Footballguys Daily Email - Volume 10, Issue 130 (Thursday, August 27th)
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Hi Folks,
Welcome to Friday. This weekend is going to be crazy for many of you I know with drafts going on everywhere. It's one of my favorite times of the year. We're right here for you. If you haven't already, I hope you'll consider signing up for our Footballguys Premium Subscription so you can access all of our information and drafting tools and cheatsheets as well as get our material all season long.
We've got new content for you today plus all the news and notes you'll need for those last minute cheatsheet tweaks. Have a great Friday and let's get to it.
J
SITE NEWS
A.
Have a Draft This Weekend? - Get What You NEED TO KNOW
These email updates are helpful I hope. But they're just the very tip of the iceberg of what we offer. And they're about to end. If you're serious about Dominating Your Draft this year, why not be as prepared as you can be? Our Footballguys Premium Subscription gives you everything you need to smoke the competition at your draft AND we'll give you all the information all season long so you can roll onto your Super Bowl. It's just $27.95 and we have a MONEY BACK GUARANTEE. Show the guys in your league no mercy.
B.
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...
C.
Our New Feature This Year - Rate My Team - 100% FREE
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.
D.
Ultimate Strength of Schedule
One of our "go to" features at Footballguys is our Clayton Gray's Ultimate Strength of Schedule. Clayton breaks down each position and highlights the good as well as the tough matchups.
E.
Footballguys Audible Podcast Charity Talkathon
Very cool thing I wanted to call out for you - On August 29, 2009, Footballguys.com will team up with The Fantasy Sports Channel on BlogTalkRadio to stream 12 continuous hours of live interactive radio to help raise money and awareness for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
"There isn't a better time of year than now to bring the fantasy football community together to support something as serious as Cystic Fibrosis," said Cecil Lammey, co-host of Footballguys.com's, The Audible, one of iTunes' and The Fantasy Sports Channel's most popular sports shows. Lammey's co-host Sigmund Bloom continues, "We're truly thankful to have the support of Footballguys.com along with a service like BlogTalkRadio.com to give us the opportunity to stream a live talkathon that gives us the ability to reach out to the 20 million fantasy football enthusiasts around the world."
The 12-hour show begins at 12pm EST and will feature Adam Schefter and Mark Schlereth of ESPN, Michael Lombardi from the NFL Network, many members of the Footballguys.com staff, feature guest hosts from The Fantasy Sports Channel, and more special guests stopping by throughout the day. Catch The Audible's Drive for Cystic Fibrosis live at www.thefantasysportschannel.com/cff/ or just click here, and donate at www.audiblecharity.com or just click here.
F.
Chat with Greg Ambrosius and Tom Kessenich of the NFFC
The NFFC is one of the premier high stakes leagues out there. Our Mark Wimer hosted a chat with Greg Ambrosius and Tom Kessenich to talk about the NFFC. The transcript is here.
G.
Drafting To Win At the NFFC
You may have seen the banner ads for NFFC featuring the smiling face of my buddy and Footballguys Staffer Chase Stuart. Chase will be participating this year and he's put together a drafting guide for winning the NFFC.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1. NO - Brees: 'RB Mike Bell might be MVP of training camp'2. ARI - WR Larry Fitzgerald predicts RBBC in Arizona
