Footballguys Daily Email - Volume 10, Issue 123 (Thursday, August 20th)
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Hi Folks,
Wow, what a week. I love the energy of mid to late August as the intensity level for Fantasy Football hits full throttle. Betting you love it as much as I do. If so, you're going to love all the content today as we've got a ton of new spotlights for you as well as detailed articles and draft lists. Plus the news and notes we've bringing to you since May. And a special Friday treat - read down toward the bottom of the Site News entries as we're giving away FREE Footballguys Premium Subscriptions to readers here as well as those that follow us on Facebook and Twitter. Happy Friday.
Now let's get to it.
J
SITE NEWS
A.
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Footballguys $35,000 Subscriber Contest
You read that right. We're giving away $35,000 to folks that purchase a Footballguys Premium Subscription and enter our Subscribers Contest. No tricks or goofy stuff. This isn't a deal where there are 2 million entrants and we give some crappy TV away. It's $35,000 bucks. And it's just Footballguys subscribers that are competing for the money. If you're as good as you think you are, I like your chances...
C.
Our New Feature This Year - Rate My Team
I won't lie, I think we've done some pretty cool things over the years at Footballguys. But this year, we've raised the bar WAY up with what I think is the coolest feature we've done to date. It's called Rate My Team. And it does just what it says. Spend a few seconds entering your team and information and with one click, we give you a detailed analysis of your team that I think you're going to love. Check it out for yourself. It's 100% FREE.
D.
Top 200 IDP
Aaron Rudnicki provides the comments as our staff comes up with a consolidated Top 200 for Indivual Defensive Players.
E.
Defensive Team By Committee - DTBC
Our Chase Stuart continues his "by committee" angle. In this one, he looks at the advantages of using a Defensive Team By Committee.
F.
Top 300 Draft List (PPR)
If you're looking for our best pure draft list, my partner David Dodds has it here with his Top 300. In this one, he factors in Points Per Reception (PPR).
G.
Top 300 Draft List (Non-PPR)
If you're looking for our best pure draft list, my partner David Dodds has it here with his Top 300.
H.
Player Spotlights - CIN RB Cedric Benson
Our Player Spotlights are the most detailed looks you'll find anywhere. We dig deep for you to really get the true look at a player. In this one, we look at CIN RB Cedric Benson.
I.
Player Spotlights - WAS RB Clinton Portis
Our Player Spotlights are the most detailed looks you'll find anywhere. We dig deep for you to really get the true look at a player. In this one, we look at WAS RB Clinton Portis.
J.
Player Spotlights - JAC RB Maurice Jones-Drew
Our Player Spotlights are the most detailed looks you'll find anywhere. We dig deep for you to really get the true look at a player. In this one, we look at JAC RB Maurice Jones-Drew.
K.
Player Spotlights - ARZ QB Kurt Warner
Our Player Spotlights are the most detailed looks you'll find anywhere. We dig deep for you to really get the true look at a player. In this one, we look at ARZ QB Kurt Warner.
L.
Player Spotlights - NO QB Drew Brees
Our Player Spotlights are the most detailed looks you'll find anywhere. We dig deep for you to really get the true look at a player. In this one, we look at NO QB Drew Brees.
M.
Player Spotlights - NO WR Marques Colston
Our Player Spotlights are the most detailed looks you'll find anywhere. We dig deep for you to really get the true look at a player. In this one, we look at NO WR Marques Colston.
N.
Player Spotlights - DET WR Calvin Johnson
Our Player Spotlights are the most detailed looks you'll find anywhere. We dig deep for you to really get the true look at a player. In this one, we look at DET WR Calvin Johnson.
O.
Player Spotlights - HOU WR Kevin Walter
Our Player Spotlights are the most detailed looks you'll find anywhere. We dig deep for you to really get the true look at a player. In this one, we look at HOU WR Kevin Walter.
P.
Player Spotlights - CHI WR Devin Hester
Our Player Spotlights are the most detailed looks you'll find anywhere. We dig deep for you to really get the true look at a player. In this one, we look at CHI WR Devin Hester.
Q.
Keep up with Footballguys and Joe on Twitter and Facebook
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R.
