Footballguys Daily Email - Volume 10, Issue 16 (Tuesday, May 5th)
|
Sign Up For Free Newsletter
85,000+ Mailing List |
Hi Folks,
Good Wednesday to you. It's barely May and already the Brett Favre talk is hot and heavy. Gotta love that. Plus we've got plenty of less soap operaish type news for you as well so let's get to it. JSITE NEWS
A.
Interviews with Robbie Gould and Mason Crosby
Our resident Kicker Guru, Mike Herman has a nice interview with kickers Robbie Gould and Mason Crosby throwing out all you wanted to know and more about kicking in the NFL. Great stuff.
B.
The Weekly Gut Check Vol. 151 - RB Workloads and Rankings
One of the new additions to Footballguys for 2009 is Matt Waldman. You've already seen some of Matt's work with the Rookie Scouting Portfolio. But one of the things I couldn't be more excited about is his weekly "Gut Check" articles. Read this and I think you'll be excited too. Welcome Matt.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1. MIN - HC Childress reportedly to meet with QB Favre2. NYG - RB Ware believes he can replace Ward
3. DET - Lions have a plan in place to nurture QB Stafford
4. NFL - QB Favre says he will not consider playing again
5. NYJ - QB Sanchez likely to start Week 1?
6. STL - WRs Avery, Burton worked as starters during minicamp
7. MIN - WR Harvin fully healthy
8. DET - Lions looking for big things out of RB Kevin Smith?
9. JAC - QB Bouman agrees to terms
10. CLE - QB Harrell leaves without contract
11. STL - QB Bulger must make good use of tight ends, running backs
12. NE - More on RB Taylor's wrist injury
13. SD - WR Byrd motivated to contribute
14. ATL - Former HC Dungy meets with QB Vick
15. DET - QB Stanton ready to compete for roster spot
16. DEF - DET - Lions favorites to land LB Foote
17. DEF - PIT - LB Timmons to start
MIN - HC Childress reportedly to meet with QB Favre
Source: ESPNews
Updating a previous report, Ed Werder, of ESPN.com, reports Minnesota Vikings head coach Brad Childress will talk with retired QB Brett Favre (Jets) about the possibility of coming out of retirement and playing for the Vikings in 2009, according to a source. The understanding is Favre will decide if he will play this season shortly after the meeting.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
What about the text message to Trent Dilfer? This soap opera could go in any direction at any time.
NYG - RB Ware believes he can replace Ward
Source: Ralph Vacchiano, The New York Daily News
Ralph Vacchiano, of the New York Daily News, reports New York Giants RB Danny Ware said he believes he can replace RB Derrick Ward, who signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, in the Giants' running back rotation and did not think the team needed to draft RB Andre Brown in the fourth round. 'I feel like I can replace Derrick Ward all day every day, they don't have to bring in someone else to get those carries. So it's kind of hard knowing that they used a fourth -round pick on a back and they're probably going to have to give him some playing time,' Ware said.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Brandon Jacobs, Ahmad Bradshaw, and Danny Ware have all had trouble staying healthy for different periods of time. Andre Brown, himself with injury concerns, will help keep the Giants run game afloat if anyone ahead of him on the depth chart misses any time. Danny Ware was ahead of Knowshon Moreno on the depth chart at Georgia (in Moreno's freshmen year) and is an instinctive and powerful runner. Ware is certainly a name to remember when looking at backup RBs that could put up nice fantasy numbers when the starter goes out with injury.
DET - Lions have a plan in place to nurture QB Stafford
Source: mlive.com
Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Scott Linehan said the team has a plan in place to bring QB Matthew Stafford along in his progress. Linehan said the team is going to tape their practices the next few weeks while Stafford is away so he can go through the mental reps watching the videos.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
There's plenty of debate in NFL circles as to which is the best way to bring along a young QB. Do you go the Carson Palmer way and let him watch from the sidelines for a year? Do you go the Peyton Manning way and throw him into the fire immediately? Lions GM Martin Mayhew has already stated that the Lions are not going to cave into any pressure to start Stafford early. "There's an urge, there's pressure from the outside whether it comes from fans or wherever," Mayhew said. "But the most important thing to focus on is where the guy is in his development. When is he ready?" Will the Lions get this one right? Only time will tell.
