The Weekly Thermometer

The Counselor is IN:

Who is Hot?

QB Donovan McNabb was flaming hot last weekend. He went 21 for 33, 361 yards, and 3 touchdowns. He tore up the Rams and made them look like lambs.

RB Michael Turner was red hot. He ran for 220 yards on 22 carries and 2 touchdowns. He proved that he can be an every down starting back after being a backup for a few years.

WR Eddie Royal was blazing hot. He made a huge splash for his first NFL game. He had 9 receptions for 146 yards and 1 touchdown. He will be starting opposite of "Baby T.O.".

Who is Lukewarm?

QB Eil Manning was lukewarm. He started off hot and cooled off in the second half. He was 19 for 35 with 216 yards passing, an interception and a rushing touchdown. This was a typical Eli performance.

QB Matt Hasselbeck was lukewarm. He went 17 of 41 for190 yards. He had 1 touchdown and 1 interception.

WR Roy Williams was lukewarm. He had 3 receptions for 47 yards and 0 touchdowns. Roy is expected to be a top level receiver. He did not demonstrate it last weekend.

Who is Cold?

QB Jason Campbell was icy cold. He was 15 for 27 for 133 yards and a touchdown. It sounds much better than he actually performed. If it was 3rd and 6, then he would throw the ball for 4 yard gain. This happened on most 3rd downs. Their punter was very busy. Campbell looked like a deer in headlights. He took a step back from where the end of last season.

The Rams Defense is quite chilly. They could not have stopped a team of retired nuns. They gave up 522 yards to the Eagles defense. The Rams D was so cold that it started snow in Philly over the weekend.

Jacksonville's running game was frost bit. Fred Taylor ran for only 18 yards for 9 carries. Maurice Jones Drew had 5 carries for 13 yards. They combined for a horrific 31 yards.


The Counselor is OUT:

Monday Night- Here I Come!

The Counselor is IN:

I have been a Dallas Cowboy fan for as long as I can remember. As my friend Kerrbob would say, "Larry's blood turns Blue and Silver in September." Because I live in Southwest Missouri and have not traveled much, I have never been to Dallas (except for a layover at the Airport).

This next weekend, I am taking a trip to Dallas with my wife and another couple. This next Monday Night, I will be in Texas Stadium for their home opener of their final season there.

I will be ready for some football!


The Counselor is OUT:

Beasts of the East- Philadelphia Eagles

The Counselor is IN:

I wrote this article for a great series previews with the Cowboys Pride. This is one of four previews of the NFC East. We love to call it the "Beasts of the East".

Beasts of the East- Philadelphia Eagles

The Philadelphia Eagles were the only NFC East team to miss the playoffs last year. They want to change that this season. They are hoping that this pass happy offense can lead this team deep into the playoffs. They face the challenge of having 6 games in the toughest division in the NFL.

Major Transactions

New Free Agent Addictions

CB - Asante Samuel (NE)
DE - Chris Clemons (Oak)
FB - Dan Klecko (Ind)
LB - Rocky Boiman (Ind)
TE - Kris Wilson (KC)
RB - Lorenzo Booker(Mia)

Draft Class

2 - Trevor Laws, DT, Notre Dame
2 - DeSean Jackson, WR, California
3 - Bryan Smith, LB, McNeese State
4 - Mike McGlynn, T, Pittsburgh
4 - Quintin Demps, DB, Texas-El-Paso
4 - Jake Ikegwuonu, DB, Wisconsin
6 - Mike Gibson, T, California
6 - Joe Mays, LB, North Dakota State
6 - Andy Studebaker, LB, Wheaton
7 - King Dunlap, T, Auburn

Departures

CB William James (Buf)
DE Jevon Kearse (Ten)
DT LaJuan Ramsey
DT Ian Scott (Car)
LB Takeo Spikes
FB Thomas Tapeh (Min)

Previous Season Record:

The Eagles regular season record was 8-8. They missed the playoffs. They lost by eight points or less in five of their losses. They believe that they can win at least two more of these games this season.

