The Buzz

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Here is what is buzzing around the NFL this week.

Sean Payton releases memoir 'Home Team'
1. "I was seven Bud Lights in." Sean Payton's celebratory drinking is a recurring theme and perhaps the most surprising aspect of the book. 4. "Without a doubt, Green Bay is where I wanted to go." Payton writes openly about the job he coveted -- head coach of the Packers -- and how hard it was to convince himself, and then his wife and children, to move to New Orleans. - The Times-Picayune

Giants' pick Chad Jones may return to football after crash
Giants third-round draft pick Chad Jones was fortunate that doctors were able to save his mangled left foot foolowing an auto accident early Friday morning in New Orleans. Now, Jones' agent is speaking optimistically of a possible return to football in 2011. -Newsday


Chris Davis fails physical with Giants
A week ago the Giants claimed Chris Davis off waivers from the Bengals in the hopes that he could help out on special teams after return man Dominik Hixon was lost for the season with a torn ACL. Davis missed all of 2009 after suffering a hamstring injury in the preseason. He signed with the Bengals in March but they waived him Tuesday. - NBCSports.com

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Tuesday Debate - Running Backs

This is week 2 of the Tuesday Debate. Today we are focusing on runningbacks. Here is the rankings from cbssports.com.
Below is what I think about a few of the league's top runningbacks.

Chris Johnson - I feel like he is going to be a bust this year. He had around 278 carries in the last 8 games. That wears down a running back. He is also holding out and that is not good either. I would not draft him till 3rd round.

Steven Jackson - He is another one I feel like is going to be bust. He had major back surgery during the offseason this year. So I do not expect good production out of him this year. I would push him to 3rd or 4th round.

Ryan Grant - I think he could have a great year. He is on most draft boards around the 15th spot but I would bump him up there. Green Bay made some additions to their O-line during the offseason and I expect him to take full advantage of that. I would push him to 1st round maybe early 2nd if you think you can get him that late.

I must say that this year I have a lot of doubts about runningbacks. As many of you know my history shows that I always draft RB's in the 1st and 2nd rounds. But this years prospects are not looking good as the league goes to more 2 back plans that is putting the profit from the runningbacks down. I have been strongly considered not drafting runningbacks in the 1st and 2nd rounds.

To view previous Tuesday Debate articles click the category below.

Quarterbacks

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Mike Pereira - Fox NFL On-air Analyst

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Fox Sports is adding Mike Pereira the former head of NFL officiating to their on-air analysis. He will be available in the studios to go on-air to explain rules and point out blown calls. He had this to say..."I won't throw any individual official under the bus". Pereira has been explaining calls for a long time to TV announcers. He even was on the midweek show on NFL Network last year reviewing big calls and his take. I think he will be a great addition to the Fox Sports group. Now if they will just replace the announcers we will be doing good.

If you like to read more on this story click below for the USA Today article.

Ex-official Mike Pereira joining Fox NFL coverage

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Monday Gossip

The offseason can be a long drawn out time. A time when no football is going on so many focus on the lives pro football players have outside of the huddle. I am always try to satisfy everyone's NFL needs here at the blog so on Monday's during the offseason we are going to publish pure Gossip. I am talking like People Magazine style gossip. So be prepared!



Image Credit: UPI Photo/Kevin Dietsch

Foxsports.com is reporting that veteran quarterback Mark Burnell is expected to file for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy. Here is what Mark had to say..

"After much deliberation and many years of shouldering an enormous amount of debt resulting from passive real estate investments, it has been clear that this is the only viable course of action."

It is reported that he earned over $52 million in his 10 years in the league.

Stupid business decisions can take your from rich to poor really quickly.

Click hear to read the full article.

Image Credit: Getty Images

Lions president Tom Lewand was reportedly arrested Saturday on suspicion of driving while under the influence in Michigan. The Detriot Lion officials confirmed the report. Tom Lewand released the following statement.

"I am deeply sorry for my actions and take full responsibility for them. As a person in active recovery, I am committed to taking all necessary steps to insure nothing like this ever happens again."

Since when does active recovery mean being busted for driving drunk? Maybe actively drinking.

Click here to read the full article.




Image Credit: Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

People.com is reporting that Miles Austin is the latest football love interest for Kim Kardashian. A source close to the couple had this to say.

"They met at a restaurant in L.A. a few months ago and exchanged numbers and have been talking ever since," . : They've had a few dates and it's going really well."

Do you think he is enjoying being Kim's 2nd option?

Click hear to read the full article.

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Rumor Mill

The Trench League's Rumor Mill is cranked up and pumping out Rumor's around the NFL and the league. It gets updated on a regular basis so check it out.