NFL - QB Favre says he will not consider playing again
Source: Judd Zulgad, Star Tribune
Continuing an ongoing storyline, Judd Zulgad, of The Star Tribune, reports retired QB Brett Favre (Jets) was asked via text message by ESPN's Trent Dilfer if he would consider playing again in 2009. Favre responded via text message, writing out 'NO' in capital letters. Favre turns 40 in October.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Just for what it's worth. And to be truthful, in May this isn't worth a lot. Don't expect this story to die down any time soon.
NYJ - QB Sanchez likely to start Week 1?
Source: Rich Cimini, The New York Daily News
Rich Cimini, of the New York Daily News, reports New York Jets QB Kellen Clemens has to be significantly better than QB Mark Sanchez in camp to win the team's starting quarterback job. If it's even, or if it's close, Sanchez will get the starting nod. Head coach Rex Ryan has implied the team's plan is to make Sanchez the opening week starter.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Sanchez was known as the hardest worker on the USC squad and has certainly impressed the Jets to this point. The start of the season is a few months away so anything could happen. The Jets will more than likely keep this an open competition through the first few weeks of training camp.
STL - WRs Avery, Burton worked as starters during minicamp
Source: Jim Thomas, The St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Jim Thomas, of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, reports St. Louis Rams WR Donnie Avery and WR Keenan Burton were working for the most part as the team's starting wide receivers during passing plays at minicamp.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
The Rams want to move to more of a run heavy offense featuring Steven Jackson but they are expecting Donnie Avery and Keenan Burton to pick up the slack now that Torry Holt is in Jacksonville.
Source: Steve Wyche, of NFL.com
Steve Wyche, of NFL.com, reports Minnesota Vikings WR Percy Harvin (dehydration) is fully healthy and is working out after he was hospitalized for extreme dehydration, according to his agent. He is expected to attend the team's upcoming organized team activities.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
He was working out last Friday night with a Florida Gators strength and conditioning coach. Looks like all is well.
DET - Lions looking for big things out of RB Kevin Smith?
Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Scott Linehan said he would like RB Kevin Smith to pick up where he left off last year. 'We have similar plays to what they ran a year ago, we've got some other type schemes,' Linehan said. Linehan said the biggest things for Smith are taking the entire new offense in, secure the ball when he runs and become a productive every down back.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
The Lions defense needs to improve before we can expect huge numbers from Kevin Smith. If the Lions fall behind they will go to the air, where Calvin Johnson can dominate against the best of coverage. Smith isn't going to run for 2,000 yards in 2009 - but we could see him getting 1,200-1,300 on the ground with another 300-400 yards compiled receiving the ball.
JAC - QB Bouman agrees to terms
Source: Michael C. Wright, The Florida Times-Union
Michael C. Wright, of The Florida Times-Union, reports the Jacksonville Jaguars have agreed to terms with free-agent QB Todd Bouman (Ravens) on a one-year deal believed to be worth the veteran minimum.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Cleo Lemon didn't impress as a backup to David Garrard in 2008, so the Jaguars have brought back Todd Bouman on a one year deal. The Jags only carried 2 QBs during the regular season so whoever loses this backup battle will more than likely be cut.
CLE - QB Harrell leaves without contract
Mary Kay Cabot, of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, reports the Cleveland Browns were impressed with undrafted free-agent QB Graham Harrell (Texas Tech) and might like to add him to the roster in the future, a source said. The offensive staff felt Harrell, who participated in the team's rookie camp on a tryout basis, picked up the system quickly and has great potential. However, the Browns let him leave town without a contract, in part because it currently has four quarterbacks on the roster: QB Brady Quinn, QB Derek Anderson, QB Brett Ratliff and QB Richard Bartel.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
I don't claim to be a talent scout and these guys make a lot of money to do a great job. But it just seems to me that the entire league is missing the boat on Graham Harrell. I don't see how he wasn't drafted on the second day and I truly can't see why he's not signed with a team by now. We'll see I guess. I wonder what Texas Tech Head Coach Mike Leach will have to say about this. Leach blasted Eric Mangini in the media because he thought the Browns head coach had leaked a negative story about Tech WR Michael Crabtree which led to him falling down draft boards. All 4 of the QBs on the Browns roster are much more talented than Harrell, and unless injuries strike it seems unlikely that he would make the active roster.