WIN a FREE Footballguys Premium Subscription
I told you earlier this week I'd have something to give away this Friday. Here it is - Some free 2009 Footballguys Premium Subscriptions. Don't worry if you've already bought one for this year, if you win we'll just add another year onto your current subscription.
Read carefully as here's what you do.
#1. First thing you do is click here (if you're unable to click on that link, cut and paste this address into your browser ( http://bit.ly/D2I2u ) and that will take you to a webpage that shows a sample report you would receive if you submitted your team into our Rate My Team website.
#2. Scroll down the sample Rate My Team report page and about halfway down, you'll see a section called "Fun Facts".
#3. Look for the first player listed in the "Fun Facts" section. When you have him, send an email to [email protected] and let me know the name of that player. (note - do not reply to this email you're reading now with the name. Send a new email to the [email protected] address)
#4. Out of the emails I receive that have the correct player identified, this Sunday I'll pick 3 at random to award a 2009 Footballguys Premium Subscription. As I said, if you've already purchased one for this year, we'll just add another year to your subscription if you win.
I'll also be giving away 3 subscriptions to our folks following our Twitter feed and also 3 subscriptions to folks following us on Facebook. It'll be a different question on each one. So really, you've got three chances to win as I KNOW you're following us on Twitter and Facebook, right?
And yes, this is a thinly veiled attempt to get the handful of you that haven't seen our unbelievably cool Rate My Team page yet to see it. It's honestly that off the charts good. I hope you'll play around with the Rate My Team page and let us show you what it can do. To get started click here. Enjoy.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1. PIT - HC Tomlin says QB Ben Roethlisberger will be fine2. SEA - OT Walter Jones to undergo knee surgery
3. DEN - WR Brandon Marshall working on scout team
4. JAX - WR Troy Williamson standing out
5. CAR - WR Kenneth Moore on the rise
6. NYG - WR Plaxico Burress pleads guilty, will serve two years
7. CAR - TE Gary Barnridge overtakes TE Jeff King as the starting TE?
8. DEN - Columnist: Possible WR Brandon Marshall suspension from the team coming?
9. ARI - HC Whisenhunt not worried RB Chris Wells' situation
10. WAS - Portis impressed with WR Marko Mitchell
11. TEN - WR Chris Davis losing ground to WR Kenny Britt
12. MIN - QB Brett Favre at high risk of worsening torn rotator cuff?
13. PHI - Team 'looked into' RB Warrick Dunn last month
14. SF - QB Shaun Hill 'clearly ahead' in QB battle
15. OAK - Assistant Coach Hanson will turn record over to police
16. MIA - WR Brian Hartline passes WR Greg Camarillo on depth chart
17. KC - QB Brodie Croyle ahead of QB Tyler Thigpen?
18. CAR - RB Jonathan Stewart has not had additional tests
19. ATL - RB Thomas Brown still a game-time decision
20. DAL - WR Isaiah Stanback, WR Kevin Ogletree competing for last receiver spot
21. KC - Want to use backs in the passing game
22. TEN - WR Dominique Edison catching everything thrown his way
23. CAR - WR Dwayne Jarrett not getting open consistently
24. NO - LT Jamaal Brown leaves team to get possible hernia checked
25. SD - OLB Shawne Merriman still not 100 percent
PIT - HC Tomlin says QB Ben Roethlisberger will be fine
Source: Updating a previous report, Ed Bouchette - the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Updating a previous report, Ed Bouchette, of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, reports Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said QB Ben Roethlisberger (foot) will be fine after having his foot stepped on during practice Thursday, Aug. 20. Roethlisberger may not play in the team's preseason game Saturday, Aug. 22.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Steelers fans can breathe a sigh of relief here. Charlie Batch is a good backup quarterback, but it would near impossible to contend for another Super Bowl with Big Ben out of the lineup. Big Ben watched practice from the sidelines, and the initial feeling is that this ankle injury is not serious.
SEA - OT Walter Jones to undergo knee surgery
Source: Danny O'Neil - the Seattle Times
Danny O'Neil, of the Seattle Times, reports that Seahawks OT Walter Jones will undergo arthroscopic knee surgery, according to head coach Jim Mora, Jr.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
A mighty blow to the Seahawks offensive line, which already lost left guard Mike Wahle to retirement this offseason. There are no details on the nature of the surgery and whether it is related to Jones offseason microfracture surgery. He had been missing time in camp with back spasms.
