Footballguys Daily Email - Volume 10, Issue 127 (Monday, August 24th)
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Hi Folks,
Hope you didn't have anything planned for today as we've got enough new content to keep you busy for a while. Tons of new Player Spotlights as well as new Strategy Articles. Plus the news and notes you'll want to know. Thanks as always to our Cecil Lammey and Sigmund Bloom for the help there.
Let's get to it.
J
SITE NEWS
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C.
Updated Detailed Stat Projections
You heard me say it several times by now - our Detailed Stat Projections are the backbone and foundation of all we do. They drive everything. And we also keep them up to the minute current following all the news. Here's a new set of detailed stat projections for every player by my partner David Dodds.
D.
Average Draft Position for PPR leagues
You know where you want to draft players. But to really be effective in your draft, you need to know where other people want to draft those players. Our Average Draft Position (ADP) listing is the most accurate you'll find. This one looks at Points Per Reception (PPR) leagues.
E.
Average Draft Position
You know where you want to draft players. But to really be effective in your draft, you need to know where other people want to draft those players. Our Average Draft Position (ADP) listing is the most accurate you'll find.
F.
Tiering Up the Expert Rankings
Lots of owners like to break down players into "tiers". The trick is always determining where the tiers separate. Our Clayton Gray's done the homework for you taking our Expert Rankings and breaking down each position into the respective tiers to help you draft most effectively.
G.
Projection Tweaks
You know by now what we're constantly tweaking projections. My partner David Dodds lays out his logic in this one with comments on every player that's moving up and down.
H.
Expert Rankings Updated
Another day, another new set of Expert Rankings. You can see the most updated rankings for every position here.
I.
2009 IDP Deep Sleepers
We throw the entire IDP (Individual Defensive Players) Staff at this one digging deep to find all the IDP sleepers you'll need to know about.
J.
2009 IDP Overvalued Players
We throw the entire IDP (Individual Defensive Players) Staff at this one and they expose the over valued IDP players you'll want to avoid.
K.
2009 IDP Value Plays
We throw the entire IDP (Individual Defensive Players) Staff at this one and go deep to find the IDP players that represent a great value.
L.
Spotlight - RB Donald Brown, Indianapolis Colts
Our Footballguys Player Spotlights are the most detailed and comprehensive looks you'll find for players and issues anywhere. We have a staff guy dive into it then we have our Message Board Gurus go at it. In this one, we look at IND RB Donald Brown.
M.
Spotlight - TE Chris Cooley, Washington Redskins
Our Footballguys Player Spotlights are the most detailed and comprehensive looks you'll find for players and issues anywhere. We have a staff guy dive into it then we have our Message Board Gurus go at it. In this one, we look at WAS TE Chris Cooley.
N.
Spotlight - TE Owen Daniels, Houston Texans
Our Footballguys Player Spotlights are the most detailed and comprehensive looks you'll find for players and issues anywhere. We have a staff guy dive into it then we have our Message Board Gurus go at it. In this one, we look at HOU TE Owen Daniels.
O.
Spotlight - QB Jake Delhomme, Carolina Panthers
Our Footballguys Player Spotlights are the most detailed and comprehensive looks you'll find for players and issues anywhere. We have a staff guy dive into it then we have our Message Board Gurus go at it. In this one, we look at CAR QB Jake Delhomme.
P.
Spotlight - QB Brett Favre, Minnesota Vikings
Our Footballguys Player Spotlights are the most detailed and comprehensive looks you'll find for players and issues anywhere. We have a staff guy dive into it then we have our Message Board Gurus go at it. In this one, we look at MIN QB Brett Favre.
Q.
Spotlight - TE Antonio Gates, San Diego Chargers
Our Footballguys Player Spotlights are the most detailed and comprehensive looks you'll find for players and issues anywhere. We have a staff guy dive into it then we have our Message Board Gurus go at it. In this one, we look at SD TE Antonio Gates.
R.
Spotlight - QB Matt Hasselbeck, Seattle Seahawks
Our Footballguys Player Spotlights are the most detailed and comprehensive looks you'll find for players and issues anywhere. We have a staff guy dive into it then we have our Message Board Gurus go at it. In this one, we look at SEA QB Matt Hasselbeck.
