FSH: TUESDAY (FOOTBALL) TALK

March 3rd, 2008 10:37pm PST


TUESDAY (FOOTBALL) TALK


Just a quick somber note to pay respect to the families of the three men lost at sea in the Gulf of Mexico. My thoughts and prayers go out to the three men, William Bleakley, Corey Smith, and Marquis Cooper, their families and friends. Once again we are reminded how fragile and precious life can be in these most difficult times.

Today the U.S. Coast Guard suspended its rescue search for the three boaters who have now been in the water for over 60 hours. While many of us will continue to hope for the best and pray for a miracle, the families are now faced with dealing with the grim reality of what has transpired. May god's strength be with you during this most difficult time.

You're in our hearts and our minds.....

William Bleakley

(AP photo)

Corey Smith

(AP Photo)

Marquis Cooper

(Photo by Robert Laberge/Getty Image)

It's always difficult to move on or push forward in the face of tragedy especially at moments like this, but sometimes just as we have in the past we turn to an old friend (the NFL) for comfort.

What's Blogging....

Well it's another Tuesday and as if we didn't have plenty to talk about, sure we do. Where to start is the question. It's done and now in my past, feelings were hurt, but it's time to move. Let the healing process begin between player and coach, Jay Cutler and Josh McDaniels (Mickey-D). If any marriage is going to work, there has to be honesty, trust, and more importantly in this case communication. As I read one of my favorite blogs "Football News from a Chick" the two are expected to meet next week to settle this whole fiasco.

I found this in the now defunct Rocky Mountain News, how appropriate is this picture?

Buckle up boys, this could be a wild & bumpy ride!....

More news and notes to be found among the blogging community, in the "NFL Gridiron Gab" blog I read the Cardinals not being used to playing amongst the big boys have been approached by free agent quarterback Kurt Warner with a new proposal. I guess the Cards need every bit of help they can get to get this no-brainer done. If you ever thought an inanimate, emotionless, blonde knew nothing about football, don't tell "Football by Barbie" as she gives a recap of the most notable NFL free agent signings over the weekend. This wasn't the first time I had read this statement "McDaniels has put everyone on high notice", but reading "BroncosTalk" the message was clear about the Broncos now being HIS team. I think the new coach made that clear these past several weeks, dumping lots of useless talent and under-achieving players. As if my appetite for reading has been satisfied, hardly. From reading "Steelergurl's Blog" I was reminded of free agent wide receiver Nate Washington being signed by the Tennessee Titans. Now how did the Bengals, Vikings, Niners, and Bucs let this guy get away. It's not like any of these teams are stocking a plethora of high caliber talent.

If you're looking to keep up with current NFL events, stories, happenings, and anything related I encourage reading all of these blogs.

Fantasy Football Watch

With all the signing's that are happening around the league, there has to be somekind of fantasy football impact now doesn't there? With the Seahawks landing T.J. Houshmandzadeh, you have to wonder about this investment of $40million over five years. There's little doubt about Housh being worth the money, but I would be more concerned with who is going to through the ball. 2008 wasn't exactly a stellar season for quarterback Matt Hasselbeck spending most of his time ailing on the sidelines with a back injury. T.J.'s presence will definitely improve an aging and depleted receiving corp, but can it help resurrect the career of oft injured wide receiver Deion Branch?

The Cardinals could be closer to inking a deal with quarterback Kurt Warner, who has reached out to the team this week. There are reports indicating the team could have him signed by the weekend. Over the last two seasons Warner has thrown for 8,000-yards and 57 touchdowns. With Fitzgerald and Boldin to throw to a return to Arizona in 2009 will make him a top five fantasy quarterback without question.

(Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

In a blockbuster move over the weekend the Kansas City Chiefs acquired quarterback Matt Cassel from the New England Patriots. The savvy move of Chiefs GM Scott Pioli was completely overshadowed by the improprieties of the Denver Broncos, who allegedly were in the mix to land Cassel. With all the commotion and fuss over this Cutler trade rumor, overlooked was the new marriage of Cassel and Chiefs head coach Todd Haley. Both Cassel and Haley come from successful 2008 campaigns and passer friendly systems. While Cassel won't have the same tools as he had in New England, he does have the good fortune of throwing to a couple of big time pass catchers, wide receiver Dwayne Bowe and tight end Tony Gonzalez.

This is just some of the happenings going on that will have big fantasy ramifications in 2009. Check back with me every Tuesday for more of my "Fantasy Football Watch."

Fantasy Fallout...

Free agency is already five days old and still no one is calling on free agent veteran wide receiver Marvin Harrison. Harrison, the Colts all-time leading receiver was released by the team just days before the start of free agency. Since his release there has been little to report as far as team interest in signing the aging vet. Harrison was unable to renegotiate a new deal with the Colts, so at his age the salary he was expected to receive he was released. With a lack of serious interest around the league, according to SI's Peter King it's starting to look like a long shot for Harrison to play in the NFL again. The longer he remains a free agent, the more difficult it will be for him to find a fitting home and more likely he won't play in 2009. Harrison becomes a huge risk in fantasy drafts and at this point, it's probably best to avoid him altogether.

(AP Photo/Tom Strattman)

Was it really any surprise to see the Redskins release defensive lineman Jason Taylor? With an $8million salary due, Taylor quickly became a cap casualty after he and management could not agree on a new restructured deal. While Taylor won't figure to make the same kind of dollars, it sounds likely he'll be able to sign somewhere else and soon. At 35, Taylor is no spring chicken but if healthy he could still have enough left in the tank to produce well for his new team. IDP Fantasy owners will want to keep watch, in the right system Taylor could be a worthy defensive linemen pick-up in fantasy redraft leagues. Currently the Bucs, Packers, Niners, Browns, and Broncos could show interest in the free agent.

Check back every Wednesday for more football at "The Watercooler!"