FSH: WEEKLY ROUND-UP (PRE-SUPER BOWL WEEKEND)

January 31st, 2008 11:47am PST


WEEKLY ROUND-UP...


***James could see a lot of work...
.....the Cardinal's starting running back will likely see a lot of action on Sunday, not just in the run game. James has been an effective blocker throughout his career and against the Steeler's pass rush, he will be key picking up Woodley and Harrison on the edges.

***Ward returns to practice...
.....the Steeler's wide receiver Hines Ward completed his second full day of practice on Friday and appears ready for Sunday. He is officially listed as probable and will start Sunday wearing a brace to protect the sprained knee.

***Arrington will be questionable...
....the Cardinal's running back J.J. Arrington is listed as questionable for Sunday. Arrington is a primary receiving back and used to help spread the defense. If he sits, his absence could mean a more expanded role for rookie running back Tim Hightower.

***Big Ben is "fine" for Sunday...
....according to head coach Mike Tomlin, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is fine and should have no trouble playing in the Super Bowl. For the past week there has been quite a bit of scuttle-butt concerning x-rays taken on Ben's sore ribs. The injury does not appear to be serious and should not impact the quarterback's play.

***DRC likely to get the call...
.....the Cardinals are expected to shadow Santonio Holmes with cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. DRC has been a beast in lock-down mode throughout the playoffs. He has nine total passes defensed, including two picks in the post season to go along with his 15 total tackles.



WEEKLY PRACTICE NOTES
Notable players listed (included IDP)



***Friday Practice Report***
January 30, 2009

Arizona Cardinals
--RB J.J. Arrington (knee) was limited during practice Thursday, Jan. 29.
--DE Travis LaBoy (biceps) was limited during practice Thursday, Jan. 29.
--DE Antonio D. Smith (knee) was limited during practice Thursday, Jan. 29.
--P Ben Graham (groin) was limited during practice Thursday, Jan. 29.

Pittsburgh Steelers
--QB Ben Roethlisberger (rib, back) refused to comment on a report that he underwent an X-ray Wednesday, Jan. 28, on his rib. He said his ribs and back felt fine after the AFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 18, and that he did not have any complications from the injuries. Questions to Roethlisberger about the X-ray exam were omitted from the league's official daily transcripts later Thursday, Jan. 29.
--RB Rashard Mendenhall (shoulder) said his current goal is strengthening the muscles around his surgically repaired shoulder. He expects to be fully healthy by the team's offseason workouts. --WR Hines Ward (knee) fully participated in practice Thursday, Jan. 29.


***Thursday Practice Report***
January 29, 2009

Arizona Cardinals
--RB J.J. Arrington (knee) was limited during practice Thursday, Jan. 29. --DE Travis LaBoy (biceps) was limited during practice Thursday, Jan. 29. --DE Antonio D. Smith (knee) was limited during practice Thursday, Jan. 29. --P Ben Graham (groin) was limited during practice Thursday, Jan. 29.

Pittsburgh Steelers
--RB Rashard Mendenhall (shoulder) said his current goal is strengthening the muscles around his surgically repaired shoulder. He expects to be fully healthy by the team's offseason workouts. --WR Hines Ward (knee) fully participated in practice Thursday, Jan. 29.


***Wednesday Practice Report***
January 28, 2009

Arizona Cardinals
--RB J.J. Arrington (knee) was limited during practice Wednesday, Jan. 28. --DE Travis LaBoy (biceps) was limited during practice Wednesday, Jan. 28.--DE Antonio D. Smith (knee) was limited during practice Wednesday, Jan. 28. --P Ben Graham (groin) was limited during practice Wednesday, Jan. 28.

Pittsburgh Steelers
--WR Hines Ward: NFL.com reports Pittsburgh Steelers WR Hines Ward (knee) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Jan. 28.



OFFICIAL INJURY REPORT
[Super Bowl Teams]

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PITTSBURGH STEELERS vs. ARIZONA CARDINALS

NATIONAL FOOTBALL CONFERENCE

Arizona Cardinals
PROBABLE DL Antonio D. Smith (knee)QUESTIONABLE RB J.J. Arrington (knee), P Ben Graham (groin), DL Travis LaBoy (biceps)INJURED RESERVE TE Stephen Spach (knee), C Al Johnson (knee)

AMERICAN FOOTBALL CONFERENCE

Pittsburgh Steelers

PROBABLE WR Hines Ward (knee)INJURED RESERVE QB Charlie Batch (collarbone), RB Rashard Mendenhall (shoulder), OG Kendall Simmons (Achilles')

.

