Here is a list of players to keep an eye on early on in the season who could emerge as viable fantasy football options:
SAGE ROSENFELS (QB-HOU): This 30-year-old gunslinger was surprisingly outstanding in the way he took control of the offense after Matt Schaub’s injury in 2007. In fact, Rosenfels actually threw six more touchdowns than the aforementioned Schuab, in two fewer games. In addition, the former Dolphins efficiency in the red zone area over the past two seasons (14 TDs/1 INT, 81 % pass completion) has been unmatched. Rosenfel’s accuracy and quick release make him one to watch if Schaub doesn’t start showing more consistency in the regular season.
TIM HIGHTOWER (RB-AZ): While it’s only August, this rookie’s power-running game has already evoked comparisons to Steven Jackson and Marion Barber III. Hightower has wasted no time in claiming the number two runner’s spot behind Edgerrin James—and he may not stop there. The fifth-round draft choice’s prowess as a goal-line runner is just what the doctor ordered to make up for James’ short-yardage woes. In his first three preseason games, Hightower has already scored three touchdowns.
JASON HILL (WR-SF): Last year’s third-round selection has really been coming on in training camp and has outperformed veterans Bryant Johnson and Ashley Lelie. Hill’s remarkable speed was on grand display in Thurday night’s preseason contest versus Chicago in which the young wide out hauled in four receptions for 94 yards, including a 37-yard touchdown from J.T. O’Sullivan. Hill has also displayed the ability to adjust to under-thrown passes. Expect this receiver to see lots of playing time in three-and-four-receiver sets.
BRAD SMITH (WR-NYJ): With fellow wide out Chansi Stuckey breathing down his neck for the third-receiver position, Smith turned in his best performance of the preseason by showing good acceleration in his routes and even hauling in a one-handed circus catch. The former quarterback has just recently recovered from a back ailment, which plagued him throughout OTAs. Look for Brett Favre to take advantage of Smith’s playmaking skills.
BRANDON COUTU (K-SEA): The rookie kicker is currently engaged in a heated competition with veteran Olindo Mare for a spot on the team. The Georgia product has routinely been connecting on 50-yard field goals in practice and went five-for-five in field goal attempts in last week’s preseason game versus New Orleans, including a 48-yard game-winning kick. A sore groin may be the only thing standing in his way.
-- Ralph Mancini is a Senior Writer for All Access Football & Fantasy Football Insiders Staff. For more from Mancini, you can listen to him on Fantasy Football Insiders Radio.
Monday, August 25, 2008
FFI: Searching The ScrapHeap - PWK4
Here’s a list of emerging players who may have gone undrafted in your fantasy drafts:
KURT WARNER (QB-AZ.): News out Arizona reports that the 37-year-old Warner has overtaken Matt Leinart as the Cardinals’ starting quarterback. Despite his issues in feeling pressure in the pocket, the one-time league and Super Bowl MVP is an accurate thrower, fully capable of orchestrating a quick-tempo aerial attack. During the second half of 2007, Warner led all quarterbacks with 21 passing touchdowns.
J.T. O’SULLIVAN (QB-SF): The three-man quarterback competition is officially over in the City by the Bay, as O’Sullivan put forth another convincing performance by completing 7-of-8 passes for 126 yards and one score versus Chicago last Thursday. The career backup has proven to be much more than a game manager by making downfield throws throughout the preseason to receivers Josh Morgan and Jason Hill, along with tight end Vernon Davis. O’Sullivan’s quick release and mobility in the pocket make him a very intriguing option with upside.
LEON WASHINGTON (RB-NYJ): For those of you in deep leagues in search of an explosive flex back capable of taking it to the house any time he has the ball in hands, it’s time to take notice of Leon Washington. Although he hasn’t received as many touches as the number one runner, Thomas Jones, the 5-8, 202 lb. back has shown much more bounce in his step than the ex-Chicago Bear, who seems a bit sluggish in the early going. Regardless of what type of season Jones has, look for the former Florida State dynamo to be used quite often in the passing game, where he can be hard to stop in open space.
CHRIS PERRY (RB-CIN): Although his preseason stats aren’t extraordinary (30 carries for 101 yards and one touchdown), Perry has impressed coaches with his power running style, which sees him continually churning his legs and breaking tackles. Since Rudi Johnson is down with a hamstring injury, coach Marvin Lewis has already anointed Perry as the starting running back. If the former Michigan standout can improve his pass catching, he may end up being one of the season’s grand revelations.
