NFL Newslinks – 08/31/09

Posted on 31. Aug, 2009 by Jesse in NFL Newslinks

We are less than two weeks away from the official start of the 2009 regular season. Lots of things are happening in the NFL on a daily basis, and we’ve got you covered. Our Newslinks keep you up to date on the most important events shaping America’s pastime today.

• Though most observers around the team believe Brady Quinn will win the Browns starting job, coach Eric Mangini is still undecided about his starting QB.
• The Bills finally saw WR Terrell Owens back on the field. Owens returned to practice on Monday after missing significant time with a sore toe.
• Tom Brady fell awkwardly in the preseason game against the Redskins, but Brady should play in week one despite shoulder soreness. Brady threw two TD’s to Randy Moss before the injury.
• Matt Cassel survived what could have been a devastating leg injury. The Chiefs say his status for week one is in jeopardy, as he’s expected to miss 2-4 weeks.
• Knowshon Moreno is making progress. He injured his knee in the Broncos first preseason game, and hasn’t returned yet.

My son loves caterpillars

Posted on 29. Aug, 2009 by Jesse in Blog

My son loves caterpillars. He’s got two of them up in his room right now. After finding them the other day in a friends garden, he made a makeshift home for them out of an empty plastic container. It’s the kind of thing that makes an inquisitive nine year-old stop and think. One was much larger than the other to begin with, and both were different in many ways. He put some milkweed leaves inside the container so they could continue to eat, and poked some air holes in the makeshift saran wrap lid. After all, caterpillars, like humans, need to eat and breathe to survive.

My son loves caterpillars. He’s fascinated by how they move so slowly. One can sit all day on the same leaf, barely seeming to do anything at all, besides the occasional wiggle or slight shift. I noticed on about day three of this experiment that these caterpillars produce a ton of waste. Yep, they poop a lot, and the evidence is very apparent all over the bottom of the container. Though some may think the whole thing is disgusting, I must admit the colorful caterpillars do have a strange, unique beauty about them.

My son loves caterpillars. Of course he was very excited when the first one, which he had named “Spike,” built its cocoon. He’s since informed me that it’s technically not called a cocoon, but should instead be referred to as entering the “chrysalis stage.” Sounds impressive. I’ve read that the caterpillars often grow rapidly prior to entering the chrysalis, and they instinctively head to the top of their container as they prepare for their eventual emergence. Now I’m no scientist, but I’m guessing that they are planning to fly after their transformation becomes complete. It is somewhat strange though, as my son’s other caterpillar is still just sitting there on his leaf doing nothing. I guess caterpillars develop in their own time.

My son loves caterpillars, but through this experiment I must admit I’ve been somewhat captured by the little creatures as well. See, they have reminded me of some things about myself, and about others who I care deeply for, which I had lost sight of. Really, when you think about it, we’re all kinda like caterpillars. We’re uniquely different, we move at our own speed, and in the meantime we leave a pile of crap in our wake. Seriously. The sole purpose of the caterpillar is the beauty that will one day spring forth from the cocoon.  But by that time, the caterpillar is long gone. Replaced. A transformed butterfly will emerge.

Now you may not see the connection between we humans and these caterpillars, but I do. For years I’ve angrily wished that people around me would change, and some of those same people have wished I would change too. But just like my son and his caterpillars, yelling at the plastic bucket doesn’t make the process move along any faster. It’s taken me a while to realize that. I’m a guy who has beliefs in a higher power, but you may choose to disagree. That’s your choice and I’m not here to convince you. Instead, I’m urging you to look at people differently… look at them like caterpillars. See, each of us is at his own point, in his own journey. Each of us wants to fly, but the circumstances and the timing of things may not be aligned quite yet. In fact, I believe that some parts of us may never fully change into all they could become. I’m finally coming to grips with that, and I guess it’s ok. The process of improving is likely more important that becoming improved anyway. So I’m going to try, from this day forward, to look at people like caterpillars. I think that’s what God would do, and he’d likely have the same thing to say that I do.

