RB Edgerrin James has toed the line and danced on both sides of the fence
when it comes to his desire, or lack thereof, to play in Miami. In the last 2 months, James has told reporters that he would "love to play in his
hometown, but who wouldn't?" He followed that by saying he was happy in
Indianapolis where the offense was "built for" him. But finally, he also
understands "it's just business," citing the firing of head coach Tony Dungy
after a winning season in Tampa Bay. If Ravens RB Jamal Lewis were to miss any playing time this season because
of legal obligations, the feeling from one source close to the team is that
Musa Smith would be more likely to garner more carries than Chester Taylor.
The Ravens prefer bigger backs, and Smith has a size advantage over Taylor. An unrestricted free agent at the end of the season, Vikings DT Chris Hovan
feels a sense of loyalty to Minnesota, which drafted him after "24 other
teams passed on me." But Hovan confessed he isn't sure where he will be come
March, when free agency opens. In the meantime, he's concentrating on
raising his sack total from two last season to double digits. He started by
shedding the extra 10 pounds (up to 305) he added for last season and
working with DL coach Brian Baker to camouflage his pre-snap position and
expand his arsenal of pass-rush moves.
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