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Footballguys.com Daily Email Update
Volume 4 Issue # 105
August 29, 2003 
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE

 1. QB Mark Brunell (Jax) Named Starter For Opening Game
 2. Rookie QB Kyle Boller (Bal) Shines in Loss to Giants
 3. QB Quincy Carter (Dal) Makes Parcells' Decision Look Good  
 4. DE Jerome McDougle (Phi) Injury Creates Defensive Line Problems  
 5. Rookie TE Bennie Joppru (Hou) Undergoes Hernia Surgery  
 6. Detroit Lions May Use the 'RBBC' Approach to Replace James Stewart  
 7. RB Michael Pittman's (TB) Probation Hearing Postponed  
 8. Rookie NT Dan Klecko (NE) Struggling to Find Niche  
 9. Bears' 1st-String Offense Passes Final Preseason Test 
10. RB Troy Hambrick (Dal) Does His Best to Earn Starting Job 
11. Steelers to Strike it Rich By Adding a Nickel to Their Dime 
12. LB Junior Seau (Mia) Beginning to Make Impact on the Field 
13. Saints Interested In Trading for a Dolphins' Backup Running Back 
14. Raiders Bumble Their Way in Defeat to Cowboys 
15. The Writing May Be on the Wall For RB Ron Dayne (NYG) 
16. The Detroit Lions Have Concerns in Defensive Secondary 
17. OT Orlando Pace (StL) Back With the 1st Team Unit 
18. RB Anthony Thomas (Chi) to Split Rushing Duties with Adrian Peterson 
19. RB Ki-Jana Carter (NO) a Workhorse in Finale 
20. Safety Mel Mitchell (NO) is Out for the Season 
21. OL Ross Verba (Clv) is Out for the Season 
22. QB Byron Leftwich (Jax) Shines, May Get #2 Job 
23. OG Rex Tucker (Chi) is Out With Torn Ankle Tendon 
24. RB James Stewart (Det) Out 3-4 Weeks 
25. QB Daunte Culpepper (Min) Emerged From Preseason Mistake free 
26. RB Onterrio Smith (Min) and Vikings Have Trouble Running the Ball 
27. TE Ricky Dudley (TB) Out With High Ankle Sprain 
28. RB DeShaun Foster's (Car) Potential Stirs Imagination in Fans 
29. Center Barret Robbins (Oak) Figures He Will Be Cut 
30. LB Derrick Rodgers (NOS) Suspended For First Game
31. Totally UNCONFIRMED Rumor of the Day - Bettis To Detroit?

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Ok, now let's jump to tonight's news and notes. Thanks to Footballguy Chris Smith for rounding these up. Here you go.

Joe

1. QB Mark Brunell (Jax) Named Starter For Opening Game

Clipped from CNN/Sports Illustrated article:

Mark Brunell threw a touchdown pass in the first quarter Thursday night. It almost certainly won't be his last for the Jacksonville Jaguars. Brunell was named the starter for the regular-season opener after Jacksonville defeated the Washington Redskins 17-15 in the final exhibition game. Brunell's future had been in question in the past week, as talk that the Jaguars were putting out trade feelers about the 11-year veteran circulated around the league. Coach Jack Del Rio denied the team was trying to trade him, and after the preseason finale, he declared Brunell his starter.

The Jaguars quarterback situation is a giant question mark right now. The only sure thing at this point is that nothing is a sure thing when it comes to this position in Jacksonville for this season. Yes, Mark Brunell has been named the opening day starter but who knows how long he will keep the job. David Garrard is itching to get in and prove what he can do before the Jaguars hand the ball over to rookie QB Byron Leftwich for good. If the season goes as expected, both Garrard and Leftwich will end up with plenty of playing time, rendering Brunell's fantasy worth to next to nothing. Look elsewhere to fill out your quarterback roster in 2003 unless you are in a Dynasty or deep keeper league and want to tuck Leftwich away as your 3rd quarterback for a season or two.

2. Rookie QB Kyle Boller (Bal) Shines in Loss to Giants

Clipped from CNN/Sports Illustrated article:

Kyle Boller put on a performance that should make it easier for Baltimore Ravens coach Brian Billick to choose his starting quarterback. In his final audition for the role, Boller threw two touchdown passes to stake the Ravens to a 17-point lead over the New York Giants, who rallied for a 30-24 preseason victory Thursday night.

Boller, the 19th overall pick in the 2003 draft, gained the upper hand in his duel with four-year veteran Chris Redman for the right to start the Sept. 7 opener at Pittsburgh. Starting in a second straight game, Boller went 7-for-9 for 99 yards before leaving in the second quarter with Baltimore up 17-0.

It is one thing to look sharp in a preseason game against a veteran team with nothing to play for (New York Giants). It is another thing to play quarterback as a rookie during the regular season when defensive coordinators will be out to baffle young, inexperienced signal-callers. I love the physical tools that Kyle Boller brings to the football field but I have my doubts that he is ready to read and react to constantly evolving defensive schemes during games. If he does start, look for lots of rookie errors to go along with the occasional glimpse of glory.

Remember this before you draft Boller looking for a savior. Even Ryan Leaf looked great as a rookie when slinging the ball all over the field during pre-season. Vanilla defenses are very easy to exploit and teams rarely display much of their actual defensive package they will use during the season.

3. QB Quincy Carter (Dal) Makes Parcells' Decision Look Good

Clipped from Jaime Aron article in FoxSports.com:

Quincy Carter gave coach Bill Parcells plenty of reason to believe he picked the right starting quarterback.

