/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/ Footballguys.com In-Season News and Notes September 10, 2002 /**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/ IN THIS ISSUE 1. Redskins sign Kicker 2. Bears' defense takes devastating hit 3. Willie Jackson named starter in Atlanta 4. Anderson renews talks with Patriots 5. Martin's Probable against Patriots 6. Broncos Defense for real 7. Jaguars cut Gibson 8. Sinclair signs with Philly 9. Sprained toe a pain for Tiki 10. Dilfer returns to practice 11. Brady sharp against the Pittsburg Defense 12. Dillon needs more touches 13. Raiders to stick with no huddle /**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/ Washington signs a kicker Clipped from the Mark Maske article posted on washingtonpost.com 9/10/02. The Washington Redskins signed placekicker James Tuthill today and plan to have him make his NFL debut Monday night against the Philadelphia Eagles at FedEx Field. He replaces Brett Conway, who was placed on the injured reserve list because of a torn quadriceps. Tuthill, 26, was released by the Redskins as part of the team's final preseason roster cuts. He had been claimed by the team off waivers from the Houston Texans and made his only field goal attempt for the Redskins during the exhibition season. He previously had short stints with the San Francisco 49ers and Green Bay Packers without appearing in a regular season game. Conway now is ineligible to kick for the Redskins again this season. [[[[[[[[[[ DODSON'S VIEW ]]]]]]]]]] Tuthill is a big kicker at 6' 2" 250 out of Cal Poly-Pomona. As mentioned above, he has never kicked in a regular season game, and has been cut multiple times. Although it looks like Washington may put up a lot of points this year, I wouldn't elevate Tuthill into the Jeff Wilkin's level any time soon. I would sit tight and look for other opportunities at this time rather than picking up Tuthill unless you are in dire need of a kicker. /**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/ Bears' defense takes devastating hit Clipped from the John Mullin article posted on chicagotribune.com 9/10/02 This is not what the Bears needed as they prepare to face the Atlanta Falcons and Michael Vick. The Bears learned Monday they will have to go without defensive end Phillip Daniels and cornerback R.W. McQuarters on Sunday in Atlanta. Daniels injured his left ankle and McQuarters injured his left knee in Sunday's win over Minnesota. Daniels is expected to miss at least three weeks. McQuarters is out two to six weeks. Vick, one of the most mobile quarterbacks in the NFL, will challenge the Bears' defensive depth, which was a key factor in Sunday's win. Reggie Austin replaced McQuarters and Keith McKenzie filled in for Daniels. McKenzie is coming back from a broken ankle sustained while playing for the Browns against the Bears last season. A proven pass rusher, McKenzie didn't expect to see as much action as he did when Daniels was injured. Afterward, he said of his still-healing left ankle, "It's good enough to play on, run around and make plays, but it's not quite all the way back." Austin recorded his first career interception Sunday-at the Bears' 1-yard line with the Vikings ahead 20-13 in the third quarter. Austin, one of the smallest Bears at a generous program listing of 185 pounds, spent time during the off-season adding muscle in the team's strength and conditioning program. Without that, would Austin have made this team? "No, I don't think he would have," coach Dick Jauron said. [[[[[[[[[[ DODSON'S VIEW ]]]]]]]]]] This is a huge blow to the Chicago Defense. Both players were 16 game starters for the Bears last year, with Daniels registering 9 sacks. Daniels is an athletic 288 pound player that would have helped stop the Falcon rushing attack as well as doubling as their best pass rusher. McQuarters is no slouch either, but at least he'll be back in a few weeks. I would certainly give the Bears Defense a slight downgrade on this news and Vick a little bump up on your list. /**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/ Willie Jackson named starter in Atlanta Clipped from the Matt Winkeljohn article on accessatlanta.com posted 9/10/02 It was a surprise when Willie Jackson was announced as the Falcons' starting split end minutes before Sunday's game at Green Bay. Jackson, a flanker, never worked at split end during the entire preseason. Plus, the 6-foot-1, 217-pound veteran of eight NFL seasons doesn't have the deep speed typically associated with split end. Now, though, it looks like the move is permanent. Team officials said before the Packers game that veteran split end Shawn Jefferson had ankle and back injuries, although they didn't keep him from working with the No. 1 offense last week. Jackson, who had 81 receptions for 1,046 yards for the Saints last year before joining Atlanta as an unrestricted free agent, caught four passes for a team-high 73 yards. He also lost a fumble. "Willie did a tremendous job with the [29-yard] catch down the middle," coach Dan Reeves said. "And Willie will only get better. He has to work on some things. . . but being his first time at the position, he did a good job." Jackson is especially effective catching in traffic. "We have guys that can start, and get to it, and right now that is Willie and [flanker] Brian [Finneran]," Reeves said. [[[[[[[[[[ DODSON'S VIEW ]]]]]]]]]] I was really surprised when Jackson wasn't named the