The Rumor Mill

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Nappin' with Thorny

The Trench League's website has a an awesome 32 day article by Thorny called 'Nappin' with Thorny' it will list his picks for busts and sleepers from each of the 32 NFL teams. The first article was released last night on New England Patriots. It is going to be real interesting checking out what Thorny has to say. Check it out!

Nappin' with Thorny

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The Buzz

Image Credit: unknown source

Here is what is Buzzing around the NFL this week.

Schwartz: Newspaper headline led to Lions losing OTAs

Coach Jim Schwartz said a newspaper headline led to the Lions losing its final two organized team activities. The Lions were scheduled to have their 13th and 14th OTAs of the season Monday and Tuesday. But the NFL docked them those OTAs for violating off-season workout rules “pertaining to the intensity and tempo of drills.” “The league called and asked for film,” Schwartz said after today’s morning session of a three-day minicamp in Allen Park. “They actually saw a headline in one of our newspapers that said ‘Suh and Peterman battle it out in OTAs.’ And they flagged that and said, ‘Hey, we want to see the practice film.’ And I assume that they were looking for one-on-ones and things like that, which you’re not allowed to do with the offensive and defensive linemen, which we weren’t doing.” The story stemmed from the first combined practice with rookies and veterans May 18. — Detroit Free Press

Court ruling appears to allow Vikings Williams Wall to play

Vikings Kevin and Pat Williams are likely to play most if not all of the 2010 NFL season because of a ruling from the state Court of Appeals. In a ruling obtained Wednesday, the court denied a request from the NFL for an expedited hearing on the case, meaning it could be several months before anything is decided in the Williams’ lawsuit over their four-game suspensions for taking a banned diuretic. No briefing schedule has been set, and it generally takes weeks if not months for all parties to file their briefs and responses. Only when the file is complete will the court schedule oral arguments. After arguments occur, the court has up to 90 days to issue a ruling. The NFL pushed to resolve the matter of the four-game suspensions of the defensive linemen before the season started. The players opposed that request despite an earlier indication they would support a speedy hearing. — Star Tribune

Albert Haynesworth: I plan on attending Redskins camp

Albert Haynesworth released a statement today, making clear his intentions to participate in the Redskins training camp, which begins July 29. His statement read: “Despite my current differences with the Redskins, I have always planned to attend training camp and honor my contract. As I have previously said, I am continuing to prepare for the season individually and will report on time, in shape and ready to play football. Any issues I have with the club I will discuss privately and therefore do not plan to make any further public comments about this matter.” — Washington Post


Baltimore Ravens sign QB Marc Bulger
The Ravens have taken out what amounts to a $3.8 million insurance policy on starting quarterback Joe Flacco by agreeing Wednesday to a contract with two-time Pro Bowl selection Marc Bulger to be his backup. - Baltimore Sun


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Mock Draft

Original Image Credit: http://images.chron.com/blogs/fanblogtexans/2010-nfl-draft-logo.jpg (this has been edited)

Check out the Mock Draft that the website has put together based on the teams in the league. It will be updated every Tuesday. Here is a link to the article on the website.

http://trenchleague.sports.officelive.com/MockDraft.aspx

You think I am going to draft Ray Rice? Does Dut have an insight to the future? Watch and see!!

Cheers!

Tuesday Debate - Quarterback

That's right folks, today is the start of the Tuesday Fantasy Draft Debate. We are focusing on Quarterbacks. Here is a list Top 10 Quarterbacks from cbssports.com.

Below is what I think about a few of the Top quarterbacks in my opinion this year.

• Tom Brady - I think he could have a great year. Randy Moss is on his last year of contract and it is looking like New England Patriots are not going to get a deal done. So he is going to be a motivated player this year. Look forward to a big year from Tom Brady. I think he is #1 this year.
  
• Peyton Manning - It was a toss up with me for #1 in my ranking. It could be either Peyton or Tom. But I gave Tom the edge because of Moss. Peyton is going to have a great year. Gonzalez is going to be back so look for big numbers out of Peyton this year.
• Drew Brees - I expect Brees to have another great year. His division is weak (Can anyone say Panthers?) and Saints are pass happy team. I think he may even go #1 this year. But as many of you know I have been unable to draft him since he was bust for me a few years ago.
• Aaron Rodgers - I think he is a great early 2nd round draft pick. He was having some injury problems last year which has healed over the preseason. His offensive line should have a better with the addition of their rookie Bulaga. He will have a harder schedule than he did last year but I expect big numbers.
• Matt Schaub - If you are looking for a great 3rd or 4th round draft pick I think Schaub is a good one. Texans are looking for a balanced attack but with an all-star Johnson as a wide receiver I expect him to a be a solid fantasy quarterback.
• Joe Flacco - Look for big numbers to come from Flacco this coming year. With the great additions Ravens did at wide receiver (Anquan Boldin and Donte Stallworth), I expect an very productive year from Flacco. Look to see him go in the 2nd maybe 3rd round this year.