3. SEA - Edge to get short-yardage carries?
4. DEN - RB Knowshon Moreno unlikely to be 100 percent by start of season
5. MIN - Players deny locker room division over QB Brett Favre
6. GB - Exploring possibility of adding Luke QB Luke McCown
7. DEN - HC McDaniels comments on WR Brandon Marshall's absence
8. CAR - RB DeAngelo Williams returns to practice
9. DEN - No other teams moving up to acquire WR Brandon Marshall
10. SEA - Mora says OT Walter Jones will not miss season
11. NO - Team may use 3-headed RBBC
12. TEN - WR Nate Washington could miss 'several games' to start the season
13. PIT - QB Ben Roethlisberger says foot is coming along
14. DEN - RB Peyton Hillis could be in the mix early
15. DEN - WR Brandon Marshall unlikely to debut Sunday
16. OAK - QB JaMarcus Russell coming on
17. NYJ - RB Shonn Greene likely out for rest of preseason
18. ATL - QB Matt Ryan bigger, stronger and more comfortable in offense
19. DET - QB Daunte Culpepper the starting quarterback?
20. TEN - QB Vince Young inconsistent in practice and games
21. DEN - QB Chris Simms could miss up to a month
22. KC - QB Tyler Thigpen getting all second-team snaps
23. NO - WR Adrian Arrington returns
24. OAK - WR Darrius Heyward-Bey building confidence
25. NFL - Shaun RB Shaun Alexander still wants to play in the NFL
26. CLE - Both QBs will get time with starters
27. DEN - RB Correll Buckhalter have been working with starters
28. PIT - WR Santonio Holmes questionable for Saturday
29. PIT - RB Willie Parker questionable for Saturday
30. NO - RB Reggie Bush a game-time decision for Saturday
31. DET - RB Kevin Smith questionable for Saturday
32. DEN - RB LaMont Jordan not practicing Thursday
33. DEN - RB Knowshon Moreno not practicing Thursday
34. OAK - WR Javon Walker already looking better than last training camp
35. CHI - WR Devin Hester to return punts
36. BUF - RB Fred Jackson not practicing Thursday
37. STL - No. 3 QB job still up for grabs
38. SEA - HC Mora not worried about short-yardage situations
39. GB - TE Donald Lee and TE Jermichael Finley motivate each other
NO - Brees: 'RB Mike Bell might be MVP of training camp'
Source: Brian Allee-Walsh - the New Orleans Times-Picayune
Brian Allee-Walsh, of the New Orleans Times-Picayune, reports that Saints QB Drew Brees said of RB Mike Bell, "Mike's a guy, ever since he's gotten here, who's gotten better and better. He showed what he could do the other night. He ran extremely hard. He's had a great training camp. He's the guy who might be the MVP of training camp. I think he understands what we need from that third running back position. I see him playing a role in what we do if he continues to run like that.''
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Bell has captured the #3 RB job in New Orleans, the same role that ended up being a December stud each of the last two seasons. Bell is not very talented, but he's consistent and workmanlike in his effort, and that might be all it takes to be a good RB2/Flex if a player lines up as an RB in the Saints high-flying offense. He's definitely worth a late-round pick in deep leagues.
ARI - WR Larry Fitzgerald predicts RBBC in Arizona
Source: Associated Press
John McFarland of the Associated Press reports that Arizona WR Larry Fitzgerald predicts a running back by committee in the team's backfield this year. "As the season goes on and we play deeper into the year, I think we'll be able to pound people with our big backs. Look around the NFL - everybody's doing the running back by committee," he said. "It keeps them fresher throughout the year as a team."
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Tim Hightower has passed Wells in a lot of drafts, and while Wells has more upside, Hightower will get more work at the beginning of the season, and his short-yardage prowess could allow him to hold the goal line job all year.
SEA - Edge to get short-yardage carries?
Source: Clare Farnsworth - Seahawks.com
Clare Farnsworth, of Seahawks.com, reports that Seahawks head coach Jim Mora Jr. has indicated that new signing Edgerrin James is cut out for short yardage duty. Mora said, "Warrick Dunn, who was not of the biggest stature, was one of the best third-and-short runners I've ever been around because he knew how to find the crease. I think Edgerrin does that. He rarely takes a negative run. He always falls forward. So he'll be a good addition for this football team."
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Julius Jones didn't get short yardage work with Dallas, so it makes sense that Seattle would rather trust another RB with that duty. We're not particularly excited about either backs fantasy prospects, because Justin Forsett will also play a role, and the Seahawks have also been riddled with injuries on the offensive line.
DEN - RB Knowshon Moreno unlikely to be 100 percent by start of season
Source: Jeff Legwold - The Denver Post
Jeff Legwold, of The Denver Post, reports the regular season is 17 days away and Denver Broncos rookie RB Knowshon Moreno (knee) is not expected to be full speed when it begins. He is not likely to be completely recovered from his sprained knee at that point, nor will his football conditioning be where it needs to be.
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Moreno's recent fall to the sixth round in some drafts is fully justified. These kinds of knee problems can limit a player all year, and the Broncos have at least two other capable backs so that Moreno can be eased into the mix.
