Atlanta Falcons head coach Mike Smith and offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey have both stated that they will lessen Turner's carries this year from the 377 he had last season.
Pyro's Take:
It's obvious that Turner, or any running back for that matter, can sustain the enormous load he carried last year. He will still be the feature back in a run-oriented offense, and we expect him to get over 300 carries easily, but the Falcons are doing the right thing by giving him a little break.
Norwood is going to get more touches this season as the Falcons look to reduce the wear and tear on star RB Michael Turner.
Pyro's Take:
With the Falcons limiting All-Pro Turner's carries from an outrageous 377 to a more reasonable 310-315 this season, Norwood should expect to benefit from those lost carries. He's also going to be the main weapon in the Wildcat, as the Falcons want to utilize his playmaking ability.
According to his personal adviser, David Wells, Michael Crabtree is prepared to sit out the entire 2009 season if they do not see a contract with more guaranteed $$ than the $23.5 million pocketed. They are citing mock drafts, of all things, as support for their claim.
Pyro's Take:
Where do we begin. Holdouts even for credible reasons typically spell doom for rookies, but this is nutty. It still has not sunk in with him (or his agent) that the NFL is gonna be a wee-bit different than playing for Texas Tech and against second rate cornerbacks in a system that props up WR stats. We are bumping him WAY down our cheat sheets based on this.
WR Harry Douglas was lost for the season due to a knee injury suffered this week. With Roddy White holding out, the WR corps is suddenly a bit thin.
Pyro's Take:
Michael Jenkins, who has increased his production in each year in all categories since entering the league must be all smiles. The Falcons, in an act of pure desperation, signed Marty Booger and Robert Ferguson (yes, who played for the Pack) on Thursday. We thought the White thing would have already been settled by now. Stay tuned.
Raiders RB Michael Bush believes the team could produce two 1,000-yard rushers this season while running behind Oakland's big fullbacks in their new zone blocking scheme. "With the fullbacks that we have, we're going to rock things with Lorenzo (Neal) and Big O (Oren O'Neal). The zone scheme is made to have at least two 1,000-yard backs. It's possible."
Pyro's Take:
While we love the positive thinking on Bush's part, he might be going a little too far with this one as the feat has only been accomplished 5 times in the history of the NFL. Bush and McFadden certainly have the talent. Too bad clubhouse favorite Justin Fargas is still hanging around.
Newly acquired future Hall of Fame TE Tony Gonzalez is raving about the Atlanta Falcons passing attack, saying it's the best receiving corps he's ever been a part of. "It's a 'poison offense' — pick your poison; there's no more double-teaming. If you double-team someone, you're going to get killed by somebody else."
Pyro's Take:
After Roddy White and Michael Jenkins, the Falcons are pretty thin as far as receivers go with Harry Douglas out for the year. But Gonzalez has been a part of some lackluster teams in KC and we like this passing attack to shine with Gonzo in the mix.
ESPN.com's Chris Mortensen reports that QB Michael Vick has signed a two-year deal with the Philadelphia Eagles. Vick's agent has confirmed this.
Pyro's Take:
We really didn't see this coming and we're not too sure on where he fits in Philly. Wildcat? Surely they have a bona-fide QB in McNabb, some solid receivers in DeSean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin and Kevin Curtis, and not to mention All-Everything RB Brian Westbrook. We'll see how this plays out.
Morgan will start the year as the WR1 on the Niners while Michael Crabtree continues to hold out.
Pyro's Take:
Bump Morgan up your depth charts. The WR1 on the Niners should have some decent value. Shaun Hill was very productive in only 8 starts in '08. Crabtree is getting such terrible advice from his clueless agents.
Team president Jed York, who is not involved in the negotiations, but gets constant updates, is confident that the 10th overall draft pick's contract situation is nearing a successful completion. Crabtree is among three un-signed rookies, the others are Tackle Andre Smith (Bengals, 6th) and linebacker Aaron Maybin (Bills, 11th). The 9th overall pick, defensive tackle B.J. Raji, signed for $28 million over five years, with $18 million guaranteed, and while you'd expect that to be the ceiling for the talks, Crabtree's agent, Eugene Parker, is holding out for Heyward-Bey type cash.
