Footballguys Daily Email - Volume 10, Issue 125 (Saturday, August 22nd)
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Hi Folks,
Good Sunday to you. Hope you're having a great weekend. Specifically, I hope you're doing better than my buddy, Jon. I told you I was at Windy Gap Young Life Camp in beautiful Weaverville, NC. Here is how not to start your weekend off at camp.... Jon's doing fine now but I've seen enough of the Asheville ER to last me for a while.
The NFL is hopping this time of year as the intensity for camp battles continues to rise. Lots of news and notes to bring you so let's get to it. Thanks as always to my buddies Cecil Lammey and Sigmund Bloom for the help there.
J
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1. PHI - RB Brian Westbrook may see time in next preseason game2. DAL - WR Roy Williams still working on chemistry with QB Tony Romo
3. MIN - RB Adrian Peterson says having QB Brett Favre is special
4. GB - RB Ryan Grant should have heavy workload
5. GB - RB Ryan Grant feels healthy, more explosive
6. KC - WR Dwayne Bowe scores Friday
7. IND - Caldwell impressed with WR Austin Collie
8. KC - QB Matt Cassel gaining comfort in offense
9. BAL - WR Mark Clayton ahead of schedule
10. KC - Shoddy offensive line will hold team back
11. IND - RB Mike Hart out at least two weeks
12. MIN - WR Darius Reynaud in running to make team
13. DAL - Will not move stadium scoreboard
14. STL - WR Laurent Robinson has strong game Friday
15. STL - RB Steven Jackson quiet Friday
16. DAL - Punt hits video screen over field Friday
17. KC - QB Matt Cassel leads team on two scoring drives Friday
18. MIN - QB Tarvaris Jackson throws for 202 yards Friday
19. ATL - QB Matt Ryan performs well Friday
20. ATL - RB Michael Turner runs for 65 yards Friday
21. TEN - QB Vince Young struggles Friday
22. TEN - QB Kerry Collins plays entire first half Friday
23. DAL - QB Tony Romo impressive Friday
24. MIN - QB Brett Favre makes early exit in first preseason action
25. MIN - Preseason debut for WR Percy Harvin
26. DEN - Broncos have an aging secondary?
PHI - RB Brian Westbrook may see time in next preseason game
Source: Kevin Noonan - CBSSports.com
CBSSports.com reports Philadelphia Eagles head coach Andy Reid said there is an outside chance RB Brian Westbrook (ankle) will see limited action in the team's next preseason game.
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Whether or not Westbrook takes part in any preseason games, we still feel very comfortable taking him in the early-to-mid second round in PPR leagues.
DAL - WR Roy Williams still working on chemistry with QB Tony Romo
Source: Tim MacMahon - The Dallas Morning News
Tim MacMahon, of The Dallas Morning News, reports Dallas Cowboys WR Roy Williams said he is still working on building chemistry with QB Tony Romo. 'We're still a work in progress. He's still getting to know me, and I'm still getting to know him,' Williams said.
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Williams was targeted seven times, and caught five of them... for 36 yards. We don't expect Williams to be the big play threat he was earlier in his career, and he won't catch more than 70-75 balls unless Jason Witten suffers a serious injury. He's a low-end WR2 at best this year even though some will draft him as high as the third round.
MIN - RB Adrian Peterson says having QB Brett Favre is special
Source: Kevin Seifert - ESPN.com
Kevin Seifert, of ESPN.com, reports Minnesota Vikings RB Adrian Peterson had high praise for QB Brett Favre, saying Favre's arrival to the team is special. 'It's special,' Peterson said. 'I've been watching the guy since I was in elementary school. To be able to be on the same team with him and for him to bring that passion he plays with ... He's just a good guy, a funny guy. He's a good teammate.'
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Peterson is a classy guy, and it shows through in these comments.
GB - RB Ryan Grant should have heavy workload
Source: Jason Wilde - the Wisconsin State Journal
Jason Wilde, of the Wisconsin State Journal, reports Green Bay Packers RB Ryan Grant plans on receiving 20 to 25 carries per game this season.
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20 carries a game would put Grant at 320, eight more than he had last year. We don't expect a heavier workload than that this year, especially with the good feelings the Packers seem to have about DeShawn Wynn this year.
