Coughlin will be careful with Toomer in the preseason
By ASSOCIATED PRESS
ALBANY, N.Y. -- Veteran wide receiver Amani Toomer got a little surprise from coach Tom Coughlin - he's not playing in the preseason opener against the Carolina Panthers.
Toomer said Wednesday that Coughlin told him of the decision on Tuesday night and that he was OK with it.
''I really don't know how to take it because, in a sense, I am trying to get ready for the season,'' said Toomer, who had knee surgery in November. ''I thought I would play in the preseason games and get my reps in and knock off some of the rust.''
Coming off the injury that sidelined him for the second half of last season, Toomer has been limited to one practice a day at training camp at the University at Albany.
''I don't think we want to necessarily push him any further than that. He's done well with everything we've asked,'' Coughlin said of Toomer. ''He's had some incidental contact and jumped right back up, so I think he's done well.''
Fellow veteran receiver Plaxico Burress, who missed the last four days with a sprained ankle, participated in a jog-through Wednesday morning, but his status for the game remains uncertain.
Defensive tackle Fred Robbins (calf) and Pro Bowl tight end Jeremy Shockey (sore legs) may play in the game. Linebacker Gerris Wilkinson (dislocated knee) and center Todd Londot (ankle) are out.
Preseason Outlook, Week 2
Cincinnati (+1.5) at Detroit
Thursday – 7:30 pm EST
The Bengals were one of just two teams to go a perfect 4-0 both SU and ATS last year. They will look to improve on their five-game overall preseason winning streak when they take on the Lions. The Cincinnati starters will play at least one series but will not likely see more than that. Backup quarterbacks Doug Johnson, Jeff Rowe and Jeff Smith will see most of the action under center but all of them have been incredibly underwhelming during training camp. The Bengal receiving corps has been bitten by the injury bug as five players in the group, including All-Pro Chad Johnson, have nursed injuries throughout the week.
Rod Marinelli’s first preseason at the helm of the Lions was far from impressive as a 1-3 preseason mark precluded a 3-13 record season record. Marinelli will look to reverse that trend in his second year. Jon Kitna will start at quarterback for Detroit but will be quickly relieved by second-string QB J.T. O’Sullivan, who will receive a majority of the game’s snaps. Detroit’s backup quarterback situation is one of the shakiest in the NFL and might not provide much spark to the offense.
Indianapolis (+4.5) at Dallas
Thursday – 8:00 pm EST
There may not be a coach in the NFL who puts less emphasis on the preseason than Indy’s Tony Dungy. The Colts have been the best team in football the last two years but have posted a 1-8 SU record and a 2-7 ATS mark over the last two preseason. Dungy prefers to get his starters out early to avoid injuries and this year should be no different. The starters are expected to play between 10 and 15 and a liberal substitution pattern will follow. Very little experience exists behind Peyton Manning with the three backups combining for just three years of service and zero career starts.
This year’s Cowboy training camp under new head coach Wade Phillips has been vastly differently than the ones run by former coach Bill Parcells. Practices are much lighter and the players are taking to it well. Dallas was a combined 9-3 SU and 8-4 ATS the last three preseasons under Parcells but his routine had run its course so the change of pace might be good for the team. The starters on both sides of the ball are expected to play the entire first quarter but the offense will be without starting wideout Terry Glenn as well as starting tackles Marc Colombo and Flozell Adams. Brad Johnson will take over for starter Tony Romo in the second quarter with Matt Baker and Matt Moore splitting the snaps under center in the second half.
Atlanta (+3.5) at New York Jets
Friday – 7:00 pm EST
Mike Vick’s off-the-field troubles have led to an inauspicious start to the Bobby Petrino era. A win in the preseason opener could change the season’s outlook for the Falcons, though. Petrino said the offense would be a vanilla version of what will be seen during the regular season. Joey Harrington has been seen in camp working on his short, quick routes while backup quarterback D.J. Shockley has intrigued the coaching staff. Chris Redman, a five-year veteran out of Louisville, has been getting a majority of the second-string snaps but the coaching staff feels Shockley will shine in game situations.
2006 second-round draft pick Kellen Clemens is coming on strong at Jets camp and could provide New York with a solid backup plan should the brittle Chad Pennington go down. Former Missouri standout Brad Smith, who has developed into a do-everything threat for the Jet offense, should also see some snaps at quarterback. His scrambling ability and improving passing technique could lead to some second-half excitement. New York went just 1-3 ATS in Eric Mangini’s first preseason at the helm but it is 8-1 SU and 6-3 ATS as a preseason home favorite since 2002.
New England (+2) at Tampa Bay
Friday – 7:30 pm EST
The always secretive Bill Belichick is again keeping quite on his rotation plans for New England’s preseason opener, despite it being just a preseason contest. If history is any indication, though, the first-teamers won’t see much action. Tom Brady attempted just four passes in the preseason opener last year with backup Matt Cassel taking every snap afterwards. August has historically been a good month for the Patriots as they are 12-6 SU and 11-4 ATS during the month since 2002. Additionally, they are 5-1 SU and 5-0 ATS since 2002 when playing Friday nights.
