Footballguys Daily Email - Volume 10, Issue 143 (Wednesday, September 9th)
|
Sign Up For Free Newsletter
120,000+ Mailing List |
Hi Folks,
It's here. The kickoff we've been waiting for is tonight.
That means the preseason is officially over and the regular season is on. What that means for me is that this is the last of the Free Email Updates we'll be sending.
Starting tonight, we'll stop this format and switch over to our regular Weekly Content for the folks that have purchased a Footballguys Subscription. From cheatsheets to matchups to detailed stat projections to waiver wire pickups to game recaps to our comprehensive Players In The News plus lots more, we've got all you need to dominate your league. I hope we've shown a little of what we can do over the summer and if you're looking for an edge in your league, I hope you'll consider us. We have a money back guarantee so you've got nothing to lose.
But regardless, thanks for spending the spring and summer with us reading these emails. We've seen a lot this year already and I'm sure that this is just the beginning. As we say, things move fast around here. We'll try to keep up. Thanks for hanging with us and I sincerely hope you have a fantastic 2009. Here's wishing that all the bounces go your way. Now let's get to some Football tonight.
J
SITE NEWS
A.
Footballguys Premium Subscription
Thanks for letting me yell about how good a deal our Footballguys Premium Subscription is all summer long. As we wrap up these Daily Emails, here it is one last time. I think it's the best bargain in sports. If you don't think it's worth the money, we have a money back guarantee. To check it out, click here.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1. CLE - QB Brady Quinn to start Week 12. BAL - RB Ray Rice says he's the starter
3. DEN - QB Kyle Orton practices very little Wednesday
4. HOU - HC Kubiak has 'some concern' about WR Kevin Walter's status this week
5. DEN - RB Knowshon Moreno wears normal practice jersey Wednesday
6. NO - RB Pierre Thomas injured knee also lacerated
7. TB - WR Antonio Bryant practices fully Wednesday
8. STL - QB Marc Bulger limited Wednesday
9. ARI - WR Anquan Boldin misses practice Wednesday
10. KC - QB Matt Cassel to be listed as questionable
11. DEN - QB Kyle Orton expects to play Week 1
12. ARI - WR Anquan Boldin says he'll play in week 1
13. ATL - TE Tony Gonzalez indicates that he'll get less targets in Atlanta
14. DET - PK Jason Hanson limited in practice Wednesday
15. DET - WR Dennis Northcutt limited in practice Wednesday
16. IND - WR Austin Collie to be No. 3 receiver
17. DEN - Talking extension with WR Brandon Marshall
18. BUF - WR Terrell Owens not a big fan of no-huddle
19. WAS - WR Malcolm Kelly named No. 2 receiver
20. SEA - OT Walter Jones, C Chris Spencer out for Week 1
21. SF - Dilfer works out with WR Michael Crabtree
22. CAR - RB Jonathan Stewart practices Wednesday
23. STL - RB Steven Jackson to be used like Westbrook
24. HOU - QB Matt Schaub day-to-day, not assured of starting week 1
25. GB - WR James Jones to be No. 3 WR
26. STL - Three players limited Wednesday
27. SEA - Four players miss practice Wednesday
28. BAL - WR Marcus Smith undergoes surgery
29. BAL - WR Mark Clayton practices Wednesday
30. CLE - WR Josh Cribbs listed as starter
31. CAR - WR Muhsin Muhammad showing no signs of slowing down
32. STL - RB DeShaun Foster works out for the team
33. PHI - TE Alex Smith underwent ankle surgery
34. TB - WR Antonio Bryant's knee is pain-free
35. NYG - WR Hakeem Nicks #4 WR, WR Mario Manningham #3
36. KC - Team optimistic that QB Matt Cassel will play
37. PIT - Beat writer projects 45-50 catches for TE Heath Miller
38. HOU - WR Kevin Walter's status uncertain for season opener
39. DET - QB Daunte Culpepper supports quarterback decision
40. PIT - QB Ben Roethlisberger’s accuser willing to settle lawsuit
CLE - QB Brady Quinn to start Week 1
Source: Mary Kay Cabot - the Cleveland Plain Dealer
Mary Kay Cabot, of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, reports Cleveland Browns QB Brady Quinn will start the team's Week 1 game, according to a league source.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
So much for Eric Mangini keeping this a secret until Sunday. This move isn't shocking by any means. He didn't really outperform Anderson in the preseason, but Mangini must have felt that Quinn would make fewer mistakes than Anderson.
