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Email Update 7/14/02 Volume 3 Issue # 30
IN THIS ISSUE
1. Cade McNown Correction
2. Q&A with Mercury News Reporter
3. Eddie and Hef
4. 10 Questions for the Texans
5. Cleveland's Defense
6. Charges against Packer Rookie Raises Stink
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Cade McNown Correction
When you make a mistake with 30,000 knowledgeable people you pay
dearly. We wrongly mentioned Ray Lucas and Cade McNown as getting
some snaps while Fiedler recovers from hip surgery. And as over 100
of you that told us....Cade McNown now plays for the SF 49ers not the
Miami Dolphins. I also would like to point out that the error was
not from Greg Kellogg, but from myself who added the story to Greg's
work before sending out the update. Here is some more info from Bob
Harris regarding the Fiedler story:
According reports out of Florida, Miami Dolphins quarterback Jay
Fiedler underwent arthroscopic surgery to repair torn cartilage on
his left hip Saturday, and his recovery likely will cause him to miss
the beginning of training camp this month. The Dolphins expect
Fiedler to make a full recovery. He will be re-evaluated when
training camp begins July 26 and a more definitive date for his
return will then be set.
"I felt some soreness in my hip recently and after looking at it, it
was felt that it should be addressed now so that it wouldn't cause
any potential problems during the season," Fiedler said. "I'm not
worried if I miss a little bit of time at the beginning of training
camp. I've been here the entire offseason and know what we're doing
with our new offense.
"The important thing is to make sure that this didn't become a
problem sometime during the regular season."
The injury and surgery are similar to the procedure Fiedler had on
Aug. 3, 2000 on his right hip. Fiedler missed three preseason games
in that case, but returned to start the preseason finale three weeks
later. He hasn't had any problems from his right hip since that time.
South Florida Sun-Sentinel staffer Chris Perkins reports that the
surgery was performed at Holy Cross Hospital by Dr. Marc Philippon,
who performed Fiedler's surgery in 2000. Philippon, one of the
world's leaders in this type of surgery, performed a similar
procedure on pro golfer Greg Norman two years ago.
Since becoming the Dolphins' starting quarterback two years ago,
Fiedler has been fairly durable. He missed one start -- against
Indianapolis -- in 2000 and all but one play the preceding game
against the New York Jets because of a pinched nerve in his neck.
He had surgery in January 2001 to repair a torn rotator cuff in his
left (non-throwing) shoulder and didn't miss any starts last season.
The Dolphins are running a new offense this year under the guidance
of coordinator Norv Turner, but head coach Dave Wannstedt says
Fiedler's time off shouldn't hamper him too much.
"We hope Jay will be ready shortly after the start of training camp,"
Wannstedt said. "He has been working here since March and is fully up
to speed with the changes in our offense. That preparation will
especially be helpful if he's not completely recovered when camp
opens."
It's expected quarterback Ray Lucas will take all the snaps with the
first team until Fiedler returns. The quarterbacks behind Lucas are
both undrafted rookie free agents: Tim Levcik, who attended Robert
Morris College, and Zak Kustok, who attended Northwestern.
/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/
Q&A with Mercury News Reporter
Clipped from the article from the Mercury News:
We have seasonal questions. Not, ``Why are all the department stores
selling wool sweaters in July?'' Not, ``What did baseball do with
those eight years it had to solve its problems?''
No, our questions have to do with the sport of the season. Football,
of course. Training camps begin opening in a week.
Q - What's the NFL theme this year?
A - No whining. No complaining about parity or the salary cap or the
lack of dynasties. Football isn't preparing for a work stoppage,
football isn't talking about contraction, and nobody has ever
pretended that its all-star game is important.
Q - Will that rule hold true for the Raiders?
A - The Raiders have a perpetually disgruntled clause in their NFL
contract. This will kick in for real in Week 11, when the Raiders
host the New England Patriots, the team that tucked them in the
playoffs. They have been complaining ever since.
Q - What about the Forty-Whiners? Is Team Turmoil complaining?