Pyro's Take:
The attitude the Crabtree camp has taken is right in line with everything we have read about Crabtree's attitude towards the game. Huge head, sense of entitlement, sorta like a diva, but can play the game at a high level. The karma on this one is stinking something fierce.
As expected, Philadelphia fans, who are never short on emoting their feelings, are speaking loudly on both sides.
Pyro's Take:
The fact is that some people will never be able to forgive Michael Vick for what he did. There are no right or wrong answers with this one. He was a disgusting person. Is he still? Time will only tell. We do believe in second chances, and he paid a severe penalty for what he has done. Football is his profession, he should be given the right to apply and be hired. If we ran a franchise, we wouldn't touch him with a 10 foot pole, and not just because he is a douche dog torturer, but because he is over-rated AND a douche dog torturer. Compelling combination, to be sure.
When the first depth chart of the year came out, the only person who wasn't surprised to see his name atop the RB list was Oakland Raiders RB Justin Fargas. RB Darren McFadden was listed as the backup, with RB Michael Bush listed third.
Pyro's Take:
If this was any other team in the league, we'd just chalk this up as some sort of late April Fools joke, but with Al Davis running the team, we know it's not. No worries though, as we have no doubt that McFadden and Bush will be pushing Fargas aside before the season starts.
When the first depth chart of the year came out, the only person who wasn't surprised to see his name atop the RB list was Oakland Raiders RB Justin Fargas. RB Darren McFadden was listed as the backup, with RB Michael Bush listed third.
Pyro's Take:
If this was any other team in the league, we'd just chalk this up as some sort of late April Fools joke, but with Al Davis running the team, we know it's not. No worries though, as we have no doubt that McFadden and Bush will be pushing Fargas aside before the season starts.
When the first depth chart of the year came out, the only person who wasn't surprised to see his name atop the RB list was Oakland Raiders RB Justin Fargas. RB Darren McFadden was listed as the backup, with RB Michael Bush listed third.
Pyro's Take:
If this was any other team in the league, we'd just chalk this up as some sort of late April Fools joke, but with Al Davis running the team, we know it's not. No worries though, as we have no doubt that McFadden and Bush will be pushing Fargas aside before the season starts.
Supposedly Philadelphia Eagles QB Donovan McNabb isn't happy with the recent signing of QB Michael Vick, but coach Andy Reid has said that the Eagles consulted McNabb before the signing and that the starting QB was on board with the move. "Donovan was involved in this too. I was able to share that with Donovan. This was not a secret to Donovan." McNabb also said that Vick was no threat to him as a starter and that he actively lobbied for the signing.
Pyro's Take:
No matter what the speculation is around the league and around Philly, we're pretty sure that Donovan is just fine with the team grabbing Vick. The Eagles have catered to McNabb and his whining plenty of times in the past, so what would change their way of dealing with Donovan now? Regardless of who's happy and who's not, Philly now becomes one of the most dynamic offenses in the league and should be fun to watch throughout the 2009 season.
ESPN.com's Chris Mortensen reports that QB Michael Vick has signed a two-year deal with the Philadelphia Eagles. Vick's agent has confirmed this.
Pyro's Take:
We really didn't see this coming and we're not too sure on where he fits in Philly. Wildcat? Surely they have a bona-fide QB in McNabb, some solid receivers in DeSean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin and Kevin Curtis, and not to mention All-Everything RB Brian Westbrook. We'll see how this plays out.
Supposedly Philadelphia Eagles QB Donovan McNabb isn't happy with the recent signing of QB Michael Vick, but coach Andy Reid has said that the Eagles consulted McNabb before the signing and that the starting QB was on board with the move. "Donovan was involved in this too. I was able to share that with Donovan. This was not a secret to Donovan." McNabb also said that Vick was no threat to him as a starter and that he actively lobbied for the signing.
Pyro's Take:
No matter what the speculation is around the league and around Philly, we're pretty sure that Donovan is just fine with the team grabbing Vick. The Eagles have catered to McNabb and his whining plenty of times in the past, so what would change their way of dealing with Donovan now? Regardless of who's happy and who's not, Philly now becomes one of the most dynamic offenses in the league and should be fun to watch throughout the 2009 season.