MIN - Players deny locker room division over QB Brett Favre
Source: Sean Jenson - the Pioneer Press
Sean Jenson, of the Pioneer Press, reports that all thirteen players contacted by the Pioneer Press expressed full support of Favre as the Vikings starting quarterback, although none said that was a slap at Tarvaris Jackson.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Of course that is what they would say. We're sure that there differences of opinion about who should start at QB in more organizations than Minnesota. It's only really troublesome when the divide is deep enough that some feel the need to go public, and if that's where things are in Minnesota, the only players will to do that are going through backchannels. Bottom line gut feel on this for me is that this is much ado about nothing. Favre's "support" in the locker room will come from how he performs on the field. If he does well, things will be fine. If he does poorly, things won't be fine. Pretty much like any player. Good play and winning cover up just about anything.
GB - Exploring possibility of adding Luke QB Luke McCown
Source: Steve Wyche - the NFL Network
Steve Wyche, of the NFL Network, reports that according to a source the Green Bay Packers are concerned enough about their backup QB situation that they are inquiring around the league about backup QBs, and another source said Tampa Bay QB Luke McCown is a possibility for the Packers. Wyche also named Chicago, New Orleans, Jacksonville, New England, and Buffalo as teams that might be looking to improve at backup QB.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
The Packers got lucky last year when Aaron Rodgers only missed two series with an injury to his throwing shoulder. Brian Brohm has been a bust so far, and Matt Flynn is currently nursing a shoulder injury himself, so it would be smart for the team to be preemptive about upgrading.
DEN - HC McDaniels comments on WR Brandon Marshall's absence
Source: Frank Schwab - the Colorado Springs Gazette
Frank Schwab, of the Colorado Springs Gazette, reports Denver Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels said WR Brandon Marshall was not ready or able to practice Thursday, Aug. 27, but would not say if it was injury related. 'There's a number of reasons why a guy might not be able to able and ready to go out here, and without going into detail on everybody's situation, that's either my decision or the training staff's decision that the guy can't go out here and do what we ask him to do. That's the criteria,' McDaniels said.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Message boards and twitter lit up like a Christmas tree when news broke that Marshall was not at practice, and nobody knew why. Trade scenarios with the Jets, Tampa Bay, and Baltimore were thrown around by fans and media alike as the rumor mill continued to churn. At this point, it looks like Marshall is staying in Denver - whether he likes it or not.
CAR - RB DeAngelo Williams returns to practice
Source: Steve Reed - CBSSports.com
The Carolina Panthers announced RB DeAngelo Williams (knee) returned to practice Thursday, Aug. 27, and will be a game-time decision for their next preseason game.
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With Jonathan Stewart banged up as well, we've seen rookie Mike Goodson running with the first-team in practice. The Panthers are going to be extra careful with Williams, who could be in for an increased workload in 2009.
DEN - No other teams moving up to acquire WR Brandon Marshall
Source: John Clayton - ESPN
ESPN's John Clayton reports Denver Broncos WR Brandon Marshall appears to be over his previous hip injury, but his head still may not be in Denver. The Broncos are not actively shopping him, but they will listen to offers. Thus far, no other teams have stepped up to the plate.
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The Jets may have some interest here, but it's really hard for a team to give up multiple picks (including a first-rounder) for a player that has seemingly constant legal and healthy concerns. Add in the fact that a team would have to give Marshall a new, big-money deal and it leads us to believe that Marshall will be a Bronco in 2009 whether he likes it or not.
SEA - Mora says OT Walter Jones will not miss season
Source: Greg Johns - the Seattle Post-Intelligencer
Greg Johns, of the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, reports Seattle Seahawks head coach Jim Mora dismissed a report that said OT Walter Jones (knee) could miss the entire season because of knee surgery and said Jones is in good spirits. 'As a matter of fact, a couple of the coaches this morning commented on how upbeat Walter seems. People can say what they want, and speculate whatever they want, but I feel confident that he'll be ready to go here shortly. I'm not in his mind, I can just tell you what I see,' Mora said.
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Mora may have some rose-colored glasses on here. Walter Jones may not miss the entire season, but he's having a hard time staying healthy, and may not be available more than a few weeks out of the regular season. This could mean trouble for the Seahawks offense, specifically in terms of pass protection.