GB - RB Ryan Grant feels healthy, more explosive
Source: Jason Wilde - the Wisconsin State Journal
Jason Wilde, of the Wisconsin State Journal, reports Green Bay Packers RB Ryan Grant said he is back to feeling himself after dealing with a hamstring injury last season. 'I do feel more explosive. But more than that, just healthy. I feel healthy,' Grant said. 'I can burst, I don't have to think about anything. When you're healthy, it's different. I thought about (the hamstring) a lot last year. A lot of times, I couldn't hit it. Mentally, I'd see it, but I couldn't hit it. I didn't have that burst. You don't know, youre just trying to gauge it. And the way I run, there's no time for gauging.'
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Everything surrounding Grant has been positive this offseason, so you should feel fine about taking him in the fourth round of PPR leagues, and maybe even in the third round of non-PPR leagues. Even if he isn't doing much on his own, the threat that Aaron Rodgers and the Packers passing game presents should keep run lanes open all year.
KC - WR Dwayne Bowe scores Friday
Source: Associated Press
The Associated Press reports Kansas City Chiefs WR Dwayne Bowe scored a touchdown in the team's preseason game Friday, Aug. 21.
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Bowe belongs back in the early-to-mid third round mix in PPR leagues. He is a viable candidate to be your WR1 if you don't take a wideout in the first two rounds, because he is very talented, and he should again be in the top five in the league in targets on a Chiefs team that is likely to be playing from behind a lot.
IND - Caldwell impressed with WR Austin Collie
Source: Phillip B. Wilson - The Indianapolis Star
Phillip B. Wilson, of The Indianapolis Star, reports Indianapolis Colts head coach Jim Caldwell said he has been impressed with WR Austin Collie. 'He has certainly shown the ability to be a clutch player and catch the ball in tough situations, and can run with it after the catch. He also has a real fine understanding of where he's supposed to be, and I think that's the really important thing, particularly when you're working on your timing with the quarterback,' Caldwell said.
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Collie is taking to the Colts offense right away, but he's still probably not worth rostering in redraft leagues.
KC - QB Matt Cassel gaining comfort in offense
Source: Associated Press
The Associated Press reports Kansas City Chiefs QB Matt Cassel said following the team's preseason game Friday, Aug. 21, that he is becoming more comfortable with the team's offense. 'I'm getting more and more comfortable,' Cassel said. 'We had a few weeks of training camp, but I'm still getting familiar with the offense. It's a new offense and there are new players around us, so it's a process.'
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It's a new year, new team, new coach to get used to and it's going to take a little time to adjust. The Chiefs are likely to pass a lot this year because their defense is going to give up a lot of points, so Cassel could be really comfortable by the time the fantasy playoffs roll around.
BAL - WR Mark Clayton ahead of schedule
Source: Edward Lee - the Baltimore Sun
Edward Lee, of the Baltimore Sun, reports that WR Mark Clayton has been running routes and catching passes on the side during last few practices. He is ahead of schedule in his recovery from a hamstring injury and encouraged by his progress. "I'm just thanking God that the healing process has been really smooth," said Clayton. "They said it could be into the season or whatnot, and I didn't think I'd be running routes and stuff at this moment. "That's not full speed. I still feel pretty slow, but it's coming along. I'm just happy to be back."
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Clayton might be worth a very late-round pick, especially in a non-PPR league, but hamstring injuries have a nasty way of recurring for wide receivers, and Clayton was still a boom or bust producer even when finally showed up in the second half of 2008.
KC - Shoddy offensive line will hold team back
Source: Jason Whitlock - the Kansas City Star
Jason Whitlock, of the Kansas City Star, reports that the Minnesota defensive front four "toyed with" the Chiefs offensive line, even though the Vikings were missing Pat Williams and Jared Allen. Cassel was sacked four times during his two quarters of action.
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The Chiefs line was passable at times last year, but they will be depending a lot on second-year left tackle Branden Albert and elderly left guard Brian Waters to stabilize a line that is weak elsewhere. This is another great reason that you shouldn't count on Matt Cassel as a starting QB or Larry Johnson as a starting RB for your fantasy team.
IND - RB Mike Hart out at least two weeks
Source: John Oehser - CBSSports.com
CBSSports.com reports Indianapolis Colts RB Mike Hart (ankle) will miss at least two weeks because of a left ankle injury.
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Hart has had some bad breaks already in his career, including a torn ACL last year just as he was going to get a chance to get more touches. He might have trouble making the team if Lance Ball comes on in the remaining three preseason games.
