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Hi Folks,

Like many of you, watching the Terrell Davis highlights on Monday
Night Football brought back some great memories. One of the bigger
things it highlighted for me though was just how incredibly fast our
game changes. One year the Terrell Davis is the most dominant
player in the game. A couple of seasons later, he's gone.

Just one more reason to be the most informed guy in your league.

To that end, let's jump right to the news and notes from around the
league brought to you today by Footballguy Mark Wimer.

Joe

--------------
Joe Bryant
Owner � www.Footballguys.com



I N T H I S I S S U E

1. Drew Brees: The Starter in San Diego!
2. Rypien to back up Hasselbeck?
3. QB's hurting in Steel-town.
4. Travis Henry: Looking better all the time.
5. Shockey held out of this week's practice: Questionable vs.
Jets
6. Fumble-itess afflicts Giant's Collins again
7. Critic to Patriots: Where's the Offense?
8. Rookie RB Westbrook looks solid in Iggle's preseason � mostly
9. Brandon Stokley: Ready to lead the Raven's air attack?
10. Bungles QB carousel continues to spin.
11. ` Skins: Danny Wuerffel still in lead of QB Derby.
12. Joey Harrington: Progressing, but still #2.
13. Packer's offense: No rhythm, no starting WR's on the field.
14. Observer on the Vikings: Moss, Bates and Alexander the top 3
WR's: Bates is the possession man
15. Jaguars � the tank's half empty before the season begins
16. In Denver: Gary has early lead on top RB spot, but Portis is
the heir apparent
17. Quotation of the day: Terrell Davis on his probable
successor in Denver

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1. Drew Brees: The Starter in San Diego!

Clipped from the Jim Trotter article posted on signonsandiego.com
8/19/02

"Chargers coach Marty Schottenheimer Monday named second-year player
Drew Brees the starting quarterback for the Sept. 8 season opener at
Cincinnati.

Brees, who appeared in only one game as a rookie, beat out 18-year
pro Doug Flutie, who started all 16 games last year while passing
for an NFL career-high 3,464 yards.

Schottenheimer said a day earlier the two quarterbacks were in a
virtual dead heat. Brees' potential for growth was the likely factor
that swung the decision in his favor. .."


[ [ [ [ [ [ WIMER'S VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ]


I knew it all along! (Brees is on my rookie squad in the GPFFL, a
dynasty style league. 8^) ) This is good news for the Chargers, IMO.
Brees has a ton of potential, and will steadily realize it
throughout the season. If you play in a dynasty or keeper league and
he's still available, grab him! He probably won't be in the top 15-
20 this season, but next year, look out!

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2. Rypien to back up Hasselbeck?

Clipped from the Mike Sando article posted on tribnet.com 8/19/02.

"The Seattle Seahawks' search for a veteran quarterback is pointing
toward one man: Mark Rypien.

The Super Bowl XXVI MVP worked out for team officials Sunday and was
scheduled to undergo a physical examination this morning.

Sources said an agreement was contingent on Rypien passing the
physical�"


[ [ [ [ [ [ WIMER'S VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ]


Teams that start Matt Hasselbeck should take note of this probable
signing. Rypien saw limited action in relief of Peyton Manning in
2001, so he's not completely rusty.


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3. QB's hurting in Steel-town.

Clipped from the AP article posted on espn.go.com 8/18/02.

"Pittsburgh quarterback Kordell Stewart sustained a mild concussion
and backup Charlie Batch was cut in the chin in the first half
against Washington on Sunday night�"


[ [ [ [ [ [ WIMER'S VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ]


Neither injury appears serious, but teams that play Stewart should
monitor his progress over the coming week carefully.


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4. Travis Henry: Looking better all the time

Clipped from the Sal Maiorana article posted on
democratandchronicle.com 8/19/02

"Bledsoe said. "Travis (Henry) came out and ran hard again. Our
offensive line did a good job freeing him up."


