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EOG Master
[h=3]Mingo and aggressive Browns D 
[/h]August, 9, 2013Aug 9
2:36
PM ET
By Tom Carpenter | ESPN.com
When you are the No. 6 overall pick, like Cleveland Browns linebacker Barkevious Mingo, people shouldn't be too surprised when you do good things. Nonetheless, Mingo raised eyebrows in a good way during the Browns' preseason opener against the St. Louis Rams last night.
"Barkevious Mingo surprised his teammates with his non-stop motor," wrote ESPNCleveland.com's Tony Grossi. "Much has been made of Mingo?s slender upper body, but he showed what attracted him to the Browns? coaches. His quickness and sustained speed will affect gameplans as rivals watch him on tape. The attention eventually given Mingo will open things up for others in the Browns? pass rush."
That motor should fit in well with new defensive coordinator Ray Horton's aggressive approach to running the Browns D:
[h=5]Jamison Hensley[/h]Camp Confidential: Cleveland Browns
Tags:Cleveland Browns, Ray Horton, Barkevious Mingo
[h=3]What can Kelce do as a rookie?[/h]August, 9, 2013Aug 9
1:59
PM ET
By Tom Carpenter | ESPN.com
Four tight ends (Tyler Eifert, Zach Ertz, Gavin Escobar, Vance McDonald) came off the board before the Kansas City Chiefs selected Cincinnati's Travis Kelce in the third round, so it's not surprising that guys like Eifert and Ertz, in particular, are generating far more buzz than Kelce during the preseason.
On the other hand, Kelce has landed in a pretty good spot. That's in part because his genuine play-making skills give him an advantage over the two veterans ahead of him on the depth chart (Tony Moeaki and Anthony Fasano) and also because new Chiefs coach Andy Reid loves to pass the ball, which helped make the likes of Brent Celek a quality fantasy TE at times when they were paired up in Philadelphia.
As a rookie, Kelce will have to get some breaks to actually make noise for fantasy teams in 2013, but it's not out of the question:
[h=5]Mel Kiper Jr.[/h]Kiper's fantasy rookie keepers
Tags:Kansas City Chiefs, Andy Reid, Anthony Fasano, Tony Moeaki, Travis Kelce
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[h=3]Aldrick remains inconsistent[/h]August, 9, 2013Aug 9
1:30
PM ET
By Tom Carpenter | ESPN.com
Yesterday, we took a look at Aldrick Robinson, who seems to be equal parts excitement and downside; the Washington Redskins appear interested in increasing his role this season, but inconsistency has left questions about whether that will actually happen. After last night's preseason performance, it appears that inconsistency once again was an issue.
"He did have two catches but one of them was very shaky, requiring a video review when he bobbled the ball on what should have been an easy catch near the sideline," CSNWashington.com's Rich Tandler noted. "And he flat dropped a nice pass from Rex Grossman for what would have been a substantial gain. Mike Shanahan said last week that Robinson needed to become more consistent and he was anything but that in this game."
The skills are there, and the opportunity for a bigger role appears to be there, too. However, until he can prove to be consistent, he will be too far down the WR depth chart to make any noise.
Tags:Washington Redskins, Aldrick Robinson
[h=3]The good and bad of Cowboys O-line[/h]August, 9, 2013Aug 9
1:16
PM ET
By Tom Carpenter | ESPN.com
Many thought that the Dallas Cowboys reached to snag Wisconsin's Travis Frederick with the 31st pick of the first round, but he's been looking good early on, working at center and right guard. Quarterback Tony Romo has been happy with what he's seen from the young snapper thus far.
?I think they picked a good one there,? Romo said. ?He?ll be a guy who?s going to help us for a long time. People were talking about whether or not we reached for him, I guess at the time, but he?s a good football player and we got a good first-round draft pick there.?
At this point, it appears that Frederick is in line to start at center, if he acquits himself well during the preseason. That would bump Phil Costa over to right guard or a reserve role, though injuries have left the Cowboys with more questions than answers.
ESPNDallas.com's Todd Archer noted that the failed attempt to bring in Brandon Moore "has to signal some unhappiness and impatience with Mackenzy Bernadeau and Nate Livings.
"It?s been clear that the Cowboys want to have Ronald Leary start at left guard with the way they have talked him up. And Leary has played well. Livings will count $2.4 million against the salary cap this year whether he is on the team or not on the team in 2013. His $1.7 million base salary is guaranteed.
"... After Moore?s retirement, the Cowboys need Bernadeau to shake off the rust quickly. Their dalliance with Moore is proof they won?t wait very long."
Tags:Dallas Cowboys, Brandon Moore, Mackenzy Bernadeau, Phil Costa, Travis Frederick
[h=3]Checking in on Jets D[/h]August, 9, 2013Aug 9
12:43
PM ET
By Tom Carpenter | ESPN.com
Obviously, most of the recent chatter regarding the New York Jets has been about their quarterback battle -- and with good reason -- but there are going to be some interesting things to watch on the other side of the ball when they kick off their preseason tonight versus the Detroit Lions. Specifically, we'll want to keep an eye on the youth movement they have on their defensive roster.
"The Jets could open with three in the starting lineup -- DT Sheldon Richardson, CB Dee Milliner and FB Tommy Bohanon, the only fullback on the traveling roster. Incumbent Lex Hilliard didn't make the trip with an undisclosed injury. Milliner is rusty, which is to be expected. He missed the offseason and the first few days of camp, so his conditioning and technique still need work. Just for kicks, Rex Ryan should let Milliner cover Calvin Johnson for a couple of plays. Now that would be a welcome-to-the-NFL moment," wrote ESPNNewYork.com's Rich Cimini.
