Marshall, we'll see if the Broncos decide to cut ties with their talented receiver.
KC - QB Matt Cassel slipping in camp?
Source: Adam Teicher - the Kansas City Star
Adam Teicher, of the Kansas City Star, reports Kansas City Chiefs QB Matt Cassel's play has slipped since the early portion of training camp. Cassell struggled during practice Tuesday, Aug. 18, missing some throws. When asked whether Cassel has been the best quarterback in camp, head coach Todd Haley deferred. 'I think I'll hold out on answering that right now,' Haley said.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
New coach Todd Haley hasn't been afraid to call out any of the Chiefs "star" players, and that includes their franchise quarterback. This follows a report from yesterday that stated Brodie Croyle might be a threat to Cassel's starting job. Fantasy owners don't like hearing a report like this, but Cassel should be nothing more than a backup on your fantasy squad. If he is the starter he could put up nice numbers, by default, because the Chiefs will have to throw a lot to stay in games this year.
NYJ - Looking to add another wideout
Source: Rich Cimini - the New York Daily News
Rich Cimini, of the New York Daily News, reports the New York Jets are exploring the wide-receiver market and have held preliminary discussions with a few teams, according to NFL sources. The team would be interested in acquiring Denver Broncos WR Brandon Marshall, even though he is not officially on the market. If the Jets do add a veteran receiver, it probably would not be a free agent such as WR Marvin Harrison (Colts).
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Cimini also throws Chiefs WR Dwayne Bowe out there as a possibility, and mentions the Giants as a potential trade partner. Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum has made many trades during the preseason, most famously the acquisition of Brett Favre last year, so we should definitely take this seriously. We also shouldn't get too excited about Chansi Stuckey, David Clowney, or any other Jet contending to start opposite Jerricho Cotchery until this situation plays itself out.
SD - WR Vincent Jackson goes to trainer's room holding hand, unlikely that it's broken
Source: Kevin Acee - the San Diego Union Tribune
Kevin Acee, of the San Diego Union Tribune, reports on his Twitter feed that WR Vincent Jackson came up holding his hand after a deep incompletion and went straight to the trainer's room. He added, "doesn't look good". Update: Acee writes that Jackson is still in the trainer's room, but the reports are that Jackson is ok, which likely rules out a break.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
We have seen Donnie Avery, Antonio Bryant, and Chaz Schilens all drop down our boards after training camp injuries, and Jackson could be next. Reports late Wednesday night are that it's just a sprained finger. He'll likely miss Saturday's game but be back next week.
DEN - WR Brandon Marshall takes part in both practices Wednesday
Source: Lindsay Jones - The Denver Post
Lindsay Jones, of The Denver Post, reports Denver Broncos WR Brandon Marshall (hip) took part in both practices Wednesday, Aug. 19. It was his first two-a-day of training camp.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
At least he's showing up for practices, but according to reports, he's been lining up with the scout team on offense and defense, and he barely knows the playbook. This drama is far from over.
BAL - RB Willis McGahee healthier, happier
Source: David Ginsburg - the Associated Press
David Ginsburg, of the Associated Press, reports that Ravens RB Willis McGahee doesn't appear to have any lingering healthy issues from offseason surgeries, and he is also on good terms with the Ravens coaches. "We've got a smarter Willis McGahee, more of a student of the game with a good work ethic," running backs coach Wilbert Montgomery said. "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." "I told Willis, 'I love the way you came to work,'" Ravens offensive coordinator Cam Cameron said.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
We were swearing off McGahee after ankle and knee surgeries in the offseason, but his ADP has dropped so significantly that he's actually a good value and late-round pick. If he gets a big part of the Baltimore backfield, you get a steal, and if he's not doing much early, you can drop him with impunity for a waiver wire wonder. That contrasts with other late round RBs that you might feel inclined to keep longer because they are injury handcuffs. It is important to build some early season flexibility into your roster, and a late-round pick of McGahee accomplishes that goal.
