Posts Tagged ‘Felix Jones’

NFL Fantasy Football Player Updates

Michael Vick to Play For Eagles on Sunday

Don’t get too excited, it won’t be as the quarterback.

Still, the coaching staff is counting on Vick to make plays, projecting him to be involved in somewhere between 10-15 plays.

You can probably even count on more than that. Kevin Kolb is expected to start as it stands, but Vick will likely be deployed in a number of packages.

The problem is, just how effective can he be in his first regular season game in more than two years?

Wes Welker Back at Practice

As inspiring as this is, it still means nothing.

While he did participate in Thursday’s practice, he was limited, opening the door to a possible “target share” with rookie Julian Edelman.

Bill Belichick isn’t foolish. If Welker isn’t 100 percent, he’ll just use him as a decoy and get some production out of Edelman. The rookie clearly has talent, and the Patriots would be doing themselves a disservice to sit him the rest of the way.

Monitor this situation all the way up until their game with the Atlanta Falcons.

Jerry Jones Gives Tony Romo Vote of Confidence

Well, I should sure hope so.

They got rid of Terrell Owens, labeling him as the one and only problem in Dallas. And now the owner raises doubt by saying he’s “backing” Romo after one bad game?

Don’t be like Jones and get too excited. Romo was facing the Giants tough front-four and the Cowboys barely lost the game.

Start Romo with confidence this week in a favorable match-up with the Carolina Panthers.

Saints Running Backs Sharing Reps in Practice

Add Tynell Hamilton to the mix in the Saints backfield.

Who? Well, regardless of not being very well known, Hamilton figures to get some grind with Mike Bell (knee) out this week, and Pierre Thomas being slowly brought back from his own knee injury.

Reggie Bush also factors into the muddled equation, making all three Saints running backs risky starts. And you thought it was difficult to predict their production before.

Chargers Center Nick Hardwick Out Until December

It just keeps getting worse for the San Diego running game.

This doesn’t hurt Daren Sproles’ value that much, as most of his production comes from the passing game and bouncing runs outside.

LaDainian Tomlinson, who is dealing with his own injury, could find it even more difficult to run in the middle when he returns, however.

Hardwick has ankle surgery, and if things continue to work against San Diego, he could end up going on IR.

Jamal Lewis Misses Wednesday’s Practice

Lewis is dealing with a bad hamstring, as well as a horrid performance against the Broncos, rushing for just 38 yards on 14 carries.

If he’s out this week, a suddenly-healthy James David could split carries with Jerome Harrison, making both Cleveland back-ups interesting plays.

Well, they would be, if they weren’t facing the Baltimore Ravens.

Marion Barber Practicing, Wants to Play Monday Night

While this isn’t exactly earth-shattering news, it’s worth noting.

Knock Felix Jones’ value down a bit with Barber practicing, although a hindered Barber ensures at least a few more touches for Jones and Barber’s other back-up, Tashard Choice.

The way the Carolina Panthers rush defense is going, all three backs could field solid numbers on Monday night.

2009 Dallas Cowboys: Five Things to Watch For

The Cowboys were supposed to be “America’s Team” again.

They were fresh off of an impressive 13-3 record and 2007 division title. They were Super Bowl contenders, and at the very least, playoff guarantees.

Well, one broken pinkie later, and all that 2007 created in Dallas was ruined.

Fast forward to the off-season, and the team has lost several starters from last year, including star receiver Terrell Owens, pass-rush specialist Greg Ellis, and safety Roy Williams.

The Cowboys have a lot of ground to make up, despite having a smart offensive plan and a slew of weapons.

Read on to see the top five issues facing the Cowboys as they prepare for August’s pre-season action.

5. The Addition of Igor Olshansky

The Cowboys got most of their pass-rush from Demarcus Ware last season, and brought in Olshansky from San Diego to add power to their front line.

Olshansky wasn’t brought in to rush the passer. His strength and brutality on the line will be of great use, as Dallas tried to improve on their 12th ranked rush defense.

The addition of Olshansky doesn’t completely make-up for the losses of Greg Ellis and Chris Canty, but he’s the type of player in the trenches that can change the tone of a game.

4. Can Ken Hamlin Bounce Back?

After a fantastic debut season with Dallas in 2007, where he registered 62 tackles and five interceptions, 2008 saw Hamlin regress after signing a big, six-year contract.

The money may have gotten to Hamlin for a year, but threats of a possible release (if 2009 goes sour) should snap him back into form.

Hamlin has little help at safety, but his secondary play and pass rush are bordering on elite.

He’s the clear-cut starter, and at only 28, is still one of the most talented safeties in the league.

3. Can Roy Williams Effectively Replace T.O.?

After showing glimmers of star-quality in Detroit, Williams came to Dallas in a trade, and after one lackluster half-season in the big “D”, Williams’ time to step up is coming.

His presence prompted the release of Terrell Owens, and with no other proven receivers aside from Patrick Crayton, Williams is officially the designated “star” receiver for Dallas.

However, it’s arguable that the Cowboys’ current third receiver, Miles Austin, is the best overall receiver on the team, and could end up thriving in the Cowboys new, balanced attack.

Regardless of how Austin or Crayton perform, Williams should see plenty of targets, that is, once he gets back on the field.

2. Marion Barber vs. Felix Jones

There are rumors swirling that the Cowboys intend on using Felix Jones and Marion Barber together on the field at the same time.

Jones’ versatility, speed, hands, and athleticism allow Offensive Coordinator Jason Garrett to place him just about anywhere.

Barber, on the other hand, is still the Cowboys’ bread-and-butter chains mover, as well as their short yardage and goal-line stud.

Jones figures to (at the very worst) play on third downs, return kicks, and slide out on special plays, strictly as a receiver.

They both, along with third running back, Tashard Choice, are immensely talented, and should combine their efforts to form a formidable rush offense.

Contrary to popular belief, a talented three-headed horse at the tailback position is in no way a bad thing.

That is, unless you’re talking about fantasy football.

1. How Will Tony Romo’s Break-up’s Affect Him?

First T.O. had to go. Now there are reports that “it’s over” between Romo and now ex-lover, Jessica Simpson.

Oddly enough, both departures from Romo’s life could turn out to be the best thing possibly for him.

Terrell Owens was getting too big, even for Dallas, and whether you believe in jinxes or not, Simpson’s involvement in Romo’s life brought a negative and almost “unlucky” vibe.

With a clear head and a new mind-set, Romo should be able to spread the ball around more, while relying on one of the finest trios of running backs the league has to offer.

Even if Roy Williams can’t take hold of the number one spot, Romo should perform well.