NO - Team may use 3-headed RBBC
Source: Jeff Duncan - the New Orleans Times-Picayune
Jeff Duncan, from the New Orleans Times-Picayune, reports that in the wake of Mike Bell's breakout performance against the Houston Texans, the Saints now have a good problem on their hands. They have not one, not two, but three running backs capable of carrying the load on any given Sunday. Bell's 10-carry, 100-yard performance Saturday was that good. In just one half, the former Texans and Broncos castoff didn't just cement the No. 3 job heading into the regular season. He lowered his shoulder and plowed his way into the backfield picture with Reggie Bush and Pierre Thomas. "I think so," Saints Coach Sean Payton said Wednesday when asked if the club might employ a three-back rotation this season.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
The NFL is a copycat league. The Wildcat, the 3-4 defense, and now 3-headed RBBCs are becoming the rage. The Giants were one of the first teams to successfully run this type of committee. The NFL is full of specialty backs, and this type of system allows a team to use the individual talents of each RB on a situational basis. Pierre Thomas should still lead the team in carries, Reggie Bush can still play as the change of pace/receiving back, and now Mike Bell could see some action on short yardage and goalline situations.
TEN - WR Nate Washington could miss 'several games' to start the season
Source: Jim Wyatt - The Tennessean
Jim Wyatt, from the Tennessean, reports Nate Washington was having a great training camp, and while his injury isn't the season-ending variety, it's probably unrealistic to think he'll play against the Steelers. Wyatt wouldn't be surprised if Washington misses several games to start the season.
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This is bad news for the Titans, as the team was going to try and use Washington as the number one receiver in the offense. Hamstring injuries are known to linger, so even when Washington comes back the Titans may limit how many snaps he sees on the field until he is full 100%.
PIT - QB Ben Roethlisberger says foot is coming along
Source: Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports Pittsburgh Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger (foot) said Wednesday, Aug. 26, that his right foot is "not 100 percent, but it's coming along." It is not know how much Roethlisberger will play in the team's preseason game Saturday, Aug. 29. "It's more along the lines of how you feel when you are out there. It's one of those things where you say to coach I need another one or I feel good. We'll kind of see how the flow of the game goes," added Roethlisberger.
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Two weeks should be enough for Roethlisberger to completely heal by the time the season opener vs. the Titans rolls around, but he is a QB that relies on mobility to make plays more often than he hangs in the pocket. We'll certainly be watching that right foot closely the first few times Big Ben scrambles against the Titans on September 10th.
DEN - RB Peyton Hillis could be in the mix early
Source: Jeff Legwold - The Denver Post
Jeff Legwold, of The Denver Post, reports Denver Broncos FB Peyton Hillis could be in the mix as part of the team's running back by committee approach early in the year. However, he has a full plate with special teams duties and he is also the team's primary fullback.
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Hillis deserves some snaps at tailback after his great work last year at the position. He probably won't have enough fantasy value to be draftable, but don't hesitate to pick him up if he gets more than 5-7 touches in the season opener.
DEN - WR Brandon Marshall unlikely to debut Sunday
Source: Associated Press
The Associated Press reports Denver Broncos WR Brandon Marshall is unlikely to make his preseason debut in the team's game Sunday, Aug. 30, after missing practice Thursday, Aug. 27.
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You'll have to draft Marshall on faith. He still has top 10 upside, but the myriad of risks of terrible scenarios unfolding to resolve his rotten relationship with Josh McDaniels and the organization make him unworthy of a before the fifth round, preferably as your WR3.
OAK - QB JaMarcus Russell coming on
Source: Jerry McDonald - InsideBayArea.com
Jerry McDonald, of InsideBayArea.com, reports that the JaMarcus Russell of the last two practices "bears no resemblance to the Russell who left footballs strewn all over the field during OTAs and minicamps, or even the Russell of last week who kept finding Nate Clements instead of his own teammates." McDonald reports that Russell scored against the scout defense with ease and mixed up touch passes and "darts" to move the ball.
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Russell still isn't worth even a late pick as your backup fantasy QB unless you're in a start 2 QB league or league where you can flex a QB, but he did finish 2008 with three straigh two-TD-pass games, so be open to adding him if he starts hot in three consecutive games against AFC West divisional opponents.
NYJ - RB Shonn Greene likely out for rest of preseason
Source: Rich Cimini - the New York Daily News
Rich Cimini, of the New York Daily News, reports New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan said RB Shonn Greene (ribs) likely will miss the rest of the preseason because of some cartilage issues.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
The big back has had some trouble staying healthy through his first training camp and preseason. The Jets would still like to use him as a 4th quarter weapon, and grind out the clock when the game is close. However, with all this missed time it will make Greene get off to a slow start in his rookie season.