Philadelphia Eagles backup QB Kevin Kolb may be running out of time in Philly. The signing of Michael Vick pretty much ensures that Kolb will be relegated to 3rd-string duties by mid-season, and it's a real possibility that he could be traded either during the year or after the season ends.
Pyro's Take:
Kolb was absolutely awful last year when given the opportunity to play during blowouts. Since it was already a rumor during this past off-season that the Eagles were considering trading him, the signing of Vick to a two-year deal makes it a virtual lock that Kolb will be in a different uniform next year, and possibly even later this season.
Philadelphia Eagles backup QB Kevin Kolb may be running out of time in Philly. The signing of Michael Vick pretty much ensures that Kolb will be relegated to 3rd-string duties by mid-season, and it's a real possibility that he could be traded either during the year or after the season ends.
Pyro's Take:
Kolb was absolutely awful last year when given the opportunity to play during blowouts. Since it was already a rumor during this past off-season that the Eagles were considering trading him, the signing of Vick to a two-year deal makes it a virtual lock that Kolb will be in a different uniform next year, and possibly even later this season.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Michael Clayton will be returning to practice this week after "tweaking" his hamstring back on August 5th. He missed the preseason opener because of the injury, but probably could have played if it were a regular season game.
Pyro's Take:
After goosing up the fantasy world in his rookie campaign back in 2004 to the tune of 1,193 yards and 7 TDs, Clayton has gone on to put up 1,513 yards and 2 TD's... over the past four years! Of course, as is customary in the world of sports, Michael was rewarded this past off-season with a five-year, $24 million contract to keep giving the Bucs this kind of crap effort.
"We’re not counting. When we need a run and we need yards, I’m going to call Michael Turner’s number."
Pyro's Take:
Ok, Mike. Go ahead, run him another 376 times, ruin his career, ruin the team's investment and chances of continued success.
Whether Mularkey will openly say it or not, Turner's carries are going to be lower this season by about 50-60. Not only that, his schedule is night & day relative to last year. We don't believe he can come even close to his 2008 numbers. He's a stud on a stacked team, but check out his average numbers when he wasn't playing teams like KC, Detroit, Oakland, etc.
6 carries, 63 yards, and 1 40 yard TD.
Pyro's Take:
The Falcons exchange matchups vs. the Lions, the Raiders, the Packers, the Chiefs from 2008, for the Dolphins, the Patriots, the Jets, and Philly for '09. Yards won't come as easy, nor will the carries.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Michael Clayton was back practicing with the team on Monday after dealing with a hamstring injury since early August.
Pyro's Take:
Clayton has been just awful for the past four years, and we don't expect him to turn that trend around this year. Considering that the Tampa QBs are below average at best, the already below-average Clayton becomes barely draftable in any format.
Philadelphia Eagles RB Brian Westbrook and newly signed QB Michael Vick will not be traveling with the team to Indianapolis for the second preseason game of the year on Thursday.
Pyro's Take:
Westbrook just got back into pads on Monday, so the news of Westy sitting out this game was expected. Same with Vick, as he hasn't had enough experience under his belt with the team yet to be useful out on the field. Both players should get in some game-action before the preseason is up, but there's no reason to rush these two superstars back into the fold too quickly.
Philadelphia Eagles RB Brian Westbrook and newly signed QB Michael Vick will not be traveling with the team to Indianapolis for the second preseason game of the year on Thursday.
Pyro's Take:
Westbrook just got back into pads on Monday, so the news of Westy sitting out this game was expected. Same with Vick, as he hasn't had enough experience under his belt with the team yet to be useful out on the field. Both players should get in some game-action before the preseason is up, but there's no reason to rush these two superstars back into the fold too quickly.
San Francisco 49ers rookie WR Michael Crabtree still hasn't signed a contract with the team. The two sides still have completely different ideas on where the contract should be slotted.
Pyro's Take:
We at Pyro headquarters can't wait to see this kid in action, so we hope the contract talks start to heat up soon. There was a rumor that Crabtree was looking for a house in the Los Gatos area, so if there's any truth to it, that would be good news for 49er fans. However, it doesn't change the fact that there's still no budging by either side on how much this kid should be making per year.