BAL - RB Ray Rice says he's the starter
Source: Aaron Wilson - the Carroll County Times
Aaron Wilson, from the Carroll County Times, reports on his twitter feed that Ray Rice said that he will start for the Ravens at running back against the Chiefs.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Ray Rice started over Willis McGahee this preseason, so this news isn't that shocking. In their week one matchup against the Chiefs both Rice and McGahee could have fantasy value, as the team should be able force their will upon a KC defense in transition.
DEN - QB Kyle Orton practices very little Wednesday
Source: miamiherald.com
The Sports Network reports Denver Broncos QB Kyle Orton (finger) did very little during the team's practice Wednesday, Sept. 9.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
We still think Orton will go on Sunday, but we wouldn't recommend starting him, unless he's backing up Matt Cassel on your team.
HOU - HC Kubiak has 'some concern' about WR Kevin Walter's status this week
Source: Nick Scurfield - houstontexans.com
Houston Texans head coach Gary Kubiak called WR Kevin Walter "day-to-day" after he missed practice on Wednesday, September 9, with a hamstring injury and said that there is "some concern" about his status for the season opener vs. the Jets.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Hamstrings are very tricky for wide receivers because they can get a lot worse if the player attempts to come back too early. Andre Davis would get the start if Walter can't go.
DEN - RB Knowshon Moreno wears normal practice jersey Wednesday
Source: Aaron J. Lopez - CBSSports.com
CBSSports.com reports Denver Broncos RB Knowshon Moreno (knee) wore a normal practice jersey Wednesday, Sept. 9, after wearing a no-contact jersey during practice Tuesday, Sept. 8. Moreno is recovering from a sprained knee, but he should see playing time Week 1.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Encouraging news, but we would still err on the side of benching Moreno against a tougher-than-advertised Bengals defense on the road. The Broncos will be smart about not overworking Moreno because it has been a while since he has played.
NO - RB Pierre Thomas injured knee also lacerated
Source: Brian Allee-Walsh - the New Orleans Times-Picayune
Brian Allee-Walsh, of the New Orleans Times-Picayune, reports that Saints RB Pierre Thomas's right knee suffered a laceration that required 4-6 stitches to close. Thomas's week 1 status is already in question because of a sprained MCL in the same knee. Thomas and head coach Sean Payton hope he can get some work in practice on Thursday, September 10.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
We wouldn't count on Thomas this week, even if he is cleared to play. Mike Bell is looking like an excellent flex play this week.
TB - WR Antonio Bryant practices fully Wednesday
Source: thespread.com
Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Antonio Bryant (knee) practiced in full Wednesday, Sept. 9.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Bryant is good to go for Sunday. If you drafted him as a starter, you should feel comfortable plugging him into your lineup.
STL - QB Marc Bulger limited Wednesday
Source: Danny O'Neil - The Seattle Times
Danny O'Neil, of The Seattle Times, reports St. Louis Rams QB Marc Bulger (pinkie) was limited during practice Wednesday, Sept. 9.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Bulger will likely play Sunday, but we're not expecting much.
ARI - WR Anquan Boldin misses practice Wednesday
Source: Darren Urban - AZCardinals.com
Darren Urban, of AZCardinals.com, reports Arizona Cardinals WR Anquan Boldin (hamstring) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Sept. 9. He said Tuesday, Sept. 8, that he will be able to play Week 1.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
It's one thing to say you'll play. Nobody doubts Boldin's desire or toughness. But if he pushes off and feels a twinge in the first quarter, things change. At this point, we're very cautious.
KC - QB Matt Cassel to be listed as questionable
Source: Aaron Wilson - the Carroll County Times
Aaron Wilson, of the Carroll County Times, reports Kansas City Chiefs head coach Todd Haley said QB Matt Cassel (knee) will be listed as questionable for Week 1.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
The Chiefs would be wise to shut down Cassel if he's not 100% because things could get brutal for the franchise quarterback against a team like the Ravens.
