Footballguys Daily Email - Volume 10, Issue 39 (Thursday, May 28th)
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Hi Folks,
Welcome to Friday. It's a big day for us here as we've got lots of new content unveiled on the website, plus some super cool BIG things that are almost here. And of course all the News and Notes you need to REMAIN the most informed owner in your league. Before we get to that, a quick note, and a nice lesson I learned today. If you're reading this email, you know enough about Football to know that Sports Illustrated's Peter King is one of the pillars of our industry. He's the Man. This morning, Peter updated the J.J. Arrington situation regarding how much of his bonus the Broncos would have to absorb. I had incorrect information on that in yesterday's update. I sent him a quick note thanking him for the information. I assumed Peter King had no idea who I was and never expected to hear anything. Instead, I get a response from him instantly saying I was welcome and that he thought we did a good job. I thanked him and told him he made my day. He responded back with "Sometimes we all need to know people out there are paying attention to what we do, Joe." That was pretty darn cool of him. Not just taking a minute to acknowledge and be nice to me, but dropping some wisdom as there is a ton of truth in what he said. We don't know who is watching or paying attention. It's so easy to crank out whatever it is we're doing and it's easy to fall into the trap of "nobody sees or cares" and fall back a little. At least it is for me. If I can remind myself, "Peter friggen King is going to read this tomorrow morning", that's a nice motivation. And that same principle works for everything we do in life, not just me writing this update. You don't know who is paying attention or what kind of impact you might have. So do a great job. Thank you, Mr. King. Now let's get to it. JSITE NEWS
A.
Detailed Stat Projections Updated
It's not even June yet and we're already several revisions deep into our detailed stat projections. Expect these to continue to be shaped and tweaked all summer long as we factor every bit of news and happenings into these numbers that are the backbone of all that we do. And we've got multiple sets of projections by our David Dodds, Jason Wood, Bob Henry and Maurile Tremblay. That's just nuts.
B.
Offseason Random Shots
From the upcoming Footballguys 2009 Strategy Guide, some goofy rambling on things I saw of interest this offseason.
C.
Sample Team Page from Footballguys Magazine - Green Bay
The Footballguys 2009 Magazine is right around the corner (closer than you think but more on that VERY soon). Here's a sample team page. We felt a little bad the way that Brett Favre's been toying with Packer Fans so we gave Green Bay some love here.
D.
Magazine Faceoff - CHI RB Matt Forte
Faceoffs are always fun. Two guys arguing the pros and cons of a player. Pretty much what you do when you're talking about a player. This one is our Jeff Haseley and Jeff Pasquino from our upcoming magazine so it's all good looking and stuff.
E.
Player Spotlight - CHI QB Jay Cutler
Another sample from our Footballguys 2009 Strategy Guide magazine. Our Jason Wood gets after new Bears QB Jay Cutler. In our player spotlights, we drill down way deeper than the normal analysis you'll get in other places. Enjoy.
F.
How to Navigate The Injury Report
Our own Dr. Jene Bramel, my good friend, orthopedic surgeon Dr. W. David Hovis and myself walk you through understanding some of the more common injuries players deal with and more importantly, what they mean. This is in our 2009 Footballguys Strategy Guide and looks great.
G.
Quarterback Tiers
Our Sigmund Bloom dives deep into exploring "QB Tiers" and how they relate to you dominating your league.
H.
To Handcuff Or Not To Handcuff - Top 10 RBs
Our Sigmund Bloom answers the age old question - To handcuff or not to handcuff? And specifically looks at how that applies to the top ten Runningbacks.
I.
Ten Backfields To Monopolize
Our Sigmund Bloom takes a deep look at what it means to "monopolize" a backfield and picks ten teams where that strategy really pays off.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1. NE - Recap of 'Tom Brady' Day2. TB - QB competition primarily between Luke McCown and Byron Leftwich
3. CIN - RB Cedric Benson looking to carry the load
4. DEN - HC McDaniels impressed with TE Tony Scheffler
5. MIA - HC Sparano impressed with RB Ronnie Brown
6. CAR - QB Jake Delhomme impressed with RB Mike Goodson
7. ARZ - QB Warner says hip getting better
8. BUF - WR Terrell Owens spends extra time working with QB Trent Edwards
9. NE - RB Laurence Maroney works as returner Thursday
10. CAR - QB Jake Delhomme believes WR Dwayne Jarrett can be a big contributor
11. DEN - RB J.J. Arrington needs microfracture surgery - update on bonus
12. ARZ - QB Brian St. Pierre told he will compete for No. 2 job
13. MIA - QB Pat White continues to struggle
14. IND - RB Mike Hart ahead of schedule
Source: Gregg Rosenthal, NBC Sports
Tom Brady was "in full view" according to ESPN and several writers offered their opinions of how he looked.