KEVIN WALTER (WR-HOU): Often compared to Wes Welker, the 27-year-old Walter is a big, sturdy possession receiver who does an excellent job of getting open by shielding defenders. The sure-handed Texan has picked up right where he left off last year by being quarterback Matt Schuab’s favorite target in the preseason and posting consecutive performances of 6/100/1 and 6/61/1. While Andre’ Johnson remains the big-play wide out, Walter may just end up with more catches, which is golden in point-per-reception leagues.
RONALD CURRY (WR-OAK): With receiver Javon Walker not being what he once was and Drew Carter’s season-ending knee injury, it’s time to jump on Curry---in a hurry! The former point guard has shed eight pounds in the off-season and is looking as quick as ever. Curry is also strong enough to make plays over the middle. Look for him to be especially useful in point-per-reception leagues.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
ALL ACCESS: TRAING CAMP HEADLINES
NFL Insiders Ross Mandel & Ralph Mancini debate the hot topics from around the league.
DOLPHINS MAY KEEP TWO
The early suggestions that the Dolphins would rotate all of their quarterback options through work with the first-team offense have been scrapped, according to the Florida Sun Sentinel. For the past two days newly acquired veteran Chad Pennington has worked exclusively with the first team while rookie quarterback Chad Henne, who had an impressive exhibition showing on Saturday night, got the bulk of the work with the second team.
Mancini's Take: Prior to Pennington's arrival, Josh McCown was the favorite to win the starting job based on the fact that he outperformed everyone else and had a better grasp of OC Dan Henning's system. All of that went out the window with the former Jet in town. For all his physical attributes, McCown has serious accuracy and decision-making issues. Pennington is the safe pick here. This one's pretty much a no-brainer, wouldn't you say, Howie...er...Ross.?
Mandel's Take: Pennington is going to start this season--McCown is clearly not the answer and Henne isn't ready. Henne will be able to learn from Pennington, who is a good guy and an intelligent QB, and the former Michignan man should be ready--if he's ever going to be ready--next season. McCown and Beck seem to be on the outside looking in. That's not a bad thing.
S-JAX HOLDOUT: DAY 20
As of Wednesday afternoon, running back Steven Jackson's contract holdout had reached 20 days, easily the longest holdout in the 14-season history of the "St. Louis" Rams. Although nothing close to a breakthrough has occurred, the Post-Dispatch has learned that there have been low-key talks in the last day or two between Rams president of football operations-general manager Jay Zygmunt and Jackson's agent, Eugene Parker. That's the first indication of any dialogue between the parties since the first day of training camp - July 25.
Mancini's Take: Hey guys, wake me up when you've come to an agreement. Commenting on this story is rapidly becoming a tedious chore. It's getting late pretty early in St. Louis. If their first preseason game is any indication, the Rams appear to be a subpar team under the misguided direction of coach Scott Linehan, who's failed to inspire his players to put it all on the line for him. Without Jackson in the fold, this team suddenly becomes hopeless. Give me a reason to believe in this team, Brother Ross.
Mandel's Take: What exactly are "low-key talks"? Do they put on some Barry White and have some wine while they casually discuss dollars and years? To me, this whole thing idicates that Jackson is trying to take the Jerome Bettis route out of town. I'm not sure I can blame him. The rudderless ship that is the USS Rams has a poor coach, a broken down QB, and disinterested players. There's no reason to believe in this team whatsoever and Jackson figures if he's going to get smashed around, he may as well get paid.
RUDI RETURNS
Cincinnati Bengals RB Rudi Johnson says he'll return to practice tonight and play Sunday night vs. Detroit. Johnson has been out nearly two weeks with a hamstring injury. Johnson says the hamstring tightened up on him after he went through the heavy running of the first two sets of two-a-day practices during the first week of training camp. He said he brought it back slow because he believes he came back too soon from the hamstring injury he suffered in the third game of the regular season last year. "It could have been a pinch or anything, I was going to be careful," Johnson said. "Got to be smart. You live and learn a little bit. I came back too soon a few times last year. But when I came back too soon the first time, that was it for the rest of the year."
Mancini's Take: I was already lukewarm about Rudi's ability to bounce back this year, and with this latest physical setback, I can definitely tell you that I have zero faith in Johnson reemerging as a 1,200-yard runner on this Cincy team. Chris Perry looks strong so far. Both he and Kenny Watson will have a role in the Bengal offense that's reportedly looking to live off the running game a bit more.
