| 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 7/24/02 Volume 3 Issue # 40
Today's E-Mail is brought to you by FFChamps.com, Winner's of the
2001 FF Index Magazine's Experts Poll and sponsor's of the 2002
$5,000 Champ's Challenge. They are good guys, and know what they're
talking about, check them out! Here's what they have to say today:
Trent Green or Rich Gannon?
As bad as the final numbers seem from Trent Green last year (and 17
TDs in 16 starts is bad), there were some good signs that point to a
brighter future. Rich Gannon has been one of the most productive QBs
in the league the last 3 years. To see who FF Champs would draft
first click here -- www.ffcpi.com --
and finally, Joe Bryant sat down an interviewed Jon and Ian Millman
of FF Champs to give you a better insight to what they are doing with
their business, what players they like this year, what's their $5,000
fantasy challenge all about, etc.
The interview can be seen here:
Interview with FF Champs
/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/
IN THIS ISSUE
1. Message Board Hits 10,000 members
2. Subscription Date Looming
3. Jeffers' comeback hits snag
4. Elam holdout looms
5. Giants restructure deal of QB Collins, add two years
6. QB Camp Battles
/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/
Our message board (just over a year old) hit 10,000 members today.
For those of you that have not stopped by, you really should take the
journey. The Expert title gets thrown out too often, but what you
will find on these boards is the most knowledgeable football crowd
anywhere on the net. -- Footballguystalk.com --
and the lucky winner of the 10,000 member login took all of 10
minutes to make this available to the highest bidder on eBay.
Current bid is $15.50.
/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/
August 1st Subscription Date Looming
Don't get caught with your pants down! Well maybe if she is cute.
On August 1st and for the rest of the season (through the Super
Bowl), the material posted on Footballguys.com will be for
subscribers only. Everything already posted on the site will remain
free all year long. The email updates will remain free until
September 8th. Here is the link:
Buy Now
/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/
and now over to Bob Harris, who is providing tonight's update:
1. Jeffers' comeback hits snag
Clipped from a Charlotte Observer article on 7/24/02
When the Carolina Panthers hold their first training camp practice
Saturday in Spartanburg, wide receiver Patrick Jeffers won't be on
the field.
That's not much of a surprise, but it is another disappointment for a
player whose once-bright future is now uncertain. Coach John Fox said
Tuesday that Jeffers has not been cleared to practice.
Players must pass a physical before beginning practice. It's likely
Jeffers will be placed on the physically unable to perform list and
will continue to rehabilitate his knees.
Jeffers has had five knee surgeries and hasn't been much of a factor
since tearing an anterior cruciate ligament in the 2000 preseason.
He previously agreed to take a $1 million cut in pay, but there's no
guarantee he'll stay with the team. If Jeffers' knees don't progress,
he could be released or retire. But it's likely the team will give
him more time to try to get healthy.
He would be eligible to return to the roster as soon as he can pass a
physical, but Fox said the team doesn't have any timetable.
"That's a question mark for me," Fox said. "I can't answer that other
than it's nothing he's done wrong. He's a great guy and a great
player.
"Unfortunately he's had some knee injuries that are starting to show
signs of wear and tear. When he's done things, (the knees) have
flared up. We're in a wait-and-see mode. We haven't made a final
decision."
Said Jeffers' agent Brad Blank: "Patrick has gone several weeks
without any pain, and that's the longest stretch that he's had. The
Panthers have been patient with this, and we're hoping that within a
few weeks of camp, he can get out there." The Panthers would be
thrilled with any contribution because they are thin at wide
receiver. Muhsin Muhammad is set as one starter, but Jeffers'
continued problems mean the other job is wide open.
That position is likely to come down to a battle between Isaac Byrd
and Steve Smith.
Byrd has been a solid backup, but never has been a full-time starter.
Smith excelled as a rookie return man last year and has said he would
like a chance to contribute on offense.
