NFL Newslinks 09/09/09

Posted on 09. Sep, 2009 by Jesse in NFL Newslinks

Just one day remains until the start of the 2009 season. Football freaks and fantasy owners everywhere won’t be forced to wait much longer. Even so, there is a lot happening in the NFL, and at GHU we’re doing our best to keep you informed. Here are some recent developments we’ve been watching.

• After an offseason filled with doubt and worry, Brian Westbrook should be a go in week one. Westy isn’t on the injury report, and says he expects a “full load” in the opener.
• The Panthers haven’t been able to get much out of Jonathan Stewart this preseason, but he returned to the practice field on Wednesday since the first time since August 11.
• Fantasy owners will have to watch Matt Cassel closely as Sunday approaches. Cassel’s status is still up in the air due to the scary leg injury he suffered in preseason.
• Matt Schaub will play on Sunday despite an ankle he injured in preseason.
• Denver is apparently talking contract with Brandon Marshall now that he’s back in action. We’ll see how well that goes.
• Anquan Boldin is still bothered by a sore hamstring that limited him throughout preseason, but coach Ken Whisenhunt thinks he’ll play on Sunday.

The Marshall Plan

Posted on 09. Sep, 2009 by Jesse in Articles

If you fail to plan, plan to fail.

When rookie head coach Josh McDaniels suspended WR Brandon Marshall a few weeks back, Broncos backers rolled their collective eyes. McDaniels hasn’t endeared himself to the Mile High faithful at all since taking over for longtime stalwart HC Mike Shanahan, and his explanation about the Marshall suspension did little to comfort anyone in Denver. “You know, the league and — and — and our organization were trying to follow, you know, an escalating discipline schedule,” McDaniels said while fidgiting profusely.  “You know, you don’t — you don’t just come out, you know, and — and — and throw the most, you know, significant discipline you can at a player.” Throughout the presser, the 33-year old coach looked like a deer in headlights. Somewhere east of the Rocky Mountains, one pumpkin pie haircutted-freak of a QB was laughing.

Yes Marshall had become a distraction. His antics in practice were unacceptable, and many of his teammates have also said (off-record) that something needed to be done about B-Marsh’s attitude. McDaniels had little choice in the matter, but with the fallout from the Cutler saga still hovering overhead, the way he handled the situation just made him look foolish. Again. Now Marshall has returned to action a few weeks later, but are we to believe that all is right in the world?

Amid unsubstantiated rumors of a trade to the Jets, Marshall has taken to the field in preparation for Denver’s opening game.  He can’t be happy about working with Kyle Orton, who has a maimed hand and looked dismal in preseason. Furthermore, Marshall is still disgruntled about his contract and wants nothing to do with McDaniels at this time. Marshall has never been a reasonable dude, so I suspect things will implode soon enough.

Look, Marshall watched the Jay Cutler saga play out, and he sees Cutler now smiling in Chi-Town. B-Marsh thinks that if he’s enough of a distraction, the Broncos may be forced to move on without him. Fans in Denver have already made the switch mentally, as the average Bronco backer has grown completely tired of his diva act. Eddie Royal may be just as good anyway, and he plays ball with his mouth shut.

Things in Denver won’t likely improve any time soon either, as the team faces a brutal schedule in 2009. Not only do they have to play the Chargers twice, but a midseason run including opponents like Dallas, New England, Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Washington, the Giants, Indy and the Eagles makes me think the Broncos may struggle to get to six wins. And since losing fosters animosity, don’t expect Marshall to play a full schedule.

Still, McDaniels carries a lot of the blame in the disintegration of the team’s nucleus since his arrival. When the 2008 year closed, Marshall and Cutler were arguably the best two players on the entire roster, and both obviously hate McDaniels to their core. It seems like McDaniels may be in over his head, and I worry he lacks a real plan. Unless his plan is to ultimately sever ties with Marshall, lose a ton of games, and make everyone in the state fashion Joshy voodoo dolls, McDaniels looks confused. Sarcasm aside, the absence of a plan is apparent.