Head coach Andy Reid left open the possibility of Eagles QB Michael Vick playing in the team's third preseason game against Jacksonville next Thursday. "He had a good week of work," Reid said. "He got a good workout in today. We'll see how he does next week. We're shooting for the third game. We'll see. We've just got to get a feel on him throughout the week."
Pyro's Take:
Vick's terms of reinstatement state that he can only play in the final two preseason games in preparation for the upcoming season, which was the reason he wasn't a part of the Eagles loss to the Colts Thursday night. We expect Vick to play in this next game, as it seems he has done well enough in practice to garner a real-time action look.
For our part at Pyro, though we fully stand behind giving people a second chance, we also tend to agree with a certain Colts fan who held up a sign during the game between the Colts and Eagles that read "Hide your Beagle, Vick's an Eagle".
He is averaging almost 10 yards per carry.
Pyro's Take:
Before we get too excited, we must remember that Atlanta's two pre-season games thus far have been vs. Detroit and then St. Louis - the 32nd and 29th ranked rush defenses from 2008. We will be watching his next pre-season game vs. San Diego, and if he lights them up in similar fashion, we will bump him up our rankings. History is not on his side, though.
When asked about rookie WR Michael Crabtree's contract situation and how it might affect his season, Mike Singletary stated that he hasn't put much thought into the matter.
Pyro's Take:
Crabtree is one of the most talented receivers to hit the pro ranks over the past decade, so it would be a shame to see his rookie campaign affected by a simple numbers game. We don't normally think it's right to give in to players money demands, but the 49ers might want to think about loosening up a little bit with Crabtree as it would be a terrible mistake to lose out on the services of this kid over the next few years.
Oakland Raiders RB Darren McFadden has been named the starter for this week's preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers by coach Tom Cable, which means RB Michael Bush will get his chance to start next week against the Saints.
Pyro's Take:
Even though the Raiders brass claim that there is still a competition to become the starter in Week 1, all signs point toward McFadden getting the job. We also fully expect Michael Bush to garner the backup duties and possibly get 10+ touches a game as well.
Oakland Raiders RB Darren McFadden has been named the starter for this week's preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers by coach Tom Cable, which means RB Michael Bush will get his chance to start next week against the Saints.
Pyro's Take:
Even though the Raiders brass claim that there is still a competition to become the starter in Week 1, all signs point toward McFadden getting the job. We also fully expect Michael Bush to garner the backup duties and possibly get 10+ touches a game as well.
Atlanta Falcons RB Michael Turner was at it again in the second preseason game of the year as he rushed the ball seven times for 65 yards and a TD against St. Louis Friday night. It was also the second straight game that Turner ripped off a 40+ yard gain.
Pyro's Take:
Turner certainly looks to be in mid-season form, but be careful to read between the lines here. Last year, Turner was outstanding against the lesser defenses he faced, but struggled mightily versus the tougher ones. The two preseason games the Falcons have played thus far have been against bottom-tier teams St. Louis and Detroit. Wait and see how he plays against the hard-nosed defenses like Baltimore (final preseason game) before passing judgment on his prospects for the upcoming season.
Teammates of Michael Vick say the newly signed QB is ready to play when the Eagles host the Jaguars Thursday night. Two of Vick's teammates had this to say: "He's ready for another chance," offensive lineman Shawn Andrews said. "As a defensive guy watching, I think he's ready," safety Quintin Mikell said Monday.
Pyro's Take:
Vick is eligible to play in the next two preseason games, but not in the regular season games yet according to the ruling by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell. Goodell also said that he would consider Vick for full reinstatement by no later than Week 6.
After watching film of the 49ers last exhibition game, coach Mike Singletary said that he still hasn't come to a decision on who will be the starting QB come Week 1 of the regular season. Though QB Shaun Hill is generally perceived to be the front-runner in the competition, QB Alex Smith seems to have stayed close enough to give Singletary more to think about. “I have to look at some more film,” Singletary said. “It takes me a little longer than some other people. I think attention to detail is key.”
Pyro's Take:
The 49ers could end up having a relatively high-powered offense this season, especially if Michael Crabtree ever signs, so choosing the right QB to head the helm is an important decision. We're still behind the thought that Shaun Hill will be the man in Week 1, and if that turns out to be the case, Hill could emerge as a decent backup fantasy QB in 2009.