Last year’s 1-3 preseason record is a poor indication but Jon Gruden has been one of the most successful preseason coaches in recent memory. Gruden is 24-14 SU in his career during the preseason, second among active coaches with at least one full season under. And no coach has more quarterback depth than Gruden. Tampa Bay boasts three quarterbacks – Jeff Garcia, Chris Simms and Bruce Gradkowski – with extensive starting experience. That depth gives the Bucs an advantage that few teams can match.
Buffalo (+5.5) at New Orleans
Friday – 8:00 pm EST
J.P. Losman, who has been praised nonstop throughout training camp, will get between 10 and 15 plays in the preseason opener. Head coach Dick Jauron says that most of the starters will equal Losman’s playing time with the backups going the rest of the way. Backup QB Craig Nall will step in for a short time after Losman with 2007 third-round draft pick Trent Edwards going the rest of the way. Jauron went just 1-3 SU in his first preseason at the helm in Buffalo, which fit the profile of his previous records. He is just 8-16 SU as a head coach in the preseason for his career.
The Saints have an advantage over the Bills in this contest because they have already played a preseason game. They have seen where they need to improve and will make the necessary adjustments. The starters will see extended playing time with each unit playing a full quarter after playing just one or two series in the Hall of Fame Game. Also, starting running back Deuce McAllister is expected to return after missing the opener. Head coach Sean Payton worked the players harder earlier in the week following what he thought was a poor effort in the opener. Expect the Saints to be prepared in this one.
St. Louis (+2.5) at Minnesota
Friday – 8:00 pm EST
The St. Louis first-teamers won’t see much action in its preseason opener but the reserves, specifically the quarterbacks, should put forth solid production off the bench. Neither Gus Frerotte nor Ryan Fitzpatrick saw much action last year but both have been productive as starters in their respective careers. Frerotte has thrown for over 18,000 yards and nearly 100 touchdowns in his career and Fitzpatrick put up solid numbers in four starts as a rookie in 2005.
While the Rams have solid depth at the quarterback position, the Vikings aren’t so fortunate. Their four quarterbacks combine for just 10 career touchdowns and it’s debatable whether or not either of those four are worthy of being a starting quarterback. Minnesota head coach Brad Childress enjoyed a solid preseason in his debut season last year, going 2-1-1 SU and 3-1 ATS. The Vikings have also played well against the NFC West in the preseason, going 3-1 SU and 4-0 ATS versus the division since 2004, including a 29-9 win over these same Rams.
asawins.com
Coaching the preseason: Who plays to win?
By ASHTON GREWAL
NFL coaches can be broken down into two groups when it comes to the preseason: those who care, and those who don’t. Distinguishing who falls into which category can go a long way helping your bets during the exhibition schedule.
Here’s a brief list of coaches to watch and coaches to avoid this August.
Preseason Players
Mike Shanahan
Here is the kingpin of this group. The offensive guru has led the Denver Broncos to an incredible 37-15 preseason mark during his 12 years with the club. Denver is 19-10 against the spread since 2000 in August games.
The veteran coach also likes to start the preseason off on a positive note. Shanahan is 10-2 straight up (9-3 ATS) in the opening preseason game of the year.
But according to Shanahan, the successful results aren't because of a concerted effort on the part of the coaching staff.
“To be honest with you, we don’t pay much attention to the first preseason game,” Shanahan said earlier this week. “I hate to say that, but it’s the truth.”
Bill Belichick
It’s hard think of the New England Patriots' success without picturing the man in hobo clothes wearing a headset on the sideline. Belichick has instilled a dedication to practice and preparation in the franchise since he became head coach.
Belichick demands intensity no matter the situation and proved it when he had some of his starters playing special teams in an exhibition game in 2003.
The Pats are 18-11 SU and 17-9-3 ATS with Belichick calling the shots but the number is somewhat distorted. The club was 13-4 (12-4-1 ATS) in Belichick’s first four years but only 5-7 (5-5-2 ATS) over the last three.
The head coach has probably eased up on what is now a veteran club, but you can still depend of the Patriots completing in these meaningless matchups.
John Fox
Some people forget just how bad the Carolina Panthers were before Fox arrived. Fans had to endure an embarrassing 1-15 season in 2001 before Fox led the team to the Super Bowl only two years later.
It’s surprising to hear some suggest Fox is on the hot seat this year after a disappointing 2006 season. This should only help boost Fox’s incentive for putting on a solid showing early on.
He already has a reputation as a coach who doesn’t take the preseason lightly as his career 15-5 SU and 12-7-1 ATS record shows.
Honorable mentions: Jack Del Rio (11-5), Brian Billick (19-12), Herm Edwards (17-8) and Jon Gruden (24-14).
Preseason Pushovers
Tony Dungy
This should come as no surprise to anyone. Dungy is the most notorious of this bunch for playing backups and prospects in games without significance.
There were probably a number of Indianapolis Colts backers who foolishly put money on their team, only to see the rarely glimpsed Jim Sorgi take snaps in Week 17 last year. Fans will remember Dungy’s strategy to rest his starters in 2005 after a loss to the San Diego Chargers eliminated any chance of finishing the year undefeated.
