Footballguys Daily Email - Volume 10, Issue 24 (Wednesday, May 13th)
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Hi Folks,
Big big big day here at Footballguys as our first cut of Detailed Stat Projections are released. Yes, it's nuts to do these in mid May but it's the only way we know how to have the very best projections possible for you. We'll continue to hone and refine these numbers right up until the week 1 kickoff. They're the very foundation and backbone of all that we do. And they're all right there for you. Enjoy. Plus, we've got plenty of other news and notes for you so let's get to it. JSITE NEWS
A.
First Cut Of Detailed Stat Projections
My partner David Dodds just finished his first cut of our detailed stat projections. Our Jason Wood just wrapped his up as well. It's impossible to underestimate how important these are to the site. They are the foundation for all that we do. Don't get me wrong, we do a lot of stuff, but it's all laid upon the foundation of these detailed stat projections. They drive everything else. Nice work fellas. Enjoy.
B.
Early Bird Subscription Discount Ends May 15
Don't say we didn't tell you but the Early Bird Subscription discount ends May 15. It's almost here.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1. PHI - RB LeSean McCoy likely will back up Westbrook2. BUF - WR Terrell Owens' reality show to film part of minicamp
3. TB - RB Cadillac Williams still not cleared to practice
4. BUF - RB Fred Jackson agrees to terms
5. TEN - Team wants to utilize RB Chris Johnson in more ways
6. TEN - RB Chris Johnson has lofty goals for 2009
7. PHI - Eagles inquired about ARZ WR Anquan Boldin before NFL Draft
8. BAL - OT Willie Anderson Retires
9. BAL - Ravens will sign WR Kelley Washington
10. NYJ - RB Leon Washington contract talks progressing
11. SEA - WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh has high hopes for season
12. ATL - Former HC Tony Dungy says QB Michael Vick would like a 2nd chance
13. TB - QB Brian Griese expected to be released this week
14. TB - Free Agent WR Joel Filani signed
15. STL - TE Randy McMichael eager to contribute in 2009
16. SF - QB Kirby Freeman waived
17. DEF - MIA - CB Eric Green believes he has upper hand for starting job
18. DEF - SD - LB Shawne Merriman to be held out of offseason sessions
19. DEF - MIA - Dolphins sign TE Jason Taylor
PHI - RB LeSean McCoy likely will back up Westbrook
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 RB LeSean McCoy likely will be the primary backup to RB Brian Westbrook this season.
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With power and speed to spare, McCoy expects to be a big star on Sundays. He gets to top speed in a hurry and can blow by - or through - unsuspecting defenders. A natural hands catcher McCoy makes for a great checkdown receiver, and uses his pad level plus his forward lean to maximize the yardage gained after contact. Ball security may be an issue with LeSean and sometimes when he hits the open field he has so many moves that he runs out of control, which leads to getting tackled instead of making an even bigger play. McCoy will be the backup to Westy this year and be groomed to be his eventual replacement. Because both backs are such dangerous weapons we could see some formations where both are in the backfield at the same time.
BUF - WR Terrell Owens' reality show to film part of minicamp
Source: The Associated Press
The Associated Press reports cable network VH-1 confirmed Tuesday, May 12, that filming of the Buffalo portion of Bills WR Terrell Owens' television reality show will begin Sunday, May 17, a day before the team opens minicamp. The footage is being gathered for a series that follows the day-to-day life of Owens. It is scheduled to premier on the cable network in late July. Filming in Buffalo is tentatively scheduled to run through Wednesday, May 20, when the Bills complete their three-day minicamp.
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Remember when VH-1 showed music videos? Now it's mostly reality shows, rehab shows, and Brett Michaels shows where he looks to find women more feminine than he is. I blame MTV - and more specifically Ricki Rachtman.
TB - RB Cadillac Williams still not cleared to practice
Source: Steve Wyche, NFL.com
Steve Wyche, of NFL.com, reports Tampa Bay Buccaneers RB Cadillac Williams (knee) has not been medically cleared to resume football-related activities.
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Once again Cadillac Williams could start the season on the PUP list. It's really tragic that after fighting all the way back from injury and looking good when he got to carry the ball that Williams would go down with the same injury. He was a longshot to come back from that injury fully before, we'll see how if he can do it 2 times in a row.
BUF - RB Fred Jackson agrees to terms
Source: Tim Graham, ESPN.com
Tim Graham, of ESPN.com, reports the Buffalo Bills have agreed to terms with RB Fred Jackson. The deal is believed to be for four years. Financial terms are not yet known.
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It was good for the Bills to get this done, Jackson was an exclusive rights free agent but was looking for more money and commitment from the team. Jackson will more than likely start the first three games of the season with Marshawn Lynch serving his suspension. Even when Lynch comes back Jackson could be productive in a complimentary role.
