Footballguys Daily Email - Volume 10, Issue 25 (Thursday, May 14th)
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Hi Folks,
Welcome to Friday. I'm glad it's here and I hope you are too. We've got a ton of News and Notes for you. Plus I've got the links so you can keep up with Footballguys on Facebook and also keep up with me on Facebook and Twitter if you've got nothing better to do. And don't forget our Early Bird Discount is about to close. Have a fantastic Friday and let's get to it. JSITE NEWS
A.
Keep up with Footballguys on Facebook
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Keep up with Joe on Facebook and Twitter
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C.
Early Bird Discount Deadline Is HERE
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Expert Rankings Updated
Get used to this one. Regular readers know our Expert Rankings are constantly being updated and tweaked. These are tough to do in May. But that's what we do. Enjoy.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1. NFL - QB Favre consults with renowned ortho surgeon Dr. Andrews2. IND - Offensive coordinator Tom Moore files retirement papers
3. IND - Offensive line coach Howard Mudd files retirement papers
4. BUF - RB Marshawn Lynch appeals suspension
5. TB - QB Josh Johnson believes he can start
6. BUF - RB Fred Jackson excited about WR Terrell Owens addition
7. BUF - RBs Fred Jackson and Dominic Rhodes competing
8. NE - Patriots could be interested in TB QB Brian Griese
9. IND - Potential replacements for Mudd and Moore
10. MIN - RB Adrian Peterson a big fan of QB Favre
11. CIN - WR Chad Ochocinco (Johnson) gets his new jersey
12. NFL - RB Shaun Alexander hopes to play this season
13. NYJ - RB Danny Woodhead works with first team Thursday
14. NYJ - RB Leon Washington not present Thursday
15. NE - TE Alex Smith will participate in OTA
16. DEF - NYJ - LB Vernon Gholston impressing defensive coordinator Pettine
17. DEF - TB - HC Morris says LB Derrick Brooks will not be back
18. DEF - MIA - DE Jason Taylor initially to be used as situational player
NFL - QB Favre consults with renowned ortho surgeon Dr. Andrews
Source: Ed Werder and Chris Mortensen, ESPN.com
ESPN is reporting that Quarterback Brett Favre consulted renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews regarding options for healing the partially torn biceps tendon in his throwing shoulder this week, according to a source.
The development further indicates Favre's willingness to consider coming out of retirement to sign with the Minnesota Vikings, particularly if there is a non-surgical solution to his damaged shoulder.[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
The key seems to be whether Favre can avoid surgery. There seems to be some optimism that non surgical rehabilitation could do the trick. If that's the case, a return seems much more likely. It appears to be a fact that Favre visited Dr. Andrews. Anything past that though is speculation at this point. Andrews' office in Birmingham isn't all that far from Mississippi so it's not like he went too far out of his way to visit Andrews. But then again, a guy with zero intention of playing football again might have more important things to do than consult with Dr. Andrews. We'll see...
IND - Offensive coordinator Tom Moore files retirement papers
Source: Mike Chappell, The Indianapolis Star
Mike Chappell, of The Indianapolis Star, reports Indianapolis Colts offensive coordinator Tom Moore has filed his retirement papers, according to owner Jim Irsay.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
This is a sad day for the Colts as both Mudd and Moore had been with Peyton Manning from day one. This probably won't change the Colts philosophy but how well they're able to execute is another story. Moore and Mudd were two of the best and their loss will be felt.
IND - Offensive line coach Howard Mudd files retirement papers
Source: Mike Chappell, The Indianapolis Star
Mike Chappell, of The Indianapolis Star, reports Indianapolis Colts offensive line coach Howard Mudd has filed his retirement papers, according to owner Jim Irsay.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Don't underestimate the effect this will have. Don't go out and trade Peyton Manning for Byron Leftwich but I have a hard time believing this loss won't have at least some negative effect.
BUF - RB Marshawn Lynch appeals suspension
Source: Associated Press
The Associated Press reports Buffalo Bills RB Marshawn Lynch has filed an appeal of his three-game suspension for violating the league's personal conduct policy. It is not known when Lynch's appeal will be heard.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
This may have a chance of reducing his 3-game suspension but Lynch is a repeat offender. A misdemeanor weapons charge to go along with his hit-and-run last year has not endeared himself to the league, so we'll have to wait and see if commissioner Roger Goodell is merciful with the talented back.
