Footballguys #253 - 1/5

To unsubscribe from these mailings, click [here]. 8065187 --- [Footballguys.com] Volume 17, Issue #253 -- Thursday Night, January 5th, 2017 Note: Unsubscribe instructions are at the bottom of this email [Play the $1 NFL Dive and get a FREE entry to $3k contest!] FanDuel is offering you a great chance to play two contests for the price of one. Just enter the NFL Dive for $1 and you'll automatically get a FREE entry into a fantasy soccer contest with $3,000 in prizes. PLUS - in addition to your free contest, you'll also play for large cash prizes in the Panini NFL Dive. Don't miss out. [Play Now] --------------------------------------------------------------- Hi Folks, Welcome to Friday. We've got the News and Notes you need so let's get to it. And DON'T FORGET - If you're a Footballguys Insider PRO subscriber this year, our Playoff Contest is FREE for you. Sign up at the link in the Site News. Hurry as the DEADLINE IS SATURDAY. Now let's get to it. J SITE NEWS A. [Footballguys Insider PRO Subscribers Playoff Contest] It's BACK. Once again, we're doing a Playoff Contest for our Footballguys Insider PRO Subscribers. Get another shot at the 2016 season testing your knowledge with the Playoffs. Don't wait though as the contest deadline is this Saturday. Full rules are in the link. B. [Short Yardage and TD Outlooks for Week 18 DFS] We made this article free this week as our Justin Howe takes a look into notable short-yardage (and touchdown) outlooks throughout the Wild Card Weekend DFS pool. INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1. [SEA - QB Russell Wilson may shed knee brace] 2. [MIA - QB Ryan Tannehill out] 3. [DET - RB Zach Zenner endorsed as featured back] 4. [GB - Giants plan to punish WR Ty Montgomery] 5. [NYJ - Owner doesn't commit to CB Darrelle Revis] 6. [NYJ - Harsh criticism for QB Christian Hackenberg] 7. [CIN - RB Jeremy Hill to serve as backup?] 8. [SEA - TE Jimmy Graham back at practice] 9. [HOU - Full practice for RB Lamar Miller] 10. [NFL - Joe Mixon declares for draft] 11. [OAK - WR Michael Crabtree also limited] 12. [OAK - Limited practice for WR Amari Cooper] 13. [DAL - DE Randy Gregory suspended one year] 14. [GB - WR Randall Cobb limited Thursday] 15. [PIT - TE Ladarius Green fully practices] 16. [MIA - Thursday injury report for Miami] 17. [BAL - BAL hopes WR Breshad Perriman can be No. 1 WR] 18. [TB - Tampa Bay adds Derel Walker] 19. [DAL - QB Tony Romo misses practice] 20. [DAL - RB Ezekiel Elliott expects more work] 21. [WAS - Washington fires two defensive assistants] 22. [NE - QB Tom Brady practices] 23. [DAL - Jaylon Smith making progress] 24. [WAS - Joe Barry will not return] 25. [ARI - Arizona adds WR Aaron Dobson] 26. [OAK - QB Matt McGloin may be backup] 27. [CHI - QB Jay Cutler ahead of schedule] 28. [BUF - QB Tyrod Taylor undergoing surgery] 29. [JAX - QB Blake Bortles back to basics] 30. [ATL - DE Dwight Freeney may ponder retiring] 31. [KC - Andy Reid raves about WR Tyreek Hill] 32. [TEN - WR Kendall Wright expects to play elsewhere] 33. [HOU - QB Brock Osweiler downplays argument] 34. [CHI - QB Jay Cutler's future up in the air] 35. [CIN - No suitors for AJ McCarron?] 36. [OAK - WR Amari Cooper wants the ball] 37. [DEN - Kyle Shanahan leaning towards Denver] --------------------------------------------------------------- 1. [SEA - QB Russell Wilson may shed knee brace] Source: ESPN.com - Sheil Kapadia Seattle Seahawks QB [Russell Wilson] (knee) may shed the knee brace he has worn since suffering a sprained medial collateral ligament in Week 3 for the playoffs. 'I don't know if he's 100 percent,' offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell said. 'He's probably not running 4.4 like he did when he was coming out of the combine, but obviously he still runs well enough to be able to do the things we need him to do.' [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The way he was running, we forgot he was even wearing one. Wilson has a tremendous matchup, at home (where the Seahawks are nearly always good this year) against a shaky Lions defense. Expect some fireworks this weekend from Wilson and his receivers. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 2. [MIA - QB Ryan Tannehill out] Source: The Miami Herald - Armando Salguero Miami Dolphins QB [Ryan Tannehill] (knee) will not play in the AFC wild card round of the playoffs, according to a source. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Zero surprise here. The Dolphins are going to try and advance through the playoffs by beating the Steelers with QB Matt Moore on Wild Card Weekend. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 3. [DET - RB Zach Zenner endorsed as featured back] Source: Detroit Free Press - Dave Birkett Detroit Lions RB [Zach Zenner] played 64 of the 66 offensive snaps against the Green Bay Packers in Week 17, and offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter said Zenner is in 'phenomenal shape' and is open to keeping Zenner in an every-down role moving forward. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Zenner is built like a fullback, but he's got the running style of a halfback. The Lions travel to face a tough Seahawks defense in Wild Card Weekend, so having Zenner work as the battering ram makes sense to keep the defense honest. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 4. [GB - Giants plan to punish WR Ty Montgomery] Source: NJ.com Green Bay Packers RB/WR [Ty Montgomery] faces the New York Giants Sunday, Jan 8, and SS Landon Collins said the Giants plan to slow Montgomery be hitting him hard whenever he touches the ball. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Montgomery is built like a running back, so this 'punish him' mantra may not work as intended. At 220 pounds, Montgomery can take a lot more than other wide receivers. We'll see what kind of impact Montgomery can have against a Giants rush defense that has allowed only 70.7 (2nd) rushing yards per game over the last three weeks. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 5. [NYJ - Owner doesn't commit to CB Darrelle Revis] Source: ESPNNewYork.com - Rich Cimini New York Jets CB Darrelle Revis' future with the team hasn't been decided, and it will by left up to the personnel people, according to owner Woody Johnson. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Revis needs to re-work his deal if he wants to stay with the Jets. He'll likely have to move to safety as well. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 6. [NYJ - Harsh criticism for QB Christian Hackenberg] Source: New York Daily News - Manish Mehta New York Jets QB Christian Hackenberg will 'never make it' in the NFL, according to a team source, and another source said Hackenberg couldn't throw the ball into an ocean. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Hackenberg is certainly a multi-year project for the Jets. They passed on guys like Paxton Lynch (Broncos) and Dak Prescott (Cowboys) to select Hackenberg in the second round of the 2016 NFL draft. We'll see if he can make a massive overhaul on his skill set before the start of 2017 training camp. Let's just say we're not betting on it. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 7. [CIN - RB Jeremy Hill to serve as backup?] Source: The Cincinnati Enquirer - Paul Dehner Jr. Cincinnati Bengals RB [Jeremy Hill] will likely serve as the backup running back and goal-line specialist in 2017, according to beat writer Paul Dehner Jr. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] It's a bit too soon to be making that proclamation. The Bengals have Gio Bernard under contract until 2020, and he'll compete with Hill for the most snaps in the Bengals backfield. Bernard is best suited as a part-time player as he's not built to take a starter's workload. We're looking at RBBC all over again for the Bengals in 2017. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 8. [SEA - TE Jimmy Graham back at practice] Source: Seahawks.com Seattle Seahawks TE [Jimmy Graham] (non-injury) returned to practice and was a full participant Thursday, Jan. 5. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Graham is good to go, and the Seahawks have a chance to make a big statement at home in Wild Card Weekend. They should use Graham early and often to attack the Lions defense on Saturday. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 9. [HOU - Full practice for RB Lamar Miller] Source: HoustonTexans.com Houston Texans RB [Lamar Miller] (ankle) was a full participant in practice Thursday, Jan. 5. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Miller is likely to get a huge workload against the Raiders on Saturday. The team needs to limit how much QB Brock Osweiler touches the ball. They don't want the game to come down to Osweiler's performance. Over the last three weeks, the Raiders have allowed 106 yards rushing on average. We'll see if Miller can push the century mark on Wild Card Weekend. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 10. [NFL - Joe Mixon declares for draft] Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter Oklahoma RB Joe Mixon has declared for the NFL Draft Thursday, Jan. 5. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The problem for Mixon is his off-field incident from 2014, when he was suspended for the whole season for punching a woman in the face. Mixon has the ability to be a top back in the NFL, but that baggage is a problem. Early word is that several teams have scratched Mixon from their draft boards. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 11. [OAK - WR Michael Crabtree also limited] Source: Raiders.com Oakland Raiders WR [Michael Crabtree] (ankle) was limited in practice Thursday, Jan. 5. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Crabtree and Amari Cooper have their work cut out for them, as they will have to work hard to deal with Connor Cook's accuracy issues. Crabtree had a solid year, but the third-string quarterback (who is a rookie) is going to cap his production this week and we expect the Raiders to win on the ground, if at all. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 12. [OAK - Limited practice for WR Amari Cooper] Source: Raiders.com Oakland Raiders WR [Amari Cooper] (shoulder) was limited in practice Thursday, Jan. 5. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Cooper will play, although his impact will be limited by Connor Cook. Cooper and Michael Crabtree will have to work extra hard to help Cook cover for some accuracy problems, but if the Raiders are going to win the game, we expect it to be on the back of the ground game, not Cook's arm. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 13. [DAL - DE Randy Gregory suspended one year] Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter Dallas Cowboys DE Randy Gregory has been suspended at least one year without pay for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Well, one assumes the Cowboys wise up and let him go, but Jerry Jones is a mystery and seems to love giving guys second, third and fourth chances. