Tonight's Update Brought To You By www.FantasyTrophy.com  

Fantasy Football is all about the excitement of competing, but when the
season's over, and only one team remains standing as league champion -
then it's all about Bragging Rights! And there's no better way to show off
your championship season than with a trophy from the official trophy
supplier to the Footballguys' Expert Staff Leagues: www.FantasyTrophy.com 
If you're serious about your league, reward your champ with a great
trophy.
 
Top quality materials, expert workmanship, and the highest quality
engraving add up to a trophy that's worth bragging about! Updating your
league traveling trophy is also a snap, using FantasyTrophy.com's
easy-to-understand Trophy Update interface. Reward your league champion
with the best trophy around - and then get ready to listen to some
bragging! You are going to win the league this year, aren't you? Go to
www.fantasytrophy.com now and see what we have for you when you win YOUR
league.
 
Joe's Note: If you're looking for a great trophy, stop right here. Our
Footballguys Staff League Champion earns the Super Bowl Trophy pictured
here.  I've never held the
Lombardi Trophy in my hands but I'm telling you, I don't see how it could
be much cooler than what the Fantasy Trophy guys produce. This thing
weighs 12 pounds and is awesome. I highly recommend this product.


/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/


Hi Folks,

I don't know about you, but I've been waiting for September. That can only
mean Kickoff Weekend is right around the corner. We've got another set of
new projections updated on the site plus updated tools to help you
Dominate. Thanks to our David Yudkin for rounding up these stories today,
let's jump to it.

Joe

*******************
Joe Bryant
Owner  www.footballguys.com
Why Subscribe to Footballguys.com?


/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/


Site News:

A. (Subscriber Only) Stat Projections Updated. We told you we'd stay on
top of it for you and once again, we have a brand new set of stat
projections factoring all the latest news. Let the other guys in your
league draft with information that's 6 weeks old. Not you.

B. (Subscriber Only) New Draft Dominator Version 5.0k. With new
projections, comes a new Draft Dominator ready for you to download.

C. (Subscriber Only) New VBD Excel App Version P. We introduced the Value
Based Drafting concept to the Fantasy Football world and our VBD app still
leads the way while others follow. Our latest app has all the current
projections and is ready for download.

D. (Subscriber Only) Top 200 Injury Report. We take a detailed look at
each player on our Top 200 Overall List that is dealing with an injury and
let you know where he stands.


/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/


News and Notes:


 1. Vikings: RB Michael Bennett May Not Start Until October 10  
 2. Dolphins: RB Situation Still in Limbo  
 3. Rams: Balance Need, Logic in Deploying Top Weapon RB Marshall Faulk  
 4. Jets: QB Chad Pennington Signs 7-year Contract Extension 
 5. Steelers: QB Tommy Maddox Enjoys Efficient Preseason
 6. Cowboys: QB Vinny Testaverde Shines
 7. Falcons: QB Michael Vick Says Critics Will Stop when Season Starts 
 8. Patriots: QB Jim Miller Released
 9. Browns: QB Jeff Garcia Wants More Air Time
10. Chargers: QB Situation Remains Unsettled
11. Dolphins: WR David Boston Placed on Injured Reserve
12. Chiefs: WR Marc Boerigter Placed on Injured Reserve
13. Chiefs: WR Johnnie Morton on the Mend
14. Bengals: WR Peter Warrick to Play Friday
15. Vikings: PK Aaron Elling Released, Brett Conway Brought in 
16. IDP: Bears LB Brian Urlacher Progressing Nicely 
17. IDP: Colts LB David Thornton Settles in on Strong Side 
18. IDP: Dolphins Sign DE Chidi Ahanotu

/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/

1. Vikings: RB Michael Bennett May Not Start Until October 10

Clipped from: Kevin Seifert & Mark Craig, Star Tribune

The Vikings have targeted the Sept. 20 game at Philadelphia for the return
of RB Michael Bennett, who sprained his right knee last week against
Atlanta. Bennett, however, might not play until the Sept. 26 game at
Chicago. In either event, it appears the earliest Bennett will be ready to
start a game is the Oct. 10 game at Houston following the bye week.
"That's the way I see it now," Tice said.

