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Volume 8, Issue 115 (Friday, August 17th)LIMITED TIME OFFERS Hi Folks, Good Thursday to you. Hope it's going well for you as we're rolling here. We've got another 40+ page Training Camp Update ready for you plus more articles and of course the News and Notes. Let's get to it. JSITE NEWS A.
Footballguys Is Hiring - Game Recappers Needed
B.
Five Minute Drill Blowing Up On Itunes
C.
Training Camp Update #3
D.
Defensive Team By Committee
E.
Tricks of the T.R.A.D.E.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1. ATL - QB Vick Likely To Plead Guilty2. NE - Patriots To Implement Zone-Blocking Scheme? 3. MIN - QB Jackson Still Struggling With Accuracy 4. MIN - RB Peterson's Durability A Concern? 5. MIA - QB Green, QB Lemon, Listed As Co-Starters 6. KC - Rookie WR Bowe May Have Impact In Red Zone 7. JAX - WR Wilford Still Hobbled With Knee Sprain 8. GB - RB Pope May Land On IR, Position Group Hurting 9. SF - 49ers Will Ask RB Gore To Shoulder The Load 10. GB - Packers Ask QB Favre To Make Safer Throws 11. DET - Lions OC Martz: RB K. Jones Will Be Ready 12. SD - Chargers WR Floyd Rounding Out His Game 13. SEA - Seahawks Settled On Right Side Of O-Line 14. DET - Lions WR McDonald Will See Action 15. SEA - Seahawks Forced To Run Sprints 16. TEN - Titans Rely On O-line Stability 17. CAR - RB Foster Flourishing In New Scheme 18. ARZ - RB James Pleased With New Offensive Scheme 19. OAK - HC Kiffin Returns To Practice 20. DEF - IND - S Sanders Expects To Be 100% By Opener 21. DEF - GB - Rookie DT Harrell Struggling 22. DEF - NYJ - CB Revis Finally Signs ATL - QB Vick Likely To Plead Guilty Source: Jeremy Redmon, Bill Rankin, Atlanta Journal Constitution Sources with knowledge of the case against Falcons QB Michael Vick say that Vick is likely to plead guilty sometime this week. Vick, who could be facing an additional indictment which includes racketeering charges, has not officially made his decision in part because he's not sure what effect it will have on his NFL career. Currently Vick is charged with a single count of conspiracy to cross state lines to engage in illegal gambling; sponsor a dog in an animal fighting venture; and buy, transport and receive dogs for animal fighting. The maximum penalty for the conspiracy charge is five years in prison. If Vick pleads guilty, he likely would serve no more than a year in jail, according to federal guidelines. If the conspiracy charges are dropped, allowing him to only admit a role in the dogfighting offenses (misdemeanors) he could face even less time. Vick's legal team not only must negotiate with the U.S. Attorney's Office, but with the NFL as well. If Vick cannot secure a deal that saves his NFL career, he could decide to go to trial, risking a lengthy prison sentence if he is convicted.[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Hopefully this is almost over. People ask me what I think about this. What I think is that Joey Harrington is the Falcons QB and that's what we're focusing on. NE - Patriots To Implement Zone-Blocking Scheme? Source: John Tomase, Boston Herald, Sporting News Expect the Patriots to utilize more zone-blocking schemes this season to take advantage of RB Laurence Maroney's cutback ability. The linemen are athletic and experienced as a unit, meaning they've got down the coordination and communication required to make the two blocks necessary in good zone plays. Maroney is well versed with the scheme from his days at Minnesota. The Patriots' offense could end up similar to that of the Colts, with zone plays opening up the threat of play-action passes from QB Tom Brady. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The Patriots finally have the WRs to help Tom Brady and keep defenses honest for the running game. It helps that Maroney has some experience running behind a line in this scheme as oftentimes, the running back has as much adjustment to this system as the linemen do. MIN - QB Jackson Still Struggling With Accuracy Source: Kevin Seifert, Minneapolis Star Tribune, Sporting News QB Tarvaris Jackson has a clear edge over QB Brooks Bollinger in terms of arm strength and mobility, but Jackson needs to work on his accuracy. He has struggled to hit receivers down the field. Granted, the team does not have many speedsters, but Jackson too often overthrows them and needs to find better touch on the deep ball. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] As NFL analyst Ron Jaworski is fond of saying, accuracy is the most underrated quality for any QB. The fastest release or the strongest arm won't help much if the ball isn't going where it needs to. And in this league, where it needs to go is often a pretty small window. Expect Jackson to struggle if he doesn't improve this quickly. MIN - RB Peterson's Durability A Concern? Source: Kevin Seifert, Minneapolis Star Tribune, Sporting News There was some concern about RB Adrian Peterson's ability to stay healthy when he left Oklahoma after his junior season. Peterson's first training camp has not deterred anyone from that theory. He missed five practices because of a hip pointer and was held out of some contact drills in three others, presumptively to limit the pounding on his left collarbone, which he fractured last October and re-injured in January. Veterans, including FB Tony Richardson, are advising him that he always will have to play through some pain in the NFL. