Footballguys Daily Email - Volume 10, Issue 110 (Friday, August 7th)
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Hi Folks,
Good Saturday to you. Camps are cranking and battles are on. We'll stay right here with you every step of the way. Lots of stories to talk about so let's get to it.
J
SITE NEWS
A.
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1. SD - RB LaDainian Tomlinson pushing for himself and RB Darren Sproles in the same backfield2. JAX - WR Mike Walker in line to start
3. SF - WR Brandon Jones out eight weeks
4. TB - QB Byron Leftwich is carrying himself with confidence
5. GB - RB Ryan Grant having a good camp
6. DEN - Boo-birds come out at Invesco for QB Kyle Orton
7. GB - RB DeShawn Wynn keeps impressing
8. NYG - TE Travis Beckum getting more playing time
9. CLE - WR Josh Cribbs wants to be a starting receiver
10. DAL - What role will RB Felix Jones have in the passing game?
11. BAL - WR Demetrius Williams gets a minor concussion
12. GB - RB DeShawn Wynn has taken the next step
13. GB - WR James Jones is back
14. STL - McMichael eager to work in the West Coast Offense
15. MIN - TE Visanthe Shiancoe getting in better shape
16. CHI - WR Devin Hester giving up kickoff return job
17. ARI - RB Chris Wells runs sprints Friday
18. SD - RB LaDainian Tomlinson fresh and explosive
19. SEA - QB Matt Hasselbeck says arm feels fine
20. MIN - WR Percy Harvin's speed stretching team defense
21. NYJ - RB Shonn Greene getting healthy, impressing
22. CIN - QB Carson Palmer : Rookie RB Bernard Scott 'dropping jaws'
23. DEN - S Brian Dawkins has a broken hand
SD - RB LaDainian Tomlinson pushing for himself and RB Darren Sproles in the same backfield
Source: Tim Sullivan - The San Diego Union-Tribune
Tim Sullivan, of The San Diego Union-Tribune, reports San Diego Chargers RB LaDainian Tomlinson has been pushing head coach Norv Turner to add some plays that have both Tomlinson and backup RB Darren Sproles in the backfield at the same time. Tomlinson said Turner always says they are working on it, but they have yet to see it happen.
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Turner said the problem with such a formation is that it requires one of the two backs to work as a lead blocker at times. While Turner noted Tomlinson is an outstanding blocker, he doesn't see a scenario where he would design offensive plays that feature Tomlinson in that role. Turner went on to basically say blocking isn't something Sproles does. Tomlinson believes the addition would create mismatches the team could exploit.
JAX - WR Mike Walker in line to start
Source: Michael C. Wright - the Florida Times-Union
Michael C. Wright, from the Florida Times-Union, reports entering his third season slated to compete for a starting job, Mike Walker might finally be at the end of what's seemed like a lifetime of adversity - personally and professionally. "It's been hard, but I'm over it now," Walker said. "Where I'm at in my life it's do or die. I have all the potential. I'm in a state of mind where it's just time to do it. No more excuses." In line with Walker's new mentality, he's switched numbers (from No. 81 to No. 11), made plans to change his last name to Sims-Walker in honor of his father and appears to be fully healthy for the first time in his career.
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Walker focused on working out his lower legs this offseason and the added strength is hopefully going to lead to better durability. He played at Central Florida and Brandon Marshall (a former CFU player) said that Walker could end up being a better player than he is. If he can stay healthy fantasy owners will need to take note. Because of his size Walker could be the deep threat for the team and a repeated target in the endzone.
SF - WR Brandon Jones out eight weeks
Source: Matt Maiocco - The Santa Rosa Press Democrat
Updating a previous report, Matt Maiocco, of The Santa Rosa Press Democrat, reports San Francisco 49ers WR Brandon Jones (shoulder) will be out for eight weeks because of a fracture in his right shoulder.
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Isaac Bruce and Jason Hill move up on this news, particularly Hill since he will have the chance to get some important snaps and show what he can do, instead of languishing as the #5. Dominique Zeigler even gets a bump. The camp standout who has been making highlight plays every other day has a legitimate chance to make the team now, as does Arnaz Battle, who has to stay healthy to hold off Zeigler on the depth chart.
TB - QB Byron Leftwich is carrying himself with confidence
Source: Ira Kaufman - TBO.com
Ira Kaufman, from TBO.com, is reporting on their twitter feed that Byron Leftwich is carrying himself with the look of a man who believes he is winning the QB battle. It's early, but I think he's right.
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Leftwich certainly should be confident. He has the most experience of any of the Buccaneer quarterbacks and is coming off a Super Bowl year with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He is competing with Luke McCown for the starting job, but the team could decide to go with rookie Josh Freeman if neither of the veterans impress in preseason.
