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The Cleveland Browns took the practice field on Tuesday morning of August 17 and there was a notable change in the linebacker group on the first-team defense.
With inside linebacker D’Qwell Jackson out of the lineup for six to eight weeks with an injury, Scott Fujita has now moved to the inside to take his place.
Fujita is a big linebacker at 6’5″ and 250 pounds and he is by far the tallest linebacker the Browns have. Also, he played inside linebacker with the New Orleans Saints, who won the Super Bowl lasts season.
Fujita, who initially was playing on the outside for the Browns, is no stranger to the inside to which he has been switched.
That left an open spot at starting outside linebacker opposite Matt Roth. This morning, none other than second-year player Marcus Benard was starting in place of Fujita due to Jackson’s injury.
Benard made his name well known across the NFL and especially Pittsburgh Steelers and their fans when he sacked Steeler quarterback Ben Roethlisberger twice on a cold weekday evening back in November when the Browns started their four-game season ending winning streak.
Against the Green Bay Packers this past Saturday, Benard was second on the team in total tackles, registered a sack and forced a fumble, he is now playing with the first team.
Jackson’s injury and Benard’s play on game days have given the undrafted linebacker out of Jackson State a chance to finally be a starter in the NFL. He probably will be the starting outside linebacker against the St. Louis Rams this weekend at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Benard is the classic example of how hard work and dedication can help you accomplish your goals. He is another unknown player that the Browns have been able to find and build into a playmaker.
He joins a group currently on the roster who were either undrafted or castoffs from other teams’ rosters that include Josh Cribbs and Evan Moore.
Browns fans all know the story of Cribbs and are quickly learning Moore’s story. Moore is also ready to contribute on the offense in his second year and looks to be the No. 2 tight end behind starter Ben Watson.
Benard is just another player who the Browns have been able to take advantage of as an unknown and he looks to build his resume and use this time with the first team to possibly cement a spot on it for many years to come.
Look for Benard to get some major pressure on the Rams and No. 1 overall pick Sam Bradford this weekend on the shores of Lake Erie.
(Daniel Wolf is exclusively covering the Browns training camp for both Bleacher Report and Blog” href=”http://www.dawgscooper.net” target=”_blank”>Dawg Scooper: THE Cleveland Browns Blog.)
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My NFL predictions continue today with the NFC West division. Yesterday, they began with the AFC West.
The NFC West has been arguably the weakest division in football the last few seasons. But that doesn’t mean success in the postseason hasn’t come along with it.
Two years ago, the Arizona Cardinals made a magical run to the Superbowl. Last season, they came up short in advancing through the playoffs with a loss to the Green Bay Packers.
However, plenty has changed since that time for the Cardinals. Kurt Warner retired, Anquan Boldin was traded to Baltimore, and Karlos Dansby and Antrel Rolle exited through free agency. A long awaited starter waits in the wings in Matt Leinart. Will it be enough to bring this team back to the playoffs for another season?
Here are my predictions for the 2010 NFC West.
1. San Francisco 49ers
There are going to be new teams entering the playoff picture, and the 49ers are one of my new teams in 2010. Led by arguably the best line backer in football, Patrick Willis runs a young defense that is looking to take the next step to becoming elite.
Alex Smith now enters the final year of his contract and should be playing some of the best football in his career. Having Vernon Davis and Michael Crabtree together for a whole season should improve the offensive performance this season. They also signed Brian Westbrook yesterday as a secondary back to help in the passing game and in goal-line situations as well.
Head coach Mike Singletary continues to make this team a disciplined unit. They may not have the best record in football this year, but getting into the playoffs makes them a team no one is looking forward to facing.
Prediction: 9-7
2. Arizona Cardinals
The era of Matt Leinart begins in Arizona, and I am not looking forward to it. Look, Leinart has improved as a quarterback with the extra reps in camp. However, he is to unproven for me to trust him in a big game, and or carry this team from behind.
Larry Fitzgerald is still around and should still be great. Steve Breaston and Early Doucet seem ready to fill the shoes left by Anquan Boldin, but it has to be put into action.
And the defense that was shaky last season—especially against the pass—got worse. Losing Antrel Rolle and Karlos Dansby will be hard to replace in one season.
Prediction: 8-8
3. Seattle Seahawks
Another era is beginning in the NFC West, this time with a new head coach in Pete Carroll. Carroll is trying to become a successful head coach on the NFL level, but it won’t come easy.
It is going to be a tough year for Seahawks fans. I believe a new heir is needed at the quarterback position. Matt Hasselbeck is on his last legs and won’t be healthy the whole season with the weak offensive line.
Golden Tate has big shoes to fill as a second or third option at receiver and I am not convinced it can happen in his rookie season.
The defense didn’t add to many upgrades, thus not giving me confidence they will be vastly improved under Pete Carroll in his first season as coach.
Prediction: 6-10
4. St. Louis Rams
Quarterback Sam Bradford begins the hopeful era of the St. Louis Rams. However, 2010 will be a long season for the Rams.
