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Footballguys.com News.

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We're going to change gears just a little bit tonight. Instead of
regular news stories, we've got something special from our
Footballguy Bob Harris. As most of you know, Bob's the man behind
the www.tflreport.com One of the features they provide is their
August Updates where they detail each team and offer insights into
what's happening. Bob's allowed me to use clips from some of the
more interesting stories featured in this week's issue. I won't be
adding a "Bob's View" section as each writeup is pretty much Bob's
View.

Great stuff here. For more information on the August Updates, you
can check out http://fspnet.com


Let's get to it.


Joe


--------------
Joe Bryant
www.footballguys.com


IN THIS ISSUE

1. Atlanta Notes
2. Baltimore Notes
3. Buffalo Notes
4. Carolina Notes
5. Chicago Notes
6. Cleveland Notes
7. Denver Notes
8. Green Bay Notes
9. Indianapolis Notes
10. Miami Notes
11. Minnesota Notes
12. New Orleans Notes
13. Oakland Notes
14. Pittsburgh Notes
15. San Diego Notes
16. Seattle Notes
17. St. Louis Notes
18. Tennessee Notes
19. Washington Notes

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


1. Atlanta Notes

Coaches were pleased by the team's effort in last Saturday's (Aug.
17) win over the Giants. ... Jay Feely kicked five field goals
against New York, improving to 8-for-8 in the preseason; Mike Vick
tossed a couple of touchdown passes and turned a broken play into a
19-yard run, but he also had an interception and some other erratic
throws.

"I think I did a pretty good job," said the 22-year-old
quarterback. "I'm just doing what I do, trying to play smart
football."

New York defensive end Michael Strahan was highly complimentary of
Vick after the game. ... "Hey, you guys see what I see?" Strahan
asked reporters. "He's elusive, and he has a great arm -- and that's
on film. In person. ... Wow!"

In an article published last Thursday (Aug. 15), SportsLine.com
insider Pete Prisco wrote: "It was only a meaningless preseason
game, but after the first look at Falcons rookie runner T.J.
Duckett, opponents should get ready for one heck of a back. Duckett
is not only big, but he has far more wiggle than what some may have
expected.

"It will be interesting to see how [Reeves] divides up the carries
between Duckett and Warrick Dunn during the season. Do you think the
Falcons wished they had not spent all that money on Dunn now after
seeing Duckett run?"


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2. Baltimore Notes


In an article published Sunday (Aug. 18), Baltimore Sun staffer
Brent Jones reported that a day after Jamal Lewis had four carries
for 24 yards in last Thursday's (Aug. 15) loss to the New York Jets,
he experienced no swelling in his knee and just minor soreness. And
the former first-round draft pick was back at practice running with
the starters on Saturday (Aug. 17) -- showing no signs of weariness.

"I felt a little ache, but it felt pretty good," Lewis said. "It was
good not to have the swelling, and to not be really fatigued on it.
I didn't have to go into the training room and get treatment on it.
I feel like I'm back in the physical form before I left."

Lewis was in for seven plays and left to a standing ovation after a
7-yard run. It was the first time Lewis had been hit since he tore
up his knee early in training camp last year.

"In those four carries, I really got a lot of confidence," Lewis
said. "I got that first one out of the way, and that was a good one.
And in the second one, I got piled on by a couple of guys, and the
leg held up pretty good."

Lewis has been vocal about wanting to return to his old form and
dominate defenses but he admitted there was a seed of doubt in his
mind that he could actually do it.

"I did have doubt, that's just honest. The rest of that was just
confidence talk," Lewis said. "But I held up pretty good, and went
in the game not thinking about it and it felt great. Now there is no
doubt in my mind that I can compete with the top five backs in the
league."

Lewis will not play in Friday's game at Philadelphia because of the
questionable field conditions at Veterans Stadium. Last season's
Ravens-Eagles preseason game had to be canceled because of problems
with the artificial turf.

The Ravens feel they got enough of a preview of what Lewis can do
this season against the Jets.
"The great thing about the other night with Jamal was we saw him do
a little bit of everything," head coach Brian Billick said. ...


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3. Buffalo Notes

According to the Rochester Democrat & Chronicle, Drew Bledsoe's
presence is creating more running room for Travis Henry. It's worth
noting the former University of Tennessee star had runs of 20 and 15
yards up the middle in last Friday's (Aug. 16) loss to the Vikings.

