Footballguys Daily Email - Volume 10, Issue 134 (Monday, August 31st)
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Hi Folks,
Good Tuesday to you. It's wild around here as Week 3 is in the books and teams are cutting down their rosters. We know many of you are about to be filling out your rosters with your fantasy draft. We've got lots of new content for you there plus all the news and notes you'll need. Thanks to our Cecil Lammey and Sigmund Bloom for the help there.
Let's get to it.
J
SITE NEWS
A.
Have a Draft This Week? - 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.
Check the Reviews - 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.
To see why folks are saying "WOW" when they see this application, click here.
D.
New Projections
I've said it all spring and summer and I'm not going to stop now - Detailed Stat Projections are the backbone of everything we do. Make sure to note - I'm not talking about cheatsheet rankings here. I'm talking about we lay it out on the line projecting exactly how many yards, completions, rushes, catches, passing TDs, rushing TDs, receiving TDs etc we think EVERY player is going to produce this year. Cheatsheet rankings are a drop in the bucket compared to these projections. But you have to have them if you're going to make accurate and intelligent cheatsheet rankings based on different scoring systems.
Not only are they detailed, they're current. My partner David Dodds has a fresh set ready for you now. Just click on the link.
E.
Redraft Expert Rankings from our Footballguys Staff
Our Footballguys Staff guys will continue to update their rankings as news and situations change. You can see the latest info here from our guys.
F.
On Second Thought...Quarterbacks
Our Jason Wood with a fun and informative series as he takes a second look at players now that the spring and summer have played out. In this one, he looks back at Quarterbacks.
G.
On Second Thought...Running Backs
Our Jason Wood with a fun and informative series as he takes a second look at players now that the spring and summer have played out. In this one, he looks back at Running Backs.
H.
On Second Thought...Wide Receivers
Our Jason Wood with a fun and informative series as he takes a second look at players now that the spring and summer have played out. In this one, he looks back at Wide Receivers.
I.
On Second Thought...Tight Ends
Our Jason Wood with a fun and informative series as he takes a second look at players now that the spring and summer have played out. In this one, he looks back at Tight Ends.
J.
Footballguys Staff Roundtable - August
One of my favorite features is our Staff Roundtable. It's sort of like the faceoffs, but with a ton of guys.
K.
Mission Impossible!
Our Anthony Borbely takes a look at the more difficult players in the league to project and gives it his best shot.
L.
Average Draft Position (ADP)
As we've said all spring and summer, it's not enough to know where YOU want to draft a guy. You need to know where the other guys in your league are going to draft that guy. Our Average Draft Position (ADP) ranking gives the most accurate insight into that question you'll find anywhere.
M.
Average Draft Position (ADP) for PPR leagues
As we've said all spring and summer, it's not enough to know where YOU want to draft a guy. You need to know where the other guys in your league are going to draft that guy. Our Average Draft Position (ADP) ranking gives the most accurate insight into that question you'll find anywhere. In this one, we look at Points Per Reception (PPR) leagues.
N.
Be Prepared
Our Colin Dowling with a few wise words on being prepared for your fantasy draft.
O.
Three of A Kind
Our Colin Dowling looks at the idea of carrying three QBs on your roster.
P.
Mission Impossible! - IDP
Our Anthony Borbely takes a look at the more difficult IDP players in the league to project and gives it his best shot.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1. CLE - RB Jamal Lewis could fail to make final 53?2. DET - QB Daunte Culpepper injures toe, status for Thursday uncertain
