Footballguys Daily Email - Volume 10, Issue 14 (Sunday, May 3rd)
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Hi Folks,
Good Monday to you. Hope you're ready for a great week. We're going to do our best to bring you one. We've got lots of news and notes for you plus Jets coach Rex Ryan has our first "Quote Of The Day" for us this season. Talking about rookie RB Shonn Greene, Ryan said, "I love the way guys bounce off of him. Unfortunately, some of the passes bounce off him." You gotta like that. Enjoy the update and have a great Monday. JINSIDE THIS ISSUE
1. NYJ - QB Sanchez continues to impress2. SEA - Hasselbeck and Houshmandzadeh looking good together
3. IND - No discussions about WR Harrison returning
4. MIN - Vikings Owner Wilf says 'no comment' on QB Favre
5. NYJ - QB Clemens still in competition for starting QB
6. DET - QB Culpepper would start if season began now
7. CHI - WR Johnny Knox to challenge for starting slot receiver
8. TB - Team pleased with QB Freeman's first minicamp
9. NO - WR Ealy and TE Kapanui charged with lewd conduct
10. DET - RB Aaron Brown has 3rd down value & more
11. NFL - More QB Favre Speculation - NY Daily News says Favre wants 'revenge'
12. NYJ - RB Shonn Greene gets mixed reviews from Rex Ryan
13. CHI - WR Juaquin Iglesias could contribute immediately
14. SF - WR Josh Morgan looking good in camp
15. HOU - TE James Casey to play multiple positions
16. PHI - Curtis sitting on the sidelines at practice
17. WAS - Hackett signing on hold
18. DEF - CIN - DE Johnson may try out at OLB
19. DEF - CLE - HC Mangini and DT Rogers patch things up
NYJ - QB Sanchez continues to impress
Source: Associated Press
The Associated Press reports New York Jets rookie QB Mark Sanchez continued to look like a franchise quarterback for the Jets Saturday, May 2, as he zipped passes all over the field with precision. He has impressed the coaching staff and received praise for his work ethic, poise, leadership, intelligence and footwork. 'He has quick feet. ... He's ahead of the game with most college quarterbacks that I have been around in terms of footwork. That clearly gives him an advantage in terms of accuracy,' said offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer. Sanchez called an impromptu meeting with the offensive rookies during the week and then met with the offensive linemen at the end of it.
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His 2nd day wasn't quite as impressive as his 1st day, but Sanchez is off to a great start here. With Rex Ryan not afraid to start a rookie QB we could certainly see Sanchez in the starting lineup come week 1 of the NFL season.
SEA - Hasselbeck and Houshmandzadeh looking good together
Source: Danny O'Neil, Seattle Times
Danny O'Neil from the Seattle Times writes that QB Matt Hasselbeck and his new WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh have been showing great chemistry in the Seahawks recent mini-camp.
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The Seahawks haven't had a true #1 WR since the days of Darrell Jackson. The note about them looking good together in red zone drills is especially interesting. John Carlson and Houshmandzadeh will both make great red zone options for Matt Hasselbeck.
IND - No discussions about WR Harrison returning
Source: Mike Chappell, Indianapolis Star
Mike Chappell from the Indianapolis Star reports the team re-signed linebackers Freddy Keiaho and Tyjuan Hagler and safety Matt Giordano, but the chance of Marvin Harrison returning appears remote.
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"You never say never," coach Jim Caldwell said, "but there's been no discussions." The silence on the Marvin Harrison front has been deafening. We'll see if any team comes forward to sign the veteran receiver.
MIN - Vikings Owner Wilf says 'no comment' on QB Favre
Vikings owner Zygi Wilf, usually willing to answer a question or two about his team, was conspicuously mute when asked Saturday about whether he has interest in free-agent quarterback Brett Favre. "I have no comment," Wilf said, then repeated, "no comment."
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Could Zygi be changing his tune? Back in February, when Brett was still a Jet, Wilf went out of his way to say that he wouldn't be interested in the gunslinger 15 years ago. This real-life soap opera should continue to unfold in the months to come.
NYJ - QB Clemens still in competition for starting QB
The Associated Press reports New York Jets QB Kellen Clemens may have his work cut out for him since the Jets drafted QB Mark Sanchez in the first round, but Clemens is still in the competition for the team's starting job. Offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer said Clemens is 'clearly ahead' in terms of the system and has performed well during offseason workouts. 'Things that come natural to Kellen, Sanchez has to think about,' Schottenheimer said. 'I'm looking forward to watching these guys compete.'
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Kellen Clemens has an uphill battle to fight. Beating out Mark Sanchez will take hard work and dedication that must show up as results on the playing field. Sanchez is off to a great start with the Jets, and even though Clemens has the experience it might not be long before we see the rookie listed at the top of the depth chart. This is a battle that should go well into training camp.