OAK - QB JaMarcus Russell struggles without WR Chaz Schilens
Source: Jerry McDonald - InsideBayArea.com
Jerry McDonald, of InsideBayArea.com, reports that Raiders QB JaMarcus Russell struggled against the 49ers defense without emerging #1 receiver Chaz Schilens. TE Zach Miller said, "He (Russell) got real comfortable with Chaz and obviously not having him, you have some guys he's not as comfortable with." Russell commented, "I think he (Schilens) had came real far from what we had a year ago in the spring until now, (we) did a lot of work and you could tell. (I) wish him a fast and a healthy recover and may God bless him with that." Raiders head coach Tom Cable refused to let that be an excuse for a poor performance. "He has gone to him quite a bit, but that can't be the issue," Cable said. "We have to have guys step up. Louis Murphy's back, and someone else has got to go make those plays."
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Luckily for Russell, Schilens shouldn't miss more than two or three games unless he has a setback in the recovery from a broken bone in his foot. Too bad for the Raiders that they face AFC West divisional opponents in all three games.
CHI - Dungy would encourage team to sign WR Marvin Harrison if needed
Source: ESPNChicago.com
ESPNChicago.com reports former NFL head coach Tony Dungy said during a radio interview that he would encourage Chicago Bears head coach Lovie Smith to sign unrestricted free-agent WR Marvin Harrison (Colts) if the team needed another receiver. 'I think he definitely can play, and I would encourage Lovie to sign him if they had an opening,' Dungy said.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
From Michael Vick to Marvin Harrison - Tony Dungy is everywhere. The Bears WR corps is full of question marks, and if they feel the young receivers on the roster aren't performing well, we could see them reach out to Marvin Harrison. The Titans are rumored to have interest in the veteran as well.
JAX - TE Zach Miller suffers knee injury
Source: Alfie Crow - JagNation.com
Alfie Crow, from JagNation.com, reports Zach Miller has a knee injury that will keep him "out for a while".
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
The Jaguars are certainly disappointed with this news, and should end up keeping Miller around on Injured Reserve if the injury is serious.
BUF - WR Terrell Owens will not play in next preseason game
Source: Mark Ludwiczak - CBSSports.com
CBSSports.com reports Buffalo Bills WR Terrell Owens (toe) will not play in the team's next preseason game, according to head coach Dick Jauron. 'We probably won't put him on the field again until next week sometime,' Jauron said.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
The TO show remains on hiatus for another week.
CLE - WR Braylon Edwards says dropped passes part of football
Source: Mary Kay Cabot - the Cleveland Plain Dealer
Mary Kay Cabot, of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, reports Cleveland Browns WR Braylon Edwards doesn't think his dropped touchdown pass in the team's preseason opener is a sign of things to come in 2009. 'Not really,' Edwards said. 'It's just part of football. I felt good in the game for the most part. Just making sure I felt good and felt healthy, that was the biggest thing I was concerned about. That felt good. That said, I feel good about this game and the rest of the season.'
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Wow. Braylon even broke off a "nobody's perfect" during the interview. We don't think Braylon needs to beat himself up over a drop in the preseason, but a little more concern would be nice. He is a professional, and his job is to catch the football. Braylon should be upset whenever he drops a pass, not carefree. Fantasy owners will just have to accept the fact that Braylon will have some frustrating drops once again in 2009.
SEA - John TE John Carlson ready for a breakout season
Source: Danny O'Neil - the Seattle Times
Danny O'Neil, from the Seattle Times, reports that if there is one player on the Seahawks offense poised for that breakthrough moment it is 25-year-old tight end John Carlson, who was the singular bright spot from the passing game last year.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
John Carlson led Seattle in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns as a rookie last year. He was targeted 80 times last year, and he hauled in 55 of those passes on a team that was desperate from help in the passing game. Things could be much different this year, with a healthy Matt Hasselbeck, and new weapons in the WR corps - which some think could translate to fewer targets for the talented TE. However, Carlson's current ADP is TE9, so he's a perfect player to target if you don't get an elite TE early in your draft.