3. MIN - QB Brett Favre believes he may have cracked rib
4. KC - QB Matt Cassel injury update
5. DEN - QB Kyle Orton optimistic he will start Week 1
6. CIN - QB Carson Palmer could play in preseason finale
7. STL - Robinson solidifies starting spot opposite Avery
8. CLE - Quarterback competition to continue
9. BAL - RB Willis McGahee the goalline back?
10. HOU - QB Matt Schaub Ankle Injury
11. STL - Team easing QB Marc Bulger back in
12. ARI - WR Early Doucet to miss a couple of weeks
13. PHI - McNabb believes WR Jeremy Maclin can start
14. PIT - RB Rashard Mendenhall and WR Limas Sweed proving their worth
15. DEN - WR Chad Jackson starts opposite of Royal
16. SD - RB Gartrell Johnson will make team, RB Michael Bennett on the bubble
17. GB - QB Brian Brohm performs well during practice Monday
18. DAL - CB Terence Newman will be used as punt returner at times
19. PHI - QB Michael Vick to play second half Thursday
20. TB - QB Josh Freeman, QB Josh Johnson to see most of the reps Friday
21. ARI - QB Brian St. Pierre misses practice Monday
22. CIN - TE Ben Utecht on IR, TE Matt Sherry waived
23. CAR - WR Kenny Moore supplants WR Dwayne Jarrett as 3rd receiver?
24. TB - Team feels good about WR Sammie Stroughter
25. NE - QB Tom Brady could play in preseason finale
26. KC - Offensive Coordinator Chan Gailey fired
27. SEA - WR Deion Branch could be cut
28. JAX - Sims-WR Mike Walker and Thomas to play in preseason finale
29. SF - Confident WR Michael Crabtree will sign
30. TB - Team could carry four quarterbacks
31. CHI - QB Jay Cutler throws TD pass Sunday
32. NYG - DE Osi Umenyiora to return to practice Tuesday
33. KC - ILB Zach Thomas to retire
34. NE - ILB Tedy Bruschi retires
CLE - RB Jamal Lewis could fail to make final 53?
Source: Michael Lombardi - the National Football Post
Michael Lombardi, from the National Football Post, reports the Browns found a back in the later rounds this year, sixth-round pick James Davis, who looks like the real deal. Lombardi's still not sold that Jamal Lewis will make the team.
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We know surprise cuts happen every year, and Jamal Lewis could be one of those players this year. James Davis is running hard, and making big plays for the Browns, but many question whether or not he could handle the full workload. If the Browns were to let Lewis go, we would see an expanded role for Jerome Harrison as a complementary back to James Davis. Stay tuned.
DET - QB Daunte Culpepper injures toe, status for Thursday uncertain
Source: Tom Kowalski - MLive.com
Tom Kowalski, of MLive.com, reports Detroit Lions QB Daunte Culpepper (toe) suffered a minor cut on his toe at this house Saturday, Aug. 29, and his status for the team's final preseason game Thursday, Sept. 3, is uncertain. Culpepper required stitches for the cut, but the injury is not considered serious.
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Culpepper did not practice today, and the team will decide later if he can play in the final preseason game. The veteran is battling number one overall pick Matthew Stafford for the starting job, and many felt that he was leading the competition. We shall see if this injury changes the outcome of this quarterback battle.
MIN - QB Brett Favre believes he may have cracked rib
Source: Kevin Seifert - ESPN.com
ESPNews reports Minnesota Vikings QB Brett Favre (rib) believes he may have a cracked rib. However, Favre has no plans to wear a flak jacket.
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First his arm/shoulder, and now this. Not wearing a flak jacket is foolish if he indeed does have a cracked rib. Anyone who drafts Favre in their fantasy league had better be ready to get Sage Rosenfels on the waiver wire sometime (maybe soon) during the regular season.
KC - QB Matt Cassel injury update
Source: Doug Stewart - ESPN.com
Updating a previous item, ESPN.com reports Kansas City Chiefs QB Matt Cassel (knee) has a sprained medial collateral ligament in his left knee and could miss two to four weeks, according to Yahoo! Sports. Other reports are more optimistic and say that Cassel will be ready for the season opener.
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More bad news for the Chiefs here. The right side of the offensive line is playing poorly, and thus anyone who lines up at quarterback is going to be feeling pressure early and often. The Chiefs understand they don't have a high powered offense, and want to use the run game to take pressure off the quarterback. However, their defense is suspect and they may be forced into airing it out more than they want to in 2009.
DEN - QB Kyle Orton optimistic he will start Week 1
Source: Aaron J. Lopez - CBSSports.com
CBSSports.com reports Denver Broncos QB Kyle Orton (finger) said he was optimistic he would be ready to start Week 1.
