Footballguys Daily Email - Volume 10, Issue 92 (Monday, July 20th)
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Hi Folks,
Good Tuesday to you. I hope you took us up on the offer to subscribe to our Footballguys Premium subscription as we've got a TON of new content today for our subscribers. Plus lots of news and notes so let's get to it.
J
SITE NEWS
A.
Defense Wins Championships
Our John Norton and Jene Bramel with an exhaustive (and I mean exhaustive) look at every NFL Team analyzing the Team Defense, IDP Players and Fantasy Prospects.
B.
An Early Look At the Playoff Schedules
Our Sigmund Bloom looks ahead with a detailed article identifying players with favorable Playoff Schedules.
C.
Identifying Sleepers
Our Jeff Tefertiller takes a hard look at one of the most valuable talents any fantasy owner can possess - Identifying Sleepers.
D.
The Weekly Gut Check - What Makes RBs and QBs Consistent?
Our Matt Waldman with his Weekly Gut Check with part V of a series devoted to incorporating risk into your draft.
E.
Identifying Sleepers - Wide Receivers
Our Jeff Tefertiller takes a look at uncovering WR Sleepers.
F.
Identifying Sleepers - Running Backs
Our Jeff Tefertiller takes a look at uncovering RB Sleepers.
G.
Identifying Sleepers - Quarterbacks
Our Jeff Tefertiller takes a look at uncovering QB Sleepers.
H.
Spotlight - WR Donnie Avery, St. Louis Rams
A detailed look at STL WR Donnie Avery.
I.
Spotlight - WR Bernard Berrian, Minnesota Vikings
A detailed look at MIN WR Bernard Berrian.
J.
Spotlight - WR Torry Holt, Jacksonville Jaguars
A detailed look at JAC WR Torry Holt.
K.
Spotlight - WR Randy Moss, New England Patriots
A detailed look at NE WR Randy Moss.
L.
Spotlight - QB Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers
A detailed look at GB QB Aaron Rodgers.
M.
Spotlight - RB Steve Slaton, Houston Texans
A detailed look at HOU RB Steve Slaton.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1. PIT - QB Ben Roethlisberger denies civil allegations of sexual assault2. BAL - Adam Schein predicts WR Derrick Mason will be in camp, start week 1
3. PIT - RB Willie Parker 'attacks' offseason regimen
4. BUF - Expectations growing for QB Trent Edwards
5. OAK - Starting quarterback job JaMarcus Russell's to lose
6. TEN - Competition for No. 2 quarterback
7. NYJ - Saints head coach Payton predicts possible playoffs for the Jets
8. BAL - Ravens working receivers out on Friday, including D.J. Hackett
9. ATL - QB Matt Ryan hit the weights in the offseason
10. DEN - WR Brandon Marshall working on his speed
11. TB - RB Cadillac Williams will participate in camp
12. CLE - WR Mike Furrey has impressed this offseason
13. CIN - QB Carson Palmer praises Cedric Benson, Chris Henry
14. SEA - OT Walter Jones will consider retirement next year
15. SEA - QB Seneca Wallace believes he can be starter
16. MIN - QB Brett Favre decision could come Friday
17. TB - Brian Clark could be #3 wide receiver
18. DEF - CB Nnamdi Asomugha may get to shadow opposing #1 receiver
PIT - QB Ben Roethlisberger denies civil allegations of sexual assault
Source: Mike Florio, Profootballtalk.com
In a complaint that reads like the rape allegations made several years ago against NBA star Kobe Bryant, Harrah's employee Andrea McNulty alleges sexual assault against Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger in a lawsuit filed last week in Washoe County, Nevada.
But lawyer David Cornwell strongly denied the allegations Monday night, in a statement released to PFT. "Ben has never sexually assaulted anyone; especially Andrea McNulty," Cornwell said.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
As Cornwell notes in the article, the absence of a criminal complaint and criminal investigation bode well for Roethlisberger here. But this still could be a distraction the QB and team does not need.
On a side note, this is a good example of why it's a good idea to sign up to keep up with us on Facebook and Twitter. This is not a small story, but it's also not something big enough that it would warrant sending out to everyone on the email list as a "Breaking News" update. But I did post it Monday evening on our Twitter and Facebook feeds and folks that subscribe to those saw it last night.
If you want to keep up with Footballguys on our Facebook page, just click here.
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BAL - Adam Schein predicts WR Derrick Mason will be in camp, start week 1
Source: Adam Schein, FoxSports.com
Adam Schein, of FoxSports.com, predicts that Ravens WR Derrick Mason will be at training camp when Schein visits on August 11, and "he'll at least be playing for the Ravens in Week 1."
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
This is quickly becoming one of the better stories to follow in a normally dead time for NFL news. The Ravens are beginning to call Mason's bluff by bringing in WRs for a workout on Friday, we'll see if Mason blinks.