If you fail to plan, plan to fail.

NFL Newslinks 8/3/09

Posted on 03. 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.
• With Derrick Mason’s return, any speculation about Broncos WR Brandon Marshall heading to Baltimore now come to a crashing halt. Marshall continues to miss time in Denver.
• Broncos Owner Pat Bowlen denies the team has any interest whatsoever in Michael Vick. Apparently Bowlen has no plans on meeting with Ron Mexico.
• Reggie Bush missed practice on Monday afternoonwith swelling in his surgically repaired knee. Still, it’s sounding like Bush has looked explosive when actually on the field.
• The Eagles had a stellar offseason, but they got some very disappointing news on Monday when they found out that they had lost starting MLB Stewart Bradley for the season. Bradley suffered a torn ACL.
• ESPN analyst Adam Schefter believes that Falcons WR Roddy White could end up holding out “a little while. At least.” White is asking for more money, and is refusing to report to camp.
• Braylon Edwards continues to sit out with a mysterious injury. Rumors indicate that Edwards injured himself while playing hoops. That won’t endear him to coaches anytime soon, but at least he isn’t dropping passes.
• Larry Johnson appears to have had a major attitude overhaul this offseason. He’s happy to be with the Chiefs, is working hard, and is fitting in nicely.                                                                  
• Could a happier LJ produce better in 2009?
• Tony Romo knows he has critics, but he’s not letting that bother him. Instead, he’s working on the finer pointsin his game.
• Devin Thomas is looking to redeem himself for a lackluster rookie season last year in Washington. He’s on the right track. Thomas is currently starting at WR opposite Santana Moss.
• As we reported via Twitter earlier tonight, Marshawn Lynch will be suspended for the first three games of the season. He’ll be replaced by Fred Jackson, and Dominic Rhodes will also see time.
• Plaxico Burress is screwed.
• Eagles rookie WR Jeremy Maclin just got paid.
• Kellen Winslow feels the Tampa offense is quite complex, and is having a bit of a hard time adjusting. But his testicles aren’t swollen to the size of coconuts, so he’s all good.

NFL Newslinks 8/2/09

Posted on 02. 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.
• New Viking WR Percy Harvin has been signed, and the club is wasting no time getting him involved. Harvin ran with the first-team offense on Sunday, and was moved all over the field. The Vikings have big hopes for the Florida product.
• A Raiders beat writer used his Twitter account to report that Javon Walker looked good while running routes off to the side during practice. Apparently beat writers in Oakland are drinking heavily. Walker is still on the PUP list and isn’t practicing with teammates.
• Not so fast Brady Quinn lovers, Derek Anderson is still competing for the Browns starting QB position. Apparently Anderson is looking very good in drills and has his swagger back.
• Peyton Manning knows that Reggie Wayne is his top target, but the reigning league MVP is also expecting big seasons from Anthony Gonzalez and TE Dallas Clark. Gonzalez is set to take over the flanker position vacated by Marvin Harrison.
• Ravens RB Ray Rice continues to impress his coaches. Rice has exhibited tremendous power for a 205-pound player, and the coaches are thrilled with his “attention to detail.” Many around the team continue to speculate that Rice will supplant Willis McGahee as the starting tailback.
• Brandon Marshall did show up to Broncos training camp on time, but it didn’t take him long to injure himself. Marshall limped off the field on Sunday with an apparent hamstring injury. No word on weather he slapped his girlfriend afterward.
• As we reported yesterday, Derrick Mason is back with the Ravens. He’s reconsidered, and he will play this season.
• LenDale White says he’s lost nearly 30 pounds this offseason because he stopped drinking Patron tequilla. We’re guessing he also stopped shoveling everything in sight down his pie-hole. Oh, and White is in a contract season.
• The Colts have come to terms with RB Donald Brown. The deal is expected to be signed before practices start on Monday.
• Antonio Gates is looking leaner and chiseled. Apparently the All-Pro TE is up to 263 pounds.