NFL GridIron Gab Daily Digest

Of all the veteran players that will not return to the Jets next season could the one they miss the most be Jay Feely?

No that seems crazy. They will miss the holes cleared by Alan Faneca pulling and the leaderships of Thomas Jones.

While that may be true, as of now the greatest concern for the Jets is the kicking game.

Randy Lange, of newyorkjets.com, reported that Nick Folk was 2-for-5 from about 33 to 49 yards while Clint Stitser was 1-for-4 from 33 to 41 yards.

Rex Ryan was not to pleased with their effort:

"That was ugly. It's a little bit concerning. Like I told those guys, I'm not the sharpest guy, but if the first nine kicks all went right of the upright, I think you might want to adjust a little bit. I might have to miss left before I miss another one to the right. I think Nick made a few but I don't think the other kid made any."

He did go on to give Folk some confidence, but not so much for Stitser:

"I think Nick's going to be fine. The other kid's got to make a couple there or we've got to find another kicker. … I think we'd all feel a lot better if they decided to make 'em."

I've been on the record from the beginning saying that letting go of Jay Feely would be a mistake and this news isn't the least bit encouraging. I know it's still early, but I don't have a good feeling about this.

The Jets have the potential to a great team. I don't want the kicker position to be the downfall of the team that could win the Super Bowl.

The Arizona Republic reports that Cardinals defensive tackle Gabe Watson has dropped 30 pounds in an effort to alleviate his nagging knee injury, which required surgery in 2007 and 2009.  Watson is apparently tired of the setbacks of playing at 360 lbs.  He currently weighs around 330, but hopes to report to training camp at 315 lbs.

Watson, no doubt, also understands that playing time at nosetackle became much more competitive this year with the addition of first-round pick Dan Williams.  Veteran Bryan Robinson will likely start, but Williams will be challenging Robinson for playing time right from the outset.  That leaves Watson in a very precarious place on the Cardinals' roster, which Coach Whisenhunt acknowledged by saying, "it is a critical year for [Watson].  Anytime you're facing a numbers situation like we are, where we have good players at that position, it forces you to work harder."  Watson apparently has worked harder, with a new slimmer version of himself to show for it.  Whether that will be enough for Watson to stick around and contribute remains to be seen, but you have to love the positive attitude and inspiring work ethic.

As the Arizona Republic notes, Watson has drastically changed his diet to total vegetarianism.  Apparently, a typical breakfast consists of some protein, a cup of oatmeal, a tablespoon of peanut butter, a teaspoon of honey, water and two bananas, blended together (strangely enough, that's exactly what I eat, but I substitute fat free yogurt for the honey).  In addition, Watson also chokes down a blended concoction of wheat grass, spinach, strawberries, apples and blueberries after practice, which, thanks to the wheat grass, definitely sounds tougher to swallow.  Watson admits that the concoction is "the nastiest thing in the world, but it helps me."

Whatever works, Gabe.

I came across an odd story this morning, one claiming a certain "old QB" was taking up a famous surgeon, Dr. Andrews time this week, down in Mississippi.

In an article from VikingsUpdate.com (by John Holler):

As most fans know, getting confirmation on anything Favre-related is a difficult proposition at best. Favre isn't talking. Agent Bus Cook refused to confirm anything surgery-related with Favre last year, and the Vikings don't talk about offseason injury information.

But, VU is tracking a different angle to this story. A fellow professional athlete, whose family requested that he remain anonymous, is a patient of Dr. Andrews and has had surgery performed by the famous surgeon, who has been the go-to doctor for athletes in all major professional sports. The player, who has had a prolonged relationship with Dr. Andrews and his staff, called his Alabama clinic Thursday morning to set up an appointment.

He was informed that Dr. Andrews was out of town this week and, as part of that conversation, was told that Dr. Andrews was "in Mississippi working with an old quarterback" this week to perform a procedure on a client.

So who knows, maybe Favre's little promise to the U of Mississippi's baseball team,  was his way of dropping a hint that he has had the surgery? The world may never know…

Bad injury news for the Giants: Tight end Kevin Boss will be out 4-6 weeks after injuring his right ankle. He will have arthroscopic surgery on Monday. The procedue is to "debride his right ankle".

Additionally, Kevin Boothe will be out at least 4 months after tearing a pectoral muscle. Boothe got injured while working out. He will have surgery next week. Expect this to be the last of Boothe on the team. With Boothe not going to be able to be ready until at least September, the Giants will look to find a replacement at backup guard/tackle. Rookie Mitch Petrus could be an option

The Associated Press reported Thursday that Andre Johnson and the Houston Texans are moving on from the "blown out of proportion" contract dispute assumed after Johnson missed the first three days of Organized Team Activities (OTAs).  Texans President Bob McNair met with Johnson Wednesday to put an end to any unfamiliar drama and discuss a new contract.

Although nothing has been set or said to be coming, Johnson's a professional football player.  He understands the business of football and that the Texans do not negotiate with players absent from team activities (See Dunta Robinson).  Whether the Texans will negotiate with Johnson after already modifying his contract in 2007?   Well, McNair claimed Johnson would remain a "happy Texan."

Things McNair's been happy about?  The quarterback situation when Vick was a free agent, and, only reportedly, a mediocre season.

For Johnson, his absence was unlike him.

"Well I didn't feel right being at home," Johnson said. "If all the guys were out here working, I felt I like I should be out here working."

Voluntary Organized Team Activities (OTAs) will carry on until the weekend before mandatory Mini-Camps in June.  The Texans have to feel the mutual respect from such a loyal player.  This is the perfect timing to set an example by paying a receiver what he deserves after eight hard played years.  Johnson said in the wake of his uncle's comments that he would like to retire in Houston; something ever Houston fan would like to see their legends do after the seeing the Dream get traded in 2001.