|
| Walsh tapes reveal nothing new to NFL | Wednesday 5/7, 9:26 PM CT |
|
Former New England Patriots employee Matt Walsh has turned over all of his "evidence" and videotapes to the NFL, and was many believed and speculated, there is no tape including footage of the walk-through practice held by the St. Louis Rams prior to Super Bowl XXXVI, according to the New York Times.
Our View: Walsh's lawyer asserts his client has never stated such tape existed, and that Walsh has never put forth such claims to the press (namely the Boston Globe article printed on February 2nd claiming Walsh was telling the league he was in possession of such a tape). Reports indicate the tapes do not indicate any wrongdoing the league was not already aware of, and thus there is likely to be no further action taken by the NFL against the Patriots. |
|
|
| Campbell suffers minor hammy injury | Wednesday 5/7, 8:29 PM CT |
|
Washington QB Jason Campbell has suffered what the team believes to be a minor hamstring injury, according to the Washington Post.
Our View: Coach Jim Zorn told reporters, "He just felt it grab, it didn't pull all the way. He was feeling his hamstrings all along, and I think it's because I have him bending his knees more to stay at one level while dropping back." The team does not believe the injury to be serious and will withhold him from team activities until further notice. |
|
|
| Romo ready for the PGA? | Wednesday 5/7, 8:04 PM CT |
|
Dallas QB Tony Romo recorded a score of 75 in today's U.S. Open local qualifier (that's golf) and failed to make the cut, according to the Dallas Star-Telegram.
Our View: Romo was one of 107 golfers vying to advance to a sectional qualifier, the cutoff for qualification coming in at 71. Romo reports he had hoped to move forward, but the onset of the Cowboys' minicamp cut into his practice time. "I found a good rhythm on the backside, but it just took too long to get started," said Romo. Romo will compete in the Celebrity Long Drive competition at Trophy Club Country Club later this week and is also scheduled to play at the Colonial Pro Am on May 21st. |
|
|
| Haynesworth holdout begins | Wednesday 5/7, 7:22 PM CT |
|
Prolific DT Albert Haynesworth will be engaged in a minicamp holdout as he continues to pressure the Tennessee Titans for a new contract, according to NFL.com.
Our View: The Titans will begin their first minicamp session on Thursday and have tagged Haynesworth as their franchise player, thus restricting him from fielding offers as an unrestricted free agent. Per NFL rules, the team has until July 15th to reach a new long-term deal with Haynesworth. After that time, the Titans are limited to the option of a one-year deal worth $7.8 million. Haynesworth has expressed frustrations with the current negotiations (or lack thereof), and thus he has decided to add pressure by refusing to participate until the contract is completed. We will update with events as needed. |
|
|
| Benson's friend sought help | Wednesday 5/7, 7:19 PM CT |
|
Cedric Benson's friend apparently was very concerned for his safety during his arrest over the weekend, according to Arizona Central. "I called my dad and told him, Call 911, my Black friend is getting beaten up by police on Lake Travis,' " said Elizabeth Cartwright, a friend from the University of Texas. "It's more what I heard than what I saw. I have never heard or seen Cedric that scared."
Our View: This has nothing to do with fantasy football, but we felt that you would like to hear about it regardless since Benson might be telling the truth about the event, which would likely go a long way toward getting him back in the Bears good graces. |
|
|
| Team uncertain who will start at QB? | Wednesday 5/7, 6:35 PM CT |
|
Despite the addition of QB Joe Flacco, and the presence of presumptive starter Kyle Boller, there is a chance that Troy Smith could end up the Ravens starter at quarterback, according to the Baltimore Sun.
Our View: According to the report the team has been very impressed with the growth that Smith has shown, which when added to his athleticism and confidence, marks him as a player to watch. If we were handicapping this race we would go with Boller, but there is a whole lot of time until Week 1. |
|
|
| Kitna given more control of offense | Wednesday 5/7, 6:20 PM CT |
|
The Detroit Lions are letting local reporters know QB Jon Kitna will see an increased role in the Lions' offensive formations this season, according to the Detroit Free-Press.