PHI - Reid satisfied with RB Brian Westbrook's progress
Source: Bernard Fernandez - the Philadelphia Daily News
Bernard Fernandez, from the Philadelphia Daily News, reports Eagles coach Andy Reid professed to be unconcerned that Westbrook will give his usual bang-for-the-buck. The brief glimpses Big Red has seen so far would seem to indicate that No. 36 is back on track to have the sort of season he enjoyed in 2007, when the Villanova product rushed for 1,333 yards, caught 90 passes, scored 12 touchdowns, led the league with 2,104 yards from scrimmage and was named first-team All-Pro for the first time and to the Pro Bowl for the second time. "He increased his work load every day this week," Reid noted. "He felt good. I've been happy with what I've seen."
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Fantasy owners are certainly concerned about Westbrook, and it's reflected in his ADP (currently listed as RB11). The Eagles are going to try and keep Westy fresh by rotating in LeSean McCoy. The rookie has looked dazzling in practice, and in games, so he is a must handcuff for Westbrook in 2009. If Westbrook were to go down with injury, McCoy could handle a Westbrook-like workload.
MIN - QB Tarvaris Jackson on way out?
Source: Charley Walters - the Pioneer Press
Charley Walters, of the Pioneer Press, reports it is expected that Minnesota Vikings QB Tarvaris Jackson will be traded or released by Friday, Aug. 21. If the Vikings are able to trade Jackson, it would seem they would prefer to deal him out of the NFC. The best the Vikings could expect in a Jackson trade would be a seventh-round draft pick.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
When looking at the QB situations throughout the league a few teams jump out as possible trade partners with the Vikings. The Rams have to be near the top of the list because Marc Bulger's injury has left them with Kyle Boller as a starter until Bulger returns. Carson Palmer's injury may force the team to take a harder look at Jackson because their backups are J.T. O'Sullivan and Jordan Palmer. The Bengals were also rumored to be interested in Michael Vick, so they could definitely be looking for an upgrade to their backup situation. Finally, the Bears may want more competition for Caleb Hanie, and could bring in Jackson to get any insight into their division rival.
OAK - WR Chaz Schilens injury update
Source: Jerry McDonald - ANG Newspapers
Jerry McDonald, of ANG Newspapers, reports Oakland Raiders WR Chaz Schilens' (foot) injury could cause him to miss six weeks or more, according to medical Web sites. When asked if he could play in Week 1, Schilens replied, 'If God works a miracle, we'll see.'
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Jerry McDonald told us on The Audible that Chaz Schilens was the star of training camp, and he was going to have a big role for the Raiders this year. If his recovery goes well, we could see Schilens back on the field after the first few weeks of the regular season. Fantasy owners need to remember Schilens when looking for a bye-week or injury replacement on the waiver wire.
SF - Offensive coordinator raves about RB Glen Coffee
Source: Kevin Lynch - the San Francisco Chronicle
Kevin Lynch, of the San Francisco Chronicle, reports that 49ers offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye had great things to say about third-round pick RB Glen Coffee. "He has really been exceptional as a rookie running back. He's way ahead of the curve as far as a rookie back in pass protection, which is really unusual. You lose pass protection with a rookie running back and then you lose your quarterback," Raye said.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
There have been tons of great reports about Frank Gore, but it sounds like the 49ers will be ok if Gore misses time again this year.
