Ochocinco to Pay T.O.’s Fines

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Update: Cincinnati Bengals WR Chad Ochocinco continues to show his desire for the Bengals to sign free-agent receiver Terrell Owens. Ochocinco wrote on his Twitter account, "I will pay your fines this year also, i will take a pay cut! Wait, nevermind that last comment, im just excited, lets go!" Although this is nothing more than a humorous exchange between the 2 receivers, it shows that Ochocinco still craves to have T.O. play opposite of him.

Fantasy Impact: Although a T.O., Ochocinco combination at WR may appear appetizing, the Bengals have enough talent at the position, even without Owens. Ochocinco had 72 catches last season and Andre Caldwell had a solid 2 season with 51 receptions. The Bengals also signed receivers Antonio Bryant and Matt Jones this off-season, and drafted promising receivers Jordan Shipley (Texas) and Dezmon Briscoe (Kansas). They also drafted Oklahoma TE Jermaine Gresham in the 1st round. So while T.O. to the Bengals may look good on paper, there may simply be not enough balls to go around.



Jackson Cleared for Training Camp

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Update: St. Louis Rams' sideline reporter Brian Stull is reporting that star RB Steven Jackson has been cleared for the start of training camp. Jackson had back surgery in April to treat a herniated disc. He first hurt his back in November against the Arizona Cardinals and missed one regular season game.

Fantasy Impact: On an awful 1-15 Rams team, Jackson was the lone bright star last season. Jackson rushed for 1,416 yards last season and 4 touchdowns in 15 games, and the Rams expect more of the same from him this season. With rookie Sam Bradford potentially starting at QB and no legitimate back-up RB, Jackson will be expected to carry the ball often and plenty for a team not expected to seriously compete this season.



Welker on PUP List

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Update: According to Mike Reiss of ESPNBoston.com, the New England Patriots have placed WR Wes Welker on the active/physically unable to perform list today. Welker, who had surgery on a torn left ACL in February, can come off the list at any time. Since Welker can be removed from the list and allowed to practice at any time, the Patriots can take their time with him and bring in another player into training camp to evaluate.

Fantasy Impact: Welker has had at least 111 catches in each of the last 3 seasons, and had 123 last season in just 14 games. Welker got injured in the season finale against the Houston Texans and missed the Patriots playoff loss to the Baltimore Ravens. New England hopes that Welker will be 100% by the start of the regular season and expect him to terrorize the middle of the field like he has the past few seasons.



Jets Interest in Owens Now Minimal

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Update: According to ESPN.com blogger Tim Graham, the New York Jets' interest in free-agent WR Terrell Owens is now "very minimal." Graham confirms that the team has expressed interest in T.O., but it does not look like anything will come of it. The St. Louis Rams have also expressed interest in T.O. recently.

Fantasy Impact: The potential addition of T.O. to the Jets would certainly have an impact on the other receivers on the roster, most notably Braylon Edwards, Santonio Holmes, and Jerricho Cotchery. Adding Owens would mean less opportunities for those three, while putting more pressure on young QB Mark Sanchez to perform. Sanchez does not need more pressure on a team that is expected to win, and playing in New York.



Tebow and Broncos Making Progress

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Update: According to Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com, the Denver Broncos and rookie QB Tim Tebow are making significant progress in contract talks. One key to the negotiations is that the only current signed first round pick, WR Dez Bryant, is slotted directly in front of Tebow. Broncos’ rookies report to camp on Wednesday, with full-squad practice starting on Sunday. Both parties expect Tebow to be signed and ready to play by Sunday.

Fantasy Impact: Although Tebow is currently third on the QB depth chart behind Kyle Orton and Brady Quinn, many expect him to be used at some point this season, most likely in special packages. The Wildcat offense could be ideal for Tebow early on, who is know for his ability to not only throw the football, but to also take off and run.



Giants’ Jones Heading Home

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Update: Ohm Youngmisuk of ESPNNewYork.com says that New York Giants' rookie safety is out of the hospital and heading home to New Orleans. Jones, a 3rd round pick this year, spent nearly a month in the hospital after sustaining injuries to his left leg and ankle from a horrifying car accident on June 25th. Jones has undergone several surgeries and will return to the hospital for more surgery in the coming weeks.

Fantasy Impact: Although Jones was not expected to contribute outside of special teams as a rookie, his playing time is the least of his concerns. He has a long road of recovery ahead of him, and it is unclear whether or not he will resume his playing career next season, if at all.



Raiders Sign Draftee Houston

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Update: The Oakland Raiders have agreed to terms with second-round pick Lamarr Houston, according to Bill Williamson of ESPN. The Raiders hope the former Texas Longhorn defensive end can come in and make an impact right away.

Fantasy Impact: Houston is expected to contribute right away for the Raiders, especially against the run. Houston impressed coaches during OTA's with his activity, feisty play, and confidence. Houston can provide the Raiders defense, which was ranked 26th overall last season, with a nasty presence up front.