Mandel's Take: Johnson simply cannot stay healthy and the Rev is correct--it's hard to imagine him getting 1,200 yards this season. Johnson's tread is wearing down rapidly, and the Bengals are going to have to lean on Kenny Watson as well as Perry this season. I'm not feeling good vibes from the Bengals.
CADILLAC UPDATE
Charlie Campbell and Scott Reynolds, of PewterReport.com, report Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Jon Gruden said RB Cadillac Williams (knee) is rehabbing and getting close to returning to practice. "He's getting really close. I can't tell you how excited we are about how far he's come in such a short period of time. I have to keep it in perspective, but we're going to be very smart here and I'm not going to do anything until the trainers give the green light. Right now we're still on yellow and we're still working hard. There's a little bit of caution but boy, he's looking good and we're excited and happy for him," Gruden said.
Mancini's Take: I don't know what to make of this. I thing we know for sure is that this Caddy is no SUV. He isn't built to take the constant pounding that NFL backs are subject to when trying to grind out yardage. If Williams wants to have any sort of career in the league, he must be used as a third down scatback, which sort of eliminates the need of having Warrick Dunn around. Caddy looks like a good kid, and I wish him luck.
Mandel's Take: What's the rush? Put him on PUP and if he's ready by week 8, it's a bonus and a great story. The reward is dwarfed by the risk here and I can't see Gruden or the Bucs bringing Williams back to start the season.
JORDAN CONTRACT UPDATE
Mike Reiss, of the Boston Globe, reports New England Patriots RB LaMont Jordan did not receive a signing bonus when he signed with the Patriots. His deal will pay him a base salary of $850,000 in 2008. Jordan, however, can earn up to $1.15 million through performance-based incentives. That is one of the highest incentive figures on the Patriots' roster.
Mancini's Take: After two uninspiring seasons with the lowly Raiders, Jordan didn't exactly have any...um...leverage. Playing without a signing bonus is extremely risky, especially for a running back. That being said, Jordan has landed in the perfect spot to revive his career. If New England decides to utilize him in a Sammy Morris-type role, you can be sure that the burly back will see several carries and passes go his way, not mention a number of goal-line carries as 1A runner behind Laurence Maroney.
Mandel's Take: I agree that Jordan could be a useful member of the Pats, but I'm not so sure that he's going to wind up in that role with all the horses in New England. Morris has provided the Pats with exactly what they've needed and while I do see Jordan getting involved at some point, I think it will come later in the season, barring injury.
NEAL MAKES PRESENCE FELT
The Associated Press reports the Baltimore Ravens signing of FB Lorenzo Neal (Chargers) gives the team more flexibility. "He's been in the system, which helps, but he gives us another physical guy," offensive coordinator Cam Cameron said. "He gives us some flexibility at running back with Willis (McGahee) being dinged up. It also allows (fullback) Le'Ron McClain to play tailback if we need him to." Neal worked in Cameron's system from 2003 to 2006 while both were with the San Diego Chargers.
Mancini's Take: Neal will immeasurably help a young offensive line in providing that extra thump in the running game. If you don't believe me, just ask Eddie George, Rudi Johnson, LaDanian Tomlinson and Adrian Murrell about Neal's impact as a road grater in shoulder pads. Yes, Ross, I said Adrian Murrell. Lots of people seem to forget that Neal was a Jet for one year.
Mandel's Take: Please. I had forgotten about Murrell. Just kidding Rev. Don't get those green panties in a bunch! This signing is a good one I guess, but the fact that no one scooped Neal up until an injury demanded it makes me wonder just how much he can help the Ravens and their sure-to-be-ugly offense. Is there a need for a back who is so limited? The NFL isn't the same as it was when the 37-year-old Neal started smashing heads.
CENTER BATTLE HEATS UP
As the Pittsburgh Steelers training camp enters its third week, coach Mike Tomlin is still looking to find a starting center. Offseason free-agent acquisition Justin Hartwig will start Thursday night against the Buffalo Bills in Toronto after last season's starter, Sean Mahan, started the preseason opener against Philadelphia last week. "I'd like to have it solved yesterday," Tomlin said Tuesday. "But you don't always get what you want. We'll have clarity, certainly, when we do make that decision." Sean Mahan, Pittsburgh's starting center last season, is facing some stiff competition from seven-year veteran Justin Hartwig. Mahan-Hartwig is the hottest competition for a Pittsburgh starting spot.