DEN - WR Brandon Marshall working on scout team
Source: Lindsay H. Jones - The Denver Post
Updating an ongoing story, Lindsay H. Jones, of The Denver Post, reports Denver Broncos WR Brandon Marshall worked with the scout team during practice Wednesday, Aug. 19, and admits that he is very far behind learning the new offense. It is not known how long Marshall will play in the team's preseason game Saturday, Aug. 22.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Marshall has been playing the role of Seahawks WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh for the scout team. He has only been running with the first team when the Broncos go to 4 wide receiver sets, and at this point he's still second-string on the depth chart behind Jabar Gaffney.
JAX - WR Troy Williamson standing out
Source: Michael C. Wright - the Florida Times-Union
Michael C. Wright, from the Florida Times-Union, reports Jaguars head coach Jack Del Rio pointed out Troy Williamson as one of the club's most surprising players, not just against Miami, but for the entire training camp. "I told you one of the bright spots coming out of the game Monday night - and it's no different looking at the tape - is Troy and Nate [Hughes] and their ability to separate and catch the ball. Troy's done a nice job, had a nice camp," Del Rio said.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Troy Williamson looked really good in the Jags preseason game versus the Dolphins. He was able to get open along the sidelines with his speed, and hauled in a nice over-the-shoulder catch from QB Todd Bouman. With Mike Walker banged up (again), Williamson has taken advantage of the opportunity. If he continues to perform like this, we could see him in the starting lineup opposite Torry Holt.
CAR - WR Kenneth Moore on the rise
Source: David Scott - the Charlotte Observer
David Scott, from the Charlotte Observer, reports Kenneth Moore, in his first camp with the Panthers, is competing with Jason Carter and Ryne Robinson for the No.4 receiver spot. Moore, who played at Butler High and Wake Forest, was impressive in the preseason opener against the New York Giants (two catches for 27 yards). He is the only player of those three who isn't recovering from knee surgery.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
We've seen players seemingly come out of nowhere time and time again, and Kenneth Moore could be the next one. The Panthers are desperate for help in their WR corps, and if Dwayne Jarrett fails in his third season, the team could move Moore up to the number three spot. Fantasy owners shouldn't rush out and draft this kid, because the Panthers will once again be a run-heavy team in 2009. Just keep his name in the back of your mind, and watch his progress through the season. Dynasty owners could look at Moore as an intriguing late round pick, with upside for the future.
NYG - WR Plaxico Burress pleads guilty, will serve two years
Source: Associated Press
The Associated Press reports unrestricted free-agent WR Plaxico Burress (Giants) pleaded guilty to one count of attempted criminal possession of a weapon Thursday, Aug. 20, as part of a plea agreement. As part of the agreement, Burress agreed to a two-year prison sentence and two years of supervised release.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
This could signal the end of Burress' career. The veteran receiver will be 34-years old when he gets out of prison, and he could face a suspension from Roger Goodell after he's released. On a comparative note, more than a few eyebrows were raised when Burress received a two year prison sentence for this crime while Donte Stallworth recently received a 24 day prison term for killing a pedestrian while driving drunk.
CAR - TE Gary Barnridge overtakes TE Jeff King as the starting TE?
Source: David Scott - the Charlotte Observer
David Scott, from the Charlotte Observer, reports TE Gary Barnridge appears to have wrested the starting job from Jeff King. Barnidge, in his second season, gives the Panthers a down-field threat and has excellent hands. He needs to keep working on his blocking skills.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
There is a chance for surprise production coming from the TE position in Carolina, if WR Dwayne Jarrett doesn't develop as a receiving threat in his third year. Coming out of Louisville, Barnridge was known as a player that runs sharp routes, and can make tough catches with a defender on his back. He knows how to sit down in a zone, and could become a reliable target for QB Jake Delhomme. If he does win the starting job for the regular season, fantasy owners could look at him as a bye-week replacement TE with upside.
DEN - Columnist: Possible WR Brandon Marshall suspension from the team coming?