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Orton played through an ankle injury that he could have easily rested last year, so we don't doubt his toughness and willingness to be on the field for the season opener vs. Cincinnati.
CIN - QB Carson Palmer could play in preseason finale
Source: Josh Katzowitz - CBSSports.com
CBSSports.com reports Cincinnati Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis said QB Carson Palmer (ankle) could play in the team's preseason finale. Palmer is expected to take part in some practice drills Monday, Aug. 31.
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Because he's missed some playing time this preseason, we could see Carson Palmer play for an extended period in the final preseason game. Usually, NFL teams play a majority of their backups in the fourth week of the preseason.
STL - Robinson solidifies starting spot opposite Avery
Source: Bill Coats - the St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Bill Coats, from the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, reports that in a preseason game against the team that traded him away Laurent Robinson had game highs of five catches and 65 yards Aug. 21 vs. Atlanta, perhaps exorcising any lingering hard feelings while also solidifying his first-team assignment opposite second-year wideout Donnie Avery. "I never really thought I was going to make it to the NFL," said Robinson, 24. "But the reality is here, and I'm excited for it."
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The Rams were able to get Robinson for a song from the Atlanta Falcons, and he should be able to take advantage of defenses focused on stopping Steven Jackson and Donnie Avery. St. Louis has a very inexperienced WR corps, and while Robinson isn't necessarily a grizzled veteran, he has outperformed second-year WR Keenan Burton and could put up decent numbers if he can stay healthy in 2009.
CLE - Quarterback competition to continue
Source: James Walker - ESPN.com
James Walker, of ESPN.com, reports Cleveland Browns head coach Eric Mangini said QBs Brady Quinn and Derek Anderson will continue to compete for the team's starting quarterback spot. Mangini has yet to name a starter for the preseason finale Thursday, Sept. 3. 'We're going to go through the whole process,' Mangini said Monday, Aug. 31. However, Mangini added that the team will not rotate quarterbacks during the season.
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Apparently coach Mangini thinks the choice between Anderson and Quinn is a lot like the choice between airline food and hospital food. Both of them will get the job done, but neither one of them gets you excited.
BAL - RB Willis McGahee the goalline back?
Source: Jamison Hensley - the Baltimore Sun
Jamison Hensley, from the Baltimore Sun, reports that besides the Statue of Liberty play to Ray Rice against the New York Jets, Willis McGahee has carried the ball on five of the Ravens' six runs inside the 5-yard line ( Le'Ron McClain had the other rushing attempt). McGahee scored on a 1-yard run in the second quarter Saturday, showing he can still punch the ball into the end zone. In five NFL seasons, he has 38 rushing touchdowns. "I love the goal line," McGahee said. "It's a hit-or-miss play. Nine times out of 10, I want it to be a hit."
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The Ravens are still going to employ a 3-headed RBBC, and this trend may give us some insight as to how they will use Willis McGahee. Ray Rice should get most of the carries and receptions out of the backfield, McClain is always a strong option for short-yardage work, and the team may look to McGahee as a TD vulture. McGahee's current ADP is RB42, and even though we're not crazy about his 2009 prospects, he does represent great value as a late round pick.
HOU - QB Matt Schaub Ankle Injury
Source: Monday Night Football
Texans QB Matt Schaub injured his left ankle in the second quarter of Monday Night's game as he scrambled out of bounds. He stayed in the game and handed the ball off on the next play but was obviously in pain and hobbled off the field. He appeared angry on the sidelines as the trainers taped and wrapped his ankle. Schaub returned to the game and looked to be ok.
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Schaub has a well earned reputation for being fragile. It seemed important to him to return to the game and show his teammates he could play through an injury. I guess that's well and good. The question though as I see it is not so much about playing through injury but the fact that he can't run out of bounds without getting hurt. We'll watch this one for you.