My Son loves caterpillars.

Bengals bounceback

Posted on 26. Aug, 2009 by Jesse in Articles

When Marvin Lewis came to Cincinnati way back in 2003, he was hired to change the mentality of a perennial loser. To a certain extent, Lewis achieved great success early in his run. After two 8-8 seasons, the club went 11-5 in 2005, won a division championship, and snapped a 15-year playoff drought. Of course, Carson Palmer’s knee got blown out in their playoff loss to the Steelers, and it’s been downhill since. In 2006-2008, Cincy floundered going 19-28-1. The Bengals have a notoriously cheap ownership though, so despite last season’s four-win campaign, Lewis has returned again as head coach. That may end up being a very wise decision.

This offseason the Bengals have gotten nothing but positive news. First, they resigned Cedric Benson to a cap-friendly deal which should keep the oft-trouble RB engaged and motivated. Then, Carson Palmer’s elbow healed up nicely without the dreaded Tommy John surgery many thought he would need. Chad Ochocinco has also looked revitalized, catching everything in camp and making trademark big plays in both of the team’s first two preseason games. Chris Henry has stayed out of trouble, and has looked explosive as well. The one down moment came when long-time Bengal TJ Houshmandzadeh departed for Seattle via free agency, but veteran wideout Laveranues Coles was signed and could actually end up being viewed as an upgrade.

Offensively, the club hasn’t looked this good since the magical 2005 run, and expectations are rising. It took the Bengals five games from their regular-season opener last year to get their seventh catch of at least 20 yards. They’ve already got seven in the first two games of the preseason, a sign that the tide may be turning.

The subject of HBO’s “Hard Knocks” this preseason, the mood around the team has seemed distinctly different. If you have HBO, you should really check the show out on Wednesday evenings. I’m guessing that if you do so, you’ll begin to see things as I am.

‘Who Dey’ could again be a relevant chant by the end of the season. Not a moment too soon for Marvin.

James Davis is arriving

Posted on 26. Aug, 2009 by Jesse in Articles

Last year fantasy freaks everywhere overpaid for Jamal Lewis after the former 2000-yard rusher had salvaged a sliding career with a stellar 2007 campaign in Cleveland. Lewis had been playing for a new contract, and as a result, put up solid numbers. However, the astute fantasy mind knew that type of effort wouldn’t continue. And it didn’t. Lewis’ second season in Cleveland was uber-forgettable as he averaged a career low 3.6 yards per carry, and scored a measly four TD’s. Last season it appeared evident that Lewis had lost a step, especially when you consider that his longest run of the season was less than 30 yards. This offseason Lewis has been plagued by more of his trademark ankle problems, and at 30 years old, it appears the bruising back may be running out of steam.

Enter impressive rookie RB James Davis.

Davis was selected in the sixth-round out of Clemson to compete for playing time, and he’s making the most of his opportunity so far in preseason. Davis ripped off an impressive 81-yard TD in the preseason game this past weekend, and has been earning an increasing amount of reps with the first team offense in practice. It’s easy to forget that one year ago, Davis was thought of by many as a future-first round talent. After a disappointing final season in college, Davis’ draft stock slipped significantly. But his talent is still there.

Some fantasy minds had thought that fourth-year RB Jerome Harrison would factor into this backfield equation heavily this season, but Harrison has been injured throughout preseason, and has spent a lot of time riding the stationary bike during practices. That’s not the way to impress new HC Eric Mangini.

Every year a late-round RB makes a surprising impact. Last season it was Steve Slaton of the Texans who showed up in a major way for fantasy owners. This year, I believe that guy could be Cleveland’s James Davis. Snag him late and cross your fingers. With the studly offensive line the Browns boast, a solid season is just one Jamal Lewis injury away. So really, it’s just a matter of time.