DEN - QB Kyle Orton expects to play Week 1
Source: Mike Chambers - The Denver Post
Mike Chambers, of The Denver Post, reports Denver Broncos QB Kyle Orton (finger) said he expects to be able to play in Week 1. 'I'm preparing that I'm going to play. No question about it. (I'm trying) to take as many reps as I can this week in practice to get ready, and be ready to go on Sunday,' Orton said. Orton does not know if he will wear a glove on his right hand during the game.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Practice reports from yesterday indicated that Orton was not having any trouble throwing the football with a glove on. Although as noted above, he did very little work on Wednesday.
ARI - WR Anquan Boldin says he'll play in week 1
Source: Kent Somers - the Arizona Republic
Kent Somers, from the Arizona Republic, reports Anquan Boldin attended the Diamondbacks game Tuesday night against the Dodgers. He told FSN that he is definitely playing on Sunday against the 49ers, barring a setback to his hamstring injury.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Boldin is the type of player you would have to lock up to keep off the field. The Cardinals may get a big lead on the 49ers, and could limit Boldin's time until he's back to being 100%.
ATL - TE Tony Gonzalez indicates that he'll get less targets in Atlanta
Source: atlantafalcons.com
When asked if there are enough balls to go around in the Falcons passing offense, TE Tony Gonzalez said, "Yeah, I think there will be. I was telling someone the other day that I have been around long enough. I've caught enough of balls and had my heyday. It doesn't mean I can't go out there and still perform. I'm still going out there and I fell just as good as ever. But at the same time it doesn't matter to me. You are, right there are a lot of players on this offense that can do well, that can hurt you, and for me go ahead and do it. Lets just go out there and keep these chains moving. That's all I am worried about and getting a victory."
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Gonzalez will not put up the same kind of numbers he did last year, and he may even fall out of the top five fantasy TEs. Still, he will be one of the most dependable options at the position, just one with less upside than usual.
DET - PK Jason Hanson limited in practice Wednesday
Source: thespread.com
Detroit Lions PK Jason Hanson (knee) was limited in practice Wednesday, Sept. 9.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Even if he does play, we recommend looking elsewhere for your kicker this week.
DET - WR Dennis Northcutt limited in practice Wednesday
Source: thespread.com
Detroit Lions WR Dennis Northcutt (hand) was limited in practice Wednesday, Sept. 9.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
If Northcutt is limited in the game, Bryant Johnson will have a chance for a solid game against the Saints, since their coverage will be focused on Calvin Johnson.
IND - WR Austin Collie to be No. 3 receiver
Source: Phillip B. Wilson - The Indianapolis Star
Phillip B. Wilson, of The Indianapolis Star, reports Indianapolis Colts head coach Jim Caldwell said WR Austin Collie will be the team's No. 3 wide receiver entering the season.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Collie isn't the biggest, or fastest wide receiver in the NFL - he just makes plays. He is a very savvy player that is familiar with all the little things that go into the position. We still expect Pierre Garcon to get some playing time as the #3 wideout, even though Collie is ahead of him on the depth chart.
DEN - Talking extension with WR Brandon Marshall
Source: Adam Schefter - ESPN
Adam Schefter, of ESPN, reports the Denver Broncos are talking to WR Brandon Marshall about the possibility of a contract extension, according to league sources.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
What an interesting twist in the Brandon Marshall saga. These two sides could kiss and make up if Marshall gets his new deal - and stays out of trouble. A happy Marshall would be a huge benefit for the Broncos passing game, and keep defenses from double-teaming Eddie Royal.
BUF - WR Terrell Owens not a big fan of no-huddle
Source: Associated Press
The Associated Press reports Buffalo Bills WR Terrell Owens said he is not a fan of the no-huddle offense but is willing to play in the system. Owens said the no-huddle has been tiring him out since returning from injury.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Owens will have to get used to the no-huddle offense, as Buffalo is likely to use that a majority of the time they're on the field - especially while RB Marshawn Lynch is out due to suspension.
WAS - WR Malcolm Kelly named No. 2 receiver
Source: Ryan O'Halloran - The Washington Times
Ryan O'Halloran, of The Washington Times, reports Washington Redskins head coach Jim Zorn said WR Malcolm Kelly will be the team's No. 2 wide receiver to begin the season.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Kelly had a strong preseason, and the Redskins wanted he or Devin Thomas to elevate their game so they could move Antwaan Randle-El back to the slot.