[[[[[[[[[[ HARRIS' VIEW ]]]]]]]]]]
This might be a good time to review recent history with regard to
Jeffers, who emerged as a legitimate Fantasy threat in 1999 when he
tied a team record with 12 touchdowns while surpassing the 1,000-yard
mark. He had eight TDs of 30 yards or more.
The torn ACL came in a preseason game against Pittsburgh the
following August.
But the real trouble may have come when Jeffers underwent
controversial "micro fracture" surgery on his left knee -- a
procedure performed at the same time doctors repaired his torn right
ACL. According to reports out of Carolina last May, the former fifth-
round draft pick required further arthroscopic work on his left knee
after developing chondromalacia, a condition in which the cartilage
between the back of his kneecap and the femur bone erodes away.
Those reports led some observers to question whether Jeffers would
ever regain the form his first demonstrated in '99.
Which brings me to something former head coach George Seifert said on
May 31 of last year while telling reporters it was important for
Jeffers not to push too hard.
Asked if Jeffers could duplicate his 1999 effort in 2001, the coach
tried to sidestep the issue by saying, "Well, if there's anybody
that is going to come back from that injury, it would be that type of
person."
However, he quickly added. "But sometimes it takes a couple of years."
And that last prediction is starting to look better with each passing
day. ...
/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/
2. Elam holdout looms
Clipped from a Rocky Mountain News article by Lee Rasizer on 7/24/02
Kicker Jason Elam's job usually is defined either by good or no good.
His contract situation is shaping up the same way.
The three-time Pro Bowl selection wanted assurance on two matters
before he would sign the Denver Broncos' $1.465 million tender offer
as the team's designated franchise player.
The team was willing to promise not to slap a similar tag - either
the franchise or transition designation - on Elam next year.
But the player's request for an addendum to the tender, assuring he
wouldn't incur what could amount to $5,000 in fines for each day he
misses training camp, was rejected Tuesday by the Broncos.
It had been hoped the team's offer would put the wheels in motion for
a long-term deal, which, when signed, will determine when Elam
arrives at training camp. Instead, the Broncos' rejection of the
player's request might set up a lengthy holdout by the franchise's
career scoring leader, according to source close to Elam.
"I cannot assure that he won't be fined. I can't do that," Broncos
general manager Ted Sundquist said. "Because if he signs the tender,
he's subject to the same rules and regulations that all the veterans
are. The thing that we can do is say that we will negotiate in good
faith a long-term (contract) upon the signing of the franchise
tender."
Elam, in his mind, has waited two years for a long-term reward. He
wanted the clause regarding fines rather than promises, which he has
gotten in the past from coach Mike Shanahan and others.
If talks broke down, he figured, the team then could reach into his
pocket.
NFL rules require a franchise players first to put his signature on a
tender before proceeding on a long-term arrangement. And with the
league closely scrutinizing such deals to make sure no multi-year
arrangements already are in place, the Broncos didn't want to risk a
penalty because of an arrangement on fines.
"If you're under contract and you don't show up, you're subject to
fines as a veteran," Sundquist said. "And if I say, 'Well, you're not
subject to fines,' then really, the contract we've entered into is
kind of a sham."
Talk with Elam and he might have the same kind of sentiments about
the pace of negotiations. But the kicker is in Hawaii and unavailable
for comment.
Talks broke off in late February, before the "franchise" designation
was applied - which guarantees a salary ranking in the top five among
kickers but clearly falls below market value while keeping Elam out
of free agency.
At the time, the Broncos offered Elam a seven-year package averaging
$1.75 million, including $1.75 million up front. But that signing
bonus was well below those secured by other NFL kickers, including
Miami's Olindo Mare ($2.5 million), Oakland's Sebastian Janikowski
($2 million) and Green Bay's Ryan Longwell ($2 million). And after
nine consecutive seasons in which he scored at least 100 points, Elam
believes he deserves to be at or near the top of the heap.