The offensive line still hasn’t been addressed enough and Sam Bradford will continue to get beaten behind center (keep in mind, he was fragile last year at Oklahoma).
The defense didn’t receive any upgrades that are worth noticing, and the unit was ranked 29th in total defense last year.
This rebuilding will take time in St. Louis, and another losing season is on it’s way in 2010.
Prediction: 3-13
My next set of predictions will be on the crowded division of the AFC East.
Matt Miselis is an NFL Featured Columnist for BleacherReport.com.
Follow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/MattMiselis
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Week one of the NFL preseason is in the books, and it was full of debuts, injuries, and surprise performances.
The preseason in dynasty leagues isn’t all about the stars of the NFL. In fact, it’s just as much about evaluating the various position battles and lesser known players in the league.
This column takes a look at the entire dynasty landscape from stars to sleepers.
Let’s take a walk through no fewer than 35 fantasy football-related notes from week one as we begin to prepare ourselves for week two.
1. Victor Cruz of the Giants went crazy against the Jets on Monday Night Football with six catches for 145 yards and three touchdowns. Don’t go crazy about him since his damage was done late in the game, but he’s now a blip on the dynasty radar.
2. BenJarvus Green-Ellis started for New England, not Laurence Maroney. It will be interesting to see what happens in week two.
3. A hot sleeper last year, former Wolverine Adrian Arrington made his return with 87 yards on four catches for the Saints.
4. Jimmy Clausen made his debut for the Panthers with 80 yards, one interception, and one dropped touchdown pass by Brandon LaFell.
5. Tyrell Sutton of the Panthers continues to impress every time he plays. He had 54 yards on seven touches against Baltimore.
6. Darrius Heyward-Bey’s new work ethic didn’t translate to the field, as he was shut out for Oakland.
7. Donovan McNabb made his debut for Washington and was solid with 58 yards and a touchdown.
8. Two Redskin backs had nice games against the Bills. Keiland Williams had 51 yards and two touchdowns, while former Bronco Ryan Torain added another 62 yards rushing and 22 yards receiving.
9. Marshawn Lynch (ankle) and Fred Jackson (hand) were both injured against Washington. Their loss opens the door for C.J. Spiller to get an extended look this preseason. Look for him to take advantage.
10. Michael Vick found his speed again. I find myself not caring.
11. If your annual preseason numbers got you in the Hall of Fame, Luke McCown would be in Canton, Ohio. He had 244 yards and three touchdowns for Jacksonville.
12. Troy Williamson averaged 50.5 yards on two catches. How does that never translate to the regular season?
13. Dexter McCluster was solid for the Chiefs with 25 yards rushing and 23 yards receiving. He passes the eye test.
14. Mike Williams of Tampa Bay recorded his first NFL catch with a beautiful 30-yard reception. He’s flying up draft boards at this point.
15. Sammie Stroughter is an underrated player. The former Oregon State Beaver had 33 yards and a touchdown for Tampa Bay against the Dolphins’ first team defense.
16. Super sleeper Kareem Huggins ran for 55 yards on just eight carries. He may push Derrick Ward off the Bucs’ roster.
17. Jahvid Best started and carried the ball the first three plays for Detroit. It’s obvious they expect him to handle the load early.
18. Dennis Dixon isn’t going to give Byron Leftwich the Steelers’ early season quarterback job without a fight. He opened with 128 yards passing and one touchdown against Detroit.
19. Aaron Rodgers should just go home for the next three weeks. He threw for 159 yards and a score with just one incompletion. He’s ready for the season opener.
20. Another super sleeper, Quinn Porter, had 38 yards on nine carries for Green Bay. With the health of James Starks in question, Porter merits watching in dynasty leagues.
21. Arian Foster swiped the starting running back job for Houston in one night after Ben Tate’s injury and Steve Slaton’s less than impressive performance.
22. Stephen Williams had 29 receiving yards for Arizona. He should be squarely on dynasty radars as well.
23. Matt Leinart still looks like Matt Leinart.
24. Steven Jackson better never get hurt because Chris Ogbonnaya and Keith Toston have a ways to go.
25. Sam Bradford made his St. Louis debut, and the stage wasn’t too big for him. His stats weren’t impressive (6-of-13 for 57 yards), but he showed some poise.
26. Ryan Mathews is ready for prime time. He had 50 yards on just nine carries against Chicago. His work ethic has been great as well. In fact, he’s been repeatedly spotted staying long after practice in order to catch passes.
27. Johnny Knox is the receiver to have in Chicago right now. He posted 47 yards on two catches. Mike Martz is said to be falling for his ability quickly.
28. Stafon Johnson’s NFL story may be over after he suffered an unfortunate ankle injury against the Seahawks. Regardless of your feelings about USC, you have to feel for the kid.
29. Former first round bust Mike Williams turned a short catch into a 51-yard touchdown for Seattle. Could he really be turning the corner?
30. If Peyton Manning ever gets hurt, the Colts are done. Curtis Painter looks nothing like an NFL quarterback and was even booed by his home crowd.