[[[[[[[[[[ OUR VIEW ]]]]]]]]]]

The Bennett injury situation continues to get worse by the day.  This
article suggests that Bennett will not be ready for a full workload as a
starter until October, and even if he were to play sooner it sounds like
his role might be limited.

There are also reports circulating that Onterrio Smith could start the
first few games of the season should his appeal of his pending suspension
run into the start of the season.  How long it would take the league to
hear and review his appeal is still unknown, but under league rules Smith
would be allowed to play until the entire appeal process had run its
course.  Originally, the NFL had planned to announce Smith's suspension
this coming Friday, and he would have the opportunity to appeal after the
formal announcement. We don't expect him to be available, but we're just
letting you know it's possible. Stay tuned for how this plays out.

Even if Smith were allowed to play in Week 1, Smith may be so far in the
Vikings' doghouse you have to wonder exactly what his role would be.

/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/

2. Dolphins: RB Situation Still in Limbo

Clipped from: Jason Cole, Miami Herald

RB Sammy Morris is expected to get more playing time Friday with an eye
toward starting him in case Travis Minor continues to struggle. The
coaches continue to be frustrated with Minor, and a trade, waiver pickup
or signing of a released back nearly is a certainty.  

Wannstedt said he knows Morris needs more work, but there is a delicate
balance to be struck.  "He needs work, but it's that fine line, gray area
of him needing work and us needing him healthy," said Wannstedt, who added
Morris' work on special teams will have to be curtailed.  

General manager Rick Spielman has told several agents he plans to wait as
long as possible to make a move on a running back so as not to overpay for
a player who might only be on the team for a year.  The Dolphins have no
interest in trading a third-round pick to Cleveland for running back James
Jackson. Rather, the answer could be a player from the Dolphins' recent
past. New Orleans is expected to release backup running back Lamar Smith
after the game against the Dolphins on Friday. Smith, who was with the
Dolphins in 2000 and 2001, is the kind of power back who would fit well
into the Dolphins' system. The Dolphins also could be interested in
players such as Verron Haynes or Dante Brown of Pittsburgh.

The Dolphins have talked about bringing in Skip Hicks, but have made no
plans.

[[[[[[[[[[ OUR VIEW ]]]]]]]]]]

Long story short, there's still no clear-cut guy in Miami at RB (or QB for
that matter).  They will add a body or two in the near future.  It's going
to be a RBBC. The potential candidates not already on the Dolphins roster
look to be as anemic as the ones already there.  And if your fantasy team
needs to start ANY of the players mentioned in this article in WEEK ONE,
then your team could be in for a L-O-N-G season. 

/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/

3. Rams: Balance Need, Logic in Deploying Top Weapon RB Marshall Faulk 

Clipped from: Clark Judge, SportsLine.com

"We've got a real good situation with those other two backs that we can
spell him," Martz said of Faulk. "He's going to have more fun with this.
He can play a stress-free game and have fun and know that if he gets
gassed and has to come out, he can. He doesn't have the entire workload,
and I think that's important for him."  

It's important to the Rams, too. With Faulk, the Rams are a complete
offense. After returning to the lineup last year, he had five 100-yard
games and nine TDs in eight starts. That was a glimpse of what Faulk can
do for you. But so were the five games without him.  Yes, the Rams were
4-1, but they were also one-dimensional. 

That's one reason they rushed to draft Jackson and why they will be
judicious how and when they use Faulk this season.  "You don't want to get
caught short," Martz said. "As we know it's hard to get through the
season, and Marshall's such a vital part of our plans and what we can do.
So, what you try to do is build guys behind him who are kind of like him
-- someone, say, who can catch the ball -- because you never know. "It's
not so much about life after Marshall. I'm more concerned about this
year," added Martz, who feels pressure to win again soon in St. Louis. "I
might be preparing for life after Marshall for somebody else, and I'm not
real excited about that." 

[[[[[[[[[[ OUR VIEW ]]]]]]]]]]

Faulk has taken a big jump in our RB projections recently, mostly due to
the fact that rumors of negative news from surgery on his knee do not
appear to have much to them.  However, we still have not seen a lot of
Faulk this season and rookie Steven Jackson has looked exceptional. While
Faulk will still be the go to guy, don't expect astronomical numbers every
week from Faulk like he put up several years ago.  

