Quick hits: Toby Gerhart is looking very average while Albert Young is looking very capable. Javon Ringer is going to be a player at some point andLeGarrette Blount will be the target of every defensive player on game day - he's a liability that TEN cannot afford to have. Most are underestimating Tim Hightower. Barnard Scott could be a starting RB today!
Matt Forte' is looking very, very motivated. And he's my comeback player of the year.
My favorite running back situation is in Green Bay, where there are more moving parts than a Swiss watch. Another limb - Brandon Jackson is going to be a featured back 2011. Jackson continues to get stronger and his body language is such that he's playing confidently. His blitz pick-ups are where they need to be and his hands have always been very good. Notice I didn't say that he's be starting as a Packer in 2011. It appears as though James Starks was drafted to be Grant's eventual replacement but the coaching staff remains disappointed in Starks' inability to get on the field. Should Starks end up on IR, that would then be two missed years of competition. RB4 Quinn Porter looks to be a practice squad player but could end up as the RB3 if Starks is unable to return.
In Oakland, cheap Darren McFadden jersey continues to disappoint. For those of you that love impressive collegiate RBs, McFadden may be the perfect example for the situation when you want to trade away that #1 pick for a known NFL producer. McFadden had me fooled as well. I'm in a constant state of amazement that DMc hasn't been able to put it together in the NFL as of yet. I liked him as much as I did Peterson and thought he was a a sure thing. Instead, Michael Bushseems to have taken the lead and will likely handle a majority of the work in Oakland. Good thing for both DMc and Bush in that owner Al Davis hasn't compared either of them to Bo Jackson - the season is still young.
Bonus points to Detroit's Kevin Smith jersey for working hard to get back prior to week 1. Smith is a kid that everyone can like, but can't eclipse the raw talent ofJahvid Best. I do believe that fans and media are too quick in anointing Best as a clear RB1, but he sure looks the part. His injury history is still a concern and Smith is still a better between the tackles runner. I also believe Smith is very underrated in the passing game, just not dynamic. This is likely a 60-40 RBBC with Best getting the majority of touches.
Sorry, but I'm not on the Forsett train in SEA. Nor am I on Julius Jones orLeon Washington. This is a clear RBBC and Forsett will certainly give you a game that forces him into your lineup the following week, but he'll break your heart. Flame on if I'm wrong. SEA needs to trade Washington and Jones and bring in Marshawn Lynch to pair with Forsett in 2011.
In Jacksonville, RB2 Rashad Jennings has apparently held off intriguing camp prospect Deji Karim. I've liked Jennings from day one and believe he can be a starter in this league if he can learn how to run with a lower pad level. It doesn't help that he's running behind MJD, but he does have potential should Jones-Drew go down.
Don't look now, but owners of one Jamaal Charles may be getting nervous. Coach Haley continues to heap praise onto Thomas Jones, likely in an attempt to motivate Charles. Haley is a tough coach to read but is usually true to his comments. Jones has too much power and value to not get a significant number of carries, but Charles is far too dynamic of a play-maker to not match or exceed the touches Jones gets. In the preaseason, Charles continues to chew up big chunks of yardage, while Jones has been underwhelming. That said, Jones is the tougher runner and has the body type that Haley prefers. It's best to have both of these backs on your roster if you have one.
The Cleveland Browns jersey are steaming to a well balanced RBBC. I remain doubtful that Montario Hardesty will get enough meaningful touches to warrant a starting spot on any fantasy roster in 2010 and Jerome Harrison is too risky week in and week out. RB3 James Davis would seem to have the talent to be a starter in the NFL, but doesn't appear to have the eyes of the coaching staff. If Hardesty can stay healthy, he's a kid to keep an eye on for 2011.
In Washington, the carousel of backs continues to spin. I simply don't see howPortis doesn't end up as the RB1, but with Shanahan at the wheel, I have about as good a chance to start as does Portis, Parker, Johnson or Torain. Take your pick. Either way, I don't believe it matters.
As expected, Ahmad Bradshaw's value continues to climb as it now appears that he'll be taking over the lead back role from Brandon Jacobs. Bradshaw is a tough runner with a nose for the end zone and should get at least 15-18 carries per game. Jacobs will still garner short yardage carries but is simply too big of a target at the goal line. Look for the Giants to go with Bradshaw at the stripe unless they are up against an undersized defensive line.
