Footballguys Daily Email - Volume 10, Issue 32 (Thursday, May 21st)
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Hi Folks,
Welcome to Friday! I know tons of you are already heading out today to get an early start on the weekend. The rest of us here are still working. But all of us can use the latest NFL News and Notes. Thanks to Footballguy Cecil Lammey for the help on these as always - let's get to it. JINSIDE THIS ISSUE
1. NE - QB Tom Brady says he feels great2. CHI - OC Turner impressed with QB Jay Cutler's arm strength
3. CLE - QB Brady Quinn has slight lead in competition
4. CHI - WR Earl Bennett works as starting receiver
5. CHI - QB Jay Cutler welcomes pressure on him
6. CIN - QB Carson Palmer praises WR Chris Henry
7. CIN - QB Carson Palmer criticizes WR Chad Ochocinco's absence
8. TB - HC Morris believes RB Cadillac Williams can be ready for camp
9. KC - WR Mark Bradley working as starter
10. ARZ - QB Kurt Warner in Super Bowl form
11. SEA - QB Matt Hasselbeck looks good Thursday
12. TEN - Team expecting WR Justin Gage to deliver
13. NO - RB Reggie Bush misses practice Thursday
14. NFL - RB Travis Henry in jail after bond violation
15. PIT - QB Ben Roethlisberger is fine despite social networking reports
16. OAK - HC Cable declines to comment about QB Michael Vick
17. SD - TE Kris Wilson feels more comfortable
18. DET - OT Ephraim Salaam signed
19. CLE - WR Josh Cribbs asks for trade
20. DAL - WR Isaiah Stanback to undergo surgery
NE - QB Tom Brady says he feels great
Source: Christopher L. Gasper, of the Boston Globe
Christopher L. Gasper, of the Boston Globe, reports New England Patriots QB Tom Brady (knee) said during an interview that he is feeling great and looking forward to practicing with his teammates. 'I'm feeling great and just excited to be out there on the field, training with my teammates,' Brady said. 'It's always fun being back in this competitive environment and working with these guys to try to make 2009 our best season. It's been fun to be back. I think everyone is excited to get back on the field and see what we're capable of.'
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The Patriots have felt confident that Brady would bounce back for a while now. If there was any indication that he wouldn't make a full recovery the Pats would not have been so willing to deal former backup QB Matt Cassel. With a healthy Brady it could be "same as it ever was" for the New England offense in 2009.
CHI - OC Turner impressed with QB Jay Cutler's arm strength
Source: Larry Mayer, of the ChicagoBears.com
Larry Mayer, of the ChicagoBears.com, reports Chicago Bears offensive coordinator Ron Turner said he is very impressed with QB Jay Cutler's arm strength and accuracy. 'His arm strength, I've never been around anything like that before, and he's shown very good accuracy the little bit I've been around him,' Turner said.
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Cutler hasn't missed a single day of the Bears' offseason program. He's spent four days a week the past six weeks lifting weights, meeting with coaches and throwing passes to his offensive teammates. After having his off field behavior criticized in Denver Cutler is showing the Bears that he's all business on the field.
CLE - QB Brady Quinn has slight lead in competition
Source: James Walker, ESPN.com
James Walker, of ESPN.com, reports Cleveland Browns head coach Eric Mangini said QB Brady Quinn has a slight lead over QB Derek Anderson for the starting position at this point.
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We've heard conflicting reports about what the new regime in Cleveland thinks about Brady Quinn. He's considered the QB of the future, and the next thing you know he's on the trading block and there's rumblings of Mangini and company not being sold on the Golden Domer. If the season started today it looks like Brady Quinn would be lining up under center over Derek Anderson. There's a possibility that Anderson gets his confidence back and makes this a QB controversy throughout training camp. Also - don't forget about the dark horse in this competition, former Utah QB Brett Ratliff. Mangini made sure to get him when Cleveland dealt the #5 pick to the Jets, who then selected Mark Sanchez. He has a very strong arm, is not afraid to challenge the edges of the defense, and has more athletic ability than people think.
CHI - WR Earl Bennett works as starting receiver
Source: Associated Press
The Associated Press reports Chicago Bears WR Earl Bennett lined up as a starting receiver opposite Devin Hester during workouts Wednesday, May 20.
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We reported yesterday about Earl Bennett impressing in minicamps and it's no surprise given the on field chemistry that Jay Cutler and Bennett have. Bennett was Jay Cutler's favorite target at Vanderbilt and for good reason. He has quick feet and gets in and out of his breaks quickly. Bennett will be used primarily on shorter routes, but he has the size and athletic ability to do some damage after the catch.
CHI - QB Jay Cutler welcomes pressure on him
Source: Larry Mayer, of the ChicagoBears.com
Larry Mayer, of the ChicagoBears.com, reports Chicago Bears QB Jay Cutler said he is welcoming the pressure placed on him this season after the Bears gave up several assets for him. 'Any time a team wants to make a trade like that and gives up what they gave up, there's going to be a lot of pressure and a lot of high expectations, and I welcome that. It's going to be fun. It's going to be a good challenge. I've got a lot of time to work with the guys and get ready for Game 1,' Cutler said.