starter in camp. If Vick continues to play like he did against Green Bay, Jackson could make a fine addition to your squad. Given the fact that Finneran dropped an easy TD last week, we may see some added desire from Vick to make Jackson his go to guy. If he repeats his performance from last season, he would make a solid #3 WR for most teams and may play himself into a decent #2 WR in larger leagues. /**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/ Anderson renews talks with Patriots Clipped from an article posted on ESPN.com 9/10/02 Free-agent running back Jamal Anderson returned to New England over the weekend to renew contract talks with the Patriots and retake a conditioning test that coach Bill Belichick requires of all his players, ESPN's Chris Mortensen reported Monday. Anderson, who has renewed interest in the Patriots after recent workouts on his own, could have a deal completed with New England as soon as Tuesday -- if he passes the conditioning test. [[[[[[[[[[ DODSON'S VIEW ]]]]]]]]]] After all of the pass plays that the Patriots ran last night, one would have to wonder if they even need one RB let alone two. On a serious note, the reports were that Anderson couldn't pass Belichick's physical last time so they agreed to let Anderson get in better shape then try again in the future. Those that have had ACL reconstruction know that it's pretty hard to fathom the thought that someone could actually be out of shape if they are properly rehabbing their knee. This tells me that either A) the test is extremely difficult to pass or that B) Jamal wasn't in shape. If "B" is the answer, than his knee is far from healthy and I would be extremely leery of him. I know that "A" is a possibility as well given Antowain Smith's failures, but he wasn't rehabbing an ACL in addition to being unable to pass the test. I am very skeptical of Jamal Anderson right now and would probably recommend holding off on picking him up if you are fairly deep at RB. If you are desperate, Jamal may pay off for you but I see him filling up roster space for quite a few weeks until he's ready to contribute, and then he's going to spit time at best. /**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/ Martin's Probable against Patriots Clipped from an article by Mark Cannizzaro on nypost.com posted 9/10/02 Curtis Martin's left ankle sprain doesn't appear serious enough to threaten his availability for the home opener against the Patriots Sunday, though the Jets are being cautious. "Curtis had an MRI on the left ankle and he has a bruise and a sprain," Herman Edwards said yesterday. "It's a day-to-day situation. We don't know where he's at right now. It's a matter of how fast he recovers." [[[[[[[[[[ DODSON'S VIEW ]]]]]]]]]] Cutis Martin has made 59 consecutive starts and I am willing to bet he doesn't miss out on number 60. I was a little surprised to hear him say that he could have returned against the Bills but didn't. I don't want to read too much into that, but let's just hope this isn't a glimpse of things to come. Most Martin owners should have him handcuffed to Lamont Jordan by now. If you don't, let this be your incentive to make a deal for him now just in case. One side note, Jordan has a cast on his left wrist from an injury he sustained against the Bills. He should be ready to go this weekend, but it's something to consider if you do in fact wish to acquire his services. /**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/ Broncos Defense for real Clipped from an article by Lynn Debruin on rockymountainnews.com posted 9/10/02 "There are things we have to continue to improve upon," Wilson said. "But (the performance) is definitely a motivator. It's something we can build on. But we are not going to be content or happy with ourselves. We know that we have to continue to improve to be a championship-caliber team." Sunday, the Broncos at least established a barometer for success: They allowed only 2.5 yards a carry and 32 yards overall - the latter ranking them No. 1 in the NFL for that category. They limited Kurt Warner to 6.7 yards a pass play (more than 2 yards less than his average of a year ago) and 9.8 yards a completion (3 yards off his 2001 average). They held St. Louis to one touchdown on possessions that started in Denver territory. They recorded three sacks, which would put them on a pace for 48 for the season - nine more than their 2001 total. Two of the sacks were by defensive linemen, putting them on pace for 32 for the season - which would be a considerable improvement over 2001, when Denver linemen accounted for only 19 sacks. They allowed 16 points - five fewer than they allowed on average last season. And they did it without much trickery. "We didn't show very many defensive looks," Wilson said. "We executed, and that's what it boils down to." Coach Mike Shanahan said that Denver used its base formation on 37 of 55 defensive plays. "We just played hard," he said, "and we played consistent." [[[[[[[[[[ DODSON'S VIEW ]]]]]]]]]] Looking for a sleeper defense? Here is one to consider. If the Broncos shut down the 49ers this weekend, the secret will be out of the bag�the Broncos D is for real. Even if they have an average game against San Francisco, they are certainly worth considering. Sure, Warner and Faulk may have just been out of sync, but the Broncos deserve some credit for that. Broncos Offensive Coordinator Gary Kubiak calls this defense the best he's seen