Carter led the Dallas Cowboys to four touchdowns and a field goal on five drives, scrambling to throw a 69-yard touchdown pass and heaving a 49-yarder against the Oakland Raiders' first-string defense in a 52-13 victory Thursday night in the preseason finale.

Carter was 11-of-16 for 239 yards, showing enough that the usually tough-to-please Parcells took him out one series into the second half. Parcells had said Carter would go deep into the second half because he needed all the work he could get.

Carter, promoted Saturday over incumbent Chad Hutchinson, pleased Parcells with good decisions, good mobility and by not turning the ball over for a third straight game. He avoided a sack and threw deep to Joey Galloway for the long TD and hit Terry Glenn off play action the next drive.

Hutchinson didn't play for the second time this preseason. Rookie Tony Romo was 1-for-3 for nine yards but led the drive that ended with Eric Bickerstaff's 1-yard touchdown with 3:04 left that topped the club preseason scoring mark of 45.

O.K. I'll admit it. I thought Quincy Carter was destined to fight for a roster spot with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the Canadian Football League by the 2004 season. He really looked awful during much of the action last year by constantly missing his receivers and looking lost in the pocket. However with more freedom and an offense that suits his skills more, he has looked pretty good in the preseason and has a great set of receivers to throw the ball to. (although the caution about vanilla defenses from the Boller article certainly applies here too) Don't be surprised to see Carter surprise with a nice season for the Cowboys (I can't believe I just wrote that about Quincy Carter)

4. DE Jerome McDougle (Phi) Injury Creates Defensive Line Problems

Clipped from Les Bowen article in Philly News:

Right now, it seems quite possible that as far as the Eagles' defensive line is concerned, the 2003 NFL draft never happened. Remember how relieved Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Johnson was, when the Birds traded up to nab Jerome McDougle in the first round, then added the University of Miami's other defensive end, Jamaal Green, in the fourth? How those additions seemed to ease the loss of Hugh Douglas to Jacksonville in free agency?

Well, after the Birds' first two appearances on Lincoln Financial Field's supposedly superior DD Grassmaster turf, both rookie defensive ends have been injured.

Green broke his right fibula last week against New England and was placed on injured reserve, his season over before it began.

Last night, with 6:04 left in the third quarter of the Eagles' preseason-ending, 17-9 loss to the New York Jets, McDougle suffered what the Eagles said were left hip and ankle injuries. McDougle was helped off the field by teammates, then went down the tunnel to the locker room on a cart.

Eagles coach Andy Reid said X-rays were negative, but McDougle would undergo an MRI exam today.

McDougle has been OK but far from spectacular after missing the first week of camp while agent Drew Rosenhaus negotiated his contract. Probably, either Derrick Burgess and N.D. Kalu were going to be the starters regardless, but if McDougle is sidelined for very long, what looked like a deep position a few weeks ago becomes an extremely thin one.

The Eagles are going to regret not bringing Hugh Douglas back this year. McDougle wasn't having a very good camp and this injury (even if minor) could set him back a little more. The Eagles are very fragile on the defensive line right now and cannot afford another injury to the position.

5. Rookie TE Bennie Joppru (Hou) Undergoes Hernia Surgery

Clipped from Sportsline.com article:

Bennie Joppru, the Houston Texans' second-round choice in this year's draft, will be sidelined indefinitely after undergoing hernia surgery. Bennie's surgery went well," Texans general manager Charley Casserly said.

"He's recovering and will return to Houston tomorrow to begin his rehab."

After struggling with a condition called Athletic Pubalgia, a weakness in the pelvic floor also known as a "sports hernia," the tight end underwent surgery in Philadelphia.

The 6-foot-4, 262-pounder was the ninth pick of the second round, and the second tight end chosen overall. Joppru caught 53 balls in his senior season at Michigan.

While you never like to see a guy injured, this is positive news for owners interested in using TE Billy Miller for their fantasy football squad. Miller likely won't be targeted as much this season with the emergence of a young rookie receiver (Andre Johnson) but with Bennie Joppru out of the picture for awhile, Miller should certainly post top-ten numbers and maybe even creep into the top-five. He could represent excellent value in your fantasy draft.

6. Detroit Lions May Use the 'RBBC' Approach to Replace James Stewart

Clipped from Mike O'Hara article in The Detroit News:

The Lions might be changing their priority at running back -- from looking for depth, to finding a replacement for starting tailback James Stewart. Stewart's right shoulder was dislocated in the first quarter of Thursday night's 22-16 loss to the Buffalo Bills in the final exhibition game for both teams.

Stewart's status is in doubt for the opening game against Arizona. He left the stadium in obvious pain, with his right arm in a sling. He tilted to the right as he was escorted by a member of the Lions' security staff.

Coach Steve Mariucci will await results of a magnetic resonance imaging test before deciding how to handle the tailbacks for the opener. "I don't know who the lead dog will be," Mariucci said. "It very well could be a running back by committee."

With Stewart out, the potential committee members are rookie Avon Cobourne and journeymen Shawn Bryson and Autry Denson. All had their ups and downs against the Bills. Cobourne had four carries for 19 yards and caught two passes for 51 yards. He lost a fumble that was recovered in the end zone by teammate Stephen Trejo. Denson carried eight times for 35 yards and caught six passes for 40 yards. He dropped a pass. Bryson had six carries for only 10 yards and one catch for eight yards. He also lost a fumble.

Cobourne, Bryson and Denson were competing for two backup jobs going into the game. Their status could change -- if the Lions don't add another back.