A - No, it's a lovefest in 49ersland. Terrell Owens and Steve
Mariucci have kissed and made up; Mariucci and Terry Donahue have
been socializing in the off-season. Everyone's happy. But having
tranquillity in July is like Raiders fullback Jon Ritchie's head not
bleeding in April.
Q - Has Ritchie's head stopped bleeding?
A - For now. Check back in September.
Q - Is Rich Gannon still grouchy?
A - He shouldn't be. He's about to get a six-year deal that should
make him richer and happier. But the quarterback spent most of the
off-season away from the Raiders in a contract-related boycott, and
when he showed up, he wouldn't talk to reporters. The Raiders' leader
is sure to find something new to irritate him.
Q - What about Jeff Garcia?
A - What about him? The biggest development is that the 49ers
quarterback doesn't deserve a question mark. Last year he proved he
was no fluke. He played hurt. And he led the team to the playoffs.
Q - So why did the 49ers acquire Cade McNown?
A - In college, the left-handed, scrambling, cocksure McNown looked
like he would fit perfectly into the 49ers system. Three years later,
as a first-round bust, where he fits is unclear. But Donahue
recruited McNown to UCLA, and the Hollister native may be able to
resurrect his career as a backup.
Q - What do the Raiders need most?
A - AARP memberships. Just kidding. They need the injury Gods to
smile on them again. The aging team escaped the fate of old guys
when -- aside from defensive end Trace Armstrong -- they stayed
relatively healthy. Two years in a row is a lot to ask.
Q - Speaking of old guys, is this Jerry Rice's last year?
A - He will turn 40 the day the Raiders play the Rams, but he doesn't
seem ready to retire. A few practices against Bill Romanowski may
change his mind. Romanowski and Rice fought in 49ers practices more
than once, including when the linebacker practically mugged Rice and
was immediately attacked by the offensive line.
Q - How does Bill Callahan feel about fighting?
A - Who knows? The Raiders coach hasn't exactly wowed onlookers with
his opinions or personality. He seems determined to be the anti-
Gruden. At least he won't have any disruptions with NFL Films
knocking down his door or national media calling his office directly.
Q - What do the 49ers need most?
A - Leaders to emerge. They lost two in the off-season. Guard Ray
Brown was a veteran, levelheaded presence. Safety Lance Schulters was
an emotional force in the locker room. The good news is that
defensive tackle Bryant Young may expand on the vocal leadership he
showed last season.
Q - Anything else?
A - Chauffeurs. Two players, including top draft pick Mike Rumph,
were arrested on drunken-driving charges in the off-season.
Q - Speaking of driving, how's Sebastian Janikowski?
A - The kicker was charged with reckless driving in the off-season.
The Raiders hope Cellulitis Man's driving problems stem from wearing
shower shoes in his Mercedes, and everywhere else.
Q - What's the Raiders' biggest question?
A - Take your pick: Can Callahan coach? Or is he this year's Joe
Bugel? Did this team's best chance at a Super Bowl disappear in a
snowstorm? Or can the Raiders, even without Gruden, keep winning?
Q - What's the 49ers' biggest question?
A - How long will Mariucci coach? Last year, during his finest
coaching performance, he was rumored for every job opening,
ultimately being wooed by Tampa Bay. With the first firing of the NFL
season, the process may start again. And his contract extension may
ride on the outcome of the 49ers' last regular-season game, Dec. 30
in St. Louis.
Q - What do our two teams have in common?
A - Buccaneers phobia. Don't say the words "Tampa Bay" around either
team. The Raiders don't want to hear about the Bucs' new coach.
Mariucci doesn't want his team's bliss disrupted by reminders of his
February flirtation.
Q - Anything else?
A - Nov. 3. Since the Raiders' return to the Bay Area in 1995, the
only time the Raiders and 49ers have played each other in the regular
season was in 2000. Then, the Raiders were good and the 49ers were
weak, but the game still went to overtime. Now both teams should be
contenders. The game is in Oakland. Circle the date.
[[[[[[[[[[ OUR VIEW ]]]]]]]]]]
Not much fantasy value, but an interesting read regarding the 49ers
and Raiders though. Look for the game between the two on November
3rd to be very big indeed.
