Footballguys Daily Email - Volume 10, Issue 65 (Tuesday, June 23rd)

Hi Folks,

Good Wednesday to you. Tons of new Footballguys content today as we've got a big batch of our Staff Faceoffs ready for you. That's a feature where we take two of our Staff guys and throw out one player or question. And not surprisingly, we wind up with two different opinions. Like most football fans, these guys like to argue. And I kind of encourage that. And let us hear your thoughts on the subject too in our Footballguys Message Board Forums. They are one of the busiest forums in the world for any subject so please jump in.

In the meantime, let's get to the update.

J

SITE NEWS

A. Footballguys Podcast - The Audible - Interview with Carlos Holmes from the Dayton Daily News
In This Episode: Cecil Lammey and Sigmund Bloom interview Bengals beat writer Carlos "Big C" Holmes, from the Dayton Daily News. Topics include - can Carson Palmer bounce back from injury, will Ochocinco go back to being one of the best receivers in the game, why you need to watch out for rookie RB Bernard Scott, plus more!

B. 2009 Footballguys Strategy Guide Magazine - For FREE
All the fantasy magazines you see on the newsstand in July were written in June. They all cost $7 or more. I've got two questions: #1. Would you like to read that magazine now? #2. Would you like it for FREE? If you answered, yes, Footballguys has you covered. We've changed the game this year making our 2009 Footballguys Strategy Guide magazine available to everyone with internet access. You don't have to be a paying Footballguys subscriber. If you can get online, you can get our Magazine. It's 100% FREE. Call it our "Footballguys Stimulus Package". Enjoy.

C. Footballguys Rate My Team Application
Does your team suck? Check out the Footballguys Rate My Team Application and we'll try to help answer that question. I'm betting that if you're reading these emails in June, your team most certainly does not suck. But check out the new App and see what you think. It takes 30 seconds to enter your team with some clicks and then you'll receive a seriously comprehensive report letting you know what we think your team's strengths are, and more importantly, where it can be improved. I know I hype lots of stuff we do. But seriously, if you were going to just check out ONE thing we did at Footballguys. The Rate My Team App would be it.

D. Faceoff - RB Marion Barber, Dallas Cowboys
Tefertiller and Wood face off over DAL RB Marion Barber.

E. Faceoff - RB Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans
Bloom and Brown face off over TEN RB Chris Johnson.

F. Faceoff - RB Julius Jones, Seattle Seahawks
Brown and Bloom face off over SEA RB Julius Jones.

G. Faceoff - QB Eli Manning, New York Giants
Lammey and Yudkin face off over NYG QB Eli Manning.

H. Faceoff - QB Matt Schaub, Houston Texans
Gray and Smith face off over HOU QB Matt Schaub.

I. Faceoff - TE Jeremy Shockey, New Orleans Saints
Haseley and Tefertiller face off over NO TE Jeremy Shockey.

J. Faceoff - Who is the Giants' top WR?
Bloom and Hicks face off over "Who is the Giants' top WR?"

K. Faceoff - Who is the Jets' top QB?
Tefertiller and Waldman face off over "Who is the Jets' top QB?"

L. Faceoff - Who is the Packers' WR3?
Bloom and Pasquino face off over "Who is the Packers' WR3?"

M. Faceoff - Who is the Vikings' WR2?
Hicks and Wood face off over "Who is the Vikings' WR2?"

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

MIN - QB Brett Favre expected to report to Vikings Training Camp

Source: Mark Rosen, WCCO.com

Barring some unforeseen major physical setback, Brett Favre will be at training camp in Mankato when they open up the end of July, a source has told WCCO's Mark Rosen. That source said that Favre and the Vikings have indeed come to a contractual agreement, with heavy incentives. The Vikings equipment manager has already ordered number 4 purple jerseys with his name on it.