The Steelers are intrigued with bigger back Isaac Redman, who is making the most of his opportunities at the expense of the underwhelming Jonathan Dwyer. Dwyer hasn't been able to stay on the field, hasn't shown any urgency and may be running out of time. Dwyer won't find himself out of football any time soon, but he may be missing a great situation in PIT. Redman on the other hand has been running hard and turning heads. Don't get too excited, he''ll be 26 in early November and only short yardage carries are up for grabs.
In New England, Fred Taylor looks 29 again and is running with good power and young legs. Many have forgotten that Taylor used to be known as "Fraud Taylor," a back not without significant talent, but the inability to stay on the field due to injury. BenJarvus Green-Ellis has run hot and cold but has done enough to stick. Perennial sleeper Laurence Maroney curiously didn't see a touch during their week 2 game vs. Atlanta, leaving many to wonder whether they are simply protecting him until he can get hurt in week 1, or if perhaps he's in the doghouse. With Belichick, you never know.
It's been a while since we've had a true sleeper alert, but Kareem Huggins in TB qualifies as just that. Running onto the scene, literally, Huggins has caught the eye of everyone in Tampa and may have done enough to even land the RB2 role behind incumbent starter Cadillac Williams. At 5'9" and 198 lbs., Huggins isn't your prototypical every-down RB, but he has shown plenty of ball skills to be given another opportunity in the future. He should be rostered now! Previous RB2, Derrick Ward, may be flying the Jolly Roger no more.
In Buffalo, Marshawn Lynch jersey is now assured of being a Bill in 2010 (something that no doubt can't please him). It's not because of his stellar performance, but due to Fred Jackson's fractured hand. Lynch, himself, went down with an ankle injury, but should be returning by week one of the regular season. Jackson won't be out long but likely won't be ready once the regular season starts. C.J. Spiller gets a big boost in value as he will likely be the primary ball carrier on opening day. Unless you play in a PPR format, he's best left on your bench until we see what he can do running behind that far-from-stellar offensive line.
The biggest news of the week was in the shocking announcement from Glenn Coffee that he was retiring from football. While Coffee hadn't been lighting it up in camp, he had added weight and better focus. He'll be serving the church, has formally filed his retirement paperwork ,and will not be coming back. RB3Anthony Dixon gets an immediate upgrade. Additionally, the 9'ers have now signed Brian Westbrook to compete with Dixon. Don't be fooled by Michael Robinson or the coach speak here, Dixon is the clear #2 and has been impressive in his last two outings. I have been very impressed at his lateral mobility and vision for a back of his size. I think the odds are good that Gore doesn't finish the season healthy in 2010 and Dixon would be the primary benefactor.
2010年8月26日星期四
2010年8月16日星期一
Kerry Collins' preseason break apparently is over
Wyatt raised the obvious question, that with Collins having a salary of $5.5 million this season, could the Titans be trying to not get him injured?
Collins said that's not the case, and Fisher agreed.
"Absolutely not," Collins said. "I am going to play my share the next three [preseason] games, and I plan on being here. That never entered my mind and I've never gotten any indication from them that was any part of the decision.''
Fisher and offensive coordinator Mike Heimerdinger each said Collins will remain the backup.
"We just didn't have enough reps to go around,'' Fisher said. "Kerry is having a great camp, we know what he can do and he is going to play the next couple of weeks. I wanted to give the other guys more opportunities.''
Kerry Collins' preseason break apparently is over.
Collins, the Tennessee Titans' backup quarterback at the end of last season and a 16-year NFL veteran, was in the unusual situation in the preseason opener this past Saturday of watching from the sideline and not being dressed for the game.
The reasoning was that the Titans needed to get starter Vince Young and younger reserves Chris Simms and Rusty Smith extensive work.
"When they first approached me about it, I guess I was surprised," Collins told Jim Wyatt of the Tennessean. "I'd never been in that situation before. But after hearing their thinking, I think it made sense."
Titans coach Jeff Fisher had indicated in the week leading to the game Collins might not play, and Wyatt wrote after the game that Fisher emphasized the situation was more about having a chance to see Simms and Smith and not a reflection on Collins.
Another day, another practice session that doesn't remind anyone of the glory days of Sid Gillman. At this point, the Kerry Collins Kerry Collins Fantasy News of 2004-05 is starting to look good.
