Volume 8, Issue 95 (Saturday, July 28th)

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Hi Folks,

SITE NEWS

A. Footballguys Podcast - The Audible - Steve Reed (CAR)
In This Episode: Cecil Lammey and Sigmund Bloom discuss the Carolina Panthers with Special Guest Steve Reed, Panthers beat writer from the Gaston Gazette. Topics include: how good can DeAngelo Williams be, should Jake Delhomme be looking over his shoulder, who wins the #2 WR job opposite of Steve Smith, a review of the battle at the CB position, plus more!

B. The Big Picture: 2007 Edition, Version 2
Our Mike Herman offers an updated version of his insanely detailed "Big Picture" feature. As I said of the last one, it's worth the price of a subscription just all by itself.

C. Player Face Off - GB QB Brett Favre
Our Jeff Haseley and Chris Smith face off over Brett Favre.

D. Player Face Off - PHI RB Brian Westbrook
Our Jeff Haseley and David Baker face off over Brian Westbrook.

E. Player Face Off - STL TE Randy McMichael
Our Mike Brown and David Yudkin face off over Randy McMichael.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

DAL - WR Owens May Line Up As Slot Receiver

Source: Jamie Aron, Associated Press

Cowboys WR Terrell Owens has plenty of reasons to expect a big season. In the first few days of camp, Owens ran routes from both outside receiving spots, something he didn't do last year. Phillips also likes the idea of lining him up in the slot. "He hasn't played much in the slot, which surprises me," Phillips said. "I just don't know how you'd play him in there, from a defensive standpoint. Playing against him, we were always glad that he was on one side and staying over there so we could double him."

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This is a great example of something I've thought for a long time - the idea that often times a defensive minded coach can offer big insights into improving his team's offense. As a defensive coordinator, Phillips had a great idea of the things he hoped he didn't see a guy like Owens doing. Of course now with Owens under his control, he wants to start doing some of those things to other teams. And you know Owens is liking anything that features him more prominently. You know it won't last, but the honeymoon is still definitely between Owens and Phillips.

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PHI - QB McNabb States Knee About 75% Healthy

Source: Associated Press, ESPN

Philadelphia Eagles star QB Donovan McNabb says he doesn't need to be completely healthy to be a force in the NFL. McNabb took part in the first practice of Eagles training camp Saturday, more than eight months after he tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee against Tennessee. "I'd say it's still about 75 percent," McNabb said of his knee. "I haven't tested it yet, but I can do everything I need to do in order to be successful. At 75 percent, I personally feel I can be one of the best quarterbacks in the league."

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McNabb said all I needed to hear - he's good enough to go right now and should only be getting better as the season nears. No player is ever 100% past the first week of training camp anyway. Don't underestimate the effect of the Eagles drafting rookie QB Kevin Kolb so early. McNabb will be playing to make a point this year - that he's not nearly ready to ride off into the Philadelphia sunset.

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MIA - Rookie RB Booker Impressing New Teammates

Source: Andy Kent, MiamiDolphins.com

It's early in training camp but rookie RB Lorenzo Booker already has impressed veteran DT Vonnie Holliday and other teammates. "This guy is impressive, he's fast," Holliday said after Saturday morning's first full-squad workout. "I can't wait to see him actually get into a preseason game and get some carries and some catches out of the backfield. He's so quick ... and his ability to make a move and get north and south is impressive." Booker has made no secret of letting it be known that he was under utilized at FSU, which is why he's willing to do whatever Miami's coaching staff asks him to do.

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The story will be told for Booker once the full contact starts. There's never been any question about what Holliday is saying above - Booker's definitely fast and elusive.

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ATL - QB Vick's Co-Defendant To Plead Guilty

Source: ESPN News Services

One of QB Michael Vick's co-defendants doesn't want to wait for trial. Tony Taylor's expected plea of guilty and his future cooperation with prosecutors adds to an already impressive array of evidence against Vick in the federal government's dogfighting case. Taylor's hearing was added to U.S. District Judge Henry E. Hudson's docket Friday, a day after he and the other three defendants pleaded not guilty before the same judge. Vick and the others still are scheduled for trial Nov. 26.

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It doesn't take a legal expert to know this is bad news for Vick and the two other guys. It's no giant leap to assume Taylor has cut a deal and will plead out in exchange for working with prosecutors. Stay tuned but it's not looking good.

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DET - QB Kitna Very Impressed With RB Bell

Source: Mike O'Hara, Detroit News

Detroit Lions QB Jon Kitna said that new starting RB Tatum Bell was the most impressive of the new players who have been brought in this year, including WR Calvin Johnson, the 1st-round draft pick. "He's a talented runner, somebody who can go the distance every time he touches the ball," Kitna said Thursday after seeing Bell in pads for the first time. "He's a great addition to our offense."

