Footballguys Daily Email - Volume 10, Issue 50 (Monday, June 8th)
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Hi Folks,
Good Tuesday to you. Hope you're off to a good week. We are here as we're gearing up for a huge Fantasy Football Summer. We've got a bunch of news stories today so let's get to it. JSITE NEWS
A.
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1. NFL - NFL.com's Pat Kirwan: 'Favre deadline story was made up'2. MIN - Team reportedly gives QB Favre deadline for decision
3. NYJ - Early indications have QB Kellen Clemens outperforming QB Mark Sanchez
4. IND - Coaches Tom Moore and Howard Mudd to return
5. DEN - RB Knowshon Moreno currently 3rd on the depth chart
6. DEN - HC McDaniels expects WR Brandon Marshall to attend mandatory minicamp
7. IND - Competition for No. 3 receiver spot
8. DET - WR Calvin Johnson says offense looks good
9. SF - WR Michael Crabtree runs Monday
10. NYJ - Jets still interested in WR Plaxico Burress
11. PHI - WR Kevin Curtis progressing
12. NO - Saints unlikely to be interested in QB Michael Vick
13. SF - QB Alex Smith turning the corner?
14. SF - TE Vernon Davis maturing?
15. DAL - Team doesn't have interest in WR Matt Jones
16. DEF - NO - LB Dan Morgan informs team he is retiring
17. DEF - STL - FS Oshiomogho Atogwe has not signed tender yet
18. DEF - DAL - Cowboys have no plans to sign CB Adam Adam Jones
19. DEF - CHI - DL Tommie Harris injury update
NFL - NFL.com's Pat Kirwan: 'Favre deadline story was made up'
Source: Judd Zulgad, The Minneapolis Star Tribune
Contrary to a previous report, Judd Zulgad, of the Minneapolis Star Tribune, reports Sirius NFL Radio's Pat Kirwan said the Minnesota Vikings do not have a deadline for retired QB Brett Favre (Jets) to decide whether he will sign with the Vikings or stayed retired.
Here's the conversation between Kirwin and his co-host Tim Ryan today. Kirwan: "I heard you talking about Brett Favre, every show has been talking about him. I've got a couple of things to say. First off, let me make sure I'm clear on this to everyone who is listening. There is no deadline for Brett Favre to come in by Friday. There is zero deadline. The story was made up, it's not true and trust me on that." Ryan: "I still think he's coming July 15. By then he'll be signed up for the Minnnesota Vikings. ESPN calling it shoulder surgery, the biceps tendon attaches to a point up on the shoulder, did have that thing cleared out. We've been talking about it for a couple of months. That if he had the surgery he was coming back. It's clear Favre's on his way to Minnesota." Kirwan: "Favre is on his way to Minnesota and it may be around July 15. It might be earlier. Remember how we said [that] first Step 1 is he healthy enough to play? He's in the process of having that resolved. Step 2, get a contract done. We don't think that's going to be a problem either so the first two hurdles are going to be easy to fly over and then come in and be part of this program. With the OTAs winding down, and maybe that's a good thing because he's not ready to throw, and all the business that goes on with football. Maybe it's better if he comes in at a quiet period of time and gets ready to roll. But I think you're right on it, I think he's on his way in. Friday may come and Friday may go and it will have nothing to do with him in a purple uniform."[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
A "made up" story? Those are very strong words. I wonder what ESPN's Chris Mortensen and Ed Werder have to say about that? But that kind of back and forth aside, as you can see from Kirwan and Ryan talking above, both guys seem to think Favre will be a Viking this season. I agree with them.
MIN - Team reportedly gives QB Favre deadline for decision
Source: Chris Mortensen and Ed Werder, ESPN.com
ESPNews reports Minnesota Vikings head coach Brad Childress has given free-agent QB Brett Favre (Jets) a deadline of this week whether to decide if he will play or not, according to sources.
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According to the report, Favre is conflicted about playing next season for the Vikings because he doesn't want his shoulder to prevent him from playing up to his normal standard. Could Favre Watch 2009 come to an end within the next 7 days? We shall see who blinks first in this Childress/Favre staring contest.
It's also worth noting that NFL.com's Pat Kirwan is refuting this report saying it's "made up". Kirwan says the team has not given Favre any kind of deadline.NYJ - Early indications have QB Kellen Clemens outperforming QB Mark Sanchez
Source: Rich Cimini, The New York Daily News
Rich Cimini, of the New York Daily News, reports New York Jets QB Kellen Clemens has outperformed QB Mark Sanchez during the team's offseason practices.
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As Cimini admits in his column - it's hard to get a read on these QBs in a controlled environment, but as of right now Clemens is the frontrunner. Rex Ryan was with the Baltimore Ravens last season when rookie QB Joe Flacco led the team to the AFC championship, so the coach won't be afraid to put in the golden boy - if Sanchez is ready. This competition will go through training camp, but if the season started today it would be Clemens lining up as the starter.