Source: Bob Glauber - Newsday
Bob Glauber, from Newsday, reports on his twitter feed that he has a gut feeling the Broncos will eventually suspend Brandon Marshall for conduct detrimental to the team. Reminds him of Year 2 of T.O. In Philly.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Please note that this is just a "gut" feeling from Glauber, and the team has given no indication that a suspension is coming for Marshall.
ARI - HC Whisenhunt not worried RB Chris Wells' situation
Source: Darren Urban - AZCardinals.com
Darren Urban, of AZCardinals.com, reports Arizona Cardinals head coach Ken Whisenhunt said he is not worried about RB Chris Wells' (ankle) inactivity because there is still three preseason games left before the start of the season.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
It seems like Wells did not actually aggravate the ankle yesterday. His status for Saturday night is still up in the air. Whisenhunt might not be worried, but Wells fantasy owners should be, because there's no doubt that Tim Hightower has a lot better chance to seize a bigger part of the RBBC than he would have had if Wells had been healthy all of this time.
WAS - Portis impressed with WR Marko Mitchell
Source: Dan Steinberg - The Washington Post
Dan Steinberg, of The Washington Post, reports Washington Redskins RB Clinton Portis said WR Marko Mitchell has been one of the pleasant surprises during training camp. 'I think Marko's just coming on strong,' Portis said. 'He's that addition that we need, along with [WR Malcolm Kelly] and [WR Devin Thomas]. We were looking for a surprise, and I think he's it.'
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Mitchell has been impressive in training camp, but we didn't see him standout at the Shrine Game practices when compared to receivers like Mike Thomas, Deon Butler, or Jarett Dillard. Mitchell is a big target, and does a good job of coming back to the football when his quarterback is in trouble. He has good straight line speed, and can track the ball in for the catch over either shoulder. If he becomes a tougher, more physical player he could develop into a nice red zone target because of his size. He also needs to become more explosive off the line of scrimmage.
TEN - WR Chris Davis losing ground to WR Kenny Britt
Source: Jim Wyatt and Gary Estwick - the Tennessean
Jim Wyatt and Gary Estwick, from the Tennessean, report WR Chris Davis was the No. 3 receiver behind Justin Gage and Nate Washington before a hamstring injury stopped his momentum. He hasn't practiced since getting hurt in the Hall of Fame game on Aug. 9, and rookie Kenny Britt is surging while Davis sits. "I want to be out there so bad,'' said Davis, a fourth-round pick in 2007. "But I want to get right for the season, I guess. So right now I am just trying to mentally just keep in going and make sure I know the plays, all the right spots. Hopefully when I come back I can pick up where I left off."
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
It was an unfortunate injury for Davis because coaches were raving about his work ethic and progress before the start of the preseason. Davis can also contribute for the Titans in the return game, and that will help him secure a roster spot as long as he can get back on the field and stay healthy.
MIN - QB Brett Favre at high risk of worsening torn rotator cuff?
Source: Tom Curran - Profootballtalk.com
Tom Curran, of Profootballtalk.com, reports that a medical source said Vikings QB Brett Favre is at high risk of worsening his partially torn rotator cuff. "Cleared to play does not mean 'cleared to play well'," said the medical source. "He's at high risk [for greater tearing] both because of trauma and his style of play in which he will go downfield or throw with a lot of velocity. He's going to stress his cuff."
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As is the case with any older (elderly?) quarterback, buyer beware. Granted, Favre is the Iron Man among Iron Men when it comes to toughness and consecutive starts. But as we saw towards the end of last season, he can be adversely affected by injury. This rotator cuff story is interesting as most feel it's an injury that's been there for a while. He's clearly played through it already. The question is whether it'll flare up and cause problems down the road. Favre certainly seems fine now. The velocity on his passes is the hot topic among Vikings receivers. Most all have commented about them being "on a rope" and defensive players have taken note of how Favre is zipping the ball around. It could be a thing where he wears down over the season. If that's the case, the smart move might be to grab him early and then trade him away mid season. Although that's often easier said than done. Bottom line is know that Favre's an older guy overcoming arm issues. But also don't forget his track record for starting games.
PHI - Team 'looked into' RB Warrick Dunn last month
Source: Les Bowen - the Philadelphia Daily News
Les Bowen, of the Philadelphia Daily News, reports that Warrick Dunn's agent, Jim Steiner, told the Daily News that the Eagles were looking into Dunn's availability last month, but now that is "old news".
