Roundup 8/5

News & Notes: From My Blackberry To Your Eyes

Just as I sit down to go through all of my notes for all of today's training camp happenings comes word that the injury suffered by Falcons WR Harry Douglas is a torn ACL. This may cost him most if not all of the 2009 season and puts a ton of pressure on the Falcons to make Roddy White happy and redo his contract. Look for them to bring in some WR help in the short term as they ramp up efforts to get White into camp.

BENGALS AFTER BUBBA?

The Cincinnati Bengals have made contact with the agent for free agent TE Bubba Franks. The team is scary thin at the position right now after losing starter Reggie Kelly for the season and now having his backup Ben Utecht taken to the hospital after suffering a bad concussion today. I'm not sure if Franks is the answer for the Bengals because Utecht is a fine pass catching TE which is also Franks specialty. What they should do is go out and find themselves a solid run blocking TE to complement what they already have. We'll see which direction they go but a move for Franks would be a sign that the team is not happy with Ben Utecht at their starter.


COMMITTEE IN TAMPA

While Derrick Ward has seen the bulk of the first team RB carries so far in training camp, it has been Ernest Graham who has been the short yardage and primary goalline runner when the team practices out of those formations. This is a clear sign that Graham will see some if not more goalline carries than Derrick Ward. I have been paying close attention to this situation this summer as I was liking Ward quite a bit coming over from New York. But, he is so much more valuable when getting the majority of carries including the goalline touches. If Graham is going to be in the mix it is not a good sign for Ward and therefore Ward should be downgraded accordingly.


ROMO/WILLIAMS CONNECTION HEATING UP

Just thought you guys would like to know that the Tony Romo/Roy Williams connection was in full effect at today's practice. The duo hooked up repeatedly and appeared to be on the same page for the first time since Williams came to the Cowboys last season. Williams presents tremendous value at the WR position if you can get him in the early middle rounds at your draft.


BECOMING A MAN

Redskins QB Jason Campbell has been more vocal and demanding so far in camp. He has been seen yelling at teammates and pushing and pulling guys physically to put them in the right spots. This is in stark contrast to his previous demeanor when he was very quiet and shy about calling out anybody. Campbell must recognize that he must become a leader of this team in order for the offense to play together, something they haven't done in several years. It is nice to see Campbell rise to the occasion but I still have my doubts about the numbers they will put up mostly because of the terrible offensive line play. But I also do not think that the players and the head coach or offensive coordinator are on the same page. Campbell may be able to bridge that gap with his new found leadership role, but it would take quite a bit more for big fantasy numbers come from anybody on this unit this season.


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