Vick to the UFL?
UFL commissioner Michael Huyghue says his league will give Mike Vick a chance to play as long as his legal issues are cleared up. NFL commish Rodger Goodell has yet to suspended Vick, but early rumblings have indicated he will punish him severely unless he can show genuine remorse for his actions. Vick likely won’t return to the NFL until 2010, but he could use the UFL as a “tune up” for his hopeful return to the big leagues.
Posted on 7/3/2009 6:22:33 PM
Bennett will be counted on
Bears beat writer Brad Biggs says 2nd year WR Earl Bennett is “being counted on for major production”. Bennett was criticized last year for not learning all of the playbook, but with OC Ron Turner remaining in Chicago, you’d like to think he’ll be prepared for his sophomore season. The team doesn’t have any other viable starting WRs anyway, so expect him to be the #2 WR behind Devin Hester. His familiarity with QB Jay Cutler from their college days will only help his cause.
Posted on 7/3/2009 1:00:49 PM
Brandon Marshall update Adam Schefter is reporting that the Broncos are now willing to listen to trade offers for disgruntled WR Brandon Marshall. It will be great when we get the final verdict on where Marshall will play this season. Stay tuned as this story may have many more updates.
Posted on 7/2/2009 9:48:10 PM
Calvin Pace suspended 4 games Jets OLB Calvin Pace has been suspended for the first 4 games of the 2009 season for violating the league's substance abuse policy. Pace is the team's top pass-rusher and will be replaced by 2nd-year OLB Vernon Gholston.
Posted on 7/2/2009 4:14:48 PM
Heath Miller may leave in 2010 According to Examiner.com, Steelers TE Heath Miller could become a salary cap casualty at the end of the season. The Steelers have big money tied up in Ben Roethlisberger and James Harrison. They also have a number of other FAs they need to re-sign, so Miller could be one of the 'odd men out'. If a new collective bargaining agreement isn't reached this season, Miller wouldn't become a FA until 2011. Either way, Miller has extra motivation to have a big season. Last year, Miller had career-lows in TDs (3) and yards per reception (10.7).
Posted on 7/2/2009 12:06:22 PM
Devin Hester to run the ball more ChicagoBears.com is reporting that Devin Hester will be used in both the Wildcat package and as a running back this season. Teams around the league are doing all they can to get the ball into the hands of their playmakers. Since the NFL is a copycat league, Chicago is getting on the bus. Last season, Hester had 7 rushes for -10 yards. Chicago will need to use him more effectively if they want him to make a difference. More touches can only be a good thing for Hester though. We just bumped him up a few notches on the MVP Board.
Posted on 7/2/2009 10:55:02 AM
Kevin Walter working on YAC According to houstontexans.com, Kevin Walter is working on using a stiff-arm and other techniques to break free from defenders. He's hoping to increase his yards after the catch, which will be hard to do since he averaged 15.0 yards per reception last year. Before 2008, Kevin's career-high was 12.3 YPR. If he can match last year's numbers, he'll have a very successful season.
Posted on 7/2/2009 10:46:27 AM
Brian Robiskie looks like a starter According to TheOBR.com, Brian Robiskie is showing what it takes to be a WR at the professional level. We've thought all along that Robiskie was a very polished player coming out of college. In his rookie season, he'll likely do best in PPR leagues. He could be a decent flex option in most leagues if he is named the opening day starter. We believe he'll start this year.
Posted on 6/30/2009 10:06:21 PM
Jerome Harrison continues to shine Updating some previous news from the preseason, TheOBR.com is reporting that Jerome Harrison is making believers of the coaching staff. Not only has Jerome learned the playbook, he's been quick and powerful when he has the ball. Jamal Lewis will be 30 when the season starts, so it's very possible that the starting RB job can be stolen away at some point. In very limited carries, Harrison had 7.2 yard per carry last season. Jerome is fast becoming sleeper material.
Posted on 6/30/2009 10:02:35 PM
LenDale White continues his diet The Nashville Tennessean is reporting that LenDale White will continue his diet until training camp begins. He vows to be at 230 or under. He was listed at 235 last season. Training camp could push his weight even lower than 230. White had better know what he's doing. He didn't get his 15 TDs because he was trim, quick, and speedy last year. He scored because of his power. If the coaching staff believes he's losing power, Chris Johnson, who is trim, quick, and speedy could get more touches in the red zone.
Posted on 6/30/2009 9:55:35 PM
Brandon Marshall hates the city TheDenverChannel.com is reporting that Brandon Marshall let police know he hated the city of Denver. He did this after his arrest in 2007. The release of this news at this time could help get Marshall out of town. The last thing the team needs is fans that turn against the team for keeping Marshall on the squad. Brandon's 1,265 yards from last season would be really hard for the Broncos to replace. This soap opera is certainly nowhere near over. Stay tuned.