After watching film of the 49ers last exhibition game, coach Mike Singletary said that he still hasn't come to a decision on who will be the starting QB come Week 1 of the regular season. Though QB Shaun Hill is generally perceived to be the front-runner in the competition, QB Alex Smith seems to have stayed close enough to give Singletary more to think about. “I have to look at some more film,” Singletary said. “It takes me a little longer than some other people. I think attention to detail is key.”
Pyro's Take:
The 49ers could end up having a relatively high-powered offense this season, especially if Michael Crabtree ever signs, so choosing the right QB to head the helm is an important decision. We're still behind the thought that Shaun Hill will be the man in Week 1, and if that turns out to be the case, Hill could emerge as a decent backup fantasy QB in 2009.
San Francisco 49ers head coach Mike Singletary finally came to a decision regarding his starting QB in Week 1, and the answer is Shaun Hill. The verdict came just one day after Singletary stated that he wouldn't put a timetable on this decision.
Pyro's Take:
This call is not at all a surprise, as Hill has not only outperformed Alex Smith throughout the preseason, but also went 5-3 as the starter for the 49ers at the end of last season. Hill is by no means a starting fantasy QB in 2009, but you could do worse in selecting a backup QB and may find yourself getting decent ROI on Hill later in the year, especially if Michael Crabtree ever signs.
San Francisco 49ers head coach Mike Singletary finally came to a decision regarding his starting QB in Week 1, and the answer is Shaun Hill. The verdict came just one day after Singletary stated that he wouldn't put a timetable on this decision.
Pyro's Take:
This call is not at all a surprise, as Hill has not only outperformed Alex Smith throughout the preseason, but also went 5-3 as the starter for the 49ers at the end of last season. Hill is by no means a starting fantasy QB in 2009, but you could do worse in selecting a backup QB and may find yourself getting decent ROI on Hill later in the year, especially if Michael Crabtree ever signs.
Oakland Raiders RB Michael Bush will get the starting nod for the team's third preseason game on Saturday. Darren McFadden is expected to back him up as Justin Fargas might not play due to his injured hamstring.
Pyro's Take:
Coach Tom Cable said earlier in camp that the third preseason game would closely resemble what the Raiders would be coming out with in Week 1 of the regular season. Whether that means Michael Bush would be the team's starting RB, or if it only means he would be showing the general rotation of backs is unknown. We'll see on Saturday just how much Cable is willing to reveal. As far as fantasy goes, McFadden is still the guy to draft first on this team, but absolutely must be handcuffed to Bush as both backs could see close to an equal amount of time.
Oakland Raiders RB Michael Bush will get the starting nod for the team's third preseason game on Saturday. Darren McFadden is expected to back him up as Justin Fargas might not play due to his injured hamstring.
Pyro's Take:
Coach Tom Cable said earlier in camp that the third preseason game would closely resemble what the Raiders would be coming out with in Week 1 of the regular season. Whether that means Michael Bush would be the team's starting RB, or if it only means he would be showing the general rotation of backs is unknown. We'll see on Saturday just how much Cable is willing to reveal. As far as fantasy goes, McFadden is still the guy to draft first on this team, but absolutely must be handcuffed to Bush as both backs could see close to an equal amount of time.
Oakland Raiders RB Michael Bush will get the starting nod for the team's third preseason game on Saturday. Darren McFadden is expected to back him up as Justin Fargas might not play due to his injured hamstring.
Pyro's Take:
Coach Tom Cable said earlier in camp that the third preseason game would closely resemble what the Raiders would be coming out with in Week 1 of the regular season. Whether that means Michael Bush would be the team's starting RB, or if it only means he would be showing the general rotation of backs is unknown. We'll see on Saturday just how much Cable is willing to reveal. As far as fantasy goes, McFadden is still the guy to draft first on this team, but absolutely must be handcuffed to Bush as both backs could see close to an equal amount of time.
Eagles head coach Andy Reid said at a news conference on Tuesday that Vick will indeed be making his preseason debut on Thursday against the Jacksonville Jaguars. "We'll see how it works out and give him a couple shots in there and see what he can do," Reid said. "... I think he's excited to get out there. I'm sure he'll have a couple butterflies with it being a couple years since he's been in, but I think he's excited to get back to doing what he does."
