Footballguys Daily Email - Volume 10, Issue 111 (Saturday, August 8th)
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Hi Folks,
Good Sunday to you. We've been at full speed for a while now but the NFL officially kicks off the preseason today with the Hall of Fame game. Enjoy.
In the meantime, lots of news stories for you so let's get to it.
J
SITE NEWS
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1. NO - RB Pierre Thomas gets stronger, but keeps his speed2. PHI - TE Cornelius Ingram tears ACL... again.
3. SF - RB Frank Gore looking to pick up his game
4. SD - RB LaDainian Tomlinson has been most impressive during training camp
5. NYJ - WR Wallace Wright becoming the go-to guy for Sanchez
6. CAR - RB DeAngelo Williams tweaks his toe
7. MIN - RB Adrian Peterson to have bigger role in offense
8. ATL - Getting Gonzo more involved
9. DEN - McDaniels not worried about QB Kyle Orton's performance
10. GB - TE Jermichael Finley poised to be a breakout star
11. ATL - WR Roddy White agrees to a new contract
12. NFL - League cracking down on offensive pass interference
13. NYJ - QB Mark Sanchez sizzles with the first team
14. MIN - WR Percy Harvin keeps making highlight plays
15. IND - Mortensen: TE Dallas Clark-QB Peyton Manning chemistry 'scary'
16. MIA - Rotating WR Davone Bess and WR Greg Camarillo with the first unit
17. IND - QB Jim Sorgi to miss 2-3 weeks with hamstring injury
18. NO - QB Drew Brees will be away from team after mother's death
19. BAL - RB LeRon McClain impressive during camp
20. KC - WR Amani Toomer stays late to help new QB
21. TB - QB Luke McCown to start first preseason game, QB Byron Leftwich second
22. NE - Bellichick wanted WR Greg Lewis for a long time
23. PIT - WR Mike Wallace talk of training camp
24. OAK - HC Cable says WR Javon Walker had 'major' knee surgery
25. NO - No setback or 'tweak' of knee for RB Reggie Bush
26. NYJ - WR Chansi Stuckey having outstanding training camp
27. NYJ - QB Kellen Clemens named the starter for first preseason game
28. SF - No separation in quarterback competition thus far
29. OAK - RB Michael Bush sees potential of multiple 1,000-yard rushers
30. NFL - QB Michael Vick speaks to youth about the danger of violent dogs
NO - RB Pierre Thomas gets stronger, but keeps his speed
Source: Pat Yasinskas - ESPN.com
Pat Yasinskas, of ESPN.com, reports that Saints RB Pierre Thomas doesn't look bigger as much as he has worked to get stronger in the lower body while not bulking up and losing speed. Yasinskas believes the strategy has worked, Thomas looks good, and expect big things from him this year.
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Thomas is universally underrated right now. He is basically Marion Barber, in a better offense. He is worth a late second in non-PPR, and an early third in PPR leagues, but he is lasting longer in a lot of drafts.
PHI - TE Cornelius Ingram tears ACL... again.
Source: Jeff McLane - the Philadelphia Inquirer
Jeff McLane, of the Philadelphia Inquirer, reports that Eagles TE Cornelius Ingram has torn the ACL in his left knee exactly one year after he tore it the first time.
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Another blow to an Eagles team that is having a star-crossed training camp. We will move Brent Celek up on this news to the almost-startable tier of fantasy TEs, since he will have little to no competition for targets now.
SF - RB Frank Gore looking to pick up his game
Source: Matt Maiocco - The Santa Rosa Press Democrat
Matt Maiocco, of The Santa Rosa Press Democrat, reports San Francisco 49ers RB Frank Gore is working like a mad man during training camp. Gore feels the more reps he receives the better he will be this season.
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New offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye will run a more balanced offense than Mike Martz did, and that could mean good things for Frank Gore. With limited QB play the 49ers may lean on their run game even more than they're already planning. This could lead to an increase in production for Frank Gore, and rookie Glen Coffee could see more playing time as a complementary back to Gore.
