Just returned from lovely Oxnard, California and Dallas Cowboy Training Camp. It was a short practice, as the 'boys needed to both get into makeup for another edition of Hard Knocks and then head to San Diego for their Saturday night tilt with the Chargers.
And while one of those things is certainly true, the other probably is as well if you've seen HBO's series yet.
In all seriousness though, the team looked loose and ready. Adam Jones (the man formerly known as Pacman) is still lining up against TO whenever he can, even when it's a no contact drill. I think - and it's early - but I think he finally gets what it takes to succeed in the league.
Anyway, I will be trying to get out at least once more in the last two practices next week, so we'll see if there are any nuggets to pass along.
On to the news -
Philadelphia Eagles
Big news out of Philly and comforting too, for those of you who are already Westbrook owners. According to the Philadelphia Inquirer & Daily News , the Eagles have signed Westbrook not so much to an extension as it is a reworking of his current contract with more money and years. Here's what they say about the details, none of which is concerned:
All that means really is Westy is happy - and a happy Westy is a productive fantasy Westy, if he also remains a helthy Westy.
Neither France nor the Eagles would disclose the terms of the deal, but a source close to the situation said there is $13 million in new money. The source said that $13 million in the first two seasons is guaranteed and that Westbrook will make $21 million over the next three seasons. The source said that there are escalators based on playoff appearances and individual performance that could increase Westbrook's salary to $24 million.
Great news for the Eagles though and while we may not see much of him tonight against Pittsburgh, you will see Lorenzo Booker and see if the hype I and Cecil have been building around his involvement start to pan out.
San Francisco 49rs
According to the Santa Rosa Press Democrat , Alex Smith is running out of time and 'may be too intelligent for his own good and isn't exactly a fast learner.' I have no idea how you can be too smart BUT not a quick learner, but point has been made. Smith has not run away with this job. Matt Barrows over at the 49rs blog at the Sac Bee says not too read too much into O'Sullivan's start though as HC Mike Nolan has said it's just a case of having not seen O'Sullivan play in a game before, whereas he knows what Smith and Hill do durign a game.
Not a ringing endorsement though. I still say the wide receivers will be ok plays, but the QB spot is way to risky for me in Fantasy leagues.
Tampa Bay Bucaneers
Well, here's some insult to injury. Apparently a deal the Packers rejected from the Bucs involved Chris Simms. Is it me, or is Simms jst snakebit? Somebody fly him to Dallas, quick.
Denver Broncos
With Brandon Marshall on the pine for 2-3 weeks, Eddie Royal will line up opposite Darrell Jackson for the first few games. Whereas the depth chart made it look like Jackson was slipping behind the rookie yesterday, he has merely moved into Marshall's posotion for the time being. They should both shift backwards when Marshall comes back, but if Jackson stumbles out of the gate and Royal continues to impress, the rookie could pull a Dwayne Bowe and end up as the #2.
New York Jets
It's not all roses with the Jets, according to an article in Newsday. Here's what they say:
One player said the locker room is hardly unanimous about the move to get Favre, telling Newsday that a significant portion of the team was not in favor of giving up on Chad Pennington. The players loyal to Pennington were upset to see the team simply toss him overboard after he'd given so much to the team during his time with the Jets.
It is, of course, more about Pennington than Favre and I think they will warm to it. But as has been pointed out by others, Laveraneus Coles was a big Chad guy and allegedly left the hotel in Cleveland when he heard the news. Yes, he came back, but let's face it - he wasn't happy.
Is this a warning sign for Fantasy Owners? I'm not sure - Coles is a professional and isn't stupid. Favre can do things Chad couldn't. But I understand the loyalty - I just doubt it will blind him to what Favre can bring to the table.
Hopefully he can react like Kellen Clemens who, when asked how he felt to go from QB battle to instant back-up, had this to say:
“What can I say? Now I’m backing up a future Hall of Famer,” Clemens said. “I’ll be able to further my education.”Smart kid, that Clemens.
More later, maybe some thoughts on the Pitt/Philly game.
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