S.
Spotlight - RB Jamal Lewis, Cleveland Browns
Our Footballguys Player Spotlights are the most detailed and comprehensive looks you'll find for players and issues anywhere. We have a staff guy dive into it then we have our Message Board Gurus go at it. In this one, we look at CLE RB Jamal Lewis.
T.
Spotlight - WR Eddie Royal, Denver Broncos
Our Footballguys Player Spotlights are the most detailed and comprehensive looks you'll find for players and issues anywhere. We have a staff guy dive into it then we have our Message Board Gurus go at it. In this one, we look at DEN WR Eddie Royal.
U.
Spotlight - RB Pierre Thomas, New Orleans Saints
Our Footballguys Player Spotlights are the most detailed and comprehensive looks you'll find for players and issues anywhere. We have a staff guy dive into it then we have our Message Board Gurus go at it. In this one, we look at NO RB Pierre Thomas.
V.
Spotlight - RB Chris Wells, Arizona Cardinals
Our Footballguys Player Spotlights are the most detailed and comprehensive looks you'll find for players and issues anywhere. We have a staff guy dive into it then we have our Message Board Gurus go at it. In this one, we look at ARZ RB Chris Wells.
W.
Spotlight - RB Brian Westbrook, Philadelphia Eagles
Our Footballguys Player Spotlights are the most detailed and comprehensive looks you'll find for players and issues anywhere. We have a staff guy dive into it then we have our Message Board Gurus go at it. In this one, we look at PHI RB Brian Westbrook.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1. SF - QB Shaun Hill will make first opening-day start of his NFL career2. SEA - Seahawks add RB Edgerrin James
3. JAX - WR Troy Williamson making the most of his opportunity
4. NO - RB Pierre Thomas has MCL sprain, likely day-to-day
5. SEA - RB Edgerrin James capable of playing on any down
6. TB - QB Byron Leftwich to start Thursday, QB Luke McCown to play with starters
7. STL - WR Donnie Avery injury update
8. CAR - RB Jonathan Stewart's Achilles has 'ongoing pain'
9. CLE - Rookie RB James Davis an explosive playmaker
10. TEN - WR Kenny Britt to work with starters while Washington is out
11. TEN - WR Nate Washington suffers hamstring injury
12. DET - QB Matthew Stafford's bad night didn't shock team GM
13. WAS - Rookie WR Marko Mitchell the talk of training camp
14. BAL - Backup WR the biggest concern
15. NYG - QB coach Palmer 'not pleased' with QB David Carr
16. DEN - WR Brandon Marshall staying in Denver?
17. OAK - QB JaMarcus Russell officially named starter
18. WAS - QB Todd Collins wins backup QB job
19. WAS - Zorn praises QB Jason Campbell's decision-making
20. CLE - WR Mike Furrey to be the 3rd down target?
21. MIN - QB Brett Favre likely to play a half Monday
22. MIA - WR Brian Hartline lines up with the starters for the second week
23. CLE - Starting quarterback for third preseason game undecided
24. GB - RB Tyrell Sutton continues to impress
25. JAX - Jaguars looking for a new backup QB?
26. DEN - WR Eddie Royal to still work on special teams
27. OAK - RB Justin Fargas falling behind?
28. SEA - RB Justin Forsett heavily involved in the passing game
29. STL - RB Samkon Gado has edge for No. 2 job
SF - QB Shaun Hill will make first opening-day start of his NFL career
Source: Matt Maiocco - The Santa Rosa Press Democrat
Continuing an ongoing storyline, Matt Maiocco, of The Santa Rosa Press Democrat, reports San Francisco 49ers QB Shaun Hill will make his first opening-day start in his eight-year NFL career this season. Hill, who has 10 NFL career starts, beat out QB Alex D. Smith for the starting job this year. Head coach Mike Singletary said he, offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye and quarterback coach Mike Johnson were all in agreement with the decision. Singletary cited Hill's leadership and consistency, as well as his solid play last year, for the reasons to pick him as the starter. Singletary also praised Smith, saying the team is comfortable with him as their No. 2 quarterback.