SD - RB LaDainian Tomlinson has been most impressive during training camp
Source: Jim Trotter - SI.com
Jim Trotter, of SI.com, reports San Diego Chargers RB LaDainian Tomlinson has been arguably the most impressive player during training camp. As reported, he is determined to prove he is not on the decline after rushing for a career-low 1,110 yards last year. The offensive line in front of him is healthier than a year ago, and the defense is stronger with the return of OLB Shawne Merriman. If the defense is able to step up, the offense will be able to go into their four-minute offense, churning out more yards on the ground with the running backs. 'In four-minute, you can get almost 100 yards. You start wearing people down and then there are opportunities for big runs. You usually get anywhere from seven to 10 carries in four-minute, because you're thinking two first downs. So that's a big part of your run game,' Tomlinson said.
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We think Tomlinson will look better than last year, and justify a late first-round pick, just not an early first-round pick, which is where he is going in some drafts.
NYJ - WR Wallace Wright becoming the go-to guy for Sanchez
Source: Dave Hutchinson - the Newark Star-Ledger
Dave Hutchinson, from the Newark Star-Ledger, reports the spotlight may find Wallace Wright as he has quietly emerged as Sanchez's go-to guy. He has had a strong training camp and capped off the first week of practice with three catches for 23 yards in the annual Green and White scrimmage on Thursday evening at SUNY-Cortland stadium. "My whole life, I have been the underdog," Wright said in his Barry White voice. "I'm used to it. I just come out here and work to get better every day."
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Wright has been hanging around on the Jets roster the last three years after signing as undrafted free agent out of North Carolina. Jerricho Cotchery, Dustin Keller, and Leon Washington are the top three targets in the Jets passing game but the starting WR opposite of Cotchery has yet to be determined. Wright may be a longshot to rise up to that spot on the depth chart, but if Sanchez wins the starting job we may see more of Wallace Wright than people are expecting.
CAR - RB DeAngelo Williams tweaks his toe
Source: Charles Chandler - The Charlotte Observer
The Charlotte Observer reports running back DeAngelo Williams "tweaked" his toe in Friday morning's practice, Fox said. After carrying the ball on a running play, Williams went to the sidelines and appeared to be in pain. He was taken to a tent and examined by trainer Ryan Vermillion, but later was able to jog back onto the field for the team huddle with Fox at the end of practice. Williams later said "It's nothing major."
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We'll take DeAngelo's word for it, but it's yet another reason to keep your eye on rookie Mike Goodson. Jonathan Stewart was held out of Friday's practice because of another injury, and rookie Mike Goodson continues to flash big time ability. He plays a lot like Reggie Bush, and even if every running back is healthy in Carolina the team may be forced to find ways to get this rookie the football. Remember, three-headed RBBCs are becoming the rage in the NFL, and the Panthers may be a team that uses all three running backs to keep everyone fresh - and to keep the defense on their toes.
MIN - RB Adrian Peterson to have bigger role in offense
Source: John Clayton - ESPN.com
John Clayton, of ESPN.com, reports Minnesota Vikings RB Adrian Peterson is trying to work his way more into the team's passing offense this season.
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Finally! Brad Childress seems to have acquired a creative bug during the offseason. He has had Peterson lined up in the slot as a receiver during training camp, Peterson is working on pass protection, and the Vikings may have a tough time getting him off the field this year. That's pretty impressive for a guy who was involved in 65% of the plays in 2008.
ATL - Getting Gonzo more involved
Source: Chuck Oliver - ESPN 1230 The Fan 2 in Atlanta
Chuck Oliver, of ESPN 1230 The Fan 2 in Atlanta, reports the Atlanta Falcons have been dusting off plays that involve the tight end position more during training camp and getting the ball into the hands of TE Tony Gonzalez more often.
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Tony Gonzalez is going to be the hot read for Matt Ryan, and should become his most trusted target on the team. With the Roddy White situation up in the air, and injuries in the WR corps, the team may look to throw to Gonzalez and RB Jerious Norwood more than people are expecting.