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FSH: MORE FOOTBALL DIGEST

January 30th, 2009 11:15pm PST

Cardinals: Sharpening the Edge.

James prepares for the Final Dance...

When the 2008 season opened up there was some speculation around "The Watercooler" that the Cardinal's running back Edgerrin James could be running on his last legs in the Arizona desert. After all, James was entering his 10th season in the NFL and lets face it, for a running back, that's a lot of years.

Another factor that made the obvious and eventual transition more apparent was the team's drafting of rookie running back Tim Hightower, who many figured at some point during the season, would take over the rushing duties. A fifth round selection, the team was very impressed with Hightower heading into the season, as were the football critics who pegged him a starter at some point and at the very least a major contributor in the running game.

In week one of the 2008 season against the Niners, no one in the league carried the ball more times than James, who finished the game with 100-yards on 26 carries in his first start of the season. While this was a good start for the Edge, it may not have been sharp enough to deter the detractors that felt the team would be more successful going in another direction. James continued to start the next seven weeks, but with diminishing carries and decreasing numbers it was evident that change was coming.

In Week 9 against the Rams, the Cardinals made the change official with Hightower as the starter and James on the sideline. As a matter of fact, Edgerrin didn't even see any action on Sunday. He stood on the sideline and watched in frustration as his time in the sun had passed. This certainly wasn't what the former Miami Hurricane was used to being a part of.

James was drafted by the Colts in 1999 and started every game in Indianapolis his rookie season. In his first NFL season, the Edge would carry the ball 369 times and rush for 1,553-yards (led the NFL) and score 17 touchdowns. The Edge would lead the NFL in rushing his first two seasons in the NFL and go on to start his first 38 games in Indy, until Week 7 of the 2001 season, when he tore his ACL.

It wasn't until 2003 when completely healed from his injuries that James would bounce back with a strong productive season, rushing for 1,259-yards and 11 rushing touchdowns. In 2004, the Edge was back rushing for over 1,500-yards and helping lead the Colts reach the playoffs for the third consecutive season.

James would complete his final year (2005) in Indianapolis with his fourth season rushing for more than 1,500 yards and adding another 14 total touchdowns. For his career with the Colts James would finish with 9,226-yards rushing, 75 career total touchdowns (including 64 rushing), and 356 receptions for another 2,839-yards.

While his time with the Colts was fruitful James was allowed to leave Indianapolis and was signed by the Cardinals in 2006. When he arrived in the Arizona, he was expected to be the team's main rushing threat, something that had been sorely missed. In 2006 and 2007, James saw his production dip from his earlier years, indicating that maybe his best years were behind him and that time could be catching up.

As the Cardinal's running back started out the 2008 campaign, he appeared to be back in the saddle, but after a poor week 4 performance, nine carries for 29-yards against the Jets, things began to go south quickly. With just nine carries against the Cowboys (Week 6) and seven carries against the Panthers (Week 8), the writing was on the wall.

Without question, this was a difficult time for a competitor like James. Having comeback from an ACL injury earlier in his career, Edgerrin was accustomed to facing adversity, but could he overcome Father-time?

The move to go with a younger running back with fresher legs seemed to make sense, but as one of the NFL's more explosive offenses, it didn't take long before they soon became one dimensional and struggled on the ground. Through weeks 10 to 16, the Cardinals ground game sputtered averaging just 46-yards per game with James spending most of his time being an observer, rather than ball carrier.

In a move to try to spark a running attack, in Week 17 head coach Ken Whisenhunt put the Edge back into the ground game and suddenly it found life. In the team's finale, Arizona rushed for 111-yards against the Seahawks, led by James' 100-yards on 14 carries.

Heading into the playoffs, there were two things apparent, to be successful the Cards would need Warner to play well and Warner would need the ground game to run effective. Through three post season games the ground game has been just that, effective. In their three games led by James, the Cards averaged 111-yards rushing per game and 3.3-yards per carry.