STL - QB Bulger must make good use of tight ends, running backs
Source: Jim Thomas, St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Jim Thomas, of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, reports in order for the St. Louis Rams' offense to have success in 2009, QB Marc Bulger must work the ball more to his running backs and tight ends as the team allows their young set of wide receivers to develop.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
The Rams want to move to a run-heavy offense that features Steven Jackson in 2009. With the release of Torry Holt they have little experience behind Donnie Avery at the WR position. They are hoping that Laurent Robinson can stay healthy and emerge into the type of weapon they need. Keenan Burton is a 2nd year wideout that could develop into a deep threat, and rookie Brooks Foster has the hands and concentration of a solid possession receiver.
NE - More on RB Taylor's wrist injury
Source: Christopher L. Gasper, The Boston Globe
Christopher L. Gasper, of The Boston Globe, reports New England Patriots RB Fred Taylor (wrist) suffered a sprained left wrist while working out in South Florida, according to medical sources. Taylor hurt the wrist when he fell on his outstretched left hand. Taylor was told to put the wrist in a Velcro splint, rest it, and ice it. Doctors told Taylor that he gradually could ramp up his activity over the following two or three weeks. The injury has affected Taylor's ability to lift weights, as that activity, in particular, aggravates the wrist. It is not known whether the injury will prevent Taylor from participating in the start of the Patriots' organized team activities this month.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Just a little more detail and followup to the story on Taylor's wrist. Doesn't seem like a big deal right now.
SD - WR Byrd motivated to contribute
Source: Casey Pearce, Chargers.com
Casey Pearce, of Chargers.com, reports San Diego Chargers WR Demetrius Byrd, chosen in the seventh round of the NFL Draft, continues to recover from the automobile accident that landed him in the hospital two weeks ago and is motivated to eventually contribute to the team. 'Now that I have survived an accident and was drafted by the Chargers, I have so much motivation to play with this team,' Byrd recently said through his agent David Dunn. 'I appreciate the Chargers for recognizing my hard work and helping me live out this dream. I promise you that I will work hard every day on and off the field.'
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Before the start of the 2008 college football season many considered Byrd to be a 1st day pick. As the QBs for LSU struggled, so did the entire passing game and Byrd's draft stock went on the decline. The Chargers picked him up in the 7th round despite the fact he was in a serious car accident the week before the draft. Byrd has been released from the hospital and if he regains his form the Chargers could have a late round steal on their hands.
ATL - Former HC Dungy meets with QB Vick
Source: John Clayton, ESPN.com
John Clayton, of ESPN.com, reports former Indianapolis Colts head coach Tony Dungy met with suspended Atlanta Falcons QB Michael Vick Tuesday, May 5, at the federal prison in Leavenworth, Kan. 'I can confirm that Michael met with coach Dungy,' Vick's agent, Joel Segal, said. 'The discussions were private, but the meeting was very positive.' Vick met with Dungy to discuss his life after he gets out of prison.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Vick is going to have to overhaul his image somehow, and meeting with Tony Dungy is a great step in that direction.
DET - QB Stanton ready to compete for roster spot
Source: Nicholas J. Cotsonika, The Detroit Free Press
Nicholas J. Cotsonika, of the Detroit Free Press, reports Detroit Lions QB Drew Stanton said he is ready to compete for a roster spot during training camp. 'It's one of those things that's going to be an uphill battle. I'm aware of that. But it's a challenge that I'm going to have to try to overcome,' Stanton said.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Drew Stanton hasn't been the same since Mike Martz tore him down in his rookie season. Drew Henson was cut and it appears like Stanton could have a lock on the #3 role.
DEF - DET - Lions favorites to land LB Foote
Source: Tom Kowalski, Mlive.com
Tom Kowalski, of Mlive.com, reports the Detroit Lions are the clear frontrunners to sign free-agent LB Larry Foote (Steelers) as Foote has made it known that he would like to return to his hometown of Detroit.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
We speculated about this move yesterday after the Steelers officially released Foote. It wouldn't be a surprise to see this deal get done quickly.
DEF - PIT - LB Timmons to start
Source: James Walker, ESPN.com
James Walker, of ESPN.com, reports Pittsburgh Steelers LB Lawrence Timmons will start at inside linebacker this season after the team released LB Larry Foote.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
IDP players certainly liked what they saw from Timmons in 2008. Timmons had 65 tackles, five sacks, a pick, and one forced fumble despite only playing on passing downs. He can make plays from sideline to sideline and now in a starting role he could be a top 10 fantasy LB.
That'll do it for today, Folks. Have a great Wednesday and we'll see you tomorrow with the update.
J