FFI DAILY DOSE

Fantasy Football Insiders Ross Mandel & Ralph Mancini Discuss The Hot Topics From Around The League

ROGERS TO FANS: HOP ON BOARD OR SHUT UP
Aaron Rodgers is typically known for unique analysis of his teammates, descriptive explanations of the offense and for backing up Brett Favre, verbally and literally. That's why the Green Bay Packers' new starting quarterback's comment in a Sports Illustrated magazine story is all the more intriguing. The magazine asked Rodgers 'whether he feels pressure to connect with the fans the way Favre did.' "I don't feel I need to sell myself to the fans," Rodgers responded. "They need to get on board now or keep their mouths shut."
Mandel's Take: I can't wait for the "That was taken out of context!" excuse which we'll no doubt hear in a couple of days. Aaron...bubby...when you're an unproven talent following a legend and you're asked a question which involves the fans...it might be a good idea to avoid using the words "keep their mouths shut" no matter what the circumstance. His starting gig isn't under any pressure, but now he's on a shorter leash with the fans in Green Bay. Not a good way to start a relationship. However, if this turns out to be nothing, my words were taken out of context.
Mancini's Take: I'm sure the QB's comment was made tongue-in-cheek, but reading about it in print, there's no way of knowing whether or not the remark was made in jest or otherwise. Nevertheless, as time goes by, Rodgers will learn to be more media savvy and avoid getting caught up in similar predicaments. At least, I hope he does.

DEANGELO WILLIAMS UPDATE
Darin Gantt, of The Herald, reporting for The Sporting News, reports Carolina Panthers RB DeAngelo Williams is expected to be used more this year. Williams has improved his pass protection this offseason, an area of his game that was once considered a liability.
Mandel's Take: Hmmm. Then why did they draft Jonathan Stewart? Williams will be a third down back and might return kicks unless, of course, Stewart is ineffective when he returns from his foot injury. Williams has averaged 4.6 yards per carry in his brief career but hasn't demonstrated that an increased workload is warranted, hence the attempts to turn DeShaun Foster into something more than what he was and the drafting of Stewart. Williams can be effective, but not if he's overused. Rev--are you drinking the DeAngelo Kool-Aid?
Mancini's Take: I can see DWill being used a bit more often in the early going as Stewart becomes acclimated to the pro game, but I'm pretty much in agreement with Rosstradamus here. If Williams did indeed have what it takes to carry the load, I think he would've shown something by now. Until proven otherwise, he just bounces too many plays outside to merit consideration as a feature guy who sticks his nose in the heart of a defense.

CADILLAC TO START ON PUP?
Although many people are encouraged and optimistically want Williams to play again this season, those thoughts eventually could prove to be unrealistic, according to The Tampa Tribune. First and foremost, Tampa Bay does not need Williams this season. With Earnest Graham, Michael Bennett and the addition of Warrick Dunn, rushing Williams back this season is unnecessary.
Mandel's Take: A few weeks ago, Williams was pretty confident that he'd be playing at some point this season but fortunately, it isn't up to him. Letting players assess their own health is never a good idea and it's pretty clear that for team need and Williams' well-being, the Cadillac's dust cover should remain on for the foreseeable future.
Mancini's Take: Don't look for this Caddy to leave the showroom any time soon. The Bucs have already set their sights on Kevin Jones. Anything they get out of Williams in 2008 will be a bonus.

CALHOUN IN THE MIX
Despite playing in only four games last season the Detroit Lions coaching staff is still high on third-year RB Brian Calhoun. Calhoun, whose speed is his biggest asset, will get an opportunity to become a third-down threat along with his duties as a kick returner and special-teamer.
Mandel's Take: The good news is that the former CU Buff and Wisconsin Badger is finally healthy after knee problems limited his first couple of seasons in the NFL. The bad news is that the Lions drafted Kevin Smith and have Tatum Bell, so I'm not sure where the carries are going to come from. Make no mistake--Calhoun has blazing speed and quickness, I just don't see him stealing that many carries away from Smith or
Bell. It will be interesting to see if the Lions, with their "new" offensive philosophy will be able to incorporate a weapon like Calhoun.
Mancini's Take: Weapon? Ok, simmer down, Ross. I think your man needs to stay healthy for an entire season before he earns a key role in Detroit's offense. The good news for Calhoun is that Detroit will do everything in their power to establish itself as a running machine. The defense, however, also has to do its part and prevent the opposition from putting up big scores on the board in order for the running attack to operate at full boar.

JUREVICIUS SUFFERS SETBACK
Cleveland Browns WR Joe Jurevicius recently had another surgery to clean up tissue in his injured right knee. This is the fourth knee surgery for Jurevicius and his status for training camp is now in question. The release said he had experienced "ongoing swelling and discomfort in his knee" and "had a further clean out to help him in his recovery and control his symptoms."
Mandel's Take: Attention free agent wide receivers--send your resume to Cleveland and maybe check out the Flats and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame because the Browns are going to need someone to fill in for Jurevicius. My guess is that the crafty 33-year-old is able to squeeze a few games out this season, but the Browns know what we all do--the finish line is fast approaching. With the goals this team has, they need to get some insurance. Donte' Stallworth needs to recognize that his presence and contribution just became that much more critical.
Mancini's Take: With the the tall receiver's knee barking, special teams ace Joshua Cribbs may also assume a bigger role at wide out. The former Penn State Nittany Lion hasn't been able to stay healthy over long stretches for some time now.