We apologize for continuing to move on this story but the landscape is shifting pretty rapidly and we're continually trying to give you the latest information coming out of Detroit. Shawn Bryson has struggled during the preseason and he didn't do anything to change that in this last game. Some Lions' fans reportedly already want him cut. After watching the Buffalo game, it appears as though Cobourne and Denson will see a lot of work as long as Stewart is out and both bring different skills to the table. I really liked Cobourne in West Virginia and I believe he can get the job done at the NFL level. Denson also has looked strong throughout camp after having a great NFL Europe season. I would target Denson over Cobourne at this point because of his experience but don't be surprised if Cobourne earns a lot of carries while Stewart is out of action. BUT, don't discount what coach Mariucci is saying in that it could well be a committee approach. And a committee approach for the Lions RB job is not an ideal situation for any of the players. So be cautious.

7. RB Michael Pittman's (TB) Probation Hearing Postponed

Clipped from Tom Jones article in St. Petersburg Times:

The most immediate legal obstacle that could keep running back Michael Pittman from playing has been pushed back a third time, this time nearly two months and into the second half of the season.

A probation revocation hearing for Pittman, scheduled Sept.15 in Arizona, has been postponed until Nov.7, his attorney, Joel Thompson, said Wednesday. That would be two days before the Bucs' ninth game, against Carolina.

The hearing, originally scheduled for July, will determine whether Pittman violated the guidelines of a three-year probation when he was arrested in May.

Never underestimate the power of an effective attorney. Pittman's fantasy value plummeted down the charts to almost worthless early this summer but now he is a huge 'Value Pick' in fantasy drafts. At the very least, you will have a strong #3 running back for your roster and you can get him late in your draft. Pittman has looked awesome all preseason and could put up surprising numbers in the Buccaneers offense this year. He is an excellent receiver and will get a lot of touches. Don't be scared to pick him up.

8. Rookie NT Dan Klecko (NE) Struggling to Find Niche

Clipped from Kevin Mannix article in Boston Herald:

Rookie Dan Klecko, the Big East defensive player of the year was shifted back to outside linebacker for the Bears game after struggling in the middle during the previous two games. Nobody questions his desire or his toughness. He just may not be big enough to play on the defensive line or fast enough to play linebacker.

He is likely to be waved on Sunday but Tedy Bruschi presented a similar dilemma to the Patriots when he came into the league in 1996. They made the judgment that his quickness and attitude were worth keeping around while they looked for a place in the lineup for him. Klecko could have the same upside as a linebacker/pass rusher.

A few weeks ago, Klecko was the feel good story of preseason. He had 2 � sacks in his first game and Patriots' fans considered him the best thing since sliced bread. However as happens so often in preseason, he simply doesn't have the physical tools to play the position he was drafted for. Having undersized nose tackles can really hinder a defense and I really doubt that Klecko has enough athletic prowess to effectively play linebacker at this level. It was a nice story while it lasted but don't expect to hear much more about Klecko this year.

9. Bears' 1st-String Offense Passes Final Preseason Test

Clipped from Larry Mayer article in ChicagoBears.com:

The Bears' No. 1 offense had a short but productive outing in Wednesday night's 38-23 loss to New England in the preseason finale at Gillette Stadium.

Playing only the first quarter, quarterback Kordell Stewart capped an efficient 10-play, 61-yard drive with a 3-yard TD pass to Marty Booker, giving the Bears (1-3) a 7-0 lead with 2:36 left in the period.

After calling 12 passes and no runs on the opening possessions of the first three preseason games, offensive coordinator John Shoop took the wraps off of Chicago's ground game against the Patriots (4-0). Stewart attempted just four passes on 16 plays; he completed three for 26 yards.

The Bears' offense needed some confidence going into the season and it looks like they got it. Footballguys.com has Stewart struggling in the offense this season with a very low completion percentage of 52.0%. He will gain a lot of yards on the ground and will certainly make the offensive attack more exciting. Only time will tell if Stewart can become the player the Bears need him to be but he isn't a bad option as a backup quarterback this year.

10. RB Troy Hambrick (Dal) Does His Best to Earn Starting Job

Clipped from Jean-Jacques Taylor article in Dallas News:

RB Troy Hambrick carried 12 times for 60 rushing yards and scored 2 touchdowns Thursday night against the Raiders including a nifty 14-yard scoring run. He started off right guard behind Larry Allen, bounced outside and then juked Oakland cornerback Clarence Love before high-stepping into the end zone.

It was the type of creative run that should make Parcells feel a little better about Hambrick. While Parcells has praised Hambrick's work ethic and commitment, he has not endorsed him as the featured running back. The coach has discussed using Anderson, third-down back Aveion Cason and perhaps Adrian Murrell to run the ball.

Hambrick doesn't want Parcells to take that approach, so he did his best to sway him against Oakland. It helped that Parcells provided an opportunity.

"If coach Parcells wants to give me five carries, I'll take it," Hambrick said. "If he wants to give me 12 carries, I'll take that. A lot of guys touched the ball tonight, and that's OK. I just want to feel like I'm earning my check."

More important than Hambrick's yardage totals, he ran strong inside and showed enough acceleration to bounce outside and gain yards. In the process, he gave Parcells something to think about.

Many had already written off Troy Hambrick after a horrible preseason but he redeemed himself somewhat this weekend. With the solid performance, Hambrick probably gave himself the chance to prove his worth to the team as the starting running back and we'll see how he performs to start the season. Footballguys.com has him running for almost 1000 yards on the season so he has some worth to fantasy owners.