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Congratulations to Hill, who deserves this opportunity.
SEA - Seahawks add RB Edgerrin James
Source: Mike Florio - ProFootballTalk.com
ProFootballTalk.com is reporting the Seahawks have added veteran RB Edgerrin James.
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James is out to prove that he has something left in the tank, and Seattle is a perfect landing spot for him. Julius Jones is one of the least exciting options as a starting RB, and the Seahawks have brought in serious competition for his starting job by signing James.
JAX - WR Troy Williamson making the most of his opportunity
Source: Vito Stellino - Florida Times-Union
The Florida Times-Union reports the Jaguars traded for Troy Williamson last year to give him a second chance, but he was dogged with injuries, played in only eight games and caught just four passes. This year, he has nine catches in two preseason games, including 74 and 61-yard bombs against Tampa Bay. Coach Jack Del Rio is hoping that Williamson is in the process of resurrecting his career. "I think you see it all the time in the NFL. For whatever reasons, there'll be situations or a set of circumstances that happen to fit a player better. There are players like that that maybe don't burst upon the scene their first year in the league, but maybe after bouncing from a team or two, they end up finding a home and end up flourishing. So, obviously, we welcome that. I think he's had a great camp,'' Del Rio said.
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Williamson has been a pleasant surprise so far for the Jacksonville Jaguars. When he entered training camp, some thought he wouldn't even make the final roster, but with his improved performance he has become David Garrard's go-to receiver. Confidence has played a big role in his transformation, and Williamson says he's now more confident than ever.
NO - RB Pierre Thomas has MCL sprain, likely day-to-day
Source: Adam Caplan - Scout.com
Adam Caplan, of Scout.com, reports on his Twitter feed that New Orleans RB Pierre Thomas has an MCL sprain, but head coach Sean Payton said it is nothing significant, which leads Caplan to believe that it is a grade 1 sprain, which would make Thomas's status day-to-day.
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No reason to get worried, but we do want to remind you that Mike Bell is the #3 RB in NOLA right now, and the #3 RB has a way of becoming a December stud for the Saints.
SEA - RB Edgerrin James capable of playing on any down
Source: Mike Sando - ESPN.com
Mike Sando, of ESPN.com, reports RB Edgerrin James provides the Seattle Seahawks with an experienced running back capable of playing on any down. His abilities in picking up the blitz could also help the team in pass protection. The Seahawks have issues on the offensive line, which makes it unreasonable to expect most backs - especially an older one - to flourish behind a struggling line. James, coming from a division rival, seems to be highly motivated after being cast aside by the Arizona Cardinals.
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The Seahawks are clearly not satisfied with the Jones-Duckett duo, and we expect James to play as big a role as either of the holdovers from last year's squad.
TB - QB Byron Leftwich to start Thursday, QB Luke McCown to play with starters
Source: Jim Flynn - PewterReport.com
Jim Flynn, of PewterReport.com, reports Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB Byron Leftwich will start the team's preseason game Thursday, Aug. 27, but QB Luke McCown will also see time with the first-team offense during the game. Both quarterbacks will play a quarter and a half.
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It's the all important third week of the preseason, and this should be the final showdown (for now) between Byron Leftwich and Luke McCown. A starter should be named for the regular season after this game, and as of right now Leftwich may have a slight edge. The next two games could also decide the fate of fourth-string QB Josh Johnson. He is extremely talented, but still a year away from challenging for a starting job. The Bucs could decide to once again keep four quarterbacks on the roster because of Johnson's raw ability.
STL - WR Donnie Avery injury update
Source: Cameron Hollway - CBSSports.com
CBSSports.com reports St. Louis Rams WR Donnie Avery (foot) was making cuts, catching passes and going through all individual drills without a limp during practice Monday, Aug. 24. Although the team has not set a timetable on his return, it appears likely Avery will be ready for Week 1.