TEN - Team wants to utilize RB Chris Johnson in more ways
Source: Jim Wyatt, The Tennessean
Jim Wyatt, of The Tennessean, reports the Tennessee Titans want to put RB Chris Johnson to work even more this season. That could mean more carries and more catches, but also more creative ways to get them. 'There's places we can move him, routes we can run with him, looks we can do with him that we held back last year because I thought I was stretching him too much,' offensive coordinator Mike Heimerdinger said. 'But C.J. needs to show he can do those things and he'll work at it. And the more he shows the more we can give him. If C.J. wants to learn it and work at it then we have a chance to move him all around the place.'
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This is more great news for Chris Johnson owners. He is versatile enough to run inside, run outside, catch screen passes, or line up in the slot. He loses goalline carries to LenDale White, but we could see White's touches outside the redzone drop off. Rookie Javon Ringer could be involved as long as he's healthy, but Chris Johnson should be ready to take over those touches. It's good to see the Titans getting creative with Johnson because he's the type of player that can hurt a defense in many different ways.
TEN - RB Chris Johnson has lofty goals for 2009
Source: Jim Wyatt, The Tennessean
Jim Wyatt, of The Tennessean, reports Tennessee Titans RB Chris Johnson has lofty goals for the 2009 season. 'I want to be NFL MVP, and lead the league in rushing,' Johnson said. 'I want to be named to another Pro Bowl. I like to set my goals high, and everything is possible.'
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This isn't the same thing as Kevin Smith saying that the Lions would make the playoffs, or Selvin Young stating that he's going to run for 2,000 yards. Chris Johnson is more than capable of reaching these goals and the Titans would be smart to give him every opportunity to do that.
PHI - Eagles inquired about ARZ WR Anquan Boldin before NFL Draft
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 the team checked into the availability of Arizona Cardinals WR Anquan Boldin before the NFL draft, but found the price too high. Reid suggested the price might have been first-, third- and fifth-round draft picks. 'That's a lot of picks, No. 1,' Reid said. 'And then you're going to pay the guy $10 million. So you get hit on both sides of it.' Instead, the Eagles traded up in the NFL Draft to select WR Jeremy Maclin.
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The Eagles passed on the high price for Boldin to take the versatile Maclin. He is a dangerous weapon who can score in any number of ways. After his record setting freshmen season he came back in 2008 and surpassed his numbers from the previous year. His route running is not yet refined, but his speed and quickness will get him open even against tough coverage. Add in his return ability and you have the type of player that every team wants on their roster.
BAL - OT Willie Anderson Retires
The Baltimore Ravens have announced they have placed OT Willie Anderson on the Reserve/Retired list.
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Nice career for the big Fella. This is why the Ravens selected Michael Oher in the 1st round of the 2009 NFL Draft. A 4 time Pro Bowler and 3 time All Pro for the Bengals, Anderson retires after 14 seasons in the NFL.
BAL - Ravens will sign WR Kelley Washington
Source: Alex Marvez, FOXSports.com
Alex Marvez, of FOXSports.com, reports the Baltimore Ravens will sign unrestricted free-agent WR Kelley Washington (Patriots), according to a source. The deal will be finalized Friday, May 15, pending a physical.
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The Ravens did not address their lack of depth at the WR position in the 2009 NFL Draft but did sign a couple of undrafted free agents in Eron Riley and Isaiah Williams. With Derrick Mason possibly missing all of training camp, and no proven WR behind Mark Clayton it makes sense for the Ravens to create as much competition as they can to build depth.
NYJ - RB Leon Washington contract talks progressing
Source: Rich Cimini, The New York Daily News
Rich Cimini, of New York Daily News, reports Alvin Keels, agent for New York Jets RB Leon Washington, said on his Twitter page that he has had positive discussions with general manager Mike Tannenbaum on a new contract.
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Washington updated his facebook status with the phrase "Keep the Faith, and Everything Will Be Fine!" That seems to be his mantra as these talks heat up. Whereas they seemed to be far apart only a day or two ago, now it appears like a deal could get done very soon. The Jets would be smart to get him signed quickly.
SEA - WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh has high hopes for season
Source: Danny O'Neil, The Seattle Times
Danny O'Neil, of The Seattle Times, reports Seattle Seahawks WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh said during a radio interview that he believes 2009 could be a special season for the team. 'We're going to be good,' Houshmandzadeh said. 'Real good. Everybody stays healthy, ah man. We're going to be something special. The talent we have on this team and then coach Mora brings everything together just right. Cool dude. Not because I just got there, but everything I've seen from Jim Mora has showed me that we're going to be really good just the way he relates to the players. They didn't put us on TV so when we start running through everybody like a wet paper bag, don't flex us in late in the season when we're the best. Don't flex us in, we'll have our coming-out party in the playoffs.'