DEN - McDaniels not worried about QB Kyle Orton's performance
Source: Frank Schwab - the Colorado Springs Gazette
Frank Schwab, from the Colorado Springs Gazette, reports Josh McDaniels tried to calm the masses that booed quarterback Kyle Orton during Thursday night's scrimmage at Invesco Field at Mile High, in which he threw a pair of interceptions and misfired on many other passes. "Kyle did fine," McDaniels said Friday, after reviewing the video. "There's a couple plays, obviously, we could have had back. But he made no more mistakes, certainly, than anybody else did."
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There is no quarterback controversy in Denver - yet. Orton has been inconsistent in training camp so far. One day he'll look very good, the next day he'll look lost. However, Chris Simms hasn't been performing markedly better than Orton up to this point. Orton was a key component to the Jay Cutler trade and will be given every opportunity to hang on to the starting job. The preseason games will help determine Orton's fate, and the all important third preseason game is in Denver against the Bears and Jay Cutler.
GB - TE Jermichael Finley poised to be a breakout star
Source: Kevin Seifert - ESPN.com
Kevin Seifert, from ESPN.com, reports a number of people insist that Jermichael Finley is poised to be one of the Packers' breakout stars this season, someone who is as comfortable on the line of scrimmage as he is split out wide and who could force significant changes in the way defenses approach their offense. Everything I've seen so far leads me to agree. Finley has rebounded from a shaky rookie season, one the Packers have attributed to immaturity. Built like an NBA small forward, Finley's speed and athletic ability have made him "unguardable" during practice, Rodgers said Friday. And coach Mike McCarthy said Finley's blocking skills have improved to the point where he can be deployed in any formation and for any role. "I'm just excited and confident with what I'm about to get into," said Finley, a third-round draft choice out of Texas last season. "When I was at Texas, I used to look at Texas Tech's [passing scheme] and say, 'Man, I would love to have that offense.' And now, basically, it's come true. I'm just going to love it this year when the real games come."
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Finley is extremely athletic and plays a lot like Denver tight end Tony Scheffler. He creates mismatches every time he's on the field because he's too big for a safety to cover, and he's too fast for most linebackers to cover. The Packers already have the best WR corps in the game today, and Finley only gives them another weapon to go to when they air it out.
ATL - WR Roddy White agrees to a new contract
Source: Adam Schefter - ESPN
Adam Schefter, of ESPN, reports the Atlanta Falcons have agreed to terms on a six-year contract worth $50 million with WR Roddy White, according to a team source. The deal includes $18.6 million in guaranteed money. He will report to training camp Sunday, Aug. 8.
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You hear that sound? That's Falcons Nation breathing a sigh of relief. The injury to Harry Douglas really put this team in a bad situation when White was holding out. Now they get their #1 receiver back, and he should team with TE Tony Gonzalez to make quite the dynamic duo. The presence of Gonzo should make White's numbers dip a little, especially since White is no longer the hot read when blitzes are coming.
NFL - League cracking down on offensive pass interference
Source: Brad Biggs - the National Football Post
Brad Biggs, from the National Football Post, reports referees have been instructed to keep an eye out for the subtle (and not so subtle) pushoffs by wide receivers at the top of their routes as they look for just the slightest separation. Those are going to be called for pass interference on a more consistent basis this season. That's the message NFL officiating crews are spreading as they spend a couple of days in training camps across the country. The league dispatches the men in black and white stripes every August to visit with coaches and players and make sure all rule changes are explained and point out what the league calls "points of emphasis."
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It will be interesting to see how referees call games now because of this new point of emphasis. Big receivers are especially going to have to watch out for this, but near the end of the game refs usually let a few more things slide and let the players play.
NYJ - QB Mark Sanchez sizzles with the first team
Source: Dennis Waszak Jr. - the Associated Press
Dennis Waszak Jr., from the Associated Press, reports working exclusively with the first-team offense for the first time this summer, Sanchez completed 10 of 19 passes for two touchdowns and an interception. "Every day needs to be a step forward when you get a chance to go with that first-team group," said Sanchez, trying to win the spot vacated when Brett Favre retired. "I thought it really showed that I was ready for that, and I took advantage of that time."
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Sanchez has had some good days and some bad days in training camp. It's to be expected because he's a rookie, but it's good to see that he is making progress and excelling with the first-team. We should know by the third preseason game who has the edge in the competition.