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Devin Hester recently commented on his new QB's calm demeanor during practice. We'll see if Cutler can maintain that carefree attitude when it's crunchtime in the regular season.
CIN - QB Carson Palmer praises WR Chris Henry
Source: Joe Reedy, The Cincinnati Enquirer
Joe Reedy, of The Cincinnati Enquirer, reports Cincinnati Bengals QB Carson Palmer spoke highly of WR Chris Henry. 'He's a guy that's had a great offseason, really turned his life around,' Palmer said. 'I'm excited to watch him play. He's a guy that seems like he catches a touchdown every other ball that's thrown to him, he's that explosive. He's kind of taken over Chad's (Ochocinco) position and he's a guy that, like I said earlier, does not want to give up that spot right now.'
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There's never been a question about Chris Henry's talent on the field - he could easily be a top 30 WR in the league. The concern has always been his off field issues, so this is good news coming from Carson Palmer as the Bengals need all the help they can get. Chris Henry is currently listed as 3rd on the depth chart behind Chad Ochocinco and Laveranues Coles. Henry will have to battle 2nd year WRs Jerome Simpson and Andre Caldwell for the #3 job.
CIN - QB Carson Palmer criticizes WR Chad Ochocinco's absence
Source: Joe Reedy, The Cincinnati Enquirer
Joe Reedy, of the Cincinnati Enquirer, reports Cincinnati Bengals QB Carson Palmer criticized WR Chad Ochocinco's absence from the team's offseason workouts during an interview with SIRIUS NFL Radio. Palmer admitted the team's receiver corps has a new look with WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh signing with the Seattle Seahawks and Ochocinco sitting out workouts. Palmer said, "T.J.'s (Houshmandzadeh) gone and Chad's pretty much gone, he hasn't been here, so we've got guys that want those two spots, guys that compete day in and day out, when we're out there on the field, running, conditioning and in the weight room lifting. They're guys that want to take over for those two spots. They look every bit capable of doing what we're going to ask them to do."
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Ochocinco is reportedly training in Los Angeles, but he is expected to attend the team's mandatory minicamp in June. Palmer's statements are in line with the reputation that Ochocinco now has. Carson is building chemistry with his new WR Laveranues Coles and he's talking like Chris Henry will challenge Ochocinco. Ochocinco's spot seems pretty secure to us but we'll soon see how this will shake out.
TB - HC Morris believes RB Cadillac Williams can be ready for camp
Source: PewterReport.com
PewterReport.com reports Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Raheem Morris said he believes RB Cadillac Williams (knee) can be ready to participate when training camp begins.
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This seems like a little bit of wishful thinking from the new coach. Cadillac needed a year and a half to bounce back from this same injury. Williams will more than likely start the season on the P.U.P.
KC - WR Mark Bradley working as starter
Source: Jonathan Rand, KCChiefs.com
Jonathan Rand, of KCChiefs.com, reports Kansas City Chiefs WR Mark Bradley entered offseason workouts as the starting wide receiver opposite Dwayne Bowe. Bradley's involvement in the offense should only become more important now that the team no longer has TE Tony Gonzalez.
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Mark Bradley revived his career with the Chiefs last season, but the biggest obstacle for his continued success is his durability. He is the Chiefs primary deep threat and with TE Tony Gonzalez now in Atlanta we could see Bradley getting an even bigger share of the workload.
ARZ - QB Kurt Warner in Super Bowl form
Source: Bob McManaman, The Arizona Republic
Bob McManaman, of The Arizona Republic, reports Arizona Cardinals QB Kurt Warner (hip) looked as sharp and crisp Wednesday, May 20, as he did in Super Bowl XLIII.
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Warner is now nine weeks removed from surgery, and he participated in full during all practice activities Wednesday. Warner said there is still some residual discomfort from the surgery, but his mobility and flexibility have improved significantly.
SEA - QB Matt Hasselbeck looks good Thursday
Source: Mike Sando, ESPN.com
Mike Sando, of ESPN.com, reports Seattle Seahawks QB Matt Hasselbeck (back) looked very good during practice Thursday, May 21, and did not show any back discomfort.
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This is good news for Seattle because they're just not the same without Hasselbeck in the lineup. He's already shown great chemistry with new WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh and he's anxious to get to the regular season.
TEN - Team expecting WR Justin Gage to deliver
Source: Jim Wyatt, The Tennessean
Jim Wyatt, of The Tennessean, reports the Tennessee Titans are looking for WR Justin Gage to step up even more in 2009. He welcomes the new additions at receiver, as he feels that will make the offense more explosive and it will take defensive pressure off of him.
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Gage is now the team's most experienced wide receiver, so receivers coach Fred Graves said he wants Gage to show more leadership and help the team's new receivers - Nate Washington and Kenny Britt - head in the right direction. Gage has been working on improving his endurance and coming off the line more effectively.