Henry gained 50 yards on just seven carries, and his two best runs --
gains of 20 and 15 yards on Buffalo's third possession -- came
courtesy of gaping holes up the middle.


"We were able to hit a few plays and I was encouraged by the running
game," Bledsoe said.


Before the game, Henry said he felt it was important for him to get
into a groove and start working with the offensive line. After the
game, Henry reiterated that point.


"It's great that we can throw the ball around, but we have to be
able to run consistently to establish a balanced offense," he
said. "It felt really good to finally get some yardage from the
running game."�


[ [ [ [ [ [ WIMER'S VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ]


As the preseason progresses, the Buffalo offense looks more and more
efficient. As long as Bledsoe stays under center, the Bills should
be able to mount sustained drives and really improve their point
production in 2002.


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5. Shockey held out of this week's practice: Questionable vs. Jets

Clipped from the Kimberly Jones article posted on nj.com 8/19/02.

"Jeremy Shockey might not practice at all this week as his sprained
left ankle heals, leaving him questionable for Saturday's preseason
game between the Giants and Jets, coach Jim Fassel said yesterday�"


[ [ [ [ [ [ WIMER'S VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ]


I think this is a smart move on the Giant's part, and an encouraging
signal about the esteem the Giants have for Shockey. He has looked
very solid and in sync with Kerry Collins thus far in the pre-
season � why risk such a valuable player in meaningless games? The
Giants will throw to him a lot this season, IMO. Pay attention to
how he progresses this week � sometimes rehabbing sprained ankles
can be tricky. Happily, there should be enough time before regular
season for this injury to get healed up.


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6. Fumble-itess afflicts Giant's Collins again

Clipped from the Neil Best article posted on newsday.com 8/19/02.

"�Collins was intercepted by Ashley Ambrose on a pass intended for
tight end Jeremy Shockey. Then he lost the ball as he cocked his arm
to throw and was hit from behind by Patrick Kerney. Then he fumbled
again when Brady Smith walloped him from the side.

That is not what anyone likes to see from Collins, who has thrown
104 career interceptions compared to 100 touchdown passes, and who
in 2001 set an NFL record with 23 fumbles�"


[ [ [ [ [ [ WIMER'S VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ]


If you play in a league that deducts points for interceptions and
fumbles, you'll probably want to avoid adding Kerry Collins to your
roster. To say the least, he has a history of excessive turnovers�


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7. Critic to Patriots: Where's the Offense?


Clipped from the Tom Curran article posted on projo.com 8/19/02.

"�the things the Patriots need to do offensively in 2002 -- the
areas they labored to address in the offseason -- have not yet
improved.

The Patriots added a fleet of receivers to their offense. Tall ones
like Donald Hayes and tight ends Cam Cleeland, Christian Fauria and
Daniel Graham. And quick compact ones like Deion Branch. Other than
Branch in the preseason opener against New York, there hasn't been
of which to take notice.

Meanwhile, quarterback Tom Brady, so adept at managing a short
passing game and staying away from mistakes last season, needs to
establish himself as a player who can air it out some and still be
efficient. He hasn't done that yet either�"


[ [ [ [ [ [ WIMER'S VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ]


I include this snippet as an example of hyperbolic overstatement.
While it might be nice to see the Pats lighting up the score-board,
they are doing quite well, overall, in the preseason � while running
the vanilla pre-season offense. And they've got two more games to
get it all together.

For Pete's sake, they had 21 first downs, 8 rushing and 13
receiving, ran and passed the ball well (155 yards rushing and 216
yards passing) and also scored 16 points against a tough Iggles D en
route to winning the game. Don't let overblown hysterics like this
article scare you away from the Patriots like Antowain Smith and
Troy Brown � both should have very solid seasons in 2002.