Our View: The departure of offensive coordinator Mike Martz and the resulting addition of new offensive coordinator Jim Colletto has the Detroit offense looking for more balance. "There's going to be more responsibility for me, but I welcome that," said Kitna. "I'm kind of a control freak by nature and so it's a good thing. The other thing is, I think it will encourage more dialogue between myself and the receivers and the linemen and what they're seeing, and I can take input form them." Kitna went on to tell reporters the team has started by concentrating on a group of 35 plays in early minicamps, noting approximately half were designed as run plays. Of course, the team will have to adjust with the personnel on hand. The offensive line has been a work in progress and running backs, such as Kevin Jones, have suffered more abuse than one might expect as a result. It will be interesting to see how this plays out, but the move to get Martz out of that role certainly should have indicated these changes were likely to come. |
|
|
| Hartwell signs deal with Oakland | Wednesday 5/7, 4:13 PM CT |
|
The Oakland Raiders signed free-agent linebacker Edgerton Hartwell, hoping he can revive a career beset by injuries in recent seasons, according to ESPN. The 30-year-old Hartwell played only 13 games in 2005 and '06 with Atlanta because of injuries to his knee and Achilles tendon. He was cut by Cincinnati before the start of last season and sat out the entire year.
Our View: Hartwell will have a chance to compete for the starting strongside linebacker spot alongside Kirk Morrison and Thomas Howard. Robert Thomas and Sam Williams shared those duties last season. The Raiders have been looking to upgrade their run defense after allowing a league-worst 4.8 yards per carry last season. |
|
|
| Colts, Rhodes ink one-year pact | Wednesday 5/7, 4:05 PM CT |
|
Running back Dominic Rhodes has rejoined the Indianapolis Colts, signing a one-year deal with the team he helped lead to a Super Bowl championship, according to the Indianapolis Star.
Rhodes, a free agent after being recently released by the Oakland Raiders, will receive approximately $650,000.
Our View: Rhodes is expected to backup Joseph Addai, though he will face competition from incumbent Kenton Keith and rookie Mike Hart. |
|
|
| Reid’s son heading to prison | Wednesday 5/7, 3:54 PM CT |
|
A son of Philadelphia Eagles coach Andy Reid is heading to state prison after admitting he smuggled narcotics into the Montgomery County Jail, according to ESPN.
Our View: Garrett Reid, 25, pleaded guilty to drug smuggling charges on Wednesday, and faces a minimum two years in state prison. Reid is already serving time in the county jail for a heroin-fueled car crash that injured a motorist. |
|
|
| Campbell tweaks hamstring | Wednesday 5/7, 3:50 PM CT |
|
Quarterback Jason Campbell tweaked his hamstring during Wednesday's practice, according to ESPN. Head coach Jim Zorn said Campbell's legs have been feeling the effects of practicing a more compressed stance, something the coach hopes will give the quarterback more maneuverability. "I have him sinking down a little bit," Zorn said. "It's a change, and so I was kind of excited about it -- not that he tweaked his hamstring but just the fact that different things are happening."
Our View: Campbell will have plenty of time to get healthy, as Wednesday was the last of three offseason practices that supplemented the weekend minicamp. The Redskins won't practice again until June 2. |
|
|
| Randle El hopes to return in June | Wednesday 5/7, 3:46 PM CT |
|
Washington Redskins receiver Antwaan Randle El, with crutches under both arms, said the surgery on his right knee went as expected and that he hopes to return to the field for offseason practices next month, according to ESPN. Randle El said the knee was swollen after minicamp practice Saturday. A MRI found loose cartilage, possibly the residual effects of getting the knee banged in a couple games last season, and he had arthroscopic surgery Monday. "The big thing is get it done now and not have it happen during training camp," Randle El said.
Our View: This doesn’t sound like a serious situation, but anytime surgery is involved strange things can happen. Randle El needs to be 100% healthy for his potential training camp battle with rookie receivers Devin Thomas and Malcolm Kelly. |
|
|
| Henry interested in Cowboys and Saints | Wednesday 5/7, 3:40 PM CT |
|
In his first public comments since being released by Cincinnati, wide receiver Chris Henry said he is excited about Tuesday's court ruling allowing him to visit other NFL teams, and he mentioned a pair of teams at the top of his wish list, according to ESPN. "There are two teams that I would always love to play for: that's New Orleans and Dallas," Henry said. "New Orleans is home for me. That's always been a big dream of mine. Hopefully I can get in there and sit down with the coaches and maybe have an opportunity to get down there. And Dallas is another team that I've always looked up to as a kid and wanted to play for them."