"Former No. 1 pick Quinton Coples plays his first game at outside linebacker. It has been a quiet camp for the former lineman. Part of that could be attributed to the position switch. But the coaches also want him to play with a greater sense of urgency. The feeling around the team is that Coples is the key to the defense. If he thrives in his new role, the defense has a chance to be really good."
Tags:Detroit Lions, New York Jets, Rex Ryan, Dee Milliner, Sheldon Richardson, Quinton Coples, Lex Hilliard, Tommy Bohanon
[h=3]Ingram continues to generate buzz[/h]August, 9, 2013Aug 9
11:54
AM ET
By Tom Carpenter | ESPN.com
It's been a little tough to get a genuine read on what to expect from Mark Ingram this season. He was a first-round pick in 2011 but was dinged up and often looked lost in the New Orleans Saints offense as a rookie. Last season, he played a full 16-game slate, but he only had 156 rushes, as the Saints repeatedly had to air it out just to stay in games. Now, as he enters Year 3, Ingram is healthy, coach Sean Payton is back to direct the offense and the RB is drawing rave reviews.
"I have a feeling that Ingram's fantasy football stock is about to rise," wrote Mike Triplett of the New Orleans Times-Picayune. "I'm not ready to project a 'breakout' season from Ingram, since I think he'll be sharing the workload with Thomas and Darren Sproles this season. And I think Ingram needs to prove he can deliver when it counts after failing to live up to expectations the past two years."
"Ingram has looked strong, fast, fluid and a little slimmer -- a result of being fully healthy for the first time throughout an entire offseason since he joined the NFL," he added. "And the Saints have talked about using him in a more versatile way after pigeonholing him as the short-yardage/base offense running back the last two years."
We touched on this very subject yesterday, as our Pat Yasinskas and Matt Williamson came to the same conclusion that this could be Ingram's turn to shine in the Saints offense. We'll get a good look at Ingram in Friday's preseason game, since Pierre Thomas likely will remain out with an undisclosed injury.
Tags:New Orleans Saints, Sean Payton, Mark Ingram, Pierre Thomas
[h=3]Bears have battle to replace Urlacher[/h]August, 9, 2013Aug 9
11:32
AM ET
By Tom Carpenter | ESPN.com
The Chicago Bears will kick off their 2013 preseason Friday evening against the Carolina Panthers. It'll be the first time since 2000 that they'll face an opponent without Brian Urlacher on the roster. D.J. Williams is supposed to be Urlacher's replacement, but he's dinged up with a strained calf, which means that rookie second-rounder Jon Bostic will get the snaps tonight, and ESPNChicago.com's Michael C. Wright thinks that Bostic has a legit shot to unseat Williams.
"If Bostic performs, he could wind up making a serious push for the starting job," wrote Wright. "Right now, Bostic is considered the future of the position with Williams slated to start, but the rookie can take a step toward making the future now against the Panthers."
Lance Briggs will take over Urlacher's role as the defensive play caller, and Wright thinks that "there shouldn't be much of a dropoff in that department, if any."
Odds are that Williams will handle the starting MLB role when the regular season begins in a home tilt against the Cincinnati Bengals, but Bostic may be nipping at his heals sooner than later, especially if he looks good in the preseason.
Tags:Chicago Bears, D.J. Williams, Jon Bostic
[h=3]Checking in on Chargers WRs[/h]August, 9, 2013Aug 9
11:11
AM ET
By Tom Carpenter | ESPN.com
With Danario Alexander out for the season due to his latest knee surgery, the San Diego Chargers are left with more questions than ever at wide receiver. Malcom Floyd seems locked in as a starter, and if Vincent Brown can get healthy, he should be the No. 2 option. Beyond that, though, it's anyone's guess. Rookie Keenan Allen will battle with veterans Eddie Royal and Robert Meachem for the other touches. It sounds like Meachem remains an underwhelming option, though.
"And, it must be noted, wide receiver Robert Meachem remains lost," Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune noted after watching Meachem fail to catch either of the passes that came his way in the Chargers' preseason opener last night.
Since his $5 million for this season is fully guaranteed, he'll undoubtedly stick on the roster, though it looks like he will be an afterthought. Allen has had an up-and-down camp, but ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. thinks he carries some excellent fantasy sleeper potential as the season progresses:
[h=5]Mel Kiper Jr.[/h]Kiper's fantasy rookie keepers
Tags:San Diego Chargers, Keenan Allen, Danario Alexander, Eddie Royal, Robert Meachem, Malcom Floyd, Vincent Brown
[h=3]Tate's upside with Foster hurting[/h]August, 9, 2013Aug 9
10:28
AM ET
By Tom Carpenter | ESPN.com
The Houston Texans have a number of injuries that they are dealing with as they head into their preseason opener against the Minnesota Vikings tonight. Of course, running back extraordinaire Arian Foster tops the list; he remains on the PUP, even though coach Gary Kubiak had hoped to see his star RB back in action this past Sunday.
Per ESPN Houston Texans reporter Tania Ganguli, "tarting left guard Wade Smith, who banged his knee Tuesday; rookie offensive tackle Brennan Williams; safety Ed Reed and receiver DeVier Posey, both on PUP; rookie receiver Alan Bonner; undrafted rookie tight end Adam Schiltz; and cornerback Brandon Harris, who has a hip flexor problem" may well skip Friday's exhibition action, too.
Getting back to Foster, he still has plenty of time to get his nagging calf injury back to full speed, but the fact that he's been dinged up often in recent years only further solidifies the sneaky fantasy value we can find in backup Ben Tate:
[h=5]Eric Karabell[/h]Is Arian Foster the slam-dunk No. 2 pick?
Tags:Houston Texans, Arian Foster, Ben Tate
[h=3]Barner's role in Panthers backfield[/h]August, 9, 2013Aug 9
10:10
AM ET
By Tom Carpenter | ESPN.com
The Carolina Panthers took a "rich get richer" approach to their backfield this offseason when they added Oregon rookie running back Kenjon Barner to their veteran crew of DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart, plus FB Mike Tolbert. Barner racked up 1,767 rushing yards, pulled in 20 passes for another 256 yards and totaled 23 touchdowns for Oregon last season. Now, he has been turning heads at Panthers training camp.
?The biggest thing really is the diversity in what he does as a football player,? coach Ron Rivera said, per Jonathan Jones of the Charlotte Observer. ?He?s got a great feel for the passing game. He does a nice job in terms of getting out into his routes. He does create some mismatches. He?s learning the protections, to step up and take blocks.
?He?s shown that he can do it. He?s a well-rounded back. He?s not an everyday back because of his size obviously but he can be an effective guy in certain situations and circumstances.?
Barner should get plenty of play in their preseason opener tonight, entering the game as the No. 2 RB behind Williams, since Stewart still is working his way back from ankle surgery. With so much depth at RB, Barner likely won't make much noise as a rookie, though he could get a look on returns.
In the meantime, ESPN NFC South blogger Pat Yasinskas has some advice for fantasy owners:
Around the NFC South
Tags:Carolina Panthers, DeAngelo Williams, Jonathan Stewart, Kenjon Barner, Mike Tolbert, Ron Rivera
[h=3]AFC South schedule and fantasy value[/h]August, 9, 2013Aug 9
9:40
AM ET
By Tom Carpenter | ESPN.com
Fantasy football drafts are just a couple of weeks away, which means fantasy junkies are poring over every stat and prediction available to get a read on the upside and downside of each player for this season. However, one thing that often slips by newer participants -- and even some savvy veterans -- is how a player's schedule affects his potential statistical production from week to week. You may draft a WR2, who may end up having a terrific overall season, but if he faces tough secondaries the first three weeks of the season, he might look more like a WR4 -- and your team may get bumped out of the playoff race before it even gets going.
The success of defenses often is hard to predict, but there is little doubt entering this campaign that the NFC West is packed with potentially dangerous defenses. The San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks proved to be brutal on opposing offenses last season, and the Arizona Cardinals and St. Louis Rams were often good last season and likely will be even better in 2013. That creates some issues for fantasy options on those teams, since they'll play six games within the division. But it also presents a potential headache for teams in the AFC South, who had the misfortune of being paired up with the NFC West on their schedules this season.
The Indianapolis Colts (@SF in Week 3, vs SEA in Week 5, vs STL in Week 10, @ ARI in Week 12) and Jacksonville Jaguars (@SEA in Week 3, @ STL in Week 5, vs SF in Week 8, vs ARI in Week 11) have their battles with the NFC West spread throughout the season, but the Houston Texans (vs SEA in Week 4, @SF in Week 5, vs STL in Week 6, followed with Week 8 bye and @ARI in Week 10) and Tennessee Titans (@SEA in Week 6, vs SF in Week 7, bye in Week 8, @STL in Week 9, vs ARI in Week 15) are going to have some particularly rough stretches.
Playing those teams doesn't mean that the AFC South teams can't crank out some stats, but if the NFC West Ds come close to expectations, then we are unlikely to see elite stats from the AFC South's best fantasy options, and their second-rung players may look more like waiver-wire options. In particular, the Texans likely will be limited statistically for five of the seven weeks between Week 4 and Week 10, and the Titans will be limited from Week 6 through Week 9.
This information should be used as a tiebreaker when you are comparing two players with similar upside and risk; a better schedule during the season can make a huge difference in how much a player will help your team from week to week.
Tags:Seattle Seahawks, Arizona Cardinals, Jacksonville Jaguars, Houston Texans, San Francisco 49ers, Indianapolis Colts, Tennessee Titans, St. Louis Rams
[h=3]Jenkins can't get off the schneid[/h]August, 9, 2013Aug 9
8:59
AM ET
By Tom Carpenter | ESPN.com
The San Francisco 49ers were patient with 2012 first-round pick A.J. Jenkins during his rookie campaign, but with Michael Crabtree sidelined for the foreseeable future, they need him to step up quickly as the No. 2 WR behind offseason acquisition Anquan Boldin. A strained hamstring limited him early on in camp, though, and his initial preseason game was anything but impressive, as he fumbled the only pass he caught during his 20+ plays.
"Bottom line: ... On this night, Jenkins was outplayed and outgained at his position ... by the likes of [Marlon Moore], the 33-year-old Kassim Osgood and Chad Hall, the 5-foot-8 special teams guy from Air Force," wrote Mark Purdy of the San Jose Mercury News.
Moore, who couldn't earn a starting role on a Miami Dolphins team largely bereft of WR talent last season, started over Jenkins last night. Jenkins still has time to get up to speed and earn that starting role, which would make him an intriguing fantasy sleeper, but he has shown basically zero signs to date that he is up to the challenge.
Tags:San Francisco 49ers, Anquan Boldin, A.J. Jenkins, Kassim Osgood, Chad Hall, Marlon Moore, Michael Carbtree
[h=3]Latest on Raiders' QB battle[/h]August, 9, 2013Aug 9
8:28
AM ET
By Tom Carpenter | ESPN.com
The Oakland Raiders traded away veteran QB Carson Palmer this offseason and replaced him with Matt Flynn. Even though Flynn has actually just started a couple of NFL games, they hope that he can hold down the fort until No. 2 QB Terrelle Pryor or fourth-rounder Tyler Wilson proves worthy of starting -- or until they can secure a franchise QB in next year's draft. Early reports out of camp were that Flynn clearly looked like the most likely to start in Week 1, but the preseason will play a big role in finalizing the pecking order.