MIN - WR Darius Reynaud in running to make team
Source: Kevin Seifert - ESPN.com
Kevin Seifert, of ESPN.com, reports that Vikings WR Darius Reynaud had a 64-yard TD catch from Tarvaris Jackson, and another 24-yard catch from John David Booty in the win over Kansas City on Friday, August 21, and that Reynaud is "making a strong push for a roster spot".
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It seems like it will come down to whether the versatility of Percy Harvin will give the Vikings the luxury of carrying six wideouts, because Harvin, Bernard Berrian, Sidney Rice, and Bobby Wade are all locks for the final roster, and Jaymar Johnson looks like he'll be the fifth wide receiver and punt returner.
DAL - Will not move stadium scoreboard
Source: Tim MacMahon - The Dallas Morning News
Tim MacMahon, of The Dallas Morning News, reports Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said he would not consider raising the scoreboard in the team's new stadium after Tennessee Titans P A.J. Trapasso bounced a ball off of it during a preseason game Friday, Aug. 21. Jones pointed out that his $1.2 billion stadium was built to league specifications and also hinted that Trapasso may have been aiming for the scoreboard. 'That's not the point,' Jones said. 'How high is high if somebody just wants to sit there and kick straight up?...If you look at how you punt the football, unless you're trying to hit the scoreboard, you punt the ball to get downfield. You certainly want to get some hangtime, but you punt the ball to get downfield, and you sure don't punt the ball down the middle. You punt it off to the side.'
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This is going to be a fun issue as the year goes on, because it seems like opposing punters will have an incentive to show Jones up by hitting the scoreboard, and Jones unwillingness to admit it might be a problem will make them want to do it even more.
STL - WR Laurent Robinson has strong game Friday
Source: Cameron Hollway - CBSSports.com
CBSSports.com reports St. Louis Rams WR Laurent Robinson had five receptions for 65 yards in the team's preseason game Friday, Aug. 21. Robinson has been the team's most reliable receiver in training camp. 'The offense is great,' Robinson said. 'I'm very confident and comfortable in it.'
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If you're going to take any Rams wideout other than Donnie Avery (who is still deserving of a pick if your leaguemates let him drop past the ninth round), make it Robinson, who has been able to stay healthy and should stay in the starting lineup even after Avery returns.
STL - RB Steven Jackson quiet Friday
Source: Associated Press
The Associated Press reports St. Louis Rams RB Steven Jackson had just three carries for 10 yards in the team's preseason game Friday, Aug. 21.
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We're sure his owners are fine with Jackson being quiet in the preseason if it means that he'll be completely healthy entering the regular season.
DAL - Punt hits video screen over field Friday
Source: Paul Kuharsky and Matt Mosley - ESPN.com
Paul Kuharsky and Matt Mosley, of ESPN.com, reports Tennessee Titans P A.J. Trapasso hit the video screen that hangs over the field in Cowboys Stadium with a punt during the team's preseason game against the Dallas Cowboys Friday, Aug. 21. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said he does not think it is an issue and he has no plans to alter it after the NFL signed off on the video screen. Titans head coach Jeff Fisher said, "It's an issue, yeah. I'm sure the Cowboys or the league will tell you, I shouldn't have to throw a flag out there because [the officiating crew] didn't see the ball hit the scoreboard. Now, it's not necessarily their responsibility. Once a fair catch signal is given, then there are no eyes on the ball anymore. So they don't see it. So something has to get worked out. It can become a problem."
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It's been a big preseason for Trapasso, who also scored on a fake punt in the Hall of Fame game. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones tried to downplay the issues, but Titans punter Craig Hentrich said he hit the screen numerous times in warmups, and he believes it will be problem unless it is raised. Both Hentrich and Trapasso seemed surprised that the designers of the stadium wouldn't anticipate this issue.
KC - QB Matt Cassel leads team on two scoring drives Friday
Source: Associated Press
The Associated Press reports Kansas City Chiefs QB Matt Cassel was 9-for-14 for 99 yards with a touchdown pass as he led the team on two scoring drives Friday, Aug. 21, against the Minnesota Vikings. Cassel was also sacked three times in the game.
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Cassel got a chance to play with #1 WR Dwyane Bowe, who worked his way out of Todd Haley's doghouse and back into the starting lineup. Cassel hit Bowe three times for 37 yards, including a touchdown.
MIN - QB Tarvaris Jackson throws for 202 yards Friday
Source: Associated Press
The Associated Press reports Minnesota Vikings QB Tarvaris Jackson was 12-for-15 for 202 yards with two touchdown passes during the team's preseason game Friday, Aug. 21.