STL - Team easing QB Marc Bulger back in
Source: Nick Wagoner - StLouisRams.com
Nick Wagoner, of StLouisRams.com, reports that the Rams are being cautious with QB Marc Bulger and his broken pinky on his throwing hand, but that Bulger fully expects to play in the season opener. Bulger has started throwing again, and should increase the amount of throws he takes as the season approaches. "The bone is still fractured," Bulger said. "I think a week from today it will be even more healed. It would just be a shame to go out there and do too much today, take a snap and a re-break or whatever and get set back more. Everything we are doing is just to be safe. We are right on course."
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This doesn't change the Rams offensive outlook so much, but at least it's somewhat encouraging for their performance early in the year.
ARI - WR Early Doucet to miss a couple of weeks
Source: Kent Somers - The Arizona Republic
Kent Somers, of The Arizona Republic, reports Arizona Cardinals head coach Ken Whisenhunt said WR Early Doucet (ribs) will miss at least a couple of weeks after suffering fractured ribs during the team's preseason game Friday, Aug. 28. Doucet suffered the injury in the second quarter and continued to play.
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Early Doucet just can't catch a break. We like his skill set, and even though he's buried on the depth chart in Arizona, he could quickly move up to challenge for the 3rd spot because of his natural ability. However, he has failed to stay healthy since entering the league last year, and looks like one of those players that is just snake bit.
PHI - McNabb believes WR Jeremy Maclin can start
Source: Matt Mosley - ESPN.com
Matt Mosley, of ESPN.com, reports Philadelphia Eagles QB Donovan McNabb said he believes WR Jeremy Maclin is ready to start for the team.
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Maclin is a very exciting player to watch, as he can score nearly anytime he has the football in his hands. However, he's still somewhat raw as a receiver and must become a better route runner if he ever wants to reach his full potential. If Kevin Curtis fails to stay healthy, the Eagles could throw in the rookie Maclin opposite DeSean Jackson and let him learn on the job.
PIT - RB Rashard Mendenhall and WR Limas Sweed proving their worth
Source: Scott Brown - the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Scott Brown, from the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, reports Rashard Mendenhall and wide receiver Limas Sweed, the headliners in the Steelers' 2008 draft class, are stating their cases that each deserves a prominent role in the Steelers' offense this season. Mendenhall rushed for a game-high 48 yards and a touchdown Saturday night and helped the Steelers dominate time of possession against the Bills. Sweed, starting for the injured Santonio Holmes, caught four passes for 34 yards and made two twisting grabs in traffic on balls that were thrown a little bit behind him. "We put a lot of pressure on those second-year guys," Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said. "They've got to make plays. Limas is doing that. Some others have got to join him."
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Willie Parker is still the starter in Pittsburgh, but is being largely forgotten in fantasy leagues. Owners who select Parker, need to handcuff Mendenhall later in the draft. Mendenhall could see a bigger role in the offense during the fantasy playoffs if he can stay healthy. We like what we're seeing from Limas Sweed this year. He's going all out to catch passes, and no longer has the alligator arms that he showed last year. Sweed has limited fantasy value because the Steelers rely so heavily on their ground game.
DEN - WR Chad Jackson starts opposite of Royal
Source: Jeff Legwold - the Denver Post
Jeff Legwold, from the Denver Post, notes that with the Broncos' current state of affairs on the outside, Eddie Royal and Chad Jackson lined up as the starters. Brandon Stokley came in as the third receiver, Brandon Lloyd the fourth. Of Orton's 12 completions, five went to Royal, with no other wide receiver catching more than one.
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Brandon Marshall should be the starter for the regular season opener against the Bengals if he can get his head on straight. Chad Jackson knows the system, having played under McDaniels in New England, but once Marshall returns he will go back to the bench. For dynasty players, we like the future upside of rookie WR Kenny McKinley who had 4 catches for 75 yards against the Bears.
SD - RB Gartrell Johnson will make team, RB Michael Bennett on the bubble
Source: Kevin Acee - the San Diego Union-Tribune
Kevin Acee, of the San Diego Union-Tribune, reports that fourth-round pick RB Gartrell Johnson, but veteran RB Michael Bennett will only make the team if starting fullback Jacob Hester is not considered the emergency plan at tailback. If that is the case, then backup FB Mike Tolbert will make the team. Acee writes that Tolbert might make the team over Bennett anyway because of his special teams prowess.