The Eagles were 6^th in told offensive yards in 2007. They were 10^th in passing and 8^th in running. But they were only 17^th in points scored.

Projected 2008 Record:

I predict the Eagles to have a winning record this year but just barely. I can see the Eagles going 9-7 for the 2008 season.

Offensive Strength/Weaknesses:

Strengths:

QB Donovan McNabb is finally healthy this season. He should be much more efficient this year. He may not be able to run like he could in his youth but he still can move around in the pocket well.

RB Michael Westbrook should continue to be a stud as a slashing and receiving back. He runs with great speed and elusiveness. He has great hands and is one of the best targets for McNabb. He led the league in total yards from scrimmage last year.

The offensive line for the Eagles is very solid. They have maintained the same starting five for three years. They may not have the mammoth line of the Cowboys but the Eagles can protect McNabb and open holes for Westbrook.

Weakness:

McNabb’s top receiver last year was Kevin Curtis. Cutis is injured and expected to miss several games. It is tough to find that go to guy when your favorite target is not available.

Eagles have lacked a top tier wide receiver since McNabb was drafted. They did draft DeShawn Jackson this year that might develop into that top tier guy but probably not for a few years. They were unable to land any top level receivers in free agency again.

The Eagles do not have the bruising running game to run out the clock. Westbrook is not a typical between the tackles runner. They will have to rely on the passing game at the end of a game and that can bite them in a close game.


Defensive Strengths/Weakness:

Strengths:

Defensive Coordinator Jim Johnson is a master at the defensive scheme. He can get into the head of his opponents. He likes to blitz and blitz often.

The addition of CB Asante Samuel should solidify the secondary. Safety Brian Dawkins should have a few more good seasons in him. The pass defense will dominate a lot of teams.

The front four are tough and solid against the run. DE Trent Cole put up 12.5 sacks last season. They should be able to get to the quarter back and stop the run equally well.

Weaknesses:

The Eagles could only force a league low 19 turnovers last year. The addition of Samuels should help but they will have to perform much better this year.

The linebackers are a young group. They have a lot of potential and talent but have yet to put it all together on the field. Their linebackers are sure to struggle at times. In a few years, these men might be monsters, but they are not there yet.

Special Teams:

Special teams were a glaring issue for the Eagles last year. They had issues from field goal kicking, to kickoffs, to kickoff returns.

Last year the Eagles lacked an explosive return guy. They draft Jackson not only to help their receiving corps but also to be a return guy. The addition of Booker should also help in their kick off game.

Coaching:

As much as I dislike the Eagles as a Cowboys fan, I have always liked Andy Reid. I think Andy is a good coach. Often he does not see the need for a good running game when he could pass every down. With that said, Reid is a good coach.

How I see it:

I think that the success of the Eagles rides on the health of McNabb. To some extent, it also rides on the legs of Westbrook but not as much as McNabb. This team loves to air out the ball. McNabb has proven that he can get the ball to his lackluster receiving corps when he is healthy. If McNabb can play 16 games, this team may have double digit wins. Without him, they will likely be sub .500. The most likely scenario has McNabb only playing in 14 games and finishing around 9-7.

If the Eagles miss the playoffs again this year, both Andy Reid and McNabb will be gone form Philly next year.

The Counselor is OUT:

Things I Have Learned...Redskins vs. Giants

The Counselor is IN:

Things I Have Learned... from the Redskins vs. the Giants. This was the season opening game with the world champs verses a divisional rival.


1) QB Eli Manning continues to lead his team in playoff fashion in the first half. The rest of the game he managed it but did not look nearly as sharp.

2) QB Jason Campbell is not as developed as I thought he would be in the early season. At times he looked like a rookie on the field. He would focus on just one receiver and hold onto the ball way too long. He never threw the ball past the first down marker on third down.

3) I thought the Giants Defense would have lost a step with some key lost players. This was not the case tonight. They brought the pressure against Campbell very successfully.

4) RB Brandon Jacobs ran like a Mac Truck. He kept his wheels turning and ran people over. He moved piles for yards down the field.