"I think that just by having a quarterback like Drew Bledsoe
throwing well to Peerless [Price] and Eric [Moulds] it really opens
up our running game," Henry said. ...


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4. Carolina Notes

In an article published last Friday (Aug. 16), Charlotte Observer
reporter Pat Yasinskas wrote that team officials are thrilled with
rookie DeShaun Foster. He has shown the ability to run inside and
outside, and he can catch passes. The question is: Can Foster
overcome the fumbling problems that plagued him in college?

Steady veteran Lamar Smith remains the alternative to Foster, but
don't be surprised if Foster opens the season as the starter because
he has so much big-play potential. ...


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5. Chicago Notes


Add Pro Football Weekly to the list of folks hurling praise at Dez
White this summer. According to the editors PFW, some scouts around
the NFL believe White will be an impact player this season after a
very strong training camp.

One reason for White's success could be his improved vision. White
had trouble picking the ball up until it was right on top of him in
the past, which was evident in his repeated drops. Due to corrected
vision, that is no longer a problem.


Dez White pulled in five catches for 69 yards and a touchdown in
just under a quarter of work in Friday's (Aug. 16) preseason win
over the Rams. As noted by the Chicago Sun-Times, the most
impressive part of White's performance wasn't his sure-handedness,
but the way he separated from defenders.

White's performance came as no surprise to Chicago Tribune staffer
John Mullen, who wrote just before the game that White quietly has
had perhaps the best camp of anyone on offense. His route-running
has been excellent but the best thing has been his ability to make
challenging catches on the move and in coverage.

Mullen went on to not that sometimes White's problems have been on
simple catches and the evaluation won't be complete until his
progress is measured in the regular season. But for now he has left
no starting job for Marcus Robinson when he returns from his ACL
surgery. ...


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


6. Cleveland Notes


According to the Sports Xchange, William Green is finally rounding
into form. The first round draft pick missed time early in camp due
to a holdout and bruised shoulder, but has finally gotten into the
routine of practice. "He just needs to play," head coach Butch Davis
said. "He needs somebody to blitz him and hit him in the teeth and
him hit them."

And even though he won't come right out and say so, Davis reportedly
wants Green to be the team's early-down back, with Jamel White the
third-down back and change of pace.

"Whoever can help us win games immediately is the guy who is going
to start and it will eventually take care of itself," he said.


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


7. Denver Notes


According to the Rocky Mountain News, Jason Elam underwent an MRI on
his hamstring Tuesday (Aug. 20). Elam's hamstring locked on him as
he was approaching a kickoff Monday (Aug. 19) night during pregame
warm-ups.

Asked about the injury later, special teams coach Frank Bush
said: "It didn't look like a huge deal, but you never really know."

Elam is hopeful that the results will reveal no damage, and he is
listed as day to day.


In an article published Monday (Aug. 19), Pro Football Weekly
speculated that Olandis Gary will get the nod as Denver's No. 1
halfback now that Terrell Davis has been officially placed on
injured reserve -- at least initially.

Although he's clearly had his moments when healthy, Gary has had
more than his fair share of health problems since turning pro --
including a torn ACL suffered in the 2000 regular season opener and
a broken leg suffered last Thanksgiving.

And according to PFW, that's why Clinton Portis, who has been
nothing short of sensational in the short time he has been
displaying his wares, is a solid bet to end up as the Broncos'
featured back after all is said and done.

Portis appears to have the total package and then some. He has been
wowing onlookers from the start of training camp with his speed,
dazzling cutback ability and surprising strength and is expected to
be on the field a great deal, even if Gary remains the No. 1 running
back.

One last note on this one today -- also according to PFW: Although
team officials initially considered moving fullback Mike Anderson,
the team's leading rusher the past two seasons, back to running
back, but that won't be the case. At least not yet. Anderson is
reportedly making strides in his new role and Mike Shanahan is
sticking to his guns by keeping the former Marine at fullback.

Nonetheless, Shanahan said he'd feel comfortable shifting Anderson
back to halfback if the need arises.

For what it's worth, KaRon Coleman and Reuben Droughns currently
provide the depth behind Gary and Portis.