Mancini's Take: The Pittsburgh running attack looked impressive last week versus the Eagles last week. The one player who really stood out was left tackle Marvel Smith who was blowing defenders off the ball. As far as the two centers are concerned, none of them possess the skills to anchor a running game. If Hartwig shows anything in pass protection, he'll probably win the job. The Steelers have yet to find a center capable of performing to the level of the retired Jeff Hartings.
Mandel's Take: Can Hartwig shake off the poor stint he had in Carolina? Perhaps it took him longer to recover from the surgery he had back in 2006, but if the Steelers can't get more out of him than the Panthers did, he won't be starting for long if at all. Mahan is mediocre and the fact that the Steelers brought Hartwig in speaks volumes about their feelings for Mahan at center. However, Pittsburgh always seems to come up with a successful plan so perhaps they have seen something encouraging/fixable in Hartwig.
FALCONS PUSH HALL
Jason Jones, of the Sacramento Bee, reports Oakland Raiders CB DeAngelo Hall (hand) has a broken bone in his right hand. "I've got a little broken bone in there," Hall said. " ... I don't even feel like I should be out here practicing or going into the preseason, but it's something nobody else feels like is affecting anything, so I'm out there practicing and playing games." Hall is practicing because the team has told him to.
Mancini's Take: That's the spirit, DeAngelo. It's disturbing to witness one of the highest-paid players who needs to have his arm twisted to get him out on the practice field. Between Javon Walker, who had to be talked out of retirement and Hall, who doesn't want to practice, the Raiders have assembled a real motley crew of players whose sole motivation to play for the Silver and Black is to pocket a few more Benjamins. Is the future looking bright for this dynamic duo, Rosstradamus?
Mandel's Take: Hall told the paper that he had a broken bone. Coach Kiffen reported that the MRI Hall had revealed only a sprain. It makes one wonder just what medical school the newly-traded-for DB graduated from. Hall is practicing so at least there's that...you've got to take the positives where you can get them where the Raiders are concerned. I'm done with Walker--he's unworthy of comment at the moment.
LYNCH TO SIGN WITH PATS
ESPN's John Clayton reports that the Patriots are interested in signing John Lynch as long as he passes a physical.
Mancini's Take: The Patriots do an excellent job of signing players at the twilight of their careers and maximizing their remianing skills. If Lynch does sign, look for him to be an effective role player that will typically be used on running downs.
Mandel's Take: They lose Tank Williams, they plug in John Lynch. Was anyone surprised by this? I'll wager we will see a revitalized John Lynch--the ring is the thing.
DOLPHINS MAY KEEP TWO
The early suggestions that the Dolphins would rotate all of their quarterback options through work with the first-team offense have been scrapped, according to the Florida Sun Sentinel. For the past two days newly acquired veteran Chad Pennington has worked exclusively with the first team while rookie quarterback Chad Henne, who had an impressive exhibition showing on Saturday night, got the bulk of the work with the second team.
Mancini's Take: Prior to Pennington's arrival, Josh McCown was the favorite to win the starting job based on the fact that he outperformed everyone else and had a better grasp of OC Dan Henning's system. All of that went out the window with the former Jet in town. For all his physical attributes, McCown has serious accuracy and decision-making issues. Pennington is the safe pick here. This one's pretty much a no-brainer, wouldn't you say, Howie...er...Ross.?
Mandel's Take: Pennington is going to start this season--McCown is clearly not the answer and Henne isn't ready. Henne will be able to learn from Pennington, who is a good guy and an intelligent QB, and the former Michignan man should be ready--if he's ever going to be ready--next season. McCown and Beck seem to be on the outside looking in. That's not a bad thing.
S-JAX HOLDOUT: DAY 20
As of Wednesday afternoon, running back Steven Jackson's contract holdout had reached 20 days, easily the longest holdout in the 14-season history of the "St. Louis" Rams. Although nothing close to a breakthrough has occurred, the Post-Dispatch has learned that there have been low-key talks in the last day or two between Rams president of football operations-general manager Jay Zygmunt and Jackson's agent, Eugene Parker. That's the first indication of any dialogue between the parties since the first day of training camp - July 25.