CLE - Mangini mum on a starting QB
Source: Tony Grossi - the Cleveland Plain-Dealer
Tony Grossi, from the Cleveland Plain-Dealer, reports Saturday's starting quarterback for the Browns against Detroit will be ... stay tuned. Coach Eric Mangini declined again to name Derek Anderson, whose turn is up, or Brady Quinn, who started in Green Bay, Wis., last weekend. "We'll talk about it at the end of the week," Mangini said. The only thing Mangini did concede was the if a two-minute drill presents itself in the first half, he would give it to Anderson because Quinn had the opportunity to run one against Green Bay.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Mangini noted that only 4 reps have separated the two quarterbacks in practice. This is a close race, but Brady Quinn is in the lead. Derek Anderson would have to play with great confidence (and mistake free) if he wants to overtake Quinn as the starter.
IND - TE Dallas Clark expected to start vs Eagles
Source: Tom James -Tribune-Star
The Tribune-Star is reporting TE Dallas Clark is over his concussion and should be in the starting lineup Thursday night as the Colts take on the Eagles. Clark missed last week's preseason opener with Minnesota after suffering a mild concussion in practice during the team's mock game on Aug. 8. He returned to practice Monday afternoon and took part in both of Tuesday's workouts. "It's tough being out, especially during camp, anytime really. Watching everyone work and get better is not a fun thing. But it was great to be out there, and I had a lot of fun," he said Tuesday.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Clark has a history of concussions, but if he's healthy he should be a top 5 fantasy TE. The Colts should use Clark as their second target in the passing game behind WR Reggie Wayne.
MIN - Team could keep all 4 QBs for a few weeks
Source: Jason LaCanfora - NFL.com
Jason LaCanfora, from NFL.com, continues to hear that ultimately, barring an injury to someone else, Tarvaris Jackson is likely to be the odd-man out and the player the Vikings will shop as we get near the 53-man roster cutdown. All four quarterbacks will be on the roster and get some playing time over the next few weeks, according to sources, and having Jackson perform well in the preseason games would only enhance his trade value.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
By holding onto Jackson through the preseason they could insure their own group of quarterbacks if injuries strike. At the same time, other teams could have quarterbacks go down with injury which would make Jackson's trade value go even higher. It's not likely the Vikings would get more than a mid-round pick for Jackson at this time.
SF - RB Frank Gore is fired up
Source: John Crumpacker - the San Francisco Chronicle
John Crumpacker, from the San Francisco Chronicle, notes that never in his five years with the 49ers has Frank Gore looked more fired-up for a drill than he was Tuesday morning attacking the Raiders' linebackers in blitz pickup. His enthusiasm was that of a zealot throwing himself into a frenzy of physicality. So committed to executing the drill to perfection was Gore that running backs coach Tom Rathman had to pull him out of his last rotation. "He showed everybody enough of what he could do," Rathman said. "We've got a certain philosophy of pass blocking and that's to dominate on each snap."
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
San Francisco could be a surprise team this year with Frank Gore leading the way. He has really responded to coach Mike Singletary, and is becoming more of a leader on the team.
ARI - RB Chris Wells twists bad ankle again Tuesday
Source: Darren Urban - AZCardinals.com
Darren Urban, of AZCardinals.com, reports Arizona Cardinals RB Chris Wells (ankle) said he twisted his bad ankle again during practice Tuesday, Aug. 18. Wells insisted he would be "OK."
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Urban reported that Wells looked hobbled after the play. This situation bears watching, as Wells had his share of injury issues at Ohio State.
TB - QB Luke McCown struggling
Source: Jason LaCanfora - the NFL Network
Jason LaCanfora, of the NFL Network, reports that QB Luke McCown has struggled in his bid to win the starting QB job, and some in the organization believe that "it might be time to cut their losses with him so reps can open up for others."
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Stay away from the TB QB situation, but if you feel you must take one of the signalcallers, take Byron Leftwich.
CAR - RB Mike Goodson given night off Wednesday
Source: Darin Gantt - The Rock Hill Herald
Darin Gantt, of The Rock Hill Herald, reports Carolina Panthers RB Mike Goodson will be given evening practice off Wednesday, Aug. 19, because he was kicked in the leg in the morning.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
We like what we're seeing from Goodson but this doesn't seem to be anything to worry about here.