GB - RB Ryan Grant having a good camp
Source: Packers.com
Packers.com posted Mike McCarthy's press conference transcript from today and he commented on RB Ryan Grant. "I think Ryan has had a very solid camp. It's really our first time going through a full camp with Ryan. We acquired him the first year after training camp, and then last year obviously he had the hamstring injury. We get better every day. I talk about the philosophy to the offense, you need to be strong up the middle, and the only way to get strong up the middle is to make sure those guys practice every day. I'm talking about the center, two guards, the quarterback and the halfback. When those guys are together every single day, you've got months and years of tying that together, that's when the real offenses get clicking. Obviously you want everybody there every day, but we've had some moving parts at those positions, and I think the more we're able to lock them down and get the constant reps with those players, I think the efficiency of our offense will stay at a high level."
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Ryan Grant is trying to bounce back from a poor 2008 season and will be given every opportunity to be the Packers featured runner. In a year where you can wait on running backs in your fantasy draft (if you're not at the top of the first round) a guy like Ryan Grant could be had in some leagues as late as the third round. He should get around 300 carries this year, in addition to catching 20 or so passes this year.
DEN - Boo-birds come out at Invesco for QB Kyle Orton
Source: Arnie Stapleton - the Associated Press
Arnie Stapleton, from the Associated Press, reports Kyle Orton drew the fans' ire when he was picked off twice by cornerback Andre' Goodman, the second of which was returned for a long touchdown. "I had a good day," Goodman said in a lonely sentiment afterward. Orton also was jeered when he threw behind receiver Chad Jackson, again when he missed a wide-open Jabar Gaffney in the end zone and also when he floated a pass down the middle that Champ Bailey busted up. "Fans can cheer. They can boo," Orton said. "We've got good fans, and they're passionate about their football, that's for sure."
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Kyle Orton has been up and down in practice out at Dove Valley, and when the Broncos moved their practice to Invesco field (which was open free to the public) he had one of his worst performances in training camp. His timing seemed to be off, and when he was in sync he floated passes instead of zipping them in. Orton's arm is not as strong as Chris Simms, but he usually makes better decision with the football. There is no QB controversy in Denver currently, but if Orton plays poorly in the preseason we could see Simms take over.
GB - RB DeShawn Wynn keeps impressing
Source: Tom Silverstein - the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel
Tom Silverstein, from the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, reports it's Ryan Grant's property right now, but if DeShawn Wynn can remain upright this season, the starting running back position for the Green Bay Packers might be a time share.
Questions continued to linger about whether he could get himself in shape enough to challenge Grant this summer. The answer after eight training camp practices is yes. "This is the best shape I believe he's ever been in," running backs coach Edgar Bennett said. "He's strong; he's lean and quick for a big guy. He's a talented man."
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Wynn used to have a reputation as an underachiever his first two seasons with the Packers, and he was released in last year's training camp and was signed to the practice squad. He finished the year on the active roster and in week 17 against the Lions he had 7 carries for 106 yards and a touchdown. His career path may follow that of fellow Gator, Earnest Graham, who had stick around on special teams, and play a little fullback before getting his chance to carry the ball. If Ryan Grant starts slow (as he's known to do) we could see the Packers turn the running game over to DeShawn Wynn.
NYG - TE Travis Beckum getting more playing time
Source: Ralph Vacchiano - the New York Daily News
Ralph Vacchiano, from the New York Daily News, reports rookie TE Travis Beckum is seeing more and more action every day and two things are very evident. One is that he has soft hands, much like Nicks. There's no sound when he makes a catch and his transition from catch to turning up field is very smooth. The other thing is that he gets open very quickly underneath, which is a big reason why he's here and a skill that should be a big help on windy days late in the season.
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He'll never be confused with a traditional blocking tight end, but Beckum is built more like a super-sized wide receiver. He is extremely athletic, and has consistent hands. Beckum does have durability issues, but if he's healthy the Giants have yet another weapon in their passing game.
CLE - WR Josh Cribbs wants to be a starting receiver
Source: George M. Thomas - The Akron Beacon Journal
George M. Thomas, of The Akron Beacon Journal, reports Cleveland Browns WR Josh Cribbs, a special teams ace, is making a case for a starting job at wide receiver during training camp. He said it is his goal to win the No. 2 job opposite Braylon Edwards.
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Cribbs said the coaching staff wants to get him the football regularly instead of force-feeding him with gadget plays. He is working on improving his route running and fundamentals with hopes of winning the job. In regards to his contract situation, Cribbs would not provide an update but said he is happy to be on the field now and he is not worried about his contract.