What do you think? Look forward to next Tuesday for Running Backs.

Cheers!

The League is Open!!

The Trench League is now open. Check your emails for details on getting in the league. The live draft date will be August 29th, 2010 @ 7pm. There has been a change to the league this year. Due to disagreements on trade objections we have decided to ban trades. I think this will be our best year yet. So start setting your fantasy rankings and stay tuned to the blog for fantasy and nfl updates!

Cheers!

Arian Foster - Starting RB

Image Credit: Associated Press

That's right folks! Arian Foster is the new starting running back for the Houston Texans. Here is what running backs coach Chick Harris had to say about it...

"Arian gives us the size, and he made good decisions at the end of last year," said Harris. "We're in a good spot with Arian starting it off, but I also think Steve Slaton will contribute for us in a lot of ways."


I questions Houston's long term plans as they switched around a ton last year with their running backs. Now granted they did this because not a single running back they had on the team could hold onto the ball, but still. Do you think they will spend the off-season teaching these guys to hold on to the ball? I am not sold on him being a viable draft prospect. How about you?

Cheers!

Albert Haynesworth Requests Trade

Image Credit: Mitchell Layton/Getty Images

It looks like the marriage between Washington Redskins and Albert Haynesworth is on the rocks. Mr. Haynesworth has released a statement saying he will not attend Washington's mandatory practice today and he wants to be traded. His agent Chad Speck had this to say...

“The Redskins are trying to establish a new regime with new schemes at Redskins Park, and it is not an organization that Albert would have ever been attracted to just a short year ago - regardless of the money,“ Speck said. “He has made it clear to me that he does not want to play for the Washington Redskins.

“This situation will be a distraction to the Redskins and to Albert and his teammates. I am certain Mike and Bruce want to get the most out of their first year, and it’s probably in everyone’s best interests for the Redskins to make a deal and trade Albert.“

Washington has not released a statement yet.

I am not sure what team he would go to as he requires a 4x3 system and he gets paid big bucks. I do see why he is upset as he wanted to go to a team that is 4x3 and Washington is switching to a 3x4 team this year. I guess we will see how this one plays out. I just hope they handle it soon.

**UPDATE**

According to league sources the Washington Redskins offered to trade him before they paid him the $21m bonus but he said he wanted to stay with the team. Now he is trying to sit out and get his $21m and get traded. If I was Washington I would fine him and let him sit for the next 5years. CSNWashington.com is reporting that Washington will most likely try to buyout his contract and let him go as there is no teams interested since he has so many questions about his character. This should be interesting to watch play out.

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Wide Receiver Breakouts?

It is commonly believed in the Fantasy Football community that most NFL wide receivers do not "break out" until their 3rd year in the league. A good example of this is Santana Moss and Steve Smith. Below is a list of 3rd year wide receivers. Which ones do you think will "break out"? Who do you think is a bust?

**This is not an all-inclusive list as there are many who did not even get a catch last year or very little. These were not included in the list.**

I will be paying close attention to how these players do in training camp and preseason. They may end up on my draft board this year.

Cheers!

Tuesday's Fantasy Draft Debate

Every Tuesday for the next six weeks we will be featuring the Fantasy Draft Debate. Debating the good and bad about each of the Top 10 ranked players from each position. So stay tuned to the blog every Tuesday for this six week event.

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Vince Young & Strip Club = Altercation!

It looks like Vince Young is in the news again. This time for assault. He received a misdemeanor assault citation in Dallas Sunday in a strip-club altercation. He has already apologized to his teammates and fans Monday after practice.

"I just made a mistake, I made a mistake even being there and I let that guy provoke me into doing what I did," Young said. "... I pray to God that Roger Goodell doesn't come down hard on me, because I definitely want to be here for my teammates."

I do not think that he is going to get much pity from Roger Goodell. I expect we will see a suspension being handed down by the league before the end of the week.

The Titans were hoping that Vince Young would step up and become a leader this year but he is not setting a good example by getting in fights at a strip club.

What do you think the suspension will be?

**UPDATE: Jason La Canfora, analyst from NFL Network believes that the league will not suspend Vince Young. To see Jason La Canfora chime in click the link below.

NFL Network - Vince Young Suspension?

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New Year, New League!

That's right folks! We are gearing up for a new fantasy football year with an inaugural season of The Trench League. Many new members and few old faces. Check out the website for updates and team information.

The Trench League

Stay turned to Audible for updates on league and NFL news. I am excited about another fantasy year and looking forward to sharing my musings with you again.

Cheers!