The preseason is no different. During his time as a head coach, Dungy is 20-26 SU and 21-24-1 ATS in exhibition contests. At first glance that doesn’t seem too bad but when you consider the quality of teams he’s coached in Tampa Bay and Indianapolis, those numbers should probably look a little better.
Andy Reid
Reid is another coach who has been blessed with good teams throughout his career as coach, but owns an unimpressive record in August. The Eagles have a .617 winning percentage in the regular season under Reid and only a .375 winning percentage in the preseason.
Don’t expect that trend to change this year. The Eagles have injury concerns with quarterback Donovan McNabb and defensive end Jevon Kearse coming off major knee surgeries. Reid will likely err on the side of caution when deciding on playing time for his starters.
Sean Payton
Obviously there’s not a wealth of evidence supporting Payton’s nomination here, but it appears Payton is uninterested winning this time of year. No one could have predicted the New Orleans Saints to come within one win of going to the Super Bowl after watching the club perform last summer.
Payton is an offensive genius but the most creative plays he calls during exhibition warm-ups are basic running plays and the odd conservative pass. So far he’s only 1-5 SU and ATS in the preseason but I’m sure that will build over time.
Dishonorable mentions: Dick Jaron (8-16) and Mike Holmgren (15-17)
Covers.com
THE MOST PROFITABLE PRESEASON ANGLES......
By: Michael Alexander
The NFL preseason, like no other time during the year, takes patience and the pouring through data to come out ahead. Since no team really plays their regulars other than the 3rd game of the dress rehersal it's important to understand the most profitable situations.
Below I have identified some of the most profitable angles during weeks 2, and 3 of the preseason. These situations coupled with so good old fashion analysis will certianly give you the leg up on the books.
Week 2 Profitable ATS Angles:
Angle #1: You want to take a look at Pittsburgh and New Orleans in this spot if they win this weekend. Teams coming off a win playing their third game of the preseason versus a team playing their second game is 9-15 ATS since 1997.
Angle #2: Look for teams that lose this weekend at home and are playing at home in Week 2. Teams in playing their second game in a row at home who lost their first game is a very profitable 11-5 ATS since 1997.
Week 3 Profitable ATS Angles:
Angle #1: Look for teams who have won two in a row both SU and ATS and are now playing at home in their next game. Teams in this situation are a very profitable 19-7 ATS since 1997.
Angle #2: Look for teams who have lost two in a row who lost their first game on the road and are now playing their third game at home. Teams in this situation are a profitable 13-5 ATS since 1997.
There you have it! Some very profitable angles to get you through the preseason with money to spare. As the weeks progress I will be honing in on more selections so join me at Alexandersports.com
www.sportsaudioshows.com
NFL Preseason Week #2 Recommendations......
Now that Week #1 of the Preseason is but a memory, it is time to turn our focus to this weeks action. It's important, once again, to remember that winning in the preseason takes patience and a lot of information gathering. This week the regulars should see a bit more action but most teams will still rely on the backups, so understanding who has more capable 2nd and 3rd stringers with this weeks' matchups will make or break your profits this week.
There are some interesting matchups in Week #2 and after careful analysis I have highlighted some of the matchups that one might want to take advantage of this week
August 17
Atlanta at Buffalo: Atlanta is 5-1 SU and ATS when playing their second road game in a row during the preseason and 7-3 ATS in game 2. Buffalo is 0-4 SU and ATS in their last 4 games as a favorite and only 3-11-1 in home openers. Recommendation: Take Atlanta plus the points
August 18
Detroit at Cleveland: Detroit is 0-4 SU and ATS in game two of the preseason and 1-8-1 ATS in their first game on the road. Cleveland is 3-0 Su and ATS in this series and 8-2 ATS in their L10 games versus NFC opponents. Recommendation: Take Cleveland
Oakland at San Francisco: Oakland is 1-5 ATS in game 2 and 1-5-1 ATS in their first game on the road. San Francisco is 8-1 ATS in this series when listed as a favorite. Recommendation: Take San Francisco if a favorite.
This past weekend I went a perfect 4-0 and have more top selections lined up this week. Join me at Alexandersports.com for winners in all sports.
www.sportsaudioshows.com
Week #3 Preseason Winning ATS Betting Angles......
By: Michael Alexander
The NFL preseason, like no other time during the year, takes patience and the pouring through data to come out ahead. Since no team really plays their regulars other than this week it's important to understand the most profitable situations.
Below I have identified some of the most profitable angles for week #3 of the preseason. These situations coupled with so good old fashion analysis will certianly give you the leg up on the books.
Week 3 Profitable ATS Angles:
Angle #1: Look for teams who have won two in a row both SU and ATS and are now playing at home in their next game. Teams in this situation are a very profitable 19-7 ATS since 1997.
Angle #2: Look for teams who have lost two in a row who lost their first game on the road and are now playing their third game at home. Teams in this situation are a profitable 13-5 ATS since 1997.
There you have it! Some very profitable angles to get you through the preseason with money to spare. As the weeks progress I will be honing in on more selections so join me at Alexandersports.com
Good thread