Footballguys Daily Email - Volume 10, Issue 85 (Monday, July 13th)
|
Sign Up For Free Newsletter
85,000+ Mailing List |
Fanball Draft & Play NFL Fantasy Football features 10-team leagues, live online drafts, point-style scoring, and head-to-head matchups. Enter any of the 8 levels of play including FREE, $10 COPPER, $25 BRONZE, $75 TRIPLE BRONZE, $125 SILVER, $250 GOLD, $500 PLATINUM, and $1,000 DOUBLE PLATINUM. You can win great cash prizes – up to $6,000 per 10-team league. Draft your team of 15 players (8 active and 7 reserves) and make weekly in-season free agent acquisitions until the league playoffs in Week 14. Special: Draft your team by July 19 and get a 20% rebate per team. Each team in a public or private league that drafts by Sunday, July 19, will receive a 20% rebate ($2 for a COPPER entry, $5 for a BRONZE entry, $15 for a TRIPLE BRONZE entry, $25 for a SILVER entry, and $50 for a GOLD entry) on account once the draft has been completed successfully. (Offer not valid for Free, Platinum, Double Platinum, and reserved private leagues.) New This Year: Enter for FREE! Win your league and receive a $10 COPPER Entry in 2010! Fanball has awarded more cash prizes than any other competitor, more than $50 million since 1992. Draft & Play NFL draft times are filling up fast - Enter Now! |
Hi Folks,
Good Tuesday to you. Lots of stuff happening today in addition to the Derrick Mason news. But Mason's a great example of what we do here. Don't settle for outdated information. Let us keep you up to date with all the latest news and moves and more importantly, what those moves mean for the surrounding players. So let's get to it.
J
SITE NEWS
A.
Footballguys Subscription - Money Back Guarantee
I hope you're enjoying these email updates. But this information is just a tiny bit of what we offer. If you haven't already subscribed to our Premium Subscription service, I hope you'll take a look. The signup page is in the headline link. From now up to the Super Bowl, we give our Premium Subscribers everything we possibly can so they can dominate their league. And we put our money where our mouth is offering a money back guarantee. Please give it a look and give us a shot.
B.
Footballguys Podcast - The Audible - Andrew Mason from Panthers.com
In This Episode: Cecil Lammey and Sigmund Bloom interview Panthers beat writer Andrew Mason from Panthers.com Topics include - can Jake Delhomme be consistent in 2009, what kind of role does rookie RB Mike Goodson have on this team, who emerges in the WR corps behind Smith and Muhammad, plus more!
C.
Footballguys Podcast - The Audible - John Crist from Bear Report
In This Episode: Cecil Lammey and Sigmund Bloom interview Bears beat writer John Crist from Bear Report Magazine and Bearreport.com Topics include - Jay Cutlers impact on the Chicago offense, can Kevin Jones regain his form and steal a few carries from Matt Forte, a discussion about rookie WRs Johnny Knox, Juaquin Iglesias, and Derek Kinder, plus more!
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1. BAL - WR Derrick Mason announces retirement2. BUF - Ever-increasing role for RB Fred Jackson
3. CAR - RB Mike Goodson's speed 'just floors you'
4. CHI - QB Jay Cutler going out of his way to get WR Devin Hester the football
5. BAL - WR Demetrius Williams likely to be starter when camp starts
6. DAL - NYG - Giants RB Brandon Jacobs not impressed with DAL QB Tony Romo
7. SF - 49er QB competition too close to call
8. BUF - QB Trent Edwards has high expectations for WR Steve Johnson
9. BAL - RB Ray Rice emerging as more physical runner
10. CHI - WR Johnny Knox an intriguing prospect - perhaps starting slot receiver?
11. DAL - QB Tony Romo reportedly breaks up with Jessica Simpson
12. DAL - QB Tony Romo-WR Roy Williams relationship a work in progress
13. WAS - QB Jason Campbell ready for breakout season?
14. GB - WR Brett Swain star of offseason
15. BUF - TE Derek Fine displaying more consistent route running and separation
16. BAL - WR Marcus Smith gaining confidence
17. BAL - WR Demetrius Williams adds weight, begins returning to form in OTAs
18. JAC - WR Tiquan Underwood impressive during offensive workouts
BAL - WR Derrick Mason announces retirement
Source: Quentin Jones, Jocklife.net
Quentin Jones, of Jocklife.net, reports that Baltimore Ravens WR Derrick Mason is retiring from the NFL. "I have had a tremendous career and I played for two great teams, I had fun. In my career, I have been able to do everything but win a Super Bowl. I've had the opportunity to play on great teams and with great players. After 12 years, I have seen it all and done it all," Mason stated. "Right now, I am content with the decision I am making. All good things come to an end and I am ready to see what else life has to offer." "I have been thinking about this since season ended. Emotionally I am just not that enthused. I have not been that enthused to get up and work out - it was getting to that point. This decision has nothing to do with the contract situation; I have made enough money, more than enough money. Emotionally there are things that are more important. It's time right now. I don't know what's going to happen from here, but it's going to be really nice to see what life has in store for me. What I want people to remember about my NFL career is that I played hard - played hard in practice and the game. I tried to make everyone better and would do anything to help."