ATL - QB Matt Ryan bigger, stronger and more comfortable in offense
Source: D. Orlando Ledbetter - The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
D. Orlando Ledbetter, of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, reports Atlanta Falcons QB Matt Ryan is bigger, stronger and more athletic entering his second season in the NFL. He took to the weight room following last season. WR Roddy White said it has helped Ryan's arm, as he is now able to throw the ball further. Other players noted he also scrambles better this season. His growth has also come in the offense, according to WR Brian Finneran, who noted Ryan is more comfortable in the offense, calling plays and knows what to expect better.
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Matty Ice is becoming more comfortable in the NFL, and that is a bad thing for defenses trying to stop this Falcons offense. The team will run the ball effectively with Michael Turner leading the way, and because of that defenses have to key to stop the run. This opens things up for Matt Ryan deep to Roddy White, and new addition Tony Gonzalez should be able to do a lot of damage over the middle.
DET - QB Daunte Culpepper the starting quarterback?
Source: John Clayton - ESPN
ESPN's John Clayton speculates Detroit Lions QB Daunte Culpepper will open the season as the team's starting quarterback.
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Matthew Stafford has made some rookie mistakes so far in the preseason, but he's made some plays that flash his big time ability. Culpepper is looking more and more like the Culpepper of old, and could start for nearly half the season. However, we feel that when the Lions get to their week 7 bye week Matthew Stafford will be ready to take over.
TEN - QB Vince Young inconsistent in practice and games
Source: Jim Wyatt - The Tennessean
The Tennessean.com reports that every player deals with ups and downs in training camp, and Vince Young has been on the roller coaster from game to game, from practice to practice. He was rusty against the Bills, looked great against the Buccaneers, then appeared out of sync again last week against the Cowboys. His practices have been pretty much the same way.
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Forrest Gump would say that watching Vince Young play was like a box of chocolates, because you'll never know what you're going to get. The Titans must feel this way as well about their former QB of the future. Until Young gets more consistent, he won't be a serious threat to Kerry Collins' job in what could be his final season with the Titans.
DEN - QB Chris Simms could miss up to a month
Source: Adam Schefter - ESPN.com
Adam Schefter, of ESPN.com, reports Denver Broncos QB Chris Simms (ankle) sustained a high-ankle sprain, according to a team source, and could be out of action anywhere from two to four weeks.
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We wonder if the Broncos regret passing up Matt Gutierrez when the Patriots released him after signing Andrew Walter. High ankle sprains have a tendency to linger, and the Broncos can't feel comfortable with rookie Tom Brandstater as the main backup to Kyle Orton. Speaking of Orton, regardless of how he plays there is no QB controversy in Denver, and the injury to Simms only solidifies that.
KC - QB Tyler Thigpen getting all second-team snaps
Source: Adam Teicher - the Kansas City Star
Adam Teicher, of the Kansas City Star, reports that Chiefs QB Tyler Thigpen has been with the second-team all week instead of rotating with Brodie Croyle at the helm of the unit. Head coach Todd Haley said the team wants to see more of Thigpen in a conventional offense. Haley said, "He (Thigpen) needs to continue to work on that aspect of his game, being a drop-back passer. Some of the accuracy isn't where he needs to be when he's in that mode."
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It's also possible that Thigpen will be given extended playing time to showcase his skills for a potential trade partner. With David Garrard getting banged up in tonight's game, there's all the more incentive for the Jaguars to step up and pay a higher price for Thigpen's services than the fifth round pick they were reportedly offering.
NO - WR Adrian Arrington returns
Source: Brett Martel - the Associated Press
Brett Martel, of the Associated Press, reports that Saints WR Adrian Arrington will play in his second exhibition this weekend, one more than he did last year before going on IR with a dislocated toe. Saints WR coach Curtis Johnson said Arrington would have played last year if he had stayed healthy, and also said he has been impressed with Arrington. "I've seen him make catches in traffic, catches down field, short catches," Johnson added. "He has no fear." Arrington also has the advantage of knowing all the wide receiver positions in the Saints offense.
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We always keep an eye on receivers with ability in high-octane passing offenses, and Arrington fits the bill. If injuries strike the Saints WR corps in the same volume they did last year, Arrington will have fantasy value and be worth rostering at some point this year - assuming he can stay healthy himself.