Our View: It is unknown at this point if either the Saints or the Cowboys want to meet with Henry, who says he is keeping his options open and "willing to visit whoever is interested." He will be required to show the Hamilton County (Ohio) Court a letter from the team he is trying out for before being permitted to travel. |
|
|
| Kitna still unquestioned starter | Wednesday 5/7, 3:30 PM CT |
|
It was only the second day of the Detroit Lions organized team activities, but it was pretty clear that it's going to be awhile before Dan Orlovsky or Drew Stanton pushes incumbent starting quarterback Jon Kitna in any kind of competition, according to MLive.com. Per Tom Kowalski, the offense wasn’t “clicking” with either Orlovsky or Stanton running the show.
Our View: There have been some offseason rumors that Stanton might overtake Kitna sometime during the 2008 season, but thus far it looks like Kitna still gives the organization the best chance to win. |
|
|
| Spencer expected at training camp | Wednesday 5/7, 3:13 PM CT |
|
Center Chris Spencer is expected to be ready for the Seattle Seahawks’ training camp, according to the Seattle Times.
Our View: Spencer is currently rehabbing from offseason shoulder and thumb surgeries. |
|
|
| Baker expected at mandatory camp | Wednesday 5/7, 12:01 PM CT |
|
Disgruntled tight end Chris Baker boycotted the New York Jets voluntary practices in May but is expected to show up for mandatory minicamp in June, according to USA Today. Baker, unhappy with his salary, is coming off a career-high 41 receptions in 2007, and he’s scheduled to make $683,500 this season and $2.1 million next season. "I'm angry about the fact that they said, 'We're going to do something for you,' and nothing's being done," Baker said. "It doesn't make any sense. I've been here six years and I've always done what they've asked me to do." The Jets moved up in the first round to select Purdue rookie tight end Dustin Keller, and signed veteran Bubba Franks during the offseason.
Our View: The fact that the organization moved up to select Keller sends a pretty clear message to Baker, whose fantasy value will be negatively impacted by the rookie roster addition. |
|
|
| Seau remains in limbo | Wednesday 5/7, 11:52 AM CT |
|
Junior Seau's future with the Patriots remains in limbo, but the 18-year veteran could be returning for another run in New England, according to USA Today. The Patriots are scheduled to bring in Seau for a physical to check on a surgically repaired shoulder.
Our View: During the offseason the organization has added veteran linebacker Victor Hobson and rookie Jarod Mayo, which leaves Seau as a role player with minimal IDP value, if he decides to return for a 19th season. |
|
|
| Benson meets with team officials | Wednesday 5/7, 11:43 AM CT |
|
Running back Cedric Benson showed up at Chicago headquarters Tuesday and met with team officials, according to ESPN. John Clayton reports now that the hoopla surrounding his boating incident has calmed down a bit, the Bears sound like an organization that might let him stay on the roster, because it will probably cost more to replace Benson than the $820,000 salary he’s scheduled to make this year.
Our View: The Bears seem to be listening to his story. They may let the incident play out in the courts and allow Benson play until it is resolved. |
|
|
| Dolphins ink receiver Bess | Wednesday 5/7, 11:34 AM CT |
|
The Miami Dolphins have agreed to terms with Hawaii free agent receiver Davone Bess, according to USA Today. "The Dolphins realize what they had in Wes Welker, and that's what Davone can bring them. I'd be shocked if he didn't contribute right away," said Kenny Zuckerman, who represented Bess in the negotiations.
Our View: Bess saw his draft stock drop after running a 4.6 at the Combine, but he averaged 97 receptions and 1,203 yards, while scoring 41 total touchdowns during his three-year collegiate career. Bess displayed the best hands of the young receivers at the Dolphins recent mini-camp, and though a longshot to make the final roster, will compete for the slot role in training camp. |
|
|
| Naanee listed as wide receiver | Wednesday 5/7, 11:21 AM CT |
|
At times as a rookie, Legedu Naanee was listed as a tight end, wide receiver and fullback. He’s now solely working with the wide receivers, and he’s switched his jersey number from 40 to 11, according to Chargers.com.
