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Volume 8, Issue 106 (Wednesday, August 8th)
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Hi Folks, Good Thursday to you. Hope you're having a great one. Big day as we've got Thursday Preseason games tonight with the Bengals at Detroit and the Colts at Dallas. Plus we've got lots of News and Notes again you'll want to know about. So let's get to it. JSITE NEWS A.
Training Camp Update #2
INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1. KC - Chiefs RB Holmes Sends Message To Larry Johnson2. SF - 49ers Like What They See From TE Davis 3. DAL - Dallas WR Glenn Declared Out - Watch WR Crayton 4. NO - WR Moore Possible Number Three Man In New Orleans 5. DET - Lions WR C. Johnson To Get Lots Of Work 6. CLE - OG Steinbach Sprains Knee 7. MIN - Vikings RB Peterson Returns 8. DAL - Cowboys WR Owens Will Play 9. BUF - Bills RB Wright Returns To Practice 10. NYJ - Jets QB Pennington Calling Some Of His Own Plays 11. DET - Lions RB Jones Running Routes 12. ARZ - Arizona QB Warner Will Stay Through 2008 13. DEN - QB Cutler Deals With Wrist Tendinitis 14. OAK - Raiders Name Three Starting QBs 15. SEA - Seahawks QB's Use Slip-And-Slide 16. SEA - Seahawks OL Jones Back At Practice 17. MIN - Vikings TE Shiancoe Getting Comfortable 18. CHI - WR Hester Still A Work In Progress 19. CAR - Panthers Waive PK Wellock, Sign RB Jackson 20. DEF - DEN - DE Moss Returns To Practice 21. DEF - SEA - Seahawks CB Trufant To Play Left Side 22. DEF - IND - Colts Will Use Dawson Exclusively At DT KC - Chiefs RB Holmes Sends Message To Larry Johnson Source: Associated Press via ESPN After his first practice in pads yesterday, Kansas City Chiefs RB Priest Holmes said he's ready to fill RB Larry Johnson's shoes -- at least financially. "Somebody has to get the money," he said. "Hey, if L.J. wants to leave the money out there, guess I'm going to take it. If he wants to come get it, it's rightfully his to take. He's earned it. But if he chooses not to come back, well, somebody has to take it. Why won't it be me?" Both HC Herman Edwards and GM Carl Peterson have said Holmes will not be their feature back. "If he's able to come back, he understands and accepts the fact that he would have a different role than when he was the starter," Edwards said. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] If this were a movie, you'd call it too far fetched. But it's real life and it's starting to get extremely interesting in Kansas City. It almost feels like Carl Peterson and the Chiefs are scripting the entire thing. The whole thing hinges on Holmes and how he looks though. If he comes out and looks terrible, it'll get laughed off. If he looks somewhat like the old Priest Holmes, things start to take on a radically different look. Stay tuned. In the meantime, file this name away and don't forget it: Kolby Smith. Chiefs rookie RB from Louisville. Seriously. SF - 49ers Like What They See From TE Davis Source: Matt Maiocco, Santa Rosa Press-Democrat San Francisco 49ers TE Vernon Davis continues to look virtually unstoppable at training camp. He has been catching passes out of the backfield, as well as over the middle from the regular tight end position. The 49ers are clearly looking to utilize him in a variety of ways. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Vernon Davis is a guy that fits perfectly into the value category I love of "last year's overhyped guys". Davis was one of the rookies from 2006 you couldn't miss if you turned on the TV. He was everywhere doing everything and looking great. But like most rookies, he showed flashes but also struggled at times and also missed time with injury. He finished as the #22 TE in the league last year - far lower than the hype would have justified. For 2007, the cycle starts all over again. The spotlight shines on Calvin Johnson and Adrian Peterson and many sort of forget about guys like Vernon Davis. Use that to you advantage. Because while the hype on Davis is way less than it was last year, he's a much better player with a year of experience under his belt. Take advantage of the guys in your league chasing the hot rookie while you grab last year's hot rookie. DAL - Dallas WR Glenn Declared Out - Watch WR Crayton Source: Mac Engel, Fort Worth Star-Telegram Cowboys WR Terry Glenn (knee), and offensive tackles Flozell Adams (knee) and Mark Colombo (knee) will not suit up for the teams first preseason game Thursday. WR Patrick Crayton, LT Pat McQuistan and rookie RT Doug Free will start in place of the respective starters. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] As is often the case, this story isn't about the guy they're talking about. This isn't about Terry Glenn. Terrell Owens will get all the attention in this game but the guy you Sharks need to watch VERY closely is Patrick Crayton. I like this guy a lot and think he could be a huge value. Terry Glenn isn't the guy he used to be. Crayton is on the rise. Watch to see what he does with an opportunity to work with the first team Thursday night. It might be something we see a lot of. NO - WR Moore Possible Number Three Man In New Orleans Source: Jeff Duncan, New Orleans Times-Picayune WR Lance Moore is making a strong push for the No. 3 receiving spot for the New Orleans Saints, if not a starting position. He has consistently played at a higher gear than the rest of the team during camp. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Every year players come from "nowhere". But if you look back to the blogs in August, you'll usually find clips like this one where a beat writer is raving over the guy tearing up camp. That seems to be the case with Moore here. Robert Meachem is a highly touted rookie WR for New Orleans but it looks like Moore is the guy impressing in camp. DET - Lions WR C. Johnson To Get Lots Of Work Source: George Sipple, Detroit Free Press Expect to see plenty of rookie WR Calvin Johnson this Thursday when the Lions face the Bengals in their preseason opener. Aside from learning the playbook, Johnson will also get tested physically to keep up his conditioning "We're going to see him a lot in this game," OC Mike Martz said. "We're going to see him a lot in the preseason. He's gotta learn how to play." "We're going to wear his little froggy rear end out." Martz outlined the Lions' preseason plans Tuesday, and they include a lot of playing time for Johnson and plenty of snaps for each of the quarterbacks: Jon Kitna, J.T. O'Sullivan and Dan Orlovsky. Kitna will start Thursday, but O'Sullivan will get most of the snaps in the first game. "Each week we're going to try and utilize one or the other," Martz said of how he'll use the backup quarterbacks in the preseason. "If you go in and share time all the time, they can't get the flow of game. We're trying to get each one the majority of a game and let them respond and see how well they do with it. "Probably J.T. this week. That's kind of what we're thinking about. I talked to coach (Rod) Marinelli earlier this morning. We think that's what we'll do."[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] I can't remember being this excited to watch a rookie WR debut in quite some time. I think Johnson's game will translate exceptionally well to the pro level. We likely won't get to see him with Kitna for long but I'm really anxious about this one. The other guy that you Sharks need to be watching closely is QB J.T. O'Sullivan. With Drew Stanton gone, O'Sullivan has seized the opportunity and has looked very good in camp. He lit up NFL Europa and seems like a great fit for Mike Martz' system. I love Jon Kitna this year as a tremendous value and O'Sullivan is a guy to know as well assuming he can win the #2 job. This one will be fun to watch.CLE - OG Steinbach Sprains Knee Source: NFL.com Browns offensive guard Eric Steinbach sprained his right knee when he fell on it at practice, an injury the club will surely treat cautiously for the remainder of training camp. Steinbach, Cleveland's biggest free-agent signing during the offseason, hurt his knee during the Browns' indoor workout Aug. 7. He walked off the field without a limp, escorted by a team trainer, and did not return. Before an MRI and other tests were performed, coach Romeo Crennel guessed that Steinbach had only bruised his knee.[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The Browns OL just can't catch a break. They were devastated last year in camp and they're scaring folks this year. Let's hope Steinbach is fine here - he looks OK right now. But he's a key addition to this team and they desperately need him on that line. MIN - Vikings RB Peterson Returns Source: Don Seeholtz, St. Paul Pioneer Press Rookie RB Adrian Peterson hit the practice field for the Vikings today after nursing a hip-pointer injury. Peterson said he plans on playing this Friday against the Rams in his first preseason game. "I don't know (how much he'll play)," said Peterson, who missed Tuesday's practice after aggravating a hip-pointer injury. "Whenever they call my number, I'll be ready to go out there." Peterson said he is anxious and excited to play in his first NFL game, even if it is just preseason. "It's the real thing to me," he said. "It's definitely not a spring game."[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] It's just a hunch, but if Peterson's health is up to it, I can see him making a "statement" here. This is a proud guy that has a chip on his shoulder after sliding in the draft. I wouldn't be surprised at all to see him really open some eyes Friday if he's fully healthy. DAL - Cowboys WR Owens Will Play Source: Todd Archer, Dallas Morning News Dallas WR Terrell Owens returned to practice Tuesday after missing two days from back spasms. Owens said he plans to play Thursday in an exhibition game against the Colts. "I was able to run around full speed and make some cuts, so the last day, I was at practice," Owens said. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] I told you not to worry. First preseason game for the Cowboys? No Bill Parcells? Against the defending Super Bowl champs? I think we'll see T.O.... BUF - Bills RB Wright Returns To Practice Source: Chris Brown, BuffaloBills.com Bills rookie RB Dwayne Wright was in attendance for the team's walk through practice Wednesday morning, one day after being hospitalized due to an allergy reaction to something he ate. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Just a followup for you guys keeping up with Wright. Looks like he's fine. NYJ - Jets QB Pennington Calling Some Of His Own Plays Source: Tom Rock, Newsday The Jets will allow QB Chad Pennington to call his own plays on occasion in an effort to keep opposing defenses off balance. The experiment began Tuesday and ended with a touchdown pass. "By giving a series or two to the quarterback, when you look at it from the other team's perspective, the fingerprint is different," HC Eric Mangini said. "It looks like there are breaks in the tendencies. Things don't add up as much as they did." [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Funny the difference a year makes, isn't it? Last year at this time, we were wondering if Pennington could earn the starting job. Now he's earned enough trust from the coaches that they're letting him call plays. Things move fast. DET - Lions RB Jones Running Routes Source: George Sipple, Detroit Free Press Detroit Lions RB Kevin Jones' recovery from a Lisfranc fracture in his left foot continues as he ran routes for the first time this offseason in camp. And even though the Lions acquired RB Tatum Bell in a trade, Jones said he plans to regain his starting role when he returns. "If I wasn't hurt, (Bell) wouldn't even be an issue - he wouldn't even be here," Jones said. "Right now, my goal is to get back, and then it won't be an issue again." Jones said he and Bell have a cordial relationship. Jones shared carries with Lee Suggs at Virginia Tech, so he's used to a crowded backfield. "I'm not worried about my job," Jones said. "When I'm able to do what I know how to do, the better man will be in there."[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Good for Jones as this is another step in the process back. Most folks close to the situation still see his chances of being ready for Week 1 at about 50-50. My gut feel is that they're maybe a little less than that. Huge difference between running routes and being able to trust the foot running and cutting in traffic. Don't downplay the mental angle of this injury - it's as real an issue as the physical part. Jones is still a guy I'm shying away from until we know more how he'll react. ARZ - Arizona QB Warner Will Stay Through 2008 Source: Kent Somers, Arizona Republic Cardinals QB Kurt Warner said he plans to finish out his contract with the team and play through the 2008 season. Warner, who will make $8 million over the next two seasons, had contemplated retirement when he was bumped by QB Matt Leinart as the starter. "That's what I want to do, play out this contract," Warner said. "And I think after that, then it will be one of those situations where we sit down and decide what's best." [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] It doesn't get much press but Kurt Warner is crucial to Matt Leinart's success. It's much like a situation where Jon Kitna helped along another USC star QB in Carson Palmer. Warner, like Kitna, is able to put ego aside and the team first and is a big help to the QB. So this is great news for Leinart. DEN - QB Cutler Deals With Wrist Tendinitis Source: Mike Klis and Bill Williamson, Denver Post Cutler played last week with inflamed tendons in his right wrist, an injury that had healed considerably by Monday. The injury wasn't serious enough for Cutler to miss any reps with the first-team offense, but he was in enough pain that he wore a soft brace around his right, throwing wrist. The mild case of tendinitis appears to be the result of excessive throwing. Cutler has been wearing long sleeves beneath his jersey to not draw attention to the brace, which he says he will wear for another week. "It felt a lot better today," Cutler said. "We've been icing it and rehabbing it quite a bit. Everything's fine now." After a welcome day off Sunday, Cutler threw considerably better Monday. Cutler and the first-team offense are expected to play one or two series in the Broncos' preseason opener Monday night at San Francisco.[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Sounds like pretty typical training camp issues. I wouldn't hesitate to use this though to drive Cutler's value down among your league mates. So you can grab him later than normal. Not that I'd ever advocate that kind of thing... OAK - Raiders Name Three Starting QBs Source: David White, San Francisco Chronicle Oakland HC Lane Kifflin avoided answering the question of who will be the team's preseason opener starting quarterback by naming all three players, Daunte Culpepper, Josh McCown and Andrew Walter, atop the depth chart. Kifflin said he knows which way he's leaning, but it will ultimately be a game time decision. "We don't need to have a starter right now. We're going to let them play and do the best that we can," he said. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] I'm guessing Kiffin thinks this is cute. It's really not. It's a preseason game. Holding that "competitive advantage" of not allowing the other team to "game plan" for your QB really doesn't apply. SEA - Seahawks QB's Use Slip-And-Slide Source: Frank Hughes, News Tribune In an effort to teach them how to slide properly, Seattle Seahawks quarterbacks took sliding drills on a water-soaked slip-and-slide early in Tuesday morning's practice. They were being coached by former Mariners first baseman John Olerud. Their pants were wet the remainder of the morning practice. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Because you guys want to know everything.... SEA - Seahawks OL Jones Back At Practice Source: Frank Hughes, News Tribune Seattle Seahawks offensive tackle Walter Jones took part in Tuesday afternoon practice, a light 75-minute workout with little contact. Jones had not practiced since last Friday. A day later, Holmgren revealed that Jones had a sore shoulder. After Jones missed Tuesday morning's practice, Holmgren said, "He's going to be fine, he didn't practice today, but honestly with him I really just want him ready to play in the first ballgame. He's in good shape and I am just taking it real slow." Holmgren said he would decide on Thursday if Jones will play in Sunday night's game in San Diego. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Good news for Jones. Don't worry if he misses the game. He doesn't need a preseason game to be ready. The important thing is it looks like he's OK. MIN - Vikings TE Shiancoe Getting Comfortable Source: Sean Jensen, St. Paul Pioneer Press Minnesota Vikings tight end Visanthe Shiancoe, acquired in free agency, is beginning to get comfortable with the Vikings offense. "I'm starting to get comfortable in the offense," Shiancoe said. "They're being patient with me. I mean, it takes time to learn a new offense and get used to it. But once you get used to it, it's like butter." [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] I've been watching Shiancoe ever since Solomon Wilcots was raving over him a few months ago saying he'd shock people in Minnesota. The key for me was how quickly he could pick up the offense and it looks like he's making nice progress there. Shiancoe is a guy flying way under the radar for most owners so you should be able to pick him up super cheap in most leagues. He'll likely be undrafted in lots of leagues so keep an eye on him in Week 1 and if he looks to be involved, make a move quickly for him. CHI - WR Hester Still A Work In Progress Source: Mike Mulligan, Chicago Sun-Times If the early days of training camp has taught the Bears anything it's that their return-ace-turned-receiver is indeed a mortal. Hester missed a few practices with a sore hamstring last week, a reminder to move carefully with a quick-twitch athlete who needs to be around at the end of the season and not just the beginning. The coaching staff recognizes this fact. They moved him along slowly last year, using him first as a punt returner before extending his role to kickoff returns and eventually trying him a few plays on offense. Now that he's a full-time receiver things shouldn't be much different. "He might be a Pro Bowl receiver some day, but he's a Hall of Fame returner and we can't lose sight of that," wide receivers coach Darryl Drake said.[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Hester is immensely talented. But it takes more than just talent as we all know. He's easy to get excited about because his skills are just goofy. But don't get too enamored just yet. CAR - Panthers Waive PK Wellock, Sign RB Jackson Source: Darin Gantt, Rock Hill Herald The Carolina Panthers signed RB Marlion Jackson on Wednesday, and they have released PK Andrew Wellock. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Worth noting if for no other reason than we always keep up with BlackEyedJoe.com All Name Team RB Marlion Jackson... DEF - DEN - DE Moss Returns To Practice Source: Andrew Mason, DenverBroncos.com Denver Broncos rookie defensive end Jarvis Moss was also back on the field this morning, but he was limited to individual, installation and some brief team work as he returned to the field for the first time since twisting his left knee during Monday morning's practice. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Good news for Moss. Knee injuries are always scary and it was good to see him back out there. DEF - SEA - Seahawks CB Trufant To Play Left Side Source: Clare Farnsworth, Seattle Post-Inetlligencer Seattle CB Marcus Trufant is making yet another switch. Originally a LCB, Trufant switched to the right side to protect an old shoulder injury. But in order to realize his full potential, DC Jim Mora wants him at his old position, where he'll likely face the No. 1 receivers on opposing offenses. "We feel like Marcus has the ability to be one of those top, top-tier guys," Mora said. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Interesting shake up for the new DC Jim Mora. For you IDP guys, expect Trufant to see more action as he sees more of the teams #1 WR. DEF - IND - Colts Will Use Dawson Exclusively At DT Source: John Oehser, Colts.com After the Colts first preseason game against Dallas, where rookie DL Keyunta Dawson will play on the end, Dawson will make the permanent switch to DT. He made an immediate impression last week collecting two sacks and a fumble recovery in the Blue-White scrimmage. "So far, it has been a pretty good experiment," HC Tony Dungy said. Dawson will now compete for the open spot vacated by DT Anthony McFarland, who suffered a serious patella tendon injury. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] As I always say, Fantasy Football success is where opportunity and talent converge. Dawson has the talent. Booger McFarland's injury has created the opportunity. It'll be up to Dawson to make the most of it. That'll do it for today, Folks. Have a great one and we'll see you tomorrow with the update. J |