MIN - WR Percy Harvin keeps making highlight plays
Source: Judd Zulgad - the Minneapolis Star-Tribune
Judd Zulgad, of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, reports that Vikings first-round pick WR Percy Harvin "just keeps making highlight plays". Zulgad writes that "the latest came in a one-on-one with cornerback Marcus McCauley. Harvin put a move on McCauley and caught a 40-yard touchdown pass from Sage Rosenfels. Later, in 7-on-7, Harvin got behind rookie cornerback Asher Allen and hauled in a 30-yard pass from Rosenfels."
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Harvin is looking like a very nice sleeper to take around the 11th/12th round in PPR and non-PPR leagues alike just in case the league isn't ready for the speedster from Florida.
IND - Mortensen: TE Dallas Clark-QB Peyton Manning chemistry 'scary'
Source: Chris Mortensen - ESPN
Chris Mortensen, of ESPN, reports that the chemistry between Colts DE Dallas Clark and QB Peyton Manning is "downright scary".
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Many have assumed that Anthony Gonzalez would pick up most of the slack left by the departure of Marvin Harrison, but Clark could become Manning's favorite target and easily surpass his outstanding 2008 numbers. He becomes a value pick around the mid to late sixth round in TE-required PPR leagues.
MIA - Rotating WR Davone Bess and WR Greg Camarillo with the first unit
Source: Edgar Thompson - the Palm Beach Post
Edgar Thompson, from the Palm Beach Post, reports WR Davone Bess opened with the first unit opposite Ted Ginn Jr. Greg Camarillo began rotating in on the next play. In general, coaches worked myriad combinations at the the skill positions.
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This rotation should continue through training camp. We expect Greg Camarillo to win the starting job, but Bess proved last year that he needs some playing time as well. The dark horse in this competition is rookie Patrick Turner who has impressed everyone in training camp.
IND - QB Jim Sorgi to miss 2-3 weeks with hamstring injury
Source: Mike Chappell - the Indianapolis Star
Mike Chappell, from the Indianapolis Star, reports the Indianapolis Colts have lost the services of backup quarterback Jim Sorgi for a couple of weeks. Sorgi limped off the practice field Friday afternoon after straining his right hamstring. "Sorgi has got a pretty good strain," coach Jim Caldwell said this morning after the team's annual Blue and White controlled scrimmage at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology's Cook Stadium. "Not quite certain how long it's going to take him to get back, maybe two to three weeks."
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Rookie Curtis Painter from Purdue will not get plenty of playing time as the #2 quarterback behind Peyton Manning. If Painter performs well enough he could supplant Sorgi as the main backup.
NO - QB Drew Brees will be away from team after mother's death
Source: Jeff Duncan - the New Orleans Times-Picayune
Jeff Duncan, of the New Orleans Times-Picayune, reports New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton said QB Drew Brees will be away from the team indefinitely because of his mother's death.
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Footballguys.com sends our condolences to the Brees family.
BAL - RB LeRon McClain impressive during camp
Source: Mike Preston - The Baltimore Sun
Mike Preston, of The Baltimore Sun, reports Baltimore Ravens running backs coach Wilbert Montgomery said he has been impressed with FB Le'Ron McClain in terms of his running, blocking and receiving. 'I'm really impressed where he is. The game has really slowed down for him. You would think in terms of coming back and the success he had that he would be big headed and have some cockiness. But he is re-inventing himself. He is taking coaching, and has showed me a lot in trying to be the fullback we want him to be,' Montgomery said.
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It's going to be a three-headed RBBC in Baltimore once again this year with a twist. Ray Rice will be the lead back, with McGahee filling in from time to time. Le'Ron McClain will continue to be the Ravens short-yardage and goalline back.
KC - WR Amani Toomer stays late to help new QB
Source: Adam Teicher - the Kansas City Star
Adam Teicher, of the Kansas City Star, reports that new Chiefs WR Amani Toomer stayed for thirty minutes after practice to help new QB Matt Gutierrez.
