1. This saga with the Raiders and Javon Walker isn't going to end well. I watched him every day last year in Denver, he had no burst and no speed then. Walker is a mistake, just move on.
2. The scouting reports on San Francisco's practices are not good for the 49er faithful when it comes to quarterbacking prospects. Alex Smith was not very impressive and there was no one on the field who could say which QB was the best. If you believe that the way to win in the NFL is with your quarterback, then San Fran's situation is unnerving.
3. I am looking forward to seeing the Saints' Pierre Thomas this week. Everyone tells me he is having a great camp and can be the big back New Orleans needs this year.
4. Another corner, Brian Williams of the Saints, has moved to strong safety and I love that move. The Jags have made similar position moves and now have three corners on the field to go with a very explosive range safety in Reggie Nelson. Smart moves.
5. The Lions want to run the ball and Jimmy Colleto their offensive coordinator had this to say: "It's a mindset, it's a toughness and it's in everybody -- the linemen, the wideouts, the backs, everybody. It's got to be a punishing attitude. We're getting there but we're not quite there yet,'' Colletto said. "Knock guys off (the line of scrimmage) and splatter them, get up and grunt and groan and know what you're doing. It's about running through tackles and, little by little, it's getting better, but they have to understand how hard it is.'' If you want to pick a wide out for your fantasy team from the Lions you might want to THINK TWICE.
6. The Patriots are having a difficult time gaining depth for their offensive line, having to sign Barry Stokes first and now John Welborne. It will be interesting to watch their line play during the preseason. The Pats will be active claiming players this summer and as a 16-win team last year, will claim more than the teams who won 4 and 5 games. Amazing, right?
7. Chris Baker is back in pads for the Jets and is not talking about his contract demands. Many are saying his return is due to Dustin Keller's strong camp. Keller and Baker are two different tight ends and when Keller is on the field without Baker, the defenses they face will be in nickel.
8. I admit, I read the "who is up and who is down" articles in the daily papers, BUT I never believe a word. The great Boston Celtic coach and GM Red Auerbach said it best: "I get my information from looking, not hearing".
9. Brady Quinn is going to play a ton this week against the Jets. He has to look good. The Jets won't show anything complicated on defense, all cover-2 and some man. Check out his accuracy, that has always bothered me about his play, on all levels.
10. It seems like there are a lot of teams looking for offensive lineman this time of the year, more than normal.
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