Podcast #2 is ready…

Posted on 21. Aug, 2009 by Jesse in Podcasts

I would be an absolute idiot not to devote an entire podcast to the biggest news of the entire offseason: Brett Favre signing in Minnesota. Straight from Thundercloud Studios, here is the latest production. Enjoy, and remember… tell your friends about GoHuddleUp.com! podcast2_mixdown

Don’t stop believin’

Posted on 18. Aug, 2009 by Jesse in Articles, Video

While many of my closest friends and fellow Vikings fans began mourning late last month when news broke that Brett Favre wouldn’t be coming to Minnesota, I let a wry smile purse my lips. On this very site I wrote a peice telling you all not to lose faith.  I kept believing that #4 would end up here all along. Today, when a plane arrived in St. Paul from Hattiesburg, Mississippi, a tear nearly dropped my eye. I admit, being right when so many others were wrong was satisfying, but not nearly as sweet as the 2009 season will be.

I follow sports because I love them, yes, but not just for the on-field action. As I’ve explained on these pages before, the stories that are woven together (especially in today’s NFL) are the stuff of dreams and legend. I knew Favre was a bigger story. After all, by simply watching the video below you’ll easily remember that retirement means nothing to this guy.

embedded by Embedded Video

The Vikings may not win it all this season with Brett at the helm. After all, the guy is nearly 40 and has a partially torn rotator cuff. Still, it’s going to be a helluva fun ride. I’m glad I get to cover it for you here, on my favorite site GoHuddleUp.com all season long.

Close call for Knowshon

Posted on 17. Aug, 2009 by Jesse in Articles

This past weekend I was fortunate enough to be out in Denver, Colorado enjoying the beautiful mountains. While I’m not an avid Broncos fan, I was paying very close attention to the club’s preseason tilt with the 49ers. See, I play in a highly competitive dynasty fantasy football league, and I used the first-overall selection a few weeks ago on Denver’s rookie RB Knowshon Moreno.

I was eager to see Knowshon on the field, as I believe the guy has tremendous talent and upside. Getting a glimpse of my future cornerstone had me giddy, and I’d heard a rumor that coach Josh McDaniels was even considering starting the Georgia product despite the fact that he’d had just four days of practice after a brief holdout. I’d even been sizing up a #27 jersey to bring back home to MN with me; a sweet souvenir from my weekend in the Rockies.

I was a tad disappointed when I had to watch Correll Buckhalter and LaMont Jordan for the first two series’ of the game, but eventually Knowshon got his chance. My heart was racing as I watched him explode up the middle for a nine yard gain on his first carry. Yeah, that’s why I opted for him over Beanie Wells I thought, psyched to see my stud in action. Moreno’s next run went for five yards, and he pushed the pile with impressive might. However, he took a helmet to the knee in the process and came up gimpy. I told myself that it would be ok, that he’d just walk it off.

Knowshon stayed in the game and actually ran the ball one more time for four more yards. But he came up limping again, and headed to the sidelines. My stomach was in knots, and I honestly felt a tightening in my chest. Sometimes I absolutely hate fantasy football. I edged myself to the front of the couch and eagerly waited to see him on the sideline. After a few other plays, I caught a glimpse of a #27 jersey, walking behind coach McDaniels, but obviously with a hiccup in his gate. Surely the club would just bench their top rookie now, just to be sure.

But no, McDaniels put Moreno back into the game.

After one play, he was in obvious pain, and headed directly to the locker room. The club didn’t even get the guy a cart. Honestly, I was shocked at the blatant disregard for care of Knowshon’s future and I was now in the meat grinder waiting for any potentially dreadful news. Of course an MRI would be needed the next day to check on his outlook, and that meant a rough night of sleep was in store for yours truly. Josh McDaniels needs to pull his head out, quick.

About three o’clock the next day I was waiting for my plane at Denver International Airport when I saw some great news come across the crawl on a nearby television. Knowshon had been diagnosed with a minor knee sprain, and will only miss a week or two. There was no joy in it for me; no happiness. Only relief that my top selection wouldn’t become the next Ki-Jana Carter just a week into his pro career.