NYJ - Team increases offer to RB Leon Washington
Source: Rich Cimini - the New York Daily News
Rich Cimini, from the New York Daily News, reports the Jets still hope to sign RB Leon Washington to a contract extension by the start of the season. The latest: They have a $5million-a-year offer on the table, which includes $10 million in guarantees, sources said. Washington is due to make $535,000 in the final year of his contract.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
The Jets don't have a RB on their roster that can do what Leon Washington does, and a new deal should be reached before the start of the season.
GB - RB Tyrell Sutton must improve blitz pickup
Source: Bob McGinn - Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel
The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel is reporting rookie RB Tyrell Sutton has a lot of work to do in blitz pickup. LB Brandon Chillar made him look terrible on a pair of blitzes. QB Matt Flynn left one encounter shaking his right hand, which apparently was bruised as a result of Sutton's lack of protection.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Sutton put himself "in the mix" as a competitor for playing time behind starter Ryan Grant with his performance in the Packers first preseason game. However, he will not see the field if he can't protect the quarterback. Pass protection is perhaps the single most important aspect that a rookie must learn, and Sutton will have to improve that area if he's going to be considered for more playing time - or a spot on the team.
STL - WR Donnie Avery lobbying for an earlier return
Source: Bill Coats - the St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Bill Coats, from the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, reports wide receiver Donnie Avery, who was expected to miss at least a month after breaking a bone in his left foot in the Aug. 7 scrimmage at Lindenwood University, is no longer wearing an orthopedic boot and is lobbying for an earlier return. Like, right now. "Donnie wants to go; that's Donnie," Spagnuolo said. "Keenan (Burton) was the same way in the spring (with a hamstring injury). I would rather have guys like that, but we're just trying to be smart."
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
The Rams WR corps is extremely inexperienced, and getting Avery back sooner would be a big boost to the passing game. Because he is such an important piece to the team's success, the Rams are sure to be extra-cautious when bringing Avery back from his injury. He may get off to a slow start when he comes back, but by the end of the year (fantasy playoffs), Avery could once again be worth a spot in your starting lineup.
NYG - RB Brandon Jacobs focused on receiving skills
Source: Tom Rock - Newsday
Newsday is reporting RB Brandon Jacobs spent the offseason working on his receiving skills. "This 'Brandon Jacobs can't catch' thing is killing me. It's killing me," Jacobs said.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Jacobs only had 12 passes thrown his way last year (he only caught 6 of them), after having 38 targets in 2007. We think it's great that he's been working on his receiving skills, but with Ahmad Bradshaw set to catch most of the passes out of the backfield, we're sure Jacobs won't be much of a factor in the passing game.
ATL - WR Eric Weems appears to have leg up for punt returns
Source: John Manasso - AtlantaFalcons.com
John Manasso, of AtlantaFalcons.com, reports Atlanta Falcons WR Eric Weems appears to have a leg up on the team's competition for starting punt returner.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Harry Douglas injury has opened the door for Weems to make the team as the fourth or fifth receiver, and as a punt returner.
Source: Brad Biggs - The National Football Post
Brad Biggs, of The National Football Post, reports the Miami Dolphins have released CB Eric Green.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
The Dolphins signed Green to a 2-year, $6 million dollar deal back in March, but he did not perform well in training camp - or the Dolphins preseason game against Jacksonville. The Dolphins addressed their needs at cornerback in the draft by selecting Vontae Davis and Sean Smith. At this time it looks like Smith is a lock to make the starting lineup opposite Will Allen.
NFL Network's Jason LaCanfora reports Wednesday night that Green has already signed with San Francisco.
That'll do it for today, Folks. Thanks for reading and I hope you have a great Thursday. We'll see you tomorrow with the update.
J