/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/
Eddie and Hef
Clipped from an article from the Tennessean:
Players will begin putting on their game faces in a couple of weeks
when training camp begins. Until then, players are free to do as they
please.
For Titans running back Eddie George, that included making a trip to
Hugh Hefner's Playboy Mansion in Beverly Hills, Calif. George
attended a private party at the mansion this week. He was surrounded
by flamingos, monkeys, waterfalls and, yes, Bunnies.
The party was held in conjunction with a welterweight boxing match at
the mansion. George was also seen on the red carpet heading into the
ESPYs in Hollywood.
[[[[[[[[[[ OUR VIEW ]]]]]]]]]]
Doug Drinen is working to see if he can find a correlation between
people who party with Hef in the offseason and their in-season
performance.
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10 Questions for the Texans
Clipped from the article at the Houston Chronicle:
1. Can Tony Boselli return to his Pro Bowl form?
That's the $7.5 million question the Texans weighed when they
selected Boselli and his hefty cap figure with the first pick of the
expansion draft. Boselli has undergone three surgical procedures on
his left shoulder since early November, including two in the last two
months.
Injuries limited the five-time Pro Bowl left tackle to just three
games with Jacksonville last season, and the Texans already have
decided the best course of action is to limit his participation in
training camp and hold him out of preseason games.
The goal is to have him ready for the Sept. 8 opener against Dallas,
but that's hardly a certainty. Considering his primary
responsibility -- protecting David Carr's blind side -- the Texans
have a lot riding on Boselli's recovery.
2. How long before David Carr is declared the starting quarterback?
While stopping short of officially naming Carr the starter, Texans
coach Dom Capers has gone as far as to say the plan is to get him
ready as soon as possible. Nevertheless, Carr has been working with
the first-team offense since the first time he stepped onto the
practice field, and he's clearly the most talented quarterback on the
roster.
Understandably, the Texans have been careful not to burden Carr with
high expectations and outside pressure, but it will be a major
surprise if Carr is not the starting quarterback when the regular
season begins.
Carr was impressive during offseason workouts and seems to have a
good grasp of the offense. Capers and offensive coordinator Chris
Palmer no doubt want to see him in some preseason games before giving
the final nod, but it's pretty clear where this is headed.
3. Who is the backup quarterback?
Perhaps the biggest surprise of the offseason was Kent Graham's
steady decline to No. 3 on the depth chart at quarterback. Graham was
signed to be the No. 1 quarterback until Carr was ready to play, but
by the end of the last minicamp, the 10-year veteran found himself
working behind Carr and journeyman Mike Quinn.
Further casting doubt on the team's confidence in Graham was the fact
it pursued veteran Charlie Batch as a replacement before Batch
decided to sign with Pittsburgh. To his credit, Graham has taken
everything in stride, but it's clear he will have to step up his
performance during training camp.
4. How is Gary Walker recovering from surgery?
Although Walker won't be 100 percent healthy when the Texans report
to training camp, they feel good about the progress he is making from
a groin tear and a hernia. Walker, who was selected to his first Pro
Bowl after last season, is expected to be somewhat limited in
training camp, with the emphasis on getting him ready for the season
opener.
Because groin injuries can be tricky, Walker and the Texans will err
on the side of caution. The last thing this team can afford is Walker
missing significant time during the regular season. He is their best
defensive lineman, particularly rushing the passer, and the dropoff
is significant if he can't answer the bell.
5. What will be the best position battle?
Jay Foreman started all 16 games for Buffalo last season, as did
Allen Aldridge for Detroit. Now, they're both competing for the
starting left inside linebacker position with the Texans. Aldridge
has more experience, but Foreman has been working with the first team
and is coming off a more productive season.
It's a win-win situation for the Texans, because regardless of who
earns the starting nod, the team will have quality depth at a crucial
position. Both players also have excelled on special teams, and
either could be counted on to make a strong contribution in that area
if he's not in the starting lineup.
6. Who are the rookies to watch?
Carr isn't the only rookie who has a chance to make a significant
contribution this season. Second-round pick Jabar Gaffney looked so
smooth during minicamps it almost appeared he was merely going
through the motions. Because the Texans are so thin at receiver,
Gaffney has a chance to play immediately, which will only accelerate
his development.