I’ll wait patiently for Knowshon heal up now. I’m thinking he’ll probably be back in for the final preseason game, and will likely take some time to work up to a full workload. I’m starting to temper my expectations on the rook just a bit though, as Denver’s schedule is brutal this season and Buckhalter/Jordan/Peyton Hillis are all going to get touches too. I still believe Moreno has the potential to be a future stud, so I’m thrilled he doesn’t face a year-long rehab from a torn ACL. Still, this situation just reminded me how quickly things can change in today’s NFL.

And how quickly my stomach can turn because of it. Fantasy owners, play at your own risk.

True remorse?

Posted on 17. Aug, 2009 by Jesse in Articles

When the Philadelphia Eagles opted to sign embattled QB Michael Vick late last week, shockwaves rippled through the NFL community. Vick, once the league’s highest paid player, had just taken another monumental step towards getting his football career back on track. At the Eagles press conference, Vick sat flanked by coach Andy Reid and his own mentor, the highly respected former coach of the Colts, Tony Dungy. Vick spoke in tones displaying remorse, and talked of amending his mistakes. He seemed contrite, and has obviously been listening to Dungy for quite a while now, as Dungy repeatedly visited him in Leavenworth during Vick’s stay there.

The fascination with this story continues.

Vick practiced with the Eagles over the weekend, and is being groomed for a role. Reid claims that role is at the quarterback position. As the on-field return marches forward, team-Vick continued his PR makeover with a “60 Minutes” interview on Sunday night. Vick sat across from James Brown in the interview, seemed contrite, and admitted that during his career with the Falcons he had been lazy and taken the opportunity for granted. Vick had carefully crafted responses to direct questions, and was obviously well coached on his replies. Vick continues to insist that he will now champion a cause to bring awareness about the ills of dogfighting, and seemed sincere in his approach.

He also spoke of Dungy, and of how the former Colts coach had directed him back into a relationship with God. He admitted that he felt very sorry for the way he had disappointed Falcons owner Arthur Blank, and lied to both Blank and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. Vick openly admitted all fault.

Skeptics will continue to hate on Vick for his misdeeds, but I’m inclined to believe he’s turned a new leaf. After all, his fall from grace was swift and hard, and he’s since paid his debt to society. I’m honestly looking forward to seeing Mike back on the field, and even more interested in seeing how Philly uses him. Only time will tell if this is true remorse on his part, but either way, Vick is now getting his second chance.

And everybody deserves a second chance.

NFL Newslinks – 08/12/09

Posted on 12. Aug, 2009 by Jesse in NFL Newslinks

• It’s August now, and that means we’re off to the races. Training camps have already begun, and GoHuddleUp has you covered. Our Newslinks will keep you abreast of the latest developments, so come back often.
• Steve Smith gave the Panthers brass a real scare with a shoulder injury, but coach John Fox still believes Smith will be ready for week one.
• Trent Edwards is looking pretty comfortable in Buffalo’s no-huddle offense. In fact, the team has primarily practiced with the no huddle during the entire preseason, and Edwards is improving.
• The Michael Crabtree holdout situation continues to be an utter standoff. Crabtree may not report at all during the preseason, and could wait to sign until right before the season opener.
• Even though he just reported to camp after signing his new deal, Falcons WR Roddy White should play in the preseason opener this weekend.
• Terrell Owens caught two balls during his preseason Buffalo debut on Sunday night, but he’s now injured. Owens is limping around camp with an injured toe.
• While he’s still behind Ray Rice on the RB depth chart, Willis McGahee may finally be endearing himself to coaches once again.

Willis appears to be working hard once again.

• In an effort to satisfy Leon Washington’s contract demands, the Jets have upped their offer.
• Derrick Mason should be fine after a dislocated finger.

