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Hi Folks,
Good Thursday to you and I hope you had a nice 4th of July. It was a pretty slow news day with the Holiday but we've got the stories you need to keep up with. Let's get to it.
J
Minnesota Vikings head coach Leslie Frazier said Tuesday, July 3, RB Adrian Peterson (knee) is 'right on course' in his recovery, but added the team will defer to doctors and trainers for any timetable. Frazier expects Peterson will want to be on the field when training camp kicks off July 27, but that doesn't mean he'll get the green light.
Footballguys' view: The Vikings are going to be very cautious with Peterson in training camp as he comes back from his knee injury. Even when the regular season starts we could see Peterson eased back into the flow. This would mean greater opportunity for backup RB Toby Gerhart.
Denver Broncos QB Peyton Manning's arm strength is reportedly at 85-to-90 percent of what it was prior to his surgeries. Although Manning has shown improvement this offseason, he may never be fully recovered.
Footballguys' view: Our very own Cecil Lammey has been in attendance for minicamp's and OTAs this offseason and has been impressed with Manning. The veteran QB has shown proper velocity when throwing passes, and even overthrew WR Demaryius Thomas on a '9' route in practice. Manning didn't show any arm fatigue during practice, which is a good sign that he's well on his way back.
New England Patriots RB Danny Woodhead could lose some reps this season if RB Shane Vereen emerges as a consistent contributor on offense.
Footballguys' view: Vereen is arguably the best all-purpose RB on the Patriots roster. He could take over as the lead back, but also can be relied on as a good receiver out of the backfield. Woodhead also has to compete with veteran addition Joseph Addai for touches as the change of pace back.
New England Patriots RB Stevan Ridley may be considered the most likely candidate to receive the between the tackles carries this season.
Footballguys' view: Ridley can be a battering ram for the Patriots offense on goalline and short-yardage situations. He could lose carries to Shane Vereen on normal down and distances. The two will compete to be the primary ball carrier in New England this year.
New England Patriots TE Aaron Hernandez could be ready to have a huge 2012 campaign. With opposing defenses focusing on fellow TE Rob Gronkowski, WR Wes Welker underneath and WR Brandon Lloyd on the outside, Hernandez has a chance to catch 100 passes and double-digit touchdowns according to Patriots writer Andy Hart. He did record 79 receptions last year despite missing some time due to injury.
Footballguys' view: Hernandez and Gronkowski are the most dangerous pair of TEs in the league. While Gronkowski may not match his numbers from last season, Hernandez may actually improve on his numbers from 2011. We see Gronkowski as a top 2 TE, and Hernandez as a top 6 TE.
It would not be surprising to see the Oakland Raiders sign free-agent RB Cedric Benson (Bengals) at some point, especially if Benson's asking price is low enough and he is content with a backup role.
Footballguys' view: We expect this to happen sometime near the beginning of training camp. The Raiders want to add more veteran depth behind injury prone starter Darren McFadden. Benson would compete with Mike Goodson to be the primary backup.
Cleveland Browns QB Colt McCoy said he's had a rough ride this far in his pro career, particularly with so many changes to the coaching staff. 'It's been a rough ride thus far,' McCoy said. 'We've had our ups and downs. I've had three (offensive) coordinators going into my third year. Two head coaches in two years. There's been some ups and downs and things you have to fight through. Most are things out of your control. But for me, I would just like a little consistency.'
Footballguys' view: McCoy is likely on the trade block and could have a new team by the time training camp starts. The Browns selected Brandon Weeden in the first-round of the 2012 NFL Draft and he should be their starting QB this year. McCoy is unlikely to find another starting job, but could compete somewhere else as a quality backup.
Tennessee Titans WR Nate Washington has emerged as a leader of the team's young receiving corps this offseason. 'It's kind of funny to be the old man in the room,' Washington said. 'I'm very blessed to be here this long, looking forward to another season and having these guys looking to me for leadership. I accept that responsibility. I'm very proud to say that I am the guy they look to. I like having that leadership role.'
Footballguys' view: Washington has really grown into his role with the Titans since coming over from the Steelers years ago. We like Washington as a WR4 with upside you can add in the 12th round or later of your fantasy draft.
The Jacksonville Jaguars have resumed contract talks with franchise free-agent PK Josh Scobee.
Footballguys' view: The deadline to sign Franchise Players is July 16th. The talks should heat up before that date gets here.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers could move FS Ronde Barber back to cornerback if CB Eric Wright is suspended for any period of time following his DUI arrest.
Footballguys' view: If that scenario unfolds we think FS Cody Grimm would start in Barber's place. Barber's not the same player he used to be, but could be trusted at the CB position until Wright returns.
That'll do it for today, Folks. Have a great day and thanks for letting us be a part of your season. We'll see you tomorrow with the update.
Peace,
J