Morning folks. Hope this Tuesday finds you with more W's than L's - was a wacky first weekend and the best advice I can give you is not to panic or overreact. Of course, you need to make moves, but make sure they are the right ones and try not to throw the baby out with the bathwater on many of the players who struggled. Of course, conversely, some players may have peaked in week 1 as well. Today and tomorrow, in preparation of waivers, I will try to help you sort out who is who.
With the Daily News show, these morning news posts will probably morph into something more in the way of analysis and strategy so I am not just repeating myself and you'll get full value. There will still be plenty of news-centric posts throughout the days - especially on days were the injury reports come out. But you need more analysis going forward and that's what I'll be doing.
In direct contrast to what I have just written, here's the morning news stampede -
Darren McFadden
McFadden left last night's disaster against the Broncos in the 4th quarter with an apparent shoulder injury. His constitution was a concern for some analysts but what should be more of a concern was the majority of the carries going to Justin Fargas. Fargas had a solid day, no doubt (18 carries for 97 yards), but McFadden was supposed to provide a huge offensive spark and he averaged around 5 ypc. What was going on? Along with the terrible play by the rest of the offense, that's a huge concern for me.
Well that and Mike Ditka sounding hammered in the booth. TE Zach Miller also played well, both blocking and catching the ball. A lot of his touches came in garbage time, but that's about when the offense started clicking. Very worried about the Raiders offense though not surprised that it remains a mess.
Aaron Rodgers
Aside from Tony Kornheiser's inability to talk about anything but how Rodgers looked like 'someone the Green Bay Fans should know', this game should ease concerns about Rodgers taking over for Favre. While not a huge game by any means (18-22, 178 yds and a TD) Rodgers played with poise behind an offensive line that was shaky at best and with run game that never really got going (Ryan Grant's 57 yard TD notwithstanding). He also ran for 35 yards and a game clinching TD. He did what he needed to and made plays when he needed to. As far as what he holds for your Fantasy team, he remains a solid part of a QBBC. He probably won't kill you but he won't put up too many 300 yd, 3 TD games either. At least not until that Oline gets fixed. That group nearly got him killed and had way too many penalties. I wasn't happy with Ryan Grant's performance for most of the game. Half his yards came on one - admitedly spectacular - run. He didn't look good for most of the game and if you played him, you dodged a bullet. I want to hear about that oline getting healthy and Grant getting full carries before I start doing cartwheels about a weak 92 yard performance which lacked a TD.
Tarvaris Jackson
Why pay Bernard Berrian big money if you aren't going to throw deep? Berrian might have had a huge day but got tripped up on with nobody in front of him and couldn't get both feet in bounds on a catch in the end zone. But Tarvaris Jackson continues to look like he can't get an accurate ball thrown beyond 10 yards. When you have the run game they do and the oline is giving you time (which it mostly was) there is almost no excuse. I am not calling Jackson a bust - this is just another example of a guy who missed too much preseason and looked out of synch. Here's hoping he gets a little better next week. One to watch, by the way - and this is notthe first time you have read this - Sidney Rice looked good gathering 5 targets which resulted in 2 catches for 31 yards and a TD. Again, I think you will see Berrian start to get his (if Jackson can get it straight) but Rice will put up decent numbers and may be the better value play for a great deal of the year.
Denver RBBC
Finally, you can once again see why Fantasy owners hate Mike Shannahan. I know he doesn't care, but what the hell is going on in that backfield? Pittman 2 TDs? Andre Hall got the majority of the carries? And Selvin Young just flat dissappeared for almost half a game? No clearer today than yesterday than preseason. It's goign to be tough top start anyone with confidence in the backfield anytime soon.
So basically, same old, same old.
Ok - News Blurb at noon EST/9am PST - we'll see you then and back here for some analysis of the studs and duds of Week 1.
Showing posts with label Green Bay. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Green Bay. Show all posts
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
More cuts on Black Tuesday
More cut updates - remember Saturday is the big day and lots of platyers will drop. I have high hopes that Blurb faves Steve Johnson (BUF), Joey LaRocque (CHI) and Josh Johnson (TB) will be on the squads on opening day.
49ers DT Joe Cohen, TE Cooper Wallace, S Lewis Baker, QB Kyle Wright, G John Booker
Bills DB Kennard Cox, WR C.J. Hawthorne, P D.J. Fitzpatrick, DE Shaun Nua
Bucs WR Paris Warren, LB Antoine Cash, S Donte Nicholson
Added players from earlier:
Texans - OL Scott Jackson (foot) onto IR
More should be coming - and Saturday could be brutal. Again, props to jeter23 over at the footballguys.com message board whose list thread is pinned at top and has been where I am going to make sure I miss nobody.
Other notes of notes -
Cincinnati Bengals
According to HC Marvin Lewis, Jerome Simpson could open the season as the Begnal's #3 WR. that's a huge turn of events from earlier this preseason, when Simpson was struggling. How much this will pay off will depend on two things - the health of the Dynamic Duo (Housh and CJ) and if Ben Utecht puts up numbers like we expect/hope at TE. Late pick at best.
Arizona Cardinals
Regardless of ESPN, Chris Mortenson and John Clayton, HC Whisenhunt says he won't decide until post-Thursday's game as the starter. I am not a big fan of this situation and frankly, don't know who will end up any week as the starter. Leinart better look nails this week though, or Mort will be right and Whisenhunt - and myself - will be eating crow.
Green Bay Packers
HC Mike McCarthy is talking about decresing Grant's carries over the season, I assume to integrate Brandon Jackson into the game mroe. It doesn't kill Grant's value, but it will lessen the chances he ends the season in the top 10.
Denver Broncos
Brandon Marshall is in NY to protest his suspension - hoping to knock a game off the total 2-3 game time. This has a big impact on rookie Eddie Royal. Royal will be a starter during the time Marshall being suspended and will put up good numbers during that time, so every game counts. He should be ok throughout the year BUT he needs some time to lock that #2
spot up - he's a borderline 3/4 now and will probably be no more than that.
That's it for now - we're back at 6:30am PST/9:30am EST for the morning post and remember the Thundering Blurb Fantasy Football Podcast is back tomorrow night at 6pm PST/9pm EST.
Also, tonight we rebooted the BlogTalkRadio fantasy draft and actually got through it with minimal pain - I'll talk a little about it tomorrow here or on the show.
Have a good night.
49ers DT Joe Cohen, TE Cooper Wallace, S Lewis Baker, QB Kyle Wright, G John Booker
Bills DB Kennard Cox, WR C.J. Hawthorne, P D.J. Fitzpatrick, DE Shaun Nua
Bucs WR Paris Warren, LB Antoine Cash, S Donte Nicholson
Added players from earlier:
Texans - OL Scott Jackson (foot) onto IR
More should be coming - and Saturday could be brutal. Again, props to jeter23 over at the footballguys.com message board whose list thread is pinned at top and has been where I am going to make sure I miss nobody.
Other notes of notes -
Cincinnati Bengals
According to HC Marvin Lewis, Jerome Simpson could open the season as the Begnal's #3 WR. that's a huge turn of events from earlier this preseason, when Simpson was struggling. How much this will pay off will depend on two things - the health of the Dynamic Duo (Housh and CJ) and if Ben Utecht puts up numbers like we expect/hope at TE. Late pick at best.
Arizona Cardinals
Regardless of ESPN, Chris Mortenson and John Clayton, HC Whisenhunt says he won't decide until post-Thursday's game as the starter. I am not a big fan of this situation and frankly, don't know who will end up any week as the starter. Leinart better look nails this week though, or Mort will be right and Whisenhunt - and myself - will be eating crow.
Green Bay Packers
HC Mike McCarthy is talking about decresing Grant's carries over the season, I assume to integrate Brandon Jackson into the game mroe. It doesn't kill Grant's value, but it will lessen the chances he ends the season in the top 10.
Denver Broncos
Brandon Marshall is in NY to protest his suspension - hoping to knock a game off the total 2-3 game time. This has a big impact on rookie Eddie Royal. Royal will be a starter during the time Marshall being suspended and will put up good numbers during that time, so every game counts. He should be ok throughout the year BUT he needs some time to lock that #2
spot up - he's a borderline 3/4 now and will probably be no more than that.
That's it for now - we're back at 6:30am PST/9:30am EST for the morning post and remember the Thundering Blurb Fantasy Football Podcast is back tomorrow night at 6pm PST/9pm EST.
Also, tonight we rebooted the BlogTalkRadio fantasy draft and actually got through it with minimal pain - I'll talk a little about it tomorrow here or on the show.
Have a good night.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Favre to Jets - finally?
According to FOXSports.com , Brett Favre is now a Jet. Jay Glazer is saying there are no compensation details yet but rumor earlier was a 3rd with escalations to a 1st depending on the Jets and Favre's performances.
More when I have it.
But bump up the Jets offense considerably if it's true....
More when I have it.
