IN THIS ISSUE 1. Portis takes over in Denver 2. Stephen Davis says he's a go Sunday 3. Couch unhappy with Browns' fans 4. Browns' Green may be a little blue 5. Skins happy with Ramsey's performance 6. Ray Lewis may not be ready for Indy 7. Jamal Lewis looking as good as ever 8. Ahman Green, lots of touches no scores 9. Jags Smith ranks Sunday's win near the top 10. Rod Smith separates shoulder 11. Vick doubtful for Sunday 12. Dunn may not be starter for long in Atlanta 13. Muhammad might play Sunday for Carolina 14. Chambers looks to capitalize on Ricky's success 15. Bennett to get more carries /**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/ Portis takes over in Denver Clipped from the Patrick Saunders article posted 10/8/02 on denverpost.com "What did he carry, 20 times? I think we've established something right there," Shanahan said Monday. "He is going to carry the ball more than the other backs. But he's got to prove that he can do it week in and week out, and do the things we ask running backs to do. "What I mean by that, he's got to be able to understand the pass protections, be able to pass protect, he's got to be a receiver and do a lot of different things offensively. Sometimes it's hard for a rookie to come in and understand the whole package. So we don't want to overload him - we want him to go in there with confidence - but at the same time perform the game plan. So we'll still try and keep guys fresh, and not overwork them. But what you saw him do will probably be typical of a game." "I think everybody can see what type of ability he has," Shanahan said. "He's quick. He's fast. He's got some big-play potential. I think he'll get better each game. I think he'll get more of a feel for NFL defenses, what he can do when he's inside the tackles, what he can do when he's outside the tackles. So I think he'll get better as time goes on." [[[[[[[[[[ DODSON'S VIEW ]]]]]]]]]] I'm really glad to hear that Shanahan is finally coming around. From what we are hearing, it looks like we can expect around 20 touches a week for Portis. With his YPC average, I'd say it's pretty feasible to expect him to average around 100 total yards a game from here on out and over 1,000 rushing on the season fairly easily. With his ability to take one deep, I'd say he's definitely worth starting unless you are completely stacked at running back already. /**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/ Stephen Davis says he's a go Sunday Clipped from an article posted 10/8/02 on espn.com Running back Stephen Davis said his sprained knee felt "more stiff than swollen" Monday but is confident he will play Sunday against the New Orleans Saints. Davis was injured while trying to block on a passing play in the first half of Sunday's 31-14 victory over Tennessee. He returned in the second half and played in pain, yet he finished with 90 yards on 18 carries. "It was more of a higher power that got me back on the field, with my teammates," Davis said. "Seeing how they were playing, I wanted to be a part of that." Davis was uncertain whether he'd be able to practice this week, but he said there was no doubt he would play against the Saints. [[[[[[[[[[ DODSON'S VIEW ]]]]]]]]]] I don't like it when a running back says he felt a pop in his knee regardless of whether he finishes the game or not. Stiffness and swelling are reactions to the pop that he felt inside of his knee. If you own Davis, my advice here is to cross your fingers and hope that all is well come the END of the game on Sunday. For those of you that are considering trading for Davis, I think you err to the side of caution by waiting until Sunday and then trading for him after you have seen that he is in fact good to go. /**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/ Couch unhappy with Browns' fans Clipped from the Marla Ridenour article posted 10/8/02 on ohio.com The No. 1 overall pick in the 1999 draft lashed back after being repeatedly booed before he left the game with a mild concussion with 9:52 remaining. At one point during the fans' tirade he sarcastically motioned for more. "I've been in this city four years now and I've laid it on the line," Couch said. "For them to turn on me and boo me, it's a joke, it's a (bleeping) joke." Couch was upset by the fans' reaction when he was hurt on a helmet-to-helmet hit by linebacker Peter Boulware. He was dinged in a scramble after a bad snap from center Dave Wohlabaugh, who was using his left hand because his right hand is broken and remains in a cast. "I'm lying in the end zone hurt, and they're cheering," Couch said. "That's (bleeping) bull (bleep)." [[[[[[[[[[ DODSON'S VIEW ]]]]]]]]]] Tell us how you really feel