5) RB Clinton Portis looked good in the second half. I was surprised to hear that he just had his 27th birthday. I thought he was much older than that. I am sure I thought that because he has been injured so often.

6) WR Plaxico Burress is now healthy. He looked really good in this game. Amazing what signing a big contract can do to motivate you.

7) The Redskins Defense is not good enough to make up for how bad the Washington offense is.


Those are a few things I learned from the Redskins vs. the Giants game.


The Counselor is OUT:

Week1 Fantasy Injury Report - Thursday Edition

The Counselor is IN:

Here are the Week 1 fantasy injuries and my commentary. This is the Thursday Edition. I will put out an edition updating further the status for this weekend's games later in the week.

Thursday Game:

Giants:
No significant fantasy injuries.

Redskins:
WR Antwaan Randle El is probable with a broken hand. He is expected to play on Thursday. There is a concern about how he can catch with a broken hand.

Weekend Games (At this moment)

Cardinals:
TE Ben Patrick has an ankle sprain and is probable for this weekend. He is trying to take some of the playing time away from Pope.


Saints:
TE Martrez Milner is probable with a foot/ankle/toe injury. He is the backup and should not have much fantasy value.

Ravens:
QB Troy Smith is questionable with tonsil issues. He has lost a bunch of weight since he started battling these issues. He has lost the starting job which he was about to win in training camp.

TE Todd Heap has a calf injury and is probable. He should start this weekend.


Bills:
QB Trent Edwards is probable with a thigh bruise. He has been practicing and will play this weekend. Edwards should not be fantasy starter at this point.

TE Derek Schouman has a knee injury and is probable. This is another case of a backup TE on the injury list.


Panthers:
WR DJ Hackett is probable with a toe injury. He is the Panther's Third Receiver but has not spent much time in practice with Delhomme. I expect him to start slowly but to work himself into a lot of games.

QB Jake Delhomme has an elbow injury and is probable. There are no concerns about him missing the game. It will be interesting to see which Delhomme shows up.

WR Dwayne Jarrett is probable. Everything is a go for this weekend. The sophomore Jarrett is vying for playing time.


Bears:
TE Desmond Clark has knee injury and is questionable. If he does not play this, he might lose the starting role to Olson.


Bengals:
WR TJ Houshmandzadeh is probable with a hamstring injury. He practiced on Monday with no issues. He will start this weekend.

WR Chad Johnson has a shoulder injury and is questionable for this weekend. Ocho Cinco has spoken and declared himself 100%. This is coming from the guy who declared he would never play another game in a Bengals uniform this spring.


Browns:
WR Braylon Edwards is probable with a foot injury. It has been reported that he looks good in practice this week.

WR Josh Cribbs has an ankle injury and is questionable. The Browns are being cautious with Cribbs. I would bet against him playing. No one should be starting Cribbs at this time.

RB Jamal Lewis is probable with a hamstring injury. He has not practiced yet this week and the coaching staff is getting anxious. Watch this injury closely.

QB Derek Anderson has a concussion and is probable. All signs point to him starting on Sunday. It could be a jarring blow to fantasy owners if he is not able to play.

WR Syndric Steptoe is probable with a shoulder injury. It appears he will play this weekend. He could steal some of the 3rd Wide and return duties if Cribbs is not able to play.


Cowboys:
WR Isaiah Stanback has a dislocated left shoulder and is questionable. The Cowboys believe he will play and be the third Wide Receiver. He has practiced this week. I would not expect him to run back kicks until he is fully healthy.

WR Sam Hurd is out with a high ankle sprain. He is expected to be out 2 to 4 weeks. Hurd is missing a huge opportunity to prove himself as the third wide in Dallas and high ankle sprains have a tendency to linger on.

WR Miles Austin has spraining his right MCL and will be out 2 to 4 more weeks. Austin was getting noticed before his injury. He is also missing a chance to prove himself.


Broncos:
WR Darrell Jackson is listed as probable. He is expected to start this week with Marshall's suspension. I would expect his value to be at its highest this weekend.