Posted on 6/30/2009 9:49:34 PM
Giants sign Travis Beckum Scout.com is reporting that Travis Beckum has agreed to a 4-year contract. the Giants have been finding creative ways to get Beckum into different offensive formations. It's clear NY wants him to be a vital part of the offense. By agreeing to terms early, Beckum will be in camp. He'll have a chance to fully pick up the offense for week 1
Posted on 6/30/2009 10:57:23 AM
LeSean McCoy agrees to deal Agent Drew Rosenhaus is reporting that his client, LeSean McCoy has agreed to a 4-year deal with the Eagles. McCoy must realize that Brian Westbrook has never played a full season in his career and is no lock to be ready for week 1. McCoy may have a chance to prove himself as Philly's RB of the future. Signing and showing up to camp is the first step toward a productive rookie year.
Posted on 6/30/2009 10:40:48 AM
Santonio Holmes is more muscular According to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, Steelers WR Santonio Holmes has become noticably more muscular in the offseason. Holmes has been used primarily as a deep threat, but if he can play stronger, he might be used on all types of routes. During last year's Super Bowl run, Holmes seemed to want to take the next step. His workouts show how serious he is. After averaging at least 16.8 yards per catch in his first 2 years, he fell to 14.9 last season.
Posted on 6/30/2009 10:37:24 AM
Ronnie Brown is in great shape The Miami Herald is reporting that Ronnie Brown is stronger, faster, and shiftier than he has been at any point in his career. The coaching staff is excited about the explosive speed he has shown. Brown realizes that he can still get one more huge payday if he can become a great player. In his 4-year career, Brown topped out at 1,008 yards rushing in 2006. He did have 10 TDs last season. Ronnie has never had less than 4.2 yards per carry in any season. So if he can stay healthy and in his current physical shape, he could have a career year.
Posted on 6/30/2009 10:26:23 AM
Brandon Marshall likely staying put According to espn.com, The Broncos don't plan on honoring WR Brandon Marshall's request for a trade. It looks like Broncos management finally figured out that every unhappy player can't be immediately traded. Denver will likely be hurt by trading away Jay Cutler. It looks like they won't make the same mistake with Marshall. Disgruntled WRs tend to play well and show up before they lose any money. Expect Marshall and his 100-catch ability to be back in the Mile High City in 2009.
Posted on 6/30/2009 10:05:13 AM
Plax running out of options The Bears, Bucs, and Jets have all reportedly dropped out of the running for WR Plaxico Burress. Of course, it'd only take 1 injury during training camp for that to change, but for now, it doesn't look like Burress will be playing in '09. Commissioner Roger Goodell is expected to make a ruling on Plax before training camps open.
Posted on 6/29/2009 2:40:07 PM
Tomlinson trying to fight Father Time The AP is reporting that LaDainian Tomlinson thinks that he can still be a productive player after turning 30 years old. What player doesn't think that he can beat aging? The man has 3,167 career touches. That's the first strike against him in the tale of the tape against Father Time. Tomlinson's 1,110 rushing yards last season were a career-low. Tomlinson just turned 30 last week.
Posted on 6/27/2009 10:30:27 AM
Miles Austin is getting healthy According to the Dallas Morning News, Milles Austin is expected to return from his hamstring injury in time to start training camp. Austin is still hoping to beat out Patrick Crayton for the starting job alongside Roy Williams. Austin's eye-popping 21.4 yards per reception last season is just the type of firepower the Cowboys need in their passing game.
Posted on 6/27/2009 10:24:54 AM
Travis Beckum in Giants' plans Scout.com is reporting that Travis Beckum is being used in different roles in the passing game. He's even been lining up out wide. Although it's not likely a TE drafted as late as Beckum will make a big splash in his rookie season, he does come to a good situation in New York. His main competition, Kevin Boss, had 384 yards and 6 TDs last season.
Posted on 6/27/2009 10:20:50 AM
Reggie Brown wants to be in the mix Scout.com is reporting that Reggie Brown has been the shining star of training camp. He is buried on the depth chart, but he has every reason to be motivated to have a good camp. He's in his 4th year and if he eventually wants a big payday, he won't get that by cheering on the sidelines. In his 2nd year (2006), Reggie had 816 yards and 8 TDs. Instead of the breakout that was expected, he has done less in each of the last 2 years. In 2008, he had 252 yards and 1 TD.
Posted on 6/27/2009 10:12:11 AM
Julius Jones is part of a rotation According to Seahawks.com, Seattle expects to rotate their RBs in 2009. Jones most likely would have a more significant role than others such as T.J. Duckett and Justin Forsett. After Jones averaged over 1,000 yards in 2005 and 2006, he has only averaged 642 yards per season since. This year's rotation won't help improve his recent numbers.
