| Not getting the emails yet? - Just enter your email in the box to the left and hit enter. Yahoo will send you a confirmation email. Simply hit the reply button to this email and you will start getting the emails like everyone else. |
Email Update 7/21/02 Volume 3 Issue # 37
IN THIS ISSUE
1. Expert Rankings Posted
2. Maxwell's Online VBD App is Completed
3. Antonio Freeman Mulling Over Options
4. Ten Things to Watch at Bronco Camp
5. James Coming to Camp?
6. McGinnis on the Cardinals
/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/
Expert Rankings Posted
16 of our staff plus message board input has allowed us to create
consensus rankings that are second to none. This remains one f the
most popular features at Footballguys.com during the preseason.
/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/
Ken Maxwell's Online VBD App is Completed
Super talented staff member Ken Maxwell has duplicated our popular
VBD Excel Application over to the web. Now all those without
Microsoft Excel can see what everyone is talking about.
/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/
Antonio Freeman Mulling Over Options
Clipped from the ESPN article:
His body, given the strange kind of circadian rhythm every NFL player
possesses, is telling Antonio Freeman it is time to pack for training
camp. His heart is surging at the prospect of seven-on-seven drills
and his mind is focused on competing for a job.
But for now, at least, common sense is overriding every other emotion
and suggesting to the former Green Bay Packers wide receiver that he
deliberate a while longer before he decides where he will resume his
football career.
The old adage insists that beggars should never be choosers. Freeman
emphasized on Saturday that he is hardly panhandling for job offers
but acknowledged that he plans to be very particular and perform his
due diligence before signing a contract for 2002.
"I'm definitely ready to play, and I'm anxious to get back into it,
really," said Freeman, who literally is a free man after being
released by the Packers on June 3. "But I refuse to sign a contract
just for the sake of signing a contract. I'm not going to jump at
something simply to get into somebody's training camp. Sure, it's
always good to be in camp on time, but I won't press the panic
button."
Freeman, 29, is one of three high-profile wide receivers still
without employment as the camps begin to open. Herman Moore of
Detroit is expected to retire and Cincinnati's Darnay Scott is busy
visiting with potential suitors. Ever the analyst, Freeman continues
to scrutinize those clubs which have demonstrated interest, to weigh
the advantages and the shortcomings of each of them.
There is, in some quarters, a perception that Freeman has no options
and that the market has dried up on him. But on Friday, agent Joel
Segal fielded calls from four teams, all of them inquiring about
Freeman's plans, all willing to immediately sign him. There is a core
group of franchises -- with Baltimore, Kansas City, Philadelphia and
Seattle among them -- monitoring Freeman's situation.
"Believe me," Segal said, "he's got opportunities available to him."
The agent also adamantly denied whispers by some team officials that
his client really isn't that interested in playing again and is
content sitting at home. "Absolutely untrue," said Segal. "It's the
complete opposite. He's itching to get back on a field."
Which team represents the best opportunity, which possesses the
precise formula that Freeman is seeking in his NFL reincarnation, is
what most occupies the wide receiver's time. There is a mental
checklist -- the current roster and how he would fit in, finances,
and a team's playoff potential in 2002 -- over which Freeman pores
daily.
Having signed a landmark contract for a wide receiver in 1999, one
that included a $10 million signing bonus, he isn't exactly
struggling to pay the mortgage. But even with his financial comfort
level, Freeman, who averaged a touchdown every 7.3 receptions during
his seven seasons with the Packers, wants a fair contract.
More important, he wants to know that he will get significant playing
time, and with a winning franchise.
"There is some financial element (to the decision)," Freeman
said, "but it's a lot more about opportunity and situation than
anything else. When the right situation comes along, I think I'll
know it."
[[[[[[[[[[ OUR VIEW ]]]]]]]]]]
Antonio Freeman will not retire. He will play for someone this
season. It is clear though that Freeman has lost at least a step and
that teams want him relatively cheap. But not playing hurts his
chances next year as well. I still think he has an outside chance of
going back to Green Bay, especially if this drags on. Seattle
appears to be the front runner for Freeman and it would be a good
situation for him. For leagues drafting now, Freeman is someone
worth a last round or two pick simply on the possibility he ends up
on a team and is the starter.
/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/
Ten Things to watch For at Bronco Camp
Clipped from the Daily camera article:
Brian Griese will have to return to his Pro Bowl form of 2000 and
prove he can stay healthy for an entire season if Denver hopes to be
the latest team to go from 8-8 to Super Bowl champions. Here are 10
other areas to keep an eye on during the Broncos training camp, which
begins on Friday in Greeley.
1. Blind-sided I
The Broncos' offensive line is set at center (Tom Nalen), and along
the right side with Dan Neil (guard) and Matt Lepsis (tackle). The
key to cohesiveness will be protecting Griese's blind side. Capable
free agent signees Ephraim Salaam and Blake Brockermeyer will compete
for the starting left tackle spot, and Lennie Friedman will have to
prove himself worthy of the starting left guard position he occupied
last season.