Lions:
RB Brian Calhoun has been placed on the Injured Reserve and is done for the year.

RB Aveion Cason also has been placed on the Injured Reserve and is done for the year.


Packers:
WR James Jones has a knee injury and is questionable. He is expected to miss several more weeks. Jones should not be on the field this weekend.


Texans:
RB Ahman Green is probable with a groin injury. He is expected to start. He is a risky start and both Slaton and Taylor will play this weekend. The tires are balding on the Green-mobile.

RB Chris Brown has been placed on the Injured Reserve.


Colts:
QB Jim Sorgi has a knee injury and is probable. He is the only backup for Peyton and is expected to be ready this weekend.

QB Peyton Manning is probable with a knee injury. He fully practiced on Wednesday. He will start for the Colts. Peyton should be ready to go but he may be rusty for a couple of games.


Jaguars:
WR Reggie Williams has a hamstring injury and is questionable. He did not practice on Wednesday. He would be a risky start this week.

WR Jerry Porter is probable with a hamstring injury. He did practice on Wednesday. He should be a safe start for this weekend and give a boost the Jags receiving corp.

RB Maurice Jones-Drew has an ankle injury and is probable. Drew has been fully practicing and appears to have overcome the ankle injury that has plagued him.


Dolphins:
RB Ronnie Bown is probable with a knee injury.


Vikings:
WR Robert Ferguson has an ankle injury and is questionable. It is unlikely that he will play this weekend. He only participated in individual drills on Wednesday. He should not be a starter for anyone at this time anyway.

RB Maurice Hicks is questionable with a foot injury. He is way down on the depth chart and his status should not really matter.

QB Tarvaris Jackson has a knee injury and is probable. He has practiced the last couple of days. He should be ready to play this weekend.


Saints:
No significant fantasy injuries.


Patriots:
TE Benjamin Watson is questionable with a knee injury. He sat out of Practice on Wednesday. This appears to be a new injury. Keep watch on this injury if you had planned on starting Watson this weekend.

QB Tom Brady has a foot injury and is probable. Brady was listed as probable during most of last season. I would ignore the probable status next to Brady.

WR Wes Welker is probable with a rib injury. He is fully practicing. He is safe to start this weekend.


Jets:
WR Laveranues Cole has a thigh injury and is probable. He was limited in practice on Wednesday. I would watch him and see if he practices later in the week before starting him.

WR David Clowney has been placed on the Injured Reserve. He should not be on anyone's roster.



Raiders:
WR Javon Walker is questionable with a hamstring pull. I would not be comfortable with starting him at this time. Check on his status later if you plan on starting him.


Eagles:
WR Reggie Brown has a hamstring injury and is questionable. He is also an iffy start at this time.


Steelers:
QB Charlie Batch was placed on Injured Reserve. He was only the backup anyway.


Chargers:
QB Philip Rivers is probable with a knee injury. He has played during the pre-season and he should be fine to start this weekend.

TE Antonio Gates has a toe injury and is probable. He is still suffering with this toe injury but he should play this weekend. We will see how much the toe injury will slow him down.


Seahawks:
WR Deion Branch has a knee injury and is questionable. Continue to keep an eye on Branch and how much he practices this week.


49ers:
WR Arnaz Battle is probable with a hamstring injury. He looks ready to play this weekend. I would not start a 49er receiver unless you have no other choice.

WR Bryant Johnson has a hamstring injury. He should be on the field this weekend. See above post.


Rams:
WR Drew Bennett is probable with a groin injury. He should be starting this weekend.


Buccaneers:
WR Michael Clayton is probable with a chest injury. He was limited in practice this week.

WR Antonio Bryant has a knee injury and is probable. He should be starting this weekend opposite of Galloway.


Titans:
WR Justin McCareins is probable with an illness. He was limited in practice in on Wednesday.

QB Vince Young has an injured right hand and is probable. He was limited in practice on Wednesday. He should be fine to start this weekend.

RB Chris Henry is listed as probable. He should be available as the third running back.


The Counselor is OUT: