NFL Quick Hits (Sep. 4th)

NFL Quick Hits isn't a new title or a new theme, as it's a universal concept taken up by hundreds of writers across the nation.

However, my version brings you updated information on injuries, position battles, and position battles, the kind of info that you can only find if you dig around for it.

Don't waste your time preparing for fantasy match-ups or trying to predict NFL game outcomes. Just hit this list and get quick results, helping you throughout the season.

Buffalo Bills Follow Tampa Bay's Suit, Fire Offensive Coordinator

The Bills felt they had to make a move after their starting offense had managed just 303 total yards in the entire preseason.

Most would agree Buffalo needed a change, but firing your play-caller 10 days before the season starts? A questionable call, to say the least.

Alex Van Pelt reportedly takes over (for now), as the Bills are the third team in the past month to cut ties with their lackluster play-caller.

Michael Vick Able to Play By Third Game/Unspectacular in Final Preseason Game

Vick and the rest of the NFL world emerged from a Thursday meeting with Roger Goodell with the knowledge that he will be available for the third regular season game in 2009, making him moderately valuable as a skill player out of the Wildcat.

As a quarterback? Not so much.

Vick was extremely sub-par as a passer on Thursday night, going 7-11, for a mere 26 yards. He did produce on the ground, however, as he rushed seven times for over 30 yards and a touchdown.

His celebration after his first score in over two seasons? Nothing. He literally didn't know what to do.

Vick is still a heck of a talent, but he won't be throwing many passes, and with an abundance of weapons already fighting for looks and touches in Philly, his presence is being over-hyped.

Be careful when (if) you draft him.

Matthew Stafford Expected to Get "The Nod"

While his 5-9 performance last night wasn't amazing, he still played well enough to show that he's ready to take on the rigors of the NFL as a rookie.

Is this ala Peyton Manning or Ryan Leaf? We're about to find out.

In Stafford's defense, he threw a beautiful deep pass through double coverage to Calvin Johnson that ended in a touchdown, only to see it be brought back due to a penalty.

If you're looking for this year's Matt Ryan, however, preseason performance alone suggests New York's Mark Sanchez is your guy.

Jaguars' Maurice Jones-Drew Hurt, but "OK"

Both head coach Jack Del Rio and quarterback David Garrard down-played the star running back's injury, saying that he's "probably" fine, and unlikely to miss the season opener.

Jones-Drew suffered a shin bruise in Thursday night's action, but an MRI came back negative, eliminating any serious cause for concern.

Del Rio admitted that Jones-Drew was "frustrated with the hit," but admitted that Jacksonville's new starting running back will be "okay."

Eric Mangini Yet to Reach a Decision on Starting Quarterback

Considering neither Brady Quinn nor Derek Anderson played in the final preseason game, the decision has likely already been made, and Mangini is waiting until the bitter end to release it.

That, or the infamously indecisive coach still has no idea who is going to lead his bottom-of-the-barrel offense.

Based on preseason play and physical ability, Quinn should get the nod, but not by much.

On a side note, Mangini also down-played the rising hype of rookie running back James Davis. As usual, don't listen to Mangini. Davis will get some carries early, and even he is an outside shot at taking over for Lewis down the stretch.

Carolina's Jonathan Stewart Proclaims Himself Ready for Opener

Isn't that what all the stars say? Still, this is good news, especially since there has been almost no positive news regarding Stewart and his injury all preseason.

He's still the back-up to DeAngelo Williams, but should be in for 10-15 touches per game, as long as he's healthy.

Keep on the news trail, as tid-bits like this are subject to change, especially this early in the season.

Houston's Chris Brown Awarded Short-Yardage Duties

This is news more applicable to Steve Slaton than Brown, although Brown still has the talent to be an effective runner in the league.

There have been doubts that Slaton would be the goal line back this year, and Gary Kubiak just confirmed them. The Texans will still go through Slaton on the ground, but this definitely hurts his value a bit.

But don't go overboard. Slaton is still a first-round fantasy talent, depending on the league.

Donnie Avery Gets Game Action, Ready for Opener

He didn't register a catch, and actually had zero passes thrown his way, but for all intents and purposes, Avery is at full-speed and is expected to be ready for game one against Seattle.

With Marc Bulger still nursing an injury, Avery can't be nearly as excited as his fantasy owners possibly are.

Avery isn't a bad receiver, but if you are starting any Rams players other than Steve Jackson, your fantasy prospects are already not looking very good.

New York Jets' Youngsters Impress

Deep-threat David Clowney furthered his argument for serious playing time in his final preseason action, as he hauled in two passes for 108 yards and a touchdown, including a 73-yard score in the fourth quarter against the Eagles.

Clowney has been doing his best Devery Henderson impression throughout preseason, as he has proven to be a remarkable deep-threat, while not possessing reliable hands.

He is currently sharing time at the third receiver spot with last year's slot receiver, Brad Smith.

Another young Jets player, running back Danny Woodhead, impressed his coaches with a break-out game, churning out a 55-yard score en route to 158 yards and two touchdowns on the night.

Woodhead is still a long-shot to make the final roster, but he played well enough for serious consideration.

Last but not least, Mark Sanchez made one more effort to eliminate any doubts on whether or not he was the right choice to start over Kellen Clemens, as he went 5-5 and threw a touchdown on his only series for New York.

Malcom Kelly Awarded Starting Gig Opposite of Santana Moss (Redskins)

And the "who gives a crap" award goes to...

It's like winning a Dundee Award (The Office). Kelly won this job almost by default, and is sure to share time with both Devin Thomas and Antwan Randel El, despite "winning" the job.

Outside of Moss, Chris Cooley, and Clinton Portis, Redskins players are hands-off until further notice.