Pyro's Take:
We're not sure if our interest in the game lies more in seeing how the Eagles plan on using the multi-faceted Vick, or seeing how the crowd reacts to the recently released and signed convict.
Reid went on to say that Vick will be used during the first three quarters of the game, the span in which he also indicated his starters would be on the field. That likely means Vick will be coming in for a version of the Wildcat offense, but where he lines up is anybody's guess. Either way, Thursday night's game should be fun to watch.
Eagles head coach Andy Reid said that besides Michael Vick, Brian Westbrook will also play in Thursday's preseason game against the Jaguars.
Pyro's Take:
This is great news for Eagles fans and fantasy owners alike. There were nerves circling around that Westbrook wouldn't be ready to go until the first regular season game, sparking speculation that he wasn't quite over the off-season ankle surgery just yet. Reid quickly put all those nerves to rest today. If you happened to move Westy down your cheet sheet due to the injury, you can safely move him back up now.
The San Francisco 49ers first-round pick WR Michael Crabtree still has not signed with the team, and a deal doesn't seem to be imminent. The Niners are offering the tenth overall pick a contract on par with 9th overall pick B.J. Raji, but Crabtree isn't biting as he is looking for money more in the range of 7th overall pick Darrius Heyward-Bey.
Pyro's Take:
This really is a sad state of affairs, as both the 49ers and football fans alike are anxiously awaiting the beginning of ultra-talented Michael Crabtree's career. We are of the belief that a deal will be struck before the start of the 2009 season, but each day that goes by lessens the impact that Crabtree will have this year. Keep bumping the unsigned rookie down your cheat sheets, as he may even enter himself back into the 2010 draft if the Niners can't meet his demands.
The San Francisco 49ers have a standing offer to first-round draft pick Michael Crabtree that sits in the range of five years, 20 million base, 26.5 million including incentives, with 16 million guaranteed. This offer is directly on par with what the 10th overall pick should get this year, and the 49ers have made it known that they won't be budging from their offer.
Pyro's Take:
Crabtree's agent, so we hear, privately told the 49ers that the offer was fair, and coach Mike Singletary went on record in agreeing with him. The big problem with the Niners stance here is that if Crabtree does indeed holdout for the season, he can enter the draft again next year while San Fran would get absolutely nothing in the way of compensation. We believe that because of this, the 49ers will loosen up a bit and end up giving Crabtree a deal on par with the 9th overall selection, but won't go up as far as the 7th pick as Crabtree thinks he deserves. Whatever happens in the end, Crabtree's fantasy stock continues to slide with each day he misses camp.
Tampa Bay head coach Raheem Morris ruled out both WR Antonio Bryant and WR Michael Clayton for Thursday night's game. Bryant is coming off a meniscus scope done earlier this month while Clayton has been dealing with a hamstring injury he sustained in early August.
Pyro's Take:
This is a smart move by Morris, as both receivers could use one more week of rest before going back into full-contact mode. If this were a regular season game, both players probably would have been able to play, but considering the lack of depth at the position on the Bucs, it's better to be safe than sorry at this point in the year. Bryant's numbers will most likely take a small hit this year due to having a new (and worse) QB under center, but he's still worthy of starting status on your fantasy team. Clayton, however, is barely draftable.
Tampa Bay head coach Raheem Morris ruled out both WR Antonio Bryant and WR Michael Clayton for Thursday night's game. Bryant is coming off a meniscus scope done earlier this month while Clayton has been dealing with a hamstring injury he sustained in early August.
Pyro's Take:
This is a smart move by Morris, as both receivers could use one more week of rest before going back into full-contact mode. If this were a regular season game, both players probably would have been able to play, but considering the lack of depth at the position on the Bucs, it's better to be safe than sorry at this point in the year. Bryant's numbers will most likely take a small hit this year due to having a new (and worse) QB under center, but he's still worthy of starting status on your fantasy team. Clayton, however, is barely draftable.
Philadelphia Eagles QB Michael Vick made his debut with the team in the first series Thursday night. His first bit of action was a shovel-pass to LeSean McCoy for a gain of four yards.
