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Hi Folks,
Good Wednesday to you. Hope you're having a great week. We're hammering for you here with lots of news and notes so let's get to it.
J
I've been telling you guys about the big project we've been working on this year. It's the Footballguys Interactive iPad Magazine. You can see a few screen shots in the title link. We're hoping to get approval from the Apple Store to have ready to download in mid July.
I know there will be lots of questions on this. Let me hit a couple of points and if you have questions we have a dedicated thread for those in the Footballguys Forums.
A few points:
* It's automatically updated. If you're connected to the internet, you're going to get the latest stat projections, cheat sheet rankings, news articles and more. No more outdated magazines.
* It's completely customizable. That's going to set it apart from the crowd. You'll be able to enter in data about your league size, your scoring rules, your starting lineup requirements and so forth. When you hit enter, the magazine basically reorganizes around you and becomes a magazine tailored to just you. And not just the cheatsheets and stat projections. Even some of the articles will reformat to reflect your situation.
* It's a completely separate product from the Footballguys Insider subscription, just like our print magazine was. A purchase of the Footballguys Insider does not include the tablet magazine. And a purchase of the tablet magazine does not include a Footballguys Insider Subscription.
* We're releasing on iPad first but the plan is to have a version for Android tablets right behind it.
* It's explicitly designed to be a tablet app, not for phones. With that said, the plan is to have the current iPhone and Android mobile phone apps updated and they are part of the Footballguys Insider Subscription. They do not have all the super cool functionality of this Interactive Magazine though.
* Like a traditional fantasy football magazine, it's information to prepare you for your draft and will not contain regular season information.
* It will have a draft mode where you can take the iPad to your draft and use it to draft your team. It's not as full featured as the Draft Dominator but we think you'll love the functionality. If you need the power of the Draft Dominator, you'll want to purchase the Footballguys Insider Subscription and use the Draft Dominator with your laptop or desktop as you have in the past.
* The debut price for this year will be $4.99. Because we like stirring things up.
It's a game changer for us. I mean it when I say that it's worth buying a tablet for. If you have more questions ask them here in the Forums. Thanks and we look forward to having this ready for you soon as I'm super proud of my guys here.
Minnesota Vikings RB Adrian Peterson (knee) is on pace in his rehabilitation from a significant knee injury late last season, according to head coach Leslie Frazier.
Footballguys' view: The team is optimistic Peterson will play in the team's home opener, but we could see the superstar RB very limited in training camp. Even though he could play in week 1 of the regular season it seems like the Vikings could ease him back into the flow early on in 2012. This would lead to an increased opportunity for backup RB Toby Gerhart.
New England Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski (ankle) said Monday, June 18, that his ankle is feeling 'great.' Gronkowski also touched on his new six-year, $54 million deal. 'I'm just happy. Both sides are really happy,' Gronkowski said. 'I love all my fans out there. It's a great community, a great team. It's awesome going out there every single Sunday in front of that crowd. I'm happy to be here long-term, definitely. It all worked out well.'
Footballguys' view: Injuries are the only thing that could hold Gronkowski back in 2012. He may not finish as the top fantasy TE again this year, but he's unlikely to fall out of the top three at the position. In TE premium leagues (1.5PPR) it's not out of the question to draft Gronkowski in the late first-round.
D. Orlando Ledbetter, from the Atlanta Journal Constitution, in an interview on 102.3 ESPN Denver with Cecil Lammey and Sigmund Bloom said Michael Turner is still going to be the lead RB for the Falcons. Ledbetter believes the team could split the touches 70/30 in favor of Turner.
Footballguys' view: Rodgers has been getting a lot of buzz this offseason as a fantasy sleeper but this news could slow that hype train down some. Jason Snelling is also in the mix here, and he's the main competition for Rodgers in training camp. Turner won't be a top 10 fantasy RB this year, but perhaps his production won't fall off the cliff like some people think.
Green Bay Packers WR James Jones said he feels he often goes unnoticed on the team because of the depth they possess at the wide receiver position. 'At times - I ain't going to lie to you - it does get frustrating - for all of us,' Jones said. 'And I'm sure it gets frustrating for our quarterback (Aaron Rogers). He's got five, six good receivers to throw to, a tight end to throw to, so I'm sure it gets tough.'
Footballguys' view: The Packers have one of the deepest WR corps in the league, and Jones won't get many looks unless injuries hit in front of him on the depth chart.
Miami Dolphins WR Chad Ochocinco looked in shape and impressive during organized team activities Tuesday, June 19, while working with the second team offense. 'He definitely has a lot of ability left,' rookie QB Ryan Tannehill said. 'Today was the first day he really flashed.'
Footballguys' view: Ochocinco struggled to pick up the Patriots complex offense and his struggles could continue under new Dolphins OC Mike Sherman. The Dolphins don't have an impressive WR corps, so there's an opportunity for Ochocinco to have better stats that he did last year. That being said, we still can't recommend him as anything more than a late round flier in your fantasy drafts.
The Indianapolis Colts signed free-agent RB Mewelde Moore (Steelers) to an undisclosed deal Tuesday, June 19, and released QB David Legree in a corresponding move.
Footballguys' view: Moore is an interesting addition by the Colts here. Donald Brown and Delone Carter are competing for the starting RB position, but Moore could serve as a valuable change of pace back. He's not the same player he used to be, but is more than capable as a runner and receiver out of the backfield.