Mojo Risin’

Posted on 11. Aug, 2009 by Jesse in Articles

This season, the debate over fantasy football’s top player starts and ends with one name: Adrian Peterson of the Minnesota Vikings. Peterson was taken first-overall in countless leagues last season, but LaDainian Tomlinson’s fall-off has now caused AP to become cemented as the top pick in 2009. The real question now seems to be at the #2 spot, where a plethora of quality players could be deemed a viable selection. Matt Forte, DeAngelo Williams, Michael Turner and Maurice Jones-Drew all have great potential, but I see one of these cats risin’ to the top of late, and here’s why.

Matt Forte is a great selection at the #2, and he should certainly be very productive again this season. But word out of Chicago has coach Lovie Smith determined to limit the Tulane product’s total touches in 2009 in an effort to prolong his career. Forte was on the field for an amazing 88 percent of the Bears’ plays last season, and that appears destined to change. While Kevin Jones is no threat to steal serious touches in the run game, Jones is a great receiver. I look for Jones to relieve Forte of quite a bit of his pass catching duties, and thus I feel Forte’s numbers will slip a bit. Add in new QB Jay Cutler, and you can see Chicago won’t need to ride Forte quite so hard again this season. With Forte resting more, his numbers will fall off a bit from last year’s amazing rookie campaign.

DeAngelo Williams was the top scoring player in almost all formats last season. His second half was the thing of fantasy legend. Twice the guy put up four TD’s, including in the all-important week 16 matchup. DeAnge is explosive, has a great O-line in front of him, and scored  an amazing 20 times. So why wouldn’t I take him second-overall this season? Well, I just don’t see it happening again. Jonathan Stewart is still going to be getting lots of reps, and last season the stars just aligned for Williams. Prior to 2009’s gaudy 1515 rushing yards, his highest total had been 717. That means last year Williams exploded; and what goes up, must come down. Remember, Williams was a fantasy afterthought 8 weeks into last season.

Back in January, I felt Michael Turner was the obvious choice to go #2. However, I’ve softened on that stance as well. Sure Turner is a beast with a great nose for the goal line, but he gives you absolutely nothing in the passing game at all. Dude had a measly 6 catches all year in 2009, and that’s pathetic. Also, I figure that the Falcons will take to the air a lot more this season with young QB Matt Ryan at the helm, and $50-million invested in Roddy White. This means less opportunity for Turner from the start. Turner also ran the ball more times last season than any other rusher, and the team has vowed to get Jerious Norwood more touches to keep Turner from breaking down. I still see Turner as a great fantasy play, but there is another guy I’d take in front of him now.

Yes, in the immortal words of Jim Morrison: “I see a Mojo risin.’”

Maurice Jones-Drew should be taken second-overall this year in fantasy drafts. He’s becoming the best option, hands down. Unlike the aforementioned Williams, he has nobody of consequence to share the rock with. Fred Taylor is gone, something called Rashad Jennings has taken his place. Also, unlike Turner and Forte,  Mojo appears poised to remain the focal point of his offense. I know it’s a risk to spend the second-overall selection on a guy that has never rushed for a single 1000 yard campaign, but when you look closely, it makes a lot of sense.

Coach Jack Del Rio needs to win to save his job. Jones Drew is undoubtedly the team’s best player, and doesn’t need to come out at the goal line. In fact, Mojo is a powerhouse despite his diminutive stature, so Del Rio will give him the ball… a lot. Jones Drew also rakes in tons of passes, which provide him ample opportunity for the all-important big play. The Jags offensive line has had a major overhaul this season, and should also be ready to have it’s best season since Jones-Drew became a pro. The presence of Torry Holt will also keep teams from completely loading the box, making life much easier for Mojo than at any time during his three-year run. I’m not saying that Turner, Forte, or Williams wouldn’t be qualified as solid picks at the two – they would. But given his situation, I’m beginning to feel that Jones Drew will post the best numbers in 2009.

Maybe even better than the untouchable Peterson? Yes, maybe.