TROY WILLIAMSON UPDATE
The Pioneer Press reports word out of Jacksonville indicates that Jacksonville Jaguars WR Troy Williamson enjoyed the best minicamp workouts of any player on the team.
Mandel's Take: Suddenly Williamson can catch the ball? I'll believe it when I see it in a game situation. Williamson has speed, but he dropped more passes than he caught in Minnesota. Perhaps someone gave him some advice along the lines of Tom Coughlin to Tiki Barber and now Williamson has learned to hold onto the ball. If so, he adds a much-needed dimension to the Jags' passing offense and will turn out to be well worth the sixth rounder the Jags gave up for him. Tell me Rev--is there some stick 'em on this guy's hands now, or what?
Mancni's Take: Well, in addition to hanging on to the ball, Williamson also needs to significantly enhance his route running during the regular season before we rush to judgement on any of his improvements. The fleet-footed athlete has been prone to making careless mistakes as a Viking, such as running out of bounds untouched before catching a pass. The fact is that lots of players look like world beaters with shorts on. Let's see how good he is when the lights go on.

DAVONE BESS UPDATE
The South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports that the rookie wide receiver has impressed Dolphins general manager Jeff Ireland, who says he should be a good receiver for a long-time in the NFL.
Mandel's Take: The undrafted rook certainly signed with the right team if he wants to stick in the league. He could fast become a Parcells mascot and we all know that those "Parcells Guys" manage to hang around. He could relieve Ted Ginn, Jr. in the punt return department and be an effective slot receiver...if the Fish have anyone to throw the ball to him.
Mancini's Take: Coming out of college, Bess has a few things working against him, including his lack of size (barely 5' 10"), ordinary speed and character issues stemming from a 15-month stay in a juvenile facility for his role in receiving stolen goods. The rookie, however, is doing an excellent job of silencing his naysayers by showing Dolphin nation his tremendous hands, impressive quickness and outstanding change-of-direction skills. On a team devoid of top talent at the receiver position, Bess has an opportunity to be a prime target.

BOWMAN MAKES SPLASH IN DEBUT
On a team looking for new beginnings with a first-time head coach and a recycled quarterback, much-heralded rookie Adarius Bowman caught the game-clinching touchdown pass in the Saskatchewan Roughriders' 34-13 victory over the Edmonton Eskimos on Saturday. "I'm loving this -- we're in it together and this is the first of many,'' Bowman said after the reigning Grey Cup champions opened their CFL regular season before a sold-out crowd of 28,800 at Taylor Field. Bowman finished with six catches for a game-high 112 receiving yards.
Mandel's Take: Nothing like being exiled to Canada to smack some sense into a player. His attitude seems to be good and we know his skills are top drawer. Bowman is a serious talent and it shocked me that he went undrafted despite his poor workouts and his getting busted with pot. Plenty of players had problems but were drafted and there was no reason he couldn't be selected and told he was under a zero-tolerance policy. Bowman should keep his passport handy because he will end up playing the in the NFL. It may be sooner than anyone thinks. Rev--you should get the first flight to Saskatoon and sign this guy for the Jets!
Mancini's Take: Can he outperform fellow rookie Marcus Henry, Ross? If he can, I'd most certainly love to have him work out with the Jets to see what stuff he's made of. I'm a sucker for redemption stories. I hope Bowman keeps on keepin' on.

JAKE LONG UPDATE
Dolphins rookie OT Jake Long was evasive when asked where he will play on the offensive line, but HC Tony Sparano quickly put an end to the speculation shortly after the draft. "We see Jake as a left tackle. Left tackle is our need, and that's where he's going to be playing for us," Sparano said. But there are several pundits and NFL personnel who have mixed reviews as to where Long best fits in.
Mandel's Take: As the number one pick, the guy better be able to play anywhere they put him. As Sparano said, left tackle is their need (as if they have only "a" need!) so he'll be given every opportunity to succeed at that pivotal position. Wherever Long plays, he's almost a sure bet to improve the Dolphins'running game.
Mancini's Take: People unfairly compare Long to Joe Thomas who's a bit more nimble than the former Michigan man when it comes to pass blocking, but Long should have no problems playing left tackle. While his overall agility may not be up to par with some others at the position, his power and drive-blocking prowess are amazing. I can't see why Long can't be a perennial All Pro barring injury.

CONNOR LOOKING UP
Panthers LB Na'il Diggs will get preference towards the starting job at weak-side linebacker over Landon Johnson and rookie Dan Conner. Diggs gives the team an added veterans presence and recently signed a three-year extension. He'll also be counted on for more responsibilities while DT Damione Lewis and Maake Kemoeatu line up as a one-gap pass rusher and over the nose respectively, allowing more blockers to reach the second level.
Mandel's Take: Connor is going to begin his career as a backup, whether it's to middle man Jon Beason or one of the weaksiders is immaterial at this point. He'll see the field eventually and have his chance to make an impact. Diggs has, in addition to a very cool name, an edge in the experience department over Johnson, but the athleticism of Johnson could win out in the end. Either way, you can never have too many LBs.
Mancini's Take: Being a rookie can be a humbling experience. It's up to Connor to live in the filmroon and practice his tail off in order to prove he's worthy of a starting position.