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Detroit may have two of the best values in Fantasy Football in QB Jon Kitna and RB Tatum Bell. Both guys have the potential for outstanding seasons but aren't as attractive to some fantasy owners for whatever reasons. Kevin Jones' foot injury is opening the door for Bell to grab the starting job and run with it. Most reports have Jones' chances of returning by Week 1 as 50-50. I like those odds for Tatum Bell. He's playing with a chip on his shoulder to show the detractors in Denver.

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DET - TE Beverly Retires

Source: Mike O'Hara, Detroit News

TE Eric Beverly, who was signed by the Lions in the offseason as a blocking tight end, has retired unexpectedly. The Lions still have two veteran tight ends in camp, Dan Campbell and Casey Fitzsimmons.

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For you guys that were counting on Beverly, time for the backup plan...

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ATL - Falcons Excited About RB Norwood

Source: J. Michael Moore, AtlantaFalcons.com

Atlanta Falcons RB Jerious Norwood showed more than a few flashes of brilliance as a rookie. And he's wasting little time showing what he can do as he heads into his sophomore season. "Jerious is a guy that you look at, you watch him on video and you say: 'Wow, this guy has a chance to really make some big plays for us,'" HC Bobby Petrino said. "He can accelerate and cut very quickly and he has home run speed. He's a very good receiver out of the backfield so we're looking forward to seeing how we utilize him catching the ball out of the backfield. He just needs to continually work on his blitz pickup and protecting the quarterback."

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This is pretty standard coach speak here. What else is Petrino going to say after Warrick Dunn's surgery except good things about Norwood? Besides, the issue with Norwood isn't going to be whether he's fast enough or can accelerate out his cuts. We know that. What we don't know is whether he can physically stand up to the load of being the primary running back. We'll have to see.

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OAK - Raiders Sign Rookie TE Miller

Source: Raiders.com

The Oakland Raiders have signed rookie TE Zach Miller. "I feel good; I'm just glad to have it done and be able to get out to practice." Miller said, " I'm here now and I can start practicing, showing the coaches what I have."

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Good news for Oakland and Miller. We project Miller to be the Raiders best TE this year.

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ATL - QB Shockley Looking For Opportuntity

Source: Steve Wyche, Atlanta Journal-Constitution

While the raw emotions rage through Georgia following a federal dogfighting indictment against QB Michael Vick, positive vibes are flowing in QB D.J. Shockley's direction. The polite and genuine local kid is viewed as a salve to heal the broken factions of those in support of Vick and those against him. He has a real shot to beat out Chris Redman to be the backup to starter Joey Harrington. "I know it's out there. I know a lot of people around here respect me, respect my game and that's huge for me," Shockley said Friday. "I'm from around here, so people know what I can do. It's just one of those things where you have to still go out and play."

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This will be something to watch closely in camp. Shockley is the local favorite but don't rule out the Louisville connection between Bobby Petrino and Chris Redman. Petrino was the Louisville offensive coordinator in 1998 when Redman was lighting things up for the Cardinals.

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ARZ - QB Leinart More Confident In 2007

Source: Mike Tulumello, East Valley Tribune

In his 2nd season, QB Matt Leinart is feeling more confident and is ready to lead the team. "My attitude is so much different," said Leinart, who said he can sense that teammates and coaches are confident in him. "They know what I can do. All that experience last year helped me tremendously for this season. I still have a lot to learn, especially with the new offense. But I felt totally different. I feel more in command. I feel more of a leader. I feel I can speak up. It's a totally different vibe. Now, I know what to expect."

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Hope always abounds in August and that's where we are for the Cardinals. Although there's definitely some truth to what Leinart's saying here. It's the same for all QBs who get that rough first year under their belt. He's got a much better grip on things and we expect him to be improved for 2007.

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BUF - RB Lynch Seeing Work With 1st Team

Source: Chris Brown, BuffaloBills.com

Buffalo Bills rookie RB Marshawn Lynch is steadily increasing his workload with the team. In just his second day at camp, Lynch joined QB J.P. Losman in the offensive backfield for the opening 11-on-11 no huddle portion of practice. In the six-play series the tailback had four rushes and ran hard inside and bobbed and weaved his way through the line. Lynch also saw first team action in a lengthy 7-on-7 period. On the first play the running back lined up outside and crossed up the defenders in zone coverage. Losman found him for a 20-yard pickup. He also put a nice juke on Keith Ellison in the flat after making a reception out of the backfield.

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I like Lynch in this offense. He'll work in with Anthony Thomas but we think it's going to be mostly Lynch once the season starts.

