NFL Newslinks 9/25

Posted on 25. Sep, 2009 by Jesse in NFL Newslinks

The NFL world keeps turning, and we are monitoring the latest developments. As we head into week three, a few stories we’re watching are as follows:

• Saints WR Lance Moore continues to disappoint. Not only is he being outplayed by both Robert Meachem and Devery Henderson, but he’s likely going to miss another game with a sore hamstring.
• Titans coach Jeff Fisher is concentrating on getting the ball to Chris Johnson in space so he can make plays. Fisher saw a tremendous difference in his offensive output over two games when focusing on CJ’s touches.
• Beastly Rams RB Steven Jackson thinks the team should give him more opportunity offensively. He’s calling for more carries against the Packers this weekend, and knows Cedric Benson roasted GB in week two.
• LaDainian Tomlinson “seems destined to miss his second straight game Sunday” after sitting out practice on Thursday. LT continues to battle an ankle injury he suffered in the opener. And he’s washed up.
• ESPN.com’s Matt Mosley says at this point he would be “a little surprised if the Cowboys decided to play” Marion Barber on Monday night. Barber suffered a quad injury while running hard against the Giants last Sunday night. Felix Jones might be about to go off against the Panthers.
• Jamal Lewis (hamstring) sat out practice Thursday for the second straight day. The team is now considering starting rookie RB James Davis in week three. Davis sat out last weekend, but looked explosive in preseason.
• Though Mike Bell has not been ruled out for Sunday’s game, the New Orleans Times-Picayune expects him to miss 3-4 weeks with his sprained MCL. Reggie Bush, Pierre Thomas and some other dude named Lynell Hamilton will fill in.
• Wes Welker returned to practice on Thursday, and hopes to play in week three. The Pats offense didn’t look the same last weekend with Welker watching from the sidelines.
• Brian Westbrook (ankle), DeSean Jackson (groin) and Donovan McNabb (ribs) all missed Thursday’s practice. Jackson is the most likely of the three to play on Sunday, and McNabb has basically been ruled out. Westbrook would be replaced by rookie LeSean McCoy if he were to rest.

Doubting Thomas

Posted on 09. Sep, 2009 by Jesse in Articles

After a stellar finish to the ‘08 season, many fantasy rubes jumped on the hype about Saints RB Pierre Thomas. The offseason saw countless fantasy football sites worshipping Pierre and touting him as the breakout candidate I never believed him to be. Reggie Bush was returning from microfracture, and when the club passed on an RB in the first round of April’s draft, Thomas became a very hot item in fantasyland. But honestly, I just can’t see it.

Thomas is in a great offense, don’t get me wrong. But the offense is a pass-first system that focuses on making defenders pay by breaking long plays through the air. Bush is much more suited to that type of game, not Pierre Thomas. Despite my cries to the contrary, many fantasy players blindly drafted Pierre as their #2 back. This could prove to be a big mistake, depending on where said owners drafted Thomas.

Former Bronco Mike Bell has played great during preseason, and by all accounts he’s earned a role in spelling Thomas on rushing downs. Bell is getting picked up all over the place in fantasy leagues. This adds another mouth to feed in an already crowded house.

Now we find out this week that Thomas might not even play in week one. Local reporters are now insinuating that Thomas is likely “Out” for the opener due to a knee injury. Fantasy owners are doubly upset because Thomas was set to face the toothless Lions in week one.

Sorry to say it, but Thomas was way overhyped this offseason. He had just one 100-yard rushing game to his credit last year, and while he should improve on that, I see many other backs I’d rather have as my #2 than Pierre. If you’ve got him, wait for a big game upon his return, and make a move.

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.