Chester Pitts, also drafted in the second round, will compete with
veteran Jeremy McKinney for the starting left guard position. Pitts
played tackle at San Diego State, but the Texans like his upside at
guard.
Veteran Jerry DeLoach has been working at nose guard with the first-
team defense, but rookie Charles Hill will be given a chance to win
the job. The coaches also are intrigued by the talent and versatility
of running back Jonathan Wells and fullback Jarrod Baxter.
7. Is the running game in good hands?
It's no secret the most successful teams in the NFL are the ones that
run the football effectively. Considering the Texans likely will
start a rookie at quarterback, establishing a strong running game
becomes that much more crucial.
The early emphasis on the construction of the roster was building a
reliable offensive line that would give the Texans a chance to run
the ball. While general manager Charley Casserly didn't place a high
priority on finding a long-term solution at running back for the
first year, he did want an experienced back who had enjoyed success
in the NFL.
The search led to James Allen, who rushed for more than 1,100 yards
two years ago for the Bears. Allen is not a gamebreaker or the type
of back who will take over a contest, but he is a dependable north-
and-south runner who can move the chains if he has running room.
8. What is the biggest area of concern?
It is virtually impossible for an expansion team to address all of
its needs in the first year, which explains why there are some
glaring weaknesses on the Texans' roster. The Texans can only hope
their experience at the safety positions helps mask the lack of
difference-makers in the middle of the secondary.
Veterans Kevin Williams and Matt Stevens currently are working with
the first team, and while both have been starters in the league,
neither was a full-time starter last season -- and Williams wasn't
even on a NFL roster.
9. What is the area of least concern?
The Texans filled two of the most critical positions on any team in a
matter of minutes, selecting former Jets cornerbacks Aaron Glenn and
Marcus Coleman in the expansion draft.
Glenn has established himself as one of the best cover corners in the
NFL, and while Coleman's production slipped a bit last season, he was
one of the most impressive performers during offseason workouts.
Because of all the multiple-receiver sets offenses use in today's
NFL, finding quality extra corners is a top priority, and the Texans
got a pair of good ones in Jason Simmons and Jacoby Shepherd, both of
whom contributed on playoff teams last season.
Also, keep an eye on sixth-round pick DeMarcus Faggins, who caught
the attention of the coaching staff with a good showing during
minicamps.
10. How many games will the Texans win?
Capers helped set the standard for expansion teams, guiding the
Carolina Panthers to a record seven-win season in their first year,
but don't expect lightning to strike twice. The Panthers' early
success notwithstanding, expansion teams historically don't fare very
well in their inaugural season.
The last three expansion teams averaged just four victories in their
first year, with an average margin of defeat of 13 points. The Texans
have had longer to prepare than any other expansion team, but the NFL
landscape is much different than when Capers took over in Carolina,
and to expect much more than four or five wins probably is wishful
thinking.
[[[[[[[[[[ OUR VIEW ]]]]]]]]]]
This is a very great read regarding some of the most pressing fantasy
questions. From where we sit Carr starts from Day 1. Mike Quin will
be the backup. Jabbar Gaffney will definitely see lots of action
this year and could start from Day 1 with an outstanding camp. Will
the team be any good? We don't think so. The team has too many
uncertainties to win many games this year.
/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/
Cleveland's Defense
Clipped from the article at Cantonrep.com:
The Browns' expansion-era defense has been a mixed bag.
Some days, defense was a dirty word.
That the 2001 team was outscored, on average, 28-16 over its last six
games was not all the defense's fault. Enough of it was.
Yet, there have been times when defense was the only evidence pro
football has returned to Cleveland during the dark days of A.M.
(after Modell).
Paul Brown had only one shutout victory in his final five B.M.
(before Modell) seasons.
Some respect is due the 2001 Browns' 18-0 shutout of the Bengals,
no matter how rotten things are for Paul's son, Mike, in
Cincinnati.
The same Bengals solved the league's top-ranked defense,
Pittsburgh's, during a 26-23 victory a few weeks later.