While this does not seem like a significant number or statistic, with careful examination the proof is in the puddin. Through weeks 10-16, the team averaged just 16 carries per game and a meager 2.8-yards per carry. The offensive play calling had become lopsided with less than 28% of their offensive play calls being a run play. The Cardinals explosive offense had become predictable and vulnerable.

With James locked and loaded back in the saddle, the Cardinals are flying at new heights. Since Week 17 the team is still averaging a pedestrian 3.7-yards per carry, but the effectiveness has been their 111-yards rushing and 29-carries per game (47% of their play calls). The team has found balance and seems to be riding the razor's edge!

Just as he did in Week 1 of the 2008 NFL season, the Edge started strong with 100-yards and in Week 17 he started his second wind with another C-note. This will be Edgerrin's first trip to the Super Bowl, an unlikely prospect for this 10-year veteran when the season opened, but here he is and caught smack in the middle of what could be a "Hollywood ending" considering all things.

James is not a stranger to his own controversy, voicing his frustrations during the controversial move by Whisenhunt earlier in the season. The Edge was dulled by playing the role of a back-up and revealed his expectation that he would be released in the off-season. He even went as far as requesting being released following his benching in Week 9.

The 2008 season has not been a smooth ride for the Cardinal's leading rusher, but he's back where he started and now standing on the biggest stage of his career. When the 30-year old veteran running back takes the field on Sunday, he'll have a chance and perhaps his only chance at magic.

The Cardinals have been riding a wing and a prayer through 21 weeks and have found sweet emotion singing a song of football poetry. With one more rhyme and reason, the stage will be set for the Cardinal's and Edgerrin James to complete one of the most thrilling and unexpected finish to a whirlwind of adversity and perseverance.

Perhaps one of the least talked about players on Sunday's filed could turn out to be the biggest hero? Whether or not that comes to fruition, one thing to note, if James has fresh legs and is sharp he could cut the defense like a knife and the Steelers could be facing the blade of the Cardinal's "Edge."



Keep checking back for more football....

By David G. Ortega

FSH: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST (Fantasy News)

January 28th, 2008 10:50pm PST


David's Daily Digest
Fantasy Playoff News

It's the Super Bowl Baby!!

Big Ben focusing on another title.....
.....the Steeler's quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was a rookie the last time he played in the Super Bowl, just three years ago. While the Steelers were Champions it probably wasn't as memorable for Big Ben who struggled with 9 of 21 passing and two interceptions. This Sunday a more mature Roethlisberger will be looking to be more of a factor.

Boldin should not be limited.....
.....the Cardinal's wide receiver Anquan Boldin (hamstring) is not expected to be limited on Sunday. Boldin's strained hamstring is much improved and it is expected he'll be a big part of the team's offensive game plan.

Ward still yet to practice...
.....the Steeler's wide receiver Hines Ward (knee) did not practice on Wednesday. Ward was on the field doing some light drills and running, but did not actually practice. Ward has a slight MCL sprain and is currently questionable for Sunday, although it looks like he'll be on the field.

Warner looking to repeat...
....the Cardinal's quarterback Kurt Warner has already led one team (Rams) with a dysfunctional past to football supremacy and will be looking for a repeat performance on Sunday. In Super Bowl XXXIV, Warner was the MVP passing for a record 414-yards and throwing two touchdowns. Can he do it again?

Arrington limited in practice...
....the Cardinal's running back J.J. Arrington (knee) was limited in practice Wednesday. Arrington has been a big part in the Cardinal's passing game and their ability to spread the defense. If he's not able to go, the Cards rookie Tim Hightower could see more time on the field.

Parker healthy and revving the engine...
....the Steeler's running back Willie Parker is as healthy as he's been since early this season. Parker will be facing a questionable Cardinal run defense that has been playing very well in the post season. Last season against Arizona Parker

Breaston could quietly be effective...
....the Cardinal's number three receiver Steve Breaston could go relatively un-noticed with so much attention being paid to Fitzgerald and Boldin on Sunday. With Cards likely to spread the field on Sunday, Breaston could see many looks in his direction.


IDP NEWS...