If you've been reading my Twitter page, it's clear the Raiders' passing game has left a lot to be desired more days than not.
Too may incompletions that stray too far from the target. Too many dropped passes. Too many routes cut short with receivers looking back with a surprised look on their face.
The Raiders are not lighting it up. The last few days, in fact, they seem to have regressed a bit. They're certainly not any better to my untrained eye than they were a week and a half ago.
Quarterback Jason Campbell Jason Campbell Fantasy News continues to throw some very nice passes as well as some others which he doesn't seem to have timed up with his wide receivers. It's a similar story for Kyle Boller Kyle Boller Fantasy News, although Boller can't throw on the run as well as Campbell.
Bruce Gradkowski Bruce Gradkowski Fantasy News is just getting back on the field with a groin strain and Colt Brennan Colt Brennan Fantasy News is currently hoping for a few scraps.
Zach Miller Zach Miller Fantasy News remains the most reliable receiver. No surprise there. Louis Murphy Louis Murphy Fantasy News makes the most impressive physical plays, but also misses a few chances at sensational chances _ missing them by a fraction _ and dropping some easy ones.
Collins said that's not the case, and Fisher agreed.
"Absolutely not," Collins said. "I am going to play my share the next three [preseason] games, and I plan on being here. That never entered my mind and I've never gotten any indication from them that was any part of the decision.''
Fisher and offensive coordinator Mike Heimerdinger each said Collins will remain the backup.
"We just didn't have enough reps to go around,'' Fisher said. "Kerry is having a great camp, we know what he can do and he is going to play the next couple of weeks. I wanted to give the other guys more opportunities.''
Kerry Collins' preseason break apparently is over.
Collins, the Tennessee Titans' backup quarterback at the end of last season and a 16-year NFL veteran, was in the unusual situation in the preseason opener this past Saturday of watching from the sideline and not being dressed for the game.
The reasoning was that the Titans needed to get starter Vince Young and younger reserves Chris Simms and Rusty Smith extensive work.
"When they first approached me about it, I guess I was surprised," Collins told Jim Wyatt of the Tennessean. "I'd never been in that situation before. But after hearing their thinking, I think it made sense."
Titans coach Jeff Fisher had indicated in the week leading to the game Collins might not play, and Wyatt wrote after the game that Fisher emphasized the situation was more about having a chance to see Simms and Smith and not a reflection on Collins.
Another day, another practice session that doesn't remind anyone of the glory days of Sid Gillman. At this point, the Kerry Collins Kerry Collins Fantasy News of 2004-05 is starting to look good.
If you've been reading my Twitter page, it's clear the Raiders' passing game has left a lot to be desired more days than not.
Too may incompletions that stray too far from the target. Too many dropped passes. Too many routes cut short with receivers looking back with a surprised look on their face.
The Raiders are not lighting it up. The last few days, in fact, they seem to have regressed a bit. They're certainly not any better to my untrained eye than they were a week and a half ago.
Quarterback Jason Campbell Jason Campbell Fantasy News continues to throw some very nice passes as well as some others which he doesn't seem to have timed up with his wide receivers. It's a similar story for Kyle Boller Kyle Boller Fantasy News, although Boller can't throw on the run as well as Campbell.
Bruce Gradkowski Bruce Gradkowski Fantasy News is just getting back on the field with a groin strain and Colt Brennan Colt Brennan Fantasy News is currently hoping for a few scraps.
Zach Miller Zach Miller Fantasy News remains the most reliable receiver. No surprise there. Louis Murphy Louis Murphy Fantasy News makes the most impressive physical plays, but also misses a few chances at sensational chances _ missing them by a fraction _ and dropping some easy ones.
2010年8月9日星期一
Wide receiver Devin Hester
Wide receiver Devin Hester has been sidelined since Thursday with a groin muscle pull. Coach Lovie Smith said that it is not serious and he is considered day-to-day.
Bears receiver Devin Hester is not practicing again tonight. He dressed on Friday night but only did a couple of warm up drills.
Hester told me earlier that he was not injured. Previously, Bears coach Lovie Smith said he was sore.
Mark Anderson is also not practicing tonight. Not sure why. But this gives Israel Idonije a chance to shine since they're fighting for the starting defensive end spot opposite Julius Peppers. It will also give young players like Henry Melton a chance to make some plays.
