NFL Advanced News and Notes From JoeDuffy.net

Thursday, August 24, 2006

 

Here are news and notes from Godspicks.com private clipboard.  They are compiled from hometown newspapers and the team’s own press releases. If you like this free information from Godspicks.com, the only way to keep it free is to click on the links, bet with the sponsors and tell them JoeDuffy.net sent you.

Dolphins-Panthers

Sun Sentinel

For the first time this preseason, several Dolphins players sported the jersey numbers worn by their counterparts on the Carolina Panthers at practice to prepare for Thursday’s exhibition.At Monday’s practice Dolphins receivers Fred Gibson, Marcus Vick and Jamall Broussard were doing their best imitations of Panthers receivers Keyshawn Johnson, Steve Smith and Keary Colbert. Running back Kay-Jay Harris was wearing William DeAngelo’s No. 34, and defensive end Ben Ishola had on No. 90 for Julius Peppers. “We go out there and have more of an in-season practice, some stuff against each other, some stuff against the scout team,” Saban said. “Everybody is kind of a little bit out of synch, but I was really pleased with the way the players responded as the practice went on.” Bet the NFL now at -107 juice! Check out the latest odds at CanBet. 

 

Dolphins coach Nick Saban said that his starters likely will still be on the field for the start of the third quarter of Thursday night’s preseason game at Carolina. “We’ll probably play our starting team a little bit more,” Saban said following Tuesday’s practice. “At least a half, maybe a series in the second half. Not just the starting team, but more the rotation of how we would play a game. I think you’ve got to pick one of these [exhibition games] and say, ‘Everybody’s got to know the game isn’t over at halftime.’ “ Starting cornerback Travis Daniels (ankle) and backup defensive backs Michael Lehan (knee) and Norman LeJeune (undisclosed) also didn’t play in last Saturday’s 13-10 victory over Tampa Bay.Cornerback Eddie Jackson, who missed the Bucs game because of a strained abdominal muscle, practiced on a limited basis Tuesday and could play against the Panthers. Other players who practiced on a limited basis Tuesday were wide receiver Kelly Campbell (quadriceps) and tight ends Justin Peelle (ankle) and Jason Rader (undisclosed). Guards Seth McKinney (neck) and Joe Toledo (knee) didn’t practice and won’t play against Carolina.

KnockoutPicks.com

Miami is greatly lacking depth in the defensive secondary because of injuries.

 

Friday, August 25, 2006

 

Cardinals-Bears

Daily Herald

Quarterback Rex Grossman and the Bears’ offense, both struggling through the first two preseason games, will get three quarters to work out the kinks Friday night against the Arizona Cardinals at Soldier Field. Grossman isn’t expecting a repeat of the first two mediocre performances. Grossman has completed 10 of 25 passes for 130 yards, no touchdowns and 1 interception, while nine-year veteran Brian Griese is 8 of 9 for 150 yards with 3 touchdowns and no interceptions, playing with and against second-stringers.

Four starters, including running back Cedric Benson (shoulder), safety Mike Brown (Achilles), fullback Bryan Johnson (hamstring) and cornerback Nate Vasher (back), already have been declared out of Friday’s game. A fifth starter, defensive tackle Ian Scott (knee), is doubtful. Defensive tackles Tank Johnson (quad), Michael Haynes (back) and rookie Dusty Dvoracek (foot) are questionable, as is wide receiver Airese Currie (knee). Guard Ruben Brown (general soreness) and running back Thomas Jones (hamstring) are probable. Bet this game now through BetUs. Check out the lines now

 

Suburban Chicago News

Bears coach Lovie Smith said he’s hopeful RB Jones will play Friday night at Soldier Field against the Arizona Cardinals while Cedric Benson will have to wait at least another week. A couple good runs by anyone would only benefit the Bears’ offense right now. They’ve gained only 127 total rushing yards on 43 carries, for a 3-yard average, without a run longer than 15 yards.

KnockoutPicks.com

Arizona is expected to play starters into the third quarter.

Ravens-Vikings

KnockoutPicks.com  

Baltimore RB Jamal Lewis will rest the remainder of the preseason

Steelers-Eagles

AllianceHandicapping.com

Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward will likely miss. Philadelphia is pressing their wide receiver Todd Pinkston to play, as he has yet to play a down because of injury.  Bet this game now through BetUs. Check out the lines now

 

Lions-Raiders

San Francisco Chronicle

Quarterback Aaron Brooks had his best game of the preseason, leading the Raiders’ starting offense to a 10-0 halftime lead in Sunday’s win over the 49ers, and backup Andrew Walter turned in a pretty nifty performance himself. Walter finished the game with eight completions in 10 attempts for 99 yards, leading two second-half scoring drives that put away the Raiders’ 23-7 victory. Brooks appeared to secure his grip on the role as No. 1 quarterback in what is becoming a two-man show. All in all, it was an impressive showing on both sides of the ball, but a particular step forward for an offense that has had its share of misfires. “Winning is a part of what we do ... it creates good habits,” coach Art Shell said. “Even though we won three games ... there are a lot of mistakes we have to take care of.” The improvement on offense was seen all the way down the depth chart with the second- and third-string players holding their own.

Shell acknowledged that the performances in Sunday night’s game could force some difficult decisions when it comes time to begin trimming the roster to get to the 53-man regular-season limit. Strong safety Michael Huff, the team’s No. 1 draft pick this year who turned his left ankle on the infield dirt in Sunday night’s game, probably will miss Friday night’s exhibition against the Lions at the Coliseum. Bet now through the Greek, home of the 21 percent sign up bonus

 

Detroit Free Press

Barring any setbacks, linebacker Boss Bailey (hamstring) will play the first half Friday when the Lions visit the Oakland Raiders

Saturday, August 26, 2006

Falcons-Titans

Tennessean

The Titans stunk up the rarified Rocky Mountain air in losing 35-10 to the Denver Broncos. The Falcons departed at halftime trailing Green Bay, 24-10. Atlanta’s reserves packed it in as the Birds wound up on the wrong end of a 38-10 blowout. Bet the NFL now at -107 juice! Check out the latest odds at CanBet. 

49ers-Cowboys

San Francisco Chronicle

The Titans stunk up the rarified Rocky Mountain air in losing 35-10 to the Denver Broncos. The Falcons departed at halftime trailing Green Bay, 24-10. Atlanta’s reserves packed it in as the Birds wound up on the wrong end of a 38-10 blowout.