[The Tuesday Edition]
MONDAY MORNING HUDDLE
Talkin Sum Football
Where will Holt land?...
Just this past weekend the Rams decided to part ways with veteran receiver Torry Holt for obvious cap reasons. Now a free agent, Holt could be a busy man and a popular among the free agent headlines. The former Rams receiver was nearly traded to the Titan's prior to his release, but that deal stalled when Holt would not restructure his contract.
The biggest reason for his release was his decline in production (64 receptions in 2008) and his inflated salary. While at 32, his age has to be a consideration, one thing that should not be overlooked when evaluating his 2008 performance was the play of his quarterback. In 2008 the Rams offense struggled with pass protection allowing 45 sacks and turning the ball over 23 times. Certainly there has been a decline in performance, but when your offense is this bad, numbers don't always tell the tale.
(Photo by Simon Bruty/SI)
Holt is still capable of being a productive receiver in the right situation. He has great hands, runs smart routes, he's just lost a step and no longer has that separation, but utilized more as a possession receiver I think he could still flourish.A couple of places that could come calling where he could actually fit well could be Detroit, Minnesota, New York, and Denver. It's easy to see a talent like Holt should have little trouble finding new work, so long as his ego does not get in the way.
The Lions could be a suitable choice at the expense of winning now. With a veteran wideout on the squad, a player like Holt could help further the development of the Lion's young talented receiver, Calvin Johnson. In Minnesota, the Vikings made a big play for T.J Houshmandzadeh, but Holt could offer some help at the position at a tremendous discount. He'd also help with the development of the Vikings deep threat, Bernard Berrian.
With the loss of Amani Toomer and the status of Plaxico Burress up in the air, Holt could be a possible solution for the Giants as well. The team is loaded with a handful of young receivers (Steve Smith, Domenik Hixon, Sinorice Moss) and Holt's veteran leadership would be priceless. In Denver, the team is going to have to deal with the impending situation that looms concerning it's own young receiver Brandon Marshall. Marshall following his 4th arrest just a couple of weeks ago could be looking at an extended suspension.
With Marshall out, the team will have definite need at the position and could go shopping.
Fantasy Fixx
With so many players changing their zip codes and putting on new uniforms it can become very confusing and frustrating trying to keep up. One of the big questions fantasy owners will ask, "now that my guy has changed teams how will this impact his performance in 2009?"
A good question and concern for every owner and one that I will tackle throughout the NFL offseason as we patiently watch veteran players, young skilled talents, and last season's bust look to bounce back with a fresh start and new scenery.
A couple of notable players that have already found new residence and should be on fantasy owners radar, to no surprise quarterback Matt Cassel in Kansas City and the Vikings new quarterback Sage Rosenfels. Cassel was traded from New England to KC just a few weeks ago and is indirectly responsible for the current upheaval in Denver.
(Photo by John W. McDonough/SI)
Last season, when Tom Brady went down with a season ending injury in week one, many prognosticators had written off the Patriots as done for the season as well. Enter Mr. Cassel and his history of not having started a game since high school. Under the tutelage of his offensive coordinator (new Denver head coach) Josh McDaniels, Cassel flourished as a passer and team leader guiding his troops to 11 wins in 2008. The former Patriot also became relevant in fantasy leagues, passing for almost 3,700-yards and throwing 21 touchdowns. Now that he is in Kansas City, he'll have the opportunity to throw to a hall of fame tight end and one of the leagues up and coming superstar receivers. Keep him on your radar as a possible top 10 fantasy quarterback in 2009.
(Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)
The Vikings pulled off a surprising deal when the trading period opened on Feb. 27th. The deal brought quarterback Sage Rosenfels to Minnesota and sent a 4th round pick to Houston. There's no question that Rosenfels was brought in to start, but the word heading into camp is Tarvaris Jackson will be given every opportunity to win the starting job. The smart money will be on Rosenfels who should be able to put up decent numbers in a run-first program. While in Houston he did not get many opportunities under center he did start five games in 2008 averaging 240-yards passing with four touchdowns (although he did have nine picks). Now that he is a Viking, he'll have the explosive Bernard Berrian on the outside and with Sidney Rice possibly resurfacing into the mix, Rosenfels could be a nice insurance sleeper pick for 2009. Keep him on your radar as a late round back-up selection.
WHAT'S IN THE MIX
...Latest News, whispers, and tid-bits...
Staying Focused...
With every team in the NFL trying to improve their squad for the 2009 season, there's no question that two teams have been pretty busy this offseason; the Denver Broncos and the New England Patriots.
The Broncos apparently have tipped their hand by inviting Ohio State's Malcom Jenkins in for a private workout. The defensive back could be a solid pick for the Broncos who have the 12th selection in the NFL draft. This would be a great indication of the team's focus on repairing the 29th overall ranked defense in 2008. The team has already been plenty busy with numerous free agent signings this offseason, with the premise being on the defensive side. Some of the notable acquisitions include DB Brian Dawkins, LB Andra Davis, DB Renaldo Hill, DB Andre Goodman, and DL Darrel Reid.
(AP photo)
Like the front office in Denver, the Patriots have been very active this offseason with many releases as well as surprising acquisitions. The first big move made was the trading of quarterback Matt Cassel to Kansas City for the 34th overall pick. The team also signed free agent running back Fred Taylor in hopes of upgrading a ground game that was injury riddled and stagnate last season. Other signings include free agents DB Leigh Bodden, DB Shawn Springs, WR Joey Galloway, and WR Greg Lewis. There are many contradicting trade whispers circulating about linking the Panthers defensive end Julius Peppers with the Pats, another indicator that the NFL Professor (Belichik) is still in the lab working hard.Check back every Monday for more Monday Morning Huddle!
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