11. Steelers to Strike it Rich By Adding a Nickel to Their Dime

Clipped from Ed Bouchette article in Post-Gazette:

The Steelers will go back in time to try to improve their defense this season. They can't bring back Joe Greene, Rod Woodson or Carnell Lake, so they will resurrect something else: The nickel defense.

Before they revived the nickel, the Steelers went directly from their 3-4 to the dime in passing situations. Sometimes, that would mean six defensive backs on third-and-2 when an offense deployed four receivers.

Last year, when the Steelers brought in six defensive backs on third down, offenses often ran the ball. Or, they would spread the Steelers out by sending a back and a tight end wide, then shifted them in tight and ran the ball. It left the Steelers more vulnerable against the run because of the number of smaller defensive backs on the field.

This season, the Steelers likely will counter those situations with the nickel, which is more flexible against the run and the pass.

The nickel gets them even more involved. In the dime defense, two outside linebackers become defensive ends and rush the passer. One linebacker plays the middle. In the nickel, two linebackers play in the middle with one fewer defensive back behind them.

The nickel keeps Kendrell Bell and James Farrior in the middle, just as they are in the 3-4 defense. In the dime defense last season, they both came off the field.

I have always been a fan of leaving your best players on the field as much as possible in order to make plays for your team. When you have mobile linebackers such as Bell and Farrior, it makes more sense to leave them on the field than to take them off for mediocre defensive backs. The Steelers pass defense was atrocious last year but expect a big turnaround this year as the Steelers look to raise their game to the next level.

12. LB Junior Seau (Mia) Beginning to Make Impact on the Field

Clipped from Jason Cole article in the Miami Herald:

LB Junior Seau had the most obvious impact on defense against the Saints Thursday night. On consecutive plays on New Orleans' second possession, Seau pressured quarterback Todd Bouman into an incompletion and then threw running back Ki-Jana Carter for a 1-yard loss.

Not much news here but it is nice to see Seau beginning to make plays. It is often difficult for veteran players to get up for preseason games and in all honesty, I thought the Dolphins were floating through the preseason in a lot of ways. Seau isn't the player he was in the 90's but he is certainly a player that will help the Dolphins keep up the intensity and commitment throughout the entire season.

13. Saints Interested In Trading for a Dolphins' Backup Running Back

Clipped from Jason Cole article in the Miami Herald:

The Dolphins are expected to make some cuts today as they try to get down to 53 players by Sunday. Vice president of football operations Rick Spielman said the team is still considering whether to keep both running backs -- Robert Edwards (11 carries for 56 yards) and Leonard Henry (11 for 54) -- or possibly trade one. He said several teams have inquired about their availability, including the Saints.

The Dolphins likely don't have the roster space to keep all four running backs (Williams, Travis Minor, Edwards and Henry). They will certainly trade one of the two if given the chance and the Saints are definitely in the market for a solid backup running back. I wouldn't be surprised at all to see a trade go down in the very near future.

14. Raiders Bumble Their Way in Defeat to Cowboys

Clipped from Mike Wagaman article in SilverandBlack.com:

It's a good thing the Raiders don't put a lot of stock into their preseason. At the current pace, Oakland's players would need a good dose of mental therapy given the way things have gone. A 52-13 loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday was just the latest in a series of exhibition debacles to come their way this year.

How bad was it? Rich Gannon's first pass of the night bounced off of receiver Jerry Rice's shoulder pads and wound up in the hands of Dallas' defender Mario Edwards, who strolled into the end zone from 24 yards out for a touchdown.

It was so bad that Cowboys quarterback Quincy Carter heaved a 69-yard touchdown pass to Joey Galloway in the first quarter then came back on Dallas' next possession to fire a 49-yard completion. Both times the victim was Oakland cornerback Terrance Shaw, the apparent starter on the right side.

But that wasn't even the worst of it. The Raiders also had their usual plethora of problems on special teams: a fumbled kickoff by Doug Gabriel, three holding penalties that wiped out strong returns from Ronney Jenkins and Justin Fargas, a botched extra-point attempt and a 96-yard kickoff return for touchdown by the Cowboys.

"For a lot of guys it's hard to get motivated these last couple of games knowing you're going to come out of it after only a few plays," said cornerback Charles Woodson. "I'm tired of the preseason, tired of it. I'm ready to get down to Tennessee and show (people) what we're all about."

The Raiders open the regular season Sept. 7 on the road against the Titans in a rematch of last year's AFC championship game. Hopefully for Oakland's sake it will be able to shake the preseason slumber it's been in for the last four weeks.

The Raiders are a veteran team and often it is those teams that have the most trouble playing in preseason for nothing. Teams filled with veteran players can likely turn the passion way up once the regular season starts and make everyone forget the preseason struggles.

However, the pass blocking has been awful so far which has thrown the timing of Rich Gannon's passes off resulting in very poor results through the four games. I wouldn't plummet Gannon way down my cheat sheet for it but I would consider bumping all of the Raiders offensive players down a notch or two because of what we've witnessed during the games this preseason. No quarterback can be effective with poor pass blocking and the Raiders have a lot of work to do.

15. The Writing May Be on the Wall For RB Ron Dayne (NYG)

Clipped from Kimberley Jones article in Star-Ledger:

The most closely watched battles this preseason weren't much of a contest last night.

In the final preseason game, against the Ravens, 10-year veteran Dorsey Levens might have put distance between himself and Ron Dayne in trying to emerge as Tiki Barber's primary backup.

And Delvin Joyce, who rushed 17 times for 60 yards and a touchdown, legitimized himself as a contributing member of the Giants offense -- and possibly more.