DAL - What role will RB Felix Jones have in the passing game?
Source: Tim McMahon - the Dallas Morning News
Tim McMahon, from the Dallas Morning News, reports RB Felix Jones is fully recovered from the hamstring and toe injuries that halted his rookie season after a sensational six-game tease. His role will be significantly expanded this season, as the offensive staff spent a lot of time brainstorming ways to take advantage of his explosiveness and elusiveness in the open field. There has been much talk about his potential impact in the passing game as a slot receiver and even split wide, but we've yet to see evidence in the Alamodome that he's a threat in those roles. He has been as dynamic as expected as swing and screen passes and when handed or pitched the ball. He'll be the primary kick returner again, and he's working as a punt returner, although judging and catching punts is still quite an adventure for him.
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Jones is a threat to score nearly every time he touches the football so expect the Cowboys to get him the ball in any number of ways.
BAL - WR Demetrius Williams gets a minor concussion
Source: The Carroll County Times
The Carroll County Times reports WR Demetrius Williams returned to practice after missing the morning session with a minor concussion. "Demetrius landed on his head, and they held him out for the concussion issue," Harbaugh said. "They have to pass those tests."
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Williams has had trouble staying healthy during his pro career, and has already sustained a hamstring injury in training camp. The Ravens WR corps is really banged up with Mark Clayton set to miss a few more weeks of practice.
GB - RB DeShawn Wynn has taken the next step
Source: Packers.com
Packers.com posted Mike McCarthy's press conference transcript from today and he commented on RB DeShawn Wynn. "I think what you see from DeShawn Wynn, he's always had the ability to play at a high level, but it's that next step that you look for in a lot of your younger players. Can he do it every day? I think he's had a very good training camp. It's his best training camp so far in his career. But he has to do it every day. That's what he needs to get done, because he's played at a high level for us in the past when he's had an opportunity in the regular-season games, but that's the question he needs to answer."
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If only he can stay healthy, DeShawn Wynn could have a much bigger role than most people are expecting. There is a chance if Ryan Grant starts the season off slow the Packers could hand over the starting job to Wynn.
Source: Packers.com
Packers.com posted Mike McCarthy's press conference transcript from today and he commented on what he's seen from WR James Jones. "I would like to say he's back. James last year was one of the stars of training camp. I thought he had an incredible training camp last year. He hurt the knee up in the Denver preseason game and it was something that was with him all year. He looks like he is back to full strength."
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The Packers have one of the best WR corps in the league and Jones will compete with second-year pro Jordy Nelson for the third-string job behind starters Greg Jennings and Donald Driver. The team may decide to rotate Nelson and Jones because of their different skill sets.
STL - McMichael eager to work in the West Coast Offense
Source: Steve Korte - the News-Democrat
Steve Korte, from the News-Democrat, reports Rams TE Randy McMichael said he is looking forward to playing in the West Coast offense -- an offense that is generally considered friendly for tight ends -- for the first time this season. "It's a fun offense to play,'' McMichael said. "A couple of years ago somebody told me about it, and finally I'm getting an opportunity to play in it."
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McMichael was on pace to catch 44 balls for 556 yards last year. As long as he stays healthy, that should be his floor for this year. He is the biggest pass catcher the Rams have, and new offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur has already said he is impressed with McMichael. With no Torry Holt to lean on, McMichael could become Marc Bulger's go-to guy in key situations.
MIN - TE Visanthe Shiancoe getting in better shape
Source: The Minneapolis Star-Tribune
The Minneapolis Star-Tribune, reports Vikings TE Visanthe Shiancoe also changed his diet, eliminating fatty foods. That helped him reduce his body fat and add muscle. He said all the changes come with a purpose: to build on what he's started, which in classic Shiancoe style, he compared to a construction project. "I just want to keep on building and adding bricks onto my building," he said. "Every brick is worth something. There's never a brick that's not worthy."
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Shiancoe set career bests in receptions, yards and touchdowns, but some of that success stemmed from mediocre play at the receiver position. The WR corps is much improved this season, and that should keep Shiancoe from matching last year's Top 10 finish. His current ADP is TE13 and that seems fairly accurate.
CHI - WR Devin Hester giving up kickoff return job
Source: CBSSports.com
CBSSports.com reports Chicago Bears WR Devin Hester said he is giving up his kickoff return duties so he can focus more on becoming a better wide receiver. He will still be the team's punt returner. Special team coordinator Dave Toub would not rule out using Hester on kickoffs in an emergency.