He's still a dominant force when he plays, is healthy, and gets a steady
workload, but all of those statements have not occurred as regularly as
they used to.  If you know Faulk is healthy and suiting up, he's still a
must play.  But if he's dinged up and a game time decision, you could tear
your hair out.  Faulk is a poster boy for risk/reward drafters. Take him
at your own risk and expect several big weeks and several paltry ones.

/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/

4. Jets: QB Chad Pennington Signs 7-year Contract Extension

Clipped from: Yahoo.com

Just beating the deadline set by their quarterback, the New York Jets have
made Chad Pennington the highest-paid player in franchise history. The
Jets announced Wednesday that they have finalized a contract extension
with Pennington on a deal reported to be worth $23 million in guaranteed
money over seven years. Incentives and bonuses could push the value of the
pact to $64 million.  "I understand the hard work that the entire Jets'
organization and my agency have put into the contract," Pennington said.
"It has been a total team effort and I appreciate the patience on both
sides." 

[[[[[[[[[[ OUR VIEW ]]]]]]]]]]

There's no major fantasy significance or change in circumstances here
other than it looks like Pennington will be playing in New York for quite
a while for those in dynasty leagues.  Hopefully for the J-E-T-S, JETS,
JETS, JETS fans, Pennington will stay happy with his newfound riches and
continue to produce at a top level.
 
/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/

5. Steelers: QB Tommy Maddox Enjoys Efficient Preseason

Clipped from: Ed Bouchette, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Rarely have quarterbacks performed so well doing so little. Maddox has 18
pass attempts in three exhibitions in which he played a little more than
three quarters total. That's seven series, three touchdowns, one field
goal, a 68-yard drive that ended when Duce Staley fumbled through the end
zone, and two punts.  

"When he's played, he's played very well," coach Bill Cowher said
yesterday. "I think he's been very sharp. I think he's engineered some
drives, and his decision making has been good, his accuracy's been good. I
think he's where he needs to be. I'm very pleased with him."  

So pleased that he will play Maddox and the No. 1 offense barely one
quarter of the 6:30 p.m. game tomorrow night against Carolina at Heinz
Field. The defense, which could use more work, might get more than that.
 
[[[[[[[[[[ OUR VIEW ]]]]]]]]]]

Maddox has been very removed from the spotlight this offseason, as he has
not generated much on-field hype and his most memorable offseason news
item was his contract dispute.  A lot of Pittsburgh's offensive woes
stemmed from poor health and spotty OL play, not the best combination for
an immobile QB in his 30s.  The line seems to be healthier and more
cohesive breaking camp, both of which should improve Maddox's chances of
success this year provided they all stay healthy. Even if things broke his
way, he's likely a decent QB2 option but not close to being a QB1.
 
/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/

6. Cowboys: QB Vinny Testaverde Shines

Clipped from: Jean-Jacques Taylor, Dallas Morning News

Coach Bill Parcells likes to say Vinny Testaverde will be able to throw an
NFL-caliber pass when he's 50.  Maybe even when he's 60.  Now, that
doesn't mean Testaverde will be playing for the Cowboys in 10 years. Or
even next year.  But the 40-year-old Testaverde showed off his arm
strength and passing ability Monday night against Tennessee before an
announced crowd of 59,171 at Texas Stadium.  

Testaverde completed 17 of 24 passes for 240 yards - the most this
preseason in the NFL - as the Cowboys beat the Tennessee Titans, 20-17.
"This guy can pass the ball," Parcells said. "I told you he can pass it.
Tonight, he showed you what he can do. I knew they were a quick,
aggressive, attacking defense, so we tried to attack them."  

Testaverde completed passes to five different receivers, though it seems
clear wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson is going to be his favorite target
this year.  That should surprise no one given their history together.
Johnson caught eight passes for 81 yards in the first half. More
important, he made two drive-sustaining catches on third down. Testaverde
showed the arm strength to complete the deep out pass as well as the slant
in tight coverage. 