Our View: Naanee flashed talent during his rookie season, but he's mired on the Bolts' depth chart behind Chris Chambers, Vincent Jackson, Craig Davis and Eric Parker. |
|
|
| Beason staying put in the middle | Wednesday 5/7, 11:00 AM CT |
|
Charlotte Observer sports columnist Scott Fowler advises there is no way the Carolina Panthers will move Jon Beason out of the middle linebacker position. There has been some speculation in the national media that rookie Dan Conner could man the middle, pushing Beason to the outside.
Our View: The Panthers linebacker corps appears to be set with Thomas Davis on the strong side, Beason in the middle, and free agent acquisition Landon Johnson starting on the weak side. |
|
|
| Harrison faces misdemeanor charges? | Wednesday 5/7, 10:45 AM CT |
|
Under Pennsylvania law, wide receiver Marvin Harrison can be charged with a misdemeanor if it's proven his gun was used in a shooting, even if someone else pulled the trigger, according to the Indianapolis Star. Harrison, 35, was one of several people questioned last week regarding a shooting near a car detail shop Harrison owns in the North Philadelphia neighborhood where he grew up. A man was shot in the hand and a 2-year-old boy sustained a cut under his eye after a stray bullet shattered a car windshield. If Harrison is found to have been involved in any gun-related crime, it could subject him to discipline, including a suspension, by the NFL under its Guns and Weapons Policy or Personal Conduct Policy.
Our View: Harrison has not been charged with a crime, and the Colts have been mum on the subject since team president Bill Polian last week said he didn't know anything about the incident and would say nothing more until "credible information" came to light. |
|
|
| Bucs not interested in Henry | Wednesday 5/7, 10:36 AM CT |
|
Contrary to what at least one published report has suggested, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are not interested in former Cincinnati wide receiver Chris Henry, according to the PewterReport.com.
Our View: Henry has been given permission by a judge in Cincinnati to travel for potential tryouts with NFL teams. Yesterday, rumors were swirling that one team had already contacted Henry for a workout, and there was speculation suggesting it could be Tampa Bay.
|
|
|
| Rhodes expected to land in Indy | Wednesday 5/7, 10:26 AM CT |
|
Running back Dominic Rhodes enjoyed his most productive Sundays with the Indianapolis Colts. And now that Rhodes is looking for work, it is likely that he'll land back in Indianapolis, according to NFL.com. Per Adam Schefter, Rhodes and the Colts are expected to reach agreement on a deal that will enable him to back up featured running back Joseph Addai.
Our View: Indianapolis drafted Michigan running back Mike Hart in the sixth round with the 202nd overall pick, but Rhodes has already proven himself as a capable running back during his previous tenure in Indianapolis. If signed, he would likely reprise his role as backup to Addai, and Kenton Keith could be the odd man out in the running back rotation.
|
|
|
| Strahan still debating retirement | Wednesday 5/7, 9:58 AM CT |
|
Seven-time Pro Bowl defensive end Michael Strahan has a good idea whether he wants to play a 16th NFL season, but wants to think it over before announcing his decision, according to NFL.com. "Right now I know where I'm leaning, but I don't want to say it until I'm sure," Strahan said Tuesday in an interview on FOX News Channel. "Once you either say you're gonna play or not gonna play, you can't go back, at least in my opinion," Strahan added. "That feeling of knowing that I want to do it, I have to decide if I have that feeling."
Our View: Strahan played at a high level last year posting 57 tackles and nine sacks. He will likely take a few more weeks before making his decision. |
|
|
| Benson’s friend had dad call 911 | Wednesday 5/7, 9:44 AM CT |
|
A woman who was a passenger in Cedric Benson's boat when he was pepper-sprayed and arrested Saturday night said the Chicago Bears running back did not seem intoxicated and did not resist arrest, according to ESPN. Elizabeth Cartwright, 22, a senior at the University of Texas and a friend of Benson, said she called her father and asked him to call police over the way Benson was treated by officers of the Lower Colorado River Authority, which patrols Lake Travis, a man-made lake northwest of Austin, Texas. Cartwright said she is willing to present her account of events as evidence. She also said her fiancée took photographs of the incident that help back up her claims.