* Alex Marvez says Brady, "Looked rusty in 2-minute drill but he moved around fine in a 3/4-speed session." * Mike Reiss notes that Brady had on a big knee brace under his sweatpants, and appeared to be just getting comfortable with it. He also watched one long pass completed to Randy Moss. * Tim Graham says Brady looked normal. * Brady says his arm won't be the problem. (Although accuracy often is for post-surgery quarterbacks.) * The last bit of vital news: Gisele is not pregnant. That's a relief.[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
As Rosenthal says, the real take away is that Brady was out there practicing. Up until Matt Cassel was traded, there had been plenty of worries about Brady. But even after the trade, seeing is believing and we wanted to see. What folks saw today was good.
TB - QB competition primarily between Luke McCown and Byron Leftwich
Source: PewterReport.com
PewterReport.com reports Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Jeff Jagodzinski said the team's quarterback competition is primarily between QBs Luke McCown and Byron Leftwich.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
'Their (Leftwich and McCown) recall is really good. [Quarterbacks coach Greg Olson] is doing a fantastic job with both those quarterbacks and I expect a great competition. That is good. Having good competition brings out the best. They are both making plays out here and they both running the offense efficiently. I'm real pleased about that,' Jagodzinski said. Looks like the Bucs will bring along rookie Josh Freeman slowly. Perhaps he'll sit his entire first year the way Carson Palmer did for the Bengals when he was a rookie.
CIN - RB Cedric Benson looking to carry the load
Source: Joe Reedy, The Cincinnati Enquirer
Joe Reedy, of The Cincinnati Enquirer, reports Cincinnati Bengals RB Cedric Benson doesn't feel like he has established himself yet. 'I've showed glimpses, but I have a lot still to do,' Benson said. He is looking forward to taking on a larger workload this year. 'I can take the load,' Benson said. 'It's something I know how to do and I enjoy it.'
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He said head coach Marvin Lewis has reiterated the team is going to run the football this year and they have been working on that during OTAs a lot. Offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski is looking for Benson to improve on some footwork issues and become more consistent in the running lanes. Don't forget about rookie Bernard Scott behind Cedric Benson. He's been having a great camp, and only needs the opportunity in Cincinnati to be a fantasy factor - if he can stay out of trouble with the law.
DEN - HC McDaniels impressed with TE Tony Scheffler
Source: Frank Schwab, The Colorado Springs Gazette
Frank Schwab, of the Colorado Springs Gazette, reports Denver Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels said he has been impressed with TE Tony Scheffler this offseason.
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'He's capable of doing a lot of things, we're moving him around the field quite a bit,' McDaniels said. 'Tony is a very, very highly skilled player. He can run, he can catch, he can block, and we're going to take advantage of every skill he has.' It sounds like the new coach is warming up to his playmaking TE. Scheffler was Jay Cutler's best friend on the team, reportedly disgruntled when Cutler was traded, and the subject of trade rumors before the NFL draft.
MIA - HC Sparano impressed with RB Ronnie Brown
Source: Harvey Fialkov, The South Florida SunSentinel
Harvey Fialkov, of the South Florida SunSentinel, reports Miami Dolphins head coach Tony Sparano said he has been impressed with RB Ronnie Brown's conditioning this offseason and believes he will play well this season because he is 18 months removed from reconstructive knee surgery.
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The Dolphins are counting on Ronnie Brown to improve this season and Coach Sparano added Miami is fully expecting him to "take the next step in having a really super year." He should be counted on as the lead back in Miami's RBBC with Ricky Williams.
CAR - QB Jake Delhomme impressed with RB Mike Goodson
Source: Steve Reed, CarolinaGrowl.com
Steve Reed, of CarolinaGrowl.com, reports Carolina Panthers QB Jake Delhomme said he has been impressed with the speed of rookie RB Mike Goodson. 'He's got some jets, I know that,' Delhomme said. 'Don't get me wrong, we're still in skirts right now. You always have those guys who look good in shorts. But this guy, he's got some explosiveness. In the little bit of time he's been out here you can tell he's explosive.'
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Another day, and another positive story about Mike Goodson coming out of Carolina's camp. As we mentioned yesterday, more teams in the NFL are moving to a 3-headed RBBC and the Panthers could be the next team to follow that trend. Both DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart have had problems staying healthy so Carolina could decide to keep both of them fresh by mixing in Goodson on certain plays.
ARZ - QB Warner says hip getting better
Source: Bob Young, The Arizona Republic
Bob Young, of The Arizona Republic, reports Arizona Cardinals QB Kurt Warner (hip) said his surgically repaired hip is getting better and the pain is lessening.
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'It's getting better, the pain is lessening - small increments, but it's lessening. As far as functionally though, I feel great. I feel strong... It's just a matter of pain,' Warner said.