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There had been speculation about a deal already being in place for Favre, including Favre jerseys ordered for NFL Shop, and now we are seeing the local news team from WCCO come forth with a similar story. Right now Brad Childress is on a fishing trip with Andy Reid, so a press conference - complete with Favre holding up his new jersey - will have to wait until the head coach gets back in town. We could see an official announcement at the beginning of July (perhaps before July 4th weekend).

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MIA - RB Ronnie Brown, WR Ted Ginn stand out at weekend minicamp

Source: Edgar Thompson, The Palm Beach Post

Edgar Thompson, of the Palm Beach Post, reports that RB Ronnie Brown looked "faster than ever and like he should be the team's featured back", and WR Ted Ginn's "confidence and consistency at WR have been hard to ignore" and Ginn "seemed to get open at will" in this past weekend's minicamp.

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We don't want to read too much into what players do in shorts, but the buzz around Brown is building. Thompson also said Ricky Williams was invisible in minicamp and looks "to have assumed the role as a complement to Brown". Brown again took most of the wildcat snaps (not Pat White, whose performance Thompson panned) and took snaps split out wide. Brown is probably a value at his current 3rd round ADP, and should be heavily considered if you decide to pass on RBs in first and second rounds.

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DAL - WR Patrick Crayton worked as No. 2 WR during offseason

Source: Tim MacMahon, The Dallas Morning News

Tim MacMahon, of The Dallas Morning News, reports Dallas Cowboys WR Patrick Crayton worked with the first-team offense opposite WR Roy Williams during practices this offseason.

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Crayton will battle Miles Austin for the starting job across from Roy Williams. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones mentioned that he thinks Austin could come close to matching T.O.'s production. Austin has trouble staying healthy, but he is immensely talented. Crayton is solid yet unspectacular and the Cowboys know what to expect if he's in the starting lineup. Austin has the higher ceiling, but he has to stay healthy if he ever wants to beat out Crayton.

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CHI - QB Jay Cutler has spoken with DEN WR Brandon Marshall

Source: Marty O'Brien, The Newport News Daily Press

Marty O'Brien, of The Newport News Daily Press, reports Chicago Bears QB Jay Cutler said he has spoken with disgruntled Denver Broncos WR Brandon Marshall and would not have a problem reuniting with Marshall if the Bears were able to land him. 'I talked to 'B' a few days ago. Just checking in on him and seeing how he's doing, because I went through a similar thing that he's going through,' Cutler said. 'I played with Brandon for three years and I think he's one of the best receivers in the NFL. I think he can be one of the greatest ever to play. He's big and fast, and can do everything you want him to do, on the field and in the meeting room. I don't know what we're going to do. That's up to the guys upstairs. If we make a run at him, we make a run at him.'

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The Bears already gave up a king's ransom to get Jay Cutler, so one must wonder how much they would actually have to exchange for the services of Brandon Marshall. Establishing trade value for Marshall is tricky because of his off-field behavior. Teams know that one more strike in the eyes of the league for the talented WR could mean a 1-year suspension. As reported by our very own Cecil Lammey last week, the Broncos are in no hurry to trade Marshall and would only do so if another franchise gave them an offer they couldn't refuse. This isn't Madden - you just can't trade a player with a push of a button, so as of right now it looks like Marshall is staying in Denver, whether he likes it or not.

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GB - Packers agree to an extension with WR Greg Jennings

Source: Greg A. Bedard, The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Greg A. Bedard, of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, reports on his Twitter page that the Green Bay Packers have agreed to a contract extension with WR Greg Jennings, according to FOX 6 in Milwaukee. Terms of the contract were not disclosed.

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It took only a day after Jennings let the cat out of the bag following yesterday's practice. Fox 6 in Milwaukee is reporting that the deal will make Jennings the second highest paid receiver in the league behind Larry Fitzgerald, and we think he's earned every penny.