Much admiration is due the Browns' 33 interceptions, tops in the
NFL last year.
Outstanding defense, though, can't be a sometimes thing for a
team aiming to reach the playoffs and win there.
The Browns' defense has earned a measure of respect. Can it
inspire fear?
With training camp on the horizon, here are position-by-position
projections that might provide some clues. Projections assume
circumstances other than season-ending injury.
Ends
Cast: Courtney Brown, Kenard Lang, Tyrone Rogers, Mark Word.
Best case: Brown and tackle Gerard Warren live up to their draft
status and become the best defensive-line tandem in franchise
history, B.M., A.M., and otherwise. Word is a pleasant surprise as a
big backup.
Worst case: Brown overcomes knee and ankle problems but lacks the red-
meat savagery needed to translate his immense talent into pro
production. Lang is adequate but unworthy of his cap-eating, five-
year, $17 million contract. Opponents feast when backups are used to
rest the starters.
In this case: Brown will have a breakthrough year worthy of the Pro
Bowl. Lang will be a better overall left end than Keith McKenzie, and
a much better run player. Better luck with health and a combination
of Rogers, Word and Jamir Miller will allow Brown and Lang to stay
fresh.
Tackles
Cast: Gerard Warren, Orpheus Roye, Mark Smith, Marcus Spriggs.
Best case: The torch passes from Warren Sapp to Gerard Warren. Roye
plays like the guy he seemed to be when the Browns gave him a six-
year, $30 million deal in 2000. Smith and Spriggs are good enough to
allow the deep rotation Butch Davis prefers.
Worst case: Warren lapses into a sophomore slump amid increased
attention from enemy coordinators. Roye loses confidence in the wake
of a rough year and a downsizing of his contract. The backups play
like scrubs.
In this case: Warren seems driven and will play like a driven man,
finishing his year in Hawaii. Roye's original $30 million
contract will remain puzzling, but he won't seem lost, as he did
in year one with Davis and Foge Fazio. Smith will be a good third
tackle, but Spriggs or whomever becomes No. 4 will be shaky.
Linebackers
Cast: Jamir Miller, Dwayne Rudd, Earl Holmes, Brant Boyer, Ben
Taylor, Kevin Bentley, Andra Davis.
Best case: New middle linebacker Earl Holmes does what he did for
Pittsburgh's No. 1-ranked defense, leading his team in tackles.
As an improvement on Wali Rainer, Holmes makes life better for the
strong-sider, Miller, who outdoes his Pro Bowl season. A second year
in the system and Holmes' presence tunes up Rudd for a return to
the All-Madden team after a two-year absence.
Worst case: Miller's unhappiness with his contract knocks the
edge off his play. Holmes' minicamp struggles to convert from the
inside in a 3-4 to the middle of a 4-3 carry into September. Rudd
plays as he did in the second half last year (35 solo tackles)
instead of the way he did in the first half (48 solos). Boyer fades
at age 31, and the rookies are not ready.
In this case: Holmes is faster, more instinctive and more experienced
than Rainer. He will be better, and he will make a difference. Forget
the contract. Miller is a proud pro who will suck it up and play,
although Davis might begin to steer defensive leadership duties
toward Warren. Rudd should be better two years into his reunion with
Foge Fazio. Boyer should be fine as the top backup, but the rookies
are bigger than him, and one (bet on Taylor) will emerge as an
important role player.
Cornerbacks
Cast: Corey Fuller, Daylon McCutcheon, Anthony Henry, Lewis Sanders,
Earthwind Moreland.
Best case: Fuller hangs on for one more year and plays well at left
cornerback. Henry sizzles as the new right cornerback, proving his 10-
interception rookie year was no fluke. Run defense becomes a
strength, forcing teams to pass, placing a premium on
McCutcheon's strength, inside coverage against three-receiver
sets.
Worst case: At 31, Fuller fades. Henry can't handle the pressure
of starting. Tall receivers pick on McCutcheon.
