Author: Anthony Stalter (Page 1195 of 1503)

      J.T. O’Sullivan in, Alex Smith out as 49ers’ QB?

      August 12, 2008 /

      According to the San Francisco Chronicle, J.T. O’Sullivan appears to have the edge over Alex Smith in the battle for the 49ers’ starting quarterback job.

      J.T. O’Sullivan, who has taken more than double the first-team snaps than Shaun Hill and Alex Smith since his elevation into team drills on July 30, completed 10-of-18 with two picks. However, one of them resulted when Arnaz Battle slipped and safety Mark Roman easily picked him off. He was also dogged by a pair of drops, one by tight end Vernon Davis and another by fullback Zak Keasey. Smith ended the first session by tossing an interception on a shovel pass to rookie defensive end Louis Holmes while completing 8-of-13.

      Given that O’Sullivan played for Martz in Detroit, this isn’t entirely surprising. O’Sullivan already knows the system and therefore has Martz’ trust. But still, this has to be blow to Smith – a former first overall pick that is steamrolling towards bustville.

      Maybe Aaron Rodgers will have the last laugh after all. Imagine if he produces a solid season in Green Bay after years after bidding time behind Brett Favre. And then Smith gets benched in San Fran after years of having the opportunity to start.

      Fantasy Football, NFL

      Michael Vick to play for UFL in 2009?

      August 12, 2008 /

      There’s a possibility Michael Vick could strap on the helmet and shoulder pads again in 2009, although not for the NFL. The upstart United Football League, which is trying to get off the ground by next year, could acquire Vick’s services once he gets out of federal prison according to SI.com’s Peter King.

      The big news, I suppose, from my talk with Huyghue was this: He said the chances of a UFL team signing Michael Vick to play the 2009 season are “98 percent.” Strange percentage, but that’s what he said.

      “Michael’s not going to be able to walk right back into the NFL,” Huyghue said. “He’s going to need some kind of buffer before he signs in the NFL, and we’ll be able to provide that for him.”

      Some may scoff at the idea of any league allowing Vick to play football again, but this makes perfect business sense. The UFL is trying to make a name for itself, so why not make some headlines by acquiring a former NFL superstar? Even if the UFL takes some heat for allowing Vick to play, they’ll still get a ton of exposure, which is exactly what a new business wants. There is no such thing as bad press.

      As far as the UFL itself goes, it’s hard to fathom that any league would be successful with how popular the NFL already is. But at least the league isn’t trying to go head to head with the NFL like the XFL (remember them?) did. If football is being played during the NFL offseason, maybe people will tune in…maybe.

      General Sports, NFL

      Diamondbacks acquire Reds’ outfielder Adam Dunn

      August 11, 2008 /

      The Arizona Diamondbacks have acquired Cincinnati Reds’ outfielder Adam Dunn in exchange for minor league prospect Dallas Buck and two players to be named later.

      In 114 games, the 28-year-old is tied for the Major League lead with 32 homers. The right fielder is hitting .233 on the season with 74 RBIs, an on-base percentage of .373 and a slugging percentage of .528.

      Dunn, who is eligible for free agency after making $13 million this year, figures to boost an Arizona offense that has been an Achilles’ heel at times for the club this year. The D-backs have been without the services of right fielder Justin Upton, who went on the disabled list July 9 with a strained oblique muscle. They also lost their starting left fielder in Eric Byrnes prior to that with a torn hamstring.

      The D-backs suffered another blow Saturday when second baseman Orlando Hudson was lost to a season-ending wrist injury.

      Dunn certainly adds some pop to Arizona’s offense and even though they lost Hudson for the season, things are looking up for the D-Backs, who currently have a 1.5 game lead over the Dodgers in the NL West. Dunn will never hit .300 (or .280 for that matter), but for a team that has had trouble scoring runs, he’ll provide a boost in the power department.

      Fantasy Baseball, General Sports, MLB

      Willis McGahee to have knee surgery

      August 11, 2008 /

      According to the Carroll County Times, Baltimore Ravens’ running back Willis McGahee will undergo arthroscopic surgery to his left knee as soon as Monday.

      McGahee’s knee has been bothering him since shortly after reporting to training camp in Westminster, and he hasn’t been practicing lately. This is regarded as a clean-up medical procedure.

      Because it generally takes two weeks to a month to recover from a knee scope, McGahee could possibly return for the Sept. 7 season-opener against the Cincinnati Bengals.

      Yet another hit to the Ravens offense. McGahee was incredibly productive last year (his first year in Baltimore) and was expected to have a huge role in the offense again this season. Given the uncertainly at quarterback (who’s the starter, Kyle Boller or Troy Smith?) and the retirement of Pro Bowl left tackle Jonathan Ogden, the Ravens offense faces a ton of questions.

      Even if McGahee plays in the opener, he likely won’t be 100%. He might not even be 100% until the midway point in the season, that is, if he doesn’t suffer any setbacks when he does return.

      On the flip side, I’m intrigued at Ray Rice’s potential. Scouts and pundits deemed him too small to play in the NFL, but the former Rutger’s product his a hard-nosed runner and he’s blessed with terrific speed. He won’t be able to take on a full rushing load, but maybe Rice will emerge as a quality compliment to McGahee throughout the season.

      JP’s Fantasy Spin: A scope is no big deal, so McGahee should be back for the start of the season, but be sure to draft Ray Rice as a handcuff.

      Fantasy Football, General Sports, NFL

      49ers’ defense gets boost with addition of LB Takeo Spikes

      August 11, 2008 /

      The San Francisco 49ers signed inside linebacker Takeo Spikes, formerly of the Cincinnati Bengals, Buffalo Bills and Philadelphia Eagles. To make room for the signing, the team also released LB Brandon Moore.

      Spikes, 31, and the 49ers had been talking since March after he was released by Philadelphia after just one season. He was due to make $5 million in 2008, and the Eagles felt they could use that money elsewhere since they liked their younger linebackers.

      Spikes started 14 games for them last year before tearing a rotator cuff and having surgery. The 49ers’ doctors had to check out his shoulder Sunday before the club would agree to a deal. When Spikes visited their headquarters in March, he was rehabbing the shoulder and couldn’t pass a physical.

      Spikes has lost a step over the years, but playing inside linebacker in Mike Nolan’s 3-4 defense doesn’t require sideline-to-sideline ability. This move solidifies the run defense a bit, but the question remains if whether or not the 49ers will get enough of a pass rush from their front seven. Either way, Spikes is a terrific leader and it brings a lot of experience to San Fran’s defense.

      Even though it didn’t transfer to wins, the 49ers had a very productive offseason in 2007 and did so again this year. With the additions of Nate Clements, Michael Lewis, Tully Banta-Cain, Justin Smith, Takeo Spikes and DROY Patrick Willis (photo), San Fran has vastly improved its defense over the past two offseasons.

      Fantasy Football, General Sports, NFL

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