Brandon Spikes has been a no-show during the New England Patriots organized team activities. So where is the veteran linebacker?
Brandon Spikes training to be three-down linebacker for Patriots
Denver Broncos head coach John Fox said the team would take a cautious approach with RB Knowshon Moreno as he comes back from the knee injury he suffered in the playoff loss to the Ravens. “We’re going to be very cautious. When the doctors give him the full-go, go-ahead, he’ll be doing everything.”
Our View: The Broncos backfield is a bit of a mess right now. Rookie Montee Ball (Wisconsin) may be the starter with second-year RB Ronnie Hillman serving as the primary change of pace back. Moreno could make the final roster but he may be on the roster bubble. We’ll see what the team decides to do with both Moreno and Willis McGahee. The team would save more if they released McGahee ($2MM) instead of Moreno ($945k).
Broncos | Being cautious with Moreno
Denver Broncos QB Peyton Manning thinks his arm is stronger this offseason. “I think that I’ve made some progress definitely since last year at this time. I think also some since last season. I think oftentimes when you know more about the receiver that you’re throwing to, you have more repetitions with each guy, I think that usually allows for hopefully more accuracy and more confident throws, if you will. The more repetitions I can get with [WR] Eric [Decker], D.T. (WR Demaryius Thomas), [WR Andre] Caldwell, [RB] Ronnie Hillman, [TE Jacob] Tamme, [WR Wes] Welker, the better that is for everybody, I think.”
Our View: More good news about Manning’s arm strength here. The improved weapons around him should only help him in 2013. The team is using an up tempo offense under new OC Adam Gase. That pace, plus an improved ground game could help Manning perform even better than he did last year. Fantasy owners have taken note. Manning’s current ADP is QB3, and he’s coming off the board at 3.09 in 12 team leagues.
Broncos | Manning thinks his arm is stronger
Denver Broncos QB Peyton Manning said the team is expecting big things from rookie RB Montee Ball this season. “Coach [John] Fox is not going to bring him along slowly. We are going to put him in there and make him a contributor this year. So, the more repetitions we can get out here talking football, talking scenarios, I think the more comfortable he’ll be once the regular season gets here.”
Our View: An important note for fantasy owners here. Ball is the back the team wants to be the starter but they’re not going to hand him the starting job. Right now it’s second-year RB Ronnie Hillman getting a majority of the first-team reps. If Ball continues to impress then we could see him get more time with the starting unit in training camp.
Broncos | Won’t bring Montee Ball along slowly
Denver Broncos third-year TE Julius Thomas says he’s finally healthy after the ankle surgery that cost him most of the 2012 season. “I’m actually feeling great. It’s been a good offseason for me. I’m definitely feeling how I need to be feeling to go out there and play at a high level.” Thomas continued, “I’m very excited to have these OTAs and make up for some time I missed.”
Our View: Thomas looked good on the practice field today, hauling in a 50-yard TD catch from QB Peyton Manning. He’s in a make or break season but is a favorite of the coaching staff and the most athletically gifted TE on the roster.
Broncos | Julius Thomas finally healthy
Houston Texans DE Antonio D. Smith told the club he wants to remain with them for the rest of his career and said they’re open to an extension.
Texans | Open to extension with Antonio Smith
Washington Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan said RB Alfred Morris has impressed him with his mindset following his stellar rookie season. Morris gained 10 pounds but has already lost five and has kept up good shape so far.
Our View: Morris thinks he left a lot of yards on the field in 2012. He rushed for over 1,600 yards as a rookie and we’ll see if he can at least duplicate those numbers this season.
Redskins | Alfred Morris looking better this camp
The Minnesota Vikings plan on easing rookie WR Cordarrelle Patterson into action behind Greg Jennings and Jerome Simpson, according to head coach Leslie Frazier. Along with a trial in kick returning, Patterson will get looks that ‘utilize his strengths.’
Our View: Patterson is extremely talented but it doesn’t sound like he’s going to be a big part of the offense early on. As he continues to develop he should see his role with the team grow. Patterson may be too good to keep off the field.
Vikings | Cordarrelle Patterson to be eased in
Dwight Freeney assumed he’d encounter a buyer’s market when he entered free agency. That wasn’t the case, and the new San Diego Chargers defensive end believes he knows why.
Dwight Freeney: NFL owners made pact in free agency
Dwight Freeney assumed he’d encounter a buyer’s market when he entered free agency. That wasn’t the case, and the new San Diego Chargers defensive end thinks he knows why.
Dwight Freeney: Owners made a pact in free agency