Coach Jim Fassel labeled the 5-7, 195-pound Joyce's effort "outstanding."

"He's not the biggest guy but he is tough," Fassel said. "The team likes him and they recognize a good football player."

As Barber stood on the sidelines watching -- he got his pregame wish to "stay healthy and hopefully not play" -- Dayne started in his place and was ineffective running behind a make-shift offensive line that included three non-starters. Dayne rushed twice for 5 yards against the Ravens first defense.

Dayne finished with five carries for 13 yards, though four of the yards came on the play where he fumbled and Baltimore recovered. He also dropped at least one Jesse Palmer pass and possibly two.

"I thought Dorsey ran well," Fassel said. "I think he made a nice run at the goal line -- (the Ravens) plugged it up and he bounced it outside."

As for Dayne, Fassel said he would have to first watch the tape before making an evaluation.

There is no indication that Dayne's roster spot is in jeopardy, but it is becoming clear the Giants would probably list him as inactive him on game days if Barber, Joyce and Levens are healthy.

Ron Dayne sounds discouraged, Jim Fassel sounds like his mind is made up and the disappointing 'Ron Dayne Era' in New York is probably coming to an end. Whether he is buried in the depth chart or released from the team, it doesn't look good for Dayne.

16. The Detroit Lions Have Concerns in Defensive Secondary

Clipped from Mike O'Hara article in Detroit News:

The dire condition of the Lions' cornerback situation was underscored when Andre Goodman was deactivated for the game. He will start at left cornerback because of a season-ending knee injury sustained by Chris Cash in the last game.

Chris Watson, who would have been the nickel back, is out because of a back injury. Right cornerback Dre' Bly has not played in the exhibition season because of a sprained ankle. Bly is expected to play in the opening game against Arizona.

With such a shortage of healthy players, the Lions obviously did not want to risk Goodman getting injured.

Rookie Blue Adams started in Goodman's place. Jemeel Powell started at right cornerback. Adams intercepted a pass in the second quarter -- his second of the year.

Obviously, with the Lions having difficulties in the secondary, combined with only an average pass rush, you should target starting your receivers and quarterbacks against them when you are given the chance. Look for big passing numbers against this team early on this season. The Lions go up against the pop-gun offense of the Arizona Cardinals in week one. If the Cardinals can move the ball on the Lions, every team in the NFL will be able to score on them in 2003.

17. OT Orlando Pace (StL) Back With the 1st Team Unit

Clipped from Nick Wishart article in Post-Dispatch:

The plan heading into Thursday night's final preseason game against the Chiefs called for Rams left tackle Orlando Pace to play a couple of series, perhaps as much as the first quarter. He wound up seeing more action than that, playing well into the second quarter. And after the long layoff, he felt it.

"Yeah, it was tough, man," Pace said after the Rams fell to Kansas City 22-6 at Edward Jones Dome. "With two days of practice, after not practicing, it was tough to get out there. But it was good to get some live bullets and get a feel of the game tempo."

As the club's designated franchise player, Pace was stuck in a contract impasse throughout the offseason. He missed the team's entire offseason program, and the first 4 1/2 weeks of the preseason, including the Rams' first three preseason games.

Of Pace, Martz said: "He's really taken care of himself. He's in better shape than I really thought he'd be, to be honest with you. He has spent time getting himself ready. And that's a big man. Holy cats."

But Pace admitted he's got some pounds to shed. He looked a bit rounder around the midsection, and even though Martz said earlier in the week that Pace looked like he had added pounds in the weight room, in his tight game jersey Pace looked like he had added the weight at the dinner table.

The signing of Pace is great news for Marshall Faulk owners, fabulous news for Kurt Warner owners and the best possible news for St. Louis Ram fans in general. Sure he may be a little out of shape but I would rather have Orlando Pace at even 80% efficiency than most other lineman in the league. The Rams offensive attack is looking strong and the combination of Kyle Turley and Pace is almost unfair to defenses around the league.

18. RB Anthony Thomas (Chi) to Split Rushing Duties with Adrian Peterson

Clipped from David Haugh article in Chicago Tribune:

In Pittsburgh, quarterback Kordell Stewart usually rode the Bus (Jerome Bettis) on Sundays. In Chicago he will go by Train (Anthony Thomas). But Stewart is a seasoned enough NFL traveler to know that to get the most mileage out of a running game, it helps to have another means of reliable ground transportation. "When you're capable of using two backs, it can be pretty potent," Stewart said.

To Bears coaches, Adrian Peterson closed the gap on starter Anthony Thomas enough during training camp to earn more playing time, though neither runner will force defensive coordinators to come up with game plans expressly designed to stop him.

That makes the committee approach more feasible for the Bears, at least early, and coach Dick Jauron sounded open to the possibility that both running backs could have double-digit carries in the season opener against San Francisco. "I don't think that's farfetched if they keep progressing and playing like they did," Jauron said.

It raises the question: If the Bears use two running backs, is it a sign of good depth at the position or poor talent? The adage about quarterbacks is that teams that play two quarterbacks do so because they really don't have one they like.

Jauron continues to show faith in Thomas and rave about Peterson, despite numbers over four exhibition games that might indicate neither has emerged as a back capable of carrying the load alone. Peterson gained 78 yards on 23 carries in the preseason, while Thomas had 64 yards on 18.

Combined, that's an average of 3.5 yards a carry�exactly what the Bears averaged last season when they were the NFL's worst rushing team.