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People in leagues that score return yards already took away the bump that Hester got from his return prowess last year, so this shouldn't shake up any boards.
ARI - RB Chris Wells runs sprints Friday
Source: CBSSports.com
Updating a previous report, CBSSports.com reports Arizona Cardinals RB Chris Wells (ankle) ran sprints during practice Friday, Aug. 7. Head coach Ken Whisenhunt hopes Wells can participate on a limited basis Monday, Aug. 10.
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Wells is making progress, so he won't miss significant time, but he's already behind because he missed a lot of OTAs waiting for Ohio State's commencement ceremony to take place.
SD - RB LaDainian Tomlinson fresh and explosive
Source: Jim Trotter - Sports Illustrated
Jim Trotter, of Sports Illustrated, reports San Diego Chargers RB LaDainian Tomlinson looks very fresh and explosive. He is very determined to show he is not done.
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We can see Tomlinson as a first round pick, but still not an early first round pick. Those are reserved for players in their prime.
SEA - QB Matt Hasselbeck says arm feels fine
Source: Eric Williams - the Tacoma News Tribune
Eric Williams, of the Tacoma News Tribune, reports Seattle Seahawks QB Matt Hasselbeck had ice on his arm after practice Thursday, Aug. 6, but said it was preventative and his arm feels fine despite making a lot of throws so far at training camp. 'My elbow was sore early on in camp. I think all of the quarterbacks, we all were feeling that way. But the situations have helped us the last, two days with short yardage, goal line – it's just part of camp, the ups and downs of camp. I think the receivers got a break too, but I'm feeling pretty good,' Hasselbeck said.
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Sounds like normal kinks for a veteran QB in training camp.
MIN - WR Percy Harvin's speed stretching team defense
Source: Chip Scoggins - the Minneapolis Star-Tribune
Chip Scoggins, of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, reports that Vikings first-round pick Percy Harvin's is drawing praise from his teammates. "He's stretching our defense so I know he's going to stretch everybody else's defense when game time comes," Johnson said. "He's a blazer. He's the fastest guy I've seen on the field yet." Johnson added that he'd love to see a footrace between Harvin and RB Adrian Peterson.
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We're getting more intrigued by Harvin by the day. Head coach Brad Childress seems willing to use him in a lot of ways. He might be the top rookie WR in redraft leagues now that Michael Crabtree's holdout has no end in sight.
NYJ - RB Shonn Greene getting healthy, impressing
Source: Manish Mehta - the Newark Star Ledger
Manish Mehta, of the Newark Star Ledger, reports that Jets rookie RB Shonn Greene seems to be getting over his ankle problems, and he looked good in the Thursday night scrimmage. Greene had an 11 yard run and a 33 yard reception on a screen pass. Mehta believes Greene will "challenge Thomas Jones for carries."
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There is a tier of disrespected veteran RBs that you can get around the fifth round, that includes Willie Parker, Joseph Addai, and Jones. We are starting to think maybe Jones belongs at the bottom of that tier because of the possible emergence of Greene and the possible problems of having a rookie QB at the helm.
CIN - QB Carson Palmer : Rookie RB Bernard Scott 'dropping jaws'
Source: Joe Reedy - the Cincinnati Enquirer
Joe Reedy, of the Cincinnati Enquirer, reports that Bengals QB Carson Palmer said of RB Bernard Scott, "I like him a lot. I think he's going to be really good. He's going to be a good change of pace with the kind of big bruiser Cedric is but Benard has a lot of speed. ... He's been the star so far of all the rookies. He's made the most plays and dropped the most jaws."
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We have loved Bernard Scott's skills since we saw him at the Texas Vs The Nation game this year. He can be a Jerious Norwood/Leon Washington type for the Bengals, with the upside to do more if Benson falters or gets hurt. Scott is an underrated inside runner, in addition to having great burst, hands, and lateral agility.
DEN - S Brian Dawkins has a broken hand
Source: Mike Klis - the Denver Post
Mike Klis, from the Denver Post, reports Broncos safety Brian Dawkins had surgery to repair a broken right hand, according to several team sources. He is expected to return in two weeks. In 13 previous seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, Dawkins was named to 7 Pro Bowls. He became a free agent this offseason and signed a five-year, $17 million deal with a $7.2 million guarantee with the Broncos. Dawkins suffered the injury during practice Tuesday.
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Dawkins shouldn't miss any regular time, and he could return in time to play in the preseason, but his loss will hurt a brand new defense trying to get in sync, and we think their could be an interception or two early in the season that Dawkins doesn't make because his hand is either in pain or numb.
That'll do it for today, Folks. Have a great Saturday and we'll see you tomorrow with the update.
J