But bump up the Jets offense considerably if it's true....
Wednesday Morning Stampede
So FAVREWATCH 2008 is far from over, but we knew that would be the case.
All that and some running back news below for the Morning Stampede...
Green Bay Packers
As was reported yesterday, Favre is probably close to being traded and soon. Both the Jets and Bucs are allegedly interested - the Tampa Tribune says Favre will be a Buc be days end, with Brian Griese heading to Wisconsin to back up Aaron Rodgers (which as I wrote last night, only made sense). Not so fast says Jay Glazer of FoxSports - the NY Jets have offered a much better trade package. Apparently, Favre currently prefers the Bucs, though he is talking to the Jets, and supposedly feels that the Packers are asking too much from the Bucs just because they are a NFC team.
I think this will clear up by Friday, maybe before, but it continues to be somewhat ugly between the Pack and their once favored son.
Both the Bucs and Jets would be good, not great fits, for Favre and neither is a Super Bowl contender though the Bucs seem closer on the surface. Favre may help them make a run while he merely makes the Jets an 8-8 team with Wild Card aspirations. That's not a slam on Favre - the Jets are just farther away. But you never know.
Either team would put Favre back on the Fantasy radar and make him - at the very least - a #2 QB.
Chicago Bears
Kevin Jones is definitely healing well and while he might still open the season on the PUP list, he is supposedly running close to full speed. He's been in pads, though sporting a heavy knee brace. It's the brace that reminds you he is still coming back from a nagging injury and is a guy who the Bears probably picked up more for later in the season. Jones could be a pick during the last half or third of your draft, but you shouldn't draft him for anything but bench depth. Matt Forte is still the starter and will be for some time, barring him struggling mightily.
San Francisco 49rs
Frank Gore could have a huge season if he is involved in the pass game the way I (and others) suspect he might, yet I still see him slipping late in the 1st round of drafts. Gore has worked hard to get into better shape, including dropping wieght. With the concerns for just about every running back pick after #3 (Westbrook or Peterson, depending on who you ask), Gore is someone to look at closely and consider for your #1 back.
Most of the 49rs have a long way to go to prove themselves fantasy worthy and Gore could still face 8 man fronts if Martz's offense struggles. But Gore has faced them before and done well. Dropping the weight and getting into better shape will hopefully keep him healthier and get rid of nagging injuries that have plagued him for his career.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Just when we thought Fast Willie Parker had lost his goal line touches for good with the drafting of Rashard Mendenhall - not so fast. According to HC Mike Tomlin (by way of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette ), Parker is once again under consideration for goal line duties. Now, I need to look into this but this may be a sign Mendenhall is struggling a little in camp. I'll see what I can find out. Parker will get you the yards - but his touchdowns were completely absent last year and it killed his owners. If he can get even a few more goal line touches, it would really help his value to you. I have been, and still do, assume that the rookie Mendenhall will get a ton of short yardage looks, including in the red zone. Parker hasn't got the size for it and concern still is he might wear down. But he has been effective on occasion and could be again if the offensive line is back on it's game. That was the biggest problem last year - the Ol-ine struggled as much as he did.
He's your rock solid RB2 - with a ton of upside if this plays out.
That's all for now - more later.
All that and some running back news below for the Morning Stampede...
Green Bay Packers
As was reported yesterday, Favre is probably close to being traded and soon. Both the Jets and Bucs are allegedly interested - the Tampa Tribune says Favre will be a Buc be days end, with Brian Griese heading to Wisconsin to back up Aaron Rodgers (which as I wrote last night, only made sense). Not so fast says Jay Glazer of FoxSports - the NY Jets have offered a much better trade package. Apparently, Favre currently prefers the Bucs, though he is talking to the Jets, and supposedly feels that the Packers are asking too much from the Bucs just because they are a NFC team.
I think this will clear up by Friday, maybe before, but it continues to be somewhat ugly between the Pack and their once favored son.
Both the Bucs and Jets would be good, not great fits, for Favre and neither is a Super Bowl contender though the Bucs seem closer on the surface. Favre may help them make a run while he merely makes the Jets an 8-8 team with Wild Card aspirations. That's not a slam on Favre - the Jets are just farther away. But you never know.
Either team would put Favre back on the Fantasy radar and make him - at the very least - a #2 QB.
Chicago Bears
Kevin Jones is definitely healing well and while he might still open the season on the PUP list, he is supposedly running close to full speed. He's been in pads, though sporting a heavy knee brace. It's the brace that reminds you he is still coming back from a nagging injury and is a guy who the Bears probably picked up more for later in the season. Jones could be a pick during the last half or third of your draft, but you shouldn't draft him for anything but bench depth. Matt Forte is still the starter and will be for some time, barring him struggling mightily.
San Francisco 49rs
Frank Gore could have a huge season if he is involved in the pass game the way I (and others) suspect he might, yet I still see him slipping late in the 1st round of drafts. Gore has worked hard to get into better shape, including dropping wieght. With the concerns for just about every running back pick after #3 (Westbrook or Peterson, depending on who you ask), Gore is someone to look at closely and consider for your #1 back.
Most of the 49rs have a long way to go to prove themselves fantasy worthy and Gore could still face 8 man fronts if Martz's offense struggles. But Gore has faced them before and done well. Dropping the weight and getting into better shape will hopefully keep him healthier and get rid of nagging injuries that have plagued him for his career.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Just when we thought Fast Willie Parker had lost his goal line touches for good with the drafting of Rashard Mendenhall - not so fast. According to HC Mike Tomlin (by way of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette ), Parker is once again under consideration for goal line duties. Now, I need to look into this but this may be a sign Mendenhall is struggling a little in camp. I'll see what I can find out. Parker will get you the yards - but his touchdowns were completely absent last year and it killed his owners. If he can get even a few more goal line touches, it would really help his value to you. I have been, and still do, assume that the rookie Mendenhall will get a ton of short yardage looks, including in the red zone. Parker hasn't got the size for it and concern still is he might wear down. But he has been effective on occasion and could be again if the offensive line is back on it's game. That was the biggest problem last year - the Ol-ine struggled as much as he did.
He's your rock solid RB2 - with a ton of upside if this plays out.
That's all for now - more later.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Favre to Bucs - Garcia to Packers?
Hey guys
In case you were asleep, Adam Shefter says the Packers have placed Favre on the declared non-injury inactive list and told him once and for all - no, you cannot get your release. They are talking to the Bucs and Favre is thinking it over. And of course we have talked about what this could mean for Favre and the Bucs - but what about a wrinkle?
Could Garcia be a part going back to the Pack?
Let's face it, the Pack has very shaky QB depth behind Rodgers who has a bit of an injury history. They need a veteran back-up and I was shocked they didn't pursue one. So why not?
Well, Garcia still thinks he can start. He can. too. Maybe he can gamble that Rodgers will not work out or get hurt, but I doubt he'd be happy. On the other hand - well rotoworld put it better than I ever could -
But anyway, I thought it an interesting notion. Jets are also getting mentioned a lot on NFL Total Access.
In case you were asleep, Adam Shefter says the Packers have placed Favre on the declared non-injury inactive list and told him once and for all - no, you cannot get your release. They are talking to the Bucs and Favre is thinking it over. And of course we have talked about what this could mean for Favre and the Bucs - but what about a wrinkle?
Could Garcia be a part going back to the Pack?
Let's face it, the Pack has very shaky QB depth behind Rodgers who has a bit of an injury history. They need a veteran back-up and I was shocked they didn't pursue one. So why not?
Well, Garcia still thinks he can start. He can. too. Maybe he can gamble that Rodgers will not work out or get hurt, but I doubt he'd be happy. On the other hand - well rotoworld put it better than I ever could -
....and Jeff Garcia would certainly throw a hissy fit to be remembered.I think Garcia could do well in Green Bay but he may not go. I would think Brian Griese or Chris Simms will be more likely.
But anyway, I thought it an interesting notion. Jets are also getting mentioned a lot on NFL Total Access.
Favre Leaves Camp and other tidbits
Continuing our last story on this, Brett Favre has now left Packers camp and will be meeting - along with his family - with GM Ted Thompson later. Some earlier reports via The Sports Network have pegged him as once again asking for his outright release, something that likely won't happen and would - as I have said - would be akin to assisted career suicide for Thompson. Adam Shefter over at NFLN reported yesterday that the Bucs were still talking with the Packers about a possible trade, so perhaps the meeting will involve something along those lines. Shefter feels that the Bucs trade or retirement are the only choices. As rumors have said the discussions yesterday with Favre and McCarthy centered on team unity and avoiding an ugly lockerroom situation, he may be right.
I say Favre should take the trade, if he really wants to play. I also think the Packers should try to make a deal as best they can and be flexible in what they want for Favre so he has a selection of choices.
The sad thing is, something tells me that this brouhaha has probably so sapped Favre of energy and desire that he migth just walk away. And as much as I think a lot of his actions here in this have been badly executed and thought out, I think that would be too bad. Favre wants to play - somehow that shouldn't be THIS hard to make happen.