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The Rams front office, and Avery's fantasy owners are breathing a sigh of relief here. Avery is the team's best option at wide receiver, and is poised to lead the team in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns - if he can stay healthy. People that took a chance and drafted an injured Avery may see their gamble pay off sooner rather than later.
CAR - RB Jonathan Stewart's Achilles has 'ongoing pain'
Source: Charles Chandler - Charlotte Observer
The Charlotte Observer is reporting Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart said he never expected his sore Achilles to cause him to miss so much practice and game time. "I came into training camp expecting to work my way up from one-a-day (practicing) to two-a-days, but unfortunately that hasn't been the case," Stewart said Saturday night after the Panthers' exhibition at Miami. "We've just got to be smart and figure out what's going on and treat my Achilles to where it's going to be good for the team."
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Fantasy owners need to really take note here. Stewart has already proven that he can be valuable as a fantasy RB because of his nose for the endzone, but he has also shown a tendency to get dinged up quite a bit. The Panthers are ahead of the game though, and drafted RB Mike Goodson as Stewart insurance. The rookie plays a lot like Reggie Bush, and the team is already showing creative ways of getting him the football. Overall, the injury to Stewart could lead to increased touches for both DeAngelo Williams and Mike Goodson.
CLE - Rookie RB James Davis an explosive playmaker
Source: Brian Rosen - Cleveland Browns Examiner
The Cleveland Browns Examiner reports James Davis, the Browns sixth round pick this season, led the rushing attack with 116 yards on 12 attempts. His shining moment occurred in the third quarter when Davis displayed his breakaway speed en route to an 81-yard touchdown run. The Browns need a speedy, homerun hitter to complement the aging Jamal Lewis and the former Clemson Tiger may be just that. He sure looks like valuable member of a two-back system down the road.
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The Browns are looking for their RB of the future, and James Davis may be that player. He could be the lead back in a RBBC, just like he was with C.J. Spiller for the Clemson Tigers. Davis is a very instinctive runner, and because of his deep speed is a threat to score nearly every time he touches the football.
TEN - WR Kenny Britt to work with starters while Washington is out
Source: Paul Kuharsky - ESPN.com
Paul Kuharsky, of ESPN.com, reports Tennessee Titans rookie WR Kenny Britt will work with the first-string unit opposite WR Justin Gage while WR Nate Washington (hamstring) is sidelined.
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Britt has looked like a natural so far in the preseason despite missing a lot of OTAs with a hamstring injury of his own, so he could seriously threaten Washington's playing time if he can make good on this opportunity.
TEN - WR Nate Washington suffers hamstring injury
Source: Paul Kuharsky - ESPN.com
Updating previous reports, Paul Kuharsky, of ESPN.com, reports Tennessee Titans WR Nate Washington (hamstring) suffered a hamstring injury Monday, Aug. 24. Head coach Jeff Fisher called it mild, but said the team will have to check it out.
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Washington hadn't quite stepped up into that #1 WR role the way Tennessee had hoped during the preseason. Hamstring injuries can be tricky for speed WRs, so we would be wary of drafting Washington except in the very late rounds until we find out more about his injury.
DET - QB Matthew Stafford's bad night didn't shock team GM
Source: Nicholas J. Cotsonika - the Detroit Free Press
Nicholas J. Cotsonika, of the Detroit Free Press, reports that first overall pick Matthew Stafford's poor performance on Saturday, August 22 against the Cleveland Browns didn't surprise Lions GM Martin Mayhew. "He is a rookie, and he's a rookie no different than a seventh-round rookie," Mayhew said. "It's his first time going through some of these things. The reason why we took him that high is because we thought he could be a great player." Head coach Jim Schwartz hasn't indicated who the starting QB will be for the season opener, but Mayhew commented, "I acknowledged that some teams have played their young quarterback early, and they have had some success. That's one viewpoint. But there's another way of looking at it."
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Stafford looked a bit overwhelmed. Because Culpepper is looking slim and sharp, we see very little for the Lions to gain by throwing Stafford to the dogs right away.