2. Blind-sided II
The Broncos, hoping to produce a better pass rush, have moved Pro
Bowl defensive tackle Trevor Pryce to left defensive end, which
should help him avoid double teams. Reggie Hayward is penciled in as
the starter on the right end. Where's the beef? Inside, where Chester
McGlockton and Lional Dalton are expected to clog up the middle the
way the Baltimore Ravens tackles did during their Super Bowl season.
3. Old or experienced?
Griese, for the most part, struggled last season after Ed McCaffrey
was injured in Week 1, relying too much on a banged-up Rod Smith. Now
that McCaffrey and Smith are making their way back from injuries,
will the old chemistry return. Or just old legs?
4. Lelie No. 3
On most NFL rosters a player with Ashley Lelie's skills would be
expected to win a starting job. With McCaffrey and Smith back in the
mix, the rookie from Hawaii will be competing for the No. 3 receiver
spot. Griese expects Lelie to win that job and fill in smoothly if
either of the veterans gets injured again.
5. TD time
On paper, it seems the Broncos are almost too deep in the backfield
to keep everyone happy. And there are a lot of questions to be
answered with one football to share. Will Terrell Davis finally stay
healthy? How about Olandis Gary? Can Mike Anderson become Howard
Griffith? And will Clinton Portis be the franchise's next 1,000-yard
rookie?
6. Sharpe leader
After a two-year business trip to Baltimore, tight end Shannon Sharpe
is back where he feels most comfortable, in a Broncos uniform. There
is no doubt he will lead by example on the field with his work ethic
and loosen up the tight-lipped locker room with his personality. Mike
Shanahan will have to decide how Desmond Clark and Dwayne Carswell
are going to fit into the rotation behind the future Hall of Famer.
7. Cowboy up
The last memory most Broncos fans have of Eric Brown was watching
Eddie Kennison beat him in Kansas City as the team's playoff hopes
were officially squashed. Brown is out and Izell Reese, a free agent
from Dallas, is in. Shanahan believes this lanky free safety will be
a significant upgrade. Kenoy Kennedy (strong safety), Deltha O'Neal
(left cornerback) and Denard Walker (right cornerback) are the other
starters in a secondary that will be tested on Sept. 8 by Kurt Warner
and the St. Louis Rams to open the season.
8. No Romo
Bill Romanowski is finally where he belongs � Oakland. The
Broncos,
however, believe the linebacker corps will be even more effective
this season with John Mobley sliding over to fill the strong-side
void Romo's departure created. Ian Gold has been given a promotion
and will start on the weak side, and Al Wilson is in the middle. The
group is faster, but will Denver be better than the Raiders? Former
Colorado star Jashon Sykes is just another face in the crowd hoping
to win a backup spot in Greeley.
9. Kid Kasper
Much was made of McCaffrey's leg injury and the team's woes without
him. But Kevin Kasper's ankle injury also factored into the offensive
problems. The speedy second-year receiver is expected to beat out
Chris Cole and Herb Haygood for playing time and for the kick return
jobs. Kasper is a friend of San Diego's Tim Dwight and is looking to
find a similar niche in the NFL.
10. Kicking it
Usually, Jason Elam is off on another field doing his own thing at
training camp. But this summer, despite making 31 field goals last
season, the reliable placekicker is preparing for Greeley without a
contract. The Broncos have no other option but to pay the man. The
questions will be how much and for how many seasons?
[[[[[[[[[[ OUR VIEW ]]]]]]]]]]
From a fantasy perspective, we see it coming back together for the
Broncos this season. There are questions and unknowns, but the team
remains stacked at the skilled positions. Barring severe injuries,
it should produce on the field.
/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/
James Coming to Camp?
Edgerrin James' first appearance in Indianapolis in almost eight
months was all about charity, not conversation.
But what the Indianapolis Colts' star running back said Saturday
night at the RCA Dome spoke volumes: "I'll talk to y'all in Terre
Haute."
Terre Haute is the site of the Colts' training camp. Players will
report to Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology next Sunday, and James
made it clear he will be on hand.
The NFL's two-time rushing champion was one of the featured
performers Saturday in the Saving Our Youth Celebrity Basketball Game
co-sponsored by the Edgerrin James Foundation and Amp Harris
Productions. The event, a part of Indiana Black Expo, benefits
youngsters in Indianapolis, Miami and Immokalee, Fla., James'
hometown.
James has spent the past eight months in south Florida rehabilitating
his left knee. He tore the anterior cruciate ligament in the knee
Oct. 25 at Kansas City and underwent reconstructive surgery Nov. 24.
James caused a stir locally by skipping a mandatory minicamp in
April, then did not attend a subsequent voluntary minicamp and
voluntary summer school.
James said he has been released by Dr. John Uribe, the Miami
orthopedic surgeon who has overseen his rehab, and plans to meet with
the Colts this week.
James' rehab work during the off-season has included pick-up
basketball and flag-football games.
"He told you when he came back (to town) he would be ready," said
Pierre Rutledge, one of James' advisers. "He's ready to go."