In other news --
Jacksonville Jaguars
The wide receiver situation in Jacksonville is no clearer despite the current depth chart. With Porter and Williams out, Troy Williamson and Dennis Northcutt are the first team, while Mike Walker and Matt Jones are second team. I still have hopes for Walker, though not as high - being on Jones' squad isn't a ringing endorsement. However, HC Jack Del Rio has spoken well of Jones' effort in camp. So you never know.
I've said this before but this is like the Pats prior to last year, only with less yards. It's going to be hard to know who will get yards consistently and while Garrard will be an effective starter (though not a dynamic one) for fantasy teams, no receiver here will be good enough, often enough to be better than a #3, at best. But the offense overall should be pretty effective, regardless of who catches the ball when.
New Orleans Saints
Reggie Bush is going to get some opportunity to return punts again, according to the New Orleans Times-Picayune . Still, he won't do it that often, though he might make for a few really impressive run backs. Meanwhile, Pierre Thomas is "competing for a lot of touches" according to Head Coach Sean Payton, via the Baton Rouge Advocate . Thomas is a guy I have been touting all off season and with Deuce returning from another knee injury and Thomas impressing last season, expect the guy to get a good amount of touches.
More from the article:
New York Giants
I don't normally want to call out other Fantasy Guys, especially those I don't know. And in all fairness I can't recall who said it. But I did a little reading in Alaska and out of curiosity, I read some Fantasy Football magazines. I don't do magazines. At the Journal last year, we did an online one that updated weekly. I read Footballguys, in part because I know so many people involved and I like what they do. I read Pro Football Weekly's for the excellent team breakdowns. This year, I picked up ESPN's as well.
I won't critique it much here, but will point out once again my frustration with some of the content there. So late in their mock draft (which was allegedly done in 45 minutes - thanks guys, good job being thorough - and with little explanation of any picks), in the final round in fact, one guy picks up Mario Manningham. He touts the pick, how clever he is. Manningham is great!
Manningham is also the only rookie WR taken. You know, over James Hardy, Devin Thomas, Limas Sweed - or what I like to call 'Guys who can contribute maybe this year'. Manningham - behind the likes of Plaxico Burress, Amani Toomer and Steve Smith.
The same Manningham who today, according to the New York Post , has bleeding in his strained quad. Thats' bad and it could put him on the PUP, if not IR if it's bad enough.
Which just goes to show you that you ALWAYS need to use your own judgement and use the mags and everyone's opinions online and everywhere else to help form your own. Anyone reading this column is unlikely to have made that pick - because you probably know the upside of the other rookies and you pay attention. It ain't that hard.
But I look back at that mock and shake my head even harder at the $7 or whatever that I spent. Thank God I get to write it off next year.
More later....
I say Favre should take the trade, if he really wants to play. I also think the Packers should try to make a deal as best they can and be flexible in what they want for Favre so he has a selection of choices.
The sad thing is, something tells me that this brouhaha has probably so sapped Favre of energy and desire that he migth just walk away. And as much as I think a lot of his actions here in this have been badly executed and thought out, I think that would be too bad. Favre wants to play - somehow that shouldn't be THIS hard to make happen.
In other news --
Jacksonville Jaguars
The wide receiver situation in Jacksonville is no clearer despite the current depth chart. With Porter and Williams out, Troy Williamson and Dennis Northcutt are the first team, while Mike Walker and Matt Jones are second team. I still have hopes for Walker, though not as high - being on Jones' squad isn't a ringing endorsement. However, HC Jack Del Rio has spoken well of Jones' effort in camp. So you never know.
I've said this before but this is like the Pats prior to last year, only with less yards. It's going to be hard to know who will get yards consistently and while Garrard will be an effective starter (though not a dynamic one) for fantasy teams, no receiver here will be good enough, often enough to be better than a #3, at best. But the offense overall should be pretty effective, regardless of who catches the ball when.
New Orleans Saints
Reggie Bush is going to get some opportunity to return punts again, according to the New Orleans Times-Picayune . Still, he won't do it that often, though he might make for a few really impressive run backs. Meanwhile, Pierre Thomas is "competing for a lot of touches" according to Head Coach Sean Payton, via the Baton Rouge Advocate . Thomas is a guy I have been touting all off season and with Deuce returning from another knee injury and Thomas impressing last season, expect the guy to get a good amount of touches.
More from the article:
"He has good vision and good balance," Payton said. "He’s a guy that has proven that you can hand him the ball more than 15 or 20 times in a game and he can carry the load."That's a good sign if you happened to have snagged him when I told you to for your Dynasty Teams. I think he will compliment Bush very well and he certainly looks to take over for McAllister, who is nearing the end of being a useful full time back.
New York Giants
I don't normally want to call out other Fantasy Guys, especially those I don't know. And in all fairness I can't recall who said it. But I did a little reading in Alaska and out of curiosity, I read some Fantasy Football magazines. I don't do magazines. At the Journal last year, we did an online one that updated weekly. I read Footballguys, in part because I know so many people involved and I like what they do. I read Pro Football Weekly's for the excellent team breakdowns. This year, I picked up ESPN's as well.
I won't critique it much here, but will point out once again my frustration with some of the content there. So late in their mock draft (which was allegedly done in 45 minutes - thanks guys, good job being thorough - and with little explanation of any picks), in the final round in fact, one guy picks up Mario Manningham. He touts the pick, how clever he is. Manningham is great!
Manningham is also the only rookie WR taken. You know, over James Hardy, Devin Thomas, Limas Sweed - or what I like to call 'Guys who can contribute maybe this year'. Manningham - behind the likes of Plaxico Burress, Amani Toomer and Steve Smith.
The same Manningham who today, according to the New York Post , has bleeding in his strained quad. Thats' bad and it could put him on the PUP, if not IR if it's bad enough.
Which just goes to show you that you ALWAYS need to use your own judgement and use the mags and everyone's opinions online and everywhere else to help form your own. Anyone reading this column is unlikely to have made that pick - because you probably know the upside of the other rookies and you pay attention. It ain't that hard.
But I look back at that mock and shake my head even harder at the $7 or whatever that I spent. Thank God I get to write it off next year.
More later....
Tuesday Morning Stampede
Yesterday, Green Bay Packers Head Coach Mike McCarthy and estranged quarterback Brett Favre met for something on the order of 9 hours or so, longer than expected and wrapping their discussion at about 12:30am EST. Not much is known for sure about the meeting but we know they talked about what a QB controversy and battle might do to team chemistry. We still don't know what is going on here and there is supposed to be a press conference at some point today.
As the World Turns, These Are The Days of our Lives......
Washington Redskins
Yesterday Malcolm Kelly got his knee scoped and today it looks like fellow rookie Devin Thomas is going to miss all the practices this week and the second preseason game. Not a good start for the rookies here. Now word on if Fred Davis has woken up in time for camp or gotten a new alarm clock.
New York Jets
The rookies in this camp are faring much better, as Dustin Keller has been showcasing his talents all camp long and now Vernon Gholston is doing the same. While the Newark Star-Ledger is saying he has had a quiet camp so far, both the blogs at Newsday.com and DailyNews.com have mentioned Gholston being in the backfield many tiems in the day since he has signed his contract. Both players could have an impact - though Gholston's learning curve and the return of Chris Baker at tight end may limit the upside of both this season.
St Louis Rams
Steven Jackson continues to hold out but I think he shows to camp soon. Not because he will get what he wants or cave, but because if he misses one more day of camp, he loses a year towards being an unrestricted free agant, according St Louis Post-Dispatch . He may be willing to lose that if he thinks he can sign an extension but at this point both sides seem pretty far apart.
Baltimore Ravens
Wednesday's episode of The Thundering Blurb Fantasy Football Show will talk about Training Camp battles, but I'll touch on this one here as well. Rookie Joe Flacco is struggling in camp, overthrowing short passes or throwing them too hard. Touch Passes are important for the Ravens scheme so that's not good for his starting bid. Flacco has doubters and certainly has holes in his game. He was going to take a year to develop at least. Troy Smith has the edge in camp right now and looks like the starter.
More later.
As the World Turns, These Are The Days of our Lives......
Washington Redskins
Yesterday Malcolm Kelly got his knee scoped and today it looks like fellow rookie Devin Thomas is going to miss all the practices this week and the second preseason game. Not a good start for the rookies here. Now word on if Fred Davis has woken up in time for camp or gotten a new alarm clock.
New York Jets
The rookies in this camp are faring much better, as Dustin Keller has been showcasing his talents all camp long and now Vernon Gholston is doing the same. While the Newark Star-Ledger is saying he has had a quiet camp so far, both the blogs at Newsday.com and DailyNews.com have mentioned Gholston being in the backfield many tiems in the day since he has signed his contract. Both players could have an impact - though Gholston's learning curve and the return of Chris Baker at tight end may limit the upside of both this season.