WAS - Rookie WR Marko Mitchell the talk of training camp
Source: Jason Reid - the Washington Post
Jason Reid, from the Washington Post, reports rookie wide receiver Marko Mitchell was the talk of training camp because of his highlight-tape plays in passing drills. Mitchell teamed with rookie quarterback Chase Daniel on a three-yard touchdown pass - the Redskins' first of the preseason - in the third quarter of Saturday's 17-13 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers, which only stirred more talk. "Marko was doing his thing all camp," top wideout Santana Moss said. "They [Washington's defensive backs] have a hard time with him. All the DBs, they talk about him every day."
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The seventh-round pick out of Nevada played in a gimmicky pistol offense, and thus his college production was inflated because of it. He has good straight line speed, and knows how to use his big frame to shield defenders away from the ball. Mitchell is currently listed as fifth on the depth chart, but the Redskins could have a solid starter if he continues to evolve as a player and develop his pro game.
BAL - Backup WR the biggest concern
Source: Jamison Hensley - Baltimore Sun
The Baltimore Sun wonders what are the Ravens doing at wide receiver? This remains the biggest concern of camp. Mark Clayton and Demetrius Williams, two of the top three receivers, can't stay healthy. Kelley Washington still seems more suited for special teams, and Justin Harper appears to drop as many passes as he catches. The Ravens probably will add a receiver cut by another team in September (perhaps the New York Giants' David Tyree).
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The Ravens' backup receivers have battled the injury bug all throughout training camp, and not one of them has emerged as a consistent target. Mark Clayton should start opposite Derrick Mason, but he struggles to stay healthy. Demetrius Williams has good upside, but injuries are also a concern for him. Kelley Washington is a savvy veteran, but an average player at best. Finally, Justin Harper might have the highest upside out of the bunch, but his hands are extremely inconsistent. The team could sign a wide receiver that is cut by another team after training camp, and there is an outside shot they may consider bringing in Brandon Marshall after originally deciding not to do so.
NYG - QB coach Palmer 'not pleased' with QB David Carr
Source: Ralph Vacchiano - the New York Daily News
Ralph Vacchiano, from the New York Daily News, reports that a year ago, the Giants felt pretty comfortable that if something happened to Eli Manning, David Carr would be able to step in and win a couple of games. This year they may not be as sure. Chris Palmer, the Giants quarterbacks coach, said today that he's "not pleased" with Carr this summer. He's been inconsistent this summer and has gotten back into some of the bad habits that ruined the start of his NFL career when he was with the Houston Texans. "I'm not pleased with David right now," Palmer said. "I think he's got to be more consistent. He's a quarterback. He's got to prove that he's a winning quarterback. I think there are certain things he has to improve upon, and I've told him that. He has the ability to play in this league. He's a very, very talented player, but he's got to do things the way we want them done."
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David Carr has anxiety in the pocket because when he was with the Texans he was beat up like a pinata at a birthday party each and every week. Not allowing the play to develop, and exiting too early is part of David Carr's game. He didn't look bad in limited time last year, but so far this preseason he's looked like the David Carr that wore Mickey Mouse gloves in Carolina. It's unfortunate that his raw talent was never fully developed because poor pass protection has made him gun shy after the snap.
DEN - WR Brandon Marshall staying in Denver?
Source: Peter King - SI.com
Peter King, from SI.com, reports Brandon Marshall wants out of Denver, and he wants out even more now that he's been told he won't get either a trade or a new contract with the team. King thinks that Marshall, productive or unproductive, will stay in Denver all season.
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Even if he's traded Brandon Marshall would still want a new contract, so any team looking to sign him knows they will have to give up picks/players to get him in addition to coughing up some more dough. The Jets are rumored to have interest, but Marshall's trade value is hard to gauge. His on-field production is among the top in the league, but there are so many off-field issues it's difficult for a team to want to give up much for him.
OAK - QB JaMarcus Russell officially named starter
Source: David White - the San Francisco Chronicle
David White, of the San Francisco Chronicle, reports Oakland Raiders head coach Tom Cable said QB JaMarcus Russell will be the team's starting quarterback for the regular-season opener. Cable had hoped QB Jeff Garcia (calf) would push Russell to improve, but Garcia was unable to compete during training camp. Cable said, "I've said that it's his job and we'll see how it goes. Unfortunately, Jeff hasn't had much work. We've been fortunate in that JaMarcus has improved. It would have been nice to have someone really pushing him. Maybe we could get him to improve a little bit more."