/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/


8. Rookie RB Westbrook looks solid in Iggle's preseason � mostly

"Besides the emergence of Westbrook this summer as a player who can
and will help the Eagles in the return game and out of the
backfield, what can't be overlooked is the class shown by Mitchell
in helping a guy who could take his job as early as this season.
Mitchell has 12 combined kick and punt returns for touchdowns in
what should be a Hall of Fame career to tie Eric Metcalf for the all-
time lead, but he has young legs pushing him from behind in
Westbrook.

Eagles coach Andy Reid might feel confident enough in the 5-8, 200-
pound Westbrook as a punt and kickoff returner to release Mitchell.
More likely, Reid will keep four running backs - Duce Staley, Dorsey
Levens, Mitchell and Westbrook - and go light at another position.
Westbrook went out for the first punt instead of Mitchell and he
fumbled it. Westbrook also bobbled the second punt, but he had a 17-
yard return on his third attempt�"


[ [ [ [ [ [ WIMER'S VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ]


Looks like the rookie will be a special-teamer and change of pace
back in 2002.


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9. Brandon Stokley: Ready to lead the Raven's air attack?

Clipped from the Jaymes Powell article posted on zwire.com 8/19/02.

"As training camp winds down, the Baltimore Ravens' wideout looks to
be at the top of his game again. He's running the best routes,
displaying the best hands and making the coaches drool with
excitement.


In Thursday's preseason loss to the New York Jets, Stokley made
Ravens' coaches overjoyed with anticipation. Play after play,
Stokley picked his way through the defense and gave Baltimore a
legitimate receiving threat, finishing the game with five catches
for 47 yards, including a spectacular 18-yard grab over the middle�

But after spending the off-season getting healthy, Stokley has
regained his form. He said he knows he can post big numbers and lead
the Ravens' offense if he can remain injury free�"


[ [ [ [ [ [ WIMER'S VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ]


The one problem with this scenario is named Redman. Stokley should
be considered only as sleeper material � someone to take a flyer on
in deep leagues for a #5 or #6 wideout. Who knows, he might pan out�


/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/


10. Bungles QB carousel continues to spin.

Clipped from the Kevin Goheenm article posted on cincypost.com
8/19/02.

"�None of the three did anything to separate themselves from the
others in Saturday's 22-10 preseason win against the Indianapolis
Colts. So for now, just who will be the starter Sept. 8 against San
Diego is still unknown.

Head coach Dick LeBeau said he will name a starter for this week's
home preseason opener against New Orleans on Tuesday. But that's as
far as the naming will go for now. A season-opening starter won't be
named officially until after Saturday's game against the Saints. A
look at the contenders�"


[ [ [ [ [ [ WIMER'S VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ]


Hopefully, the coaches will find one guy and stick with him. If not,
the offense will struggle as the surrounding cast has to continually
adjust to the quirks and cadences of the various signal callers�


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11. Skins: Danny Wuerffel still in lead of QB Derby.

Clipped from the Nunyo Demasio column posted on washingtonpost.com
8/19/02.

"During training camp, Danny Wuerffel has looked nothing like a
journeyman quarterback who was once traded by an expansion team.
Instead, Wuerffel had evoked memories of his days at the University
of Florida when he won a Heisman Trophy with Coach Steve Spurrier.

But there has been one catch. Much of Wuerffel's exhibition success
has come against backups.
Last night at FedEx Field, the quarterback faced the starters of the
Pittsburgh Steelers and their vaunted defense. And while Wuerffel
had his least productive game this preseason during the Redskins' 35-
34 victory, the former Gator didn't get a chance at redemption, like
Sage Rosenfels, whose fourth-quarter heroics came after a poor
start�"

[ [ [ [ [ [ WIMER'S VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ]

Well, he was average against a good defense's starters. In
Wuerffel's defense, the other Washington players didn't help him out
much.

I'm still officially a skeptic on the Fun-N-Gun until I see it
perform effectively (or not) in the regular season � instead of
against vanilla training camp defenses with back-ups and scrubs on
the field.