I don't think anyone is really shocked by this news. We at footballguys.com still believe that Thomas will get the majority of the carries but that probably won't translate into much more than 14 attempts per game, hardly fantasy starter material. With the offensive line in disarray, don't expect much out of either back for this season.

19. RB Ki-Jana Carter (NO) a Workhorse in Finale

Clipped from NFL.com wire:

Ki-Jana Carter, the No. 1 pick overall in the 1995 draft by Cincinnati, gained 94 yards in 25 carries as he tried to lock up the backup spot behind McAllister. He also caught three passes for 26 yards.

"There were probably some plays that I could have done better on, but I need to show the coaches that they can trust me when they call my number," Carter said. "I'm just thankful to be out there because it's been a while since I played."

Carter sat out last year after being cut by the Green Bay Packers before the season.

"For a guy that was our of football for a year, I think he stuck it up in there pretty good," Saints coach Jim Haslett said.

Wouldn't it be a great story if Carter was able to get some playing time and put up good numbers after years of disappointing injuries. While it would be a feel-good story, the Saints are actively hunting for another backup running back that would keep Carter from the field except in occasional spot duty. If the Saints don't pick up another running back though and you believe in handcuffing the backup player to the starter, you may want to use your final draft pick on Carter.

20. Safety Mel Mitchell (NO) is Out for the Season

Clipped from Jeff Duncan article in Times Picayune:

Mercifully, the Saints' forgetful four-game preseason ended in a lifeless 24-10 loss to Miami on Thursday night at the Superdome.

Unfortunately, it lasted three quarters and five minutes too long.

On a night when the Saints might have found a backup running back, they lost a starting safety when Mel Mitchell suffered a season-ending injury to his left knee late in the first quarter.

Mitchell tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his knee after he was blocked in the back of the leg by backup quarterback Sage Rosenfels on a broken play, a cruel fate for a player on the verge of becoming a full-time starter in his second season.

"It's disappointing, especially on a play that was a botched play," Saints coach Jim Haslett said.

"We made a nice play on the reverse, and they messed it up and the quarterback ended up cutting him. It was just one of those things."

Rosenfels was trying to block Mitchell after his reverse handoff to Travis Minor was fumbled in the backfield and recovered by teammate Sam Simmons.

Mitchell grabbed his knee immediately after the play. Several teammates and Haslett showed immediate concern and offered words of encouragement to Mitchell as medical officials treated him on the sideline.

Veteran Jay Bellamy, who started 16 games at free safety last season, will replace Mitchell at strong safety, Haslett said.

It is too bad for Mitchell that he suffered a season ending injury just when he was about to start the season as a starting safety. Luckily for the Saints, veteran Jay Bellamy is more than capable of filling in for Mitchell and is familiar with the defense and his teammates having started all 16 games last year.

21. OL Ross Verba (Clv) is Out for the Season

Clipped from Tom Withers article in Washington Times:

Ross Verba's season is over, a damaging blow to the Cleveland Browns who have just one week to reshuffle their offensive line. Verba, the Browns' starting left tackle the past two seasons, tore his right biceps during Thursday night's preseason win over the Atlanta Falcons. He will need surgery and his rehabilitation will take five-to-six months, the team said.

"I feel terrible for Ross," Browns coach Butch Davis said Friday.

The loss of Verba is especially tough since he plays a vital position as the player responsible for protecting quarterback Kelly Holcomb's blindside.

In addition, the Browns don't have much experienced or quality depth on an offensive line that was just beginning to gel and now has to be juggled in preparation for the Sept. 7 opener against the Indianapolis Colts.

To fill Verba's spot, Davis likely will move left guard Barry Stokes to tackle. Stokes, who has been with eight NFL teams in eight years, started three games at left tackle for the Green Bay Packers in 2001 while filling in for an injured Chad Clifton.

This is terrible news for Kelly Holcomb and William Green. The Browns offensive line was already having some difficulty on the field and losing Verba could create havoc up front. William Green is a talented, young running back but he needs room to operate and it is appearing questionable if he will see enough holes to put up good numbers this year. Kelly Holcomb has proven he can take a solid hit and he may have to do so many times over the course of this season. Stokes is at best a backup lineman.

22. QB Byron Leftwich Shines (Jax), May Get #2 Job

Clipped from Bart Hubbuch article, Times-Union:

Never mind the speculation that was swirling around Mark Brunell. The Jaguars now might have a backup quarterback controversy on their hands.

First-round draft pick Byron Leftwich made sure of that last night, leading the Jaguars on two impressive scoring drives that decided a 17-15 preseason victory against the Washington Redskins.

Even better for Leftwich, the former record-setting passer from Marshall outshined fellow backup David Garrard in the exhibition finale for both teams.

That difference in production was enough to prompt Del Rio to say that Leftwich -- the seventh overall pick last April -- could open the regular season as the Jaguars' No. 2 quarterback.

"That definitely could happen," Del Rio said. "We'll work through that as a coaching staff over the next few days. But we're very fortunate to have two very talented guys [in Leftwich and Garrard]."

Leftwich already was in Del Rio's good graces after leading the Jaguars to a last-minute victory against Miami two weeks ago, just two days after Leftwich had ended his 19-day contract holdout.

Leftwich built on that performance last night, taking over for Garrard on the Jaguars' second series of the second quarter. Leftwich promptly led them on an 11-play, 83-yard touchdown march for a 14-3 lead.