Tim, and don't hold back this time! From the look on his face on the sideline after he was injured, you could almost see him thinking what he was preparing to say to the fans that were booing him. The question is, would he have said all of those things had he known Holcomb was going to be out for 2-3 weeks? Fortunately for Couch, the Browns are on the road this week. Unfortunately for Couch, the Browns play at Tampa Bay. I don't think you should start Couch at Tampa Bay this week unless you are really in need of a QB. /**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/ Browns' Green may be a little blue Clipped from the Patrick McManamon article posted 10/8/02 on ohio.com "The tough thing about William is when he's gone in the ball game it's never been the most advantageous situation," Davis said. Green seems to be playing in many different situations. He's started games -- like he did Sunday -- and against Pittsburgh he had a swing pass thrown to him inside the 10-yard line. Davis' example was a third-and-one play in the second quarter Sunday when Green was stopped for no gain after the Ravens stacked the line. "His instincts tell him to bounce it outside because he wasn't going to make it if he ran into the hole," Davis said. "So he bounces outside and runs into an unblocked guy. The toughest thing about a running back is if there's no place to go there's no place to go." Jamel White had 34 yards on seven carries and has 262 yards on 52 carries this season, a 5.0-yard average. "When Jamel gets a chance -- and Jamel's playing damn good; I'm very proud of him -- because of the protections and because we're spreading the field, it's a little bit easier to run the ball," Davis said. "Circumstances have helped Jamel and he's made the best of it." [[[[[[[[[[ DODSON'S VIEW ]]]]]]]]]] Although Davis is doing everything he can to boost Green's confidence, I think this issue is black and white. The Browns' running game simply isn't great with Green or White. As for now, if you are in need of a decent #3 RB, White is your man until Green proves that he can play in this league...assuming that day eventually comes. /**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/ Skins happy with Ramsey's performance Clipped from the Mark Maskey article posted 10/8/02 on washingtonpost.com "I'm very happy that people are accepting of my performance," said Ramsey, who relieved the injured Wuerffel after one series Sunday and completed 20 of 34 passes for 268 yards, with two touchdowns and no interceptions in his NFL debut. "But at the same time, I know it's a whole new game this week. I don't want to ride one game for the rest of my career. I want to continue to be successful and try to be consistent at the quarterback position." "We knew he could fire it quickly and he had more zip on the ball than our other quarterbacks," Spurrier said yesterday. "But you just never know how a player will respond in the real, live action of the games that are not preseason games. We were all, maybe, a little bit surprised that here's a rookie taking us down the field, making plays. What impressed all of us coaches was that he kept his eyes downfield and sort of moved around the pocket a couple times, especially on a lot of third-down situations, and was able to get the ball down the field without dumping it off and giving up on the play." [[[[[[[[[[ DODSON'S VIEW ]]]]]]]]]] Spurrier has been pretty enthused about Ramsey since he made him the Skins first round pick in the draft. In this offense, Ramsey could easily blossom into a bye week or backup fantasy starter before you know it. I don't want to get too overzealous after one game, but with the way Spurrier likes to air it out, I think he's worth picking up in deep leagues or at the very least keeping an eye on in the coming weeks. /**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/ Ray Lewis may not be ready for Indy Clipped from the Jamison Hensley article posted 10/8/02 on sunspot.net Ray Lewis partially dislocated his left shoulder late in the third quarter of Sunday's 26-21 victory over the Cleveland Browns and sat out the critical fourth quarter. The five-time Pro Bowl linebacker will be listed as questionable (50 percent chance of playing) at the very least in tomorrow's injury report and may be doubtful (25 percent) for Sunday, when the AFC North-leading Ravens (2-2) play at the Indianapolis Colts (3-1). A magnetic resonance imaging test confirmed that the shoulder slid to the edge of the joint and popped back into place. Further tests were expected to reveal no extensive damage. "It's painful, but if I can get the soreness out, I'll play," Lewis said. "They don't want to jeopardize me