[ [ [ [ [ [ JOE'S VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ]


I'm going to have to differ with Mark here a little. I'm sold on
Spurrier and his system. No, that doesn't mean take Wuerffel in
the 2nd round, but I think he'll be a value this year and maybe a
great value. I'd definitely roll the dice on him taking a chance
he'll flourish in the system as opposed to going with a safe backup
in a system where he's already shown himself to be average.


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12. Joey Harrington: Progressing, but still #2.

Clipped from the Curt Sylvester article posted on freep.com 8/19/02.

"Despite his performance, Joey Harrington apparently is not even
close to stealing the Lions' starting quarterback job from Mike
McMahon.

Barring the unforeseen, McMahon will be the starter in the season
opener Sept. 8 at Miami.

"I made that (decision) a long time ago, unless something drastic
were to happen," coach Marty Mornhinweg said. "Both quarterbacks
have played well, and Mike's just much further ahead in the process.
There's no question about that."�


[ [ [ [ [ [ WIMER'S VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ]


The above is a very strong endorsement of McMahon. It looks like
Harrington won't get a shot at the field, right off the bat, anyway.
Best case (for Harrington) is that they share starts this season �
worst case, he's a highly paid clipboard holder.

Neither is likely to take the fantasy football world by storm
in '02. I'd look elsewhere for your starting and back-up
quarterbacks.


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13. Packer's offense: No rhythm, no starting WR's on the field.


Clipped from the Rob Demovsky article posted on packersnews.com
8/19/02.

"The biggest problem wasn't with what happened on the field in
preseason game No. 2 on Saturday at Arizona � although some
troubling dropped passes have to be cause for concern. The greater
issue might be that the entire unit hasn't been on the field
together yet.

Starting receivers Terry Glenn and Robert Ferguson both sat out with
injuries. Glenn missed his second straight game with a knee injury,
while Ferguson has a strained groin.

Considering neither has played much with quarterback Brett Favre,
the Packers would certainly like both to return to full-go this week
in practice and play in the remaining two exhibition games�"


[ [ [ [ [ [ WIMER'S VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ]


If Ferguson doesn't get back into practice full time and impress in
the final two preseason games, he'll probably lose his job to either
Donald Driver or Charles Lee.

Terry Glenn is once again injured, and seems to not realize that
this is his last chance to resurrect a fading NFL career. If he
doesn't wake up and smell the coffee quickly, he'll be a major bust
again in 2002. The last week of intense practice is this week � if
Glenn doesn't show up for it, dump him down your board
significantly.


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14. Observer on the Vikings: Moss, Bates and Alexander the top 3 WR's:

Clipped from the Kevin Seifert article posted on startribune.com
8/19/02

"�The top three got on the field Friday together for the first time,
and the results were as expected: Randy Moss, Derrick Alexander and
D'Wayne Bates caught nine passes for 166 yards. Bates is shaping up
as a solid possession receiver, and Alexander's explosiveness will
be important to keep on the field.

Chris Walsh appears to have No. 4 spot, leaving Kelly Campbell, Sean
Dawkins, Kenny Clark, Cedric James and Nick Davis competing for two
jobs. The Vikings love Campbell and believe he will be a playmaker
this season. Davis has rebounded from a shaky start and is one of
the team's toughest players. He had a 35-yard punt return Friday and
is now covering kicks as well. James' broken hand will make it hard
for him to compete�"


[ [ [ [ [ [ WIMER'S VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ]


Daunte Culpepper is now healthy and rearing to go, so the top 2
(Moss and Bates) will probably have great seasons. The potential for
Alexander to generate good fantasy numbers also exists, depending on
how many balls go his way after Moss gets his monster share. Watch
the final pre-season games to get a feel for how involved Alexander
will be before committing a roster spot to acquire him.


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15. Jaguars � the tank's half empty before the season begins

Clipped from the Jerry Norton article on orlandosentinel.com 8/19/02.

"For Coach Tom Coughlin, improvement is the measure of success in
the preseason, with the biggest improvement expected between Game 1
and Game 2. Based on the Jags' performance Friday against Tampa Bay,
the team is heading in the wrong direction. Instead of improvement
there was disappointment.

