|
Volume 8, Issue 116 (Saturday, August 18th)
LIMITED TIME OFFERS Hi Folks, Good Sunday to you. Hope you're doing more like Brady Quinn and less like Ebenezer Ekuban. We've got lots of News and Notes for you so let's get to it. JSITE NEWS A.
The Perfect Draft - 12 Teams
INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1. CLE - QB Quinn Shines In Pro Debut2. DEN - RB Henry Leaves Game With Knee Sprain 3. PHI - Eagles RB Hunt To See Goal Line Carries 4. PHI - Eagles PK Akers Connects Big 5. HOU - Rookie WR Jones Pushing For Starting Spot 6. WAS - QB Campbell Suffers Bruised Knee 7. GB - QB Favre, Packers Much Sharper Against Seahawks 8. GB - Rookie RB Jackson Looks Good Against Seahawks 9. DET - QB Kitna Continues To Shine In Martz' Offense 10. DAL - Just Like 2006, RB Barber III Shines Near Endzone 11. JAX - Jaguars Release QB Couch 12. NE - Patriots Sign QB Testaverde To One-Year Deal 13. DAL - Former HC Parcells Said Owens Not A Factor In Retirement 14. DEF - PHI - DE Kearse Suffers Swelling In Knee 15. DEF - DEN - DE Ekuban Out For Year CLE - QB Quinn Shines In Pro Debut Source: AP Brady Quinn's pro debut was nearly picture perfect. With flashbulbs popping all around the stadium, Quinn threw two fourth-quarter touchdown passes in his first NFL exhibition game and looked better than any other Cleveland quarterback in the Browns' 23-20 loss to the Detroit Lions on Saturday night. As No. 10 jogged onto the field with 9:20 remaining, Cleveland fans welcomed Quinn with a roaring ovation, and many of them stayed on their feet after Quinn hit Chris Barclay on a screen pass that went for 30 yards on his first play. Quinn completed five passes in a row before his first miss. On second-and-3 at Detroit's 4-yard line, he calmly rolled to his right and drilled a touchdown pass to rookie Efrem Hill, who got open near the sideline. The next time Cleveland got the ball, Quinn drove the Browns 92 yards in 1:52, hitting Jerome Harrison with a 6-yard touchdown pass with 18 seconds left.[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] OK. This was not just a preseason game. It was a preseason game in the fourth quarter. BUT, Quinn looked fantastic. He was poised in the pocket, made the right reads, showed plenty of arm when he needed to, and led his team down the field 92 yards for a 2 minute drill score. He finished 13 of 20 for 155 yards but it should be noted that he had 3 spikes to stop the clock. Given the situation, he could not have looked any better. But take a deep breath. There's a big difference between the fourth quarter and the first quarter. But the pressure is absolutely going to be huge after this debut to see Quinn as the starter. I'd expect him to start next week's game so the team can see how he fares against the starters. Stay tuned but this has to be very encouraging for Browns fans.DEN - RB Henry Leaves Game With Knee Sprain Source: AP Denver running back Travis Henry sprained his left knee in the second quarter of the Broncos' preseason game against Dallas on Saturday night. Henry ran for 25 yards on 10 carries and lost a fumble on Denver's 7. He gained a yard on first-and-goal from the 3 on the play he was injured. Henry later walked to the locker room with an ice pack on his knee.[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] There isn't a guy in the league I've been higher on this year than Travis Henry so obviously this one has our complete attention. It wasn't an "ugly" knee injury by any stretch. No weird bending or anything like that you could see. He plowed forward into the pile and came up limping. He limped off the field at a quick pace and was able to put plenty of weight on the leg. Although to be fair, that doesn't mean he's OK. We've seen it before where players walk off with a knee injury. Our Footballguy Sigmund Bloom attended the Denver post game press conference and the news sounded more optimistic. The team thinks it's a 1st degree sprain of his MCL. Coach Mike Shanahan was asked if he thought Henry would be ready for Week 1 of the regular season and Shanahan said that not only did he think Henry would be ready for Week 1, he might be ready for the next preseason game. Obviously, this is a preliminary report from the locker room on Saturday night after the game but it sounds encouraging. We'll know more here soon. Mike Bell and Cecil Sapp have been working behind Henry. Bell has a hip strain so he's not exactly healthy. And Sapp has been the guy looking impressive in camp. If Henry were to be limited, it's tough to say right now whether it would be Bell or Sapp to benefit the most. It's likely both would have a role. But for now, let's hope Henry is OK.PHI - Eagles RB Hunt To See Goal Line Carries Source: John Clayton, PhiladelphiaEagles.com Philadelphia Eagles running back Tony Hunt, hailed as a much-needed power-rushing complement to RB Brian Westbrook, has quickly found a niche as the Eagles