PIT - RB Willie Parker 'attacks' offseason regimen
Source: Peter Schrager, FoxSports.com
Peter Schrager, of FoxSports.com, reports that Pittsburgh RB Willie Parker "has been attacking his offseason training regimen like he never has before." Last month Parker said, "I'm getting that speed back like I had two or three years ago. I'm faster than I've been."
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Some have taken to calling him "Not so fast" Willie Parker, and while we don't think he'll ever be as dynamic as he was earlier in his career, Parker is still the starting running back for the Super Bowl champions, and he's still undervalued in fantasy drafts.
BUF - Expectations growing for QB Trent Edwards
Source: Allen Wilson, The Buffalo News
Allen Wilson, of the Buffalo News, reports the 2009 season does not represent a make-or-break year for Buffalo Bills QB Trent Edwards. However, he needs to show more than just glimpses of being a franchise quarterback. 'The biggest thing for us offensively is our quarterback. It all starts with him,' offensive coordinator Turk Schonert said. 'He's another year into the league. He went through a lot of positive things, some negative things and learned. He's still growing, but he's already grown a lot. He's a more confident player now, and I think his confidence permeates throughout the offense.' Edwards, meanwhile, is aware of the expectations placed on him. 'I think that's part of the quarterback position,' Edwards said. 'I'm excited for it, I'm going to embrace it and I'm hoping for a big year.'
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Edwards has a wide receiver tandem that compares favorably to the best in the league, and an offensive line that could be one of the worst in the league. Some no huddle looks are being installed to put the defense on their heels, and if Edwards can switch his mindset from being a game manager to being the aggressor, he could be a surprise top 12 fantasy QB this year.
OAK - Starting quarterback job JaMarcus Russell's to lose
Source: Jerry McDonald, ANG Newspapers
Jerry McDonald, of ANG Newspapers, reports even though Oakland Raiders QB Jeff Garcia has stressed his desire to be the team's starting quarterback this season, the job is QB JaMarcus Russell's to lose, barring injury or a faceplant of major proportions.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
This seemed self-evident, so the fact that it has to be spelled out is a sign that Jeff Garcia's insistence that he should start isn't as crazy as it seemed at first.
TEN - Competition for No. 2 quarterback
Source: Jim Wyatt, The Tennessean
Jim Wyatt, of The Tennessean, reports there will be legitimate competition between Tennessee Titans QBs Vince Young and Patrick Ramsey for the team's No. 2 quarterback job during training camp. All things equal, the Titans would love for Young to blow Ramsey - and starting QB Kerry Collins, for that matter - out of the water and succeed. However, it is uncertain whether it's ever going to work for Young in Tennessee, and there are those inside the organization who think that it won't.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Young's attitude has wavered between "I'm going to shut up and play my role" to "I want to start and trade me if I can't" during the offseason. We still think he hasn't "got it" since his troubles last year and wouldn't be surprised if Ramsey beats him out to be the backup QB. Young's cap number next year is $14 million, and it looks very unlikely that he'll justify that cost.
NYJ - Saints head coach Payton predicts possible playoffs for the Jets
Source: Head coach Sean Payton
New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton, writing for Sports Illustrated, reports that he believes the New York Jets are a non-playoff team from 2008 that has a chance to make the postseason this year. Payton writes, "I think Rex Ryan will do a great job of creating a culture that lends itself to winning. I also love Mark Sanchez as a young quarterback prospect."
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
The Jets had a solid defense and the pieces of a power running game in place last year, and they had a good enough record entering December to make the playoffs, but Brett Favre had other ideas. If Sanchez or Kellen Clemens can just be an effective game manager, and Rex Ryan can get the Jets defense to smell blood like he did with the Ravens, Payton's prediction will look prescient in January.
BAL - Ravens working receivers out on Friday, including D.J. Hackett
Source: Jason LaCanfora, NFL Network
Jason LaCanfora, of NFL Network, reports on his Twitter feed that the Ravens will work out some wide receivers on Friday, July 24, including DJ Hackett, according to a source.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
There was surprisingly little demand for Hackett on the free agent market last year, and since he was banged up most of the year for the Panthers, there was even less interest this year. Hackett was always been a playmaker when he got on the field for the Seahawks, and we wouldn't completely give up on him, especially if he signs on a team with opportunity at WR like the Ravens.
ATL - QB Matt Ryan hit the weights in the offseason
Source: Pat Kirwan, NFL.com
Pat Kirwan, of NFL.com, reports that Atlanta QB Matt Ryan "must have lived in the weight room all offseason, because when he sat by me, it was clear he has changed his body."
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Kirwan invoked Tom Brady's name to show the importance of strength development early in a QB's career. Like Brady, Ryan does have some deep ball arm strength issues, so it sounds like he is doing everything he can to address them.