Other notable players not working tonight include Danieal Manning, Earl Bennett and Josh Bullocks.
Brett's old team is not in limbo at all. The Green Bay Packers are masters of their own destiny. Aaron Rodgers is developing into a premier NFL Quarterback. This is despite an offensive line with bigger holes than a Biloxi streetwalker. Rodgers has been sacked more thank any other QB in the league.
The Green Bay Packers need to address two issues. They need to get Aaron Rodgers some protection and some targets other than Donald Driver and Greg Jennings. Driver and Jennings are great receivers but The Pack needs more depth at the position.
I think this year is put up or shut up time for Mike McCarthy. The Green Bay Packers not only need to go deep into the division but deep into the playoffs for the Green Bay Packers to keep Big Mike another year despite his contract covering him into 2013.
If The Green Bay Packers have issues with depth with receivers The Chicago Bears are beyond repair. The Chicago Bears receiving corps is made up of Arena football star Rashied Davis, Devin Aromashodu who gets cut so much he should be covered in band-aids and rookie Freddie Barnes.
The Chicago Bears also have Devin Hester but let's be serious. Devin Hester is a return man and a special teams player not a dynamic receiver. Devin Hester is not known for his hands. To put it nicely Devin Hester couldn't catch AIDS in a gay bar.
With Brian Urlacher heading into his 10th season and Lance Briggs entering his 7th the window is closing for The Chicago Bears defense. This is with an offence that is very lackluster. If Freddie Barnes doesn't make an impact immediately on this team Jay Cutler will not get the chance to realize his potential once again. Speaking of unrealized potential we have the Detroit Lions.
The Detroit Lions have seen more busts than a bead vendor at Madras Gras. Former No. 1 overall pick Matthew Stafford was taken out last year by an injury. This put Dante "I can't admit my career is over" Culpepper in the driver's seat. Once again the Detroit Lions fans had to sit through a dismal season.
The automotive industry has moved out, Motown Record is gone and The Lions are not going to get any better. Isn't time as a country we just bulldozed Detroit and started over? We could probably buy Detroit on the cheap seeing the Real Estate market is softer than Jimmy Johnson's penis.
The bottom line is The Minnesota Vikings have this division wrapped up. The Minnesota Vikings killer offence is made up of Sidney Rice, Bernard Berrian, Percy Harvin and tight end Visanthe Shiancoe add monster running back Adrian Peterson to the mix…holy shit! Prince could be under center and you would still win the division.
Bears receiver Devin Hester is not practicing again tonight. He dressed on Friday night but only did a couple of warm up drills.
Hester told me earlier that he was not injured. Previously, Bears coach Lovie Smith said he was sore.
Mark Anderson is also not practicing tonight. Not sure why. But this gives Israel Idonije a chance to shine since they're fighting for the starting defensive end spot opposite Julius Peppers. It will also give young players like Henry Melton a chance to make some plays.
Other notable players not working tonight include Danieal Manning, Earl Bennett and Josh Bullocks.
Brett's old team is not in limbo at all. The Green Bay Packers are masters of their own destiny. Aaron Rodgers is developing into a premier NFL Quarterback. This is despite an offensive line with bigger holes than a Biloxi streetwalker. Rodgers has been sacked more thank any other QB in the league.
The Green Bay Packers need to address two issues. They need to get Aaron Rodgers some protection and some targets other than Donald Driver and Greg Jennings. Driver and Jennings are great receivers but The Pack needs more depth at the position.
I think this year is put up or shut up time for Mike McCarthy. The Green Bay Packers not only need to go deep into the division but deep into the playoffs for the Green Bay Packers to keep Big Mike another year despite his contract covering him into 2013.
If The Green Bay Packers have issues with depth with receivers The Chicago Bears are beyond repair. The Chicago Bears receiving corps is made up of Arena football star Rashied Davis, Devin Aromashodu who gets cut so much he should be covered in band-aids and rookie Freddie Barnes.
The Chicago Bears also have Devin Hester but let's be serious. Devin Hester is a return man and a special teams player not a dynamic receiver. Devin Hester is not known for his hands. To put it nicely Devin Hester couldn't catch AIDS in a gay bar.
With Brian Urlacher heading into his 10th season and Lance Briggs entering his 7th the window is closing for The Chicago Bears defense. This is with an offence that is very lackluster. If Freddie Barnes doesn't make an impact immediately on this team Jay Cutler will not get the chance to realize his potential once again. Speaking of unrealized potential we have the Detroit Lions.
The Detroit Lions have seen more busts than a bead vendor at Madras Gras. Former No. 1 overall pick Matthew Stafford was taken out last year by an injury. This put Dante "I can't admit my career is over" Culpepper in the driver's seat. Once again the Detroit Lions fans had to sit through a dismal season.
The automotive industry has moved out, Motown Record is gone and The Lions are not going to get any better. Isn't time as a country we just bulldozed Detroit and started over? We could probably buy Detroit on the cheap seeing the Real Estate market is softer than Jimmy Johnson's penis.
The bottom line is The Minnesota Vikings have this division wrapped up. The Minnesota Vikings killer offence is made up of Sidney Rice, Bernard Berrian, Percy Harvin and tight end Visanthe Shiancoe add monster running back Adrian Peterson to the mix…holy shit! Prince could be under center and you would still win the division.
2010年8月4日星期三
Percy Harvin and DeSean Jackson got cart rides
Percy Harvin and DeSean Jackson got cart rides, but they are fine. Jeremy Maclin's initial reaction to his injury made it look worse than it turned out. And on Wednesday, the New York Giants received word that their up-and-coming wideout Hakeem Nicks should be OK as well. Nicks hyperextended his right knee Tuesday night, but an MRI today revealed no serious damage. Nicks had toe surgery a little more than two months ago and will need to care for his knee as well now, but the Giants stated that he could be back to practicing as soon as Thursday.
Nicks is piling up the injuries in his young career, but they aren't any cause Kevin Williams for concern right now. He is the 19th wide receiver off the board at mockdraftcentral.com, which may be a tad high, but there is no discounting Nicks' talent. He is Giants' best playmaker on the outside and best deep threat. He may not be a PPR beast and he doesn't have the softest hands in the world. But Nicks will have some monster weeks and has a ton of upside -- as long as he can stay healthy. Considering that Nicks compiled 790 yards and six touchdowns in just 14 games during his rookie season, a 1,000-yard, 8-TD year is realistic.
The news about Brett Favre really made things interesting around here yesterday, no? Although Favre playing (or not playing, who really knows) will have a major impact on the Vikings for 2010, there were some other developments at training camp yesterday. Right now, the reason the offense is getting outperformed by the defense is because besides Favre, Sidney Rice and Adrian Peterson are out with injuries, and Percy Harvin is still attending to matters over a death in the family. Let's get right to it, to include the Favre reaction.
Star-divide
SBN Minnesota has an almost minute by minute recap of the fluid Favre situation, to include a good recap at the end of the day.
Tom Pelissero gives a great synopsis of the on the field stuff from Tusday. Highlights: AP is still limited by injuries but insists he'll be fine, and Sage Rosenfels has his best day at camp.
Judd Zulgad of the Strib says the Vikes are offering up to $7 million more for Favre to play in 2010. There is no truth to the rumor that Zulgad gets a percentage of any Favre raise, since he broke the story and all. I kid, I kid.
Jim Souhan doesn't like this whole Favre mess. No siree, Bob. And he says Kevin Williams so in his usual, flowery prose. I wonder where he got the term 'Favregeddon'...
Amid all the Favre hoopla, Tarvaris Jackson--potential starting QB for the Vikings--keeps it all in perspective. That which doesn't kill us only makes us stronger, TJ.
Now, some National Reaction.
Nicks is piling up the injuries in his young career, but they aren't any cause Kevin Williams for concern right now. He is the 19th wide receiver off the board at mockdraftcentral.com, which may be a tad high, but there is no discounting Nicks' talent. He is Giants' best playmaker on the outside and best deep threat. He may not be a PPR beast and he doesn't have the softest hands in the world. But Nicks will have some monster weeks and has a ton of upside -- as long as he can stay healthy. Considering that Nicks compiled 790 yards and six touchdowns in just 14 games during his rookie season, a 1,000-yard, 8-TD year is realistic.
The news about Brett Favre really made things interesting around here yesterday, no? Although Favre playing (or not playing, who really knows) will have a major impact on the Vikings for 2010, there were some other developments at training camp yesterday. Right now, the reason the offense is getting outperformed by the defense is because besides Favre, Sidney Rice and Adrian Peterson are out with injuries, and Percy Harvin is still attending to matters over a death in the family. Let's get right to it, to include the Favre reaction.