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Jackson seemed a lot more comfortable and let the game come to him. His trade value is solid on the heels of this performance, and he is also making a good case to be the backup to Brett Favre. Interesting note on the fan dynamics is that ESPN's Kevin Seifert reports that fans booed Jackson when he replaced Brett Favre.
ATL - QB Matt Ryan performs well Friday
Source: Associated Press
The Associated Press reports Atlanta Falcons QB Matt Ryan was 7-for-8 for 81 yards with a touchdown pass over two series during the team's preseason game Friday, Aug. 21.
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If Ryan's going to have a sophomore slump this year, we can't see the signs of it so far.
ATL - RB Michael Turner runs for 65 yards Friday
Source: Associated Press
The Associated Press reports Atlanta Falcons RB Michael Turner had seven carries for 65 yards with a touchdown during the team's preseason game Friday, Aug. 21. Turner accounted for all but 12 yards of the team's 77-yard scoring drive.
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Turner had a 43-yard run on the drive and capped it with a one-yard plunge. We still think Turner is worth a top five pick in non-PPR leagues, although his value drops to a borderline first-round pick in PPR leagues.
TEN - QB Vince Young struggles Friday
Source: Associated Press
The Associated Press reports Tennessee Titans QB Vince Young was 3-for-9 for 33 yards with an interception during the team's preseason game Friday, Aug. 21.
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Young wasn't comfortable even though he was back in his home state of Texas. He's not in any danger of losing the backup job to Patrick Ramsey, but he's not exactly putting pressure on Kerry Collins, either.
TEN - QB Kerry Collins plays entire first half Friday
Source: Associated Press
The Associated Press reports Tennessee Titans QB Kerry Collins played the entire first half of the team's preseason game Friday, Aug. 21. He finished 8-for-11 for 55 yards with a touchdown.
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Collins didn't make the same kinds of mistakes that led to two interceptions against the Buccaneers last week, and Vince Young didn't have the same kind of triumphant second half, so the talk of a QB switch happening sometime this year can simmer down for now.
DAL - QB Tony Romo impressive Friday
Source: Associated Press
The Associated Press reports Dallas Cowboys QB Tony Romo was 18-for-24 for 192 yards during the team's preseason game Friday, Aug. 21.
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Romo spread the ball around, but still looked to Roy Williams and Jason Witten plenty of times during his efficient performance in the first half.
MIN - QB Brett Favre makes early exit in first preseason action
Source: Kevin Seifert - ESPN.com
Minnesota Vikings QB Brett Favre was replaced during the first quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs Friday, Aug. 21, by backup QB Tarvaris Jackson. Favre took part in two series, hitting just one of his four passing attempts for four yards.
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Favre missed badly on two throws and got hit as he was delivering a third. Percy Harvin had to dive to make Favre's single completion. Seifert said it well, "Unfortunately for the Vikings, that's about where the fun ended. Once the pomp and circumstance was over, Favre looked very much like a 39-year-old quarterback who just finished his first week of practice in almost nine months." He'll get better and more comfortable.
MIN - Preseason debut for WR Percy Harvin
Source: Kevin Seifert - ESPN.com
Kevin Seifert, of ESPN.com, reports Minnesota Vikings WR Percy Harvin had two receptions for nine yards in his preseason debut Friday, Aug. 21. Harvin also returned two kickoffs for a 26.5-yard average.
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Seifert wrote that Harvin is going to have to learn the lesson all rookies learn, that you can't run away from the field. On both of of Harvin's returns, he tried to run away from the kick coverage instead of through it.
DEN - Broncos have an aging secondary?
Source: Associated Press
The Associated Press reports the Denver Broncos' starting secondary features all four players 30 years of age or older. CBs Champ Bailey and Andre' Goodman are both 31 , respectively, while FS Brian Dawkins is 35 and FS Renaldo Hill is 30. 'On paper we look pretty good,' Goodman said. 'We also look old, I've heard that. At the end of the day, this is a production business and I think with the veterans you have back there and Champ being the great player he is and Brian being the great player he is, me and Renaldo are going to come in and try to match that.
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That aging secondary could be exposed a lot easier if the unproven front seven can't get pressure on the QB. Expect the Broncos to get in their share of shootouts this year. We just wonder if Kyle Orton (and Chris Simms) have enough ammo and firepower to hang if Brandon Marshall doesn't get with the program soon.
That'll do it for today, Folks. Thanks for reading and have yourself a great Sunday. See you tomorrow with the update.
J