"Pryor already has his supporters who see him as a Colin Kaepernick-like talent as a runner and passer. Flynn is more efficient than stunningly talented, and that's what [coach Dennis] Allen wants out of his quarterback," wrote Jerry McDonald of InsideBayArea.com. "Putting the Raiders in the end zone would be a good start.
"There's another battle going on between undrafted free agent Matt McGloin and fourth-round draft pick Tyler Wilson to be the No. 3 quarterback."
The Raiders will kick off their preseason Friday evening against the Dallas Cowboys. ESPN AFC West blogger Bill Williamson thinks that despite fan love for Pryor, the team may be more into the rookie Wilson:
[h=5]Bill Williamson[/h]Camp Confidential: Oakland Raiders
Tags:Matt Flynn, Oakland Raiders, Terrelle Pryor, Tyler Wilson, Matt McGloin
[h=3]Roles for Bengals TEs[/h]August, 9, 2013Aug 9
7:57
AM ET
By Tom Carpenter | ESPN.com
The Cincinnati Bengals sport two tight ends who were taken 21st overall in their respective drafts: Jermaine Gresham (2010) and rookie Tyler Eifert. How do they intend to use the pair in 2013 after running two-TE sets on only about a quarter of their plays last season? We got a peak at it last night, when the Bengals squared off against the Atlanta Falcons in preseason action.
"Judging by the first two series by the first-team offense, the Bengals are going to use two tight ends as their primary formation. It makes sense because that way both Jermaine Gresham and Tyler Eifert, two first-round picks, are on the field," ESPN AFC North blogger Jamison Hensle observed. "Of Andy Dalton's eight drop-backs, three passes went to his tight ends. By going with two tight ends, the Bengals use a single back and no fullback."
Since A.J. Green has been sidelined during camp with a knee injury, the tight ends have received plenty of extra looks from Dalton in practices. It appears that will carry over into the regular season. The trouble with targeting either of them for fantasy teams is how many passes will come their way on a regular basis. Gresham posted career-high numbers in receptions (64) and yards (737) last year and never caught more than six touchdowns in a season; not exactly eye-popping production. Now, the Bengals added Eifert, and rookie RB Giovani Bernard is expected to catch plenty of dump-off passes out of the backfield. Toss in a healthy Green for the regular season, and it'll be tough for either TE to make a ton of fantasy noise.
Eventually, Eifert figures to be a wide-receiver-like, pass-catching tight end, though, so he makes for a nice later-round stash in keeper leagues.
Tags:Cincinnati Bengals, Tyler Eifert, A.J. Green, Jermaine Gresham
[h=3]What Antonio Brown can do for you[/h]August, 8, 2013Aug 8
5:03
PM ET
By Tom Carpenter | ESPN.com
Antonio Brown is set to be Ben Roethlisberger's No. 1 wide receiver this season, now that Mike Wallace headed south to Miami, but what can we expect from him in that role? Two years ago, he averaged 69.3 yards per game and 16.1 yard per catch, but injuries limited him last season, when he averaged just 60.5 YPG and 11.9 YPC. On the upside for fantasy football owners in PPR leagues was the fact that Brown averaged an impressive five catches per game in 2012. ESPN AFC North blogger Jamison Hensley was asked which he would take if the over-under line is set at 90 catches for 2013.
"I would take the under. He's never had 70 catches in any season. I understand that he'll get more passes thrown his way considering Mike Wallace is gone and Heath Miller is hurt," Hensley responded. "But I believe a lot of the passes that would go to Miller will now go to the running backs."
No doubt Brown will carry more value in PPR leagues, even if he doesn't push up toward 90 catches, but ESPN Fantasy Football expert Eric Karabell has been passing on the WR in standard leagues:
[h=5]Eric Karabell[/h]Fantasy football Do Not Draft list
[/h]August, 9, 2013Aug 92:36
PM ET
By Tom Carpenter | ESPN.com
When you are the No. 6 overall pick, like Cleveland Browns linebacker Barkevious Mingo, people shouldn't be too surprised when you do good things. Nonetheless, Mingo raised eyebrows in a good way during the Browns' preseason opener against the St. Louis Rams last night.
"Barkevious Mingo surprised his teammates with his non-stop motor," wrote ESPNCleveland.com's Tony Grossi. "Much has been made of Mingo?s slender upper body, but he showed what attracted him to the Browns? coaches. His quickness and sustained speed will affect gameplans as rivals watch him on tape. The attention eventually given Mingo will open things up for others in the Browns? pass rush."
That motor should fit in well with new defensive coordinator Ray Horton's aggressive approach to running the Browns D:
[h=5]Jamison Hensley[/h]Camp Confidential: Cleveland Browns"Last year under coordinator Dick Jauron, the Browns had a read-and-react defense that rarely blitzed and was determined not to give up big plays by playing a deep zone. This year under Horton, the Browns' defense wants to keep offenses on their toes with a high-risk and unpredictable game plan that has one goal: hit the quarterback. In 2012, when Horton was the defensive coordinator in Arizona, the Cardinals blitzed 42.3 percent of the time, according to ESPN Stats & Information. The only team to send five or more pass-rushers more often in 2012 was the Houston Texans (46.9 percent). Compare that to the Browns, who blitzed 26.5 percent of the time last year. That ranked 17th in the NFL."