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Fellow KC Star writer told us on Twitter that he thinks Toomer might have been brought in to push Bobby Engram, who has had some drops and generally isn't having a great camp. Keep tabs on this, because Toomer could be a rosterable receiver in start 3 WR, PPR leagues if he can beat out Engram.
TB - QB Luke McCown to start first preseason game, QB Byron Leftwich second
Source: Scott Reynolds and Jim Flynn - the Pewter Report
Scott Reynolds and Jim Flynn, of the Pewter Report, report that QB Luke McCown will start the team's first exhibition game on Saturday, August 15 vs. Tennessee. According to team GM Mark Domenik, Byron Leftwich will then start the second preseason game vs. Jacksonville on August 22.
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The Pewter Report writers stress that the competition is too close to call. With new offensive coordinator Jeff Jagodzinski wanting to commit to the run, we think either QB would only be suitable as a fantasy #3.
NE - Bellichick wanted WR Greg Lewis for a long time
Source: Ian R. Rapoport - the Boston Herald
Ian R. Rapoport, from the Boston Herald, notes that when Belichick finally traded with the Eagles for Greg Lewis in March, it was a long time coming. In fact, the Patriots coach disclosed yesterday that he has actually been attempting to trade for the versatile receiver since he was a rookie in 2003. And when Belichick spoke with Eagles coach Andy Reid about the eventual trade that sent cornerback Ellis Hobbs [stats] to Philadelphia in April, they joked about whether Reid wanted to reclaim Lewis.
"Greg has killed us every time we played them," Belichick said. "We haven't been able to cover him. We knew a lot about him coming out (of Illinois for the draft) and we spent a lot of time with the (Illini players). We were interested. It was like an annual conversation I had with Andy Reid, where we would discuss Greg Lewis. He's just a guy that we've had a lot of interest in who fits our system. He's a smart guy, a high-character guy at a really good price who is versatile."
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Lewis is a cerebral player that will fit in nicely as the Patriots 4th wide receiver. Fantasy owners don't need to worry about adding Lewis to their roster unless injuries strike in front of him on the depth chart.
PIT - WR Mike Wallace talk of training camp
Source: Jim Wexell - SteelCityInsider.com
Jim Wexell, of SteelCityInsider.com, reports that Pittsburgh third-round pick WR Mike Wallace has the team excited because his raw speed will threaten safeties, forcing opponents to play cover-2 looks against their offense. Offensive coordinator Bruce Arians said Wallace is "probably two years ahead of Nate (Washington) when Nate was a rookie." Steelers corner Ike Taylor said Wallace has better raw speed than Steve Smith and Randy Moss, but he has to learn to control his body and not tip off routes.
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It certainly sounds like Limas Sweed better have a good second season to preserve his hold on the long-term WR3 job and starter of the future status. If Wallace creating this much buzz as a raw rookie, we can't wait to see what he can do once his game is more polished.
OAK - HC Cable says WR Javon Walker had 'major' knee surgery
Source: Jerry McDonald - the Contra Costa Times
Jerry McDonald, from the Contra Costa Times, reports Raiders head coach Tom Cable said for the first time that Walker's offseason knee surgery was "major" and that he was at least 10 to 14 days away from being taken off the Physically Unable to Perform list. "There's a protocol that we're following that was set as a date," Cable said. "And that is still out there, 10 days, two weeks away. But his progress doesn't go unnoticed. We all know he's really coming on, so we just let it run its course. We don't want to do anything that would set it back. That procedure was a major deal, so we want to take care of it."
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According to earlier reports Walker has looked better than ever in camp. He needs to prove it on the field, and we're fairly skeptical about Walker's fantasy prospects in 2009.
NO - No setback or 'tweak' of knee for RB Reggie Bush
Source: Pat Yasinskas - ESPN.com
Pat Yasinskas, of ESPN.com, reports that Saints RB Reggie Bush did not tweak his surgically repaired knee or otherwise have a setback. Yasinskas writes, "What really happened was that Bush was never scheduled to practice Wednesday morning. But he came out and did stretches with the team. Then, he walked into the locker room. A bit later he came out with ice strapped to his knee and watched his teammates practice. The Saints were pretty clear that this was all part of the plan for the day when coach Sean Payton spoke after practice and said Bush would practice in the afternoon session, which he did."