St Louis Rams
Steven Jackson continues to hold out but I think he shows to camp soon. Not because he will get what he wants or cave, but because if he misses one more day of camp, he loses a year towards being an unrestricted free agant, according St Louis Post-Dispatch . He may be willing to lose that if he thinks he can sign an extension but at this point both sides seem pretty far apart.
Baltimore Ravens
Wednesday's episode of The Thundering Blurb Fantasy Football Show will talk about Training Camp battles, but I'll touch on this one here as well. Rookie Joe Flacco is struggling in camp, overthrowing short passes or throwing them too hard. Touch Passes are important for the Ravens scheme so that's not good for his starting bid. Flacco has doubters and certainly has holes in his game. He was going to take a year to develop at least. Troy Smith has the edge in camp right now and looks like the starter.
More later.
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Late Sunday Week Primer
Hey guys
Hope you had a good weekend - between some computer issues and the imminent kickoff of both college football and pro football seasons, the Blurb was quiet this weekend for the most part.
Here is a quick look at what's on tap, then a brief weekend update for you:
This week we'll have much more Training Camp news as well as the beginnings of some college discussion. Both The Thundering Blurb Podcast and The Drive Block will of course be in full effect. And I am hoping to have at least my top 10 college rankings by Friday. That and Friday night/Saturday morning I hope to have delivered some on the spot Cowboys camp news as well.
So as always pretty quiet.
Here's the weekend update:
Carolina Panthers
The Panthers have suspended wide receiver Steve Smith for 2 regular season games for his altercation with Ken Lucas, and it will be interesting to see how hard he drops in drafts. Hopes were high for him in the Fantasy community but there is no way you can draft him where he was going, often as people's #1 wr. And now you know why we tell you a draft prior to preseason games is a bad idea.
However, if he drops long enough for you to grab him as a #2 and you can grab some good filler guys to back him up, he should be very productive after he gets back in the groove by week 3. So play up his suspension in your leagues and see if you can snag him as he tumbles hard. Overall he should be much better than last year, but you also have to worry about how he reacts to this.
Denver Broncos
Brandon Marshall has received his punishment from the league and it's about where I thought it would be - I said 4, reduced to 2, and it's 3, likely to be reduced to 2. Marshall is another guy who may tumble hard come your draft day and this will, like Smith, keep him from being someone you can grab as a #1 but might drop enough for you to grab later after you have a good #1, a good Rb and another guy in either category. When he comes back, Cutler will be very happy to see him and target him often.
Kansas City Chiefs
This might be irrelevant depending upon how you view the pass game in KC, but rookie Will Franklin has apparently passed by Maurice Price and Jeff Webb. Devard Darling is all that stands between him and starts, so consider a late flier on him - though if pickings are better elsewhere, remember the KC pass game will likely top out at 'meh' with sprinklings of 'yuck'.
And brace yourselves -
Green Bay
Favre arrives in camp Monday. He was reinstated today after the Hall of Fame festivities were done with. It looks liek the competition is on and Aaron Rodgers took to the fight with 7-of-20 passes for 84 yards, no touchdowns, and one interception at the Packers' Fan Fest scrimmage Sunday night. Yeah, that's not a great start to this is it? Oh and the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel saying that the Pack called the Vikings about Favre being available in trade - and I still say if that happens then Ted Thompson might as well sign his letter of resignation. The two times Favre would lead the Vikes against the Pack would do it for him, if he wouldn't. But man, wouldn't that make Bernard Berrian and Sidney Rice owners happy?
More tomorrow throughout the day as we continue spinning Training Camp and the NFL for you every single day.
ps- just watched the Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford - and I have rarely been so perplexed by a flick.
Hope you had a good weekend - between some computer issues and the imminent kickoff of both college football and pro football seasons, the Blurb was quiet this weekend for the most part.
Here is a quick look at what's on tap, then a brief weekend update for you:
This week we'll have much more Training Camp news as well as the beginnings of some college discussion. Both The Thundering Blurb Podcast and The Drive Block will of course be in full effect. And I am hoping to have at least my top 10 college rankings by Friday. That and Friday night/Saturday morning I hope to have delivered some on the spot Cowboys camp news as well.
So as always pretty quiet.
Here's the weekend update:
Carolina Panthers
The Panthers have suspended wide receiver Steve Smith for 2 regular season games for his altercation with Ken Lucas, and it will be interesting to see how hard he drops in drafts. Hopes were high for him in the Fantasy community but there is no way you can draft him where he was going, often as people's #1 wr. And now you know why we tell you a draft prior to preseason games is a bad idea.
However, if he drops long enough for you to grab him as a #2 and you can grab some good filler guys to back him up, he should be very productive after he gets back in the groove by week 3. So play up his suspension in your leagues and see if you can snag him as he tumbles hard. Overall he should be much better than last year, but you also have to worry about how he reacts to this.
Denver Broncos
Brandon Marshall has received his punishment from the league and it's about where I thought it would be - I said 4, reduced to 2, and it's 3, likely to be reduced to 2. Marshall is another guy who may tumble hard come your draft day and this will, like Smith, keep him from being someone you can grab as a #1 but might drop enough for you to grab later after you have a good #1, a good Rb and another guy in either category. When he comes back, Cutler will be very happy to see him and target him often.
Kansas City Chiefs
This might be irrelevant depending upon how you view the pass game in KC, but rookie Will Franklin has apparently passed by Maurice Price and Jeff Webb. Devard Darling is all that stands between him and starts, so consider a late flier on him - though if pickings are better elsewhere, remember the KC pass game will likely top out at 'meh' with sprinklings of 'yuck'.
And brace yourselves -
Green Bay
Favre arrives in camp Monday. He was reinstated today after the Hall of Fame festivities were done with. It looks liek the competition is on and Aaron Rodgers took to the fight with 7-of-20 passes for 84 yards, no touchdowns, and one interception at the Packers' Fan Fest scrimmage Sunday night. Yeah, that's not a great start to this is it? Oh and the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel saying that the Pack called the Vikings about Favre being available in trade - and I still say if that happens then Ted Thompson might as well sign his letter of resignation. The two times Favre would lead the Vikes against the Pack would do it for him, if he wouldn't. But man, wouldn't that make Bernard Berrian and Sidney Rice owners happy?
More tomorrow throughout the day as we continue spinning Training Camp and the NFL for you every single day.
ps- just watched the Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford - and I have rarely been so perplexed by a flick.
Friday, August 1, 2008
An interesting Favre thought
So, Goodell isn't reinstating him today. So no Brett this weekend. Packers get to breathe a bit and allegedly have a chance to move things forward with Favre - be it the package or convincing him to agree to a trade or whatever.
Here's an interesting thing though. Because while I think Favre has really misplayed this top to bottom (although he isn't alone of course), he faxed his papers in what - four days ago?
Does anyone find it interesting that the NFL delayed reinstating him until after this weekend - until after the Hall of Fame induction?
That's a savvy group. Why risk having Favre show up to camp during a huge weekend for the League?
Interesting thought huh? Just conjecture of course, but seems off to me.
Here's an interesting thing though. Because while I think Favre has really misplayed this top to bottom (although he isn't alone of course), he faxed his papers in what - four days ago?
Does anyone find it interesting that the NFL delayed reinstating him until after this weekend - until after the Hall of Fame induction?
That's a savvy group. Why risk having Favre show up to camp during a huge weekend for the League?
Interesting thought huh? Just conjecture of course, but seems off to me.
Favre rejects Jets, decides to be sourpuss
I'm not saying this as a Jets fan, though you might write it off as sour grapes on my part. Could that be part of it? Maybe. But I think really that I have just had enough of the Favre thing.
'All I want to do is play football,' he says. 'Why don't you all understand?' he pleads. 'The Packers don't want me, then I need to be released so I can find someone who DOES,'he cries.
Unless of course a team who wants him is the Bucs. Or the Jets. Or rather a team not the Vikings.
Enough Brett. Just stop. It's done.
I thought the Pack made a huge misstep when they offered him $20 mill to just go away. I was pretty disappointed and was finally of the mindset that they were being beyond ridiculous.
Maybe Favre was in the right.
But the fact is, Favre only wants one of two things:
To play in Green Bay and be in charge.
Or to play for the Vikings and stick it to Green Bay twice next year. The old 'I told ya so' with a little extra lemon thrown in.
I believed (past tense) Favre wanted to play above all else. I understood not going to the Dolphins. Or Kansas City. Heck, at heart I get not wanting to play for the Jets if he thinks the O-line has too many issues still.
But the statements he made today confirm he just wants to be right. It isn't about football for Favre, not if he can say this to ESPN:
That's not passion. That's just bitter.
Maybe he has a right to be. But he'll get no more sympathy from me (not that he's gotten a ton, in honesty).
Green Bay has not acted well and has been responsible for a lot of this mess.