Tags:Cleveland Browns, Ray Horton, Barkevious Mingo
[h=3]What can Kelce do as a rookie?
[/h]August, 9, 2013Aug 91:59
PM ET
By Tom Carpenter | ESPN.com
Four tight ends (Tyler Eifert, Zach Ertz, Gavin Escobar, Vance McDonald) came off the board before the Kansas City Chiefs selected Cincinnati's Travis Kelce in the third round, so it's not surprising that guys like Eifert and Ertz, in particular, are generating far more buzz than Kelce during the preseason.
On the other hand, Kelce has landed in a pretty good spot. That's in part because his genuine play-making skills give him an advantage over the two veterans ahead of him on the depth chart (Tony Moeaki and Anthony Fasano) and also because new Chiefs coach Andy Reid loves to pass the ball, which helped make the likes of Brent Celek a quality fantasy TE at times when they were paired up in Philadelphia.
As a rookie, Kelce will have to get some breaks to actually make noise for fantasy teams in 2013, but it's not out of the question:
[h=5]Mel Kiper Jr.[/h]Kiper's fantasy rookie keepers"He has traits you want from a receiver -- very good hands and above-average speed -- but offers those with the frame of a prototypical tight end. Kelce is 6-foot-5 and can be a matchup problem, but he can really run and is one of those tight ends who can stretch defenses. He averaged 16 YPC in his final year at Cincinnati, and can run after the catch if he catches the ball in space. His brother Jason was also drafted by Andy Reid in Philadelphia."
Tags:Kansas City Chiefs, Andy Reid, Anthony Fasano, Tony Moeaki, Travis Kelce
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[h=3]Aldrick remains inconsistent
[/h]August, 9, 2013Aug 91:30
PM ET
By Tom Carpenter | ESPN.com
Yesterday, we took a look at Aldrick Robinson, who seems to be equal parts excitement and downside; the Washington Redskins appear interested in increasing his role this season, but inconsistency has left questions about whether that will actually happen. After last night's preseason performance, it appears that inconsistency once again was an issue.
"He did have two catches but one of them was very shaky, requiring a video review when he bobbled the ball on what should have been an easy catch near the sideline," CSNWashington.com's Rich Tandler noted. "And he flat dropped a nice pass from Rex Grossman for what would have been a substantial gain. Mike Shanahan said last week that Robinson needed to become more consistent and he was anything but that in this game."
The skills are there, and the opportunity for a bigger role appears to be there, too. However, until he can prove to be consistent, he will be too far down the WR depth chart to make any noise.
Tags:Washington Redskins, Aldrick Robinson
[h=3]The good and bad of Cowboys O-line
[/h]August, 9, 2013Aug 91:16
PM ET
By Tom Carpenter | ESPN.com
Many thought that the Dallas Cowboys reached to snag Wisconsin's Travis Frederick with the 31st pick of the first round, but he's been looking good early on, working at center and right guard. Quarterback Tony Romo has been happy with what he's seen from the young snapper thus far.
?I think they picked a good one there,? Romo said. ?He?ll be a guy who?s going to help us for a long time. People were talking about whether or not we reached for him, I guess at the time, but he?s a good football player and we got a good first-round draft pick there.?
At this point, it appears that Frederick is in line to start at center, if he acquits himself well during the preseason. That would bump Phil Costa over to right guard or a reserve role, though injuries have left the Cowboys with more questions than answers.
ESPNDallas.com's Todd Archer noted that the failed attempt to bring in Brandon Moore "has to signal some unhappiness and impatience with Mackenzy Bernadeau and Nate Livings.
"It?s been clear that the Cowboys want to have Ronald Leary start at left guard with the way they have talked him up. And Leary has played well. Livings will count $2.4 million against the salary cap this year whether he is on the team or not on the team in 2013. His $1.7 million base salary is guaranteed.
"... After Moore?s retirement, the Cowboys need Bernadeau to shake off the rust quickly. Their dalliance with Moore is proof they won?t wait very long."
Tags:Dallas Cowboys, Brandon Moore, Mackenzy Bernadeau, Phil Costa, Travis Frederick
[h=3]Checking in on Jets D
[/h]August, 9, 2013Aug 912:43
PM ET
By Tom Carpenter | ESPN.com
Obviously, most of the recent chatter regarding the New York Jets has been about their quarterback battle -- and with good reason -- but there are going to be some interesting things to watch on the other side of the ball when they kick off their preseason tonight versus the Detroit Lions. Specifically, we'll want to keep an eye on the youth movement they have on their defensive roster.
"The Jets could open with three in the starting lineup -- DT Sheldon Richardson, CB Dee Milliner and FB Tommy Bohanon, the only fullback on the traveling roster. Incumbent Lex Hilliard didn't make the trip with an undisclosed injury. Milliner is rusty, which is to be expected. He missed the offseason and the first few days of camp, so his conditioning and technique still need work. Just for kicks, Rex Ryan should let Milliner cover Calvin Johnson for a couple of plays. Now that would be a welcome-to-the-NFL moment," wrote ESPNNewYork.com's Rich Cimini.
"Former No. 1 pick Quinton Coples plays his first game at outside linebacker. It has been a quiet camp for the former lineman. Part of that could be attributed to the position switch. But the coaches also want him to play with a greater sense of urgency. The feeling around the team is that Coples is the key to the defense. If he thrives in his new role, the defense has a chance to be really good."