Mancini's Take: Hey guys, wake me up when you've come to an agreement. Commenting on this story is rapidly becoming a tedious chore. It's getting late pretty early in St. Louis. If their first preseason game is any indication, the Rams appear to be a subpar team under the misguided direction of coach Scott Linehan, who's failed to inspire his players to put it all on the line for him. Without Jackson in the fold, this team suddenly becomes hopeless. Give me a reason to believe in this team, Brother Ross.
Mandel's Take: What exactly are "low-key talks"? Do they put on some Barry White and have some wine while they casually discuss dollars and years? To me, this whole thing idicates that Jackson is trying to take the Jerome Bettis route out of town. I'm not sure I can blame him. The rudderless ship that is the USS Rams has a poor coach, a broken down QB, and disinterested players. There's no reason to believe in this team whatsoever and Jackson figures if he's going to get smashed around, he may as well get paid.
RUDI RETURNS
Cincinnati Bengals RB Rudi Johnson says he'll return to practice tonight and play Sunday night vs. Detroit. Johnson has been out nearly two weeks with a hamstring injury. Johnson says the hamstring tightened up on him after he went through the heavy running of the first two sets of two-a-day practices during the first week of training camp. He said he brought it back slow because he believes he came back too soon from the hamstring injury he suffered in the third game of the regular season last year. "It could have been a pinch or anything, I was going to be careful," Johnson said. "Got to be smart. You live and learn a little bit. I came back too soon a few times last year. But when I came back too soon the first time, that was it for the rest of the year."
Mancini's Take: I was already lukewarm about Rudi's ability to bounce back this year, and with this latest physical setback, I can definitely tell you that I have zero faith in Johnson reemerging as a 1,200-yard runner on this Cincy team. Chris Perry looks strong so far. Both he and Kenny Watson will have a role in the Bengal offense that's reportedly looking to live off the running game a bit more.
Mandel's Take: Johnson simply cannot stay healthy and the Rev is correct--it's hard to imagine him getting 1,200 yards this season. Johnson's tread is wearing down rapidly, and the Bengals are going to have to lean on Kenny Watson as well as Perry this season. I'm not feeling good vibes from the Bengals.
CADILLAC UPDATE
Charlie Campbell and Scott Reynolds, of PewterReport.com, report Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Jon Gruden said RB Cadillac Williams (knee) is rehabbing and getting close to returning to practice. "He's getting really close. I can't tell you how excited we are about how far he's come in such a short period of time. I have to keep it in perspective, but we're going to be very smart here and I'm not going to do anything until the trainers give the green light. Right now we're still on yellow and we're still working hard. There's a little bit of caution but boy, he's looking good and we're excited and happy for him," Gruden said.
Mancini's Take: I don't know what to make of this. I thing we know for sure is that this Caddy is no SUV. He isn't built to take the constant pounding that NFL backs are subject to when trying to grind out yardage. If Williams wants to have any sort of career in the league, he must be used as a third down scatback, which sort of eliminates the need of having Warrick Dunn around. Caddy looks like a good kid, and I wish him luck.
Mandel's Take: What's the rush? Put him on PUP and if he's ready by week 8, it's a bonus and a great story. The reward is dwarfed by the risk here and I can't see Gruden or the Bucs bringing Williams back to start the season.
JORDAN CONTRACT UPDATE
Mike Reiss, of the Boston Globe, reports New England Patriots RB LaMont Jordan did not receive a signing bonus when he signed with the Patriots. His deal will pay him a base salary of $850,000 in 2008. Jordan, however, can earn up to $1.15 million through performance-based incentives. That is one of the highest incentive figures on the Patriots' roster.
Mancini's Take: After two uninspiring seasons with the lowly Raiders, Jordan didn't exactly have any...um...leverage. Playing without a signing bonus is extremely risky, especially for a running back. That being said, Jordan has landed in the perfect spot to revive his career. If New England decides to utilize him in a Sammy Morris-type role, you can be sure that the burly back will see several carries and passes go his way, not mention a number of goal-line carries as 1A runner behind Laurence Maroney.
Mandel's Take: I agree that Jordan could be a useful member of the Pats, but I'm not so sure that he's going to wind up in that role with all the horses in New England. Morris has provided the Pats with exactly what they've needed and while I do see Jordan getting involved at some point, I think it will come later in the season, barring injury.