BUF - WR Terrell Owens spends extra time working with QB Trent Edwards
Source: Allen Wilson, The Buffalo News
Allen Wilson, of The Buffalo News, reports Buffalo Bills QB Trent Edwards spent more than 20 minutes following the conclusion of the team's OTA Wednesday, May 27, throwing extra passes to WRs Terrell Owens and Lee Evans. The three are trying to get their timing down better. 'I think it's very, very important, especially for me being new to the system,' Owens said.
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Owens, who admitted he is still making some mistakes, added the two are trying to get a sense of chemistry and he is trying to get used to how Edwards throws the ball. Edwards encouraged the extra work due to some sloppy play during the OTA. If Trent Edwards can stay healthy the Bills passing attack could post better numbers than some people expect.
NE - RB Laurence Maroney works as returner Thursday
Source: Mike Reiss, The Boston Globe
Mike Reiss, of the Boston Globe, reports New England Patriots RB Laurence Maroney worked as a kick returner during practice Thursday, May 28.
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Maroney had 28 kickoff returns for 783 yards (28.0 avg.) as a rookie, but hasn't been used in that role since then. He is currently the 4th string RB for the Patriots behind Fred Taylor, Sammy Morris, and Kevin Faulk. Maroney may have a hard time getting on the field as a RB in what could be his final season with the Patriots.
CAR - QB Jake Delhomme believes WR Dwayne Jarrett can be a big contributor
Source: Steve Reed, CarolinaGrowl.com
Steve Reed, of CarolinaGrowl.com, reports Carolina Panthers QB Jake Delhomme said be believes WR Dwayne Jarrett can be a big contributor for the team this season.
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Jake Delhomme and the Panthers are still holding out hope that Jarrett can develop into a solid starting WR in the NFL. Like his predecessor at USC Mike Williams, Jarrett has struggled to get separation from defensive backs at this level as he doesn't play as fast as he should. Muhsin Muhammad can't play forever so the opportunity is there for Jarrett if he's ready to take over.
DEN - RB J.J. Arrington needs microfracture surgery - update on bonus
Source: Mike Klis, The Denver Post
Mike Klis, of The Denver Post, reports free-agent RB J.J. Arrington (knee), who was just released by the Denver Broncos, will need season-ending microfracture surgery on his right knee.
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He has not been able to regain strength in his knee after undergoing offseason arthroscopic knee surgery. Also, Peter King is reporting that the Broncos are only on the hook for $100k of Arrington's $1.8 million dollar signing bonus.
ARZ - QB Brian St. Pierre told he will compete for No. 2 job
Source: Kent Somers, The Arizona Republic
Kent Somers, of the Arizona Republic, reports Arizona Cardinals QB Brian St. Pierre said head coach Ken Whisenhunt told him he will have the opportunity to compete for the No. 2 quarterback job during training camp.
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'All I want is an honest chance to compete for the No. 2, so I'm looking forward to that, whenever it will happen, because it hasn't yet,' St. Pierre said. Matt Leinart isn't a lock to be the backup to Kurt Warner, and the Cardinals want to push him to be his best. St. Pierre has plenty of experience with Coach Whisenhunt from their days together in Pittsburgh and Arizona. We'll see if he can give Leinart serious competition in training camp.
MIA - QB Pat White continues to struggle
Source: Edgar Thompson, The Palm Beach Post
Edgar Thompson, of the Palm Beach Post, reports Miami Dolphins QB Pat White continues to struggle with his accuracy during practices.
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Perhaps Pat White is not a practice player. While at the 2009 Senior Bowl White struggled during practice every day, but when the lights came on for game time he ended up being named the MVP of the game. Everyone was excited when the Dolphins selected White in the 2nd round of the 2009 NFL Draft, but the reality is White has a lot of work ahead of him if he's ever going to challenge Chad Henne for the 2nd string job.
IND - RB Mike Hart ahead of schedule
Source: Michael Marot, The Associated Press
Michael Marot, of The Associated Press, reports Indianapolis Colts RB Mike Hart (knee) is ahead of schedule in the recovery from his reconstructive surgery and said he could pretty much do everything on the field if asked. He would not say if he expected to be on the field for the start of training camp.
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The Colts have a forgotten man at RB, and his name is Mike Hart. He only participated in 5 games last season and finished the year with a whopping 2 carries for 9 yards plus 1 reception for 18 yards. The biggest concern about Hart when he came out of Michigan was his durability. The kid runs with a ton of heart (no pun intended) but takes a lot of abuse on his carries and has not proven that he can keep from getting injured. The Colts drafted Donald Brown at the end of the 1st round this year, and he should split a majority of the carries with Joseph Addai. Hart will only have fantasy relevance if Addai or Brown miss time with an injury.
That'll do it for today, Folks. I hope you enjoy the new content we've rolled out today and I want to thank you for taking the time to read our update.
And remember, if you want to keep up with Footballguys on our official Footballguys Facebook page, just click here. 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. And if you want to keep up with me on Facebook, click here and send me a friend request. Thanks and have a great Friday. J