Tags:Detroit Lions, New York Jets, Rex Ryan, Dee Milliner, Sheldon Richardson, Quinton Coples, Lex Hilliard, Tommy Bohanon
[h=3]Ingram continues to generate buzz
[/h]August, 9, 2013Aug 911:54
AM ET
By Tom Carpenter | ESPN.com
It's been a little tough to get a genuine read on what to expect from Mark Ingram this season. He was a first-round pick in 2011 but was dinged up and often looked lost in the New Orleans Saints offense as a rookie. Last season, he played a full 16-game slate, but he only had 156 rushes, as the Saints repeatedly had to air it out just to stay in games. Now, as he enters Year 3, Ingram is healthy, coach Sean Payton is back to direct the offense and the RB is drawing rave reviews.
"I have a feeling that Ingram's fantasy football stock is about to rise," wrote Mike Triplett of the New Orleans Times-Picayune. "I'm not ready to project a 'breakout' season from Ingram, since I think he'll be sharing the workload with Thomas and Darren Sproles this season. And I think Ingram needs to prove he can deliver when it counts after failing to live up to expectations the past two years."
"Ingram has looked strong, fast, fluid and a little slimmer -- a result of being fully healthy for the first time throughout an entire offseason since he joined the NFL," he added. "And the Saints have talked about using him in a more versatile way after pigeonholing him as the short-yardage/base offense running back the last two years."
We touched on this very subject yesterday, as our Pat Yasinskas and Matt Williamson came to the same conclusion that this could be Ingram's turn to shine in the Saints offense. We'll get a good look at Ingram in Friday's preseason game, since Pierre Thomas likely will remain out with an undisclosed injury.
Tags:New Orleans Saints, Sean Payton, Mark Ingram, Pierre Thomas
[h=3]Bears have battle to replace Urlacher
[/h]August, 9, 2013Aug 911:32
AM ET
By Tom Carpenter | ESPN.com
The Chicago Bears will kick off their 2013 preseason Friday evening against the Carolina Panthers. It'll be the first time since 2000 that they'll face an opponent without Brian Urlacher on the roster. D.J. Williams is supposed to be Urlacher's replacement, but he's dinged up with a strained calf, which means that rookie second-rounder Jon Bostic will get the snaps tonight, and ESPNChicago.com's Michael C. Wright thinks that Bostic has a legit shot to unseat Williams.
"If Bostic performs, he could wind up making a serious push for the starting job," wrote Wright. "Right now, Bostic is considered the future of the position with Williams slated to start, but the rookie can take a step toward making the future now against the Panthers."
Lance Briggs will take over Urlacher's role as the defensive play caller, and Wright thinks that "there shouldn't be much of a dropoff in that department, if any."
Odds are that Williams will handle the starting MLB role when the regular season begins in a home tilt against the Cincinnati Bengals, but Bostic may be nipping at his heals sooner than later, especially if he looks good in the preseason.
Tags:Chicago Bears, D.J. Williams, Jon Bostic
[h=3]Checking in on Chargers WRs
[/h]August, 9, 2013Aug 911:11
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By Tom Carpenter | ESPN.com
With Danario Alexander out for the season due to his latest knee surgery, the San Diego Chargers are left with more questions than ever at wide receiver. Malcom Floyd seems locked in as a starter, and if Vincent Brown can get healthy, he should be the No. 2 option. Beyond that, though, it's anyone's guess. Rookie Keenan Allen will battle with veterans Eddie Royal and Robert Meachem for the other touches. It sounds like Meachem remains an underwhelming option, though.
"And, it must be noted, wide receiver Robert Meachem remains lost," Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune noted after watching Meachem fail to catch either of the passes that came his way in the Chargers' preseason opener last night.
Since his $5 million for this season is fully guaranteed, he'll undoubtedly stick on the roster, though it looks like he will be an afterthought. Allen has had an up-and-down camp, but ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. thinks he carries some excellent fantasy sleeper potential as the season progresses:
[h=5]Mel Kiper Jr.[/h]Kiper's fantasy rookie keepers"A steal in terms of talent, Allen carried a first-round grade on my board, but San Diego was able to get him at No. 76 overall in the third. Allen isn't a burner, but knows how to create space as a route-runner and becomes a tough tackle once he gets the ball in his hands. It wouldn't surprise me if Allen works his way into first-team reps early in 2013, especially after the season-ending injury to Danario Alexander."
Tags:San Diego Chargers, Keenan Allen, Danario Alexander, Eddie Royal, Robert Meachem, Malcom Floyd, Vincent Brown
[h=3]Tate's upside with Foster hurting
[/h]August, 9, 2013Aug 910:28
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By Tom Carpenter | ESPN.com
The Houston Texans have a number of injuries that they are dealing with as they head into their preseason opener against the Minnesota Vikings tonight. Of course, running back extraordinaire Arian Foster tops the list; he remains on the PUP, even though coach Gary Kubiak had hoped to see his star RB back in action this past Sunday.
Per ESPN Houston Texans reporter Tania Ganguli, "
Getting back to Foster, he still has plenty of time to get his nagging calf injury back to full speed, but the fact that he's been dinged up often in recent years only further solidifies the sneaky fantasy value we can find in backup Ben Tate:
[h=5]Eric Karabell[/h]Is Arian Foster the slam-dunk No. 2 pick?"The only tangible change I?ve made in my rankings with regard to this situation is to exalt Tate, who was terrific in 2011 though largely quiet last season, well ahead of his current ADP slot (13th round) and into my top 100. Not only is he the most obvious handcuff in a football world with plenty of them, but my rationale is that if we knew Foster was out for a few months or more, like Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Percy Harvin, then Tate would receive first-round consideration from me immediately. I can?t say this about any other backup running back. Tate is potentially that good. He averaged 5.4 yards per carry as a rookie and nearly reached 1,000 rushing yards, despite being a clear backup. Last year, he dealt with nagging injuries, but don?t let that sway you from how much you liked him last summer. The Auburn product rushed for 100 yards four times as a rookie, and knowing how much the Texans love to run and how effective their zone blocking system generally is, it?s a perfect fit for anyone with size and speed. Perhaps Tate wouldn?t score touchdowns at the same rate Foster has, but once you get past the top 10 running backs there are questions everywhere, and Tate?s upside is pretty clear. Frankly, owning Foster already is irrelevant to considering whether to choose Tate or not, and it?s not about torturing a league-mate. If you?re in the eighth or ninth round and want a running back with a chance to be great, grab Tate. It?s not a typical handcuff running back situation. Nobody other than the Peterson owner wants Toby Gerhart, for instance."