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We appreciate the clarification, but the story from earlier in the week still has some power since it reminds us of the knee problems Bush has had each of the last two seasons, and how disappointing it was to own him. Bush is falling to the third round in PPR leagues, about where the large risk and even larger reward balance out. In non-PPR leagues, we wouldn't recommend him taking him until the mid-to-late fourth.
NYJ - WR Chansi Stuckey having outstanding training camp
Source: Dave Hutchinson - The Star-Ledger
Dave Hutchinson, of The Star-Ledger, reports New York Jets WR Chansi Stuckey is having an outstanding training camp. He had a solid morning workout Saturday, Aug. 8.
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Stuckey is the favorite to win the #2 WR job, but he would be third in the pecking order for targets, on a team that wants to run first. He will also be giving up some snaps to Brad Smith and David Clowney when the game situation or play call favors their skillset.
NYJ - QB Kellen Clemens named the starter for first preseason game
Source: Dave Hutchinson - the Newark Star-Ledger
Dave Hutchinson, from the Newark Star-Ledger, reports Jets head coach Rex Ryan announced that Kellen Clemens would start on Friday night in the preseason opener against the Rams at the Meadowlands. Clemens hit four of 12 passes with one interception and two near interceptions in the morning workout. He'll run with the first team this afternoon. Although as you can see from the other stories, Mark Sanchez is seeing time with the first team as well.
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It's not surprising that the veteran would get the starting nod in the first preseason game. By week three of the preseason we should have a better feel for who will be the starter when the games actually count.
SF - No separation in quarterback competition thus far
Source: Matt Maiocco - The Santa Rosa Press Democrat
Matt Maiocco, of The Santa Rosa Press Democrat, reports neither San Francisco 49ers QB Shaun Hill or QB Alex D. Smith is separating himself in the team's quarterback competition thus far in training camp.
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We have a feeling that this may be the story near the end of the preseason as well. How the quarterbacks perform in the preseason games will go a long way in determining the starter. Hill throws the ugliest pass in football, but he just wins games. Smith has the highest upside, but has yet to live up to his potential. This competition may be the closest out of all the QB battles in training camp, and it could last into the regular season with each player rotating after a few weeks if the team feels their QB play isn't what it needs to be.
OAK - RB Michael Bush sees potential of multiple 1,000-yard rushers
Source: Steve Corkran - the Oakland Tribune
Steve Corkran, of the Oakland Tribune, reports Oakland Raiders RB Michael Bush said he believes the team can have at least two 1,000-yard rushers this season in their zone blocking scheme and running behind solid fullbacks. Bush, RB Justin Fargas and RB Darren McFadden are all competing for the No. 1 job in training camp. 'With the fullbacks that we have, we're going to rock things with Lorenzo (Neal) and Big O (Oren O'Neal),' Bush said. 'The zone scheme is made to have at least two 1,000-yard backs. It's possible.'
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Michael Bush could be a starter in the NFL, and after his performance last year in week 17 against the Bucs (177 yards rushing, 2 TDs) it's clear that he has the ability to produce at a high level. The Raiders passing game may struggle, so the team will look to their incredibly strong run game to help move the chains. Bush is 3rd on the depth chart right now, but if McFadden or Fargas get hurt (a distinct possibility) then we could see Michael Bush put up some nice numbers in 2009. Even if there are no injuries Bush could still have a role on Sundays because three-headed RBBCs are becoming en vogue in the NFL.
NFL - QB Michael Vick speaks to youth about the danger of violent dogs
Source: Associated Press - USAToday.com
USAToday.com reports Michael Vick returned to the area that once celebrated his brilliant play on the football field, this time for the first of what he vows will be dozens of appearances around the country to urge low-income youths to avoid the tragic trail left by dogfighting.
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Another positive step for Vick as he overhauls his image. Vick is set to do his first major interview since being released from prison with 60 minutes - which was allowed access to this Vick appearance.
That'll do it for today, Folks. Have a great Sunday and we'll see you tomorrow. Thanks for reading.
J