Pyro's Take:
Vick has looked quick and strong so far in the first quarter. Besides the shovel-pass to McCoy, Vick also ran the ball for a 1-yard gain, was used as a decoy lining up as a receiver while starting QB Donovan McNabb handed the ball off to McCoy, then faked a throw out to Vick, and then also rifled a 13-yard bullet to Hank Baskett for a first down.
This Philly offense is going to be a monster-load of fun to watch once Vick gets reinstated by Roger Goodell.
Former 49er and current game analyst at KPIX in San Francisco, Eric Davis, claims that San Francisco first-round pick WR Michael Crabtree is willing to sit out the season if the 49ers don't up their contract offer to him.
Pyro's Take:
Davis knows people in Crabtree's camp, so there might very well be some truth to this report. It would be a shame to miss out on watching the super-talented wide receiver this year, but the 49ers are taking the correct stance for themselves and for the league. If just one player upsets the rolling pay-scale for rookies, the NFL and teams will start to see multiple player holdouts every year from then on. Until Crabtree learns the effect his demands have on the rest of football, continue to bump him down your draft day rankings.
Buccaneers WR Michael Clayton returned to practice on Monday after dealing with a hamstring injury for much of the preseason.
Pyro's Take:
Clayton has missed a bunch of game and practice time this past month and will need the next two weeks to get in sync with starting QB Byron Leftwich. Before the injury he may have been worth a late-round flier, but currently is no more than a waiver wire pickup.
Atlanta Falcons RB Jerious Norwood suffered a knee injury in Saturday's game against the Chargers. The injury is not considered serious as Norwood is being listed as being day-to-day.
Pyro's Take:
The Falcons need Norwood to be healthy this year in their efforts to keep Michael Turner strong throughout the season. Norwood was allowed back on the sidelines Saturday night with a plastic airbag taped around the knee, which the Falcons wouldn't have let happen if there was anything to be concerned about.
Atlanta Falcons RB Jerious Norwood won't be playing in the Falcons preseason finale Thursday night against the Ravens. Norwood suffered both knee and head injuries in Saturday's game against the Chargers, though neither is considered serious.
Pyro's Take:
This is a smart move by the Falcons coaching staff. If they want to keep Michael Turner strong throughout the year, they'll need Norwood's services more than usual to do so. His sitting out the game is precautionary and he should still be handcuffed to Turner in your draft.
Philadelphia Eagles starting QB Donovan McNabb will sit out the team's final preseason game Thursday night against the Jets.
Pyro's Take:
The Eagles already know what they're getting out of McNabb this year, so why take the chance on an injury. Coach Andy Reid said that Kevin Kolb will start instead of McNabb and Michael Vick will start the second half.
Philadelphia Eagles starting QB Donovan McNabb will sit out the team's final preseason game Thursday night against the Jets.
Pyro's Take:
The Eagles already know what they're getting out of McNabb this year, so why take the chance on an injury. Coach Andy Reid said that Kevin Kolb will start instead of McNabb and Michael Vick will start the second half.
Philadelphia Eagles starting QB Donovan McNabb will sit out the team's final preseason game Thursday night against the Jets.
Pyro's Take:
The Eagles already know what they're getting out of McNabb this year, so why take the chance on an injury. Coach Andy Reid said that Kevin Kolb will start instead of McNabb and Michael Vick will start the second half.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers starting WRs Antonio Bryant and Michael Clayton were held out of practice Tuesday morning. Both receivers had returned to practice yesterday after dealing with injuries most of the preseason.
Pyro's Take:
The coaching staff is likely just giving the two receivers a day to recuperate after being out of action for so long. Both should be fine for Week 1, but whether or not they'll play in the team's final exhibition game is still unknown.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers starting WRs Antonio Bryant and Michael Clayton were held out of practice Tuesday morning. Both receivers had returned to practice yesterday after dealing with injuries most of the preseason.
Pyro's Take:
The coaching staff is likely just giving the two receivers a day to recuperate after being out of action for so long. Both should be fine for Week 1, but whether or not they'll play in the team's final exhibition game is still unknown.
Oakland Raiders RB Justin Fargas was still on the sidelines during practice on Tuesday. Fargas has been recovering from a hamstring injury the past two weeks.