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The Seahawks haven't had a legitimate #1 WR since the days of Darrell Jackson. The passing game should be much improved so long as Matt Hasselbeck can stay healthy in 2009. If Deion Branch and Nate Burleson can stay healthy it will help keep defenses honest. The addition of Deon Butler could pay immediate dividends for the team, and TE John Carlson should be able to take advantage over the middle of the field.
ATL - Former HC Tony Dungy says QB Michael Vick would like a 2nd chance
The Associated Press reports former NFL head coach Tony Dungy said Atlanta Falcons QB Michael Vick would like a second chance when he is out of prison. Dungy met with Vick last week at the federal penitentiary in Leavenworth, Kan. Dungy said, I think Michael is just like so many other guys that I have seen, so many other people who are nameless, faceless in that environment. It's a young man that made a mistake and is looking for a chance to recover and move forward. That's where he is and that's where so many of the men who are here today are.”
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The initial PR hit is going to be full of drama for whatever team gets Vick. We'll see if commissioner Roger Goodell gives Vick the benefit of the doubt and reinstates him quickly after his prison sentence is done.
TB - QB Brian Griese expected to be released this week
Source: Alex Marvez, FOXSports.com
Alex Marvez, of FOXSports.com, repots Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB Brian Griese is expected to be released later this week, according to sources.
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This is not a surprise as the Bucs already have 4 other capable QBs on their roster. Griese should be able to catch on with another team, but his chances of starting are slim.
TB - Free Agent WR Joel Filani signed
Source: PewterReport.com
PewterReport.com reports the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have signed free-agent WR Joel Filani (Rams). Terms of the deal were not disclosed
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Joel Filani put up some good numbers at Texas Tech a few years ago, but he has failed to prove that he could translate his skill set to the NFL. He is buried on the depth chart with Antonio Bryant, Michael Clayton, Dexter Jackson, Maurice Stovall, Sammie Stroughter, Cortez Hankton, and Amarri Jackson all ahead of him.
STL - TE Randy McMichael eager to contribute in 2009
Source: Bill Coats, The St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Bill Coats, of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, reports St. Louis Rams TE Randy McMichael is looking to bounce back this season after suffering a season-ending right leg injury in 2008. A healthy McMichael figures to be a key component in the West Coast-style offense that offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur is installing, according to head coach Steve Spagnuolo. 'I think I have to prove myself to myself,' McMichael said. 'I don't really worry about what anybody else says. I'm my harshest critic. Nobody pushes me harder than I push myself.'
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The veteran TE will battle Joe Klopfenstein for playing time in 2009. If McMichael can stay healthy it's possible he could match his numbers from 2007. At this point he's nothing more than a backup fantasy TE.
Source: John Crumpacker, The San Francisco Chronicle
John Crumpacker, of the San Francisco Chronicle, reports the San Francisco 49ers have waived QB Kirby Freeman.
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That didn't last long. There was a time when Freeman was behind Kyle Wright at the University of Miami and many thought that he would develop into the next great Hurricane QB. He ended up transferring to Baylor, coach Mike Singletary's alma mater, but failed to live up to the hype. It's unlikely he'll get a shot with another team.
DEF - MIA - CB Eric Green believes he has upper hand for starting job
Source: Barry Jackson, The Miami Herald
Barry Jackson, of the Miami Herald, reports Miami Dolphins CB Eric Green said he believes he has the advantage over rookie CBs Vontae Davis and Sean Smith for the starting cornerback job because he has more experience than the other two.
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Green will face some serious competition from the rookies. Vontae Davis is a freakishly athletic player like his brother, San Francisco TE Vernon Davis. Sean Smith is very athletic and has unusual size for a CB. We'll see how this battle unfolds in training camp.
DEF - SD - LB Shawne Merriman to be held out of offseason sessions
Source: Casey Pearce, Chargers.com
Casey Pearce, of Chargers.com, reports the San Diego Chargers will hold out LB Shawne Merriman (knee) of the team's 14 offseason coaching sessions during the offseason because they are being cautious with him.
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No need to rush him back here. The Chargers are a different team when Merriman doesn't play, so they will take the utmost precaution with him.
DEF - MIA - Dolphins sign TE Jason Taylor
ESPNews reports free-agent DL Jason Taylor (Redskins) has agreed to a one-year, $1.1 million deal with the Miami Dolphins.
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Taylor is choosing the Dolphins over the Patriots as he wanted to be closer to his family. In the Dolphins defense he will be a pass rushing specialist that may only get in on passing downs.
That'll do it for today, Folks. Thanks again for reading. And remember, if you'd like to keep up with all that I'm doing on Twitter, plus breaking news and Footballguys site info, just click here.
Have a great Thursday and we'll see you tomorrow with the update. J