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Bennett will get scooped by an RB-needy team if he gets cut, and he looks like he could still be productive if he gets playing time.
GB - QB Brian Brohm performs well during practice Monday
Source: Rob Demovsky - the Green Bay Press-Gazette
Rob Demovsky, of the Green Bay Press-Gazette, reports Green Bay Packers QB Brian Brohm got all the snaps with the second-team offense during practice Monday, Aug. 31, and performed well. He showed unseen zip and accuracy during practice.
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Could Brohm be turning the corner, and overcoming his early career struggles? This is one of the first overwhelmingly positive reports about his performance in practice, so it's a start.
DAL - CB Terence Newman will be used as punt returner at times
Source: Tim MacMahon - The Dallas Morning News
Tim MacMahon, of The Dallas Morning News, reports Dallas Cowboys CB Terence Newman will be used at times as a punt returner during games when there is an opportunity to field a punt around midfield.
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IDP/Return yardage leaguers take notice - Newman will have added value this year. The Steelers used Santonio Holmes in similar situations at times last year, and he was able to bust a punt return for a score in the playoffs, so part-timers can still have value, especially when their role is to take the punt when the team has a short field.
PHI - QB Michael Vick to play second half Thursday
Source: Jeff McLane - the Philadelphia Inquirer
Jeff McLane, of the Philadelphia Inquirer, reports Philadelphia Eagles head coach Andy Reid said during a radio interview that QB Michael Vick will be used occasionally in the first half and will take over at quarterback in the second half of the team's preseason game Thursday, Sept. 3.
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Vick was pretty rusty in his debut against the Jaguars last week, but he still showed flashes of the player he used to be. The Eagles are going to give him an extended look, as they try and figure out how to best carry Vick on the roster. If they label him as the emergency quarterback, then they can't shuffle him in and out of the lineup. If they carry three active quarterbacks, then they will sacrifice an active spot usually filled by a key special teamer.
TB - QB Josh Freeman, QB Josh Johnson to see most of the reps Friday
Source: PewterReport.com
PewterReport.com reports Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB Josh Freeman and QB Josh Johnson will receive most of the snaps during the team's final preseason game Friday, Sept. 4.
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The Bucs are going to rest their two veteran quarterbacks, Byron Leftwich and Luke McCown, in order to get their young guns a little more experience and playing time. Josh Johnson has impressed his new head coach enough for the Bucs to consider carrying four quarterbacks once again this season. Johnson is too talented to make it through waivers, and the Bucs know if they release him there's zero chance they could re-sign him to the practice squad.
ARI - QB Brian St. Pierre misses practice Monday
Source: Kent Somers - The Arizona Republic
Kent Somers, of The Arizona Republic, reports Arizona Cardinals QB Brian St. Pierre (back) did not participate in practice Monday, Aug. 31.
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With Matt Leinart's sensational performance against the Packers, the battle for the 2nd string QB job is over. St. Pierre will have to stick around as the 3rd string QB once again.
CIN - TE Ben Utecht on IR, TE Matt Sherry waived
Source: Joe Reedy - the Cincinnati Enquirer
Joe Reedy, from the Cincinnati Enquirer, reports on his twitter feed - Bengals place Utecht on IR, Sherry waived on reserved/injured. Roster now at 75.
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The Bengals have had an injury plagued TE corps this preseason, but fantasy owners know the team doesn't really use their TE much. That could change with rookie Chase Coffman, who needs to overcome a foot injury before he can contribute in the NFL.
CAR - WR Kenny Moore supplants WR Dwayne Jarrett as 3rd receiver?
Source: Darin Gannt - the Rock Hill Herald
Darin Gannt, from the Rock Hill Herald, reports Kenny Moore has effectively supplanted Dwayne Jarrett as the third receiver, and looks like a guy who can make the few plays leftover after Delhomme throws to Steve Smith and Muhsin Muhammad.