Pyro's Take:
Fargas was listed as the starting tailback on their first depth chart three weeks ago, but nobody in their right mind expected that to stick, injury or no injury. Expect Darren McFadden and Michael Bush to be ahead of Fargas in playing time come Week 1.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers WRs Antonio Bryant and Michael Clayton did not participate in Tuesday's workout due to a change in the schedule that did not allow the players enough time to warm-up properly, but both were back at practice on Wednesday. Neither is expected to play in the preseason finale Friday night.
Pyro's Take:
The Buccaneers will be a run-first team this year, especially with the mediocrity lining up behind center, but in order for the run to work, they'll need a healthy Bryant and Clayton out on the field. Both should be ready to go Week 1, but don't expect either of their numbers to rise this year.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers WRs Antonio Bryant and Michael Clayton did not participate in Tuesday's workout due to a change in the schedule that did not allow the players enough time to warm-up properly, but both were back at practice on Wednesday. Neither is expected to play in the preseason finale Friday night.
Pyro's Take:
The Buccaneers will be a run-first team this year, especially with the mediocrity lining up behind center, but in order for the run to work, they'll need a healthy Bryant and Clayton out on the field. Both should be ready to go Week 1, but don't expect either of their numbers to rise this year.
Oakland Raiders head coach Tom Cable told reporters on Wednesday after practice that he will name his starting running back next week after seeing what happens in their final preseason game.
Pyro's Take:
The Raiders still have Justin Fargas listed atop the team's depth chart, but that's bound to change as Fargas won't be suiting up for that last preseason game. Darren McFadden's versatility and game-breaking abilities give him the edge over Michael Bush, though Bush should still get 10-15 touches a game. Handcuff these two together regardless of who comes out on top.
Oakland Raiders head coach Tom Cable told reporters on Wednesday after practice that he will name his starting running back next week after seeing what happens in their final preseason game.
Pyro's Take:
The Raiders still have Justin Fargas listed atop the team's depth chart, but that's bound to change as Fargas won't be suiting up for that last preseason game. Darren McFadden's versatility and game-breaking abilities give him the edge over Michael Bush, though Bush should still get 10-15 touches a game. Handcuff these two together regardless of who comes out on top.
Oakland Raiders head coach Tom Cable told reporters on Wednesday after practice that he will name his starting running back next week after seeing what happens in their final preseason game.
Pyro's Take:
The Raiders still have Justin Fargas listed atop the team's depth chart, but that's bound to change as Fargas won't be suiting up for that last preseason game. Darren McFadden's versatility and game-breaking abilities give him the edge over Michael Bush, though Bush should still get 10-15 touches a game. Handcuff these two together regardless of who comes out on top.
The Philadelphia Eagles expect NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell to issue a ruling on QB Michael Vick's possible full reinstatement before Saturday's mandatory league-wide cut-down to the 53-man roster. Vick may not begin playing in regular season games until Goodell's notification, which must come by Week 6.
Pyro's Take:
The speculation is that Vick will be cleared to play for the Eagles Week 3 game if all goes well up until then. Vick has been on his best behavior, so we tend to agree that Goodell will make this move.
Commissioner Roger Goodell announced today that Philadelphia Eagles QB Michael Vick will be reinstated and eligible to play in the third week of the season.
Pyro's Take:
It seems Goodell believes in second chances just as much as the next guy. However, it's not a lock that Vick comes back and immediately takes over the backup QB role in Philly as he still has some learning to do of the Eagles system. Whatever the case, their will certainly be mixed reactions from both fans and players alike.
The Philadelphia Eagles will place QB Michael Vick on their exempt list until Week 3 of the regular season.
Pyro's Take:
Basically, this means that Vick won't be able to participate in practice with the team, but will still be able to attend meetings and do individual drills. The Eagles used this exemption on Vick presumably to keep A.J. Feeley on the 53-man roster for a few weeks longer.
Oakland Raiders coach Tom Cable said on Saturday that RB Justin Fargas' hamstring won't be an issue for Week 1.
Pyro's Take:
His hamstring may not be an issue, but he'll still be sitting behind Darren McFadden and Michael Bush when the Raiders take the field in Week 1. Don't bother drafting this guy.
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