OAK - WR Darrius Heyward-Bey building confidence
Source: David White - the San Francisco Chronicle
David White, of the San Francisco Chronicle, reports that #7 overall pick WR Darrius Heyward-Bey made a catch across his body while running the opposite direction and other plays in practice on Wednesday, August 26 that built the coaching staff's confidence in his progress during training camp. "He had a great day of catching the ball," coach Tom Cable said. "Right after he caught it, I said to him, 'Your mistake is you showed me you can do that and, so now, the expectation goes up. That's who you are. That's what you're capable of.' "
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Heyward-Bey had a horrendous start to his pro career, but things are starting to look up. We still think Chaz Schilens is the only Oakland WR worth rostering, but Heyward-Bey could become an intriguing non-PPR league flyer if he becomes JaMarcus Russell's designated deep ball target.
NFL - Shaun RB Shaun Alexander still wants to play in the NFL
Source:
106.7 The Fan in Washington DC reports that Shaun Alexander still thinks he can make a difference as a running back in the NFL. Alexander said in an interview, "I feel that is if I was at the right team and the right situation, I could really help somebody. One thing I've been doing since I was a little kid and that's score touchdowns so if somebody needs somebody to get in the red zone and do some work, I could probably still do that pretty well."
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Since Alexander was a starting RB, at least 15-20 fresh backs have entered the league and made players like him obsolete. If he had run with the same level of desire that he is expressing to play again, he might have lasted longer once his career was on the decline.
CLE - Both QBs will get time with starters
Source: Associated Press
The Associated Press reports that both Brady Quinn and Derek Anderson will get time with the Browns first team offense on Saturday, August 29 vs. Tennessee, even though head coach Eric Mangini hasn't decided who will start yet.
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This would be a good sign if both QBs were playing so well that neither one had a chance to separate from the other, but both have been inconsistent and mostly mediocre.
DEN - RB Correll Buckhalter have been working with starters
Source: Jeff Legwold - The Denver Post
Jeff Legwold, of The Denver Post, reports Denver Broncos RB Correll Buckhalter has been working with the first-team offense recently because of the injuries to RB Knowshon Moreno (knee) and RB LaMont Jordan (leg).
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Buckhalter is a very useful, underrated back, and so is Peyton Hillis, and we think the training camp injuries to Jordan and Moreno have given them the opportunity to get more of the workload in the backfield.
PIT - WR Santonio Holmes questionable for Saturday
Source: Brian Carson - CBSSports.com
CBSSports.com reports Pittsburgh Steelers WR Santonio Holmes (back) is considered questionable for the team's preseason game Saturday, Aug. 29.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Holmes could play a bigger role in the passing game than some are forecasting, so the Steelers could limit his playing time on Saturday so his back injury doesn't get aggravated.
PIT - RB Willie Parker questionable for Saturday
Source: Brian Carson - CBSSports.com
CBSSports.com reports Pittsburgh Steelers RB Willie Parker (hamstring) is considered questionable for the team's preseason game Saturday, Aug. 29.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
The Steelers may decide to keep Willie Parker on the bench so they can get an extended look at Rashard Mendenhall.
NO - RB Reggie Bush a game-time decision for Saturday
Source: Bradley Handwerger - WWLTV.com
Bradley Handwerger, of WWLTV.com, reports New Orleans Saints RB Reggie Bush (calf) will be a game-time decision for the team's preseason game Saturday, Aug. 29.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
The Saints would like for Bush to play, but if he's not feeling good they may shut him down for the rest of the preseason in order to save him for the regular season.
DET - RB Kevin Smith questionable for Saturday
Source: Tom Kowalski - MLive.com
Tom Kowalski, of MLive.com, reports Detroit Lions RB Kevin Smith (hip) is considered questionable for the team's preseason game Saturday, Aug. 29, because of a hip injury.
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The Lions have very little depth behind Kevin Smith on the roster, so they may decide to limit his playing time or shut him down completely for their game against the Colts.
DEN - RB LaMont Jordan not practicing Thursday
Source: Mike Klis - The Denver Post
Mike Klis, of The Denver Post, reports Denver Broncos RB LaMont Jordan (leg) is not participating in practice Thursday, Aug. 27.
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Jordan's absence is opening the door for Peyton Hillis to get more looks as a running back, short yardage specialist, and receiver out of the backfield.
DEN - RB Knowshon Moreno not practicing Thursday
Source: Mike Klis - The Denver Post
Mike Klis, of The Denver Post, reports Denver Broncos RB Knowshon Moreno (knee) is not participating in practice Thursday, Aug. 27.
