FSH: MONDAY MORNING HUDDLE

November 10th, 2009

[Tuesday Edition]

What I saw in Week 10

Still Perfect....

After a couple of close calls in week 9, the Saints and Colts both remain undefeated. The Saints fell behind early 17-3, but did what they do well and rode the arm of Drew Brees who passed 330 yards for the 5th time this season completed 24 of 35 passes to pace the Saints offense. Brees' 54 yard touchdown toss to receiver Robert Meachum closed the gap and the boys from Louisiana never looked back.

Like the Saints, Peyton Manning and the Colts decided to make things interesting in week 9. The Colts offense started fast, but had trouble putting the ball in the end zone early having to settle for a couple of field goals. Manning led the early assault racing the Colts out to a 13-0 lead. Manning finished the afternoon with 318 yards (his 7th 300-yard passing game this season) on 34 of 50 passing, just enough to hold off the upstart Texans 20-17.

Brady tames the Wildcat....

Despite the novelty of it, the Dolphins and their "Wildcat" offense could not match the Patriots and Tom Brady. The Pat's quarterback has yet to return to postseason form, but on Sunday against the Phins, he looked close. Brady completed 25 of 37 passes for 332 yards (his third straight 300-yard game) and a touchdown to lead the Patriots to their third straight win. Brady was particularly clutch converting 6 of 13 third downs and picking up 16 first downs via the pass.

Worst of the Worst

Even when they are good, they are just not a very good team. The Seahawks spotted the Detriot Lions an early 14 lead with a couple of turnovers in the opening moments and what did the Lions do; thanked the Seahawks by turning the ball over five times. The Lions also fumbled the ball twice, but managed to hang on to those. Quarter Matt Stafford may end up being a fantasy gem at some point during his career, but it won't be his rookie season. Stafford has turned the ball over 13 times this season; 12 interceptions and one fumble. Fantasy owners should avoid Detroit and Stafford at all costs this season.

The Jury is Still Out

There has been a lot of talk recently about the Eagles back up quarterback Mike Vick, but not much relating to whether or not he can still play. Lining up Vick in the Wildcat formation has more novelty value than anything else. The more important missing element from the equation is seeing Vick play the quarterback position. And while there is a lot of speculation about where he will play next season and almost great certainty that he won't be an Eagle, the question remains; can he play quarterback. Before Vick left there was no question about his talents, but plenty of doubt about his skill. He may appear to be a changed person, but could he still be the same inconsistent passer that left Atlanta; the Jury is still out on that one.

10 Things I Remember from Sunday

1. The Falcons must be super happy about having Michael Turner; 166 yards on the ground and two touchdowns.
2. What would Kurt Warner do without Larry Fitzgerald; the Cardinal's receiver caught nine passes for 123 yard and two touchdowns.
3. What would Tom Brady do without Randy Moss; the Patriot's reciever caught six passes for 147 yards and a touchdown.
4. The Bengal's running back Cedric Benson owns the Raven's defense; 237 yards rushing and two touchdowns in two games this season.
5. Even when they face a poor defense, the Packers offensive line can't protect Aaron Rodgers; sacked six times Sunday, 37 times this season.
6. The best fantasy tight end this season is Dallas Clark and Sunday he showed why; 14 receptions for 119 yards receiving.
7. The Cowboys and quarterback Tony Romo are better than most think; the Cowboys are now 6-2 and Romo has four 300 yard passing games this season.
8. The Seahawks and quarterback Matt Hasselbeck are not done yet this season; Hasselbeck passed for 329 yards (first 300 yard game this season) to lead his team to their third win in 2009.
9. What a difference a week makes for Kurt Warner; in week 8 he throws five picks, last Sunday he passes for 261 yards and throw five touchdowns.
10. Despite getting buried by the Cardinals, Bears quarterback Jay Cutler threw the ball well with over 300 yards and three touchdowns, but his lone pick gives him 12 on the season; only Delhomme has more with 13.