DEN - WR Brandon Marshall working on his speed
Source: Mike Klis, The Denver Post
Mike Klis, of The Denver Post, reports Denver Broncos WR Brandon Marshall (hip) has been working on improving his speed during the offseason in hopes of getting a lucrative contract down the road.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Marshall is already one of those deceptively fast wide receivers like Larry Fitzgerald, whose speed is hidden by how big and strong he plays - just ask Troy Polamalu and the Steelers secondary. For as bad as Marshall's decisions have been off the field, he is very serious about being the best on the field.
TB - RB Cadillac Williams will participate in camp
Source: Head coach Raheem Morris
Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Raheem Morris said during an interview that RB Cadillac Williams (knee) will participate in training camp and is in the mix to receive some carries this season.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
A little different take on Williams than what we've been hearing - which is good to see.
CLE - WR Mike Furrey has impressed this offseason
Source: Terry Pluto, The Cleveland Plain Dealer
Terry Pluto, of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, reports the Cleveland Browns liked what they saw from WR Mike Furrey during offseason minicamps. The team thinks Furrey can be an effective slot receiver this season.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
We have no doubt Furrey can be a dependable slot receiver, but he'll never again have the fantasy value he had under Mike Martz in Detroit. He is not worth rostering except in ridiculously deep PPR leagues.
CIN - QB Carson Palmer praises Cedric Benson, Chris Henry
Source: Pat Kirwan, NFL.com
Pat Kirwan, of NFL.com, reports that Cincinnati QB Carson Palmer "believes (WR Chris) Henry could be on the verge of a Randy Moss-type career", and that speaking about Cedric Benson, he "gushed about the running back's speed, work ethic and potential for a big season". Kirwan said both players should be high on fantasy football players lists.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Kirwan is one of our favorite NFL writers in the business, but fantasy advice is not his forte. Henry is still only a #3 receiver, and Benson is still running behind one of the worst offensive lines in the NFL. Both could end up being value picks, but we wouldn't put too much stock in Palmer's comments.
SEA - OT Walter Jones will consider retirement next year
Source: Scott Eklund, NorthwestFootball.net
Scott Eklund, of NorthwestFootball.net, reports that Seattle OT Walter Jones will consider retirement after the season. He also said he's having good days and bad days in his "tough" rehab from microfracture surgery
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
The days of Jones being one of the dominant offensive tackles in the NFL are over, the question is can he still an effective OT? That is not a given considering the nature of microfracture surgery.
SEA - QB Seneca Wallace believes he can be starter
Source: Eric Williams, The Tacoma News Tribune
Eric Williams, of the Tacoma News Tribune, reports Seattle Seahawks QB Seneca Wallace believes he could be an effective starting quarterback in the NFL. 'You always have to have confidence that you can come in and be the starter on any team,' Wallace said. 'I always feel that way. I'm adamant about it. And I'm going to keep working to improve each day, and hopefully something happens.'
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Don't laugh. Wallace was actually very effective last year in the last four games once he got over a calf injury. He passed for over 70% accuracy twice in that span, and also threw six touchdown passes.
MIN - QB Brett Favre decision could come Friday
Source: NFL.com
NFL.com reports people close to free-agent QB Brett Favre (Jets) believe Favre will give the Minnesota Vikings an answer on whether he will play this season well before the July 30 deadline he recently offered. They expect that he will reveal his decision by Friday, July 24. Favre thinks his body - and specifically his arm - can withstand season-long exertion. Favre questions whether he wants to endure the toil of a training camp, a preseason, and all of the mandatory NFL minutiae. Ultimately, the Vikings expect the answer to be yes.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
The answer better be yes. If the answer is no, then there has been a lot of breath, ink, and pixels wasted on Favre over the last few months - hopefully for the last time.
TB - Brian Clark could be #3 wide receiver
Source: Peter Schrager, FoxSports.com
Peter Schrager, of FoxSports.com, reports that WR Brian Clark might be the #3 wideout if the season started today. According to Schrager, Clark "has made quite an impression in Buccaneers camp this summer. At 6-2, 205 lbs, Clark is the rare package of size and speed. He's ready to contribute in '09."
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Clark is a decent talent and he could add a vertical dimension to the passing attack in three wide sets. We still think seventh-round rookie Sammie Stroughter is the better fit for the slot and he should get more snaps as the season goes on.
DEF - CB Nnamdi Asomugha may get to shadow opposing #1 receiver
Source: Paul Gutierrez, The Sacramento Bee
Paul Gutierrez, of the Sacramento Bee, reports that Oakland CB Nnamdi Asomugha may shadow the opposing team's #1 receiver in new defensive coordinator John Marshall's scheme. Asomugha said, "This has never been something that we here have done. We've always just kept me where I am (on the field) and then double team whoever's on the left. I think if it's someone that's really dominant then we (move me) but nowadays the No. 2 receiver is almost as good as the No. 1."
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
There is little argument that Asomugha is the premier cover corner in the NFL. If this development comes to fruition, then we might be able to more accurately predict whether to bench a stud WR when they are playing the Raiders.
That'll do it for today, Folks. Thanks for reading and I hope you have a great Tuesday.
J