SEA - OT Walter Jones, C Chris Spencer out for Week 1
Source: Danny O'Neil - The Seattle Times
Danny O'Neil, of The Seattle Times, reports Seattle Seahawks head coach Jim Mora said OT Walter Jones (knee) and C Chris Spencer (quadriceps) will not play in the team's Week 1 game.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
This could be bad news for the Seahawks ground game, but they are facing St. Louis, so both Julius Jones and Edgerrin James could have a productive game.
SF - Dilfer works out with WR Michael Crabtree
Source: Matthew Barrows - the Sacramento Bee
Matthew Barrows, of the Sacramento Bee, reports former NFL QB Trent Dilfer recently worked out with San Francisco 49ers first-round draft choice WR Michael Crabtree because Crabtree wanted to work with an actual quarterback and not catch passes from a machine. Dilfer said Crabtree is completely healthy and is in the San Francisco area waiting to sign with the 49ers.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Now in day 45 of his holdout, Crabtree will lose his week one paycheck if he doesn't sign by Saturday. The rookie wide receiver is threatening to holdout the entire season if the 49ers do not increase their contract offer. This situation looks like it will continue past week one of the regular season, with no end in sight.
CAR - RB Jonathan Stewart practices Wednesday
Source: Associated Press
The Associated Press reports Carolina Panthers RB Jonathan Stewart (Achilles') participated in practice Wednesday, Sept. 9. Head coach John Fox said Stewart looked great during practice. Stewart may be able to play in Week 1.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Stewart has declared himself ready to play in week one, but the team may limit his snaps until he is 100%. Most reports from practice also said Stewart looked good. We wouldn't trust him this week, but it's looking more like his status for the season isn't as questionable as we thought during the preseason.
STL - RB Steven Jackson to be used like Westbrook
Source: Bill Coats - the St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Bill Coats, from the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, reports running back Steven Jackson will be deployed much the same way the Eagles use Brian Westbrook, as a dual-threat rusher-receiver. That would seem to be a good fit for Jackson, who in some sets lines up in the slot or even splits out as a wide receiver. "A guy like Steven who's versatile inside and outside, that's what we're going to take advantage of," Kyle Boller said. "If we can get a mismatch with him on linebackers and safeties ... good night."
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Jackson is a proven receiver out of the backfield, and new offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur was a long time Eagles assistant. The Rams could feature Jackson more than ever before because their passing game lacks playmakers outside of Donnie Avery.
HOU - QB Matt Schaub day-to-day, not assured of starting week 1
Source: Associated Press
The Associated Press reports that Texans QB Matt Schaub took half the snaps in practice on Tuesday, September 8, and he is listed as day-to-day. Head Gary Kubiak sounded optimistic about Schaub's chances of starting the season opener vs. the Jets, but would not commit to Schaub as the starter. "He took a big step forward [Tuesday]," Kubiak said. "He's progressing toward getting ready to go, so it's a positive move forward for him."
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Hopefully, if you drafted Schaub as your #1 QB, you paired him with a low risk #2 like Matt Hasselbeck, David Garrard, or Ben Roethlisberger, because you might need them this week.
GB - WR James Jones to be No. 3 WR
Source: Green Bay Press-Gazette
The Green Bay Press-Gazette reports Green Bay Packers WR James Jones beat out WR Jordy Nelson for the No. 3 wide receiver job.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Both players will see the field a lot, as the Packers favor three and four wide sets in their offense. Even though Jones is the #3 right now, history points to the likelihood of him getting injured and Nelson spending just as much time as the #3 this year as Jones does.
STL - Three players limited Wednesday
Source: Danny O'Neil - The Seattle Times
Danny O'Neil, of The Seattle Times, reports St. Louis Rams RB Samkon Gado (ribs), FB Mike Karney (ankle) and DE Leonard Little (knee) were limited during practice Wednesday, Sept. 9.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
The Rams have been sniffing around for another backup RB this week, and Gado's injury probably has something to do with that.