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


8. Green Bay Notes


Terry Glenn (knee) missed practice Tuesday (Aug. 20) after testing
his injured knee on Monday (Aug. 19) night. "He felt good," coach
Mike Sherman told Green Bay Press-Gazette. "He's been inside
rehabbing and running, and I look forward to him coming out sometime
this week."

Ahman Green, who suffered a minor groin injury during last
Saturday's (Aug. 17) game against Arizona, was held out of Tuesday's
(Aug. 20) practice and the former Cornhusker might be held out of
next Monday (Aug. 26) night's game against the Browns.

"I asked him if he planned on playing against Atlanta [in the
regular-season opener]," Mike Sherman told the Green Bay Press-
Gazette. "He said I didn't have to worry about that. I think he'll
probably play sooner than that, maybe even Monday night."


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


9. Indianapolis Notes


Following up on our previous update. ... According to Associated
Press sports writer Michael Marot, the Colts are one of six teams
interested in signing Jamal Anderson, the former Pro Bowl running
back's agent said Tuesday night. James Sims, Anderson's agent, said
he spoke with the Colts on Friday and again Tuesday after
Indianapolis lost two running backs to season-ending knee injuries.
He would not identify the other teams.

Sims said Anderson would visit teams this week and he was hopeful
his client would have a deal done by the end of this week.

"It's almost been like a fury this week," Sims said. "We're looking
at making some visits, but I can't really say where right now."

Anderson spent eight seasons with Atlanta. He led the NFC in rushing
in 1998 with 1,846 yards and 14 touchdowns as the Falcons made their
only Super Bowl appearance. It was his third straight 1,000-yard
season. But he tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee
early the next season. He returned in 2000 to rush for 1,024 yards,
then tore the ACL in his left knee on Sept. 30, 2001. The Falcons
released him in June. He finished his career in Atlanta as the
team's No. 3 rusher with 5,336 yards and an NFL-record 410 carries
in 1998.

Sims said Anderson is mentally ready to play although it could take
him a few weeks before his body was in "banging shape."

What Indianapolis is looking for is an experienced veteran to back
up Edgerrin James. After practice Tuesday (Aug. 20), head coach Tony
Dungy acknowledged the team had been speaking with possible
replacements.

"We're not going to nip anything in the bud," Dungy said of the
rumors surrounding Anderson. "We're short on backs, and we've talked
to a lot of people, scoured. I guess that would include Barry
Sanders, Jamal Anderson, Ollie Matson or anyone else who can carry
the ball in the NFL."


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


10. Miami Notes

In an article published Tuesday (Aug. 20), Associated Press staffer
Mark Long noted that TE Randy McMichael's spectacular plays are
starting to become routine for the Dolphins. As we've already noted,
the one-handed catches, the leaping touchdowns and the powerful
blocks have the rookie tight end atop the team's depth chart.

McMichael, a fourth-round draft pick from Georgia, has earned the
starting job at a position that should be better utilized under new
offensive coordinator Norv Turner.

"It doesn't mean anything right now," McMichael said. "It's just
preseason, and we have still have two weeks before opening day. I
want my name to be No. 1 on opening day. I'm just trying to keep my
name up there right now."

With the plays he has been making, that shouldn't be a problem.

McMichael made two great catches during practice Monday (Aug. 19)
night: a one-hander he hauled in as he was falling out of bounds and
a dart from Jay Fiedler down the middle that he caught in the end
zone while sandwiched between a pair of defenders.

He also drew rave reviews for a pair of receptions during a
scrimmage against Tampa Bay two weeks ago, including a running,
twisting catch of a ball thrown high and well behind him.

"I have a flair for the dramatic," said McMichael, who caught 90
passes during his final three years at Georgia. "It seems like
something weird always happens when the ball's in the air. I never
know what I'm going to do."

His highlight play -- at least so far -- also was unplanned. It came
against New Orleans last Thursday (Aug. 15), when he caught a pass
from Ray Lucas and scored a 24-yard touchdown to end the first half.

McMichael jumped over two defenders at the goal line and landed in
the end zone as time expired.

"It was pure reaction," he said. "It was something I did in the spur
of the moment. I just took off. I've made some crazy catches before,
but I've never dove over two people like that before."