for the year. It isn't anything major. It's just one of those things that's precautionary more than anything." [[[[[[[[[[ DODSON'S VIEW ]]]]]]]]]] The Ravens are 1-0 in their division and in first place. With Cleveland, Cincinatti and Pittsburg all struggling right now, it wouldn't be impossible for the Ravens to win the division. It looked like Lewis was chomping at the bit to get back in on Sunday night against Cleveland. He seems to be the type of guy that will play if at all possible, but also understands that playing Sunday isn't worth missing the rest of the season especially if the Ravens have a shot at the post season. /**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/ Jamal Lewis looking as good as ever Clipped from the Brent Jones article posted 10/7/02 on sunspot.net In the return from his second major knee surgery, Ravens running back Jamal Lewis has shown power, elusiveness and finally, after (Sunday) night's game, explosiveness. Lewis recorded the longest run in team history, a 75-yard scamper in the third quarter of the Ravens' 26-21 win over the Cleveland Browns and tied his career high with 187 rushing yards. He showcased a gear previously unseen this year, shooting through a hole created largely by guard Bennie Anderson, outrunning the Browns' secondary before finally running out of gas and barely stepping out of bounds at Cleveland's 18. "I don't think I'm back down to a 4.3 [in the 40-yard dash]," Lewis said. "I was trying to [score] there, but I just couldn't do it." [[[[[[[[[[ DODSON'S VIEW ]]]]]]]]]] Going into last season, Jamal Lewis was a top 6 fantasy back on many a draft board prior to his ACL tear. After being the top running back selected in the 2000 NFL draft, 5th overall and four slots ahead of Brian Urlacher (imagine Ray Lewis and Urlacher together) Lewis managed to rush for 1,364 yards in 13 starts as a rookie. After tearing his second ACL in training camp last year, Lewis vowed to pick up where he left off as a rookie. After Sunday night's performance, it's hard to argue with him. His first 3 games of the season were against defenses ranked 2nd, 4th, and 6th overall, while Cleveland was his first shot at a weaker defense. His schedule looks pretty good from here on out with Cincinatti twice, Pittsburg, Tennessee, and looking into the fantasy post season, Houston week 15, Cleveland week 16, and Pittsburg week 17. Being the only option at RB for the Ravens, I think he's a valuable player to have around in performance leagues averaging over 25 touches a game. /**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/ Ahman Green, lots of touches no scores Clipped from the Packer Report posted 10/8/02 on jsonline.com About the only thing the Packers couldn't do well is run the ball. The Bears clearly outplayed the Packers at the point of attack in the running game. They were determined not to let Green beat them the way he did twice last year. Green had just 27 yards in the first half when it was still a game. He popped off a 43-yard run in the third quarter to pump up his numbers, but for the most part, the Bears did a good job of shutting down the run. [[[[[[[[[[ DODSON'S VIEW ]]]]]]]]]] Let's face it, if Urlacher didn't have crazy speed and take a great angle on Green, we'd all be talking about how good Ahman looked on that TD run Monday night. Green should continue to get 25 plus touches a game, which will lead to him scoring some TD's. If he was averaging 2.6 yards per carry on the season and the Packers were struggling on offense, there would be reason for concern. Green still gets to play Minnesota twice, Buffalo in week 16, Detroit, Washington and New England. Count on Green to have a huge second half of the season and by all means, do not give up on him. /**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/ Jags Smith ranks Sunday's win near the top Clipped from the Jags Notebook posted 10/8/02 on jacksonville.com Although the Jaguars have reached the AFC Championship Game twice in their short history, receiver Jimmy Smith ranked Sunday's victory as the second biggest in his eight years with the team. "The playoff game with Miami [a 62-7 victory in January 2000] is still tops, but this one is right behind that game," Smith said. "That's because, the first game of this season, we didn't really think we could go out and beat a team like Indianapolis or Philadelphia. Now, we believe we can go out and beat anybody." [[[[[[[[[[ DODSON'S VIEW ]]]]]]]]]] Who says they can't beat anybody? With St. Louis at 0-5, Pittsburg at 1-3, and Baltimore and Jacksonville in first place in their divisions, anything can happen. As long as the Jags are hot, Jimmy Smith and Fred Taylor have to be in