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Mason's agents Peter Schaffer and Lamont Smith own the website, so this is credible. The Ravens don't really have someone to replace Mason. Mark Clayton showed he could run some deep routes last year, but he's not as rugged as Mason on the short and intermediate stuff. Demetrius Williams could step in and start, and one would think LJ Smith and Todd Heap would become more prominent. This could also push the Ravens to try to trade for Brandon Marshall or another disgruntled wideout. They could sign a veteran like Plaxico Burress, Amani Toomer, Marvin Harrison, or DJ Hackett.
There have been several followup reports that Mason has not yet filed retirement papers and that he was only 99% sure that retirement was the right thing. There's always the chance he changes his mind. So let's see how this plays out over the next little bit here.
BUF - Ever-increasing role for RB Fred Jackson
Source: Chris Brown, BuffaloBills.com
Chris Brown, of BuffaloBills.com, reports that RB Fred Jackson will see an increased role this season. Bills RB coach Eric Studesville said "I'd like to see an ever-increasing role with Fred. He's proven that he's dependable and productive in everything that we've asked him to do. So we're going to do it, get him more touches and find more ways to get him in the game."
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Jackson has looked good in his change of pace role, but not quite as dynamic as Leon Washington or Darren Sproles. We think it would be a shame if the Bills didn't get Marshawn Lynch 20 carries a game when he returns from his three-game suspension, because Lynch is the kind of RB who can wear defenses down by the fourth quarter and land the knockout blow in the waning moments of the game.
CAR - RB Mike Goodson's speed 'just floors you'
Source: Andrew Mason, Panthers.com
In an interview on our podcast, The Audible, Andrew Mason from Panthers.com said that rookie RB Mike Goodson's speed "just floors you." Mason feels that Goodson could turn out to be a tremendous steal for the team and could have an immediate impact as a kick returner.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
According to Mason the rookie could be a big time change of pace guy because of his amazing speed. Currently he's behind DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart on the depth chart and with only so many carries to go around Goodson could have to wait to see the field as a running back. However, if Stewart or Williams gets even a little dinged up we feel the Panthers would be ready to give Goodson an opportunity.
CHI - QB Jay Cutler going out of his way to get WR Devin Hester the football
Source: John Crist, BearReport.com
In an interview on our podcast, The Audible, John Crist from Bear Report Magazine and BearReport.com stated that during the OTAs new QB Jay Cutler was going out of his way to get Devin Hester the football.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Jay Cutler is a smart QB, so it's not surprising that he's finding different ways to get Devin Hester the football. Crist noted that it wasn't a "frick and frack" thing like Cutler had with Brandon Marshall. Too often Cutler would force the ball to Marshall when the play broke down instead of scanning the field for other options. In Bears minicamp Cutler has done a good job throwing to all of his targets and may have learned from his time in Denver that you can't just force the ball to one guy.
BAL - WR Demetrius Williams likely to be starter when camp starts
Source: John Clayton, ESPN.com
John Clayton, of ESPN.com, reports Baltimore Ravens WR Demetrius Williams likely will be one of the starting wide receivers entering training camp after the retirement of WR Derrick Mason.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Williams has looked like a big play receiver throughout his career - when healthy. Like several other receivers across the league we've seen glimpses of big time ability from Williams but he hasn't been able to stay on the field to be a consistent force. The Ravens were likely caught off guard by Derrick Mason's sudden retirement and could now be considering players like Plaxico Burress or Marvin Harrison behind closed doors.
DAL - NYG - Giants RB Brandon Jacobs not impressed with DAL QB Tony Romo
Source: Ralph Vacchiano, The New York Daily News
Ralph Vacchiano, of the New York Daily News, reports New York Giants RB Brandon Jacobs said during a radio interview that he does not believe Dallas Cowboys QB Tony Romo is a good pocket passer or a good overall passer. 'I think if you were to keep Tony Romo in the pocket, he's not that effective. That's what I think,' Jacobs said. 'But if you let him run around and everybody thinking 'Is he gonna run? Is he gonna pass?' then I think he's effective. Because he is athletic and he can run and he can beat you there. But if you keep him in the pocket, I don't think he can beat you from the pocket. I don't think he's that great of a passer, to be honest with you.'