[[[[[[[[[[ OUR VIEW ]]]]]]]]]]
We have felt for some time that Edgerrin James should not be the 10th
best back on people's boards. He will likely either be around number
3 (if completely healthy) or should be much lower if he isn't
recovered. But everything we keep reading is that James is 100%
back. And before everyone piles on to say it's impossible to come
back from ACL surgery in less than a year, we owe it to ourselves to
watch this closely in training camp. Most involved with the James
injury last season labeled it as significantly less severe than most
of the recent ACL tears in the NFL in recent years. We are not ready
to move him up just yet, but we also will not be shocked when he
starts game 1 and has a great season.
/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/
McGinnis on his Cardinal Team
McGinnis has directed the franchise through two off-seasons now, and
while he isn't predicting a playoff run, he is encouraged by what he
sees as the Cardinals prepare to open training camp Friday at
Flagstaff.
"We're making movements to where we want to go," he said. "I know
definitely we're a better team than we were 18 months ago."
There are several positive signs. There was a four-game improvement
last season, to 7-9. The club has its salary cap under control. The
acquisitions of two free agents, cornerback Duane Starks and tight
end Freddie Jones, fill glaring needs. Jake Plummer played well last
year after two horrible seasons and has more weapons now than any
Cardinals quarterback since Neil Lomax.
But not every problem has been solved. The club still doesn't have a
proven pass rusher - a dangerous predicament as the Cardinals move to
the pass-happy NFC West.
The team's best player, receiver David Boston, is facing misdemeanor
DUI charges and, according to police, tested positive for cocaine and
marijuana.
Running back Thomas Jones returns for another try as a starter after
losing the job the past two years.
A number of key players, including Boston and Plummer, are entering
the final years of their contracts, and owner Bill Bidwill extends
deals about as often as he dances at parties wearing a lampshade.
"There have been pluses and minuses, like there always are," McGinnis
said of the off-seasons. "You never get everything that you want.
"I have a master plan for what we're going to do. There are going to
be no detours from that. How fast we're able to accomplish it depends
on a lot of things . . . making sure we bring the right people in
here, being fortunate enough that those people stay healthy and
develop."
Last year, a tight salary cap situation limited the Cardinals to
signing one key free agent, guard Pete Kendall. But this year, with
the costs of cutting players such as Andre Wadsworth and Eric Swann
off the books, the team had money to spend.
It re-signed right offensive tackle Anthony Clement to a five-year,
$15 million contract. It signed Starks to a 5-year, $23 million deal
in hopes that he is the shutdown cornerback it lacked last year after
Aeneas Williams headed to St. Louis.
Jones signed the same day as Starks, agreeing to a 3-year, $5.1
million pact. The Cardinals think he'll help improve their third-down
conversion rate and red-zone proficiency.
The Cardinals, however, didn't add similar talent defensively. They
were last in the NFL last year with 19 sacks. The return of end Kyle
Vanden Bosch from knee surgery should help, and coaches hope that
defensive tackle Wendell Bryant, the 12th overall pick in the draft,
can provide a rush up the middle.
"We don't have anybody right now that has 19 sacks a year on their
docket," McGinnis said. "We have to find eight (linemen) who can
play. Whether you have one guy who is getting 15 sacks or you've got
three guys getting five apiece, you're still getting the same
numbers. We have to get production out of numbers."
The Cardinals had the cap room to add veteran help, but they
determined that free agents such as Marco Coleman, La'Roi Glover and
Sam Adams were too expensive.
There are questions at running back, too. Jones has been labeled by
some as the biggest bust of the 2000 draft. The seventh overall pick,
he lost the job the past two seasons to Michael Pittman.
Pittman has departed for Tampa Bay via free agency, and Jones is now
unquestionably the No. 1 running back. None of the other backs on the
roster have an NFL carry.
The Cardinals apparently are comfortable with this situation, because
they didn't try to sign a veteran despite having the cap room to do
it.
McGinnis thinks Jones suffered because he was splitting time instead
of being clearly the No. 1 back.
"It's hard to be natural with what you're doing," he said. "You need
a definite guy who is No. 1. You need a definite guy who is No. 2."
McGinnis will have two core objectives for this camp - keep players
healthy and prepare them for the season.
The Cardinals traditionally have started slowly, never winning more
than two games in the first month since moving to Arizona in 1988.
"I don't care whether you're a young team, old team, playoff team or
a team that hasn't been to the playoffs," McGinnis said. "You need to
win ballgames early in the season. They whole key is coming out of
training camp trained and healthy."
[[[[[[[[[[ OUR VIEW ]]]]]]]]]]
Although we think this team is improving it cannot help that they now
must play the 49ers and Rams twice this season. Look for the
Cardinals to pass more because of that move. Jake Plummer looks to
be undervalued in most drafts this year, especially those that do not
punish for interceptions.
/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/
That's all for today. Camps are opening up everywhere and the real
news is starting to flow.
David Dodds
Missed an issue? Email Update Archives