SEA - Four players miss practice Wednesday
Source: Danny O'Neil - The Seattle Times
Danny O'Neil, of The Seattle Times, reports Seattle Seahawks WR Deion Branch (hamstring), CB Travis Fisher (hamstring), DE Derek Walker (hamstring) and FS C.J. Wallace (rib) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Sept. 9.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Branch's injury woes continue. If Deon Butler starts hot, Branch's role could be reduced, even once he's 100% healthy.
BAL - WR Marcus Smith undergoes surgery
Source: Edward Lee - The Baltimore Sun
Edward Lee, of The Baltimore Sun, reports Baltimore Ravens WR Marcus Smith (knee) underwent surgery to repair his torn anterior cruciate ligament Tuesday, Sept. 8. He hopes to be ready for the start of next season.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
We like Smith's overall game, as he plays a little like Anquan Boldin with strong run after the catch ability. He'll have to battle back from this injury, and prove that he can stay healthy before we get too excited about his dynasty value.
BAL - WR Mark Clayton practices Wednesday
Source: Edward Lee - The Baltimore Sun
Edward Lee, of The Baltimore Sun, reports Baltimore Ravens WR Mark Clayton (hamstring) fully participated in practice Wednesday, Sept. 9. He worked with the first-team offense during practice.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Clayton says that he's ready to go in week one, but his hamstring injury could flare up at any time.
CLE - WR Josh Cribbs listed as starter
Source: Marty Gitlin - CBSSports.com
CBSSports.com reports Cleveland Browns WR Josh Cribbs is listed as a starter on the team's depth chart going into Week 1.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Defenses should be focused on Braylon Edwards, and that could open things up for Cribbs on underneath routes. With his run after the catch ability he is a threat to score nearly every time he touches the football.
CAR - WR Muhsin Muhammad showing no signs of slowing down
Source: Charles Chandler - Charlotte Observer
The Charlotte Observer reports Muhsin Muhammad showed no signs in the preseason that he has fallen off from last season and remains an amazing specimen for a man in his 14th pro season.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Fantasy owners shouldn't forget about the old man Muhsin Muhammad. The Panthers have no experienced or reliable targets in the passing game outside of Steve Smith and Muhammad. With most defenses focused on stopping Smith and that ground game, Muhammad should be able to take advantage of 1-on-1 coverage.
STL - RB DeShaun Foster works out for the team
Source: Jim Thomas - the St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Jim Thomas, from the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, reports running backs DeShaun Foster and Gary Russell were among the five players working out Tuesday. The group also included fullback-running back Carey Davis and linebackers Tank Daniels and David Herron. The Rams routinely bring in players for workouts during the regular season, and general manager Billy Devaney indicated that no signings were imminent for any of this week's visitors.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Foster isn't the same player that he used to be, but the Rams don't have quality depth behind starter Steven Jackson. Samkon Gado is the main backup behind Jackson, and we don't think Foster would be much of an upgrade if added to the roster.
PHI - TE Alex Smith underwent ankle surgery
Source: Bob Brookover - the Philadelphia Inquirer
Bob Brookover, from the Philadelphia Inquirer, reports after being dealt this spring to the Patriots from Tampa Bay for a fifth-round draft pick in 2010, Alex Smith said, his quest to make coach Bill Belichick's roster was hindered by ankle surgery. He caught just one pass for 3 yards in the Patriots' four preseason games. "I just don't think it was the right fit," he said. "We had a lot of tight ends there, and there was a very big competition. I was fresh off surgery, so I might have been a little behind the eight ball just trying to catch up to the guys and get hold of that offense."
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Smith had the procedure back in April, but claims he hasn't felt 100% until the last couple of weeks. He's physically gifted, but has never lived up to his potential in the pros. Smith gives the Eagles quality depth behind starter Brent Celek.
TB - WR Antonio Bryant's knee is pain-free
Source: Rick Stroud - the St. Petersburg Times
Rick Stroud, of the St. Petersburg Times, reports Tampa WR Antonio Bryant practiced on Tuesday, September 8, and pronounced his surgically repaired knee pain-free. Bryant said, "I feel good. I don't have any pain. I think along with a couple of other things and adrenaline, I won't think about the knee too much."
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
We would only start Bryant as a WR3 at best, not because he's coming back from recent knee surgery, but because the Bucs offense is in flux, and could be very disorganizes since Greg Olson just took over as offensive coordinator.