your lineup if you own them. They are just too explosive to keep on the bench. Although Stacey Mack looks like he's going to be hanging around the goal line all year, Fred will still manage to get his. 3 TD's in four games isn't up to his standards, but considering where Taylor was drafted in most fantasy drafts, he's more than likely exceeding expectations at this point. /**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/ Rod Smith separates shoulder Clipped from the Lynn DeBruin article posted 10/8/02 on rockymountainnews.com The bad news is Rod Smith has a separated shoulder. The good news is it's only a first-degree separation and he is expected to be ready to play against the Miami Dolphins in Sunday's prime-time game at Invesco Field at Mile High. "It's just slightly out (of joint)," Denver Broncos coach Mike Shanahan said Monday. "I don't think it will keep him out, but it's sore right now." Two years ago, quarterback Brian Griese missed half the season because of a separated shoulder and needed reconstructive surgery in the off-season. "When Brian had his, it was a third-degree separation, and it was out about (two inches)," Shanahan said. He was hopeful Smith would be able to practice Wednesday after having two days off to rest. [[[[[[[[[[ DODSON'S VIEW ]]]]]]]]]] I think this is worth keeping an eye on. If Smith practices all week, he should be fine as a starter for you. If he's a bubble starter in your lineup, this alone may be reason enough to opt for someone else in place of Smith until he proves that he is fully recovered. /**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/ Vick doubtful for Sunday Clipped from the George Henry article posted 10/8/02 on onlineathens.com Michael Vick's sprained right shoulder hurt so badly Monday that he struggled to get dressed. "I can't put socks on," Vick said. "I really can't do anything with it. It's just that sore and it's just that stiff. I feel like I'm handicapped right now." A day after leaving in the third quarter of Atlanta's 20-6 loss to Tampa Bay, the Falcons' star quarterback agreed with coach Dan Reeves' decision to list him as doubtful for this week's game at New York. Vick fell on his non-throwing shoulder, suffering a sprain to his AC joint on a sack by Simeon Rice. Vick underwent several treatments Monday -- sitting in a hot tub, receiving electric stimulation and packing the shoulder in ice -- but he still felt very sore and stiff. X-rays were negative. "I got in the hot tub and tried to rotate it a little bit," Vick said. "It was tough, but we're just going to take it day by day and see how it feels as the week goes on." [[[[[[[[[[ DODSON'S VIEW ]]]]]]]]]] If he can't put on his own socks on Monday, I don't think you want to risk starting him Sunday at the Giants even if he does manage to improve enough to get the start. He needs all the practice he can get to see as many of the looks the Giants will give him as many times as possible in what would only be his 7th NFL start. Look for another QB this week rather than starting Vick if at all possible. /**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/ Dunn may not be starter for long in Atlanta Clipped from the Matt Winkeljohn article posted 10/8/02 on accessatlanta.com On Monday, coach Dan Reeves noted the struggles of veteran back Warrick Dunn, the starter, and is considering giving rookie T.J. Duckett more work. "We've got to look at that and evaluate it," Reeves said. In a 20-6 loss Sunday to Tampa Bay, Dunn rushed nine times for 14 yards. Five of his nine rushes were for 1 yard or less, and he's averaging 2.9 yards per carry this season on a team-high 47 carries. A final decision on playing time won't be made until later in the week. Reeves, who didn't say if he was considering making Duckett the starter or simply increasing his carries, is in an awkward situation. In March, the Falcons gave Dunn a six-year, $28.5 million deal that included a $6.5 million signing bonus --- one of the biggest contracts of the past off season. ...The 6-foot, 254-pound Duckett, a first-round pick in April's draft, has led Atlanta in rushing the past two games. He's averaging 4.8 yards per carry on 40 attempts with a team-high 190 yards. [[[[[[[[[[ DODSON'S VIEW ]]]]]]]]]] If you are counting on Warrick Dunn this season to get you to the playoffs, you should be afraid at this point. 