But every time they do something that puts me in Favre's camp - amazingly, he finds a way to make me lose sympathy for him.
I can only hope Favre comes to his senses and finds a way to play - after all this drama, after all the times he told us how much he missed it, it would be a waste not to.
Find a way to get traded to another team, Favre. If not the Jets, fine. But don;t get caught up so much in the bitter fued between you and Ted Thompson that you forget why you started this disaster in the first place.
/soapbox
Back with more actual news later.
'All I want to do is play football,' he says. 'Why don't you all understand?' he pleads. 'The Packers don't want me, then I need to be released so I can find someone who DOES,'he cries.
Unless of course a team who wants him is the Bucs. Or the Jets. Or rather a team not the Vikings.
Enough Brett. Just stop. It's done.
I thought the Pack made a huge misstep when they offered him $20 mill to just go away. I was pretty disappointed and was finally of the mindset that they were being beyond ridiculous.
Maybe Favre was in the right.
But the fact is, Favre only wants one of two things:
To play in Green Bay and be in charge.
Or to play for the Vikings and stick it to Green Bay twice next year. The old 'I told ya so' with a little extra lemon thrown in.
I believed (past tense) Favre wanted to play above all else. I understood not going to the Dolphins. Or Kansas City. Heck, at heart I get not wanting to play for the Jets if he thinks the O-line has too many issues still.
But the statements he made today confirm he just wants to be right. It isn't about football for Favre, not if he can say this to ESPN:
"My intentions have been to play, and with Green Bay. They say no, so I still want to play in this division for obvious reasons, which I made clear to management. If they won’t let me play in Green Bay, let me play against you. That’s where I am."If they won;t let him play in Green Bay (and I do think he gives them a chance at a Super Bowl that Rodgers doesn't) he wants to stick it to them twice a year.
That's not passion. That's just bitter.
Maybe he has a right to be. But he'll get no more sympathy from me (not that he's gotten a ton, in honesty).
Green Bay has not acted well and has been responsible for a lot of this mess.
But every time they do something that puts me in Favre's camp - amazingly, he finds a way to make me lose sympathy for him.
I can only hope Favre comes to his senses and finds a way to play - after all this drama, after all the times he told us how much he missed it, it would be a waste not to.
Find a way to get traded to another team, Favre. If not the Jets, fine. But don;t get caught up so much in the bitter fued between you and Ted Thompson that you forget why you started this disaster in the first place.
/soapbox
Back with more actual news later.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
FAVREWATCH 2008 Continues
Getting ready for the Drive Block (@7 minutes off) but wanted to hit this -
From the Green Bay Press-Gazette: The Packers are in 'serious negotiations' with the Jets for a trade. Win Win - Bus Cooke has spoken with Gang Green so Favre might be ok with the trade.
We'll talk about this on The Block, but I think this could be the reason Favre didn't fly to Green Bay today. He might have known he needed to go East.
Stay tuned - more later. But I think the Jets would benefit, Clemens would get 2 more years (maybe?) to learn from a Pro Bowler (as would 3rd string Ainge, BTW) and ultimately the Jets would get a good QB who could make a huge difference NOW - which with the money they spent, is what they want. Win now.
And as I said, Favre wins too - he gets a chance to start which is what he wanted.
Win-win.
we'll see.
Tune into the Drive Block - or call (347) 826-7620 and join in!
From the Green Bay Press-Gazette: The Packers are in 'serious negotiations' with the Jets for a trade. Win Win - Bus Cooke has spoken with Gang Green so Favre might be ok with the trade.
We'll talk about this on The Block, but I think this could be the reason Favre didn't fly to Green Bay today. He might have known he needed to go East.
Stay tuned - more later. But I think the Jets would benefit, Clemens would get 2 more years (maybe?) to learn from a Pro Bowler (as would 3rd string Ainge, BTW) and ultimately the Jets would get a good QB who could make a huge difference NOW - which with the money they spent, is what they want. Win now.
And as I said, Favre wins too - he gets a chance to start which is what he wanted.
Win-win.
we'll see.
Tune into the Drive Block - or call (347) 826-7620 and join in!
Camp Stampede - Midday report
Howdy folks!
Thanks for all the great feedback I am getting on the Thundering Blurb show! We'll be there every week until season's end - and possibly beyond!
Let's get to the news --
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
It appears that Jeff Garcia's injury does NOT appear serious. Still, it got the mind racing - and maybe will kick something forward if they start to worry about Garcia's durability. The snag I didn't touch on earlier? Maybe favre doesn't want to play there. That's always a problem as the bucs are aware*coughJakePlummercough*.
Green Bay Packers
Favre has chartered a plane to Green Bay. I expect he will be at the practice facility tomorrow. I expect NFL Total Access to have nothing but conjecture about it. I expect to enjoy it all.... In Non-Favre news (yes the Packers have that) and lost in the Favre debacle is the hold-out of Ryan Grant. Well, Grant may want to get into camp as reports are that his back-up - second year man Brandon Jackson - is doing very, very well in camp. So well, in fact, that the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel is saying they will probably split carries when Grant ends his hold-out. Now I don't know about THAT but RB pairing has become more common so it's not impossible. But the real message here might be that the Packers might find themselves having leverage in this situation, unlike the Favre one. If Jackson is doing well, Grant - while not replaceable - certainly can find himself in less of a sure position and more likely to settle for less, or even status quo, in terms of his contract money.
Houston Texans
I love the Texans and I can't tell you why. They intrigue me. And they signed a guy who has also caught my attention in the past - former Denver RB Mike Bell. The Denver-to-Houston pipeline set up by Mike Kubiak continues. With Chris Brown already banged up, Ahman Green not looking phenomenal in camp and the rest of the running backs not locking the job up, Bell could have a shot at a starting job. Or at worst, lock up the short yardage back role.
New York Jets
As of this morning, we finally have a positive Kellen Clemens report where he actually out-performed Pennington and threw no INTs. That's big for his backers, as Clemens has thrown some ugly picks the first practices. A lot of the picks it seems (reading Erik Boland's excellent blog at Newsday.com and Rich Cimini's good work at the Daily News) have come in the 2minute drill practices and that's not good. But Clemens looked good today. All along, people have said it's not that Pennington looked better bu that Clemens looked worse. Looks like Clemens finally played to his potential. Can he keep it up?
Apparently the hit of the day according to both bloggers was during a non-contact drill (isn't it always?). Safety Kerry Rhodes absolutely decimated WR Chansi Stuckey as Stuckey went across the middle. Just laid him on his tail. During a practice where Mangini was angry because many people were lagging, Rhodes sent the message that he was here to play and everyone had better keep up.
Cimini said it and I'll echo it - the Jets need more guys liek that if they want to top their pathetic win total for last season.
That's all for now - more later -- and don't forget - The Drive Block goes live at 10pm EST/ 7pm PST! Catch me, Cecil and Sigmund Bloom as we give you the latest on the events of the day!
Thanks for all the great feedback I am getting on the Thundering Blurb show! We'll be there every week until season's end - and possibly beyond!
Let's get to the news --
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
It appears that Jeff Garcia's injury does NOT appear serious. Still, it got the mind racing - and maybe will kick something forward if they start to worry about Garcia's durability. The snag I didn't touch on earlier? Maybe favre doesn't want to play there. That's always a problem as the bucs are aware*coughJakePlummercough*.
Green Bay Packers
Favre has chartered a plane to Green Bay. I expect he will be at the practice facility tomorrow. I expect NFL Total Access to have nothing but conjecture about it. I expect to enjoy it all.... In Non-Favre news (yes the Packers have that) and lost in the Favre debacle is the hold-out of Ryan Grant. Well, Grant may want to get into camp as reports are that his back-up - second year man Brandon Jackson - is doing very, very well in camp. So well, in fact, that the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel is saying they will probably split carries when Grant ends his hold-out. Now I don't know about THAT but RB pairing has become more common so it's not impossible. But the real message here might be that the Packers might find themselves having leverage in this situation, unlike the Favre one. If Jackson is doing well, Grant - while not replaceable - certainly can find himself in less of a sure position and more likely to settle for less, or even status quo, in terms of his contract money.
Houston Texans
I love the Texans and I can't tell you why. They intrigue me. And they signed a guy who has also caught my attention in the past - former Denver RB Mike Bell. The Denver-to-Houston pipeline set up by Mike Kubiak continues. With Chris Brown already banged up, Ahman Green not looking phenomenal in camp and the rest of the running backs not locking the job up, Bell could have a shot at a starting job. Or at worst, lock up the short yardage back role.
New York Jets
As of this morning, we finally have a positive Kellen Clemens report where he actually out-performed Pennington and threw no INTs. That's big for his backers, as Clemens has thrown some ugly picks the first practices. A lot of the picks it seems (reading Erik Boland's excellent blog at Newsday.com and Rich Cimini's good work at the Daily News) have come in the 2minute drill practices and that's not good. But Clemens looked good today. All along, people have said it's not that Pennington looked better bu that Clemens looked worse. Looks like Clemens finally played to his potential. Can he keep it up?