Everyone knows that rookie quarterback Byron Leftwich is the future of the Jaguars. What wasn't known though was how he would play out of the gate and so far, all signs are positive for the young passer. However, like Kyle Boller above, it is much easier to read and react to preseason defenses than the regular season opponents and he'll likely not see much playing time through the first few weeks. I wouldn't be surprised though to see him do very well when he gets the chance this year. He is pretty adept at reading coverage and putting the ball where it needs to go. He is a future star in the NFL and the future may be sooner than later.

23. OG Rex Tucker (Chi) is Out With Torn Ankle Tendon

Clipped from Larry Mayer article in ChicagoBears.com:

The Bears thought they had escaped the preseason without incurring a serious injury. But that changed in a dramatic and unfortunate way Friday with the news that left guard Rex Tucker will undergo surgery Tuesday to repair a torn tendon in his right ankle.

The five-year veteran will be sidelined for several weeks and possibly the entire season, though the Bears declined to speculate on a timetable for his return.

"We don't know that yet," said coach Dick Jauron. "We know he's going to be out for a little while here obviously because he's going to undergo surgery. We'll just wait and re-evaluate it after the surgery."

Tucker was injured in the first quarter of the Bears' 38-23 loss in the preseason finale Wednesday night in New England. It was originally diagnosed as a mild sprain, but an ultrasound Friday morning revealed a torn posterior tibialis tendon.

Tucker, who missed the final 11 games of last season after suffering a dislocated left ankle and fractured left fibula in a Monday night loss to Green Bay, was devastated by the news. The Bears aren't sure who will replace Tucker at left guard when they open the season Sept. 7 in San Francisco.

This is absolutely horrible news for the Bears and their fans. Last year this offensive line was decimated with injuries. The season hasn't even started in earnest yet and already one of the starting linemen is possible out for the year. Both Anthony Thomas and Adrian Peterson are already far down the cheat sheet for this season but this injury to Tucker deflates their worth even more.

24. RB James Stewart (Det) Out 3-4 Weeks � Now 6 Weeks?

Clipped from Len Pasquarelli article in ESPN:

Although tailback James Stewart will miss next Sunday's regular-season opener, the Detroit Lions on Friday actually received relatively positive news on the veteran runner, who suffered a shoulder injury in the Thursday night preseason finale.

An MRI examination of Stewart's right shoulder showed no significant structural damage and the eight-year veteran will not require surgery. On the down side, Stewart probably will be sidelined for three or four weeks, and the Lions still don't have a viable tailback with whom to replace him for the opening month of the season.

"James said he isn't in a lot of pain, and he's always had a pretty good tolerance, so there is always a chance he can get back a little sooner," said agent Pat Dye Jr. "The shame is that he was having, by all accounts, a really strong camp."

This is good news for the Lions, James Stewart and fantasy fans who drafted him already. He will be back in week three or four and should be fresh and ready to go. He has performed well when given the chance with Detroit and he'll slot back in as the #1 running back when he returns.

*** UPDATE "There is no structural damage. It won't require surgery," Lions coach Steve Mariucci said Friday after Stewart was examined. "It's a week-to-week sort of thing. It's hard to put a number of weeks on it because every dislocated shoulder is different. I would like to hope he'll be back by the bye week (Oct. 12, Week 6 of the NFL season). ***

There is now speculation that Stewart may miss the first six weeks instead. Obviously that weakens his fantasy worth while strengthening the other players who have a change to earn carries from the Lions backfield. Stay tuned for more updates on this in the future...

25. QB Daunte Culpepper (Min) Emerged From Preseason Mistake free

Clipped from Dan Sansevere article, Pioneer Press:

Like laundry detergent, Daunte Culpepper has been stain-resistant.

Aside from incompletions, Culpepper has done very little to stain his performances this exhibition season. He had no interceptions, no lost fumbles, no frightening indications he will mess up anywhere near as much as he did last season.

That's the best thing to come out of this exhibition season for the Vikings.

Culpepper played only two series Thursday night as the Vikings ended their exhibition season with a 31-27 loss to Arizona, but both series ended with scores.

"Obviously, if he played the whole game it would have been a nice night," Vikings coach Mike Tice said.

Both Culpepper and Randy Moss appear focused to put the disappointing 2002 season firmly behind them. Both look poised to put up big numbers in 2003.

26. RB Onterrio Smith (Min) and Vikings Have Trouble Running the Ball

Clipped from Sean Jenson article in Pioneer Press:

Vikings rookie running back Onterrio Smith didn't have an overwhelming performance in the exhibition final against the Arizona Cardinals.

Smith carried the ball five times for 9 yards and caught two passes for 13 yards.

But Smith wasn't the only Viking who had a problem running against the Cardinals, who finished 30th in the NFL in run defense last season. The Vikings' longest run belonged to receiver Randy Moss, on a quick pitch for 8 yards in the first quarter. Moe Williams gained 5 yards on his lone carry.

Vikings coach Mike Tice has said Williams will start the season opener in Green Bay but that Smith is trying to earn carries.

Injured Doug Chapman led the Vikings in the exhibition season with 85 yards on 16 carries, a 5.3-yard average. Smith finished with 82 yards on 27 carries and led the team with three rushing touchdowns.

While the Vikings didn't look good running the ball against the Cardinals (nobody has against the Cardinals in preseason who are only giving up 44 rushing yards per game to running backs through the four games), the offensive line and talent at the running back position, combined with a potentially explosive passing attack should give the team a strong ground game during the regular season. The thing to take from this article is that the Cardinals run defense has absolutely dominated each team they have played through the first four preseason games. Perhaps the Cardinals will surprise some folks with their ability to stop the run this year.