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TEN - RB Chris Johnson now 'Dream', no longer 'Dash'

Source: Jim Wyatt, The Nashville Tennessean

Jim Wyatt, of the Nashville Tennessean, reports that RB Chris Johnson has changed his nickname from "Dash" to "Every Coach's Dream". "Dash" was part of "Smash and Dash" with LenDale White playing the part of "Smash". Johnson said "I feel for me, I can't be noticed as a group any more. I am my own guy." White could not be reached for comment.

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Vince Young was tight with White, and we all see how that turned out. Johnson compared the change to a divorce, saying that they were going "separate ways". Even if Johnson is mostly joking, creating distance in people's minds between him and White can't be a bad thing.

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NYG - GM Reese likes receiving corps but leaving options open

Source: Jason Cole, Yahoo! Sports

Jason Cole, of Yahoo! Sports, reports New York Giants general manager Jerry Reese said he likes the receiving corps the team heading into training camp but would not rule out the possibility of adding another receiver to the roster.

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The Giants receiving corps has undergone an extreme makeover this offseason and will look much different without Plaxico Burress or Amani Toomer. Reese notes that he likes Steve Smith and Domenik Hixon, plus he likes Mario Manningham's potential. The Giants selected WR Hakeem Nicks in the 1st round of the 2009 NFL Draft and he is the type of playmaker that can take it to the house on any play. We'll see if he can become the elite player that many people envision. Do not expect much from rookie Ramses Barden in 2009. He is very raw, but could see the field in the red zone because his size most closely resembles that of Plaxico Burress.

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TEN - WR Nate Washington improving during practice

Source: Jim Wyatt, The Nashville Tennessean

Jim Wyatt, of The Nashville Tennessean, reports Tennessee Titans WR Nate Washington appears to be improving during every practice with the team.

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This is good news for the passing game in Tennessee. Washington comes over from the world champion Pittsburgh Steelers where he was the 3rd receiver behind Hines Ward and Santonio Holmes. Now with the Titans we'll finally get to see if he's worthy of being a starter in the NFL. He should line up opposite Justin Gage in the starting lineup and has a chance to be Tennessee's leading receiver in 2009.

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CIN - WR Chris Henry's reportedly turned his life around

Source: Carlos Holmes, The Dayton Daily News

Carlos Holmes, from the Dayton Daily News, said in an interview on our podcast "The Audible" that WR Chris Henry has turned his life around. Holmes commented on how Henry is now engaged and spends a lot of his free time with his three kids.

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Holmes also told us the Bengals expect Henry to push Laveranues Coles for playing time. According to Holmes, Chris Henry has been getting a lot of separation on deep routes and is making tough catches seem routine. Earlier this offseason QB Carson Palmer was raving about how much better Henry looks this year than in previous seasons. This is also the first time that Henry has been working out with the team in the spring, and it could make a big difference during the regular season on Sundays.

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SF - Breaking down 49ers WR depth

Source: Matt Maiocco, The Santa Rosa Press Democrat

Matt Maiocco, of the Santa Rosa Press Democrat, reports in his assessment of the 49ers wide receiver corps that Josh Morgan is the most likely to have a breakout season, and Brandon Jones has looked good while Arnaz Battle, Michael Crabtree, and Jason Hill have missed time with injuries and Isaac Bruce has sat out voluntary OTAs.

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Morgan is going to be a steal in most leagues because he is being forgotten after the team drafted Michael Crabtree in the first round of the June draft. He was hurt early in his rookie season, but Morgan dazzled with big plays down the stretch. He has been lining up at flanker in OTAs after playing split end last year, so he should definitely be in the starting lineup regardless of how quickly Crabtree comes back from foot surgery.

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DET - QB Daunte Culpepper believes he will get shot for No. 1 job

Source: Tom Kowalski, MLive.com

Tom Kowalski, of MLive.com, reports Detroit Lions QB Daunte Culpepper said he believes the coaches will give him a fair shot to win the starting job during training camp.