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Garcia just couldn't get on the field enough this Summer to push Russell. Now it would take a monumental collapse by Russell for Garcia to see the starting lineup. Now to be fair, "monumental collapse" is entirely possible when we're talking about JaMarcus Russell.
WAS - QB Todd Collins wins backup QB job
Source: Jason Reid - the Washington Post
Jason Reid, of the Washington Post, reports that QB Todd Collins has won the Redskins backup QB job, and Chase Daniel and Colt Brennan will now compete to be the #3. "We saw that Todd was not willing to kind of bow down and give up his No. 2 spot," head coach Jim Zorn said. "So the competition is for the No. 3 spot, and Chase is making a statement about that."
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Brennan has his cult following, but it doesn't seem like there are any members in the Redskins organization right now.
WAS - Zorn praises QB Jason Campbell's decision-making
Source: Jason Reid - the Washington Post
Jason Reid, of the Washington Post, reports that Redskins head coach Jim Zorn praised starting QB Jason Campbell's decision-making, even though Campbell only went 1-for-7 for 10 yards. Zorn liked Campbell's decision to throw away two screen passes that the Steelers defense diagnosed early. Zorn said, "I liked the effort. I'd like more accuracy."
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Sounds like lipstick on a pig to us. Campbell has had a poor preseason, but he is lucky to draw the Rams in week 2 and Detroit in week 3, so hopefully he can get some momentum going before the inevitable QB controversy starts in Washington.
CLE - WR Mike Furrey to be the 3rd down target?
Source: ohiomm.com
The Akron Beacon-Journal notes Mike Furrey looks like he might become the third-down target the Browns haven't had since Joe Jurevicius in 2007.
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The Browns are looking for consistent receivers, and Furrey so far has 5 receptions this preseason. It looks like he's earned the trust of both quarterbacks, and could have a couple of good games this year. Fantasy wise there is no need to pick up Mike Furrey on your roster.
MIN - QB Brett Favre likely to play a half Monday
Source: Chip Scoggins - the Minneapolis Star Tribune
Chip Scoggins, of the Minneapolis Star Tribune, reports Minnesota Vikings head coach Brad Childress said QB Brett Favre likely will play one half in the team's preseason game Monday, Aug. 31.
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The team is monitoring the number of passes that Brett Favre throws, so it will be interesting to see how much he gets to air it out in the game. Favre showed in the game against the Chiefs that he has a ton of rust to shake off. Taking a shot from Tamba Hali is a lot different from practicing with high school kids.
MIA - WR Brian Hartline lines up with the starters for the second week
Source: Omar Kelly - the South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Omar Kelly, from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, reports on his twitter feed that Brian Hartline is entering his second week with the starting WRs. Greg Camarillo and Davone Bess are second team.
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Fantasy owners looking for backup wide receiver help need to keep this story in mind when considering Camarillo and Bess for their fantasy squad. Hartline was a solid/yet unspectacular wide receiver at Ohio State. So far in his young pro career he is flashing the kind of ability that went unnoticed in college. He is a good route runner, which helps his game because he's not the quickest or fastest player on the roster. Hartline is a hard worker, but perhaps what is impressing coaches the most is his consistency.
CLE - Starting quarterback for third preseason game undecided
Source: Marty Gitlin - CBSSports.com
CBSSports.com reports Cleveland Browns head coach Eric Mangini gave no indication Monday, Aug. 24, as to whether QB Derek Anderson or QB Brady Quinn will start the team's next preseason game.
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The word is the best quarterback in the third preseason game will get the starting nod to begin the regular season. Neither Brady Quinn or Derek Anderson has really seized this job, and the coaching staff seems to be just as confused as the media when it comes to identifying a front runner. We believe Brady Quinn will eventually win the starting job, and could be the week 1 starter.