TB - QB Josh Johnson believes he can start
Source: Joe Henderson, The Tampa Tribune
Joe Henderson, of The Tampa Tribune, reports Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB Josh Johnson said he believes he has a chance to win the starting quarterback job. 'Right now is not when it will be determined. It won't be determined until the end of training camp and the preseason games. I was told I will have a chance to compete for the job, but we'll see in the end. Right now, I don't know so I don't really worry about it. I just take advantage of the opportunities I get because that's all I can control until they announce who's starting,' Johnson said.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Josh Johnson could develop into a top 20 QB in the NFL - he's that talented. Johnson is extremely athletic but he's not just a scrambler - he is an effective passer that will exhaust all options before taking off to run. However, he's currently buried on the depth chart behind Luke McCown, Byron Leftwich, and 1st round pick Josh Freeman. Word from inside the Bucs organization is that he's struggled with accuracy and only completed around 50% of his passes running the scout team. He played well last year in the preseason, and it will be interesting to see how far he's progressed this season.
BUF - RB Fred Jackson excited about WR Terrell Owens addition
Source: NFL.com
NFL.com reports Buffalo Bills RB Fred Jackson said he is excited about the signing of WR Terrell Owens because he will stretch the field and not allow defenses to have eight defenders in the box. 'Nobody is happier than I am about T.O. being here,' Jackson said. 'It's going to take a lot of pressure off of the running game. Safeties aren't going to be able to stand in the box like they were. To combine him with [WR Lee Evans] is just going to do some tremendous things for our offense. I know, and I talked to [RB Marshawn Lynch], he's just as excited as I am, we're happy about and we're looking forward to playing with him."
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
The RBs should be very happy about the addition of T.O. - and it's not because of the VH-1 camera crew that follows him everywhere. Having a big time target on the field will distract the defense and open up the running lanes for Buffalo. Jackson will have to beat out Dominic Rhodes for the starting gig at the beginning of the season, but once Lynch comes back from suspension the job should be his.
BUF - RBs Fred Jackson and Dominic Rhodes competing
Source: Associated Press
The Associated Press reports Buffalo Bills RBs Fred Jackson and Dominic Rhodes will compete with each other to start in place of RB Marshawn Lynch at the beginning of the season. Lynch, as reported, is suspended for the first three games of 2009.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Fred Jackson is expected to win this battle, but the Bills needed more depth at the RB position. Rhodes feels like he's the better back and will have every opportunity to prove it in camp. Even if Rhodes were to lose the competition this should still be a RBBC between the two backs. This battle is more important for when Marshawn Lynch comes back from suspension because it will determine who is his backup in a RBBC.
NE - Patriots could be interested in TB QB Brian Griese
Source: Alex Marvez, FOXSports.com
Alex Marvez, of FOXSports.com, reports the New England Patriots may be interested in Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB Brian Griese, who is expected to be released this week.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Brian Griese + Bill Belichick = good things for Griese's career. Right now the Pats have 2nd year man Kevin O'Connell as the primary backup to Tom Brady. He is a big, athletic QB who the Patriots were impressed with last season but he is far from proven. Matt Guiterrez and Brian Hoyer will battle for the #3 spot - but Griese could come in and force one of those guys to the practice squad.
IND - Potential replacements for Mudd and Moore
Source: Mike Chappell, The Indianapolis Star
Updating previous reports, Mike Chappell, of The Indianapolis Star, reports Indianapolis Colts assistant coach Clyde Christensen could replace Tom Moore as the team's offensive coordinator and assistant coach Pete Metzelaars could take over as the team's offensive line coach.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
This probably makes sense for the sake of consistency. But don't sweep this one under the rug.
MIN - RB Adrian Peterson a big fan of QB Favre
Source: Rick Alonzo, The Pioneer Press
Rick Alonzo, of the Pioneer Press, reports Minnesota Vikings RB Adrian Peterson said during an interview with ESPN that he knows "it's a possibility" that retired QB Brett Favre might sign with the team. Peterson said, "Just him coming in, the leadership he would definitely bring, a guy that's well respected, been around the league a long time, I'm a big fan of him. I grew up watching him, just loving the passion he played with. That would be something he would definitely bring to the locker room."