IND - Coaches Tom Moore and Howard Mudd to return
Source: ESPN.com
ESPN.com reports Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay said Saturday, June 6, that former coaches Tom Moore and Howard Mudd will begin their roles as team consultants Aug. 1, according to the Indianapolis Star.
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While Moore, the former offensive coordinator, and Mudd, the former offensive line coach, won't work under those titles any more, Irsay said they will perform similar duties. 'They're coming back,' Irsay said. 'They're coming back as consultants and they're going to be involved big time. Jim Caldwell will determine what that will be.'
DEN - RB Knowshon Moreno currently 3rd on the depth chart
Source: Frank Schwab, The Colorado Spring Gazette
Frank Schwab from the Colorado Spring Gazette reports Knowshon Moreno feels good about his progress, but like many others, the Denver Broncos rookie running back isn't quite sure what his role will be. Denver didn't select Moreno with the 12th overall selection in April's draft so he could sit and learn for a season. He'll probably get a lot of touches, but for now he has been running behind LaMont Jordan and Correll Buckhalter in practice.
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Every rookie RB must show they can adequately protect the QB in pass protection before seeing regular action on the field. After Moreno was drafted by the Broncos coach Josh McDaniels raved about Moreno's ability to pick up the blitz. The Broncos aren't going to hand the job over to the rookie, but we expect that he'll be the feature back for Denver in 2009 and he has a very good chance to be the week 1 starter.
DEN - HC McDaniels expects WR Brandon Marshall to attend mandatory minicamp
Source: Associated Press
The Associated Press reports Denver Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels said he expects WR Brandon Marshall to attend the team's mandatory minicamp this weekend.
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All signs point to Marshall attending mandatory minicamp at Dove Valley, but that doesn't mean the big WR is happy about his contract situation. Marshall is heading into the final year of his contract and is looking for a big pay day in 2010. The Broncos are in no hurry to sign Marshall to an extension and could wait and see if he can stay out of trouble this year.
IND - Competition for No. 3 receiver spot
Source: Paul Kuharsky, ESPN.com
Paul Kuharsky, of ESPN.com, reports Indianapolis Colts WR Pierre Garcon, WR Austin Collie and WR Roy Hall are the prime candidates for the team's No. 3 wide receiver spot.
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This battle really comes down to Pierre Garcon vs rookie Austin Collie. Roy Hall is a big target, but he was raw coming out of Ohio State with fellow teammate Anthony Gonzalez and as of right now he is behind the other two. Garcon has quickness in and out of his breaks, the strength to run through arm tackles, and the type of sure hands every slot receiver needs. Collie is not as athletically gifted as Garcon, but he has an uncanny ability to catch nearly every pass - regardless of where it's thrown. He has deceptive speed and knows little ways to trick defensive backs that are covering him. We expect Garcon to win this competition - but it will be close because Collie is so talented.
DET - WR Calvin Johnson says offense looks good
Source: Carlos Monarrez, The Detroit Free Press
Carlos Monarrez, of the Detroit Free Press, reports Detroit Lions WR Calvin Johnson has been showing signs of excitement and confidence over the team's offense during offseason workouts.
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'Offense is looking good,' Johnson said. 'Stafford's doing a good job early. Real exciting getting down to these last few days of OTAs.' Johnson, however, realizes the offense must produce once the season begins. 'Yeah, but only time will tell. You can talk right now, but we still have to go out there and do it on Sundays. When that time comes we'll be able to go out there and show everybody what we're talking about.'
SF - WR Michael Crabtree runs Monday
Source: Matt Maiocco, The Santa Rosa Press Democrat
Matt Maiocco, of The Santa Rosa Press Democrat, reports San Francisco 49ers WR Michael Crabtree (foot) did some running on an artificial turf field Monday, June 8.
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Crabtree is back to running on his surgically repaired foot and looks to be on track for training camp. The 49ers would love to line up Crabtree and Josh Morgan as their starting receivers in week 1.
NYJ - Jets still interested in WR Plaxico Burress
Source: Rich Cimini, The New York Daily News
Rich Cimini, of the New York Daily News, reports the New York Jets are still interested in unrestricted free-agent WR Plaxico Burress (Giants).
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There are several teams that maintain their interest in the talented-but-troubled Wide Receiver. When Burress' legal situation clears up we'll see which team is willing to give him the best deal.
PHI - WR Kevin Curtis progressing
Source: Dave Spadaro, PhiladelphiaEagles.com
Dave Spadaro, of PhiladelphiaEagles.com, reports Philadelphia Eagles WR Kevin Curtis (hernia) has been able to do more each practice during the offseason and is on track to be 100 percent by training camp.
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The Eagles added more weapons in the passing game when they drafted WR Jeremy Maclin, and he could push Curtis for the starting job opposite DeSean Jackson. Curtis has to stay healthy if he wants to hold the rookie off. "It felt good today after taking a couple of days off," said Curtis. "It was more than I had been doing, and it felt good. I feel like I'm making good progress."