27. TE Ricky Dudley (TB) Out With High Ankle Sprain

Clipped from ESPN.com article:

Tampa Bay tight end Rickey Dudley will miss the start of the regular season with a high left ankle sprain that could sideline him six to 10 weeks. Dudley, an important component in coach Jon Gruden's multiple tight end sets, was injured on a running play during the opening series of Thursday night's 34-3 preseason victory over the Houston Texans.

Gruden said Friday that Dudley's ankle is not broken.

"It could be six, eight weeks. It could be 10 weeks," Gruden said. "It's a severe high ankle sprain. That's the initial report. For that reason, we're going to have to lean on some of our other young men. We feel like we have some good ones."

Dudley signed with Tampa Bay as a free agent last September and had 15 receptions for 186 yards and three touchdowns in 14 regular-season games. In three playoff games, including one start, he had two receptions for 19 yards and one TD.

Ken Dilger is the starting tight end. Dudley's injury could create more playing time for backups Todd Yoder, who's probable for the Bucs' Sept. 8 season opener at Philadelphia with a right knee sprain, and Will Heller.

Not many owners are relying on Ricky Dudley to win their fantasy leagues for them this year. It may have a marginal impact on the Buccaneers offense in certain formations but Ken Dilger is the starting tight end for the team and it shouldn't cause a lot of serious problems.

28. RB DeShaun Foster's (Car) Potential Stirs Imagination in Fans

Clipped from Tom Sorenson article in Charlotte Observer:

DeShaun Foster has not played in an NFL game that counts. Yet, he made a play fans still talk about. In fact, he made one of the most talked-about plays in Carolina Panthers history. The first time Carolina gave the ball to Foster, he scored. Foster was a rookie, a second-round pick out of UCLA, and the Panthers were opening their 2002 exhibition season against Washington. Coming off 15 straight regular-season losses, fans at Ericsson Stadium desperately were looking for a reason to cheer. Foster gave them one by running 61 yards to the end zone.

Thus was born the legend of DeShaun Foster. Because he hurt his knee two exhibition games later and has not played since, his reputation, rather than diminishing, has grown. We never saw what he couldn't do. Until tonight, that 61-yard run is all fans have had.

Tonight against Pittsburgh, he will play his first game in 371 days. He is unlikely to play extensively. But he will play. He will be hit. He will be a football player again.

It is nice to see Foster making his way back to the football field. I was one of the people very intrigued by what Foster can do on the football field and took him in a couple of early drafts last season. He isn't going to play much in 2003 but will provide valuable depth if he is indeed healthy and will compete for the starting job during the 2004 off-season. If he looks really explosive tonight, it may help his chances to get some carries in the games this year both as a 3rd down specialist and spelling Stephen Davis.

29. Center Barret Robbins (Oak) Figures He Will Be Cut

Clipped from Nancy Gray article in Raiders Nation:

Center Barret Robbins sounded Thursday night like he may have played his final game as a Raider, and there was little argument otherwise.

Though he played the entire second half in a miserable 52-13 gutting by the Cowboys, the lack of progress behind the scenes may doom Robbins to the waiver wire. Raiders senior assistant Bruce Allen met Thursday with Robbins' agent, Drew Pittman, at the team's hotel in North Dallas, but no agreement has been reached regarding a restructure of the Pro Bowler's $3.2 million salary for 2003.

The Raiders have made it clear Robbins must accept a substantial pay cut to remain on the 53-man roster, and Robbins completely agrees.

"That's the way it is," said Robbins, who has spent the offseason repairing the damage caused by his disappearance the night before Super Bowl XXXVII. "That's the only way I'm going to be here for sure. To give myself a chance I've got to do that."

Robbins, who underwent arthroscopic knee surgery in May and arrived at training camp in Napa more than 30 pounds overweight, has been running a distant third in a two-man battle between Adam Treu and Matt Stinchcomb for the starting job.

It does indeed appear that the Barret Robbins era in Oakland is finished. He has been trailing behind the other challengers all camp long and time has run out on the former Pro Bowler. Somebody out there will likely take a chance on the talented, but troubled lineman.

30. LB Derrick Rodgers (NOS) Suspended For First Game

Clipped from ESPN.com article:

New Orleans Saints linebacker Derrick Rodgers will be suspended for the first game of the season for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy.

Team officials did not provide further details Friday.

In January, Rodgers pleaded no contest to charges he attacked his wife and a man at a South Beach restaurant. He was placed on three years' probation and the NFL's security department investigated the case.

Rodgers pleaded no contest to two felonies, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and resisting an officer with violence, and three misdemeanors: battery, assault and a violation of a domestic violence injunction.

Not really a big deal for the Saints. They'll be able to cover his absence for one week and he'll be back determined to put this behind him starting in week two. Just make sure you don't start him if you are in a deep IDP league during the first week of action.

31. Totally UNCONFIRMED Rumor of the Day - Bettis To Detroit?

This comes from my friend Jeff Powers. Myron Cope is reporting during the Steelers game with Carolina that Kevin Colbert is now talking to the Detroit Lions about a trade for one of the Steeler RBs. Combine this bit of news with the fact that Bettis did not play a down tonight and you have the makings of a juicy UNCONFIRMED rumor.

Bettis' hometown is Detroit and Colbert also hails from the Detroit Lions.

Again, this is totally UNCONFIRMED. Just passing along to anyone that's interested. Probably wouldn't change Bettis' value a lot but it certainly would increase Zereoue's. We'll see.

That'll do it for today Folks. Have a great Holiday weekend and we'll see you with the update tomorrow.

Joe