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Culpepper has gotten to know #1 overall pick Matthew Stafford and CPepp likes him. The Lions have been blown away by Stafford's out of this world performance in minicamp. They knew he would be good, but not this good this soon. Culpepper will have a hard time convincing the team that he needs to be the starter instead of the rookie. We'll see if Stafford can continue his hot play once training camp starts. If he falters, CPepp will be right there to take the job.

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NYG - RB Ahmad Bradshaw would be next if Jacobs hurt

Source: Jason Cole, Yahoo! Sports

Jason Cole, of Yahoo! Sports, reports New York Giants general manager Jerry Reese said RB Ahmad Bradshaw would take over the starting job if RB Brandon Jacobs were injured during the season.

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Just like every year, the Giants are once again stacked at Running Back. Jacobs pummels defenders in his path, but takes a lot of punishment in doing so. If he were to go down with injury (a distinct possibility) it would be the speedy Bradshaw that stepped into his role. The Giants will always use a RBBC, and Bradshaw would have to split time with rookie Andre Brown and former Georgia RB Danny Ware. Just like last season the Giants will be a 3-headed RBBC led by the big man Brandon Jacobs.

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DEF - GB - DTs B.J. Raji, Ryan Pickett become run-stuffing duo

Source: Pete Dougherty, The Green Bay Press-Gazette

Pete Dougherty, of the Green Bay Press-Gazette, reports that defensive tackles Ryan Pickett and BJ Raji are lining up together in an attempt to improve the Packers run defense, with Pickett at nose tackle and Raji at defensive end.

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The Packers were 26th in the NFL in yards per carry and rushing yards allowed, and they were 27th in rushing touchdowns allowed, so improving the rush defense is a very high priority. They picked up Mike Trgovac to coach the defensive line after Carolina no longer wanted him to be their defensive coordinator, and head coach Mike McCarthy said Trgovac has been doing a good job with Raji. Dougherty expects Raji to also get some snaps at nose tackle to spell Pickett and third down snaps to take advantage of his pass rush prowess. If he remains designated as a DT, he'll be a starter in DT-required IDP leagues, but a reclassification to DE (which would be more accurate) would kill his IDP value.

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DEF - MIA - CB Vontae Davis reportedly arrested June 9

Source: David J. Neal, The Miami Herald

David J. Neal, of the Miami Herald, reports Miami Dolphins CB Vontae Davis was arrested Tuesday, June 9, for unnecessary vehicular noise and driving without a valid license, according to the Daily Illini in Champaign, Ill.

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According to the Daily Illini report, Davis was stopped at 6:47 p.m. Tuesday, June 9 and was issued a notice to appear. However, unless Davis has cloned himself or has the super power of teleportation the Daily Illini report seems fishy. "I talked to Vontae, and he was here all day on June 9," Dolphins spokesman Harvey Greene said. ``In addition, it was an OTA [organized team activity] day he participated in. Following the on-field activities, there was a rookie symposium that didn't end until 3:30. So, it's physically impossible for him to be in Champaign at 6:47." It should be interesting to see how this story turns out.

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DEF - PIT - CB Fernando Bryant announces retirement

Source: Steelers.com

The Pittsburgh Steelers announced Tuesday, June 23, that CB Fernando Bryant has announced his retirement from the NFL after 10 seasons.

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Originally a No. 1 pick by the Jaguars in 1999, Bryant played in 112 NFL games in his career for three different teams - the Jags, Lions, and Steelers. He came to the Steelers in 2008, the week before their regular season game against the San Diego Chargers on Nov. 16 because of injuries to Deshea Townsend and Bryant McFadden. His career in Pittsburgh was short, but fulfilling as he gets to go out as a World Champion. Rookies Keenan Lewis and Joe Burnett, plus free agent Keiwan Ratliff will compete for playing time as the Steelers nickel and dime Cornerbacks.

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That'll do it for today, Folks.

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Thanks for reading and have a great Wednesday.

J