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Volume 8, Issue 131 (Sunday, September 2nd)
www.FantasyHeadquarters.com will be providing 3 very distinct draft styles and times, each day, between now, Labor Day, September 3rd, and the beginning of the season on Thursday, September 6th. It's now or never! If you want to participate in any of these last "Live Draft" Leagues, please click here for more information. As usual, mention that you heard about us through this FootballGuys.com email, and we'll take 5%* off of your entry fees! (*The $999 and $4999 leagues will be awarded a 3% discount, rather than 5%.) Don't wait until the last minute to reserve your teams! These leagues will fill up fast, and the season will be upon us. THIS IS YOUR LAST CHANCE - CLICK HERE TO RESERVE YOUR TEAMS NOW! LIMITED TIME OFFERS Hi Folks, Good Monday to you and happy Labor Day. Hope you're having a great Holiday weekend. We're mere days away from the kickoff of the NFL season and if you're like me, you're having a hard time constraining yourself. It's almost here. We've got some last minute news and notes for you so let's get to it. JSITE NEWS A.
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1. GB - Packers RB Morency Returns To Practice2. GB - Packers WR Driver Appears Ready For Season 3. ARZ - Cards' Boldin: 'No More Excuses' 4. BUF - QB Edwards A Smart Choice By Bills 5. CIN - Bengals HC Lewis Answers OT Jones' Complaint 6. CHI - Bears TE Olsen Receiving Treatment For Sprained Knee 7. MIN - Vikings HC Childress Rolling Dice With QB Jackson? 8. CLE - Browns GM Savage Backs HC Crennel 9. TB - Bucs Looking To Spread The Field 10. TB - Bucs Hoping To Deal QB Simms 11. STL - Rams Awarded Rookie RB Pittman On Tiebreaker 12. OAK - Raiders Mum On Starting QB 13. DET - Lions Rookie WR Johnson Not Yet Starter 14. DAL - Wilson's Suspesnsion Means More Work For OC Garrett 15. DEF - BUF - Bills Name Rookie Posluszny Starting MLB GB - Packers RB Morency Returns To Practice Source: Greg A. Bedard, Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel Green Bay Packers running back Vernand Morency appeared to be participating fully in practice for the first time since July 30th on Sunday, and also looked healthy. He got a lot of personal work with QB Brett Favre on the side. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Fantastic news for Morency and the Packers. Obviously, not good news for Brandon Jackson owners who were counting on him being the clear cut #1 guy. Morency will take a little bit to get into "football shape" but he'll likely cut into Jackson's time. GB - Packers WR Driver Appears Ready For Season Source: Greg A. Bedard, Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel Green Bay Packers wide receiver Donald Driver was on the field Sunday and participated in his first practice since spraining his right foot against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Aug. 23. Despite being in a boot as late as Thursday's game against the Tennessee Titans, Driver looked very healthy. No noticeable limp or anything else that would indicate he wouldn't be ready for next Sunday's season opener. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Great news for Driver and the Packers. QB Brett Favre will be thrilled to have him back. We liked James Jones in Driver's absence but Driver is a solid contributor and is a guy the Packers desperately need. ARZ - Cards' Boldin: 'No More Excuses' Source: Kent Somers, The Arizona Republic Arizona WR Anquan Boldin looks at the Cardinals and sees nothing they need, and how many Cardinals players have ever thought that? There's a new coaching staff, a promising young quarterback in Matt Leinart, an elite running back in Edgerrin James, Pro Bowl receivers in Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald, talent on defense and a stadium that is sold out for the second consecutive year. What the team lacks, Boldin said, are excuses for having another losing season. "I think it's a critical year, period, not only for the fans but for ourselves," Boldin said. "I think everything is in place now. We have the coaches that we wanted. I think we have the players in place. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] It seems that every year we can count on thing - the Cardinals raising every one's hopes with positive changes that have folks thinking "this is the year". We've heard it before. And we all know how that's turned out. Although there has to be a first time. And there does seem justifiable reason for excitement this year. We'll see. BUF - QB Edwards A Smart Choice By Bills Source: Bob Matthews, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle The most impressive player in the preseason for the Bills was rookie quarterback Trent Edwards, who engineered the 16-13 come-from-behind victory over the Lions backups. The 6-foot-4 Stanford product has the size to play QB in the NFL and he showed off plenty of other quality traits, including savvy, touch, accuracy on short passes and leadership. He was playing against second- and third-stringers but still was an impressive 46 of 61 (.754) for 432 yards with 1 TD, 0 INT and a 99.9 passer rating. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] J.P. Losman is the man in Buffalo so this story has limited value but it's good to know who you want to keep an eye on. At least from what we saw in the preseason, Edwards is a guy that looks like he can play in this league. CIN - Bengals HC Lewis Answers OT Jones' Complaint Source: Mark Curnutte, The Cincinnati Enquirer Cincinnati Bengals coach Marvin Lewis responded Saturday to comments made Friday night by left tackle Levi Jones, saying Jones "understated how much he practiced, maybe by one-third." Jones said he has not had enough practice time in the past two weeks to prepare fully for games and wondered aloud about his future in Cincinnati. Jones has worked as the No. 2 left tackle since returning to practice two weeks ago behind Andrew Whitworth. Asked if he were concerned about Jones' comments, Lewis also said: "It concerns me because it's not about Levi, it's about the team, and he realizes that. I don't want the guys to vent their frustrations to (the media), and I won't vent mine to (the media), either." [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Interesting study in management there. Lewis is basically saying to Jones: Be a man and talk to me about this face to face instead of whining to a reporter. I'd hope this is the last we hear of it. In the bigger picture, the team very much needs a healthy Levi Jones holding down the left tackle spot. If they can keep Willie Anderson healthy at the right tackle spot, this offense gets a big boost. CHI - Bears TE Olsen Receiving Treatment For Sprained Knee Source: Larry Mayer, ChicagoBears.com There was nothing new to report Saturday regarding the status of Chicago Bears rookie tight end Greg Olsen, who was injured in Thursday night's preseason finale against the Browns. "He still has the same knee sprain," said coach Lovie Smith. "He's getting treatment daily. The smile is coming back on his face, so we're optimistic." Asked if Olsen underwent an MRI exam, Smith said: "We're evaluating him, so everything that you go through as far as evaluation to see exactly what's happening with the knee, we've done." The Bears coach declined to reveal whether he expected Olsen to miss next Sunday's regular season opener against the Chargers in San Diego. "I hope he will not," Smith said. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The Bears are being tight lipped about this one but most feel that he's got a good shot to be ready for the opener. In the bigger picture, it doesn't look like it's a serious injury. Stay tuned next week as Olsen will be one of the many guys we'll be following closely. MIN - Vikings HC Childress Rolling Dice With QB Jackson? Source: Bill Williamson, Denver Post Make no mistake, the future of Brad Childress, embarking on his second season as the Minnesota Vikings' coach, will ride on the decision to go with Tarvaris Jackson as his starting quarterback. It's not a surprise Childress picked Jackson to be the starter after the preseason, because there wasn't another viable option on the team, but it still is a surprise the 2006 second-round draft pick is the starter. The Vikings bypassed opportunities to try to find a starting quarterback in the offseason in favor of Jackson. If Jackson flames out after a year or two, the Vikings will be looking for a new quarterback and a new coach. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] I'm not as sure that Childress' job is as tied to Jackson's success as the writer is but I do agree he's put a good bit of faith in the young man. It's time for him to reward Childress with solid play. A healthy running game with Chester Taylor and rookie Adrian Peterson will help some. CLE - Browns GM Savage Backs HC Crennel Source: Tony Grossi, The Cleveland Plain Dealer In opening remarks to reporters on Saturday, Cleveland Browns General Manager Phil Savage gave coach Romeo Crennel an unsolicited vote of confidence. I'll emphasize again today, there is no Romeo Crennel watch in this building," Savage said. "I've said it 10 times, he's the right man for the job. There's nobody else out there that could've won more than eight to 12 games over the last two years with the roster we had and circumstances and situations that we've been through. Motorcycle accidents, injuries, all sorts of things." [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Yikes. It's not even Week 1 and already Crennel gets the dreaded "vote of confidence"... TB - Bucs Looking To Spread The Field Source: Rick Stroud, St. Petersburg Times For those who thought Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Michael Clayton was on the bubble, hate to burst it. Clayton was among five receivers kept by the team, a list that includes Joey Galloway, Maurice Stovall, David Boston and Ike Hilliard. Look for HC John Gruden to try to utilize more three-receiver sets. In fact, it wouldn't surprise anyone if the Bucs become more of a team that sets up the run by using the pass. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Looks like Michael Clayton dodged the Turk here and David Boston will see some action. It'll be interesting to see how Gruden uses Boston and Stovall. Right now, it looks like a committee approach until one guy distances himself. TB - Bucs Hoping To Deal QB Simms Source: Rick Stroud, St. Petersburg Times Many executives around the league think the Tampa Bay Buccaneers intend to part ways with QB Chris Simms. But when? Perhaps the Bucs are hoping that in the next several weeks, a team will lose its quarterback and be in a position where it is more inclined to deal a decent draft pick for Simms. One thing is fairly certain. Had Simms been released Saturday, he would be an Atlanta Falcon this morning. The thought of giving Simms away to a division rival and former Bucs general manager Rich McKay was probably pretty unappetizing. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] You'd think Simms would have at least a little trade value. I mean if Kelly Holcomb has trade value, you'd think Simms would. We'll see. STL - Rams Awarded Rookie RB Pittman On Tiebreaker Source: Jim Thomas, St. Louis Post-Dispatch The St. Louis Rams were awarded the services of running back Antonio Pittman, claiming him on waivers Sunday from the New Orleans Saints. The Cincinnati Bengals also put in a claim on Pittman, but the Rams were awarded his services because of a poorer record than the Bengals in '06. (Actually both teams finished 8-8, but the Rams got Pittman on the tie-breaker - an easier strength of schedule.) To make room for Pittman, the Rams placed running back Rich Alexis on waivers. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] If you were hoping Pittman would go to a team where he might play some this year, St. Louis was not that team. Barring injury, Pittman shouldn't see much time. OAK - Raiders Mum On Starting QB Source: Jerry McDonald, InsideBayArea.com Oakland Raiders HC Lane Kiffin has not named a starting quarterback or center as of Sunday. Kiffin said he hasn't told Daunte Culpepper or Josh McCown who would start next Sunday against the Lions. McCown was asked if he knew when they would be notified. "I don't know. Whatever he thinks," McCown said. "Daunte and I are sitting on ready, waiting on go. We're both prepared and have a focus to help this team win ball games." One player said Kiffin was asked about the quarterback situation Sunday and wouldn't disclose the starter to the team. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] More on the story from yesterday. We think it'll be Daunte Culpepper but stranger things have happened. DET - Lions Rookie WR Johnson Not Yet Starter Source: Nicholas J. Cotsonika, Detroit Free Press When asked whether or not rookie wide receiver Calvin Johnson, the second overall pick of this year's draft, earned a starting job; "At this point, no," Detroit Lions HC Rod Marinelli said. "He's not, yet. And so we're going to make these guys continue to work to earn. He's got everything we want. He's going to be something else." [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] This is mainly a title thing and a way to keep the rookie humble. We're not worried about Calvin Johnson at all. DAL - Wilson's Suspesnsion Means More Work For OC Garrett Source: AP With quarterbacks coach Wade Wilson suspended the first five games, new Cowboys offensive coordinator Jason Garrett just got a little busier. Garrett will take over the majority of Wilson's one-on-one work. It's a logical step considering he did it the last two years in Miami and informally did it for much of his career as a backup. However, this is the first time he's in charge of an entire offense -- including calling plays -- so it could be a bit of a burden. Throughout the preseason, Garrett was on the sideline and Wilson was watching from the press box. "I think (he was) another set of eyes upstairs," coach Wade Phillips said. "He gives suggestions and he helps, as our other coaches in the booth do, with suggestions as far as the passing game goes and the quarterback."[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Garrett already had plenty on his plate as a new coordinator. Wade Phillips son, Wes Phillips is an offensive assistant in charge of quality control and he'll also likely help pick up the slack. DEF - BUF - Bills Name Rookie Posluszny Starting MLB Source: Chris Brown, BuffaloBills.com Buffalo Bills HC Dick Jauron named Paul Posluszny the team's starting middle linebacker after practice Sunday afternoon. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Not a surprise here as Posluszny has had a great summer. It's a pretty big deal for a rookie to be holding down the starting MLB job and we wish him the best. That'll do it for today, Folks. Have a great Monday and we'll see you tomorrow with the update. J |
