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Hi Folks,
Good Monday to you. Hope you had a great weekend and are ready for the week. We're running hard already putting the finishing touches on our Footballguys Interactive iPad Magazine that will be ready for you later this month. Plus we've got the news and note you need AND a new episode of Footballguys TV. Let's get to it.
J
Our Cecil Lammey is back again with Episode 4 of our Footballguys TV. It's a quick 5 minute or so run down of all the news you need to know. Please check it out and if you like it, please share on your Facebook page or share it with your Twitter followers. Thanks.
Updating a previous report, Stillwater police spokesman Capt. Randy Dickerson said Jacksonville Jaguars WR Justin Blackmon took a breathalyzer test when arrested and blew a .24, which is three times the legal limit in Oklahoma.
Footballguys' view: Once the legal process has run it's course we expect the league to discipline the rookie WR.
Minnesota Vikings RB Adrian Peterson (knee) said his knee is feeling good and that he has regained full range of motion in the knee. Peterson said his mindset continues to be that he will be ready for Week 1, but trainer Eric Sugarman said the team will not put him back on the field until it is safe for him to play.
Footballguys' view: A great sign for the veteran RB here. Even though he's sprinting and beating teammates in races expect the Vikings to be very cautious with him going forward. Peterson may see little action in training camp or the preseason as he comes back from this knee injury.
New England Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski (ankle) said his ankle is feeling better each week.
Footballguys' view: Gronkowski has not participated in OTAs because of ankle surgery he underwent earlier this offseason. His 241 fantasy points last year rank second behind Calvin Johnson (265) for all WRs and TEs. Duplicating 17 receiving TDs may be difficult, especially since the Patriots added WR Brandon Lloyd in free agency. We think 10-12 receiving TDs is a more realistic projection.
New Orleans Saints RB Darren Sproles said he is working on improving his running skills to become a better inside runner. 'It's like, my role was to come in and catch passes,' Sproles said. 'What I need to work on is more running the ball, like the hard-nosed runners. I only had certain types of runs, and I want to go in and run power (plays) sometimes. That will keep the defense honest.'
Footballguys' view: Sproles is not necessarily built to be an inside runner. He's not big and lacks the ability to push through the pile. Sproles does have a strong lower body, and is built low to the ground but we like him better in space where his agility makes him incredibly elusive.
The Carolina Panthers signed RB Mike Tolbert to improve their special teams, diversify the offense and provide insurance in the event they are unable to re-sign RB Jonathan Stewart, who is eligible for free agency after the season. 'Look at how San Diego used him,' head coach Ron Rivera said. 'They used him as a fullback. They used him as a back in certain situations, especially short-yardage stuff. They split him out. There's so many different ways you can use this guy.'
Footballguys' view: Tolbert is an extremely versatile player and can contribute as a runner, blocker, and receiver out of the backfield. Because of the Panthers jam packed RB corps he's unlikely to have as large of a role as he did in San Diego.
Cleveland Browns RB Montario Hardesty is expected to receive playing time this season because the team wants to keep RB Trent Richardson fresh during games.
Footballguys' view: Hardesty should be able to provide the rookie superstar with a breather from time to time. He has struggled to stay healthy, so a part time role may be best for him at the pro level.
Cleveland Browns RB Brandon Jackson is fully recovered from the toe injury that cut his 2011 season short.
Footballguys' view: According to Cleveland reporters Jackson has looked fast and explosive during OTAs this offseason. Even if he's fully healthy Jackson will play only as a change of pace RB and receiver out of the backfield behind rookie superstar Trent Richardson.
Buffalo Bills QB Tyler Thigpen (abdomen) said he has missed the last two days of organized team activities because of a small abdominal tear.
Footballguys' view: Thigpen is competing with Vince Young to be the primary backup behind Ryan Fitzpatrick. This injury is considered minor and may not keep him out for very long.
The Miami Dolphins have not approached RB Reggie Bush about a new contract at this point. Bush is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent next offseason.
Footballguys' view: Bush will have to prove himself once again this year before the Dolphins hand him a big contract. He was able to finally play up to his potential under former coach Tony Sparano in 2011 but durability is still a major concern with him.
The Cincinnati Bengals are having WR A.J. Green work on improving his route running because they believe he could take his play to another level if he runs cleaner routes.
Footballguys' view: Green has phenomenal athletic ability and is gifted on the same level as a Calvin Johnson or Andre Johnson. When his routes are improved he will only get better, and is a player that has enormous upside.
Houston Texans WR Lestar Jean has taken advantage of the absence of WR Andre Johnson (knee), running with the first team opposite WR Kevin Walter.
Footballguys' view: Jean is a fast rising star and could be the next Victor Cruz. We love his size/speed combination and he's been impressing media members in attendance at Texans OTAs. Don't be surprised if he wins the WR3 job for the Texans and could eventually challenge Walter for his WR2 job.
San Diego Chargers LB Melvin Ingram will play primarily outside linebacker this season but the team will move him around at times to find advantages while pass rushing.
Footballguys' view: No surprise here, in fact it's a very wise move by the Chargers. Ingram was moved around a lot in college at South Carolina. He can play OLB primarily, but it wouldn't surprise us to see him at DE or even DT in obvious passing situations. Ingram could have a Von Miller-like impact for the Chargers in 2012.
Cleveland Browns DT Scott Paxson has been lining up at defensive tackle with the first-team defense during organized team activities in place of injured DT Phil Taylor (pectoral).
Footballguys' view: Note to all fantasy owners - start your RBs against the Browns as much as possible. They were already poor against the run with Taylor and will be even more so without him.
San Diego Chargers CB Quentin Jammer struggled last season, and it could be attributed to off-field issues. 'I was going through a divorce,' Jammer said. 'It's hard playing football when so much is on your mind.' There were times he admits he was not into it mentally in meetings, practice and even games.
Footballguys' view: Jammer has promised to have a bounce back year in 2012. He feels like a debt is owed to head coach Norv Turner and his Chargers teammates because they with him through his off field problems.
That'll do it for today, Folks. Hope you have a great day and we'll see you tomorrow with the update.
Peace,
J