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
The Eagles lack of current interest is a big endorsement for Brian Westbrook's recovery from ankle and knee surgery and second-round pick LeSean McCoy's development.
SF - QB Shaun Hill 'clearly ahead' in QB battle
Source: Matt Maiocco - the Santa Rosa Press Democrat
Matt Maiocco, of the Santa Rosa Press Democrat, reports that all indications he's gotten are that Shaun Hill is clearly ahead of Alex Smith in the battle to become the 49ers starting QB. Maiocco writes that Smith will have to perform very well in the next two preseason games to win the job, but that the team has been encouraged by Smith's performance and they feel he could be poised to take over the job and stay the starter for a long time if the opportunity arises.
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In some ways, we feel like we're in CNN on election night with these QB battles. It's starting to look like we can call the San Francisco battle after this week unless Hill nosedives. Cleveland, Tampa, and the Jets are also nearing the point where we can call a winner, even if the coaches of the teams are not willing to yet.
OAK - Assistant Coach Hanson will turn record over to police
Source: Brad Biggs - the National Football Post
Brad Biggs, of the National Football Post, reports that Oakland assistant coach Randy Hanson will turn over medical records to the Napa, California police. NFL security is also investigating, and Hanson is retaining an attorney after he was removed as a coach.
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While incidents like this happen behind the scenes that never come to light, the fact that this one is getting so ugly and public is only bad for the Raiders.
MIA - WR Brian Hartline passes WR Greg Camarillo on depth chart
Source: Omar Kelly - the South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Omar Kelly, of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, reports in his Twitter feed that WR Brian Hartline appears to have passed Greg Camarillo on the depth chart.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
This is a bit baffling because the reports about Camarillo were so positive in OTAs. Patrick Turner has been getting a lot of praise, so if any rookie WR were to pass Camarillo, we would have expected it to be him, not Hartline. We have to assume that Camarillo's knee is not responding as well as hoped, because he is an ideal #3 receiver.
KC - QB Brodie Croyle ahead of QB Tyler Thigpen?
Source: Don Banks - Sports Illustrated
Don Banks, of Sports Illustrated, reports that QB Brodie Croyle appears to be "firmly ahead" of Tyler Thigpen to back up Matt Cassel right now, although he thinks it is unlikely that Croyle pushes Cassel for the starting job.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Croyle looked excellent in the preseason opener, and his skillset is better suited for a pro-style offense than Thigpen's. We think the Chiefs would still be smart to hold onto Thigpen because Croyle is not built to take an NFL beating, and he would soon get hurt if he was forced onto the field.
CAR - RB Jonathan Stewart has not had additional tests
Source: Steve Reed - CBSSports.com
CBSSports.com reports Carolina Panthers RB Jonathan Stewart (Achilles') has not had any additional tests on his Achilles' and said he just needs more rest before getting back on the field.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Fantasy owners need to proceed with caution when thinking about selecting Jonathan Stewart. He proved last year he could rack up touchdowns and yardage - when healthy, and once again he's banged up to start the season. The Panthers have Stewart insurance in rookie RB Mike Goodson, and we could see the team feature a 3-headed RBBC in order to keep all of their talented backs fresh.
ATL - RB Thomas Brown still a game-time decision
Source: Jason Butt - CBSSports.com
CBSSports.com reports Atlanta Falcons RB Thomas Brown (leg) is still a game-time decision for the team's preseason game Friday, Aug. 21, according to head coach Mike Smith.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
The team likes what they've seen from Thomas Brown, but he's failed to stay healthy during his pro career. He missed all of last season on the Injured Reserve list, and is already dinged up this year. The Falcons are going to be careful with how many touches he sees in the preseason if he isn't 100%.
DAL - WR Isaiah Stanback, WR Kevin Ogletree competing for last receiver spot
Source: Tim MacMahon - The Dallas Morning News
Tim MacMahon, of The Dallas Morning News, reports Dallas Cowboys WR Isaiah Stanback are competing with WR Kevin Ogletree for the final wide receiver spot on the roster.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Stanback is extremely athletic and the former Washington Huskies QB could run the Wildcat offense for the Cowboys. He has struggled to stay healthy so far in his pro career, and now is in danger of being cut. Ogletree has room to add more muscle to his frame, but already knows how to use his body to get position on defensive backs. He is not the most creative after the catch, but he does have strong hands and good body control to run sideline routes.