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Moore has been impressive this preseason while Jarrett has been plagued with inconsistencies once again. We don't expect either Moore or Jarrett to be much of a fantasy factor as the third receiver on a run heavy team.
TB - Team feels good about WR Sammie Stroughter
Source: Ira Kaufman - the Tampa Tribune
Ira Kaufman, from the Tampa Tribune, reports Buc fans have been looking for a reason to believe. Meet wide receiver Sammie Stroughter, also known as Dr. Feelgood. "He's a steal, who are we kidding?" Bucs coach Raheem Morris said of the seventh-round pick out of Oregon State. The Bucs had the undersized Stroughter targeted in the draft, despite his pedestrian 4.53 clocking at the combine. "The reason we drafted him is because we thought he could fit in the slot and that's what he has shown he can do," new offensive coordinator Jeff Jagodzinski said. "We're excited about this kid. He has made all the plays and he's a football player - period."
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This is just another example of why draft position doesn't matter. If a guy can play it doesn't matter what round he's taken in, or even if he's drafted at all. We've been impressed with Stroughter since watching him at the Shrine Game practices back in January. He has good body control, uncanny sideline awareness, and is a very precise route runner. We think Stroughter could develop into a fine slot receiver for the Buccaneers.
NE - QB Tom Brady could play in preseason finale
Source: ESPN.com
ESPN.com reports New England Patriots QB Tom Brady (shoulder) said Monday, Aug. 31, that he expects to play in the team's preseason finale if head coach Bill Belichick allows him to. 'I have bumps and bruises,' Brady said in his weekly appearance on a Boston radio station. 'It's a physical game. Like I said, I fell a little bit awkwardly, but I'm expecting to be out there and I'm expecting to play this week, if coach let's me. We'll just see how the week goes.'
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The Patriots were on fire with Tom Brady and Randy Moss leading the way until Brady went down with a shoulder injury. Brady is a gamer, and loves to compete, but the team will be very cautious with their superstar quarterback. They must feel pretty comfortable about Brady's injury because they released Kevin O'Connell, and only have the newly signed Andrew Walter and undrafted free agent Brian Hoyer behind Tom Brady.
KC - Offensive Coordinator Chan Gailey fired
Source: Mike Florio - ProFootballTalk.com
Mike Florio, of ProFootballTalk.com, reports the Kansas City Chiefs have fired offensive coordinator Chan Gailey, according to a source.
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We were surprised that Gailey survived the initial cuts after new head coach Todd Haley took over in February. It's unclear what happened, but the team must have been disappointed in the offense's performance so far in the preseason.
SEA - WR Deion Branch could be cut
Source: Eric D. Williams - the Tacoma News-Tribune
Eric D. Williams, from the Tacoma News-Tribune, reports the team traditionally kept six receivers while Mike Holmgren was coach, but new offensive coordinator Greg Knapp has run more two-tight-end sets during the preseason and not as many three- or four-receiver sets, so the Seahawks could get by with keeping just five wideouts. So far, T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Nate Burleson, Deion Branch and Deon Butler are likely in, with Courtney Taylor, Ben Obomanu and Jordan Kent fighting for the last couple of spots. Or perhaps Branch could be on his way out. The veteran will make $5 million this season to be Seattle's third receiver and the Seahawks have a lot of depth at the position. So they may live with five receivers and let Branch go to keep a player at a different position.
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Branch has been a big disappointment since coming over from the New England Patriots, and now could be in danger of losing his job. He's missed at least five games in each of the past two seasons, and is simply too much of an injury risk to be a factor on your fantasy radar. We like Deon Butler, the rookie out of Penn State, who could catch quite a few passes from the slot position for the Seahawks.
JAX - Sims-WR Mike Walker and Thomas to play in preseason finale
Source: Vito Stellino - the Florida Times-Union
Vito Stellino, from the Florida Times-Union, reports Jags head coach Jack Del Rio said WRs Mike Sims-Walker and Mike Thomas both will play against Washington on Thursday night if they practice well.