The deal also was deemed backloaded, averaging $1.4 million in the
first three years. New England's Adam Vinatieri, the league's other
kicker with a franchise designation, signed in March for three years
and $5.4 million - all guaranteed - a $1.8 million average.
After Elam was given the franchise designation, no substantive talks
could take place until July 15. It's only in the past couple of days
that Sundquist and Elam's agent, Jack Reale, have attempted to head
off a problem. The Broncos have no other kicker on the roster, but
realistically don't need one until the preseason opener Aug. 10.
Sundquist knows there's the possibility of a messy holdout but says
he must focus on the bigger picture.
"There's always concern when a player of Jason's stature and what
he's meant to the club (is unhappy), but we've got a season to get
ready for and we've got to press on," Sundquist said. "If he doesn't
want to sign the franchise tender and he's going to wait it out, we
need to know that and we've got obligations to try and put together
the best team.
" . . . I know what Jason's meant to the club and how long he's been
here and what kind of person he is. I know Jason as well as anybody.
I coached against him at Air Force when he was at Hawaii. . . . I've
been out there the last 10 years timing his kicks. I understand Jason
and the situation, and I think Mike (Shanahan) does, too."
[[[[[[[[[[ HARRIS' VIEW ]]]]]]]]]]
Elam surprised team officials by reporting for this year's first
offseason mini-camp without a contract. Saying, "there is a right
way and a wrong way to handle this," Elam chose to operate in good
faith.
Maybe team officials in Denver could take a cue from his stance and
do the right thing, too.
Why?
Let me count the ways. ... Elam is coming off one of his best seasons
as a pro after leading the NFL in field goals (31) and finishing
third in scoring (124 points) while converting a career-best 86
percent of his field-goal attempts. ... Has yet to finish an NFL
season with less than 100 total points. Along the way he's set
franchise records in scoring (1,073 points), field goals (235), field-
goal attempts (297), field-goal percentage (79.1), extra points made
(368) and extra-point attempts (369). ... Currently riding a league-
record 344 consecutive extra points made.
Pay the man.
/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/
3. Giants restructure deal of QB Collins, add two years
Clipped from the Jay Glazer article published by SportsLine.com on
7/24/02.
The New York Giants have come to terms with starting quarterback
Kerry Collins on a deal that restructures his contract and adds two
additional years.
Collins, going into his ninth pro season, was expected to be a free
agent after this season.
Collins was going into the final year of his four-year, $16.9 million
contract. His salary for the 2002 season was to be $4 million. He
will now earn the league minimum this season but collects a $5.9
million bonus, $2.5 million of that in new bonus money. He will earn
$3.5 million in 2003 and $4 million in 2004. He can earn more by
meeting incentive clauses.
"I'm excited," said Collins, who has thrown every pass for the Giants
over the past two seasons. "I want to be here. I am glad this isn't
going to be my last season. I feel comfortable here. I love the
organization.
"It's something I hoped would happen, and I hoped it would happen
before this season," Collins said. "I didn't want to go through this
season as a lame-duck quarterback."
Until the past couple of days, Collins felt there was no way he was
going to be able to avoid that status.
The veteran from Penn State set a July 1 deadline for getting a new
deal. Talks continued after that, but Collins said his agent, David
Dunn, indicated recently that the chances of working out a new deal
didn't look good.
All that changed early Wednesday afternoon when Collins agreed to a
shorter term and the Giants made other concessions.
"It's nice to know you are going to be their guy, and you're going to
help them win ballgames," said Collins, who resurrected his career
with the Giants after stumbling early because of problems with
alcohol.
"That's worth more than anything, even money, to know the
organization is behind you," he added.
In 42 games with the Giants, Collins has completed 828 of 1,428
passes for 9,692 yards and 49 touchdowns, ranking him among the
franchise's career leaders.
"This is good for both of us," Giants general manager Ernie Accorsi
said. "This keeps Kerry from hitting the free-agent market and frees
up cap room for us. And he now has the security in knowing he will be
here."