In this case: McCutcheon is entering his prime. With a new three-year
deal in his pocket, he will relax and have his best year. As a
situational guy, he will be fresher in December than in previous
seasons. Any pressure on Henry should be relieved by a killer pass
rush, which should materialize with Brown and Warren on the field
together. If Fuller slips, Sanders is a decent option.
Safeties
Cast: Robert Griffith, Devin Bush, Earl Little, Michael Jameson.
Best case: Griffith, 31, maintains the form that got him to his first
Pro Bowl after his 2000 season with the Vikings. Competition for the
other starting safety spot brings out the best in Bush or Little, who
finished last year as the starters.
Worst case: Griffith shows signs of wear. Bush shows the deficiencies
that got him cut by the Rams. Little keeps making the mistakes that
hurt the team run defense.
In this case: Griffith will be the best safety of the expansion era.
The other safety will be adequate. One of the extra cornerbacks will
be familiarized with safety duties.
Overview
Best case: A defensive line with three former first-round picks
becomes the talk of the league. A starting linebacker trio that has
had at least one hole since 1999 gets strong play from all three
spots. Griffith and Henry star in a strong secondary.
Worst case: Courtney Brown fails to live up to his No. 1 overall
draft status. Holmes doesn't make a smooth transition from Bill
Cowher to Butch Davis. Stopping the run remains a problem.
In this case: Free agency brought starters on the line, in the
linebacking corps and at safety. Butch Davis has had time to fine
tune. Defense is a dirty word no more.
[[[[[[[[[[ OUR VIEW ]]]]]]]]]]
This team looks to be among the league's best units this season.
They have a realistic chance to lead the league in sacks. Their
scheme will be to blitz often which should yield very favorable
results.
/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/
Charges against Packer Rookie Raises Stink
Clipped from the article at the Green Bay News-Chronicle:
Before I start, a disclaimer: Packers' rookie running back Najeh
Davenport may be innocent of all charges. Maybe his accuser
misidentified him or is making up her allegation that Davenport broke
into her dormitory apartment on April 1 and defecated in her laundry
basket.
But why should such things as innocent until proven guilty ruin our
fun? I mean, we already know that Sammy Sosa and Barry Bonds are on
steroids, right? Anyway, headlines and jokes were flying all across
our Denmark production office last week when the charges against
Davenport came to light early last week, and no doubt you followed
suit at work or at the kitchen table. "Packers give Davenport crap
about charges." "Lawyer calls charges a bunch of
excrement." "Davenport gives woman April Fool's present." You get the
picture.
They say there's a time and place for everything. Miami and the
woman's laundry basket obviously are not the places for going poop.
The time and the place for this egregious behavior would have been a
San Francisco street before July 1.
In case you missed it, San Francisco's honorable City Council voted
on July 1 to make defecating and urination in public illegal.
"(The) law demonstrates we live in a civilized society," one
councilman said.
Actually, sir, your law shows that you have a whole bunch of
uncivilized heathen living in your community. "When you gotta go, you
gotta go, man," one man told the San Francisco Chronicle.
While our Brown County leaders fight over such vital issues as making
English the official language of our county and our state leaders
fight about the best way to avoid making hard decisions to rectify
their huge deficit (sarcasm intended on both accounts), San
Francisco's lawmakers wrangled over this issue for months before
determining that public urination maybe isn't such a good thing.
Imagine how Davenport's life could have been different if he would
have gone to college in San Francisco rather than Miami. Instead of
breaking into a woman's apartment to go to the bathroom, he could
have just done it on a San Francisco street. No harm, no foul, they
say. Except the odor.
Again, all joking aside, Davenport denies all charges. He told the
Miami Herald: "I am still trying to find out what happened."
[[[[[[[[[[ OUR VIEW ]]]]]]]]]]
OK. Enough on pooping in laundry baskets. But this one was rather
amusing. Whether this turns out to be true or not, he will likely be
teased for some time in the NFL over the allegation. Now that's just
plain crappy from where we sit.
/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/
That's going to do it here. Be good. Give your an employer an
honest day's work on Monday. Oh wait that hurts our hitcount
numbers. We have always been amused that our most active time each
day on the website happens between 10-11am PST. Lots of house
husbands obviously enjoying the NFL...LOL.
David Dodds
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