Star-divide
SBN Minnesota has an almost minute by minute recap of the fluid Favre situation, to include a good recap at the end of the day.
Tom Pelissero gives a great synopsis of the on the field stuff from Tusday. Highlights: AP is still limited by injuries but insists he'll be fine, and Sage Rosenfels has his best day at camp.
Judd Zulgad of the Strib says the Vikes are offering up to $7 million more for Favre to play in 2010. There is no truth to the rumor that Zulgad gets a percentage of any Favre raise, since he broke the story and all. I kid, I kid.
Jim Souhan doesn't like this whole Favre mess. No siree, Bob. And he says Kevin Williams so in his usual, flowery prose. I wonder where he got the term 'Favregeddon'...
Amid all the Favre hoopla, Tarvaris Jackson--potential starting QB for the Vikings--keeps it all in perspective. That which doesn't kill us only makes us stronger, TJ.
Now, some National Reaction.
2010年8月3日星期二
Best players were Chris Williams
That meant Chris Williams came out on to the left wing and played a big hitting game along with many dives.
Must have been sick of saving goals and scored one for his trouble. Rick Nobes and Anna White in the midfield set us up for opportunities.
Danielle Williams and Josie Gilham played well but came unstuck Chris Williams with the slushy field conditions and suffered a few miss traps. Dana Hannan and Lanty Ryan picked up players and kept our team on a roll.
Jesse Elger hit hard balls that a goalie would find hard to stop but had a few
problems with accuracy.
Sarah White and Nick Banks called for the ball and had plenty to do when in receipt of it. Sarah got a well earned goal.
Chevorne Sparks pumped those little legs and got us up the field into our attacking
circle. Another solid performance by the team, rev yourselves up for next week, a big game is expected from all.
Best players were Chris Williams, Nick Banks and Anna White
Bryant's Packaging: Best players were Tara Sanford, Matthew Gourlay and James Garling
Cowra Glass 4 v Marion Rose Solicitors 1
Cowra Glass: Best players were Joel Watt, Julian Garling and Primrose Bradley
Marion Rose Solicitors: Best players were Erica Blanch, Nikita Morandin and Hayden White
Chris Williams, from near Church Stretton, said the fire had skirted their hotel and water from the pool had been used to damp down nearby land.
His family was moved to the other side of the island but have now been told it is safe to return to their hotel.
Reports said more than 150 firefighters and volunteers helped contain the fire.
It is thought it started in a ravine on Monday afternoon.
Must have been sick of saving goals and scored one for his trouble. Rick Nobes and Anna White in the midfield set us up for opportunities.
Danielle Williams and Josie Gilham played well but came unstuck Chris Williams with the slushy field conditions and suffered a few miss traps. Dana Hannan and Lanty Ryan picked up players and kept our team on a roll.
Jesse Elger hit hard balls that a goalie would find hard to stop but had a few
problems with accuracy.
Sarah White and Nick Banks called for the ball and had plenty to do when in receipt of it. Sarah got a well earned goal.
Chevorne Sparks pumped those little legs and got us up the field into our attacking
circle. Another solid performance by the team, rev yourselves up for next week, a big game is expected from all.
Best players were Chris Williams, Nick Banks and Anna White
Bryant's Packaging: Best players were Tara Sanford, Matthew Gourlay and James Garling
Cowra Glass 4 v Marion Rose Solicitors 1
Cowra Glass: Best players were Joel Watt, Julian Garling and Primrose Bradley
Marion Rose Solicitors: Best players were Erica Blanch, Nikita Morandin and Hayden White
Chris Williams, from near Church Stretton, said the fire had skirted their hotel and water from the pool had been used to damp down nearby land.
His family was moved to the other side of the island but have now been told it is safe to return to their hotel.
Reports said more than 150 firefighters and volunteers helped contain the fire.
It is thought it started in a ravine on Monday afternoon.
2010年8月2日星期一
Dallas Cowboys' first-round pick
The conversation started with Michael asking me, 'What did I want to do in this league?' '' Smith recalled.
Smith, Florida's star running back from 1987-89, always liked a good challenge.