He threw a nice touch pass to tight end Dan Campbell for a 17-yard
touchdown in the corner of the end zone that gave Dallas a 10-7 lead with
3:43 left in the second quarter.  "We started hitting early and often, and
things came together for us," Testaverde said. "This group took the next
step tonight." 

[[[[[[[[[[ OUR VIEW ]]]]]]]]]]

As with Tommy Maddox, the Cowboys may learn that the productivity and
health of an aging veteran will be negatively impacted by an unproductive
offensive line.  Testaverde has shown he still has the arm and touch of a
younger QB, but he has the body and the legs of a retirement center
resident.  It should be interesting to see how well the Cowboys OL can
protect him, because Dallas should be able to move the ball through the
air a lot better then ex-QB Quincy Carter was able to.  Testaverde has
seemed locked on to Keyshawn Johnson, projected as our #33 WR, and that
might be too low if Keyshawn continues to get 80 receiving yards in a
half.

/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/

7. Falcons: QB Michael Vick Says Critics Will Stop when Season Starts

Clipped from: WLTX-TV

Michael Vick is willing to let his critics fire away in the preseason.
When tightness in his right hamstring caused him to miss last week's
preseason win over Cincinnati, Vick knew what to expect.  Some would call
the Atlanta Falcons' star quarterback injury-prone and doubt his
leadership skills. Others would suggest Vick can't possibly run the team's
new offense after taking just 24 preseason snaps.  

But Vick said today that it doesn't matter.  Compared to what he endured
in 2003, Vick doesn't mind deflecting occasional attacks. After breaking
his right ankle in a preseason game last year, Vick couldn't walk without
crutches for several weeks. He felt helpless as Atlanta spiraled to a 2-10
record without its starting quarterback.  Vick acknowledges that he could
use more work as the Falcons (2-1 preseason) prepare to visit Washington
(2-2) Friday night. But he participated in 100 percent of the team's
offseason sessions, and according to coach Jim Mora, Vick has taken more
than 1,200 snaps in 11-11 drills over the last six months.

[[[[[[[[[[ OUR VIEW ]]]]]]]]]]

Vick has not seen much action in preseason games due to his hamstring
injury, and his lack of real game time has caused many to raise some
concerns as to if Vick is really healthy and whether he has been able to
absorb the new WCO in Atlanta.  Vick was also quoted as saying that he
still felt pain in his leg, raising even more eyebrows.  But even if Vick
were healthy, it's unlikely the Falcons would have played him very much
after last year's disastrous injury that sank the entire season for
Atlanta.  

Welcome to the real world, Michael Vick owners, this is the rocky road
that you can come to expect on a regular basis.  Vick has a reputation of
getting bumps and bruises, and this is the perfect example.  Come opening
weekend, Vick owners may even wonder if Vick will play and how effective
he will be.  Perhaps more will be known in the next week to clear the air
on Vick's status, but for now it's hard to tell if he's ready to go, on
the mend, or still suffering.  

/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/

8. Patriots: QB Jim Miller Released

Clipped from: AP

The New England Patriots made several notable moves on Tuesday, including
releasing veteran quarterback Jim Miller. The team also placed veteran
defensive lineman Dana Stubblefield on the IR, while cutting first year
offensive tackle Tim Provost as well. 

Miller was signed by the Patriots back on July 19 after spending the 2003
campaign out of football. He was entering his 10th NFL season and served
as the starting signal caller for Chicago in 2001 and 2002. Miller had his
best season in 2001, starting 13 of 16 games, passing for 2,299 yards with
13 touchdowns for the Bears. 

[[[[[[[[[[ OUR VIEW ]]]]]]]]]]

This move either sets up Rohan Davey as the #2 guy in New England or opens
the door for former Patriots backup Damon Huard to return should he be
released by the Chiefs in the next few days. 

/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/

9. Browns: QB Jeff Garcia Wants More Air Time

Clipped from: Mike McLain, Tribune Chronicle

The Cleveland Browns' 21-19 win over the Chiefs Saturday put a smile on
the face of Browns quarterback Jeff Garcia, but looks can be deceiving.
Garcia is far from happy with the way the first-team offense performed in
the three preseason games. The ground game featuring Lee Suggs and William
Green is fine, in Garcia's estimation, but he's not pleased with the lack
of production in the passing game.  