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Sims-Walker suffered an ankle injury three weeks ago, and has not been able to play in the preseason thus far. His absence has allowed veteran Troy Williams to impress as the starting receiver opposite Torry Holt. Rookie Mike Thomas has been bothered by a nagging hamstring injury, but he could play in his first preseason game this week as well. Thomas has elite run after the catch ability, and could develop into a dangerous slot receiver if he stays healthy.
SF - Confident WR Michael Crabtree will sign
Source: John Crumpacker - the San Francisco Chronicle
John Crumpacker, of the San Francisco Chronicle, reports the San Francisco 49ers remain optimistic that they will sign WR Michael Crabtree before the start of the regular season. 'It'll get done,' general manager Scot McCloughan said. 'What's three or four months on a five- or six-year contract?' The thinking is that if Crabtree signs before Week 1, he would be able to contribute as a rookie, although not as much as he would have had he been in training camp from the start.
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The 49ers are holding strong to the idea that they'll slot Crabtree's contract between what B.J. Raji received at #9, and what Aaron Maybin received at #11. Crabtree's agent, Eugene Parker, wants a deal that is around what the Raiders gave to the first WR off the board, Darrius Heyward-Bey, who was the #7 overall pick. Crabtree is actually in San Francisco, and not his native Texas, and this is another sign to some that a deal is going to get done before the regular season opener. Crabtree will be the final first-round pick to sign, and the team is anxious to get to work with their talented rookie.
TB - Team could carry four quarterbacks
Source: Anwar S. Richardson - the Tampa Tribune
Anwar S. Richardson, of the Tampa Tribune, reports Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Raheem Morris indicated he may keep four quarterbacks on his roster, including QB Josh Johnson. 'I'm going to keep the best 53 - I've said that from the beginning,' Morris said. 'Josh Johnson has shown a lot of savvy, a lot of the poise that you want. If Freeman's going to be the leader of your football team, you want to have a young guy like Josh around - a guy who's smart, savvy, can go into a game and get you through it, a guy that's poised, athletic, makes good decisions, a guy who doesn't need many reps to go through it, as we've seen here in these games - Is he one of my best 53? Probably.'
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Johnson proved to be so compelling to Jon Gruden that he refused to let another team steal him during an attempt to stash him on the practice squad, and it looks like he has won over Raheem Morris too.
CHI - QB Jay Cutler throws TD pass Sunday
Source: Associated Press
The Associated Press reports Chicago Bears QB Jay Cutler was 15-for-21 for 144 yards with a touchdown pass during the team�s preseason game Sunday, Aug. 30.
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Cutler and the Bears were triumphant in his return to Denver. Some described the game as one of the most intense preseason games they've ever seen. Cutler was very effective and played under control, despite being bombarded with one of the chilliest receptions a player has ever had returning to the home of his former team. This will go a long way towards establishing him as one of the leaders of the Bears on and off the field.
NYG - DE Osi Umenyiora to return to practice Tuesday
Source: Adam Schefter - ESPN
Updating a previous report, Adam Schefter, of ESPN, reports New York Giants DE Osi Umenyiora will return to practice Tuesday, Sept. 1, and said his disagreement with defensive coordinator Bill Sheridan has been resolved. Umenyiora has apologized to the team for leaving practice Monday, Aug. 31.
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Schefter reported that the source of the frustration was money. Osi got a big new deal right before Christmas 2005, and the Giants are unlikely to yield to any demands now.
KC - ILB Zach Thomas to retire
Source: Adam Schefter - ESPN
Adam Schefter, of ESPN, reports Kansas City Chiefs LB Zach Thomas will retire by the end of the week.
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Drew Rosenhaus has already denied this, but either way, we expect Corey Mays to start next to Derrick Johnson vs. Baltimore on opening day.
Source: ESPNews
ESPNews reports New England Patriots LB Tedy Bruschi has retired.
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Bruschi's play has declined since coming back from a stoke in 2005. He's missed a lot of time in this year's training camp for unknown reasons and has decided to call it a career. Bruschi has been one of the Patriots best, and has played in more games than any other linebacker in team history. Gary Guyton will replace Bruschi in the lineup.
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