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Is Jay Cutler The Next Rex Grossman??

KC Joyner of ESPN.com spent 3 years watching tapes and performing a statistical analysis of Cutler's performance in Denver.  Joyner didn't have a lot of good things to say about Cutler.

"I've said it many times and I'll say it again, Cutler will make Bears fans remember Rex Grossman,'' Joyner writes. "He'll make just as many crazy passes but won't suffer the Grossman fate because Chicago's fan base is so in love with him that they will forgive the nutty throws he makes in ways that they never forgave Grossman. . . .

"Whenever I say Cutler will remind Bears fans of Grossman, they get all up in arms. All Grossman did was take Chicago to their first Super Bowl in years and the Bears fans couldn't run him out of the starting spot quick enough. They'll win with Cutler, but, man, will they grit their teeth when he blows a game or two with his over-the-top risk taking."

According to Joyner, Cutler averages one interception or near-interception out of every 20 throws.  Ugh!!

Cutler has a 17-20 all-time record as a starter.

Which Chris Cooley Will We See in '09??

So which Chris Cooley can we look for in 2009??  He scored just one touchdown in 2008. but averaged seven TDs a year in his first four seasons.  I'm guessing he'll get back to 7 TDs this year again.  He's not a bad options if you need a TE.  You might even be able to get him later than normal due to his down '08.

Is Brian Westbrook The Biggest Fantasy Risk??

Thinking of drafting Brian Westbrook??  Rotoworld.com reminds us that he's recovering from TWO leg surgeries, he's in danger of missing the entire preseason, and turns 30 before Week 1.  They also point out that Westbrook's breakdown might already have happened. For his career, Westbrook has a 4.6 career YPC.  But in his last 6 games he's averaged just 2.9 yards per carry in his last six games. If you draft Westbrook, make sure you handcuff him to rookie RB LeSean McCoy.

Marshawn Lynch's Fantasy Value

Rotoworld.com noticed that RB Marshawn Lynch added some weight this offseason, which isn't necessarily the best thing..  The concern is that he didn't look as explosive last season, as he did in his rookie year.   Is it because he was out of shape last season??  How will he handle the time away from football as he serves his 3 game suspension??.   But have no worry about another RB taking the job from Lynch.  Lynch would make a great Fantasy RB2, even with the suspension. 

Will Colts Suffer With New Coaches??

So how does Peyton Manning feel about all the Colts off-season changes?

In an interview with the Associated Press at the annual Manning Passing Camp in Louisiana, Manning expressed confidence that the departures of coach Tony Dungy and wide receiver Marvin Harrison won't derail the Colts' chances. 

"Even though Tony Dungy won't be on the sideline, I feel like the winning atmosphere and the environment he created in our building will carry through," Manning said. "Coach [Jim] Caldwell assured me he's got a good plan."

Let's not forget that offensive coordinator Tom Moore and offensive line coach Howard Mudd retired this offseason and returning as consultants.

Profootballtalk.com brings up a good point.  The Colts' offensive outlook is promising because of Manning's improved health compared to a year ago when he had to undergo a pair of surgeries on his left knee to address an infected bursa sac.

Last year, Manning was sidelined for training camp as he recuperated from the surgeries.

"Not being able to go through training camp definitely caused me to have a slow start to the season," Manning said. "I'm a big believer that training camp is where you form the foundation of your team. Hopefully, we can go through with no hurdles this year and get off to a fast start."

How Far Will Michael Turner's Workload Drop??

Atlanta Journal-Constitution beat writer Orlando D. Ledbetter believes Falcons RB Michael Turner could see less than 300 carries this season.  As everyone who playes fantasy football remembers, Turner had the insane, 377 carries.  The Falcons are, reportedly hoping to lessen Turner's load.  If Turner get down to It's hard to the 270-280 carry range as Ledbetter suggests the Falcons want, that'll be 100 less carries than a year ago.  He might not get that low, but we should keep in mind Turner's workload could conceivably dip. Jerious Norwood's role may grow and Atlanta may throw more often.  They didn't trade for Gonzalez so they'd have a blocking TE.

Is Matt Forte Gonna Share Time At RB??

When it comes to RBs in the fantasy world, there are really only 5 RBs who "run alone."   And Matt Forte was supposed to be one of them.  But chicagobears.com reports that RB Kevin Jones looked "very quick, fast and explosive" during Bears' OTAs.  It's been over a year and half since his ACL surgrery and the Bears believe he's back to where he was before the injury. I know it sounds stupid to think that Forte will share time with Jones, but the Bears are adamant that Jones will play a bigger role this year in a "1-2 punch."

 

Rookie Knowshon Moreno: Buyer Beware!!

I read something interesting in the Colorado Springs Gazette.  The warn anyone thinking of drafting Broncos rookie RB Knowshon Moreno in fantasy football will be risking weeks where he sees just 12-15 carries with very little goal-line work.  Moreno is obviously the future and has the talent of a three-down back, but the Gazette doesn't expect him to be a "Terrell Davis-type workhorse" as a rookie.   The Broncos did just sign RB Correll Buckhalter and LaMont Jordan. New coach Josh McDaniels had Jordan in New England and thought enough of him to sign him.  Just be wary when drafting him for productivity in 2009.  He may also lose short-yardage carries to fullback Peyton Hills.