DET - QB Culpepper would start if season began now
Source: Detroit Free Press
Lions GM Martin Mayhew commented on their QB situation. "It's May," Mayhew said. "We've got plenty of time to figure all that out. Daunte is a guy who's a vet. He's been around. He's a pro, and I trust Daunte. He's got a lot of ability, and I anticipate that if we had something to do today, Daunte would be the guy today. But we've got a lot of time to work, and we'll see how it goes."
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The point of course, is that the season isn't starting now. Of course no rookie QB could start without ever having a practice with the full team. There's plenty of time between now and the start of the season. Matthew Stafford could sit this season out ala Carson Palmer but the Lions may determine that they want him in the starting lineup sooner.
CHI - WR Johnny Knox to challenge for starting slot receiver
Source: Vaughn McClure, Chicago Tribune
Vaughn McClure from the Chicago Tribune reports the first player Lovie Smith mentioned as a Saturday standout was speedy receiver Johnny Knox, the fifth-round pick from Abilene Christian. Knox looked comfortable working out of the slot, although he is not accustomed to it.
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Everyone loves the "from Arena League to the NFL" story of Rashied Davis, but the Bears are going to see if the talented rookie can unseat the hard working veteran. Knox displayed amazing body control at the Texas v The Nation practices, and can adjust to even the most poorly thrown pass. He is an interesting sleeper prospect that could go from unknown to the Pro Bowl in a few seasons.
TB - Team pleased with QB Freeman's first minicamp
Source: Charlie Campbell and Jim Flynn, PewterReport.com
Charlie Campbell and Jim Flynn, of PewterReport.com, reports Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Raheem Morris was pleased with rookie QB Josh Freeman's first minicamp. Morris said, "Big Five started off good. His arm was nice and live. He was throwing it great. The second day he came back he was a little tired. Today he came back with a live arm. The progression in terms of learning happened well for him. Then he went back and started pressing a little. You see all those things from a quarterback, but we're very excited. To see some of the throws he made this weekend it can't help but light you up."
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It's Rookie Minicamp. These are the types of things you see written about QBs in Rookie Minimcamps. So don't get too excited. But also note that Freeman is looking about like he's supposed to here.
NO - WR Ealy and TE Kapanui charged with lewd conduct
Source: Associated Press
The Associated Press reports New Orleans Saints WR Biren Ealy and TE Kolo Kapanui were charged Sunday, May 3, with obscenity, disturbing the peace and lewd conduct. Ealy and Kapanui were allegedly being drunk, urinating in public and exposing themselves. Two women riding in a vehicle reportedly saw Ealy and Kapanui urinating in the parking lot of an apartment complex, according to authorities. When one of the women told Ealy to stop, he turned around while exposing himself and began making lewd comments. Kapanui allegedly exposed himself to the driver of the vehicle and made lewd comments. Both players were jailed on $4,250 bonds.
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It's May in the NFL...
DET - RB Aaron Brown has 3rd down value & more
Source: Detroit Free Press
Aaron Brown could be everything that Brian Calhoun hasn't been. He's got quick feet and is elusive in the open field. With the ability to get to top speed in a hurry Brown can even beat defenders taking good angles. He is not much of a runner between the tackles and , like Calhoun, he has missed a lot of playing time due to injury. Kevin Smith is the main man in Detroit but Brown could work his way onto the field in passing situations.
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GM Martin Mayhew commented on the rookie from TCU. "He's got some return ability. He's got some ability on third down. He brings a lot of things to the table with his skill set that can help us, and he has a good chance to make our team."
NFL - More QB Favre Speculation - NY Daily News says Favre wants 'revenge'
Source: Gary Myers, New York Daily News
Gary Myers from the New York Daily News says that one of his sources believes that Brett Favre won't retire until he figures out a way to get revenge on Green Bay. "Favre can't stand Green Bay," the source said. "He wants to play Green Bay and say, 'I told you so.'
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Where there's smoke, there's fire - and this Brett Favre to the Vikings story has been ablaze since he was released by the Jets. Like sands through the hourglass, these are the days of Brett Favre's life.
NYJ - RB Shonn Greene gets mixed reviews from Rex Ryan
Source: Erik Boland, Newsday
Erik Boland from Newsday reports Rex Ryan was asked what he likes best about third-round pick Shonn Greene and began with a compliment. "I love the way guys bounce off of him," said Ryan, "Unfortunately, some of the passes bounce off him."
