Tuesday, March 30, 2010

FSH: MONDAY MORNING HUDDLE

April 5th, 2010 9:37pm PST


[The Evening Edition]
Monday Morning Huddle


A shake up in the East

Head Coach Mike Shanahan is wasting little time making his presence felt known in the NFL. The former head coach of the Denver Broncos returned to the league this offseason as the new head coach of the Washington Redskins and in a very short time he is doing his best to shake things up in the NFC East.

On Easter Sunday ESPN's very own Adam Schefter broke the story that the Eagles had traded their Pro Bowl quarterback Donovan McNabb to division rival Washington. The Eagles will receive draft picks in exchange for their former signal caller. With the arrival of McNabb Shanahan is quickly building a fantasy roster that includes recently acquired RB Willie Parker, RB Clinton Portis, RB Larry Johnson, WR Santana Moss, and TE Chris Cooley.

With Shanahan's pedigree to build an offense, it's easy to imagine many of the players elevating their fantasy value this summer and in the 2010 season. The biggest difference will undoubtedly be the acquisition of McNabb under center. The presence of the six-time Pro Bowler gives the Redskins a bona fide and proven commodity at quarterback, something their offense has lacked the past several seasons.

McNabb brings with him the experience of a winner and solid numbers to back it; since 2005 he has thrown 82 touchdowns to 34 interceptions while passing for 13,442 yards. Since 2006 the Redskins starter last season Jason Campbell has thrown 55 touchdowns to 38 interceptions while passing for 10, 860 yards. The move is a huge upgrade for the Redskins offense, but you would have to question the Eagle's motive for making the deal.

With the season vet arriving to town, if you are in the Jason Campbell corner you might be thinking new team colors this season. It's hard to imagine Campbell taking too fondly to the role of back-up entering his sixth season, but with McNabb entering his 12th season how long would he really have to wait. Campbell's conundrum has been the continual changing of the offensive guard in town; four systems in four seasons and now the Shanahan Era has begun (the one with the most promise).

An interesting dilemma if you are the Redskin's front office having two starters, but where to go from here remains to be seen. McNabb will hardly lose any fantasy value making the transition from Philly to DC, but if Campbell remains’ in town as Donovan's successor he'll have very little value to the fantasy world (except as insurance for D-Mac).

Fantasy Notes

The Impact:
With Donovan McNabb calling the signals in a Mike Shanahan system, tight end Chris Cooley figures to make the greatest leap. Two seasons ago Cooley finished with 83 catches and if you remember former Bronco's tight end Shannon Sharpe enjoyed great success during the Shanahan days in Denver.

Santana Moss has a chance to be a solid number two fantasy receiver, but he will need a lot of help on the other side. Currently the Redskins have Malcolm Kelly or Devin Thomas slated opposite Moss. A move in the draft or the acquisition of a seasoned wideout would make sense (Hello Mr. Owens).

Check back with "Your Fantasy Sports Home" for more.....


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