SportsLine.com has learned that the Giants will use the cap room they
have saved to sign backup quarterback Jason Garrett.
[[[[[[[[[[ HARRIS' VIEW ]]]]]]]]]]
A year after leading the Giants to the Super Bowl, Collins' 2001
passer rating ranked 17th -- between Tampa Bay's Brad Johnson and
Detroit's Charlie Batch -- among the league's quarterbacks.
Which is why team officials were reportedly infuriated to learn this
spring that Collins was planning to ask for a $100 million, 10-year
contract (with a $20 million signing bonus) next year.
GM Ernie Accorsi would not confirm those totals, but he said at the
time the club would let Collins play out his current deal before
deciding on his future.
Asked if he thought that Collins should have shown more "gratitude"
since the Giants saved his pro career by signing him after two teams
cut him and his substance abuse problems were exposed, the long-time
executive simply laughed and said: "Loyalty? Allegiance? Yeah,
sure. ... It's all about money these days."
The bottom line here says Collins was not only wise to settle for
this deal, he was darned lucky to get the opportunity to do so.
/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/
2002 camp battles: QBs throw caution to wind
By Bob Harris, Special to CNNSI.com
The first of a five-part series previewing this summer's major
training camp battles -- whether traditional or non-traditional --
from a Fantasy perspective. This week:
Quarterbacks.
Atlanta Falcons: Mike Vick vs. "Sophomore Jinx"
The second-year man-to-be has impressed coaches with his diligent
work -- both in the weight room and the classroom -- this offseason.
Vick and quarterbacks coach Jack Burns spent the entire offseason
breaking down each play the team will run this season, discussing the
various reads and progressions he'll make. Burns said he "never
dreamed Vick would be as dedicated as he is with his work and the
consistency of his work habits."
It's also worth noting that the verbiage necessary to call plays
has been simplified. The plays haven't changed any; it will just
be
easier to relay them to teammates in the huddle.
As far as I'm concerned, it all boils down to this: Mike Vick is a
dangerous man and it's going to take more than a silly superstition
to keep a player with his one-of-a-kind athleticism and unique skills
from pulling big plays out of his hat on a regular basis.
Baltimore Ravens: The "Student" Vs. The "Teacher?"
Third-year pro Chris Redman heads into camp as the starter, but his
overall lack of experience -- the former Louisville star has yet to
make a regular-season start -- prompted the team to sign veteran free
agent Jeff Blake as their No. 2 man back in April.
And even though coaches initially hoped he might serve as a mentor
for Redman, Blake clearly has other ideas.
"If somebody has a question, you answer the question," Blake recently
explained. "But I'm not out there trying to coach Chris. That is
[offensive coordinator Matt] Cavanaugh's and [head coach Brian]
Billick's job; that's not my job. If Chris has a question about
something he sees on the field and feels that I may be able help,
then he can come and ask me. Other than that, that's about as far as
it goes. ..."
Despite legitimate questions regarding his ability to get the job
done under game conditions, Billick has been unwavering in his
support of Redman.
"[Redman] has improved," the coach insisted back in June. "He
knows the offense. He knows where everybody is, what everybody is
supposed to be doing. That's a big chunk. The biggest difference is
not so much physical, but emotional."
Despite my doubts, Baltimore Sun staffer Mike Preston insists that
Redman proved he's capable of making all the throws necessary to
be a successful quarterback in the NFL during the team's three
offseason mini-camps.
Cincinnati Bengals: Jon Kitna vs. Gus Frerotte
The competition between Kitna and Frerotte could last late into the
summer. And while it's not hard to find observers who believe
that Frerotte will unseat him, Kitna has been impressive in recent
workouts. It's worth noting that the former Seahawk appears to be
taking full advantage of the additional year he's had to work under
coordinator Bob Bratkowski -- and with his receiving corps.