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Romo actually does most of his damage from within the pocket and we think Jacobs just wanted to ruffle some feathers on his NFC East rivals. There are questions about Romo's ability to win in December and January, but Dallas certainly counts every game against the Giants as a big game.
SF - 49er QB competition too close to call
Source: FoxSports.com
FoxSports.com reports that the 49ers QB competition between Alex Smith and Shaun Hill is too close to call according to head coach Mike Singletary. Singletary also acknowledges that if it stays this way, it'll likely go to Hill. Hill has appeared to get a better handle on new offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye's offense, while Smith has thrown the ball better this offseason than at any point during his tenure with the 49ers.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
We think Hill is by far the better fantasy prospect for 2009, but having this battle looming over his draft stock makes it hard to spend a pick on him earlier than the very late rounds of your draft, since he only has low-end starter/high-end backup fantasy upside.
BUF - QB Trent Edwards has high expectations for WR Steve Johnson
Source: Chris Brown, BuffaloBills.com
Chris Brown, of BuffaloBills.com, reports that Bills starting QB Trent Edwards praised second-year WR Steve Johnson's work in the offseason. "I have very high expectations (for him)," said Edwards. "If you guys could watch some of his tape from the spring practices of him getting off of the press, it's ridiculous. It's making some of the best corners on our team - he's getting right by them. He's shifty, he moves well, he comes out of his breaks well and I'm happy he's one of our receivers."
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
We've loved Johnson since he earned his clutch big-play reputation catching passes from Andre Woodson at Kentucky. He's an underrated athlete and he should benefit from coverages that are geared to stop Terrell Owens and Lee Evans this season.
BAL - RB Ray Rice emerging as more physical runner
Source: Aaron Wilson, The Carroll County Times
Aaron Wilson, of the Carroll County Times, reports that Baltimore RB Ray Rice "is emerging as a more physical runner this year. Rice has gained some muscle in his upper body and should be better suited to run between the tackles... I thought Rice looked strong, quick and ready to shoulder a bigger workload this fall."
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
We can't figure out why Rice still only has an ADP of #99 overall and RB38. He is going to be the top pass-catcher out of the backfield in Baltimore, and Willis McGahee had two offseason surgeries, so he's not as big a threat as he was last year. LeRon McClain? He's being converted to FB. He might steal some goal line carries and finish games, but expect Rice to get the most work of any Raven RB this season.
CHI - WR Johnny Knox an intriguing prospect - perhaps starting slot receiver?
Source: John Crist, BearReport.com
In an interview on our podcast, The Audible, John Crist from Bear Report Magazine and BearReport.com called rookie WR Johnny Knox an intriguing prospect. Crist says that if Rashied Davis has a few more bad drops in training camp it wouldn't be surprising to see Knox get a shot as the starting slot receiver.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Crist notes that while Rashied Davis is a hard worker and a good special teamer, he just doesn't have the same type of speed or explosiveness as Johnny Knox. Contributing right away might be a little too much to expect out of a fifth-round rookie receiver but when training camp starts draft position doesn't matter. If Knox can make more plays out of the slot he will get the starting nod. Knox stood out in El Paso at the Texas vs The Nation game because of his rare body control, concentration, and lightning quick speed.
DAL - QB Tony Romo reportedly breaks up with Jessica Simpson
Source: People.com
People.com reports Dallas Cowboys QB Tony Romo broke up with girlfriend singer Jessica Simpson last week, according to a source.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Because all you single cats need to know.
DAL - QB Tony Romo-WR Roy Williams relationship a work in progress
Source: Tim MacMahon, The Dallas Morning News
Tim MacMahon, of The Dallas Morning News, reports Dallas Cowboys QB Tony Romo and WR Roy Williams put in a lot of extra offseason work together. There were some encouraging signs of chemistry between the two during OTAs and minicamp, but there was also ample evidence that their relationship is a work in progress.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
If you look at the tape from last year there seems to be a lot of work needed on their relationship. Williams was less than impressive his first season with the Cowboys, but T.O. is now in Buffalo and Williams is expected to be the leading wide receiver in 2009. Jason Witten will forever be Romo's favorite target, but Williams could strengthen the chemistry with his QB if he stops dropping easy passes. This outcome will help define the Cowboys season because an underachieving Williams would be hurtful to the offense.
WAS - QB Jason Campbell ready for breakout season?
Source: Chris Cooley, Washington Redskins
Washington Redskins TE Chris Cooley said he believes QB Jason Campbell is ready to emerge as one of the NFL's top quarterbacks this season. 'Jason Campbell is so close to being one of the best QB's in the league; he will have a great year,' said Cooley, who filled in for SI.com's Peter King during his Monday Morning Quarterback column.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
It's a good thing his teammates believe in him because it seemed the Redskins tried to trade Campbell every other week this offseason. There have been recent reports that state second-year quarterback Colt Brennan may actually challenge for the starting spot but we think that's overblown. Yes, coach Jim Zorn is on the hot seat. Yes, this is probably Jason Campbell's last year in Washington. However, the team could rally around their coach and quarterback and perform better than expected. In the event that the team struggles we may see Brennan fill in for Campbell towards the end of the year, but we fully expect him to be the starter on opening weekend.