"It was not a very well played football game," said Coughlin,
expressing displeasure with his offense, his defense and his special
teams.

As it has so frequently during training camp, Jacksonville's passing
attack sputtered against Tampa Bay. QB Mark Brunell completed 6 of 9
passes for 40 yards but many of those throws were dumpoffs to his
backs�"


[ [ [ [ [ [ WIMER'S VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ]


With Jimmy Smith holding out, there's no end to the woes in sight.
Even if/when he comes back, the offense looks like they'll struggle
all season. Brunell has to hate the prospect of 2002 � sacks, sacks,
and more sacks (9 surrendered so far in pre-season � if they sustain
that pace, it would mean 70+ sacks over 16 games).


In fact, in coach Coughlin's opinion, the 2002 Jags have less raw
talent than the '95 expansion club. Go here
(http://www.sportserver.com/football/nfl/general/story/503780p-
4015415c.html) to read about his opinion of the 2002 Jags, offered
to the AP's Eddie Pells and posted on sportserver.com 8/19/02. An
excerpt:


"Tom Coughlin closed out his eighth training camp Monday with a
startling admission: The 2002 Jacksonville Jaguars have less raw
talent than the expansion version that went 4-12.


"We had Tony Boselli in that group, and he's pretty gifted,"
Coughlin said, when asked if he has more talent this year than in
1995. "So, is it more raw talent? No. But it's a good group of
talented people."�


That says it all, doesn't it. -- MW


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16.In Denver: Gary has early lead on top RB spot, but Portis is the
heir apparent

Clipped from the Lynn Debruin article posted on
rockymountainnews.com 8/19/02.

"�listen closely and you hear his excitement bubbling about the new
kid on the block - Clinton Portis.

"There's no question in my mind," Turner said when asked if he
agrees with Davis' prediction that Portis will be a star some day.

"I'm very happy with him," Turner said Sunday. "He's very coachable,
a delight to be around, with a great sense of humor. And he
works. . . . The more opportunities he gets, the better he's going
to be."

Tonight's preseason game against San Francisco will be a prime
opportunity for the second-round draft pick out of the University of
Miami.

While Olandis Gary will get the start now that Davis is out of the
lineup permanently, coaches have decided to rotate the backs by
series, unlike in the preseason opener against Chicago.
That will give Portis a chance to see first-team defenders. ..."


[ [ [ [ [ [ WIMER'S VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ]


Let's see how the rookie does with his big chance. It sounds like
he'll be given every opportunity to succeed�


[ [ [ [ [ [ JOE'S VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ]


As I'm sure you saw, outside of that disturbing tidbit about him
taking his Mom to the prom, Portis looked pretty darn good. This
is still an ugly situation though as you try to sort out the Gary /
Portis / Anderson murkiness. Like most people, I like Portis out
of the three but I'm just really not sure that he'll be able to
garner enough of the carries to warrant the hype he's generating and
provide value for the draft slot you'll likely have to select him
with.


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17. Quotation of the day: Terrell Davis on his probable successor in
Denver

Clipped from the Adam Schefter article posted on denverpost.com
8/19/02.

"�you have Clinton (Portis) who is coming in as a rookie, but his
upside is out of this world. I mean, I wouldn't be surprised if I
looked up seven, eight years from now and my records are just gone.
Obliterated. I wouldn't even be surprised at all. Because the man is
talented like that, yes he is�"


[ [ [ [ [ [ WIMER'S VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ]

An endorsement from one who knows. It's obvious that Portis could
emerge from camp as the man � if he gets it done on the field during
the final pre-season games. Time will tell all.


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NFL regular season is only 17 days away!!! Yours in anticipation,
Mark Wimer


That'll do it for tonight, Folks. See you tomorrow.

Joe

--------------
Joe Bryant
Owner � www.Footballguys.com