NO - Saints unlikely to be interested in QB Michael Vick
Source: Pat Yasinskas, ESPN.com
Pat Yasinskas, of ESPN.com, reports the New Orleans Saints likely would not be interested in acquiring Atlanta Falcons QB Michael Vick if they decide to use a version of the Wildcat formation.
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The Saints may have a need for another QB even if they don't run the Wildcat formation because Mark Brunell is the main backup to Drew Brees. Joey Harrington, who was supposed to be a reclamation project for head coach Sean Payton, has been struggling in practice and will find it difficult to challenge for the #2 job. Many teams have already come forward and expressed a lack of interest in Michael Vick. We'll see if they change their tune when Vick is actually reinstated and available to sign.
SF - QB Alex Smith turning the corner?
Source: Matt Maiocco, The Santa Rosa Press Democrat
Matt Maiocco, of The Santa Rosa Press Democrat, reports San Francisco 49ers general manager Scot McCloughan said the team's recent minicamp was the best he has seen QB Alex D. Smith (shoulder) look on the field.
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His arm strength, accuracy and tightness of spiral were all positives being displayed. We commented yesterday that Smith is not out of the running to be the 49ers starting QB, but he must show better consistency than Shaun Hill if he wants to win the job.
SF - TE Vernon Davis maturing?
Source: Mike Sando, ESPN.com
Mike Sando, of ESPN.com, reports San Francisco 49ers TE Vernon Davis, who previously was too hot-headed for the 49ers to trust in critical situations, seems to be turning the other cheek this year.
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In times during practice where he may have engaged in a shoving match, a cooler Davis is walking away. He also seems to be catching the ball more consistently this summer. The 49ers intend to use him more as a receiver this year, but it is too early to tell how much the team will need him in pass protection.
DAL - Team doesn't have interest in WR Matt Jones
Source: Clarence E. Hill Jr., The Fort Worth Star-Telegram
Clarence E. Hill Jr., of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, reports Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said the team has no interest in free-agent WR Matt Jones (Jaguars).
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We've heard this report before, but Jerry Jones is known to give troubled players a second chance and perhaps he'll change his mind about Matt Jones. If the Cowboys owner is willing to give Adam Jones another chance then why not Matt Jones? If the interest is just not there Dr. Rockzo will have to look elsewhere for a playing gig.
DEF - NO - LB Dan Morgan informs team he is retiring
Source: Drew Rosenhaus
Drew Rosenhaus, agent for New Orleans Saints LB Dan Morgan (calf), reports on his Twitter page that Morgan has informed the team that he is retiring because of continued injuries.
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Ah, what might have been. Injuries derailed and kept Morgan's career off track throughout it's entirety. When healthy he was a hard hitting, instinctive Middle Linebacker and had he stayed healthy he could have been mentioned as one of the best in the game today.
DEF - STL - FS Oshiomogho Atogwe has not signed tender yet
Source: Mike Sando, ESPN.com
Mike Sando, of ESPN.com, reports St. Louis Rams FS Oshiomogho Atogwe has not signed his franchise tender offer yet because he could still try to negotiate a long-term deal with the team.
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'Me having not signed the tag yet is not saying I don't want to be here with the Rams. It is just saying my contract may not be the best situation for me. I am committed to this team and I am waiting to see what their commitment to me is. If it's one year, then so be it. It's one year. When I sign it, I'm here with the team. Going forward, if they want to do a long-term deal and sign me and have me here for years to come, then I want to keep that option open in a way that is beneficial for both of us,' Atogwe said.
DEF - DAL - Cowboys have no plans to sign CB Adam Adam Jones
Source: Todd Archer, The Dallas Morning News
Updating a previous report, Todd Archer, of The Dallas Morning News, reports Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said through a spokesman that the Cowboys have no plans of re-signing unrestricted free-agent CB Adam Jones. The Cowboys have not contacted Jones' agent.
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Adam Jones continues to work out with Deion Sanders in hopes of resurrecting his once promising career. Worrick Robinson, Jones' agent, said he has talked to multiple teams that were interested in signing the troubled Cornerback. We think that teams will wait until training camp, and will only sign Jones if and when injuries hit.
DEF - CHI - DL Tommie Harris injury update
Source: ChicagoBears.com
ChicagoBears.com reports Chicago Bears general manager Jerry Angelo said he is not concerned about the long-term status of DL Tommie Harris (knee).
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Harris has missed the team's first few OTAs while resting his knee. 'There's no major concern with him. He's going to be up and going at some point here in the OTAs,' Angelo said. 'We feel good about where he's at medically. There's nothing to be alarmed about. This is the offseason. We want to make sure that we take care of our players to the best of our ability and we're always going to err on the side of caution in the offseason. He's got an issue with his knee; we know that. He has to be smart about it, which he is. We've got to be smart about it, which we are. Is his knee pristine? No. it's not. But it's not something that he can't perform well with.'
That'll do it for today, Folks. Have a great Tuesday and thanks for reading.
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