 

Jabar Gaffney's Role In Denver

Denver WR Jabar Gaffney has been running as the starting receiver opposite Eddie Royal during Broncos' OTAs.  The Coloroado Springs Gazette speculates that if WR Brandon Marshall gets traded or continue his holdout into the season, Gaffney would be the prime beneficiary. Gaffney was in New England with head coach Josh McDaniel's and he knowthe offense.  There is a good chance Gaffney would likely be the third receiver even if Marshall does play in Denver this season.

 

Could This Be Greg Olsen's Breakout Year?

Bears tight end coach Rob Boras said Greg Olsen will line up anywhere in the offense to try to create mismatches against a safety or linebacker.  Chicagobears.com reports that Olsen and new QB Jay Cutler are working together well and are getting on the same page. Could this be Olsen's breakout season? 

Tennessee's QB Battle

The Battle to be the Titans QB!!   Kerry Collins vs. Vince Young -- Collins resurrected his career last season after Young was forced to the sideline with physical and mental issues. Collins, 36, guided the Titans to a 10-6 record and a spot in the playoffs, and he deserves to keep his job. But if Collins stumbles and Young appears to have regained his footing, it could get interesting.

Vikings Check Out Favre Again

According to the Star Tribune, Vikings trainer Eric Sugarman was in Hattiesburg, Miss., on Wednesday to check on the physical condition of quarterback Brett Favre, another indication the veteran NFL quarterback is headed for the Vikings. This is Sugarman's second visit to Favre in Mississippi. The last time he was there in mid-June, Sugarman gave the former Packers star some exercises he could use following arm surgery. A Vikings source who has been in contact with Favre recently reported that the surgery seven weeks ago was a complete success. With training camp opening 10 weeks after the surgery, Favre's arm should be back to full strength. Unless Favre changes his mind or there is a problem agreeing on a contract, there seems little doubt Favre will be in uniform when Vikings training camp opens in Mankato on July 31.

Brady In Early Lead??

ESPN's James Walker confirms that Brady Quinn currently has the lead in the Browns' quarterback competition.  ESPN goes on to say that Quinn had a "decent, albeit not spectacular" spring, but Derek Anderson "struggled most of the way" before missing the last two OTA days with a calf injury. It's a safe bet Quinn will be with the 1st team come August.

Who Will Start at TE For Green Bay??

Packers Offensive coordinator Joe Philbin isn't ruling out Jermichael Finley beating out Donald Lee for the Packers' starting job.  "Jermichael is a much better player," Philbin said. "A year ago he was a 21-year-old kid from Texas. He didn’t know first base from third base. We're excited, he's making very good progress." Lee will play often either way because he's a better blocker, but Finley offers, possibly a better scoring opportunities, says the Green Bay Press-Gazette.

 

Will Wells Beat Out Hightower??

According to AZCardinals.com, Cardinals first-round pick Chris "Beanie" Wells has shed 18 pounds off of his 247-pound frame since working out with strength and conditioning coach John Lott.  Lott hopes that Wells' playing weight will be around 225 for the perfect mix of power and speed. "I think this kid has a chance to do something. He's got the tools....He could be a beast," said Lott.  Could this spell the early end to Tim Hightower as the starter??

Which Ryan Grant Will We See in '09??

Mike Lombardi of the National Football Post expects "the '07 (Ryan) Grant" to return this season.  I'm not totally sold on Grant yet, but Lombardi is a former high-level personnel man and still watches tape. Lombardi suspects that Grant's YPC and number of long runs dwindled in 2008 because he was more concerned with getting a new contract than working hard. Time will tell but I have Grant, as best, as a RB2.

 

Think Twice About Drafting Tony G??

According to the teams website, Falcons O-Coordinator Mike Mularkey indicated that Tony Gonzalez will be asked to do more blocking in the Falcons' run-first offense.  "He's a productive blocker and that's important in our offense," Mularkey said. "As successful as he's been as a receiver, he's a good blocker too." So any thoughts of Tony G doing what he's done in KC as a receiver all those years just might be goin.  Mularkey made it clear that Atlanta's offense will continue to revolve around Michael Turner. That will make it difficult for Gonzalez to repeat what he did last year.

Who Will Back Up Benson??

Brian Leonard "has to be a favorite" for the Bengals' backup tailback job behind Cedric Benson, according to the team's website.  Bengals.com writer points out that Leonard is six years younger than incumbent backup Kenny Watson with a similarly versatile skill set. The Bengals will likely only keep two backs this year. Watson, rookie Bernard Scott, and oft-injured DeDe Dorsey are the favorites for the third slot.

 

Packers 3rd WR Battle

Packers WR James Jones didn't miss a practice during minicamps or OTAs and "looked like he was back to his old self," according to the Packers' website.  Jones, who didn't need surgery for his 2008 knee troubles, declared himself 100 percent and will battle Jordy Nelson for the third receiver job in August. Nelson performed admirably in the role last year, but Jones' experience, red-zone skills, and ability to dominate in the slot may give him an edge.

 

Will Edge Be a Saint??

There have been some rumblings around the league that free agent RB Edgerrin James might end up with the New Orleans Saints.  FOXSports' Alex Marvez writes that James "would have to accept a backup spot" if he is to sign with the Saints.  Edge wants to be a starter so it's probably unlikely he'll end up with the Saints.  The Saints would use him as a true backup for Pierre Thomas, basically replacing Reggie Bush and make Bush a slot receiver with extra passing-down value, and essentially no longer a ball carrier.  If the Saints make an offer to Edge, it won't be for more than the minimum.