Wilson figures to play big role Sunday.....
....the Cardinal's safety Adrian Wilson will likely spend a lot of time around the line-of-scrimmage supporting the defense against the run and trying to stop Fast Willie Parker. In the post season Wilson has been solid with 16 tackles and 2 sacks.

Smith limited in practice....
.....the Cardinal's defensive lineman Antonio Smith (knee) was limited during practice Wednesday. The Cards defensive lineman has played well in the post season with two sacks and will be a big part of putting pressure on Big Ben this Sunday.

Woodley hoping to meet Warner....
....throughout the post season Steeler's linebacker LaMarr Woodley has been playing at a high level and making personal appearances in opposing offenses backfields. On Sunday Woodley hopes to add to his four post season sacks by meeting Cardinal's quarterback Kurt Warner up close and personal.

Laboy likely to play part-time....
.....the Cardinal's defensive lineman Travis LaBoy (biceps) has been limited in practice this week and will likely play in a limited role. LaBoy is expected to wear a brace to protect the biceps injury.


Check back soon for more "David's Daily Digest" and fantasy news...

By David G. Ortega

FSH: FEATURED FOOTBALL ARTICLE

January 27th, 2008 11:30pm PST

Pittsburgh Steelers: Passing the Torch

The Steel Curtain...

Back in 1971 when the legacy began, like most beginnings this one started quite simple. The Steelers weren't even the team as we know them today or how we knew them yesterday. From the days of "Mean" Joe Greene to the days of Greg Lloyd to the defense of present time, back in 71', the Steelers weren't even in the same breath.

In 71' Pittsburgh would end it's season with a 23-14 loss to the then Los Angeles Rams to finish 6-8. That year the NFL had only 26 franchises and the Steelers defense ranked 18th overall and was dead last against the pass. Not much of a "Steel Curtain."

Yet it was in 1971, when the moniker "Steel Curtain" referring to the team's defense was born. The story goes a local radio station held a contest to name the defense, and the phrase was a play off "Iron Curtain." The sponsored contest was won by Gregory Kronz, then a ninth grader and a nickname was found.

The story continues, while the Steelers struggled through the early part of the 70s, the team was building what would become a defensive dynasty and legacy that would survive generations to follow.


The Early Years (70's)...

The newly founded nickname was originally given to the Steeler's famous front four during their dynasty years; Joe Greene, L.C. Greenwood, Ernie Holmes, and Dwight White.While the name may have originated in 1971, the origins and evolution of this defense began much sooner.

It all started with the 1969 draft under head coach Chuck Knoll, when the team selected defensive tackle Joe Greene number four overall. They would also draft his counterpart defensive end L.C. Greenwood later in the tenth round. The following year the team would add defensive back Mel Blount and in 1971 defensive linemen Dwight White and Ernie Holmes would join the group.

The defense would complete its' formation with the additions of linebackers Jam Ham in 1971 and Jack Lambert in 1974. Lambert would become one of the most recognizable faces of the 70s Steelers and one of its' leaders during their dynasty years. The Steelers defense would gradually improve in 1972-ranked 10th overall and in 1973-ranked 5th overall. It was until 1974, that the Steel Curtain would come to life.

In 74' as a rookie, Lambert would replace middle linebacker Henry Davis as the team's starter and earn the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Award. Lambert along with his sidekick Jack Ham (a nine-time All-Pro) led a Steeler defense that season, that would finish 10-3-1 and ranked number one overall. By this time, the entire famed defense had earned the name "Steel Curtain."

And so began the legacy.

While there was more to the Steelers defense of the 70s than these two, they were staples in a dominant defense that would win four Super Bowls from 1975-1980. In 1976 the defense was more dominant than any defense had ever been. After starting the season 1-4 and losing their starting quarterback Terry Bradshaw, the team would rally behind a defensive squad that would perform like no other.

In the remaining nine games, the 76' defense didn't allow a single touchdown, completing five shut-outs along the way. During the nine game stretch team allowed just two touchdowns, five field goals, and an average of 3.1 points per game. The team would win those games by an average margin of victory of 22 points.


The Birth of Blitzburgh...

In the Early Years, it was Lambert and Ham that led a dominant Pittsburgh defense through the 1970s, but in 1992 now in the Bill Cowher Era, with the arrival of defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau, "Blitzburgh" was conceived.