GB - WR Brett Swain star of offseason
Source: Bill Huber, Packer Report
Bill Huber, of Packer Report, reports that second-year WR Brett Swain "was one of the stars of the offseason practices." The 2008 seventh-round pick "looks like a far superior player" than he was last year. Swain has added nine pounds, making him stronger and better at beating press coverage, but without losing any quickness. Huber says he's the favorite among the group of wide receivers trying to unseat Ruvell Martin for the #5 spo
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Swain ran a 4.45 at his pro day, and he was used mainly in the slot at San Diego State. GM Ted Thompson liked his run after catch ability. It would take a great camp, plus multiple injuries to the WR corps for Swain to matter this year, but deep dynasty leaguers should track his progress in camp and consider carrying him in leagues with taxi squads for second-year players because any wide receiver that gets on the field in a robust passing attack like Green Bay's can have value down the line.
BUF - TE Derek Fine displaying more consistent route running and separation
Source: Chris Brown, BuffaloBills.com
Chris Brown, of BuffaloBills.com, reports that second-year TE Derek Fine gained consistency in his route running and ability to separate while having a strong spring. Bills TE coach Charlie Coiner called Fine a "physical, tough guy with a lot of power and explosion... He's going to be a big-bodied guy in the middle, make a tough catch and get you 5-6 more yards after the catch and get back in there."
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
We can't get too excited about Fine's fantasy prospects because of the presence of Lee Evans and Terrell Owens on the outside, and an excellent supporting cast of receivers that includes Josh Reed, Roscoe Parrish, and Stevie Johnson. By the time Fine has come into his own, we think 2009 fourth-round pick Shawn Nelson will be ready to pass him on the depth chart.
BAL - WR Marcus Smith gaining confidence
Source: Aaron Wilson, The Carroll County Times
Aaron Wilson, of the Carroll County Times, reports that 2008 fourth-round pick WR Marcus Smith has "rebuilt his confidence" and been sure-handed in minicamp after having some bad drops during games last year. Smith also had some great plays in camp last year before his problems during the season, and Wilson writes, "It's impossible to predict whether he'll regress again when it counts, but my educated hunch is that he'll at least be a minor contributor this season."
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Like Wilson's musings on Demetrius Williams, this becomes that much more relevant with the news of Derrick Mason's retirement. Smith is the heaviest returning Ravens WR at 6'1" 215, and he'll be expected to step up no matter what else the Ravens do at his position between now and the beginning of the season.
BAL - WR Demetrius Williams adds weight, begins returning to form in OTAs
Source: Aaron Wilson, The Carroll County Times
Aaron Wilson, of the Carroll County Times, reports that Ravens WR Demetrius Williams looked good in offseason minicamps. Wilson writes, "there were strong signs of him regaining his old form and being able to run and cut the way he needs to be able to perform optimally. He has also gained some weight, bulking up to try to become less prone to injuries."
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
This becomes all the more relevant with the retirement of Derrick Mason. Williams has looked like a more natural big play threat than Mark Clayton, and he's better suited to work the middle of the field at 6'2" 200.
JAC - WR Tiquan Underwood impressive during offensive workouts
Source: Vic Ketchman, Jaguars.com
Vic Ketchman, of Jaguars.com, reports Jacksonville Jaguars WR Tiquan Underwood has the potential to serve as a big-play threat for the team. Underwood impressed during offseason workouts.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Ketchman is really high on Underwood, and so is veteran wide receiver Torry Holt who has taken these young Jaguars receivers under his wing. Ketchman believes that Underwood could be a "home-run" type of threat for the team, and thinks he fell to the seventh-round in the draft because of an early season case of the dropsies and the emergence of Kenny Britt. Underwood knows how to use his frame to shield defenders away from the ball, has reliable hands, and good vision when running after the catch. He needs to work on his ball-tracking ability and suddenness off the line of scrimmage. The future of the WR corps looks bright in Jacksonville because of rookies Mike Thomas, Jarett Dillard, and Tiquan Underwood.
That'll do it for today, Folks.
And remember, if you want to keep up with Footballguys on our Facebook page, just click here.
If you'd like to keep up with all that I'm doing on Twitter, plus breaking news and Footballguys site info, just click here.
If you want to keep up with me on Facebook, click here.
And if you want to visit my Tumblog, click here.
Have a great Tuesday and we'll see you tomorrow with the update.
J