since he's been with the Broncos. Ray Rhodes in his second year has the defense believing that they can be great. I for one would agree that this is a very good and very talented Bronco defense that may surprise a lot of teams. /**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/ Jaguars cut Gibson after botched punt return Clipped from an article posted 9/10/02 on jaguars.jacksonville.com The Jaguars waived wide receiver-punt returner Damon Gibson today after he fumbled a crucial punt in Sunday's loss to Indianapolis that was converted into a touchdown. The normally sure-handed Gibson fumbled three times last year, but never gave up possession. But Jaguars coach Tom Coughlin apparently felt Sunday's botched punt was too big of a mistake to ignore. He yelled at Gibson on the sideline as he exited the field, then continued to scream at him as Gibson walked along the sideline. As of yesterday, Coughlin was still upset about the mishap. "I'm upset about it. I'm upset more than anything else," Coughlin said yesterday. "I just think it's something that didn't have to happen. [[[[[[[[[[ DODSON'S VIEW ]]]]]]]]]] I doubt that this too many of you were counting on the Jaguars special teams, at least I hope not. I thought this was interesting since it provides a glimpse of what the downside of life in the NFL is like. Not too many of us would get fired like this even if we were to make a big mistake on the job. /**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/ Sinclair signs with Philly Clipped from an article posted on ESPN.com 9/10/02 With the injury to Derrick Burgess, Michael will add depth to our defensive end position,'' Eagles coach Andy Reid said. "He's familiar with our defensive system, having played under Tommy Brasher and Jim Johnson in Seattle.'' A sixth-round pick in 1991, the 6-foot-4, 275-pound Sinclair made three Pro Bowls (1996-98). He has started 114 of 144 games, has 345 tackles, 24 forced fumbles and ranks sixth among active players in sacks. [[[[[[[[[[ DODSON'S VIEW ]]]]]]]]]] With Burgess being out 6-8 weeks with a broken foot, I think this is a nice addition for the Philly D. While many believe Sinclair's best years are well behind him, he still serves as someone that can come in and contribute immediately because of his familiarity with the Eagle's Defensive Scheme. I wouldn't look to bump Philly's D in either direction with the injury or the signing of Sinclair. /**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/ Sprained toe a pain for Tiki Clipped from a Neil Best article on newsday.com posted in the Giant's Notebook 9/10/02 Tiki Barber said yesterday that his strained right hamstring "feels great," and should not hamper him against the Rams Sunday the way it did last week against the 49ers. But the Giants running back has been dealing with another problem: what he described as a sprain to the second toe on his right foot. "It hurts," Barber said after sitting out practice. X-rays were negative and an MRI indicated only swelling, so he plans to practice tomorrow (players are off today) and play Sunday. Barber was not sure when he suffered the injury, but it occurred early in the 49ers game. He ran 15 times for 29 yards but pulled up on a 16-yard run rather than risk further damaging the hamstring. Barber said he will have no such restrictions this week and that the anemic running game should bounce back. "This running game has potential," he said. "I know it does." [[[[[[[[[[ DODSON'S VIEW ]]]]]]]]]] Good and bad news for the Tiki owners out there. First of all, the fact that the hammy "feels great" is very encouraging. Tiki looked a touch slow around the corner against San Francisco, but if he feels it's healed that burst should be back. The toe injury is another story. Toe injuries are very painful and can end up leading to other injuries via an awkward running style. This should be watched very carefully for the time being with a bump down for Tiki until the toe feels as good as the hammy. /**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/ Dilfer returns to practice Clipped from the Jose' Miguel Romero article posted on seatlletimes.com 9-10-02 Dilfer, who sprained a ligament in his right knee in the team's first exhibition game Aug. 10, will be evaluated after each practice this week to determine if he can start Sunday. The Seahawks have today off. "I continue to improve daily, and that has never stopped," Dilfer said. "I'm at the point now where I'm almost completely confident I can go out there Wednesday and function at 100 percent." Dilfer, who was expected to be out as long as eight weeks, threw to receivers before Sunday's game and yesterday, the first times he has been able to do so since the injury. If he starts this Sunday, he will wear a brace over the knee. If Dilfer is cleared to play, Matt Hasselbeck, who played well in the Seahawks' loss, will return to the backup role. [[[[[[[[[[ DODSON'S VIEW ]]]]]]]]]] This is great news for Dilfer owners and perhaps just as good of news for Jackson, Robinson, and Alexander owners as well. Matt Hasselbeck is certainly not the answer for Seattle when fans and teammates alike rejoice to have Trent Dilfer coming back. I think Trent is a great guy and a solid quarterback, but I never would have seen him as this big of an impact player. Holmgren is definitely finding his way to the hot seat, maybe Trent can save him. /**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/ Brady