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 14. [GB - WR Randall Cobb limited Thursday] Source: Packers.com Updating a previous report, Green Bay Packers WR [Randall Cobb] (ankle) was limited in practice Thursday, Jan. 5. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Cobb has been supplanted by rookie Geronimo Allison while he was hurt, and wasn't playing well before the injury. On top of it, it has become clear that with Jordy Nelson back to normal and Davante Adams improved, Aaron Rodgers just doesn't look at Cobb as much. We expect a limited impact if he plays this week, even though he torched New York earlier this season. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 15. [PIT - TE Ladarius Green fully practices] Source: Steelers.com Pittsburgh Steelers TE [Ladarius Green] (concussion) was a full participant in practice Thursday, Jan. 5. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Green has been a bit streaky this year but was doing well before his concussion. He'll get lost in the shuffle of LeVeon Bell and Antonio Brown, but should see some work as those two attract most of Miami's attention this weekend. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 16. [MIA - Thursday injury report for Miami] Source: MiamiDolphins.com Miami Dolphins QB [Ryan Tannehill] (knee) and CB Byron Maxwell (ankle) did not participate in practice Thursday, Jan. 5. LB Jelani Jenkins (knee) and FS Bacarri Rambo (chest) were limited during practice. CB [Tony Lippett] (thigh) and OG Kraig Urbik (knee) fully participated in practice. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] We don't expect Tannehill to play this week or - if things break right for Miami - next week. If by some miracle they make the AFC Championship game, he might be ready. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 17. [BAL - BAL hopes WR Breshad Perriman can be No. 1 WR] Source: The Baltimore Sun - Edward Lee Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said the Ravens hope WR [Breshad Perriman] can become a No. 1 receiver in the future. Harbaugh said there are signs that Perriman can be a top receiver but he still has work to do before reaching that point. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The Ravens need a big time receiver to help Joe Flacco out, and if Perriman can be that guy, this is a team which will be in the thick of it next year. Harbaugh loves his upside but admits he is a work in progress. "You see the radius, and you see the speed. Here's a guy that has a chance. Now he's got to refine his route running, he's got to find his hands to catch them and just become a really good all-around receiver. This is his first year of practicing. He didn't even have training camp. So to me, there's a lot of upside there." Now Perriman just has to fulfill that promise. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 18. [TB - Tampa Bay adds Derel Walker] Source: Buccaneers.com - Joe Kania Canadian Football League WR Derel Walker signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Thursday, Jan. 5. Terms of the contract were not disclosed. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Walker was a star receiver in Canada. He recorded 198 catches for 2,699 yards and 16 touchdowns in two seasons (2015-16) with the Edmonton Eskimos. Walker was the second-leading receiver in the CFL last year, and he's certainly a super deep dynasty prospect we'll be monitoring in 2017. Measuring in at 6'2" 185 pounds, Walker can make plays near the sidelines to move the chains. He lacks blazing speed, but he does a good job of looking the ball into his hands and has a good feel for field position. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 19. [DAL - QB Tony Romo misses practice] Source: The Dallas Morning News - Brandon George Dallas Cowboys QB [Tony Romo] (illness) did not participate in practice Thursday, Jan. 5, because of flu-like symptoms. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Romo isn't likely to see the field unless Dak Prescott has a meltdown. Owner Jerry Jones might have an itchy trigger finger, but even he knows to ride the horse that got you there. As long as Prescott plays as well as he has over the course of the season, Romo will be on the sideline. After the season we expect the Cowboys to move on from him. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 20. [DAL - RB Ezekiel Elliott expects more work] Source: The Dallas Morning News - Jon Machota Dallas Cowboys RB [Ezekiel Elliott] said he is feeling good and expects to receive more touches during the playoffs. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] He's a good portion of the reason why they are in the playoffs, so the team is going to ride that bellcow all they can. Elliott is tough to stop, so we expect some success when the Cowboys welcome their opponent to Dallas in just over a week. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 21. [WAS - Washington fires two defensive assistants] Source: ESPN.com - John Keim Washington Redskins secondary coach Perry Fewell and defensive line coach Robb Akey were fired Thursday, Jan. 5. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] With Joe Barry out, this made sense. As we said in the piece about the former defensive coordinator, the defense fell short of expectations, so a house cleaning was in order. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 22. [NE - QB Tom Brady practices] Source: Boston Herald - Jeff Howe New England Patriots QB [Tom Brady] (thigh) participated in practice Thursday, Jan. 5. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] As he's not playing this week, it's really not a big deal if he's on the field or not, but for those of you hungry for news about the future Hall of Famer, he's ok. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 23. [DAL - Jaylon Smith making progress] Source: The Dallas Morning News - Brandon George Dallas Cowboys LB Jaylon Smith (knee) said the damaged nerve in his knee is regenerating and that he expects to be on the field for offseason workouts. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Smith could have been a top-10 pick last year. A major knee injury suffered in Notre Dame's bowl game caused him to slip a round in the draft. We hope he can get back to full strength. If he does, the Cowboys have superstar potential in Smith as he can tackle, cover and even get after the quarterback if asked. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 24. [WAS - Joe Barry will not return] Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport Washington Redskins defensive coordinator Joe Barry was fired Thursday, Jan. 5, according to a source. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] You could see this coming considering how the defense fell off this season. Changes had to be made, and Washington was wise to start with Barry, who didn't do as much as he should of with this group. Wade Phillips (Broncos) could be a hot target for Washington now. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 25. [ARI - Arizona adds WR Aaron Dobson] Source: ESPN - Adam Caplan Free-agent WB [Aaron Dobson] (Patriots) signed a Reserve/Future contract with the Arizona Cardinals Thursday, Jan. 5. Terms of the contract were not disclosed. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Dobson winds up where now-Patriots (and former Cardinals) WR Michael Floyd was. He's had a problem with drops dating back to his days in college at Marshall. Dobson did not fix those problems, and he did not mesh well with QB Tom Brady. We're not counting on him to ignite his pro career, although a change of scenery will give us more data points. Dynasty owners should be monitoring Dobson. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 26. [OAK - QB Matt McGloin may be backup] Source: CSNBayArea.com - Scott Bair Oakland Raiders QB [Matt McGloin] (shoulder) may be able to serve as the backup quarterback in the Wild Card playoff game if he continues to practice this week. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The Raiders are going to have to get this done on the ground. Neither McGloin or starter Connor Cook have the experience or ability to win this game with their arm and the Texans pass defense is fierce. Unfortunately, they are pretty good on run defense as well. On the plus side, the Raiders face Brock Osweiler. So there is hope. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 27. [CHI - QB Jay Cutler ahead of schedule] Source: ESPNChicago.com - Jeff Dickerson Chicago Bears QB [Jay Cutler] (shoulder) is rehabbing hard and is ahead of schedule in his recovery from shoulder surgery, according to general manager Ryan Pace. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] We're still leaning towards Cutler and the Bears parting ways, but if they want to trade him he needs to be healthy. It's tough to figure out what the Bears are as well as their direction, so this should be an interesting offseason for Foxy and company. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 28. [BUF - QB Tyrod Taylor undergoing surgery] Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport Buffalo Bills QB [Tyrod Taylor] (groin) will undergo surgery to repair a core muscle Thursday, Jan. 5, and will require six weeks for recovery. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] It's interesting timing, given the decisions the team has to make. Will he be able to pass a physical before the date they need to decide about letting him go or paying him? Tons of changes are coming to Buffalo, and Taylor's status is absolutely up in the air. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 29. [JAX - QB Blake Bortles back to basics] Source: ESPN.com - Mike DiRocco Jacksonville Jaguars QB [Blake Bortles] will spend this offseason working on his mechanics. He said he'll spend about 10 weeks working on his footwork, which he said was his biggest mechanical flaw. His windup and release will improve along with it, Bortles said. Bortles said part of his issue was that he was trying to be a stand-still passer, which has nothing to do with leaving the pocket, and that's just not something with which he's comfortable. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Bortles has a lot of work to do this offseason, but it sounds like he's going to put in the effort. He has to or else the Jaguars will move on. They decided to keep Bortles and ship off head coach Gus Bradley. That means Bortles is next if he doesn't get his game back on track, stay healthy and improve on the field. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 30. [ATL - DE Dwight Freeney may ponder retiring] Source: ESPN.com - Vaughn McClure Atlanta Falcons LB Dwight Freeney said he'll decide whether he'll retire a month or two after the playoffs are over. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Freeney could follow his old Colts teammate Robert Mathis into retirement. We'll see how far the Falcons go in the postseason. If they were to win it all, we could see Freeney going out on top. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 31. [KC - Andy Reid raves about WR Tyreek Hill] Source: NFL.com - Chris Wesseling Kansas City Chiefs WR [Tyreek Hill] has a unique blend of speed and quickness, according to head coach Andy Reid, and Reid compared Hill to Washington Redskins WR [DeSean Jackson]. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Jackson is a better receiver than Hill, and certainly more polished as a route-runner. Hill was a converted running back from college, so he's still learning the nuances of the wide receiver position. He's certainly the most exciting player on the Chiefs offense at this time, and his role could continue to grow as his game further develops. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 32. [TEN - WR Kendall Wright expects to play elsewhere] Source: TitansOnline.com - Jim Wyatt Tennessee Titans WR [Kendall Wright] has an expiring contract, and he said he doesn't believe he is in the team's plans for 2017. 'I'll be glad to see what I can do and make a team fall in love with me and go and do what I know I can do,' Wright said. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] It's been a long time since Wright's best season (2013) where he had 94 catches, 1,079 receiving yards and two touchdowns. This season, Wright was targeted only 43 times, caught 29 passes for 416 yards and three touchdowns in 11 games. We can't imagine the market will be white-hot for his services. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 33. [HOU - QB Brock Osweiler downplays argument] Source: Houston Chronicle - Aaron Wilson Houston Texans QB [Brock Osweiler] didn't elaborate on an argument he had at halftime with head coach Bill O'Brien during Week 17, and O'Brien chalked the situation up to the intensity of the game. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Heated exchanges are going to happen during the course of the game. Things have to already be a little awkward between the two with Osweiler getting benched, then the team having to go back to him for this playoff run. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 34. [CHI - QB Jay Cutler's future up in the air] Source: CSNChicago.com Chicago Bears QB [Jay Cutler]'s future with the team 'hasn't been completely finalized,' according to general manager Ryan Pace, but Pace said Wednesday, Jan. 3, 'everything is on the table' when it comes to the quarterback position. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] We'd be surprised if Cutler sticks around in Chicago. With John Fox (and plenty of his assistants) sticking around it means Cutler has to go. Where he winds up -- and who the Bears replace him with -- is up in the air. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 35. [CIN - No suitors for AJ McCarron?] Source: ESPN.com - Katherine Terrell Cincinnati Bengals QB AJ McCarron wasn't the target of trade offers last year, according to head coach Marvin Lewis, and Lewis said he doesn't expect the situation to change this offseason. 'His market was better a year ago and no one inquired,' Lewis said. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] That's a truth for many backup quarterbacks out there. McCarron is a name some like to throw around as a potential starter, but if that was the case then some team would make a move. It's not a QB-driven league, it's a QB-desperate league and teams will look anywhere to find that starting passer. McCarron felt he would be traded this offseason, but that may not be the case. He's likely to have to wait it out and hit the open market when his rookie contract is up. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 36. [OAK - WR Amari Cooper wants the ball] Source: CSNBayArea.com - Henry Wofford Oakland Raiders WR [Amari Cooper] said he will 'demand the ball' against the Houston Texans Saturday, Jan. 7. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Memo to Connor Cook here. The rookie should oblige the star receiver and give him as many targets as possible in their Wild Card matchup against the Texans. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 37. [DEN - Kyle Shanahan leaning towards Denver] Source: NFL Network - Mike Garafalo Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan is leaning towards choosing the Denver Broncos as his landing spot in becoming a head coach, according to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo. 'The word with people involved in coaching searches and gathering all of this information is that that's the job Shanahan has his eyes on,' Garafolo said Wednesday, Jan. 4. 'Going to Denver where his father (Mike Shanahan) coached.' [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Every available head coaching candidate should be leaning towards Denver. They barely missed the playoffs and still have most of their Super Bowl 50 defense intact. A few changes here and there, and the Broncos are right back into the playoff picture...and maybe even the Super Bowl picture. You can't say that about any other team looking for a head coach in 2017. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- That'll do it for today, Folks. Thanks for reading and thanks for being part of Footballguys. We'll see you tomorrow with the Update. Peace, J --- Thank you for subscribing to our Footballguys Daily Update Email! Get your 3 Free Downloads [here]. You are currently subscribed to footballguys-public-fulltext as {EMAIL} To unsubscribe, click [here]. * Footballguys.com * PO Box 937 * Cabot, AR 72023-0937 * 8065187 [News Items Powered By:] ---