Told he was too small and too slow all the way back in high school at Jason Witten Pensacola Escambia, all he did was set national records. Then he went to the University of Florida - as a backup. His first start came on the road against a ranked Alabama team and all he did was set the school's single-game rushing record.
His lack of size and speed was supposed to catch up to him in the NFL, or at least keep him from dominating. That's why 16 players were chosen before him in the 1990 draft. When the Dallas Cowboys took him, they weren't sure he was the perfect complement to Troy Aikman and Irvin; they just hoped so because the defensive guy they really wanted already was taken. The 5-foot-9 1/2 Smith was the perfect fit. His desire, drive and durability turned him into the DeMarcus Ware most productive running back in NFL history.
On Saturday night, Smith, 41, will do the only things left in his career: slip on the gold blazer and unveil the bust signifying his spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
His speech is already written and it's big on thank-yous to the people who've meant the most in his life and career. As much as others helped shape him, Smith takes pride in having made the most of his abilities and his circumstances.
Dez Bryant is still catching a few balls despite that bulky protective boot on his right foot.
Bryant caught a few light tosses from receivers coach Ray Sherman Marion Barber while standing on the sideline as practice got started Monday. Once drills got under way, the Dallas Cowboys' first-round pick was an observer watching with Sherman or another coach while the offense went through its plays.
Coach Wade Phillips says it's still too early to determine how quickly Bryant Felix Jones could be back after sustaining a high right ankle sprain Friday. The initial prognosis was four to six weeks, which means the rookie receiver could miss the entire five-game preseason schedule.
Smith, Florida's star running back from 1987-89, always liked a good challenge.
Told he was too small and too slow all the way back in high school at Jason Witten Pensacola Escambia, all he did was set national records. Then he went to the University of Florida - as a backup. His first start came on the road against a ranked Alabama team and all he did was set the school's single-game rushing record.
His lack of size and speed was supposed to catch up to him in the NFL, or at least keep him from dominating. That's why 16 players were chosen before him in the 1990 draft. When the Dallas Cowboys took him, they weren't sure he was the perfect complement to Troy Aikman and Irvin; they just hoped so because the defensive guy they really wanted already was taken. The 5-foot-9 1/2 Smith was the perfect fit. His desire, drive and durability turned him into the DeMarcus Ware most productive running back in NFL history.
On Saturday night, Smith, 41, will do the only things left in his career: slip on the gold blazer and unveil the bust signifying his spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
His speech is already written and it's big on thank-yous to the people who've meant the most in his life and career. As much as others helped shape him, Smith takes pride in having made the most of his abilities and his circumstances.
Dez Bryant is still catching a few balls despite that bulky protective boot on his right foot.
Bryant caught a few light tosses from receivers coach Ray Sherman Marion Barber while standing on the sideline as practice got started Monday. Once drills got under way, the Dallas Cowboys' first-round pick was an observer watching with Sherman or another coach while the offense went through its plays.
Coach Wade Phillips says it's still too early to determine how quickly Bryant Felix Jones could be back after sustaining a high right ankle sprain Friday. The initial prognosis was four to six weeks, which means the rookie receiver could miss the entire five-game preseason schedule.
2010年8月1日星期日
Tight end Jason Witten doesn't know what can be done
Tight end Jason Witten doesn't know what can be done.
"It's hard,'' Witten said. "You know, obviously you want to stay away from those type of injuries, but you're playing football. It's competitive. It's the way you get better.
"It's unfortunate (Bryant's injury), but I don't think it's anybody's fault. It's just one of those things when you're playing.''
Aren't players supposed to be pushed and challenged in training camp?
"You have to,'' Witten said. "This is the grind of camp. For us to be where we want to be down the road we have to play well right now. This is something where you build the team. You have to push it.
Not a good morning workout for the offense. Tony Romo completed 6 of 14 passes. He was also victimized by three drops - Roy Williams, Sam Hurd, Jason Witten . He was intercepted twice - Orlando Scandrick and Cletis Gordon. Gordon's interception came after Romo would have been sacked by Jason Williams, so grade that how you wish.
Let's look at the drops: Romo's back shoulder throw to Williams was in a perfect spot with the cornerback looking for the higher throw to the taller wide receiver. He simply took his eyes off the pass. Hurd dropped what was a perfect throw on a slant with the ball caroming off the receiver's arms. Witten let Romo's throw to the corner for what would have been a touchdown get too low because he didn't want to give Jason Williams the idea the pass was going. Either way, all three should have been caught.