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The Broncos are hopeful that Moreno can play in their final preseason game, but he is not going to line up against the Bears this Sunday.
OAK - WR Javon Walker already looking better than last training camp
Source: Jerry McDonald - InsideBayArea.com
Jerry McDonald, of InsideBayArea.com, reports that Oakland WR Javon Walker did good work in his second practice from the PUP list, and looked better than he did at any point in 2008 training camp. "He's a little rough with some of his assignments, but that's normal," head coach Tom Cable said. "He hasn't had a lot of work, but he's able to clear that because he's had so much experience. He's a really bright guy, and the net time you see him do it, he's fixed the mistake from the time before. We'll expect him to go after it Saturday."
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Walker isn't worth a late round flyer when you can spend that pick on injured teammate Chaz Schilens instead, but be ready to pick him up if he miraculously regains something like old form in the first few games of the season.
CHI - WR Devin Hester to return punts
Source: Larry Mayer - ChicagoBears.com
ChicagoBears.com reports Chicago Bears WR Devin Hester will return punts in the team's next preseason game. It will be the first time he has been on punt returns this preseason.
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Hester hasn't returned punts in the preseason while the Bears have taken a look at players like Earl Bennett, Johnny Knox, and Derek Kinder in that role. The third game of the preseason is always the "dress rehearsal" for the regular season, so this move tips the Bears hand as to what they'll do once the games start to count.
BUF - RB Fred Jackson not practicing Thursday
Source: Mark Ludwiczak - CBSSports.com
CBSSports.com reports Buffalo Bills RB Fred Jackson (wrist, thumb) is not participating in practice Thursday, Aug. 27.
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The Bills must be very careful with Fred Jackson because he's going to be their lead back while Marshawn Lynch misses the first three games of the season due to suspension.
STL - No. 3 QB job still up for grabs
Source: St. Louis Post-Dispatch
The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports St. Louis Rams QB Brock Berlin and QB Keith Null continue to compete for the No. 3 quarterback job. Null may have an edge since the new coaching staff added him to the team.
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Remember when Brock Berlin was battling Rex Grossman for the staring job at the University of Florida? That was years ago, and now he finds himself on the roster bubble in St. Louis. The Rams have one of the weakest backup QB situations in the league. Behind the oft-injured Marc Bulger is the uninspiring Kyle Boller. Behind Boller are Berlin and Null. Needless to say the Rams will be in a lot of trouble if Bulger misses an extended period of time during the regular season.
SEA - HC Mora not worried about short-yardage situations
Source: Greg Johns - the Seattle Post-Intelligencer
Greg Johns, of the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, reports Seattle Seahawks head coach Jim Mora said he is not worried about short-yardage situations after the team released RB T.J. Duckett because they have several other options to get the job done. '[RB Edgerrin James] and [RB Julius Jones] and [RB Justin Forsett] and our passing game, we'll get it done. It's not always about having a big hammer, it's also about having a guy that kind find the crease,' Mora said.
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Last season with the Cardinals, whenever the distance was 3 yards or less, James carried the ball 19 times for 62 yards and 2 touchdowns. That works out to an average of 3.2 yards per carry, so James was able to move the sticks on most occasions. He's not as explosive as he used to be, but he knows how to get low and get skinny, plus he keeps his feet driving after hitting the pile.
GB - TE Donald Lee and TE Jermichael Finley motivate each other
Source: Lori Nickel - Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel
The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reports second-year tight end Jermichael Finley is tearing up Packers camp. In limited playing time, Finley has five catches for 64 yards in the first two exhibition games after having six catches for 74 yards all of last season. He has obviously blossomed with a year of experience and with that 6-foot-5 frame, he's a bull's-eye who stands head and shoulders above the secondary for Aaron Rodgers to find. Finley's potential is overshadowing Donald Lee's progression, but behind the scenes, the two have become mutual motivators. "He's pushing me, and I'm pushing him," said Finley. "It's every day that we're pushing each other." Added Rodgers: "(Finley's) improvement has really spurred Donald Lee to raise his level of play."
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Lee wants to win a Super Bowl, and doesn't seem bothered by his changing role. He may hang on to the starting job in Green Bay because of his blocking ability, but fantasy owners should look to Jermichael Finley as a strong backup TE option.
That'll do it for today, Folks.
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See you tomorrow with the update. And for you guys drafting tonight, knock 'em out.
J