Garcia's frustrations were obvious in the aftermath of a dramatic win that
wasn't sealed until rookie quarterback Luke McCown connected with Richard
Alston on a 34-yard touchdown pass as time expired in the fourth quarter. 
What is it that has Garcia concerned? The fact he's yet to develop
chemistry with the receivers and tight end Kellen Winslow is at the core
of the problem. The Browns might be able to run the ball this season, but
there will be games when the passing game will be needed.  

"Right now it's very frustrating because I'm not seeing the things I need
to see out on the field right now out of our offense and out of myself,"
Garcia said. "I'm going to concentrate more this week on the receivers. We
need to get on the same page, and we need to find a way to give them
opportunities to make plays. We're not giving them opportunities,
especially when I'm in the game."  Frustration is clearly setting in for
Garcia, who signed a four-year contract in the offseason to replace Tim
Couch and Kelly Holcomb as the starter. He's accustomed to big-time years
(three consecutive Pro Bowls from 2000-02), but it's not working at this
time.
 
[[[[[[[[[[ OUR VIEW ]]]]]]]]]]

Another story along the lines of what we brought to you last night. Garcia
owners (or potential owners) should be concerned considering that he is
openly frustrated and struggling to pick up the offense and develop any
chemistry with his receivers.  The fear of course is that Garcia may find
that the offensive numbers he helped produce in San Francisco may have had
more to do with their offensive system and talent level than it had to do
with Garcia.  Cleveland does not have the same planning and offensive
firepower as the 49ers have had recently, and Garcia may struggle early to
put up big fantasy numbers until he gets comfortable as he's saying above.
We still think he'll be solid projecting him as our #12 QB.

/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/

10. Chargers: QB Situation Remains Unsettled 

Clipped from: Josh Dubow, AP/SignOnSanDiego
 
While most teams will rest their starting quarterback as much as possible
in the final exhibition game this week, the San Diego Chargers are still
trying to figure out who theirs is.  Heading into Thursday night's game
against the San Francisco 49ers, the competition between rookie Philip
Rivers and Drew Brees remains wide open even though Rivers has been in
camp less than two weeks.  

"We really don't have to make that decision right now," coach Marty
Schottenheimer said. "The competition is still open and I'm not going to
handicap it just yet."  Brees has started the past two years, but the team
soured on him when he threw 15 interceptions and only 11 touchdowns last
season, finishing as the AFC's 15th-rated quarterback.  

Rivers is clearly the quarterback of the future after San Diego got him
from the New York Giants in a deal for Eli Manning after the Giants had
taken him with the fourth pick. But a contract dispute led to a holdout
and Rivers missed 29 practices and two exhibition games, seemingly pushing
that future off. Rivers made his first pro appearance last week against
Seattle, going 5-for-14 for 79 yards in two interceptions in a rough
debut. 

[[[[[[[[[[ OUR VIEW ]]]]]]]]]]

While the coach may say this is an open battle, Brees has looked solid.
Rivers has missed a lot of camp, and Rivers has not played very well since
his return.  All that should result in Brees lining up behind center on
opening day next weekend.  No matter which guy starts, don't expect much
in terms of production.  With the exception of LaDainian Tomlinson,
there's not a whole lot of proven talent on offense in San Diego.

/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/

11. Dolphins: WR David Boston Placed on Injured Reserve

Clipped from: Alex Marvez, Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel 

The Dolphins made four other roster moves to reach the NFL's limit of 74
players (the team was given nine roster exemptions for players who were in
NFL Europe in spring). Wide receiver David Boston (knee), wide
receiver/defensive back Bobby Sippio (knee) and guard Eric Wilson (knee)
were placed on injured reserve. Tailback Renaldo Works was waived.

[[[[[[[[[[ OUR VIEW ]]]]]]]]]]

This puts to rest the talk that Boston planned to return this year and he
would only miss the first half of the season.  Boston is now out for the
entire season.