Tags:Houston Texans, Arian Foster, Ben Tate
[h=3]Barner's role in Panthers backfield
[/h]August, 9, 2013Aug 910:10
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By Tom Carpenter | ESPN.com
The Carolina Panthers took a "rich get richer" approach to their backfield this offseason when they added Oregon rookie running back Kenjon Barner to their veteran crew of DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart, plus FB Mike Tolbert. Barner racked up 1,767 rushing yards, pulled in 20 passes for another 256 yards and totaled 23 touchdowns for Oregon last season. Now, he has been turning heads at Panthers training camp.
?The biggest thing really is the diversity in what he does as a football player,? coach Ron Rivera said, per Jonathan Jones of the Charlotte Observer. ?He?s got a great feel for the passing game. He does a nice job in terms of getting out into his routes. He does create some mismatches. He?s learning the protections, to step up and take blocks.
?He?s shown that he can do it. He?s a well-rounded back. He?s not an everyday back because of his size obviously but he can be an effective guy in certain situations and circumstances.?
Barner should get plenty of play in their preseason opener tonight, entering the game as the No. 2 RB behind Williams, since Stewart still is working his way back from ankle surgery. With so much depth at RB, Barner likely won't make much noise as a rookie, though he could get a look on returns.
In the meantime, ESPN NFC South blogger Pat Yasinskas has some advice for fantasy owners:
Around the NFC South"... DeAngelo Williams has gotten virtually all of the first-team work with Jonathan Stewart recovering from injury. The Panthers are going to run the ball more this year and my sense is Williams will play a very large role. In other words, you might want to draft him for your fantasy team."
Tags:Carolina Panthers, DeAngelo Williams, Jonathan Stewart, Kenjon Barner, Mike Tolbert, Ron Rivera
[h=3]AFC South schedule and fantasy value
[/h]August, 9, 2013Aug 99:40
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By Tom Carpenter | ESPN.com
Fantasy football drafts are just a couple of weeks away, which means fantasy junkies are poring over every stat and prediction available to get a read on the upside and downside of each player for this season. However, one thing that often slips by newer participants -- and even some savvy veterans -- is how a player's schedule affects his potential statistical production from week to week. You may draft a WR2, who may end up having a terrific overall season, but if he faces tough secondaries the first three weeks of the season, he might look more like a WR4 -- and your team may get bumped out of the playoff race before it even gets going.
The success of defenses often is hard to predict, but there is little doubt entering this campaign that the NFC West is packed with potentially dangerous defenses. The San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks proved to be brutal on opposing offenses last season, and the Arizona Cardinals and St. Louis Rams were often good last season and likely will be even better in 2013. That creates some issues for fantasy options on those teams, since they'll play six games within the division. But it also presents a potential headache for teams in the AFC South, who had the misfortune of being paired up with the NFC West on their schedules this season.
The Indianapolis Colts (@SF in Week 3, vs SEA in Week 5, vs STL in Week 10, @ ARI in Week 12) and Jacksonville Jaguars (@SEA in Week 3, @ STL in Week 5, vs SF in Week 8, vs ARI in Week 11) have their battles with the NFC West spread throughout the season, but the Houston Texans (vs SEA in Week 4, @SF in Week 5, vs STL in Week 6, followed with Week 8 bye and @ARI in Week 10) and Tennessee Titans (@SEA in Week 6, vs SF in Week 7, bye in Week 8, @STL in Week 9, vs ARI in Week 15) are going to have some particularly rough stretches.
Playing those teams doesn't mean that the AFC South teams can't crank out some stats, but if the NFC West Ds come close to expectations, then we are unlikely to see elite stats from the AFC South's best fantasy options, and their second-rung players may look more like waiver-wire options. In particular, the Texans likely will be limited statistically for five of the seven weeks between Week 4 and Week 10, and the Titans will be limited from Week 6 through Week 9.
This information should be used as a tiebreaker when you are comparing two players with similar upside and risk; a better schedule during the season can make a huge difference in how much a player will help your team from week to week.
Tags:Seattle Seahawks, Arizona Cardinals, Jacksonville Jaguars, Houston Texans, San Francisco 49ers, Indianapolis Colts, Tennessee Titans, St. Louis Rams
[h=3]Jenkins can't get off the schneid
[/h]August, 9, 2013Aug 98:59
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By Tom Carpenter | ESPN.com
The San Francisco 49ers were patient with 2012 first-round pick A.J. Jenkins during his rookie campaign, but with Michael Crabtree sidelined for the foreseeable future, they need him to step up quickly as the No. 2 WR behind offseason acquisition Anquan Boldin. A strained hamstring limited him early on in camp, though, and his initial preseason game was anything but impressive, as he fumbled the only pass he caught during his 20+ plays.
"Bottom line: ... On this night, Jenkins was outplayed and outgained at his position ... by the likes of [Marlon Moore], the 33-year-old Kassim Osgood and Chad Hall, the 5-foot-8 special teams guy from Air Force," wrote Mark Purdy of the San Jose Mercury News.