Posted on 6/27/2009 10:05:39 AM
Adrian Peterson shows versatility ESPN is reporting that Vikings RB Adrian Peterson has been throwing the ball very well when getting reps in the Wildcat package. This information is a potential small bonus for getting the top pick in a fantasy draft. Maybe he tacks on a few passing yards and even a TD. After scoring 13 TDs in his rookie season (14 games), Peterson dropped to 10 TDs last year.
Posted on 6/27/2009 9:59:36 AM
Dennis Northcutt traded to Lions The Detrioit Free Press is reporting that the Lions have acquired Northcutt from the Jaguars. The Lions sent S Gerald Alexander north in the 1-for-1 deal. Northcutt is a very effective slot receiver and he should have a chance to be a regular 3rd down contributor for the Lions. In each of the last 2 years, he has had 44 catches. This also opens the door for one of the Jaguars' rookie WRs -- Jarrett Dillard, Mike Thomas, and Tiquan Underwood -- to see significant playing time as the team's #3 WR. Our money is on Dillard, who scored 55 TDs in his last 3 seasons at Rice.
Posted on 6/27/2009 9:54:13 AM
Jerious Norwood taking snaps at QB Falcons RB Jerious Norwood is reportedly taking snaps from center in the team's Wildcat package. Norwood has averaged 5.9 yards per carry in his 3-year career. He seems to be a natural fit for the Wildcat. If the Falcons use the package enough, Jerious could be a decent flex option.
Posted on 6/26/2009 12:18:45 PM
Carson Palmer building arm strength The Dayton Daily News is reporting that Carson Palmer will use the entire preseason to get his arm strength where it needs to be. Palmer missed 12 games last season with a serious elbow injury. Even if he fully recovers, don't forget that Carson was on a 3-year slide in QB rating. After posting a 101.1 rating in 2005, he fell to 93.9 in 2006 and 86.7 in 2007. Be sure not to pay for the 2005 version of Palmer.
Posted on 6/26/2009 9:46:53 AM
Marvin Harrison on Vikings' radar According to the Pioneer Press, a rumor is floating around that the Vikings are interested in pursuing Marvin Harrison. Marvin will be 37 years old when the season starts. In the last 20 years, Jerry Rice was the only WR that was relevant after age 35. In the last 3 seasons, Harrison's yards per reception have fallen from 14.4 to 12.3 to 10.6. He's not far from single digits. If the Vikings take the chance, fantasy owners shouldn't.
Posted on 6/26/2009 9:42:48 AM
Julius Peppers signs franchise tender The Panthers have signed DE Julius Peppers to his 1-year, $16.7 million franchise tender. Since backing off his trade demands, Peppers seems content to play at least 1 more season in Carolina. Coming off a career-high 14.5 sacks last year, Peppers will have plenty of motivation to repeat that performance in '09 as he plays for a monster contract. He should be one of the top DLs in IDP leagues again this season.
Posted on 6/24/2009 4:13:07 PM
Broncos HC praises Buckhalter Broncos HC Josh McDaniels believes Correll Buckhalter is the team's fastest RB. McDaniels called him "multidimensional" and said that "he's got a great burst and he's got great long speed" While we fully expect rookie Knowshon Moreno to be the team's starting RB, Buckhalter should see significant action as a change-of-pace back.
Posted on 6/24/2009 2:19:11 PM
Daunte Culpepper hopes to start Lions QB Daunte Culpepper hopes the team gives him a fair chance to win the starting QB role. Culpepper has had his greatest success playing for HC Scott Linehan, who is now leading the Lions' offense. During the 2003-2004 seasons in Minnesota, Culpepper threw 64 TDs and 22 INTs with QB ratings of 96 & 110 with Linehan doing the play-calling. WR Calvin Johnson could be Daunte's new Randy Moss. C-Pep realizes that this could be his last chance to earn a starting QB contract for 2010. He'll be plenty motivated to do well and hold off hard-charging rookie QB Matt Stafford.
Posted on 6/24/2009 1:18:17 PM
Cedric Benson wants to carry the load The Dayton Daily News is reporting that Cedric Benson plans on taking advantage of every opportunity the team gives him to be the starting RB. Benson must improve upon his brutal 3.5 YPC of a season ago. He actually did better in Chicago, when he had a 3.7 YPC. Cedric also has to worry about the buzz that rookie RB Bernard Scott is creating. Benson is a near-lock to begin the season as the starter, but Scott could steal significant touches. We'll watch this situation as camp progresses.