Oakland Raiders WR Darrius Heyward-Bey performed well during organized team activities (OTAs) and minicamp, and he looked like a legitimate No. 1 wide receiver.
Footballguys' view: Heyward-Bey is making fantasy owners nervous, and is coming off the board almost two full rounds after Denarius Moore. If DHB can finally play up to his potential he presents tremendous fantasy value as a guy you can add in the early 10th round of standard 12-team leagues.
Indianapolis Colts QB Andrew Luck said he's not worried about his contract negotiations as the No. 1 pick in the draft, and he won't let it affect him as he reports to training camp next month.
Footballguys' view: We're not worried about a contract here either. Luck is the future for the Colts and getting a new deal should not be much of a problem. We have a feeling the deal will be done before the start of training camp.
Free-agent WR Plaxico Burress (Jets) said he wants to play for the Carolina Panthers this year. 'Not just that, but playing with Cam (Newton), who I think is one of the top-five quarterbacks in all of football, and as long as I can remember (wideout) Steve Smith has been one of my favorites. I just think it's a great situation,' Burress said.
Footballguys' view: The problem is, the Panthers would have to show interest in Burress and as of right now that may not be the case. Burress has drawn little interest on the free agent market this offseason. Perhaps that could change if injuries hit the WR position in training camp. Right now the Panthers have up and coming Brandon LaFell as the WR2 opposite Steve Smith.
The Oakland Raiders are eyeing free-agent RB Cedric Benson (Bengals). The Raiders currently have RBs Mike Goodson and Taiwan Jones as backups to RB Darren McFadden.
Footballguys' view: Benson hasn't received much interest on the free agent market but that could change as we get near training camp. Adding an experienced veteran like veteran would give the Raiders options when/if McFadden is injured. As it stands right now we like Mike Goodson as the proper handcuff for McFadden's fantasy owners.
Minnesota Vikings WR Percy Harvin (shoulder), as an update to previous reports, said he has different issues that he is unhappy with. 'It's hard to try to tell you guys without telling you guys,' he said to the Minnesota media Tuesday, June 19. Harvin has base salaries of $915,000 in 2012 and $1.55M in 2013 left on his contract, plus workout bonuses of $27,500 in each year.
Footballguys' view: Some feel these issues are not contract related. Whatever the mysterious problem is we're certain Vikings head coach Leslie Frazier will put on his best ascot, jump in the Mystery Machine, and solve this problem. On a serious note we don't feel this is something that will cause a holdout when training camp begins.
New England Patriots WR Wes Welker and some of his close friends were involved in a near fight with security guards during a bachelor party in Aspen, Colo. Friday, June 15. Nobody in Welker's group were arrested, but cops threatened to do so.
Footballguys' view: Sounds like everyone had a good time. A "near fight" is unlikely to get Welker in trouble with the league and won't hinder his discussions with the Patriots on a new long-term deal.
Minnesota Vikings QB Joe Webb will concentrate primarily on the quarterback position during minicamp and training camp. Last season he entered camp uncertain if he would be used at quarterback or as a wide receiver. 'Yeah, it's easier,' Webb said, about not having to concentrate on multiple positions. 'But quarterback is still a difficult position. You still have to be on top of your game. Study the game and know where you're going to go with the ball.'
Footballguys' view: Webb is an interesting "lottery ticket" QB to grab late in your fantasy draft if you've got the roster depth. We've seen other scrambling QBs like Tim Tebow prove extreme fantasy value even if the passing side of their game isn't polished. In a week 14 game against the Lions last year Webb put up nearly 100yds passing, 1 passing TD, over 100yds rushing, and 1 rushing TD. That type of stat line would give him around 20 fantasy points in most leagues. Keep an eye on his development behind starter Christian Ponder.
Atlanta Falcons RB Jacquizz Rodgers and Jason Snelling are expected to have a heated battle during training camp and the preseason for the primary backup job to starter RB Michael Turner.
Footballguys' view: Fantasy owners need to pump the brakes on Rodgers a little bit. Team insiders feel that even though Rodgers may be a better fit in OC Dirk Koetter's offense he won't challenge Michael Turner for the starting job. If Rodgers can beat out Snelling for the primary backup role then we could see something like a 70/30 split in Atlanta between Turner and Rodgers.
Philadelphia Eagles head coach Andy Reid and offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg came up with new looks during minicamp that split out RB LeSean McCoy, almost as a flanker, to take advantage of his improved receiving skills.
Footballguys' view: McCoy should once again be the centerpiece of the Eagles offensive attack. Last year they gave him 321 touches, which was good for fourth-most in the league. McCoy should perform like a high end RB1 again this year and won't fall past the third overall pick in most traditional leagues.
Arizona Cardinals LB O'Brien Schofield has been eager to start, and he is expected to get that chance at left outside linebacker. He wants to prove he belongs, and the team intends on giving him the chance in training camp.
Footballguys' view: Schofield suffered a devastating knee injury at the 2010 Senior Bowl and has been trying to get back to full strength ever since. He's got speed off the edge and multiple moves to get after the Quarterback. We'll see if he can win a starting job this season.
That'll do it for today, Folks. Thanks for reading and for letting us be a part of your Fantasy Football Season. We'll see you tomorrow with the update.
Peace,
J