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] This is pretty much what I was thinking - Peterson seemed motivated to prove the teams wrong that let him slide to Minnesota over durability concerns but so far in camp, he's not done much to prove them wrong. But it's just camp so we're not overly worried. Part of this is the Vikings staff being careful as well. I still love the guy as one of the more lethal combinations of size / power / quickness / speed in the game. MIA - QB Green, QB Lemon, Listed As Co-Starters Source: Jeff Darlington, Miami Herald, Sporting News HC Cam Cameron plans to continue his stance that the quarterback position remains an open competition despite the acquisition of QB Trent Green. Only one position on the depth chart had co-starters. A slash has been used to indicate Green and QB Cleo Lemon both split time with the first-team offense. Even though Lemon does see snaps with the first-team offense frequently, Green is the starter. And barring some crazy turn of events, he will remain the starter. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] I'd be sort of surprised (although absolutely not shocked) if Green gave way to Lemon here. He looked older than I expected last week (and I expected him to look really old). He'll get a boost this week as the Dolphins head to Kansas City Thursday so maybe he'll be better. KC - Rookie WR Bowe May Have Impact In Red Zone Source: Adam Teicher, Kansas City Star, Sporting News The immediate impact from first-round WR Dwayne Bowe figures to be minimal, at least early in the season. His late arrival to training camp will limit his ability to be an every-down contributor. The Chiefs will initially work him in to some of their three-wide packages, particularly in the red zone. Because of his size and ability to win contested battles, Bowe might have his biggest impact in congested areas like the end zone. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] This makes sense I suppose. Bowe has the size to be a red zone target. The only trouble for him of course is that Kansas City has a pretty good red zone target already in a tight end named Gonzalez... JAX - WR Wilford Still Hobbled With Knee Sprain Source: Michael Wright, Florida Times-Union, Sporting News Starting WR Ernest Wilford is hobbled with a sprained knee and the club is taking a cautious approach. Wilford is currently listed as day-to-day and is practicing, but on a limited basis. The club even brought in undrafted rookie WR Chris Jackson to help spread out the reps. Prior to the injury, Wilford had shown improvement. He's become a more disciplined route runner but still struggles to consistently catch the ball. WR Charles Sharon is likely to move into Wilford's spot. Sharon is arguably the club's best route runner, outside veteran WR Dennis Northcutt, and he catches nearly everything thrown his way. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Matt Jones and Reggie Williams struggling provided opportunity for the other Jaguar receivers but Wilford looks like he's struggling to take advantage with this knee injury. That opens the door for Sharon. Keep an eye on this guy. GB - RB Pope May Land On IR, Position Group Hurting Source: Tom Silverstein, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Sporting News The running back position has been annihilated by injury and is more of a question mark now than it was when the season started. Tentative starter RB Vernand Morency has been sidelined for several weeks with a knee injury, prospect RB P.J. Pope is probably out for the year with a knee injury and promising rookie RB DeShawn Wynn has battled a stomach virus and thigh injury. That leaves second-round pick RB Brandon Jackson as the top candidate still standing. He has a lot to prove after starting just one year at Nebraska. The club may have to take a chance on a free agent veteran, possibly someone like RB Corey Dillon or trade for a veteran. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Brandon Jackson truly may be the last man standing in the Green Bay running back corps. Morency will be back soon enough but I'm thinking he might be out long enough to give Jackson time to stake his claim. He looked like a typical rookie in the last preseason game struggling at times and then showing really nice flashes as well. He could be a nice value. SF - 49ers Will Ask RB Gore To Shoulder The Load Source: Matt Maiocco, Santa Rosa Press Democrat San Francisco 49ers HC Mike Nolan would like to have RB Frank Gore carry the ball fewer than the franchise-record 312 times of last season, but he said he will not limit Gore's touches at the expense of winning football games. "If he has to carry 500 times for us to win a lot of games, he'll carry 500 times," Nolan said Wednesday after the 49ers returned to the practice field. In addition to those comments, Nolan said that Gore will be the short-yardage back this season. Given that, his touchdown numbers should rise. He was removed from that role for eight games in the middle of the season after having fumbling issues. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] 500 carries for Frank Gore? Fantasy Owners across the country are hyperventilating. Nolan of course wasn't serious but the truth is that he's saying what we want to hear - Gore will be the featured guy. But you absolutely cannot ignore the injury history with Gore. I love Gore but this is a guy that's already had multiple major surgeries. Not to mention the broken hand he's returning from. He's fantastic, but he's got a history. GB - Packers Ask QB Favre To Make Safer Throws Source: Bob McGinn, Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel Green Bay Packers QB Brett Favre cut his interception total from an NFL-leading 29 in 2005 to 18 last season. But his 56.0% completion mark was the lowest of his career and his yards-per-attempt rate of 6.34 was the second-worst of his career. Those numbers, among other things, have led Packers HC Mike McCarthy and GM Ted Thomspon to ask Favre to take even fewer chances, accept the beauty of field position and let the defense win the game. "They know," Favre said, referring to McCarthy and Thompson, "as well as I do, what we're up against offensively. It's a lot different than five years ago, six years ago, seven years ago. But at some point, I have to play the game." [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Wouldn't you like to have been a fly on the wall for that conversation? "Umm Brett, Ted and I been thinking. How do you feel about maybe not throwing so many interceptions this year?" I don't think a guy like Favre changes that much. Not at this stage in the career. He's made a pretty nice career taking chances. And he knows there aren't any real repercussions if he does give up a lot of picks. (Benching Favre for Aaron Rodgers is not happening) Expect the same Brett Favre we've seen the last few years. And that means making more than his share of questionable throws. DET - Lions OC Martz: RB K. Jones Will Be Ready Source: Mike O'Hara, Detroit News Despite reports that Lions RB Kevin Jones could miss the first six weeks of the season while on the PUP list for his injured foot, OC Mike Martz believes Jones will be ready for the season opener. "I think we're all optimistic about that. I think Kevin is, too. He's making good progress, and we're all anxious to have him back," Martz said. Martz did not, however guarantee Jones would retain his starting role, saying he would have to earn it like everyone else. "He has to come back and compete for his job like everybody else," Martz said. "Nobody has a stake on anything. It's like everywhere else. He's got to come back and get back in football shape and compete with all the other backs in that spot. "You can't plan this stuff. You just cannot plan. What you have to do is wait, get him back, and you take one step at a time. As soon as you make these plans, these plans start getting broken."[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] This was part of a Martz interview where he also spoke highly of RB Tatum Bell. It sounds like Martz is hopeful Jones could be ready but it's still up in the air. Martz is hopeful but we're all hopeful. Stay tuned. SD - Chargers WR Floyd Rounding Out His Game Source: Casey Pearce, Chargers.com At 6-foot-5, there was only one role for Chargers WR Malcom Floyd; Red zone target. While that is still the case today, Floyd has been expanding his horizons and working on acclimating himself to the rest of the playbook. "He's grown into his body a little bit since he's been here," WR coach James Lofton said. "He should be able to do more things over the middle. Even though he has long legs, he has a little bit of quickness. He can get in and out of breaks on shorter routes and be an asset all over the field." More will be asked of Floyd now more than ever since WR Eric Parker, who could miss up to 10 weeks, underwent toe surgery. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The Chargers wide receivers just don't get much respect. Part of it is All World tight end Antonio Gates grabbing passes and part is the Chargers having the best weapon in the game in LaDainian Tomlinson. But Floyd has taken his game to another level becoming a more complete receiver. Whether that earns him any more attention remains to be seen. SEA - Seahawks Settled On Right Side Of O-Line Source: Associated Press, ESPN Seattle HC Mike Holmgren opened up the competition at right tackle and right guard this offseason. The result is no different than last season. Sean Locklear will hold down his job at right tackle and 16-year veteran Chris Gray will resume his duties at right guard. "I challenged Sean at the beginning of training camp and he has responded well, in my opinion. And Chris Gray is solid as a rock at right guard," Holmgren said. "He's not playing his age. He is playing well." [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Probably good news for Seattle. They keep some continuity and 16 year vet Chris Gray looks rejuvenated. That's welcome news for Shaun Alexander and Matt Hasselbeck. DET - Lions WR McDonald Will See Action Source: Mark Snyder, Detroit Free Press Despite being fourth on the wide receiver depth chart, Lions WR Shaun McDonald could still have a steady role in the high powered offense run by OC Mike Martz. Martz likes to run four-wide sets and McDonald is very familiar with the playbook, having worked with Martz in St. Louis. McDonald, who is also tackling punt return duties, had 46 receptions in 2005 under Martz, he had just 13 last season with the new staff in St. Louis. "He makes explosive plays and he understands all four positions, being a versatile guy. Shaun's not going to be just a bit part of this offense, he's going to be a huge part of it," QB Jon Kitna said of McDonald. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Mike Martz is no stranger to hyperbole so take the "huge part of it" with a grain of salt. But still, it's good to hear. If you're in a deep league where receivers start to really thin out late, McDonald is a guy with upside for sure in this offense. SEA - Seahawks Forced To Run Sprints Source: Frank Hughes, News Tribune At the end of practice Tuesday, Seattle Seahawks HC Mike Holmgren had the players run 50-yard sprints that weren't so much punitive as they were prodding. "It was to get their attention as much as anything else," Holmgren said. "I was not happy with the way practice went. We have a deal. I give them time off. I took off the pads today. I don't do that because I am just a really nice guy. I do it for reasons. Their end of the bargain is to practice fast and practice hard. I didn't think that was happening. That was just a little reminder to them." [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Zero fantasy value. But I know you guys need to know everything... TEN - Titans Rely On O-line Stability Source: Jessica Hopp, The Tennessean The Tennessee Titans return all five starters to the offensive line this season: Kevin Mawae entering his 14th year at center, 10-year veteran Benji Olson and fourth-year pro Jacob Bell at guards, and third-year pros Michael Roos and David Stewart at tackles. That's good news for a team that will rely on its line for stability while the Titans coaches decide how to divide carries between three running backs and continue work on developing quarterback Vince Young. "This line has the potential to be very, very good," HC Jeff Fisher said. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Much has been made of the Titan's losing some skill position guys but the fact is their offensive line should be better. That's welcome news to Vince Young owners. CAR - RB Foster Flourishing In New Scheme Source: Pat Yasinskas, Charlotte Observer, Sporting News RB DeShaun Foster has been doing a very good job of holding off RB DeAngelo Williams for the starting tailback job. Foster might be in the perfect system where he has a chance to succeed for the first time in his career as the team switches from a power running game to a zone-blocking scheme. Foster wasn't ever able to do much as a between-the-tackles runner, but he's showing signs he can flourish in the new scheme. He's been making some nice cutbacks and has shown signs he can turn the corner on outside runs. Williams will get a fair amount of carries, but Foster may be able to hold onto the starting role. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] DeAngelo Williams is the guy drawing the hype but apparently DeShaun Foster didn't get the memo that he was supposed to step aside. We think Foster will garner most of the carries this year with 215 and we have 150 carries projected for Williams. ARZ - RB James Pleased With New Offensive Scheme Source: Kent Somers, Arizona Republic, Sporting News RB Edgerrin James has always worked hard in the offseason, but he put in extra time this year on adding strength to his upper body. He took a pounding last year and felt he wore down in the first half of the season. James has looked quick in training camp and hasn't had trouble adjusting to running behind a fullback. He's getting a ton of work in camp behind a rejuvenated offensive line and likes the new offensive system implemented by HC Ken Whisenhunt. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Once again, we're talking about linking those two words I hate to see together: Cardinals and optimism. I've been burned over and over in the past linking these two and I'll probably do it again this year. OAK - HC Kiffin Returns To Practice Source: AP Oakland Raiders coach Lane Kiffin returned to practice Wednesday after missing the previous two days while being hospitalized for a viral infection. Kiffin, 32, entered the Queen of the Valley Medical Center and stayed there two nights undergoing tests and observation. He missed three practice sessions while at the hospital before returning Wednesday afternoon.[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Good news for Kiffin and the Raiders. Looks like he'll be OK. DEF - IND - S Sanders Expects To Be 100% By Opener Source: Mike Chappell, Indianapolis Star-News, Sporting News S Bob Sanders missed the first two weeks of training camp after undergoing shoulder surgery in the offseason. Sanders' rehabilitation is ahead of schedule and he anticipates being at 100 percent for the Sept. 6 season opener. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Bob Sanders proved last year how crucial his presence is to the Colts. He'll likely be even more vital this year with the team losing DT Booger McFarland. Let's hope he's right about being ready for Week 1. DEF - GB - Rookie DT Harrell Struggling Source: Tom Silverstein, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Sporting News First-round pick, DT Justin Harrell, has been a disappointment thus far. Harrell missed all but three games of his senior season at Tennessee, so he's getting used to being in pads again. He didn't report in particularly good shape and has been slow out of the gate. His pad level is too high and he isn't very explosive. The coaches are still confident he can contribute as a run defender, but right now he's fifth on the depth chart at tackle and would be inactive if the season started today. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Ouch. Just another example of how that step from college to the NFL is a tough one. GM Ted Thompson was a little more positive about Harrell's play after the last preseason game but the guy has some work to do. DEF - NYJ - CB Revis Finally Signs Source: Rich Cimini, NY Daily News The Jets have signed their first-round draft pick, former Pitt CB Darrelle Revis, who missed the first 19 days of training camp in a contract dispute. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The bizarre story finally comes to an end with Revis getting into camp. All eyes turn to Al Davis and JaMarcus Russell now as the last first rounder to sign. But that might take a while. That'll do it for today, Folks. Have a great Thursday and we'll see you tomorrow with the update. J |