31. Anthony Dixon looked great in his 49ers debut with 100 yards on 21 carries. It’s been a roller coaster of a week on the depth chart for Dixon. Glen Coffee retired to move him up, and then Brian Westbrook was signed, moving him back down.
32. Tim Tebow made his long anticipated debut for Denver. Two things are apparent with Tebow. First, he can improvise and make plays. Second, his elongated delivery is back.
33. Jermaine Gresham and Jordan Shipley look like great rookies for Cincinnati. They combined for eight catches and 87 yards against Denver.
34. Bernard Scott can play. He posted 113 yards on just 10 touches against Denver as well.
35. Ahmad Bradshaw clearly looks like the best running back for the Giants. It’s really not even close.
Is it Thursday yet?
For the complete set of strategic 2010 dynasty rankings, click below:
Strategic Quarterback Rankings
Strategic Running Back Rankings
Strategic Wide Receiver Rankings
Strategic Tight End Rankings
Strategic IDP Rankings
Article written by Ken Kelly
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The NFL season is just a few weeks from kicking off and it’s always interesting to see how the rookies play.
Betmania has released the odds for both offensive and defensive rookie of the year. Bet Mania is offering a FREE $50 bet on any preseason game. All you have to do is sign up and use the NFL preseason promo code: REGAW and they will put the $50 in your account to wager on preseason games.
Here are the following rookies that have the best odds to walk away with the hardware in 2010.
Favorites:
Ryan Matthews (Running Back, San Diego Chargers)
Odds to win rookie of the year 4.5 to 1
Matthews recently signed a five-year deal with the Chargers, which is good news because he has barely missed any training camp.
Matthews will step right in and take over for the departed LaDainian Tomlinson. The Chargers traded up for Matthews in the draft because they realize his potential as a workhorse back. In an offense like the Chargers have, Matthews should flourish and is a favorite to bring home ROY honors.
Dez Bryant (Wide Receiver, Dallas Cowboys)
Odds to win rookie of the year 4.5 to 1
Bryant suffered an injury during training camp that will keep him out the entire preseason. Once he gets on the field he should have a very successful season in the Cowboys’ high powered offense. Bryant is capable of making big plays every time he touches the ball. The only concern is that a high ankle sprain is a tough injury to recover from.
C.J. Spiller (Running Back, Buffalo Bills)
Odds to win rookie of the year 8 to 1
Spiller held out and got the big money he was looking for and is ready to make an immediate impact for the Bills. Injures have opened the door for him to be the main man in the Bills backfield. Fred Jackson and Marshawn Lynch both were injured early in the preseason and Spiller should get the bulk of the carries. The only downside to backing Spiller is that the Bills have limited talent around him.
Sam Bradford (Quarterback, St. Louis Rams)
Odds to win rookie of the year 8 to 1
Bradford is fully recovered from a shoulder injury that sidelined him in his last year at Oklahoma and he is ready to play. Since he was a number one draft pick, and the future face of the franchise, Bradford will get the snaps and a chance to put up some big numbers.
The only downside on backing Bradford to win the award is that he is not slated to be the starter on opening day. Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo has repeatedly stated that A.J. Feeley is the team’s starting QB.
Longshots:
Dexter McCluster (Wide Reciever, Kansas City Chiefs)
Odds to win rookie of the year 10 to 1
The Chiefs list McCluster as a receiver on their roster, but after his first preseason game it is obvious they tend to use him in many different roles. In that game he ran the ball five times for 25 yards and caught three passes for 23 yards. While preseason is not a safe measuring stick its obvious McCluster will be a dual threat and the Chiefs will have big plans for the rookie. The big concern is that right now the Chiefs have a crowded backfield and it may be hard to get McCluster the carries he needs.
Tim Tebow (Quarterback, Denver Broncos)
Odds to win rookie of the year 20 to 1
If the rookie of the year was based on hype, Tebow would be a lock to win the award. Tebow is so hyped that even members of the media are asking for autographs. Tebow looked great in his preseason debut and ran a flawless two-minute drill. However, he was playing against the last unit for the Bengals and this was the preseason.
The biggest concern with Tebow winning the award is that he will not start for the Broncos. I am sure that broncos head coach Josh McDaniel will find ways to get him involved in the offense, but don’t look for big numbers in his first year.
Honorable Mention:
Jahvid Best (Running back Detroit Lions, Odds: 6 to 1)
Jimmy Clausen (Quarterback, Carolina Panthers, Odds: 10 to 1)
My pick to win the award is Ryan Matthews. He has a superb offense around him and will get plenty of chances to make plays.
This year provides a great rookie class and it will be entertaining to see how they do in 2010.
Other 2010 NFL Previews:
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The scheduled slate of preseason games are now in full swing. With the exception of tonight’s Monday night game, the second week is complete. Quarterbacks Sam Bradford, and Tim Tebow continue to receive headlines, while late draftees and free agents scramble for roster spots. It is still early, but here are ten NFL rookies making some noise early in the preseason.