Nonetheless, after Bengal QBs averaged only 5.47 and 4.89 yards per
attempt the last two years, Frerotte's career average of 7.02
yards per attempt has to be somewhat appealing.
The bottom line? Kitna's tenuous grip on the starting job and
Frerotte's repeated failure to take full advantage when opportunity
knocks make it hard to get terribly excited about either of Bengal
signal caller.
Dallas Cowboys: Quincy Carter vs. Chad Hutchinson
According to those who follow the team closely, Hutchinson appears to
have the skills necessary to emerge as a solid starter -- much like
Tom Brady did last year. The fact that Carter, who posted a passer
rating of 63 while tossing only five touchdowns and seven
interceptions, failed to distinguish himself as a rookie certainly
adds to the intrigue.
But before you get too excited, I'll remind you that Hutchinson still
hasn't fully adjusted to playing at the pro level, where the players
are bigger, faster and smarter than they were when he last played
organized ball for Stanford back in 1997.
I'll also point out that team owner Jerry Jones and head coach Dave
Campo insist that Carter will start all 16 games this year as long as
he's healthy.
For what it's worth. ... Carter likes the Cowboys' new offense
because he thinks it will make him more productive. The former
University of Georgia star said he not only expects to be more
accurate, but he also believes his touchdown ratio will be better
because of the way offensive coordinator Bruce Coslet wants him to
read defenses. Sounds great. And I'll believe it the minute I see it.
Detroit Lions: Mike McMahon vs. Joey Harrington
Harrington has reportedly been impressive in early workouts. He's
thrown crisp passes, made solid decisions and shown unusual poise for
a rookie. In fact, he's gone out of his way to embrace the lofty
expectations resulting from his first-round draft status.
He recently told reporters, "I've been in a situation where every
pass, every [step of] footwork, everything you do is analyzed. I'm
ready for it. ... Plus, that kind of makes it fun, puts more pressure
on it. If you've got the eyes of an entire city watching your every
move, that's what it's all about."
The fact that Detroit used four different quarterbacks last year --
Marty Mornhinweg's first season as head coach --- while posting a 2-
14 record, has to weigh in Harrington's favor. So does the fact that
Detroit is moving into a new stadium this season.
And even though McMahon looked better than expected in three
appearances as a starter last year, I'm still not sold on the second-
year pro. Of particular concern would be the fact he's never
completed more than 50 percent of his passes at either the college or
pro level.
While much depends on the team's won-lost record and the
performance of McMahon, it's hard to argue with Daniel Mears of the
Detroit News, who recently reminded readers that the team didn't
make Harrington the third pick overall in this year's draft to hold a
clipboard and run the scout team in practice.
Kansas City Chiefs: Trent Green vs. "Unfulfilled Expectations"
As Kansas City Star staffer Adam Teicher recently noted, Green should
benefit greatly from having the entire offseason to work with
teammates. Green, who missed all of last offseason's workouts --
and some practice time in training camp -- while rehabbing his
surgically repaired knee, has been a constant at this year's
offseason sessions.
The increased preparation will almost certainly be reflected in
better timing with his receivers this year.
For what it's worth: I agree wholeheartedly with Dick Vermeil,
who has no doubt that a healthy Green -- surrounded by improved
supporting cast -- will post big numbers in 2002.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Kordell Stewart vs. "Lingering Doubts"
Although he started slowly last year, Stewart came on strong down the
stretch -- playing especially well over the last four weeks of the
season.
And there's a darned good reason for last year's impressive effort.
In fact, there are a couple of good reasons: Offensive coordinator
Mike Mularkey and quarterbacks coach Tom Clements, who was hired
specifically to work on Stewart's mechanics last offseason, clearly
have a knack for getting the most out of the athletic veteran's
considerable abilities.
But I still find myself wondering if Stewart is really capable of
repeating last year's performance. Especially in the wake of his
embarrassing performance in a losing effort against the Patriots in
January's AFC Championship game.