Our View: According to the police report, Benson had bloodshot eyes, a "strong" alcohol odor and slurred speech when authorities stopped his boat. Benson has denied that he was intoxicated or that he resisted law enforcement and will fight the charges against him. |
|
|
| Brown to compete at left tackle | Wednesday 5/7, 9:36 AM CT |
|
The most interesting competition along the Houston Texans’ offensive line is going to be left tackle, the most important position. Rookie Duane Brown is trying to supplant veteran Ephraim Salaam, according to the Houston Chronicle. Even though Brown played left tackle for only one season and offensive tackle for just three seasons at Virginia Tech, he's going to get a baptismal by fire. In other words, assistant head coach Alex Gibbs and offensive line coach John Benton are going to put him in and let him learn on the run.
Our View: Brown’s work ethic has been questioned, and many experts thought the Texans reached for him in the first round of draft. If Brown wins the job in training camp, there will almost certainly be some growing pains at the vital left tackle position, during his rookie campaign. |
|
|
| Woodley expected to start | Wednesday 5/7, 9:20 AM CT |
|
LaMarr Woodley, the Pittsburgh Steelers' most productive pass rusher per play as a rookie last season, will get a chance to become the starting left outside linebacker, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Our View: Woodley played in just 80 snaps last season, a little more than one full game. Yet he had four sacks (the same as last year's starter Clark Haggans) and five quarterback hurries/pressures. He chipped in another two sacks against Jacksonville in the Steelers' lone playoff game. His presence would upgrade the linebacker corps, and Woodley could be a sleeper in IDP formats that award big plays. |
|
|
| Hill struggled in mini-camp | Wednesday 5/7, 9:07 AM CT |
|
Quarterback Shaun Hill didn't look nearly as sharp as Alex Smith in the San Francisco 49ers recent mini-camp practices, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.
Our View: The rumors circulating in the Bay Area suggest this quarterback competition is a dog and pony show, with Smith being the frontrunner for the job. He was the first overall selection in the 2005 draft, and the bottom line is the organization has too much time and money wrapped up in Smith for him to be collecting splinters on the bench. |
|
|
| 'Hawks won’t renegotiate Engram’s deal | Wednesday 5/7, 8:53 AM CT |
|
The Seattle Seahawks are not going to renegotiate wide receiver Bobby Engram’s contract, despite Engram’s displeasure with his current salary, according to the Tacoma News Tribune. Engram skipped the second day of the team’s four-day voluntary mini-camp on Tuesday in protest of what he feels is an unfair contract based on his record-setting production last year. But the Seahawks are adamant that Engram plays out the final season of his two-year, $3.4 million contract, after which they would be willing to negotiate with Engram as a free agent.
Our View: The team feels that it rewarded Engram with his current two-year deal after Engram missed nine games during the 2006 with a thyroid condition, a year in which he caught only 24 passes for 290 yards. Engram was paid $1.4 million for that season. On the flip side, Engram is getting up there in age (35) and realizes that coming off of a career year this is probably his last best chance to secure a better deal. |
|
|
| Henry on the bubble in Denver? | Wednesday 5/7, 8:47 AM CT |
|
The Denver Broncos' interest in running backs Shaun Alexander and Dominic Rhodes remains in the preliminary stages, but if the organization were to bring in a veteran running back, they would likely have to part ways with veteran Travis Henry, according to ESPN.
Our View: Reading between the lines, this report appears to be speculation, but Henry did have his salary substantially reduced earlier in the offseason, and he was a major distraction last season. |
|
A 95 mph heater. A perfectly executed hit and run. A blast into the sky. At Owners Edge MLB, we break down every conceivable fantasy angle from the simple to the complex to quench your fantasy thirst.
Power-plays. Goals. Fights. Great glove saves. If you are looking to augment your NHL experience with some of the most innovative fantasy hockey analysis on the Internet, then turn to Owners Edge NHL.
Outlet passes. Jumpers from downtown. Alley-oops leading to thunderous jams that bring the crowd to their feet are all part of the NBA experience leading to our analysis of the hardwood at Owners Edge NBA.
The hush at the tee box is followed by the sweat sound of metal on ball as someone in the gallery yells out 'you da man!' At Owners Edge PGA we bring refinement, analysis and passion to the sport of golf.
The smell of burning rubber. The thrill of unmitigated speed coming out of the turn. The visceral exhilaration of a pile up. At Owners Edge NASCAR we make the pit stop so you don't have to on race day.