NO - RB Reggie Bush misses practice Thursday
Source: New Orleans Times-Picayune
The New Orleans Times-Picayune reports New Orleans Saints RB Reggie Bush (knee) did not participate in practice Thursday, May 21, but head coach Sean Payton said Bush did do some work during the other organized team activities this week.
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The Saints should limit Bush throughout the upcoming months in order for him to be at his best during training camp. This will also allow the Saints pecking order to work itself out behind Reggie Bush. There have been conflicting reports about whether or not the Saints have interest in RB Edgerrin James but one thing is certain - they want to find better depth behind Bush and Pierre Thomas. RBs Mike Bell, Lynell Hamilton, Herb Donaldson, and P.J. Hill are all hoping to impress the coaching staff.
NFL - RB Travis Henry in jail after bond violation
Source: Associated Press
The Associated Press reports former NFL RB Travis Henry is in federal custody for violating conditions of his bond. Tampa (Fla.) U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark Pizzo ruled Tuesday, May 19, that Henry violated bond conditions set by a Montana judge when he consumed alcohol.
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Some guys turn into a punchline after their playing days are over but this is just ridiculous.
PIT - QB Ben Roethlisberger is fine despite social networking reports
Source: Ed Bouchette, The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Ed Bouchette, of The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, reports Pittsburgh Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger is fine and does not have cancer. Reports circulated on social networking Web sites by people pretending to be Roethlisberger. 'There's no truth to it,' he said.
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First DeMarcus Ware's fake twitter account and now this. Roethlisberger's agent Ryan Tollner had this to say, "Ben positively does not have Facebook or MySpace pages, nor a Twitter account. Any such postings are impostors and should be disregarded. We are actively working to end this problem with those companies."
Bottom line, be very leery of twitter or facebook reports that are reportedly from the players.OAK - HC Cable declines to comment about QB Michael Vick
Source: David White, The San Francisco Chronicle
David White, of The San Francisco Chronicle, reports Oakland Raiders head coach Tom Cable declined to say whether the team would be interested in acquiring QB Michael Vick, who remains under contract with the Atlanta Falcons. 'I'm not going to go there,' Cable said. 'I hope he gets everything back in order, gets his life straight.'
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Tom Cable doing the smart thing here, especially since the Raiders have long been rumored to be Vick's destination post prison. JaMarcus Russell hasn't been playing well in minicamp so perhaps privately the Raiders might actually be considering Vick.
SD - TE Kris Wilson feels more comfortable
Source: Casey Pearce, Chargers.com
Casey Pearce, of Chargers.com, reports San Diego Chargers TE Kris Wilson, now in his second year with the team, feels more comfortable in the team's offense this year and is excited about helping the team in a variety of ways. Wilson is able to play tight end, fullback, H-back and on special teams.
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When he came out of Pitt many people thought that Kris Wilson would be the heir apparent to TE Tony Gonzalez in Kansas City. Gonzo's game didn't slow down and he outlasted Wilson with the Chiefs, but now Wilson may get his career back on track. Heach Coach Norv Turner has been complimenting Wilson recently so we'll see if the Chargers start using him more on Sundays.
DET - OT Ephraim Salaam signed
Source: Detroit News
The Detroit News reports the Detroit Lions have signed free-agent OT Ephraim Salaam (Texans). Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
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Salaam, a 6-foot-7, 310-pound, 11-year veteran, participated in the Lions' workouts on Thursday. He'll turn 33 in June and played the past three seasons with the Houston Texans in addition to spending time with the Falcons, Broncos, and Jaguars.
CLE - WR Josh Cribbs asks for trade
Source: John Clayton, ESPN.com
Updating previous reports, John Clayton, of ESPN.com, reports Cleveland Browns WR Josh Cribbs has officially asked for a trade because the team has not been willing to discuss a new contract. 'I want nothing more but to wear the Browns' logo on my chest until my career has come to an end, and I am deeply disappointed that the team I put my hard work, blood, sweat and tears in will just write me off as though I am collateral damage,' Cribbs said in a statement.
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Cribbs is playing the "I've outplayed my contract card" here. "Contracts are one-sided in favor of the team, yet we as players are told to honor our contracts without the team honoring them. We are not doctors and lawyers, we don't get paid for 25 years of work. If we are lucky, we get 10 years at best to make all the money we can to last the rest of our life." Cribbs has little leverage as he's under contract until 2012.
DAL - WR Isaiah Stanback to undergo surgery
Source: Todd Archer, The Dallas Morning News
Todd Archer, of The Dallas Morning News, reports Dallas Cowboys WR Isaiah Stanback (knee) will undergo surgery to repair a meniscus tear in his right knee. He suffered the injury Tuesday, May 19, and tried to participate in practice Wednesday, May 20.
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The injury woes continue for the talented QB-turned-WR. Stanback has great run after the catch ability and could even play a little Wildcat QB for the Cowboys if necessary. He's no stranger to the injury and is expected to be ready for the start of training camp.
That'll do it for today, Folks. Have a great Friday and I hope you have a fantastic weekend. Drive safe if you're traveling and we'll see you tomorrow with the update.
J