KC - Want to use backs in the passing game
Source: Adam Teicher - the Kansas City Star
Adam Teicher, from the Kansas City Star, reports coach Todd Haley was pleased by the number of passes quarterbacks made to running backs on Wednesday. Larry Johnson, Jamaal Charles, Dantrell Savage and even fullback Mike Cox caught at least one pass. Rookie Javarris Williams saw one thrown his way, but he dropped it. "I saw a lot of checkdowns, a lot of throws to the backs, which I'm not ever going to be disappointed in," Haley said. "That's something we talked about in the offseason, utilizing the running backs in the pass game. That's just something I've continued to stress to the offensive coaches — that we can't forget about the backs."
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The Chiefs will use Jamaal Charles as their 3rd down/pass catching RB this year, because he is their most explosive playmaker in the backfield. In fact, Charles may be in the game quite a bit as the Chiefs defense is very suspect, which could force the offense into playing "catch up" early and often.
TEN - WR Dominique Edison catching everything thrown his way
Source: Jim Wyatt and Gary Estwick - the Tennessean
Jim Wyatt and Gary Estwick, from the Tennessean, report wide receiver Dominique Edison, a sixth-round selection, has caught nearly every ball thrown his way at training camp, putting pressure on the three players ahead of him — Lavelle Hawkins, Chris Davis and Paul Williams. The mix of good hands and 4.36 speed has impressed offensive coordinator Mike Heimerdinger. "Dominique is one guy who's come out here every day and gotten better," Heimerdinger said. "You look for that in camp."
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He hasn't caught any passes in the first two preseason games, but he has been getting open according to head coach Jeff Fisher. Edison was second in the nation last year, with 18 TD catches at Stephen F. Austin, and the Titans would love to unlock that playmaking ability at the pro level. The Titans may be tempted to try and sneak him through to the practice squad, but would be in danger of losing him to another team.
CAR - WR Dwayne Jarrett not getting open consistently
Source: David Scott - the Charlotte Observer
David Scott, from the Charlotte Observer, reports WR Dwayne Jarrett is entrenched as the No.3 receiver, but he had just one catch for 3 yards against the Giants and is not showing he can get open consistently.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
This is why the Panthers may be in trouble when they look to the passing game. Steve Smith will draw double and triple teams, but can Muhsin Muhammad and Dwayne Jarrett take advantage of single coverage? This is also another reason why the team may look to split out RB Mike Goodson in the slot, and TE Gary Barnridge may be a sneaky backup TE with upside in fantasy leagues.
NO - LT Jamaal Brown leaves team to get possible hernia checked
Source: Pat Yasinskas - ESPN.com
Pat Yasinskas, of ESPN.com, reports that Saints starting LT Jamaal Brown left the team to fly to Philadelphia to have a pain in his upper groin checked. Head coach Sean Payton admits that there's a concern that the injury is a sports hernia. "That's what he's being examined for," Payton said. "We'll wait and see and get some feedback. He's having the exam later this afternoon after flying out this morning."
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
This would obviously hurt the Saints, but we would hesitate to drop Drew Brees, Marques Colston, Pierre Thomas, and Reggie Bush too far unless Brown is going to miss significant time. Even in that case, Brees would remain a top three QB, and Colston a top 12 WR on our boards.
SD - OLB Shawne Merriman still not 100 percent
Source: Kevin Acee - the San Diego Union-Tribune
Kevin Acee, of the San Diego Union-Tribune, reports San Diego Chargers LB Shawne Merriman (knee) said he does not believe his knee will be 100 percent until the middle of September or possibly a little longer.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
That's a long recovery time for knee surgery. It will be interesting to see if it's obvious that Merriman is not 100% by his play. His return is the key to getting the Chargers pass defense back to where it needs to be because of the relentless pressure on the QB he creates.
That'll do it for today, Folks.
Have a great Friday and thanks for reading. We'll see you tomorrow with the update.
J