The defense featured an assortment of talented defensive specialists, DB Rod Woodson, LB Chad Brown, LB Levon Kirkland, and DB Carnell Lake, but it was linebackers Greg Lloyd and Kevin Greene, that were the leaders of this new steel town defense. Despite his short stint with the Steelers (just three seasons) Greene was made famous as an integral part of LeBeau's new defense.

Unlike the dynasty before it, this new blood of steel workers was every bit as ferocious, but just lacked the height of success that the 70s teams had reached. They were still a working man's team and under LeBeau and Cowher, their hard work would soon pay off.

With Greene and Lloyd, the Steel Curtain was revived and Blitzburgh was turned loose on opposing quarterbacks. In 1992, the defense recorded just 36 sacks, but with LeBeau's new 3-4 zone blitz scheme, organized chaos found new meaning.

In the following year, the Steelers defense brought reckless abandon to new heights and applied pressure like never seen. In 1994 the Steelers would ride the wave of the Terrible Towel to a 12-4 record behind a defense that led the league with 55 sacks. Both Greene (14 sacks) and Lloyd (10 sacks) would anchor the leagues number two overall ranked defense and lead the team to its fifth Super Bowl appearance.

Like their predecessors, this new Steeler's defense had found prominence and continued the legacy of its' storied franchise.


The Torch is passed...

First it was Ham and Lambert, then came along Greene and Lloyd, and like the gladiators that fought the gridiron battles before them, linebackers James Harrison and LaMarr Woodley have been passed the torch of Steeler greatness.

Standing on the doorsteps of Super Bowl immortality, under head coach Mike Tomlin Harrison and Woodley look to continue the tradition of the great Steeler defenses. When 2008 season opened, not many outside of the Pennsylvania area knew how good the Steelers defense really was, but looking back over the past 18 games most of us have caught up.

This year's version of the Steel Curtain at 12-4 has been as good as any of the past. Ranked number one overall the defense has allowed just under 14 points and 237-yards of offense per game. With 51 sacks (ranked 2nd) this season the Steelers pass defense ranked number one allowing a meager 157-yards per game in the air.

Both Harrison (16 sacks) and Woodley (12 sacks) have been instrumental in the team's great fortune throughout the 2008 season, as well as in the post season. In the team's two playoff games Woodley has four sacks to go with 12 total tackles, while Harrison has added 10 tackles with a sack.

This season's supporting cast has been as equally talented as any other with LB James Farrior (133 tackles), DL Aaron Smith (6 sacks), DB Ryan Clark, and DB Troy Polamalu (7 interceptions). Amazingly when you look up and down at this squad their greatness is hard to see, but when they take the field, it doesn't take long to find.

The Steelers throughout their history from the early 70s up until present day have not changed much. Their personality has been constant, a team for the working class, bringing their lunch pails to work everyday. Their defense has not changed much either, still ferocious, hard-hitting, and loves to get dirty in the trenches.

In the post season Harrison-Woodley and company have continued the tradition of the Steel Curtain, limiting their opponents to 244-yards of offense per game, forcing six turnovers, and recording seven sacks in two games. Much like they did during the regular season, the Steelers relied on their defense to dominate and offense to make big plays

Now that the Steelers are on the verge of making history with a possible sixth Super Bowl title, it appears the torch has been passed. But with unfinished business for this year's version of the "Steel Curtain", on Super Sunday they will take the field hoping to continue the tradition defensive dominance and supremacy.

For those Steeler fans on Sunday that wait in anticipation, long wave the Terrible Towel.


By David G. Ortega

FSH: MY FOOTBALL DIARY

January 26th, 2008 8:30pm PST




[Monday's late Edition]
My Football Diary

Dear Diary...

Welcome to another addition of My Football Diary, filled with everything me that is football. I'm not your typical bowl of soup, my taste for the sport is robust and filled with great flavor, if I say so myself. Nevermind that I said it.

The game moves me, because it is filled with raw emotion and extreme intensity. The NFL game is not one that you can relax and enjoy, you don't wait your turn, and you can't take your time to find your groove. This is a game that when you show up, you had better be ready to play at the word go.