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Adrian Peterson and all the Vikings are saying the right things. It's Minnesota or bust for Favre in 2009. Here's the question I have - Could Sage Rosenfels or Tarvaris Jackson be any more ignored?
CIN - WR Chad Ochocinco (Johnson) gets his new jersey
The Associated Press reports Cincinnati Bengals WR Chad Ochocinco's jersey will say "Ochocinco" because that is how he wrote it when he legally submitted his name-change form last August in Florida. He said last year that he wanted his name to be "Ocho Cinco."
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
I love me some Chad Ochocinco.
NFL - RB Shaun Alexander hopes to play this season
Source: Danny O'Neil, The Seattle Times
Danny O'Neil, of The Seattle Times, reports unrestricted free-agent RB Shaun Alexander (Redskins) has been working out and hopes to play this season.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Shaun Alexander hasn't been the same player he used to be for a couple of seasons and it's doubtful that he'll ever regain his form. He could catch on with another team but it will have to be after injuries hit in training camp.
NYJ - RB Danny Woodhead works with first team Thursday
Source: Rich Cimini, The New York Daily News
Rich Cimini, of the New York Daily News, reports New York Jets RB Danny Woodhead is working with the first-team offense during practice Thursday, May 14.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Danny Woodhead could play a Leon Washington-Lite role in this offense. He is extremley quick and is very elusive in the open field. Woodhead has decent speed, but is more quick than fast. He hasn't shown the ability to be effective running between the tackles and is a player that needs to have the ball in space. While in college many people compared him to a poor man's Reggie Bush. The Jets backfield is completely up in the air right now so Woodhead may have a role on this team by the regular season.
NYJ - RB Leon Washington not present Thursday
Source: Rich Cimini, The New York Daily News
Rich Cimini, of the New York Daily News, reports New York Jets RB Leon Washington was not present during practice Thursday, May 14.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
The Jets and Washington are working on a new contract that should pay him a few million dollars per year.
NE - TE Alex Smith will participate in OTA
Source: Christopher L. Gasper, The Boston Globe
Christopher L. Gasper, of the Boston Globe, reports New England Patriots TE Alex Smith said he will participate in the Patriots' organized team activities, which begin Monday, May 18.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Alex Smith is a smooth athlete from the TE position but he never lived up to his potential in Tampa. The Patriots know how to get the best out of their players so Smith may be in for the best season of his career.
DEF - NYJ - LB Vernon Gholston impressing defensive coordinator Pettine
Source: Dave Hutchinson, The Star-Ledger
Dave Hutchinson, of The Star-Ledger, reports New York Jets LB Vernon Gholston is impressing defensive coordinator Mike Pettine this offseason. Pettine said, "I think Vernon is having a real good offseason. You can tell this is important to him. He's passionate about it. The signs are there. He asks the right questions. If he makes a mistake, usually he knows it right away. I think progression-wise, he's right where he needs to be. ... I'm confident he'll be better once we have the pads on."
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Vernon Gholston looked to be on the fast track to bust city after his rookie year. We'll be interested to see if Rex Ryan and Pettine can get him back on track.
DEF - TB - HC Morris says LB Derrick Brooks will not be back
Source: Jason Cole, Yahoo! Sports
Jason Cole, of Yahoo! Sports, reports Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Raheem Morris said unrestricted free-agent LB Derrick Brooks (Buccaneers) is not coming back to the team.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
The Bucs are moving on and looking towards the future. Derrick Brooks still thinks he can play but has received no interest from other teams since he was released in February.
DEF - MIA - DE Jason Taylor initially to be used as situational player
Source: Armando Salguero, The Miami Herald
Armando Salguero, of the Miami Herald, reports the Miami Dolphins initially will use DE Jason Taylor as a situational player so he can stay healthy
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
With an aged veteran this is the smart move. The Dolphins brought back Taylor to do one thing - rush the passer. Jason Taylor will be rotated in on obvious passing downs and could wreak havoc with fresh legs.
That'll do it for today, Folks. Have a great Friday and we'll see you tomorrow with the update.
J