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NYJ - OG Kendall In Camp But Wants Out

Source: Dave Hutchinson, Star Ledger

New York Jets unhappy veteran OG Pete Kendall has told anyone who'll listen that he doesn't want to be a Jet anymore, yet there he was in his familiar No. 66 jersey. "I asked for my release again," said Kendall yesterday, adding that he reported to training camp to avoid a $14,000 per day fine. "I don't understand why I'm still here. I'm running with the second team. It's seemingly devolved to be personal. ... The last time we (he and coach Eric Mangini) spoke it ended with me saying, 'Eric, I don't want to be here anymore.'"

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So much for hoping he'd be able to play out the season and then move on. It does indeed look like it's become personal between Kendall and Mangini. Let's see how this plays out over the next week or so. There's no good reason why Pete Kendall is working with the 2nd team. Someone has to come to their senses here.

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CIN - Bengals WR Chatman Tweaks Hamstring

Source: Geoff Hobson, Bengals.com

Cincinnati Bengals WR Antonio Chatman tweaked his hamstring in Friday's first practice and sat out Saturday morning's practice. Indications are that Chatman, who missed virtually all of the last training camp with a groin problem, won't miss more than a week. But it's frustrating for both the Bengals and Chatman as they seek a third wide receiver to replace Chris Henry for the first half of the season. Chatman could only play in three games last year after arriving as a free agent from the Packers.

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Chris Henry's inability to stay out of trouble has created a great opportunity for one of the Bengal WRs. We think it'll be Tab Perry who makes the most of it. Chatman's injury woes certainly help Perry's cause here.

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MIA - WR Ginn Jr. Healthy And Ready To Play

Source: Steven Wine, Associated Press

1st-round pick WR Ted Ginn Jr. is now under contract and looking forward to training camp. Ginn missed five practices for rookies this week, but he made it to team meetings Friday as a prelude to the first full-squad workout. He sprained his left foot during an end zone celebration after returning the opening kickoff for a touchdown at the BCS national championship game, but said he's 100 percent and won't be limited in practice. "It's great to be here on time," said Ginn, a receiver and returner from Ohio State taken ninth in the draft. "We both had the same goal - to come in and be on time and be ready to start rolling. It all worked out fine."

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Good news to see Ginn signed and in camp. Even better news to hear that Ginn is feeling 100%. There are plenty of Dolphin fans that questioned his draft selection and Ginn can now get busy winning the support of the Miami faithful.

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DEN - Lombardi Joins Broncos Personnel Department

Source: Bill Williamson, Denver Post

The Broncos have added Mike Lombardi to help in the personnel department. Lombardi spent the past eight seasons with the Raiders before being fired by Davis in February. "I look forward to working with Mike Shanahan," Lombardi said. "This is a great organization and a great opportunity for me."

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I'm sure this went over like a lead baloon in Alameda...

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DEF - CAR - LB Morgan Makes Risky Return

Source: Associated Press, USA Today

Carolina Panthers LB Dan Morgan strapped on his extra-padded helmet, adjusted his special mouthpiece and ran onto the field, knowing some people think he's making a horrible decision. He is trying to return from at least the fifth concussion of his career, the one that forced him to miss the final 15 games last season. "I know everybody thinks I'm at risk and I know that," Morgan said. "Anybody who steps on the field is at risk, but I am more so because I have had more concussions than the average person. The minute I don't feel good is the minute I wouldn't be playing football, At the same time I feel good and I'm excited and I'm ready to go."

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Knowing when to shut it down is one of the toughest decisions athletes ever have to make. We wish Morgan the best here but I'd be lying if I said seeing him out there doesn't make me a little nervous.

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DEF - NE - Rookie DB Meriweather Getting Looks At Corner

Source: Mike Reiss, Boston Globe

New England Patriots rookie defensive back Brandon Meriweather, primarily a safety at Miami, has been getting some of his early work in practice at cornerback. He did start three games at corner last year for the Hurricanes.

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If there's a team in the league that can take a player from one position and plug him into another, it's New England. You IDP guys will want to keep an eye on how the Patriots use Meriweather in camp.

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DEF - DAL - CB Thomas Impressive For Cowboys

Source: Josh Ellis, DallasCowboys.com

CB Joey Thomas has had a few people asking, "Who was that?" during the first week of camp, continually running stride for stride on deep balls with WR Terrell Owens and WR Terry Glenn. Thomas has had several pass breakups and as of yet hasn't let anybody get behind him. Thomas was a 3rd-round draft pick for the Green Bay Packers in 2005 but never lived up to his potential there. The 26-year old might be turning things around in San Antonio, though, working now with the second-team defense.

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Ellis is a guy to file away for you IDP owners looking for a sleeper. He could get a shot with the starters in the new Cowboys defense and at least early in camp, he's been impressive.

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That'll do it for today, Folks. Have a great Sunday and we'll see you tomorrow with the update.