NEAL MAKES PRESENCE FELT
The Associated Press reports the Baltimore Ravens signing of FB Lorenzo Neal (Chargers) gives the team more flexibility. "He's been in the system, which helps, but he gives us another physical guy," offensive coordinator Cam Cameron said. "He gives us some flexibility at running back with Willis (McGahee) being dinged up. It also allows (fullback) Le'Ron McClain to play tailback if we need him to." Neal worked in Cameron's system from 2003 to 2006 while both were with the San Diego Chargers.
Mancini's Take: Neal will immeasurably help a young offensive line in providing that extra thump in the running game. If you don't believe me, just ask Eddie George, Rudi Johnson, LaDanian Tomlinson and Adrian Murrell about Neal's impact as a road grater in shoulder pads. Yes, Ross, I said Adrian Murrell. Lots of people seem to forget that Neal was a Jet for one year.
Mandel's Take: Please. I had forgotten about Murrell. Just kidding Rev. Don't get those green panties in a bunch! This signing is a good one I guess, but the fact that no one scooped Neal up until an injury demanded it makes me wonder just how much he can help the Ravens and their sure-to-be-ugly offense. Is there a need for a back who is so limited? The NFL isn't the same as it was when the 37-year-old Neal started smashing heads.
CENTER BATTLE HEATS UP
As the Pittsburgh Steelers training camp enters its third week, coach Mike Tomlin is still looking to find a starting center. Offseason free-agent acquisition Justin Hartwig will start Thursday night against the Buffalo Bills in Toronto after last season's starter, Sean Mahan, started the preseason opener against Philadelphia last week. "I'd like to have it solved yesterday," Tomlin said Tuesday. "But you don't always get what you want. We'll have clarity, certainly, when we do make that decision." Sean Mahan, Pittsburgh's starting center last season, is facing some stiff competition from seven-year veteran Justin Hartwig. Mahan-Hartwig is the hottest competition for a Pittsburgh starting spot.
Mancini's Take: The Pittsburgh running attack looked impressive last week versus the Eagles last week. The one player who really stood out was left tackle Marvel Smith who was blowing defenders off the ball. As far as the two centers are concerned, none of them possess the skills to anchor a running game. If Hartwig shows anything in pass protection, he'll probably win the job. The Steelers have yet to find a center capable of performing to the level of the retired Jeff Hartings.
Mandel's Take: Can Hartwig shake off the poor stint he had in Carolina? Perhaps it took him longer to recover from the surgery he had back in 2006, but if the Steelers can't get more out of him than the Panthers did, he won't be starting for long if at all. Mahan is mediocre and the fact that the Steelers brought Hartwig in speaks volumes about their feelings for Mahan at center. However, Pittsburgh always seems to come up with a successful plan so perhaps they have seen something encouraging/fixable in Hartwig.
FALCONS PUSH HALL
Jason Jones, of the Sacramento Bee, reports Oakland Raiders CB DeAngelo Hall (hand) has a broken bone in his right hand. "I've got a little broken bone in there," Hall said. " ... I don't even feel like I should be out here practicing or going into the preseason, but it's something nobody else feels like is affecting anything, so I'm out there practicing and playing games." Hall is practicing because the team has told him to.
Mancini's Take: That's the spirit, DeAngelo. It's disturbing to witness one of the highest-paid players who needs to have his arm twisted to get him out on the practice field. Between Javon Walker, who had to be talked out of retirement and Hall, who doesn't want to practice, the Raiders have assembled a real motley crew of players whose sole motivation to play for the Silver and Black is to pocket a few more Benjamins. Is the future looking bright for this dynamic duo, Rosstradamus?
Mandel's Take: Hall told the paper that he had a broken bone. Coach Kiffen reported that the MRI Hall had revealed only a sprain. It makes one wonder just what medical school the newly-traded-for DB graduated from. Hall is practicing so at least there's that...you've got to take the positives where you can get them where the Raiders are concerned. I'm done with Walker--he's unworthy of comment at the moment.
LYNCH TO SIGN WITH PATS
ESPN's John Clayton reports that the Patriots are interested in signing John Lynch as long as he passes a physical.
Mancini's Take: The Patriots do an excellent job of signing players at the twilight of their careers and maximizing their remianing skills. If Lynch does sign, look for him to be an effective role player that will typically be used on running downs.
Mandel's Take: They lose Tank Williams, they plug in John Lynch. Was anyone surprised by this? I'll wager we will see a revitalized John Lynch--the ring is the thing.
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