Now that team officials have thrown Charlie Batch into the mix, it'll
be very interesting to see what happens if Stewart gets off to a slow
start this fall.
San Diego Chargers: Doug Flutie vs. Drew Brees
Flutie heads into the 2002 season in the midst of a heated battle
with Brees for the starting job. Both players got equal reps with the
first team during a voluntary mini-camp at the end of April. Marty
Schottenheimer said it will remain that way until he names a starter -
- something the first year head coach isn't in any hurry to do.
That said Pro Football Weekly, citing sources "close to the team,"
reported earlier this week that the starting job appears to be Brees'
to lose. The contention being that it "makes sense to start the Brees
era and let the building process begin" in the first year of a new
coaching regime.
The PFW report went on to say the Chargers would not necessarily be
better off with Flutie leading the charge because Brees' maturity
and the fact new offensive coordinator Cam Cameron isn't expected
to stray much from the Chargers' system of a year ago has put Brees
ahead of schedule in the learning curve.
Even though I'm convinced Brees will ultimately come out on top of
this one, this is another case where selecting either player is a
risky proposition for Fantasy owners.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Brad Johnson vs. Rob Johnson vs. Shaun King
He might not have the kind of mobility Jon Gruden looks for in his
signal caller, but that hasn't kept Brad Johnson from impressing the
new boss.
"Brad right now is doing an excellent job," Gruden said after mini-
camp held early in May. "He's doing a fine job distributing the ball,
he sees things, he makes the proper audible. He's throwing the ball
well." Gruden also said he was very impressed with Johnson's
athleticism, accuracy and preparation.
That said I'd be reluctant to draft Johnson until we were darned
sure he had the starting job nailed down tightly.
This brings us to what might be the most intense competition in Tampa
this summer: The battle between Rob Johnson and Shaun King for the
No. 2 spot.
While Johnson, who came on very strong during June workouts, appears
to have a slight edge heading into camp, it's hard to dismiss
King out of hand.
In addition to Johnson's inability to get the job done in
Buffalo, Gruden, who studied King during his collegiate career and
coached him in the Senior Bowl, has always been a big fan of the
former Tulane star -- a player who just happens to boast a 14-7
career record as an NFL starter.
And by golly, there's something to be said for winners.
Washington Redskins: Steve Spurrier vs. "An Overall Lack of Talent"
The big question in Washington heading into camp this summer, isn't
so much who the starting quarterback will be. It's more like are any
of the current candidate truly capable of successfully running Steve
Spurrier's "Fun 'N Gun" offense at the pro level.
Sure, a couple of those candidates -- Shane Matthews and Danny
Wuerffel -- ran the scheme successfully during their collegiate
careers under Spurrier, that's no reason to believe they'll be as
successful against NFL defenses as they were against SEC opposition.
That's especially true in Wuerffel's case.
Sure, he led the Gators to a national title. He also won a Heisman
Trophy and left Florida as the highest-rated passer in the history of
college football not to mention the winningest in the history of the
SEC.
But that doesn't change the fact that Wuerffel has started a grand
total of six games over the course of a less-than-illustrious eight-
year NFL career -- a career in which he's compiled a meager passer
rating of 51.2 by completing 48.8 percent of his passes with nine
touchdowns and 16 interceptions.
Not good.
And even though I consider him the clear cut favorite to beat out
Wuerffel, Sage Rosenfels and rookie Patrick Ramsey for the starting
job, Matthews is the first to admit he has a long ways to go when it
comes to regaining the familiarity with Spurrier's scheme he enjoyed
during his days as a Gator.
"It's changed a little bit," Matthews said. "I'd say about 95 percent
of it is the same. You have to remember it's been almost 10 years
since I've been in the offense. It's going to take some time for me
to feel comfortable again. It's not going to happen overnight."
Check back next Wednesday for this summer's hottest running back
competitions.
--
Bob Harris
Editor/Webmaster -- TFL Report
Senior Editor -- FSP, Inc.
Missed an issue? Email Update Archives