Apparently the hit of the day according to both bloggers was during a non-contact drill (isn't it always?). Safety Kerry Rhodes absolutely decimated WR Chansi Stuckey as Stuckey went across the middle. Just laid him on his tail. During a practice where Mangini was angry because many people were lagging, Rhodes sent the message that he was here to play and everyone had better keep up.
Cimini said it and I'll echo it - the Jets need more guys liek that if they want to top their pathetic win total for last season.
That's all for now - more later -- and don't forget - The Drive Block goes live at 10pm EST/ 7pm PST! Catch me, Cecil and Sigmund Bloom as we give you the latest on the events of the day!
Jeff Garcia Hurt
Just saw this item at TampaBay.com.
Looks like self-proclaimed 'I am the starting quarterback' Jeff Garcia is pranged up.
We don't know how serious - if at all - it is right now but if he's even kinda hurt.....
How bad would the Bucs want Favre?
I think Gruden would do everything he could to get the soon-to-be-ex-Packer. Something will happen and it looks liek the Pack is talking or considering talking to the Bears or Vikings. If the Bucs made a strong offer, the Packers would probably try to move him there to avoid the nightmare of a trade within the division...
I'll report back on more as I hear it.....
Looks like self-proclaimed 'I am the starting quarterback' Jeff Garcia is pranged up.
We don't know how serious - if at all - it is right now but if he's even kinda hurt.....
How bad would the Bucs want Favre?
I think Gruden would do everything he could to get the soon-to-be-ex-Packer. Something will happen and it looks liek the Pack is talking or considering talking to the Bears or Vikings. If the Bucs made a strong offer, the Packers would probably try to move him there to avoid the nightmare of a trade within the division...
I'll report back on more as I hear it.....
Morning Favrewatch 2008 report
Hey folks -
We stand upon the edge of the the Favre/Green Bay/Training Camp Hurricane and the news out of Green Bay just gets weirder.
Now I have been largely on the Pack's side - I think frankly both sides have behaved poorly but I really felt that the way Favre has handled it has been worse. And that may still hold true, really. I still feel like he has been acting like a prima dona.
All that said, if this report by the Green Bay Press Gazette is true, then they may be more insane than I gave them credit for.
I get they don't want Favre back. But they also held a lot - maybe not all but MOST - of the cards in this thing, especially from a PR standpoint. But to send Mark Murphy to buy Favre off? You're that desperate? Jeez guys.
Go and talk him into working a trade to a team both of you can be happy with. Go and talk to him about being #2 quarterback in camp (which allegedly they did). Explain to him why he is crazy to think you'll release him to play for a Division rival (something he darn well knows, but just doesn't care about). get that list of teams he wants to go to. Show him yours. Compromise. Buy him lunch and repair that dent I saw in his pickup.
But bribe him? Wow. No wonder Murphy looked so flustered. The moment he said it he knew 1) they had him and 2) Favre or Cooke would leak it to the press.
Assuming this is true, well - game, set and match to Favre. You just blinked Packers.
Friday should be fun. Heck, TODAY could be a real riot.
We'll keep you posted.
We stand upon the edge of the the Favre/Green Bay/Training Camp Hurricane and the news out of Green Bay just gets weirder.
Now I have been largely on the Pack's side - I think frankly both sides have behaved poorly but I really felt that the way Favre has handled it has been worse. And that may still hold true, really. I still feel like he has been acting like a prima dona.
All that said, if this report by the Green Bay Press Gazette is true, then they may be more insane than I gave them credit for.
I get they don't want Favre back. But they also held a lot - maybe not all but MOST - of the cards in this thing, especially from a PR standpoint. But to send Mark Murphy to buy Favre off? You're that desperate? Jeez guys.
Go and talk him into working a trade to a team both of you can be happy with. Go and talk to him about being #2 quarterback in camp (which allegedly they did). Explain to him why he is crazy to think you'll release him to play for a Division rival (something he darn well knows, but just doesn't care about). get that list of teams he wants to go to. Show him yours. Compromise. Buy him lunch and repair that dent I saw in his pickup.
But bribe him? Wow. No wonder Murphy looked so flustered. The moment he said it he knew 1) they had him and 2) Favre or Cooke would leak it to the press.
Assuming this is true, well - game, set and match to Favre. You just blinked Packers.
Friday should be fun. Heck, TODAY could be a real riot.
We'll keep you posted.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
FavreWatch 2008
Well, I thought I was done tonight but I guess not.
ProFootballTalk is reporting that New Packers president Mark Murphy is heading to Mississippi to ask Favre NOT to come to camp when he is reinstated - this according to the Green Bay Press-Gazette.
The article is a bit of conjecture in certain instances - and frankly has a severe editorial slant. I would say the Press-Gazette is on the 'Bring Brett Back' bandwagon. So I'm not sure I totally trust their take on things.
As the article states, Favre won't be reinstated until tomorrow at best (Wednesday), the team is not practicing Thursday so Friday is the earliest the Favrenator can show up - I think there could be a few more explanations.
Now I don't have an unnamed source, but I do have my brain here, so let's use it.
Murphy could:
Fact is, any team official SHOULD fly down and talk to Favre. First off, he needs it, clearly. Guys like him need some soft handling sometimes -no right or wrong in it - just a fact. Second, he deserves it. Listen - this text messaging/voice mail crap is teenaged BS - on both sides. Someone needs to go down and work this out with Brett or pull him into an office when he returns. These are adults, not pimply faced teens breaking up with each other over email.
Regardless, I can think of multiple reasons why Murphy is flying down there. Maybe he's going exactly for the reason the Gazette claims. If he is, Brett will tell us about it for sure.
But let's not assume it's the only thing he can achieve down there in Mississippi.
ProFootballTalk is reporting that New Packers president Mark Murphy is heading to Mississippi to ask Favre NOT to come to camp when he is reinstated - this according to the Green Bay Press-Gazette.
The article is a bit of conjecture in certain instances - and frankly has a severe editorial slant. I would say the Press-Gazette is on the 'Bring Brett Back' bandwagon. So I'm not sure I totally trust their take on things.
As the article states, Favre won't be reinstated until tomorrow at best (Wednesday), the team is not practicing Thursday so Friday is the earliest the Favrenator can show up - I think there could be a few more explanations.
Now I don't have an unnamed source, but I do have my brain here, so let's use it.
Murphy could:
- Try to talk Brett into staying retired - it wouldn't work but everyone on both sides is so delusional, I can believe anything....
- Try to talk Brett into a trade - be it Jets, Bucs or any other place. Maybe even just to talk a list out of him, something Favre won't provide....
- Talk to him about how the Qb battle could go if he shows up....
- Tell him he is, without doubt, the backup. And he'd better be ok with it....
Fact is, any team official SHOULD fly down and talk to Favre. First off, he needs it, clearly. Guys like him need some soft handling sometimes -no right or wrong in it - just a fact. Second, he deserves it. Listen - this text messaging/voice mail crap is teenaged BS - on both sides. Someone needs to go down and work this out with Brett or pull him into an office when he returns. These are adults, not pimply faced teens breaking up with each other over email.
Regardless, I can think of multiple reasons why Murphy is flying down there. Maybe he's going exactly for the reason the Gazette claims. If he is, Brett will tell us about it for sure.
But let's not assume it's the only thing he can achieve down there in Mississippi.
FAVRWATCH 2008 Continues
Chris Mortensen of ESPN is reporting that Brett Favre has faxed his reinstatement request to the league office.
Here we go kids - this is going to be very interesting.
Also interesting is this thread in the Footballguys.com Shark Pool where I have been chatting a lot of today.
As I just posted, I am overjoyed I have material for this blog, The Drive Block on Thursday and my new show - The Thundering Blurb - every Wednesday at 6pm PST/9PM EST!
/shameless plug
See you with more later!
Here we go kids - this is going to be very interesting.
Also interesting is this thread in the Footballguys.com Shark Pool where I have been chatting a lot of today.
As I just posted, I am overjoyed I have material for this blog, The Drive Block on Thursday and my new show - The Thundering Blurb - every Wednesday at 6pm PST/9PM EST!
/shameless plug
See you with more later!
Morning Stampede
A few early notes -
Jacksonville Jaguars
I've said a few times that tight end Marcedes Lewis will probably get more looks this year than the last few. That was before wideouts started dropping like flies with Porter, Williams and Northcutt hampered by injury. Northcutt is back but now Garrard is giving me cause to continue my Lewis hopes:
Green Bay Packers
Ryan Grant is still holding out and with the Favre-flap (darn, I thought I would get through one of these without that name popping up) who knows when he'll get what he wants if ever. In the meantime, Brandon Jackson is getting a lot of reps and he's been looking good. If Grant keeps holding out and Jackson performs well in the preseason, it will cloud the running back position and make it very hard to recommend one of the two in Fantasy drafts. The Packer running back position will have value, no doubt - but choosing one right now could be tough.
