Posted by Christopher Harris
• Falcons offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey told the team's official Web site that he expects his new starting tight end, Tony Gonzalez, to participate in the blocking game to a large extent. Mularkey said, "One thing he's going to do is that he's a productive blocker and that's important in our offense. … As successful as he's been as a receiver, he's a good blocker too and he really doesn't get the credit that he should." And Gonzalez himself was quoted as saying, "Do I think I'll catch 100 balls? I don't have to. This is something we're all going to work together on. I've been fortunate to have such a good career. It's not about breaking records and all that stuff. It's about going out there and moving those chains." Now, reports out of Falcons minicamp this summer indicated Matt Ryan looked Gonzo's way early and often in the passing game. But does anyone else think this sounds like the Falcons are prepping the world for their new tight end to do a lot more blocking than he did in Kansas City? This will be something to watch in training camp; I'm starting to think there really is a chance Gonzalez just won't get the targets he needs to be the league's best statistical tight end.
• Felony cocaine possession charges have officially been dropped against former Jaguars receiver Matt Jones, as a result of his having completed a drug program mandated by an Arkansas court. Jones still hasn't latched on with an NFL team after the Jags dumped him this winter, and it's unclear whether or not he still faces another suspension from the league for violating his probation late last year. Jones is a former first-round pick who had a decent season for Jacksonville in '08, but until we know whether he'll even be on a pro roster come September, he obviously shouldn't be on your fantasy radar screen.
• MLive.com reports that the Lions are "very confident" that Matthew Stafford will "be able" to start Week 1 against the Saints. Now, that doesn't mean Stafford will get the job. That's yet to be determined in training camp. It just means they think the kid's got a good head on his shoulders. Considering how poor Detroit's offensive line figures to be, the Lions would still be quite wise to let Daunte Culpepper absorb the season's first dozen sacks or so.
• MLive.com also reports that Derrick Williams is no longer in the running to be the Lions' third receiver. Instead, the speedy rookie, who showed a lot of promise at Penn State, will be the team's return specialist. This leaves Dennis Northcutt and Ronald Curry set to battle for a spot behind Calvin Johnson and Bryant Johnson.
• The Bengals' official Web site opines that the best training camp battle in Cincinnati this year will take place at running back. There are six candidates who'll fight to back up Cedric Benson this year: Kenny Watson, Brian Leonard, rookie Bernard Scott, DeDe Dorsey, James Johnson and Marlon Lucky. (Lucky was an undrafted free agent who's almost certainly headed to the practice squad, though.) Watson and Leonard are probably the favorites here, but the team is reportedly concerned that if it tries to get Scott through waivers to put him on the practice squad, someone will claim him. That could lead to a roster squeeze. Scott is the fastest player in this group, so despite his character questions after multiple incidents in college, he's a guy to remember.
• Finally, in case you've been living under a rock, Brett Favre is almost certainly going to be a Viking this year. He reportedly put money down on a condo in Minnesota, and Dr. James Andrews let slip that he's heard Favre is preparing to play with the Vikes.
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