Williams, last year's third round pick, had a productive morning. He struggles at times in coverage and draws the ire of the coaches, but he had a couple of pass deflections, a sack and a fumble recovery. He was active. His speed can help him make up for a couple of missteps.
Stephen McGee had a solid morning in the red-zone work. He was 3-for-3 with a touchdown throw to Jesse Holley on a perfect fade route over new corner Teddy Williams. Williams was also victimized for a touchdown pass from Matt Nichols to Manny Johnson on a jump ball. You have to give Williams a break. He's in his third day of camp after not playing football since high school.
Martellus Bennett was able to practice for the second straight day. His best catch came on a quick turn from Jon Kitna in which he bowled over Bradie James.
Speaking of bowling, Marc Colombo had the key block on Felix Jones' touchdown catch on a screen to the right when he chucked corner Jamar Wall so far that the crowd gasped.
Marion Barber has yet to throw a pass in his career, but he is 1-for-1 in training camp for a touchdown. On an option pass to the right Barber floated a nice throw into the corner to Patrick Cryaton for 6.
While Williams had a drop, he also had a nice TD catch from Kitna. The quarterback sold the play-fake with a toss to the left and came back to the slant to Williams, who was wide open. It looked like the same play in which Williams scored on last year against Oakland, I think.
Let's just say their work in that area Saturday morning did nothing to ease any concerns.
"We still have a lot of work to do,'' tight end Jason Witten said. "Our defense did a good job down there. That's still an area we're all focusing on.
"It's hard,'' Witten said. "You know, obviously you want to stay away from those type of injuries, but you're playing football. It's competitive. It's the way you get better.
"It's unfortunate (Bryant's injury), but I don't think it's anybody's fault. It's just one of those things when you're playing.''
Aren't players supposed to be pushed and challenged in training camp?
"You have to,'' Witten said. "This is the grind of camp. For us to be where we want to be down the road we have to play well right now. This is something where you build the team. You have to push it.
Not a good morning workout for the offense. Tony Romo completed 6 of 14 passes. He was also victimized by three drops - Roy Williams, Sam Hurd, Jason Witten . He was intercepted twice - Orlando Scandrick and Cletis Gordon. Gordon's interception came after Romo would have been sacked by Jason Williams, so grade that how you wish.
Let's look at the drops: Romo's back shoulder throw to Williams was in a perfect spot with the cornerback looking for the higher throw to the taller wide receiver. He simply took his eyes off the pass. Hurd dropped what was a perfect throw on a slant with the ball caroming off the receiver's arms. Witten let Romo's throw to the corner for what would have been a touchdown get too low because he didn't want to give Jason Williams the idea the pass was going. Either way, all three should have been caught.
Williams, last year's third round pick, had a productive morning. He struggles at times in coverage and draws the ire of the coaches, but he had a couple of pass deflections, a sack and a fumble recovery. He was active. His speed can help him make up for a couple of missteps.
Stephen McGee had a solid morning in the red-zone work. He was 3-for-3 with a touchdown throw to Jesse Holley on a perfect fade route over new corner Teddy Williams. Williams was also victimized for a touchdown pass from Matt Nichols to Manny Johnson on a jump ball. You have to give Williams a break. He's in his third day of camp after not playing football since high school.
Martellus Bennett was able to practice for the second straight day. His best catch came on a quick turn from Jon Kitna in which he bowled over Bradie James.
Speaking of bowling, Marc Colombo had the key block on Felix Jones' touchdown catch on a screen to the right when he chucked corner Jamar Wall so far that the crowd gasped.
Marion Barber has yet to throw a pass in his career, but he is 1-for-1 in training camp for a touchdown. On an option pass to the right Barber floated a nice throw into the corner to Patrick Cryaton for 6.
While Williams had a drop, he also had a nice TD catch from Kitna. The quarterback sold the play-fake with a toss to the left and came back to the slant to Williams, who was wide open. It looked like the same play in which Williams scored on last year against Oakland, I think.
Let's just say their work in that area Saturday morning did nothing to ease any concerns.
"We still have a lot of work to do,'' tight end Jason Witten said. "Our defense did a good job down there. That's still an area we're all focusing on.
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