Justin Tuck Says Best is Yet to Come for Giants

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Update: According to Steve Serby of the New York Post, defensive end Justin Tuck has very high expectations for the New York Giants. Tuck told the post, "I think this season might go down in history as one of the best Giant seasons." Tuck also does not feel the Giants are the other team in New York, with the Jets receiving most of the coverage in the off-season.

Fantasy Impact: The Giants finished the season at 8-8 last year and missed the playoffs. Justin Tuck had a poor season, only recording 6 sacks. He had 22 combined sacks in the 2 seasons prior, and the Giants hope he can regain his 2007 & 2008 form.



Kobe vs MJ: Why You Shouldn’t Trust the Conventional Wisdom

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michael-jordan-v-kobe-bryant

[Editor's note: I am very, very pleased this morning to introduce the newest member of our blogging team here at MSF.

Jon Washburn is an Indy native, a sports fanatic, and just dorky enough about his sports obsession to want to share his thoughts with others on the Internet; so he'll fit right in with the rest of here at MSF. And let's hope that his first article, posted below, is indicative of how good his content will be. If so, the rest of us are going to have to work really hard to keep up.]

Let’s break away from the “Summer of LeBron,” “The Decision,” and countless hours of commentary that have nothing to do with the actual game of basketball.

Instead, let’s talk about what should have been the topic of conversation all summer; let’s talk about people who have actually done something on the basketball court besides quit on their teammates during the playoffs so they could go play with his best friends on the beach.

Let’s talk about and compare the greatest player from this era and the greatest player from any era: Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan.

[Read more...]

Jon Washburn @The_Dr_Twitch

Terrence Cody Out of Shape

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Update: According to ESPN's James Walker, Baltimore Ravens' defensive tackle Terrence "Mount" Cody failed a conditioning test and was forced to sit out Tuesday's practice. Cody, who was a second round pick this past spring for the Ravens, has battled weight issues on college. Head coach John Harbaugh said he expects all players to be physically ready for practice.

Fantasy Impact: Although the 2009 AP 1st Team All-American is not expected to start as the nose tackle for the Ravens this season, he is expected to come in and effectively clog the middle for the defense. Coming into training camp out of shape does not leave a good impression on his coaches and fellow teammates.



Revenge of the Turds: The 9 Best Videos of Dudes Pranking Chicks

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hot-chick-pranked

As you know sports fans, July is sloooow when it comes to sports news. So as we await the madness of September (baseball penant races, NFL and college football regular seasons) I’m taking a break every now and then to go off-topic with something random and hopefully entertaining.

In the past we’ve highlighted hilarious moments with such comedy luminaries as Louis CK, Zach Galifianakis, and Dave Chappelle. We’ve also counted down the most entertaining and clever re-cut movie trailers. Today, we democratize our humor somewhat by honoring a group of of fearless, intrepid, no-name men who also make the Internet a more entertaining (albeit less intelligent) place.

And from the title of this post you know to whom I am referring: dudes who get revenge on their girlfriends, or just girls in general, by pranking them and then posting the videos online to maximize the embarrassment.

I spent a portion of this morning combing through the endless archive of guy-pranking-girl videos online – many of which I was surprised to find are lame and completely unfunny – and came up with the following list of nine that I think are the best.

[Read more...]

Email the author of this post: jerod@midwestsportsfans.com



NFL will not discipline Vick

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Update: ESPN's Sal Paolantonio is reporting that the NFL will not discipline QB Michael Vick. The NFL was investigating the shooting incident that occurred outside Vick's birthday party in Virginia Beach last month. The victim is believed to be Quanis Phillips, a co-defendant in the federal dog fighting case.

 

Fantasy Impact: A large amount of Philadelphia Eagles fans are angry at the organization as Vick remains on the team. However, the coaching staff has been pleased with the progress of Vick. Offensive Coordinator Marty Mornhinweg is impressed with Vick and believes he has improved greatly since last season. It is unlikely that Vick will start a game this season though, but instead be featured in the Eagles version of the wildcat offense



Cardinals thought Boldin lost step

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Update: The Arizona Republic is reporting that the Cardinals' coaches believed that wideout Anquan Boldin had lost a step.

Fantasy Impact: Boldin has historically been banged up, and the Ravens are hoping that he can remain healthy this season and be the No. 1 wideout that quarterback Joe Flacco has been looking for.



Cardinals thought Boldin lost step

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Update: The Arizona Republic is reporting that the Cardinals' coaches believed that wideout Anquan Boldin had lost a step.

Fantasy Impact: Boldin has historically been banged up, and the Ravens are hoping that he can remain healthy this season and be the No. 1 wideout that quarterback Joe Flacco has been looking for.



Kindle to miss all of camp

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Update: Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh revealed Monday that rookie linebacker Sergio Kindle suffered a fractured skull during his recent fall down two flights of stairs. Kindle won't practice at all in training camp. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Kindle will also be unable to travel from Austin (TX) to Baltimore for "at least" three weeks.

Fantasy Impact:  Kindle is a candidate to begin the season on the PUP list.