4.8 YPC for Duckett on 40 attempts versus 2.9 YPC on 48 for Dunn is a pretty major discrepancy. I don't think that Dunn will be permanently affixed to the bench, but he could very easily be called upon only on 3rd and long here before too long. I would give Dunn a pretty big bump down as it appears the writing is on the wall unless Dunn really turns it around in a hurry. /**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/ Muhammad might play Sunday for Carolina Clipped from the Stan Olsen article posted 10/8/02 on charlotte.com The Carolina Panthers might have wide receiver Muhsin Muhammad, out the past two weeks with a pulled left hamstring, back for Sunday's game at Dallas. "Moose has got a chance to be ready this week," coach John Fox said Monday. "We'll know more on that Wednesday, but I think he's upgraded." Dallas plays on artificial turf, and Fox said it's a better artificial surface than many in the league. "The turf we're on this week is a little bit different from, say, Atlanta's," he said. "It's a little bit more of that field turf; it's softer. You can wear cleated shoes versus the nub-type of shoes you wear on the true carpet." That means players coming off injuries can do so with less chance of re-injury. [[[[[[[[[[ DODSON'S VIEW ]]]]]]]]]] Good news for Muhammad owners, bad for Steve Smith owners. If you really need Muhammad this week, keep an eye out for the Friday injury report to see how he's listed. I usually prefer to see a player play a week after coming off of an injury like this before I start him. That said, this isn't his first hamstring injury (as all of you know), so he should be pretty familiar with what it takes to come back from this as well as knowing when he's fully ready to return. Given his "experience" with this, he may be less risky than others coming off the same injury. Buyer beware. /**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/ Chambers looks to capitalize on Ricky's success Clipped from the Ethan J. Skolnick article posted 10/8/02 on miami.com While not as spectacular thus far, Chambers feels more "complete," able to make tough catches and better adjustments, and do more once the ball lands in his hands. "I'm the type of person, I get stronger as I go," said Chambers, who has a team-leading 23 catches for a 12.6-yard average, after having 48 catches for an 18.4 average in 2001. "Each game I feel I'm getting better and better. If teams keep playing like they did last week, trying to stop the run, of course I'm going to be a big part of the offense." And when will the big plays come? Last season, they came in bunches, mostly later in the fall. "I was coming in as a third receiver, and I knew we needed some plays," Chambers said. "Sometimes, last year, we were just throwing it up, and see what we can come down with. And now, it's not the same. If it's not there, we're not going to go after it. But if it's there, we're definitely going to take a shot." [[[[[[[[[[ DODSON'S VIEW ]]]]]]]]]] This is one problem with being "the man" that many newly appointed go to wide receivers struggle with. Would Price be as great as he has been this year if it were Price rather than Moulds continually getting double teamed? Without question the answer is no. As for Chambers, he was a big surprise last year frequently drawing coverage from the nickel back or even a safety on some of his big plays. This year, he's the one drawing the opponent's number one corner. I don't think he will be shut down by any stretch, but it may take him several more games to get into a real groove with Fiedler and begin producing like a true #1 WR should. He has a tough game ahead of him this weekend at Denver, but could have a breakout game the following week at home against Buffalo. /**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/ Bennett to get more carries Clipped from an article by Sean Jensen from the Pioneer Press Impressed with the recent play of running back Michael Bennett, Vikings coach Mike Tice said he plans to increase Bennett's workload in future games. Tice said Bennett has shown enough improvement running the ball and in his pass protection to earn more playing time. "I like where he's at," Tice said of Bennett. "He's running tougher and harder than I've ever seen him run. There's no more sharing. Michael is starting, and Moe (Williams) will be our third-down back." Until now, Bennett had shared the ball with Williams and Doug Chapman. In fact, Williams got the Vikings' first 100-yard rushing game of the season against Buffalo. [[[[[[[[[[ OUR VIEW ]]]]]]]]]] Good news for Bennett owners as the RBBC was hurting everyone's value. Moe Williams' value drops significantly as he was cutting into Bennett's carries the most. Bennett did have a productive game against Seattle (91 yards on 15 carries and 44 yards on 4 receptions) which prompted this move. /**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/ Comments are always welcome. Feel free to e-mail me at [email protected] Good luck next week! Dave Dodson