sharp against the Pittsburg Defense Clipped from the Karen Guregian article on bostonherald.com posted 9-10-02 One-hit wonder? Last night against the Steelers in the Patriots' season opener, the Super Bowl MVP once again donned his Boy Wonder cape. Only, he did so with an upgraded arsenal of weapons. Along with his regular cast of money targets, Troy Brown (six catches) and David Patten (four catches), Brady struck it rich with his new cache of tight ends, Cam Cleeland (six catches) and Christian Fauria (three catches, TD), his new skyscraper, Donald Hayes (three catches, TD), and his sparkling new rookie, Deion Branch (six catches, TD). Brady might not have had the satisfaction of beating the Steelers in last year's AFC Championship Game when he was forced to leave due to injury. And, according to one report, there was actually a feeling among the misguided Men of Steel they would have beaten the Pats had Drew Bledsoe not replaced an injured Brady. Wrong. They just would have gotten beat worse. After a relatively slow start, Brady operated from the shotgun in a no-huddle offense and buried the Steelers with his pinpoint short passing. Brady tossed the ball in more directions than the Central Artery during the 30-14 drubbing of the big mouths in black and gold. There was no need for a running game. Brady and any Patriot heading out for a route was good enough. If he was on a pass count, he would have been lifted after the third quarter. In all, Brady completed 29-of-43 passes for 294 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions. At one point in the second half, Brady ripped off 25 consecutive pass plays. [[[[[[[[[[ DODSON'S VIEW ]]]]]]]]]] I was sure impressed with Brady's performance last night. 29 of 43 for 294 and 3 TD's against a defense that was supposed to rank in the top 5 says it all. Definitely give Brady a bump up in your rankings, but I wouldn't count on this being a weekly event. /**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/ Dillon needs more touches Clipped from the Kevin Goheen article posted 9/10/02 on cinypost.com The Bengals' offensive identity is in question in the wake of Sunday's 34-6 loss to San Diego. Are they a running team that wants to pass, or are they a passing team that will look to run just enough to keep defenses honest? Offensive tackle Willie Anderson first brought up the subject after the game, saying that running back Corey Dillon needs to have the football more often if the Bengals are going to win. Dillon had just nine carries for 10 yards against the Chargers and caught three passes for 22 yards. "We know what we have in Corey Dillon,'' said offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski. "He's got to get his touches. We gave him touches early in the game, and we didn't convert third downs so we didn't have the opportunities to hand it to him again. "The nature of the game as it unfolds, the way things start to happen early, if we can't convert third downs or make first downs to give us a fresh set of downs, we're not going to get a lot of touches in anybody's hands. That's what happened yesterday.'' [[[[[[[[[[ DODSON'S VIEW ]]]]]]]]]] Dillon owners got what they knew could happen with Corey Dillon last weekend. The guy has always been streaky, but it sure is nice to hear than an NFL coaching staff knows that their star player needs more than 12 touches a game if they want to win. Dillon will get his as usual yards this year so don't get too frustrated with him yet, and certainly don't entertain any offers from some shark looking to pounce on him cheap. /**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/ Raiders to stick with no huddle Clipped from the Steve Corkran article on bayarea.com 9/10/02 "The no-huddle gave us an opportunity to jump on them and kind of defuse what they wanted to establish ... ," Callahan said of the Seahawks defense. "We wanted to give them a different mind-set going in, and we established that right from the get-go." Four consecutive passes netted 27 yards and put the Raiders in a first-and-10 at Seattle's 38-yard line. Seattle then called a timeout. Oakland covered the final 38 yards in four plays for a 7-0 lead. "It's something that's been very productive and effective for us," Gannon said. "It's a good way to start the game." The Raiders offense learned the no-huddle under former coach Jon Gruden and then-offensive coordinator Callahan and used it several times in recent years, including against the New York Jets in an AFC wild-card game in January. Callahan and several Raiders players said Seattle appeared confused and caught off-guard by their use of the no-huddle. "You should never be surprised by a no-huddle," Seahawks coach Mike Holmgren said Sunday. "The players have to stay calm and execute. (It's) not that they surprised us with it, but I don't think we were lined up correctly every time." [[[[[[[[[[ DODSON'S VIEW ]]]]]]]]]] I expect that if the Raiders continue to run this as expected, they will continue to surprise some teams with it and break some big plays. I really like the last line by Holmgren, "(It's) not that they surprised us with it, but I don't think we were lined up correctly every time." Oh yes, got it�not surprised at all by the no huddle just forgot how to line up. /**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/ That will have to do it for tonight gang. Best of luck to all of you Week 2 and I'll see you next week. Dave Dodson