GB - RB Tyrell Sutton continues to impress
Source: Tom Silverstein - the Journal Sentinel
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel is reporting running back Tyrell Sutton, a 5-foot-7 1/2, 213-pound undrafted rookie from Northwestern, is doing what extreme underdogs have to do to make the final roster in the NFL. He is performing in games. Despite playing with a bunch of other long shots in a half-filled stadium at the end of meaningless exhibition games, Sutton has made people take notice. In two games, Sutton leads the Packers in rushing with 27 carries for 140 yards (5.2 average) and a touchdown.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Sutton currently ranks second in the NFL in rushing yards during the preseason, and he's showing off his fine running instincts nearly every time he gets a chance to carry the ball. Brandon Jackson, Kregg Lumpkin, and DeShawn Wynn are all battling with Sutton for spots behind starter Ryan Grant. So far in the preseason/training camp the most positive press has been about Wynn and Sutton. At Northwestern, Sutton was known as a versatile player because of his running and receiving skills. Injuries are a concern with Sutton, so he'll have to prove his durability if he wants to stay with the team.
JAX - Jaguars looking for a new backup QB?
Source: Vito Stellino - Florida Times-Union
The Florida Times-Union reports Todd Bouman didn't help himself in his battle to win the backup job as he completed 10 of 18 passes for 130 yards and he had several passes batted down. The Jaguars could be looking for a replacement for Bouman on the waiver wire when teams make their final cuts in two weeks.
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Bouman has been a journeyman throughout his career, but the Jags expected more from him on his second stint with the team. He throws with good velocity, but has a 3/4 release instead of a natural over-the-top release. It's this near sidearm motion that leads to more batted passes, and more incompletions. Head Coach Jack Del Rio said that all the batted balls reminded him of his daughter's volleyball games. The team might be interested in Tarvaris Jackson if he becomes available later in the preseason.
DEN - WR Eddie Royal to still work on special teams
Source: Jeff Legwold - the Denver Post
The Denver Post is reporting wide receiver Eddie Royal almost certainly will be one of the Broncos' kick returners this season, but coach Josh McDaniels said the hunt is still on to choose who will give Royal some help. Because Royal's primary role is on offense, the Broncos likely won't expose him to the risk of injury that would come with kickoff and punt returns. Asked after the game if he would take another look at who's taking the kicks, McDaniels said: "Yeah. I mean, Eddie is definitely going to be a factor in the return game whether it be kickoffs or punts. Both of the young kids, they've done some good things. (Saturday) they had a couple bobbles; you know nobody likes that. Kenny (McKinley) put the ball on the ground. We'll look at everything and evaluate it as we go along."
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The team has tried rookies Alphonso Smith and Kenny McKinley as kick/punt returners, but neither has looked that good. Royal may only be used sparingly on special teams, but if there is a need for a big return we could see Royal lining up to make a play.
OAK - RB Justin Fargas falling behind?
Source: Eric Gilmore - CBSSports.com
CBSSports.com reports Oakland Raiders RB Justin Fargas (hamstring) will have difficulty beating out RBs Darren McFadden and Michael Bush for the team's starting running back spot after straining his hamstring in the team's last preseason game.
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Fargas has battled back from injury before, but if McFadden and Bush stay healthy he might have a hard time getting on the field in 2009.
SEA - RB Justin Forsett heavily involved in the passing game
Source: seattlepi.com
SeattlePI.com reports second-year RB Justin Forsett caught a game-high seven passes for 58 yards in the Seahawks preseason game against the Broncos.
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Forsett is an interesting deep sleeper because of his versatility, and willingness to run in between the tackles. If Julius Jones struggles the team may look to Forsett as a complementary back. Forsett is a dangerous weapon when he gets the ball in space, and despite his small stature he never missed a game in college due to injury.
STL - RB Samkon Gado has edge for No. 2 job
Source: Cameron Hollway - CBSSports.com
CBSSports.com reports St. Louis Rams RB Samkon Gado has the edge for the backup running back position.
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If feel so inclined to handcuff a Ram back to Steven Jackson after you make him your first round pick, Gado is your man.
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