top short-yardage and goal line running option. "During training camp we put him in that situation ... goal line and short yardage," head coach Andy Reid said. "We thought he did a pretty good job there so we're giving him an opportunity now during the preseason games to do it. I was impressed by how he got his pad level down. He's naturally a high runner. He was able to drop his pads down and run with power." For the time being, it appears Hunt has carved out a role in Philadelphia. And if the rookie continues to have success down by the goal line, he could get a fair amount of touches in similar situations when the games start to count. "If that's how it turns out I'd be happy with it," Hunt said. "The biggest thing is just finding a role coming into a new team. You want to know what to know 'What do I need to do? How am I going to contribute?' You're kind of lost for a while at first. "I think if need be, I'm going to get the job done."[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Every year, there seems to be a player that emerges from "nowhere" to grab the short yardage TDs. Looks like that player could be Tony Hunt this season. It could spell bad news for Westbrook and Buckhalter if Hunt settles into this role. In 2006, Westbrook had 7 goal line carries. Correll Buckhalter had 6 goal line carries. PHI - Eagles PK Akers Connects Big Source: Jeff Offord, PhillyBurbs.com During their pre-season game against the Carolina Panthers Friday night, Philadelphia Eagles kicker David Akers booted a 52-yard field goal to cap the Eagles' first possession of the game, and then added a 51-yarder in the third quarter. Akers' last four field goals of 50 yards or more have been in the preseason. Since 2004 he has more 50-yard field goals in the preseason (five,) than the regular season (three.) Akers also nailed all three extra point attempts Friday night. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Akers continues to flex that strong leg. If your league awards bonus points for the really long FGs, make sure to bump Akers up a few spots. HOU - Rookie WR Jones Pushing For Starting Spot Source: Will Flaherty, HoustonTexans.com Although WR Kevin Walter was announced as a starting receiver, the play of Jacoby Jones has the young rookie right on Walter's heels for starting time at wideout. While Walter struggled in the last preseason game, Jones led the team in receptions against the Bears. HC Gary Kubiak has begun to take notice of what the 6-2 rookie out of tiny Lane College brings to his offense. Coming from a small school, wondering how much information he could take and put in to use was the biggest question (for us)," Kubiak said. "That's been pretty easy for him. Other than the few occasional drops - which if he gets over those, the sky is the limit - he surprised us all. He was a tremendous draft choice and we're very fortunate to get him." [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] We've been talking about Jones for a little bit and he's quietly rising up the charts. Granted, the #2 WR for Houston isn't exactly the same as the #2 for Indianapolis but if Jones keeps this up, he'll be dramatically undervalued. WAS - QB Campbell Suffers Bruised Knee Source: Chris Smith, Footballguys.com Washington Redskins starting QB Jason Campbell suffered at least a bruised knee on Saturday against the Pittsburgh Steelers. It appears to be encouraging at this point but club will examine to determine if an MRI is needed. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The Redskins have the veteran Mark Brunell and Todd Collins to back up Campbell but hopefully Campbell will be OK. Stay tuned. Campbell still has a lot to prove at this level, but he's clearly the guy they want under center. GB - QB Favre, Packers Much Sharper Against Seahawks Source: Chris Smith, Footballguys.com What a difference one week can make in the preseason. A week ago, the Packers 1st-string offense was putrid, making mistakes and simply not moving the football. Today against the Seahawks, QB Brett Favre looked like the Favre of old, leading the Packers out to a 17 to 3 lead. Favre threw a touchdown to rookie WR James Jones who continues to impress and is climbing the Packers depth chart. He looks like the real deal at the receiver position. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Favre isn't the guy he was a few years back. But he's still a serviceable QB. We currently have him projected as the #16 quarterback on the board. GB - Rookie RB Jackson Looks Good Against Seahawks Source: Chris Smith, Footballguys.com The Packers are giving rookie RB Brandon Jackson every opportunity to shine and he is making the most of it against the Seattle Seahawks. He had 8 carries for 36 rushing yards in the first quarter alone and scored on a one-yard plunge. He has looked quick and his cuts are more decisive this week. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] This league is all about taking advantage of opportunities and Jackson is doing exactly that. He ran with authority and looked strong. Vernand Morency will definitely be an obstacle to Jackson seeing time but if Jackson keeps this up, he'll be tough to keep off the field. DET - QB Kitna Continues To Shine In Martz' Offense Source: Chris Smith, Footballguys.com Detroit Lions starting QB Jon Kitna had a great game on Saturday against the Cleveland Browns, completing 12 of 16 passes for 137 yards and a touchdown. Kitna continues to grow within the Mike Martz' offensive attack and he could be in for a big season with the Lions this year. Leading the way at receiver was veteran Shaun McDonald who continues to put up nice numbers and should contribute as the #4 WR. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] We've been shouting it for a while, but Kitna is a guy I love this season. He's undervalued in most drafts I see and is in a great opportunity in this system. With Calvin Johnson now in the fold, he's got one of the more talented WR corps in the game, plus an offensive coordinator that loves to throw the ball. DAL - Just Like 2006, RB Barber III Shines Near Endzone Source: Chris Smith, Footballguys.com In the Cowboys/Broncos preseason tilt, RB Marion Barber III plunged in from one-yard out and also scored from 5 yards out, showing once again that he is clearly the best option in the goalline offense for the Cowboys. He is very difficult to contain when the endzone is in sight. It looks like a one-two punch with both Julius Jones and Barber III seeing playing time once again this year. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The Cowboys have a new coaching staff but the running back situation looked a lot like 2006 in this game. This Jones / Barber tandem works pretty well and it looks they may stick with it. Which means Jones could have his value hurt by Barber stealing TDs. To be fair though, Jones did have a TD rush from 4 yards out so it's not like Barber got everything. JAX - Jaguars Release QB Couch Source: Len Pasquarelli, ESPN The comeback attempt of former 1st pick in the 1999 NFL Draft QB Tim Couch took a hit on Saturday when the Jacksonville Jaguars released the five-year veteran. The move by the Jaguars could end Couch's career, which has been marked in recent years by shoulder injuries. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] And I haven't had a chance to even wear that Jaguars Couch jersey yet... NE - Patriots Sign QB Testaverde To One-Year Deal Source: Len Pasquarelli, ESPN The New England Patriots made it official on Saturday, signing veteran free agent QB Vinny Testaverde, who will return for a 21st season. Contract details were not immediately available, but it is believed that Testaverde signed a one-year deal that includes a base salary of $820,000. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] 21 years in the NFL. Congrats. I always pull for Testaverde just because he's older than I am. There aren't many of those guys left in the league... DAL - Former HC Parcells Said Owens Not A Factor In Retirement Source: Tim MacMahon, Cowboys.beloblog.com Parcells was asked by Albany Times Union's Bill Ettkin if Terrell Owens ran Parcells out of town: "He's a pleasant enough kid," Parcells said. "He's not mean-spirited; he's not vulgar. He's really OK in that respect. ... He didn't have anything to do with me (retiring) at the end of the day."[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Bill Parcells is not a factor for the 2007 Cowboys. But this fits more in what I've said for a while - Owens is not the cancer many in the media portray him to be. DEF - PHI - DE Kearse Suffers Swelling In Knee Source: Jeff Offord, PhillyBurbs.com Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Javon Kearse was easily the most surprising name on the inactive list for Friday night's pre-season game against the Carolina Panthers. Kearse, who is recovering from surgery on his left knee, suffered some swelling in the same knee before the game and was held out for precautionary measures. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] "Precautionary measures" always raises an eyebrow but the threshold for whether a guy can play in a preseason game like this is pretty low. Especially for a veteran like Kearse. We'll watch closely but we're not panicked. DEF - DEN - DE Ekuban Out For Year Source: A bad night for the Broncos turned worse with the news that defensive end Ebenezer Ekuban will miss the rest of the 2007 season because of a torn Achilles tendon. Ekuban suffered the injury midway through the second quarter.[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Tough news for Ekuban. You could see when he injured it that it was serious as he was unable to put any weight at all on his leg. That'll do it for today, Folks. Have a great Sunday and we'll see you tomorrow with the update. J |