Moore, who couldn't earn a starting role on a Miami Dolphins team largely bereft of WR talent last season, started over Jenkins last night. Jenkins still has time to get up to speed and earn that starting role, which would make him an intriguing fantasy sleeper, but he has shown basically zero signs to date that he is up to the challenge.
Tags:San Francisco 49ers, Anquan Boldin, A.J. Jenkins, Kassim Osgood, Chad Hall, Marlon Moore, Michael Carbtree
[h=3]Latest on Raiders' QB battle
[/h]August, 9, 2013Aug 98:28
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By Tom Carpenter | ESPN.com
The Oakland Raiders traded away veteran QB Carson Palmer this offseason and replaced him with Matt Flynn. Even though Flynn has actually just started a couple of NFL games, they hope that he can hold down the fort until No. 2 QB Terrelle Pryor or fourth-rounder Tyler Wilson proves worthy of starting -- or until they can secure a franchise QB in next year's draft. Early reports out of camp were that Flynn clearly looked like the most likely to start in Week 1, but the preseason will play a big role in finalizing the pecking order.
"Pryor already has his supporters who see him as a Colin Kaepernick-like talent as a runner and passer. Flynn is more efficient than stunningly talented, and that's what [coach Dennis] Allen wants out of his quarterback," wrote Jerry McDonald of InsideBayArea.com. "Putting the Raiders in the end zone would be a good start.
"There's another battle going on between undrafted free agent Matt McGloin and fourth-round draft pick Tyler Wilson to be the No. 3 quarterback."
The Raiders will kick off their preseason Friday evening against the Dallas Cowboys. ESPN AFC West blogger Bill Williamson thinks that despite fan love for Pryor, the team may be more into the rookie Wilson:
[h=5]Bill Williamson[/h]Camp Confidential: Oakland Raiders"The Raiders hope he can be a solid game manager and a short-term answer. He must show that in camp. The Raiders also have Terrelle Pryor and rookies Matt McGloin and Tyler Wilson. I get the sense that the Raiders have higher, long-term hopes for Wilson, although he has struggled some in camp. If Pryor can find some consistency and Flynn falters, he or McGloin could get a chance. But the same goes for Wilson, a rookie, if there are no better options later in the season. For the immediate future, the Raiders hope Flynn can show he can be an effective starter."
Tags:Matt Flynn, Oakland Raiders, Terrelle Pryor, Tyler Wilson, Matt McGloin
[h=3]Roles for Bengals TEs
[/h]August, 9, 2013Aug 97:57
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By Tom Carpenter | ESPN.com
The Cincinnati Bengals sport two tight ends who were taken 21st overall in their respective drafts: Jermaine Gresham (2010) and rookie Tyler Eifert. How do they intend to use the pair in 2013 after running two-TE sets on only about a quarter of their plays last season? We got a peak at it last night, when the Bengals squared off against the Atlanta Falcons in preseason action.
"Judging by the first two series by the first-team offense, the Bengals are going to use two tight ends as their primary formation. It makes sense because that way both Jermaine Gresham and Tyler Eifert, two first-round picks, are on the field," ESPN AFC North blogger Jamison Hensle observed. "Of Andy Dalton's eight drop-backs, three passes went to his tight ends. By going with two tight ends, the Bengals use a single back and no fullback."
Since A.J. Green has been sidelined during camp with a knee injury, the tight ends have received plenty of extra looks from Dalton in practices. It appears that will carry over into the regular season. The trouble with targeting either of them for fantasy teams is how many passes will come their way on a regular basis. Gresham posted career-high numbers in receptions (64) and yards (737) last year and never caught more than six touchdowns in a season; not exactly eye-popping production. Now, the Bengals added Eifert, and rookie RB Giovani Bernard is expected to catch plenty of dump-off passes out of the backfield. Toss in a healthy Green for the regular season, and it'll be tough for either TE to make a ton of fantasy noise.
Eventually, Eifert figures to be a wide-receiver-like, pass-catching tight end, though, so he makes for a nice later-round stash in keeper leagues.
Tags:Cincinnati Bengals, Tyler Eifert, A.J. Green, Jermaine Gresham
[h=3]What Antonio Brown can do for you
[/h]August, 8, 2013Aug 85:03
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By Tom Carpenter | ESPN.com
Antonio Brown is set to be Ben Roethlisberger's No. 1 wide receiver this season, now that Mike Wallace headed south to Miami, but what can we expect from him in that role? Two years ago, he averaged 69.3 yards per game and 16.1 yard per catch, but injuries limited him last season, when he averaged just 60.5 YPG and 11.9 YPC. On the upside for fantasy football owners in PPR leagues was the fact that Brown averaged an impressive five catches per game in 2012. ESPN AFC North blogger Jamison Hensley was asked which he would take if the over-under line is set at 90 catches for 2013.
"I would take the under. He's never had 70 catches in any season. I understand that he'll get more passes thrown his way considering Mike Wallace is gone and Heath Miller is hurt," Hensley responded. "But I believe a lot of the passes that would go to Miller will now go to the running backs."
No doubt Brown will carry more value in PPR leagues, even if he doesn't push up toward 90 catches, but ESPN Fantasy Football expert Eric Karabell has been passing on the WR in standard leagues:
[h=5]Eric Karabell[/h]Fantasy football Do Not Draft list"Brown was supposed to make major strides last season, and now that Mike Wallace is gone many seem to believe that was the problem. I think the problem is he?s not a big guy, not a red zone target, not the home run threat many believe, and while perfectly suitable for a 70-catch season and 1,000 yards, he?s being drafted like a sure WR2."