Two days later, head coach Dave Wannstedt moved McMichael to the top
of the depth chart -- ahead of veterans Jed Weaver, Alonzo Mayes and
Ed Perry.

"It's not surprising considering that Randy is doing such a good
job," Weaver said. "You've just got to roll with the punches and
keep doing what you can to get better. ... With all the things Randy
can do, he should be able to create a lot of mismatches with
linebackers."


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


11. Minnesota Notes


Although they enjoyed a number of big play in last Friday's (Aug.
16) game, the Sports Xchange is warning readers not to expect the
team to continue being the kind of big-play, explosively offensive
team they've been in recent years. Head coach Mike Tice has a
different kind of offensive attack in mind: One that holds onto the
ball -- keeping the Vikings defense off the field. One that wins the
battle of field position.

"We've got to play the style of football that's a little bit boring
for Vikings fans," Tice said. "But, if we're going to win, that's
the style we've got to play. We've got to move the chains, we've got
to be patient on offense, we've got to have some substantial drives
where we run a lot of plays."

Tice has his reasons.

The biggest is a young defense that is still a work in progress, and
likely will remain so when the regular season begins. The best way
to help a defense is with a ball-control offense.

"I think, if you look at your ball club, and you put your ball club
together, you've got to understand your personnel and the style
you'll have to play," Tice said. "Fortunately for us, we have a
multiple-formation offense where we can run it, throw it, throw it
short, deep, intermediate. I think we're going to have to move the
chains early in the season. Be patient. Give our defense the chance
to defend the short field."


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


12. New Orleans Notes


In an article published last Friday (Aug. 16), New Orleans Times-
Picayune staff writer John DeShazier noted that Deuce McAllister has
impressed coaches and teammates alike with his work this summer.

McAllister carried eight times for 27 yards and a touchdown and
caught two passes for 21 yards against Houston in the Saints' first
(Aug. 10) exhibition game. On Thursday (Aug. 15) night he carried 11
times for 42 yards and caught three passes for 28 yards against
Miami. In fact, team officials say McAllister's performance to date
clearly substantiates their belief that they could ship Ricky
Williams, the only back-to-back 1,000-yard runner in team history,
to Miami -- and improve because of it.

"I was pleased with it," McAllister said of his play against
Miami. "I think I could have done a little better."

Others were more complimentary.

"He made plays," wide receiver Joe Horn said. "He made his reads. He
got some force coming downfield, (and) he also caught the ball
exceptionally well from the backfield. He's a hell of a running
back. He just needs to put his (statistics) on paper, so people can
see it."

On the Saints' first scoring drive in the first quarter, McAllister
handled the ball on four consecutive plays -- two runs, a reception
and another run -- and gained 5, 10, 17 and 3 yards. It's the kind
of work we should get used to.

"I don't think (linebackers and safeties) can cover me one-on-one,"
McAllister said. "That's my mentality until they show they can
consistently cover me, week in and week out."

"You can see what he can do when you get him out there one-on-one
with a linebacker," Coach Jim Haslett said. "He's everything we
thought he would be. He's something special. I think he's different
than what we had in the past -- a guy that can get to the edge, can
run up the middle. And he's got good hands. ..."


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


13. Oakland Notes


According to the editors at Pro Football Weekly, no one has ever
questioned the physical skills of third-year wideout Jerry Porter,
but now it appears that he is more focused and mentally ready to
emerge as the regular contributor the Raiders envisioned when they
drafted him.

The Raiders plan to stretch the field more this season and will
undoubtedly involve Porter, who has the speed to separate from
defenders and the hands to make the tough catches. What has
impressed Raiders coaches as much as anything is Porter's physical
approach in regard to creating the space necessary to get into his
routes quickly.


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


14. Pittsburgh Notes

According to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, Kordell Stewart is still
suffering from headaches, but looked sharp during Tuesday's (Aug.
20) practice. The former University of Colorado star was also
wearing a new Riddell Revolution helmet. Stewart sustained a
concussion against the Redskins Sunday (Aug. 18) night and the new
helmet is designed to help prevent having more of them.

"It being preseason, it's really not important when it comes to my
brain swelling up in my skull like that," Stewart said. "I'm taking
it slow. If I ever get to a point in practice where I feel I need to
stop, I will. As long as I have my consciousness, I'm going to try
to do as much as I can."

