Sunday Football Fix and SoccerScope

The latest NFL News and notes, rumors, fantasy football talk with Scott Engel, and MLS talk including David Beckham coming to LA and the new Galaxy look.

NFL News and Notes
Tuesday
Buffalo signed rookie QB Trent Edwards to a contract. Oakland made a very worthwhile gamble by signing Donovan Darius to a contract. DUI charges were dropped against Steve McNair, making the Ravens fans sigh a breath of relief. They were reportedly hiding in their closets, afraid of the prospects of Kyle Boller ever seeing the field for Baltimore again.
Wednesday
Tennessee signed rookie CB Ryan Smith, Denver inked draft pick DT Marcus Thomas, and Baltimore signed rookie OL Marshall Yanda. Bengals LB David Pollack will not play in 2007 because he's still recovering from a career threatening neck injury.
Thursday
Oakland signed LB Isaiah Kacyvenski, and released Bryant McNeal and Kurt Campbell. A judge ordered that Brian Urlacher and his ex-girlfriend attend parenting classes for their toddler. San Diego picked Paul Oliver in the 4th round of the supplemental draft, and Maryland OT Jared Gaither was picked by Baltimore in the 5th round.
Friday
Rams starting CB Fakhir Brown was suspended four games by the league for violating its substance abuse policy. He's quite a talented player, but its yet another player to succomb to substances. Jacksonville OL Khalif Barnes was sentenced 6 months after pleading no contest to a drunken driving charge. Oakland signed 3rd round pick OL Mario Henderson, and Detroit signed MR Irrelevant CB Ramzee Robinson to a deal. The Lions also signed QB JT O'Sullivan. Indianapolis signed star DL Dwight Freeny to a 6 year, 72 million dollar deal which includes a 30 million dollar signing bonus. Freeny was given the franchise tag by the Colts, but has signed a new long term deal.
Saturday
The city of New Orleans has submitted a plan to the NFL to host the NFL Draft. I say it should stay in New York. Dolphins star WR Chris Chambers was arrested on Saturday for DWI. Vinny Testaverde will return to the Patriots for a 21st season. It looks like Vinny really doesn't wanna quit his day job.

Rumors
- A source said that Patriots CB Asante Samuel will either sign a long term deal or agree to his 1 year franchise tag contract by training camp. (Boston Herald)
- Corey Simon was recently activated from the PUP list and may be released soon. (Indianapolis Star)
- The league would like a team in London, Mexico, and Toronto by 2017. (Bloomberg)
- The Cowboys may drop or trade LB Greg Ellis. (Dallas Morning News)
- Denver S Sam Brandon has been suspended 2 games for violating the league's conduct policy. (Denver Post)
- The dogfights on Michael Vick's property followed very strict rules, authorities say. The fighting at Vick's house violated federal law by sponsoring or otherwise taking part in fights for which animals were transported across state lines. Vick has denied any involvement in dogfighting. Regardless, by giving such a detailed account in court documents, prosecutors are sending strong signals about their investigation's focus. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)

Fantasy Football with Scott Engel
What kind of numbers can be expected out of Brodie Croyle this season, and is he even #2 fantasy QB worthy?
Scott Engel: Croyle doesn't have enough experience or polish yet - I'll be surprised if he holds the starting job for more than four games. The numbers won;t matter because he'll lose the job to Huard at some pointa nd won't be worth a roster spot in fantasy leagues
Will Chris Chambers have a bounce back season, and what should be expected out of Ted Ginn?
Scott Engel: I'm finished waiting for Chambers' big year. I'll pass on him. Ginn will make more of impact as a returner than as a WR in his rookie year.

SoccerScope
MLS Scores, Schedules, and Standings
- Thursday on ESPN2, Houston destroyed Chicago 4-0. Yesterday, Eddie Johnson's goal in the 19th minute pushed KC over Real Salt Lake 1-0. Luciano Emilio scored twice for DC and Juan Toja scored twice for FC Dallas in a 3-3 draw. An own goal credited to Eddie Gaven gave Chivas a 2-1 win over Columbus. Andy Dorman's goal in the 38th minute lifted New England over New York 1-0, and Juan Pablo Angel picked up a red card, which is a pretty big deal. Houston takes on Toronto at 8:30pm, and the MLS All Stars will battle Celtic on Thursday from Denver. New England leads the East, 1 point ahead of Kansas City, 2 clear of DC and New York, and 4 ahead of Columbus. Toronto has 18 and Chicago has 16. Houston leads the West with 32 points, 2 ahead of FC Dallas. Chivas has 24, Colorado 17, the Galaxy 13, and just 9 for Real Salt Lake.
Beckham
- Becks will try to make soccer huge here in America, and the Galaxy unveiled their new blue and gold look which I like. Thousands more will see MLS live in stadiums because of it, and this can hopefully be the start of top flight talent heading across the Atlantic and into MLS.