By the way, according to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel the Packers are looking for a 3rd rounder and a body (preferebly a defensive tackle), not the 1st and 4th or 6th that was bandied about last week. This will get done - if Brett will talk to the teams interested.
St Loius Rams
With Steven Jackson holding out, Antonio Pittman and Brian Leonard are splitting reps, which is about what you'd expect if Jackson was out for an extended amount of time. Like with Jackson/Grant in Green Bay, it is unclear if either back will be a significant Fantasy value long term unless one stood out.
More later
Jacksonville Jaguars
I've said a few times that tight end Marcedes Lewis will probably get more looks this year than the last few. That was before wideouts started dropping like flies with Porter, Williams and Northcutt hampered by injury. Northcutt is back but now Garrard is giving me cause to continue my Lewis hopes:
"Tight ends are usually my favorite targets," Garrard said. "They are reliable and always around the middle. I definitely want to get (Lewis') receptions up and get his play to where he's one of the elite tight ends in the league."He's not on my list of possible #1 Fantasy tight ends, but he could be on his way to becoming a rock solid #2, which hasn't been the case since he entered the league.
(Florida Times Union)
Green Bay Packers
Ryan Grant is still holding out and with the Favre-flap (darn, I thought I would get through one of these without that name popping up) who knows when he'll get what he wants if ever. In the meantime, Brandon Jackson is getting a lot of reps and he's been looking good. If Grant keeps holding out and Jackson performs well in the preseason, it will cloud the running back position and make it very hard to recommend one of the two in Fantasy drafts. The Packer running back position will have value, no doubt - but choosing one right now could be tough.
By the way, according to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel the Packers are looking for a 3rd rounder and a body (preferebly a defensive tackle), not the 1st and 4th or 6th that was bandied about last week. This will get done - if Brett will talk to the teams interested.
St Loius Rams
With Steven Jackson holding out, Antonio Pittman and Brian Leonard are splitting reps, which is about what you'd expect if Jackson was out for an extended amount of time. Like with Jackson/Grant in Green Bay, it is unclear if either back will be a significant Fantasy value long term unless one stood out.
More later
Friday, July 25, 2008
FavreWatch 2008
I feel like I need to be standing in a downpour with no umbrella, no hat and no jacket discussing flooding - which is a reference only my fellow SoCal folks might get.
With Packers camp a day away, the Packers are allegedly trying to finish the Favre saga (or part 1, as you and I both know this story will never completely go away).
ProFootballTalk is reporting that Jay Glazer at FoxSports is saying that the Tampa Bay Bucs have been given permission to talk to his Favreness to work out a trade. This comes on the heels of an earlier ESPN report that my beloved Jets were given permission to talk to him.
It seems like the Packers are trying their best to work this out prior to tomorrow and it comes down to this - does Brett want to play or play for the Packers? If he wants to play and (aside from contending) doesn't care where, we'll see a trade I think sometime in the next week or so. If he wants to remain a Packer though - and he might - all he needs to do is show up in camp and play like he did in 2007.
Of course, that's a mess for the Pack, no doubt, but that's kinda where it stands. If Favre really is the complete prima donna he has appeared to be at many moments in this ridiculous mess, then he could go to camp, sulk and try to make them release him or make a stupid trade to somewhere like the Vikes. I'm hoping that isn't the case and the last few weeks are merely a bunch of bad moves by someone who has let his passion run away with him.
As for the Bucs vs the Jets -
Favre would certainly pick up the Tampa offense a little quicker, though the West Coast the Jets run wouldn't be a stretch. HC Mangini says he's happy with the QBs on their roster yada yada but 1) that's coachspeak and is worth less than the current value of the US Dollar and 2) he's on the hotseat, the Jets spent LOADs of cash to win now so 3) they would LOVE to have Favre. As much as it would screw with the Clemens/Pennington Debate - I think they would care. They can sort that out next year in a way I think the packers don't feel they can.
Tampa Bay would be good as well, and not just for the aforementioned ability for Favre to get the offense quick. While the recievers aren't as good (aside from Galloway - I'll put Coles/Cotchery against any Bucs combo) Gruden works magic with older QBs. He could be very successful there if the Oline holds together (you could say that last part abotu the Jets as well). He could mentor Josh Johnson as I think he's a few years away from playing, although we've seen how that worked out in Green Bay.
I think either of these would be a very good fit and I think if Brett wants to play - and wants to gracefully exit the mess he has created most of - he should work things out with one of those teams.
And soon.
Join us again later for BRETTWATCH!
-------
Comments, queries, confusion may be posted below or sent to ThunderingBlurb@gmail.com.
With Packers camp a day away, the Packers are allegedly trying to finish the Favre saga (or part 1, as you and I both know this story will never completely go away).
ProFootballTalk is reporting that Jay Glazer at FoxSports is saying that the Tampa Bay Bucs have been given permission to talk to his Favreness to work out a trade. This comes on the heels of an earlier ESPN report that my beloved Jets were given permission to talk to him.
It seems like the Packers are trying their best to work this out prior to tomorrow and it comes down to this - does Brett want to play or play for the Packers? If he wants to play and (aside from contending) doesn't care where, we'll see a trade I think sometime in the next week or so. If he wants to remain a Packer though - and he might - all he needs to do is show up in camp and play like he did in 2007.
Of course, that's a mess for the Pack, no doubt, but that's kinda where it stands. If Favre really is the complete prima donna he has appeared to be at many moments in this ridiculous mess, then he could go to camp, sulk and try to make them release him or make a stupid trade to somewhere like the Vikes. I'm hoping that isn't the case and the last few weeks are merely a bunch of bad moves by someone who has let his passion run away with him.
As for the Bucs vs the Jets -
Favre would certainly pick up the Tampa offense a little quicker, though the West Coast the Jets run wouldn't be a stretch. HC Mangini says he's happy with the QBs on their roster yada yada but 1) that's coachspeak and is worth less than the current value of the US Dollar and 2) he's on the hotseat, the Jets spent LOADs of cash to win now so 3) they would LOVE to have Favre. As much as it would screw with the Clemens/Pennington Debate - I think they would care. They can sort that out next year in a way I think the packers don't feel they can.
Tampa Bay would be good as well, and not just for the aforementioned ability for Favre to get the offense quick. While the recievers aren't as good (aside from Galloway - I'll put Coles/Cotchery against any Bucs combo) Gruden works magic with older QBs. He could be very successful there if the Oline holds together (you could say that last part abotu the Jets as well). He could mentor Josh Johnson as I think he's a few years away from playing, although we've seen how that worked out in Green Bay.
I think either of these would be a very good fit and I think if Brett wants to play - and wants to gracefully exit the mess he has created most of - he should work things out with one of those teams.
And soon.
Join us again later for BRETTWATCH!
-------
Comments, queries, confusion may be posted below or sent to ThunderingBlurb@gmail.com.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Brett Favre Soapbox Time II
Hey folks.
So when we left my last rant, I was talking about how (in my opinion of course) it seemed that people felt the need to tear Aaron Rodgers down while proposing that Favre should be allowed to play again. And how unnecessary it is because all you really need to do to make your case is point to Favre's stats.
Now, as easy as that case to make may be, Green Bay isn't seeing it that way. And as promised, here is my take on why.
How many times have we been through this retiring/not retiring dance with Favre now? Three times or four, I've lost count.
Well, I can guarantee you the Packers management hasn't. In fact, there was a nearly audible sigh of relief when he finally called it a day this winter. Not so much because he was leaving, but more so that he had not only made a decision, but done it in a timely manner.
In other words, the Pack knew early for once whether Favre was returning. They were left with options. Sign a vet. Draft a top stud. Trade for one of the above. Roll with Rodgers.
WHAT they did wasn't as important as the very fact that for once they had choice. For the last few years, they couldn't move on because Favre couldn't make up his mind.
Now, I'm fine with Favre's misgivings. I cannot imagine how hard it must be to sit at home hearing about OTAs from friends still playing, catching reports on NFLN. Maybe even harder could have been the news that not only was Green Bay not in shambles after his departure but they were confident. That must have felt weird to him.
Meanwhile, Green Bay was indeed moving on and confidently. Right or wrong, they embraced the Rodgers era, backing him up for the most part with a rookie draft pick. They were moving on.
It had to feel weird for all involved.
But here we are, just short of Training Camp and BANG - we're back where we are every Green Bay off-season.
The Brett Favre waffle. Again, I don't blame the man. Not a bit. And as I have said before, I am positive he can still bring it . And that the Packers - in my opinion though I am not alone - have a better shot at winning a Super Bowl with Favre at the helm. That's the facts - Rodgers could be a great QB. Favre we already know is a great QB.
But the Packers have to be wondering: If we take him back, if we replace Rodgers (thereby pretty much assuring Rodgers leaves as a Free Agent in two years) and say we don't win a Super Bowl - will we just keep doing this dance?