Stewart noted that he suffered a concussion back in high school. "I
was a young pup, so the brain was about as fresh as a four-leaf
clover," he told the Tribune-Review. ... Stewart hopes to play this
Saturday (Aug. 24) against the Lions.


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


15. San Diego Notes


According to Chargers.com staffer David Neville, head coach Marty
Schottenheimer expects his first-string offense -- led by newly-
appointed starting quarterback Drew Brees -- to play through the
first half of Thursday (Aug. 22) night's game at St. Louis.

But one offensive starter who won't be playing is running back
LaDainian Tomlinson, who is recovering from a sprained ankle
suffered early in camp.

"I won't play him. I didn't really want to play him because of the
artificial turf, to be very frank with you," said Schottenheimer.
Jokingly, he added: "I try to work off last year's plan. You know,
he plays one preseason game and then he's ready. If it's not broke,
don't fix it."


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


16. Seattle Notes


According to those who follow the team closely, Trent Dilfer is
recovering from the torn MCL he suffered on Aug. 10 quickly. The
former first-round draft pick is already off crutches and can put
weight on the knee. Dilfer is still likely to miss Seattle's first
regular season game, but he might return sooner than expected.

According to the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, quarterback Matt
Hasselbeck was "ineffective and error prone" against the San Diego
Chargers last Friday (Aug. 16). Hasselbeck was 3-of-6 for 35 yards
with an interception and a lost fumble. "He's got to play better
than that, and he will," coach Mike Holmgren said.


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


17. St. Louis Notes


In an article published on Monday (Aug. 19), Pro Football Weekly
advised those looking for an emerging weapon in the Rams' high-
powered offense to look no further than second-year tight end
Brandon Manumaleuna, who could be another legitimate red-zone target
in the same manner of the departed Jeff Robinson.

According to PFW, the burly Manumaleuna has displayed exceptionally
soft hands in the Rams' first two preseason games -- including on a
a 26-yard touchdown catch against Chicago last Friday (Aug. 16) --
and head coach Mike Martz is particularly fond of throwing to tight
ends in the red zone.

The 6-2, 288-pound Manumaleuna adds a more physical presence to the
Rams' offense that will enable the team to soften up safeties in the
middle of the field. He also could come in very handy in two-TE sets
as an extra blocker for Kurt Warner, which the Rams might go to more
often considering their current weakness at right tackle. ...


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


18. Tennessee Notes


Eddie George will not play in Friday's (Aug. 23) preseason game
against the Vikings. The former Ohio State star isn't injured, but
head coach Jeff Fisher wants to sort out his backup running back
situation.

According to the Nashville Tennessean, Drew Bennett (contusion) and
Justin McCareins (groin) are questionable for Friday's (Aug. 23)
game against the Vikings. ... McCareins has been impressive as the
team's third receiver this summer and team officials are hoping he
can come back to fill that role as effectively as hoped this fall;
Bennett appears to be destined for the No. 4 spot this year.


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


19. Washington Notes


By the way. ... PFW also reported that even though it's far from
official, Spurrier is seriously leaning toward going with Danny
Wuerffel as his Week 1 starter.

As reported by the Associated Press, the Pittsburgh Steelers first-
string defense shut out the Fun 'N Gun. That gave safety Lee Flowers
room to talk. The Steelers eventually lost Sunday (Aug. 18) night's
game 35-34 to the Redskins, but Pittsburgh dominated 17-0 when the
starters were playing in the first half.

"I don't think it's going to work in this league,'' said Flowers,
asked about the Fun 'N Gun offense that made coach Steve Spurrier so
successful at the University of Florida. "They would've never moved
past the 50 unless we allowed them. I don't see the big deal about
it. I've seen better offenses than that in my eight-year career.
This is not college."

Spurrier agreed.

"They could have booed our butts right out of the tunnel in the
first half," Spurrier said of the fans on hand to watch the
game. "You can find a lot of things to criticize, but that's OK. We
weren't very good overall, but somehow or another those guys made
enough plays to get one more point tonight -- for whatever it's
worth."


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


That'll do it for tonight Folks. Thanks Bob for the killer
updates. See you tomorrow.

Joe

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