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Thanks to Rex Ryan for providing the first "Quote Of The Day" for my 2009 season. Shonn Greene was never known as a receiver in college so this is not a surprise. Leon Washington will remain as the Jets primary pass-catching back. Shonn has outstanding footwork when running through trash at the line of scrimmage. He is a punishing runner that gets stronger as the game goes on and he constantly wears down the defense. On many of his carries it takes more than one defender to bring him down as he loves to fight for extra yardage. Let's see how the Thomas Jones situation unfolds before we expect much out of Greene in his rookie year.
CHI - WR Juaquin Iglesias could contribute immediately
Source: Arlington Heights Daily Herald
The Arlington Heights Daily Herald reports that since wide receiver is considered a Bears weakness, the 6-foot-1, 210-pound Iglesias will have a chance to contribute immediately, unlike last year's third-round pick, wide receiver Earl Bennett, who failed to catch a pass all season.
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Iglesias has a fearless nature that shows when he's running routes over the middle or returning punts and kicks. He is more quick than fast, but is a crisp route runner. Bears WR coach Darryl Drake said, "We may accelerate (Iglesias') progress a little." The Bears will surely be a more prolific passing team in 2009, and it will be interesting to see who emerges as favorite targets for Jay Cutler.
SF - WR Josh Morgan looking good in camp
Source: The Santa Rosa Press Democrat
The Santa Rosa Press Democrat is reporting that 49ers WR Josh Morgan has reportedly looked "really, really good" in minicamp action.
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Both Josh Morgan and Michael Crabtree play Split End, so it remains to be seen how the 49ers will use Morgan in 2009. Many will remember that Eddie Royal's teammate from Virginia Tech was generating positive buzz in his rookie season. As long as he stays healthy, Morgan is too talented to keep off the field.
HOU - TE James Casey to play multiple positions
Source: John McClain, Houston Chronicle
John McClain from the Houston Chronicle reports that the Texans will use Casey in a number of positions until he becomes more experienced at TE. Casey, the fifth-round pick from Rice, has offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan and tight ends coach Brian Pariani excited because they can't wait to try to take advantage of his versatility.
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Some college players start at a couple of different positions during their career. Other players switch from the offensive to the defensive side while playing college ball. Then there's players like James Casey, who takes versatility to a whole new level because he played 7 different positions in one game! Playing everything from QB to DE, Casey was primarily used as a WR in 2008 and put up incredible numbers for the Owls. He had 111 catches out of the spread attack for 1,329 yards and 13 TDs. The way that he moves with the ball in his hands defies his size. He is a tough player that fights for extra yardage after initial contact.
PHI - Curtis sitting on the sidelines at practice
Source: Jeff McClane, Philadelpia Enquirer
Jeff McClane from the Philadelpia Enquirer writes Kevin Curtis sat out the first day of the Eagles' minicamp yesterday and won't practice at least until next month's voluntary workouts as he recovers from sports hernia surgery performed last month.
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The Eagles have made plans in case Curtis has another injury plagued season in 2009. Jeremy Maclin has been lining up at split end in practice and could develop into the replacement for Curtis. He has little experience lining up wide because he lined up primarily in the slot at Missouri, so we'll have to see how fast he takes to the position.
Source: Jason LaConfora, Washington Post
The Redskins offered Hackett a contract following his tryout this weekend, and wanted him to join the team starting Monday for the first of 4 OTA sessions this week. Hackett was interested in signing but a personal matter will preclude him from being here this week and so any potential signing is on hold, according to a league source.
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We passed along a report earlier from Jason LaConfora that stated the Redskins had extended contract offers to both Kelley Washington and D.J. Hackett. Kelley Washington has a visit with the Ravens later this week so no deal with him will be finalized until then. The Redskins wanted D.J. Hackett signed by Monday, but he has a personal matter that he is attending to so now his deal is on hold as well.
DEF - CIN - DE Johnson may try out at OLB
Source: Joe Reedy, Cincinnati Enquirer
Joe Reedy from the Cincinnati Enquirer reports that the Bengals are trying out rookie DE Michael Johnson at Outside Linebacker.
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Michael Johnson is an athletic freak so playing Outside Linebacker isn't outside the realm of possibility for him. His natural position is DE, but in his rookie season the Bengals could line him up all over the field to rush the QB on passing downs.
DEF - CLE - HC Mangini and DT Rogers patch things up
Source: Terry Pluto, Cleveland Plain Dealer
Terry Pluto, columnist for the Cleveland Plain Dealer, heard Shaun Rogers has had a good talk with Mangini, and the star tackle is in a positive frame of mind about the new direction of the team and the defense.
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Shaun Rogers felt that new Head Coach Eric Mangini had disrespected him at a banquet where he didn't recognize the big DT. How Mangnini could not recognize the 6'4" 350 lbs man as a player for the Browns is beyond us. But time heals all wounds, and it appears that these two are now on the same page.
That'll do it for today, Folks. Have a great Monday and we'll see you tomorrow with the update.
J