Posted on 6/24/2009 12:47:13 PM
Josh Morgan is ready to break out According to the Santa Rosa Press-Democrat, Josh Morgan is having an excellent offseason. He's well ahead of the other WRs on the team. His 15.9 YPR last year tips us off to his big play potential. Morgan missed time last year to both injury and illness. That has caused his ADP to currently be in the 11th or 12th round — value city! 49ers teammate, rookie Michael Crabtree, is currently being selected in the 8th round. While Morgan could be a steal on draft day, Crabtree is getting the usual rookie hype.
Posted on 6/24/2009 12:40:01 PM
Greg Jennings gets an extension The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reports that Packers WR Greg Jennings signed a 3-year contract extension on Tuesday that will pay him $27 million in “new money” along with $16 million guaranteed. Jennings broke out last year in his 3rd season. After posting a 53-920-12 TDs line in 2007, he improved to 80-1,292-9 TDs last year. The TD total went down a bit, but there is no question that Jennings is the real deal. Great move by the Packers.
Posted on 6/24/2009 12:20:27 PM
Nate Washington learning the new offense Titans WR Nate Washington is picking up more of the offense each day. The Titans haven’t had great luck with WRs in awhile, so they really need Nate to step it up. Playing for the Steelers as a #3 WR last year, Washington had 631 yards and 3 TDs. The bad news is that he only caught 52% of his pass targets. Still, he could lead the Titans in receptions this year.
Posted on 6/24/2009 12:11:12 PM
Dennis Northcutt on the block The Jaguars have reportedly placed WR Dennis Northcutt on the trade block. The 9-year veteran isn’t likely to draw much interest, but this says a lot about the confidence the team has in their young WRs. Mike Walker is slated to start opposite Torry Holt, and rookies Jarrett Dillard, Mike Thomas, and Tiquan Underwood have all impressed during OTAs.
Posted on 6/24/2009 12:08:58 PM
Santonio Holmes wants more action Steelers WR Santonio Holmes wants a bigger role in the offense this season after breaking out in the playoffs last year. "I tell my coaches, 'If you can give me six catches in a game, or at least eight opportunities, I'm going to give you 100 yards and a touchdown every game,'" Holmes said. He also mentioned that he and QB Ben Roethlisberger are "definitely off every now and then, not on the same page." That'll have to change if Holmes is to pass Hines Ward as the team's #1 WR this year.
Posted on 6/23/2009 3:19:45 PM
Jay Cutler lobbying for Brandon Marshall Bears QB Jay Cutler would love the opportunity to be re-united with disgruntled Broncos WR Brandon Marshall. "I played with Brandon for three years and I think he's one of the best receivers in the NFL. I think he can be one of the greatest ever to play," Cutler said. "He's big and fast, and can do everything you want him to do, on the field and in the meeting room. I don't know what we're going to do. That's up to the guys upstairs. If we make a run at him, we make a run at him." Cutler and Marshall hooked up for over 100 completions in each of the last 2 years. If Denver does decide to shop Marshall, Chicago and Baltimore would be his 2 most likely landing spots.
Posted on 6/23/2009 12:13:22 PM
Marques Colston feeling good Saints WR Marques Colston is as healthy right now as he’s ever been at this time of the year. Colston expects to have a big season as he bounces back from an injury-marred 2008, which included a torn ligament in this thumb and offseason microfracture knee surgery. Last season, he finished with less than 800 yards receiving and only 5 TDs. Although he has a ton of targets to throw to, there is no denying that QB Drew Brees will get the ball to Colston often. Expect Marques to blow away last year’s numbers.
Posted on 6/23/2009 11:31:14 AM
Ronnie Brown ready to breakout Dolphins beat writer Edgar Thompson had this to say about RB Ronnie Brown after this weekend's minicamp: "Heading into a contract year, Brown looked fit, faster than ever and like he should be the team’s featured back, instead of splitting carries again. Brown consistently beat the defense to the outside corner, split out wide and caught a long TD pass Saturday and handled most of the snaps out of the Wildcat. At 27, he looks poised for his best year yet." Brown finished 17th in fantasy points amongst RBs last year -- the highest ranking of his career. Now 2 years removed from ACL surgery, he should best that mark this season. By the way, Thompson said RB Ricky Williams was "mostly invisible" during practices.
Posted on 6/22/2009 4:57:36 PM
Kellen Winslow will be busy According to the St. Petersburg Times, Bucs TE Kellen Winslow Jr. will be used heavily in the new offense. This is good news for a couple of reasons. First, Winslow is the team’s 2nd best option in the passing game after WR Antonio Bryant. And 2nd, Winslow can become a distraction if he is not targeted enough. Although he has a long injury history, Winslow played 16 games in ’06 & ’07. In those 2 seasons he averaged 85 receptions for 946 yards and 4 TDs. Winslow — and this entire Bucs offense, for that matter — could really surprise this season.
Posted on 6/22/2009 11:19:47 AM
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