When is enough, enough? For the Packers, now enough is enough. They want to know if Rodgers is the guy or if they need to rely on Brohm. Or if they need to do something else to solidify the future.
Pundits like to rail about how the team shouldn't care about the future - the future is NOW dammit and Favre will win now! But I think the team disagrees. Green Bay is very young at a few positions - the team likely feels it has a responsibility to the future to know whether the QBs they have will cut it.
I bet if Favre hadn't spent the last three years waffling, we'd see a much different reaction from the franchise. I bet if Favre had been stalwart in his decisions prior and come back and played each year with no real drama, this would be a much different situation. I am willing to be that if he hadn't done this act for the past several years, the Packers would have said 'Aw, Favre's always been straight with us. Never left us twisting in the wind. He made a mistake. Let's help him out.' But he hasn't been that guy, leaving the team hanging well into the off-season more than once. And there are no guarantees he won't go through this again and again, finally leaving the team in a lurch if he drags it on into OTAs and past all the best free agents and draft picks, only to call it quits.
I don't think it's a fair reaction (though understandable). I think Favre has earned some leeway. But I look at the situation and think that the Packers are well within their rights to choose to move on. Now, they may have to activate him and then it gets ugly. But let's save that for another day when/if it happens.
Back to the here and now: Yes, Favre likely gives the Green Bay Packers the best chance to win short term. But he has been inconsistent and contradicting every off-season for the last three years or so. The franchise doesn't seem to ever know where they stand. At the end of the day, the team seems to feel like if Favre can't make a decision on this, they'll do it for him.
Right or wrong, I really can't blame them.
So when we left my last rant, I was talking about how (in my opinion of course) it seemed that people felt the need to tear Aaron Rodgers down while proposing that Favre should be allowed to play again. And how unnecessary it is because all you really need to do to make your case is point to Favre's stats.
Now, as easy as that case to make may be, Green Bay isn't seeing it that way. And as promised, here is my take on why.
How many times have we been through this retiring/not retiring dance with Favre now? Three times or four, I've lost count.
Well, I can guarantee you the Packers management hasn't. In fact, there was a nearly audible sigh of relief when he finally called it a day this winter. Not so much because he was leaving, but more so that he had not only made a decision, but done it in a timely manner.
In other words, the Pack knew early for once whether Favre was returning. They were left with options. Sign a vet. Draft a top stud. Trade for one of the above. Roll with Rodgers.
WHAT they did wasn't as important as the very fact that for once they had choice. For the last few years, they couldn't move on because Favre couldn't make up his mind.
Now, I'm fine with Favre's misgivings. I cannot imagine how hard it must be to sit at home hearing about OTAs from friends still playing, catching reports on NFLN. Maybe even harder could have been the news that not only was Green Bay not in shambles after his departure but they were confident. That must have felt weird to him.
Meanwhile, Green Bay was indeed moving on and confidently. Right or wrong, they embraced the Rodgers era, backing him up for the most part with a rookie draft pick. They were moving on.
It had to feel weird for all involved.
But here we are, just short of Training Camp and BANG - we're back where we are every Green Bay off-season.
The Brett Favre waffle. Again, I don't blame the man. Not a bit. And as I have said before, I am positive he can still bring it . And that the Packers - in my opinion though I am not alone - have a better shot at winning a Super Bowl with Favre at the helm. That's the facts - Rodgers could be a great QB. Favre we already know is a great QB.
But the Packers have to be wondering: If we take him back, if we replace Rodgers (thereby pretty much assuring Rodgers leaves as a Free Agent in two years) and say we don't win a Super Bowl - will we just keep doing this dance?
When is enough, enough? For the Packers, now enough is enough. They want to know if Rodgers is the guy or if they need to rely on Brohm. Or if they need to do something else to solidify the future.
Pundits like to rail about how the team shouldn't care about the future - the future is NOW dammit and Favre will win now! But I think the team disagrees. Green Bay is very young at a few positions - the team likely feels it has a responsibility to the future to know whether the QBs they have will cut it.
I bet if Favre hadn't spent the last three years waffling, we'd see a much different reaction from the franchise. I bet if Favre had been stalwart in his decisions prior and come back and played each year with no real drama, this would be a much different situation. I am willing to be that if he hadn't done this act for the past several years, the Packers would have said 'Aw, Favre's always been straight with us. Never left us twisting in the wind. He made a mistake. Let's help him out.' But he hasn't been that guy, leaving the team hanging well into the off-season more than once. And there are no guarantees he won't go through this again and again, finally leaving the team in a lurch if he drags it on into OTAs and past all the best free agents and draft picks, only to call it quits.
I don't think it's a fair reaction (though understandable). I think Favre has earned some leeway. But I look at the situation and think that the Packers are well within their rights to choose to move on. Now, they may have to activate him and then it gets ugly. But let's save that for another day when/if it happens.
Back to the here and now: Yes, Favre likely gives the Green Bay Packers the best chance to win short term. But he has been inconsistent and contradicting every off-season for the last three years or so. The franchise doesn't seem to ever know where they stand. At the end of the day, the team seems to feel like if Favre can't make a decision on this, they'll do it for him.
Right or wrong, I really can't blame them.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Brett Favre Soapbox Time
So I just need to get this off my chest and, well, that's part of what this blog is for.
Let me start off by declaring several things -
Cheer for the Pack to take Brett Back all you want, but lay off Rodgers.
It's not his fault Favre has played so well that Rodgers has sniffed all of three games. It is also not his fault that Favre is usually so healthy that again, he's seen significant action only a handful of times.
Yes, he's had two freaky injuries. Yes, he doesn't have Favre's arm.
Yes, Rodgers is monumentally unproven and the momentum he has is hinging on one excellent half of football against Dallas last season.
But enough is enough.
The fact is - as has been pointed out - we don't know enough about what kind of QB Rodgers is. But again, it's not his fault that's the case. Heck, even Steve Young saw some time before he took over for Joe Montana. Rodgers hasn't had that chance.
And don't throw Brian Brohm at me as a case for 'Rodgers clearly doesn't have the confidence of the organization'. They drafted Brohm becuase they had NO BACKUP. They did not address the back-up quarterback situation with a vet and they needed someone.
Could Brohm also step in long term? Sure. He could take over if Rodgers continues to be consistently inconsistent. But I don't think that Brohm being drafted means Rodgers is out. I don't believe it damns Rodgers as expendible.
Again, I think in a vacuum, Favre at quarterback is the best hope for the Pack to win a Championship. And if he wants back they really need to talk to him.
But some writers out there are making it seem like Rodgers is twirling his moustache and laughing while saying 'You're finished Brett Favre - this is MY TEAM NOW!' I'm pretty sure at this point he would just like to know if he has his job or not and if Favre will ever make a permanant decision.
You don't need to make your case for Favre's return by trashing Rodgers at every turn. All you really need to do is point at Favre's career.
That makes the case all by itself.
I'll be back to tell you why I think the Packers are having such a hard time with this another time.
Let me start off by declaring several things -
- Brett Favre is a great quarterback who can still bring it every weekend.
- The Packers are closer to winning a Super Bowl with him at the helm.
- I'm sick of all the beating on Aaron Rodgers.
Cheer for the Pack to take Brett Back all you want, but lay off Rodgers.
It's not his fault Favre has played so well that Rodgers has sniffed all of three games. It is also not his fault that Favre is usually so healthy that again, he's seen significant action only a handful of times.
Yes, he's had two freaky injuries. Yes, he doesn't have Favre's arm.
Yes, Rodgers is monumentally unproven and the momentum he has is hinging on one excellent half of football against Dallas last season.
But enough is enough.
The fact is - as has been pointed out - we don't know enough about what kind of QB Rodgers is. But again, it's not his fault that's the case. Heck, even Steve Young saw some time before he took over for Joe Montana. Rodgers hasn't had that chance.
And don't throw Brian Brohm at me as a case for 'Rodgers clearly doesn't have the confidence of the organization'. They drafted Brohm becuase they had NO BACKUP. They did not address the back-up quarterback situation with a vet and they needed someone.
Could Brohm also step in long term? Sure. He could take over if Rodgers continues to be consistently inconsistent. But I don't think that Brohm being drafted means Rodgers is out. I don't believe it damns Rodgers as expendible.
Again, I think in a vacuum, Favre at quarterback is the best hope for the Pack to win a Championship. And if he wants back they really need to talk to him.
But some writers out there are making it seem like Rodgers is twirling his moustache and laughing while saying 'You're finished Brett Favre - this is MY TEAM NOW!' I'm pretty sure at this point he would just like to know if he has his job or not and if Favre will ever make a permanant decision.
You don't need to make your case for Favre's return by trashing Rodgers at every turn. All you really need to do is point at Favre's career.
That makes the case all by itself.
I'll be back to tell you why I think the Packers are having such a hard time with this another time.
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