/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/

12. Chiefs: WR Marc Boerigter Placed on Injured Reserve

Clipped from: AP/Sports Network

The Kansas City Chiefs placed wide receiver Marc Boerigter on injured
reserve Wednesday, ending his 2004 season.  Boerigter, who twisted his
right knee during a 21-19 exhibition loss against the Cleveland Browns,
caught 11 passes for 158 yards for the Chiefs last season.  He had a
breakout season for the Chiefs during his rookie campaign in 2002. He
hauled in 31 catches for 578 yards with eight touchdown passes, including
a 99-yard touchdown reception against the San Diego, which tied an NFL
record.  The loss of Boerigter comes at a critical time for Kansas City,
which has question marks at the wide receiver position this season, with
starters Johnny Morton and Eddie Kennison both battling injuries during
training camp. 

[[[[[[[[[[ OUR VIEW ]]]]]]]]]]

Boerigter is also now out for the season.  Although hard to fathom, KC is
so thin at WR right now that TE Tony Gonzalez and all world RB Priest
Holmes may get even more work until there are established and healthy WR
to throw the ball to. Hopefully, Johnnie Morton will be ready soon - see
the next story.

/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/

13. Chiefs: WR Johnnie Morton on the Mend

Clipped from: NFL.com

After a month of seemingly no progress, head coach Dick Vermeil finally
has something positive to say about a possible return by starting WR
Johnnie Morton, who has been nursing a sore Achilles since camp started.
"I personally think Johnnie Morton's going to be ready to go to work this
week -- I believe that," said Vermeil. "Only time will tell. He was going
pretty good today. He's been feeling a little bit better every day for a
week. September weather helps too." 

[[[[[[[[[[ OUR VIEW ]]]]]]]]]]

Given the Boerigter news, this may be a lone bright spot for Kansas City. 
Morton may still be a few weeks away from being in game shape and ready to
go.  The Chiefs will be happy if Morton can increase his numbers back to
over 1,000 yards like he did four times with Detroit.

/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/

14. Bengals: WR Peter Warrick to Play Friday

Clipped from: Mark Curnutte, Cincinnati Enquirer

Wide receiver Peter Warrick practiced Monday and said he would play Friday
night in the preseason finale against the Colts.  Warrick rested,
underwent treatment and practiced sparingly at training camp. He had
undergone surgery at the end of last season to repair cartilage damage in
his right knee.  

"It's been a long time coming," Warrick said. "I've been letting it heal,
and today it felt good."  Warrick went to practice early, said he caught a
couple of passes in 11-on-11 team drills and stayed late to field punts.
He hopes to regain his job as punt returner.  

"I'm going to do what's asked of me," he said. "I just know I have to get
some time (vs. the Colts)."  Warrick also said he didn't expect to
experience soreness for practice today.  "I'm past that," he said.
Warrick, a fifth-year player, had career bests in receptions (79),
receiving yards (819) and total touchdowns (eight).  "I want 90 catches,
1,000 (receiving) yards, 10 receiving and three punt returns (for
touchdowns)," Warrick said. 

[[[[[[[[[[ OUR VIEW ]]]]]]]]]]

Warrick has been a hard player to read heading into the season.  There
have been reports of a more serious injury, there have been reports that
Kelley Washington had possibly taken Warrick's starting job, and now this.
 Maybe he just hears Washington's footsteps and is trying to predict big
numbers to protect his job.  First let's see if and how he plays against
the Colts to see if he has any lingering effects of his knee injury. 

/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/

15. Vikings: PK Aaron Elling Released, Brett Conway Brought in

Clipped from: Kevin Seifert, Star Tribune 

The Vikings moved quickly and unexpectedly Tuesday night to resolve their
shaky kicking situation, agreeing to terms with veteran Brett Conway to
replace incumbent Aaron Elling.  The moves should be formalized today. 
Elling practiced with the team Tuesday afternoon, but Conway signed a
two-year contract after working out later in the Vikings' indoor practice
facility. The team waived Elling after Conway's kicking session.

[[[[[[[[[[ OUR VIEW ]]]]]]]]]]

The Aaron Elling era has come to a close in Minnesota.  Conway goes from
not even being on the board to being a kicker in a great situation. Just
another example as to why investing an early pick on a kicker is not often
a wise maneuver. 