NYG - WR Hakeem Nicks #4 WR, WR Mario Manningham #3
Source: Ralph Vacchiano - the New York Daily News
Ralph Vacchiano, of the New York Daily News, reports that first-round pick WR Hakeem Nicks is currently #4 on the Giants depth chart, but that he could push Mario Manningham for the #3 spot.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Nicks is a fine very late round pick, but be advised that you will have to be patient, and the payoff may not be huge even if Nicks elevates himself to the starting lineup, because the Giants have only a moderately productive passing attack. Lost in the shuffle of Nicks tremendous preseason performance is Manningham beating out Sinorice Moss to be the team's #3 wide receiver. As it stands right now, he would get the first shot to start if Domenik Hixon or Steve Smith get injured or greatly disappoint early in the season.
KC - Team optimistic that QB Matt Cassel will play
Source: Jason La Canfora - the NFL Network
Jason La Canfora, of the NFL Network, reports that barring a setback, he thinks QB Matt Cassel will start for the Chiefs this week. He also reports that there is a "sense of optimism" around the team that Cassel will play.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
That optimism hits a wall once the team realizes that they are playing the Baltimore Ravens this week.
PIT - Beat writer projects 45-50 catches for TE Heath Miller
Source: Ed Bouchette - the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Ed Bouchette, of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, projects Steelers TE Heath Miller to have 45-50 catches this year.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Miller has had 47 and 48 catches in the last two seasons. With the emergence of Limas Sweed as a viable #3 WR and Miller's continued role as a two-way TE in this offense, there's no reason Miller's catch total would increase this year.
HOU - WR Kevin Walter's status uncertain for season opener
Source:
The Associated Press reports that Houston Texans WR Kevin Walter's status is uncertain for the season opener. He has a hamstring injury and hasn't practiced yet this week.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Andre Davis would get the start if Walter can't go. He is one of the most underrated reserve receivers in the league, and he could be a good emergency start. He would likely draw Lito Sheppard at least some of the time, and Sheppard struggled in the preseason, sometimes going through ugly stretches of allowed catches alternating with committed penalties.
DET - QB Daunte Culpepper supports quarterback decision
Source: Carlos Monarrez - the Detroit Free Press
Carlos Monarrez, of the Detroit Free Press, reports Detroit Lions QB Daunte Culpepper issued a statement Tuesday, Sept. 8, in support of head coach Jim Schwartz's decision to start QB Matthew Stafford. 'My position is that if you want to be the best you have to beat the best,' Culpepper said in the statement. 'Coach Schwartz gave me a fair opportunity to compete for the starting job and now the decision has been made that Matt is the best quarterback in Detroit. I support the decision and I am ready to settle into my role. Matt is a great guy and a talented young quarterback. I am confident that he will lead this team to plenty of victories in Detroit for a long time to come. I look forward to helping Matt in that mission in any way that I can this year.'
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Culpepper is being classy in the media, projecting himself as a good teammate, which could help him as he is likely to be looking for work next year.
PIT - QB Ben Roethlisberger’s accuser willing to settle lawsuit
Source: Dan Majors - the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Dan Majors, of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, reports the woman who has accused Pittsburgh Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger of sexual assault has offered to settle a civil lawsuit against him if he admits he assaulted her. It is one of three conditions attorneys for the woman outline in a letter they submitted to a Nevada court offering to settle the matter. Roethlisberger must also deliver to the woman a letter of apology withdrawing "the false statements and allegations that he and his agents have made about her." The third condition is he must donate $100,000 to the Committee to Aid Abused Women in Reno, Nev., "or a similar entity designated by the plaintiff." The filing and the letter from the plaintiff indicate the admission and apology must be made "within five days," but do not make clear on what date that deadline will expire.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
If this lawsuit is a distraction for Roethlisberger, you can't tell it from the way he played in the preseason.
And that's it folks. After 140 something of these updates, I have to say I'm a little bummed to be stopping. But I'm also stoked about the season kicking off tonight. Don't worry, we won't totally forget about you. I'll still shoot you our Random Shots email each week and we'll be in touch but we won't bug you. I hope each and every one of you has a fantastic Fall. Not just with Fantasy Football - but with anything and everything you're doing. Thanks for hanging with us this Spring and Summer and I wish you nothing but the best.
Grace & Peace.
J