/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/

16. IDP: Bears LB Brian Urlacher Progressing Nicely

Clipped from: Bob LeGere, Daily Herald

After a planned day off Monday, Pro Bowl middle linebacker Brian Urlacher
was back on the field for a full Bears practice session Tuesday.  He said
he has experienced no pain for "a couple weeks" in the area of the pulled
hamstring that kept him out of practice from the second day of training
camp (July 29) until Sunday.  

"I was definitely jacked up to get out there," said Urlacher, who has
never suffered a serious injury. "I didn't get that many reps (Sunday),
but it was fun. I've still got a ways to go with my technique and my reads
and stuff like that. But I was just happy to be out there."  Coach Lovie
Smith has been pleased with the way the defense has looked the last few
days, which has a lot to do with Urlacher's return.  

"We're getting closer to what we want to be, and Brian of course just
really is a big plus," Smith said. "You need a director, a leader to let
the guys know what (defense) we're playing, to call out the formation. "We
ask our Mike (middle linebacker) to do a few different things, and you
need a veteran doing that, and of course Brian does it very well. We're a
different defense out there."  Although he's eager to play in a game -
even a preseason game - Urlacher won't participate in Friday's final
preseason tune-up. Both sides agree the goal is the Sept. 12
regular-season opener. 

[[[[[[[[[[ OUR VIEW ]]]]]]]]]]

More follow up on Urlacher's return. Urlacher vows to be suited up and on
the field for Game 1.  He's still projected in our Top 10 LB, even with
his health and injury concerns.  Don't be afraid to pick up Urlacher in
IDP leagues, he's a warrior and should be on the field on opening day.

/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/

17. IDP: Colts LB David Thornton Settles in on Strong Side 

Clipped from: John Oehser, Colts.com

The funny thing about David Thornton's transition is to hear him tell it,
it's not a transition. Not anymore, anyway.  It's over. He's settling in. 
Make that settled in.  Thornton, the Colts' third-year linebacker and the
team's leading tackler last season, moved from weak-side to strong-side
linebacker in the off-season. He was unsure of the move, at first, but
after three preseason games, said he is comfortable in his new position. 

And he said with a week remaining before the regular-season opener, the
point really is moot. Never mind that he should be ready.  He has to be
ready.  "The coaches are expecting me to do well," said Thornton, who will
make his fourth start at his "new" position when the Colts (2-1 in the
preseason) play the Cincinnati Bengals (1-2) in the preseason finale at
Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati Friday at 6:30 p.m. "The adjustment
period - that's pretty much already phased out.  "It's going great. I'm
enjoying the challenge. I'm looking forward to going out and having a good
year on the strong side for this team. I think it's going to be a good
year." 

[[[[[[[[[[ OUR VIEW ]]]]]]]]]]

Thornton is projected as our #37 LB with 75 tackles.  Last year he put up
158 tackles, so we'll have to see how much impact the role change will
have on his numbers.
 
/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/

18. IDP: Dolphins Sign DE Chidi Ahanotu 
 
Clipped from: Yahoo Sports

The Dolphins signed veteran defensive end Chidi Ahanotu on Wednesday. The
33-year-old Ahanotu played in all 16 games with the 49ers last season,
starting one game and recording 30 tackles and four sacks. Ahanotu has
spent 11 years in the NFL with Tampa Bay, St. Louis, Buffalo and San
Francisco.  He will help fill out the defensive end corps that lost
Adewale Ogunleye, last season's AFC sack leader. A holdout in training
camp, Ogunleye was traded to Chicago for wide receiver Marty Booker.

[[[[[[[[[[ OUR VIEW ]]]]]]]]]]

The Dolphins at least make an effort to fill the void left by the absence
of Ogunleye,  While a decent stopgap NFL player, Ahanotu is no Ogunleye.

/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/

That'll do it for today, Folks. Thanks for reading and we'll see you
tomorrow with the update.

Joe

*******************
Joe Bryant
Owner  www.footballguys.com
Why Subscribe to Footballguys.com?