This season I managed to catch quite a few Saints games and it never fails, when Drew Brees get the team fired-up before kick-off, the hairs on the back on my neck stand tall. I love that shit!

Watching Ray Lewis get crazy just reminds me of how some of these players are on the borderline of insane, playing in an arena of organized chaos. I can only imagine the where there level of emotion must exist. Actually I can't, but I can respect the fact that remaining calm and level headed sometimes takes a back seat.

I think the next time a columnist (hint, hint Fox Sports) or sportstalk show host (hint hint Fox Sports radio) wants to take jabs at players like T.O. or Anquan Boldin for letting their emotion get the better of them on the field, they should try strapping on a helmet and lining up across from Albert Haynesworth or Ray Lewis.

If you ask me, the media likes to stir the hornets' nest as long as they can or until they get stung.

This Week in football...

Ward is set on playing...

It may be too early to really know for certain, but unless there is snow on the field Super Bowl Sunday, I'd have to say the chances for Hines Ward playing are pretty good. The team is playing it cautious, keeping him on the sideline this past week to rest and rehab.

One of the leagues toughest receivers, I just can't imagine him sitting out this spectacle. Ward plays with the true-grit of not just a talented wide receiver, but a hard-nose football player. He has not practiced all week and may not much this week, but this is likely to allow the injury to rest and heal for the big game.

This season Ward has earned himself quite a reputation of not just a tough guy on the field, but a bit of a hard hitter with some of his tenacious blocks. His style of play has also warranted some attention from opposing defenses looking to return the favor.

In 13-post season appearances, he has 74 receptions for 1,021-yards, and eight touchdowns. Ward has yet to score in the post season this year, but his presence, attitude, and fire that he brings will be needed for the Steelers to complete their championship run.

There is no question that Ward is a physical receiver and that the Steelers will need his clutch play on Sunday. When Ward plays, the Steelers are 9-4 in the post season.


Why is Romo catching so much heat?...

I understand, it's all about winning and in the end, quarterbacks are not just judged by wins, but big wins. What I find confusing, it seems that Romo has suddenly been ushered into the same breath of quarterbacks such as Manning, Favre, and Brady.

When did this happen?

Tony Romo barely has a career to speak, since when did expectations get to be so high?

Romo first broke ground as the Cowboys starter in 2006. That season he only started ten games. While he is a mature (so to speak) 28-years of age, his career level is that of a 3rd year starter, yet everywhere and everyone you ask speak of him like he's a 10-year vet.

The Cowboy's quarterback has only started 39 games, which is just two more than Jay Cutler (37 games). Sure, their two teams are quite different and while few thought the Broncos were very good no one expected Cutler to carry the team.

Granted that this past season there were a lot of expectations in Dallas and many warranted, but it seems very unfair to pin a lot of the teams short fallings on the shoulders of Romo. If you look over the team's 2008 season, you can find plenty of fault to go around.

I have been listening to the talk shows and reading online websites, calling out Romo. If this guy had the same pedigree as a Peyton Manning or came on to the scene like a Tom Brady, I could see all the criticism. I won't make excuses for his personal debacles at season's end the last two seasons, but the team's losses do not fall squarely on Romo's shoulders.

Sure the Cowboy's quarterback has not been great in clutch just YET, but he's only played in less than a handful of meaningful games. Sure performing in the clutch is a big measure, but two things that can't be overlooked; one Romo is a player, his statistics alone prove that and two, no one player can wins or losses.

The problems that lie ahead for the Cowboys are not with their quarterback or his leadership. While Romo is 28 and the team's quarterback

In six games this past season Romo tossed three touchdowns and passed for over 300-yards in six games. He finished the 2008 season with 26 touchdowns and over 3,400-yards passing. There is no question that Romo is one of the leagues best passers, with experience he'll learn to be one of its' best finishers.


Warner: Hall of Fame?...

It is so funny to listen to sports talk radio these days and hear their opinions on football topics, such as teams, coaches, and of course players. While I respect the opinion of quite many, I can not help but laugh, when I think that anyone can even debate the subject of whether or not Kurt Warner is a Hall-of-Famer.

Just take a close look at Warner's credentials; a two-time MVP award winner, a Super Bowl MVP, and an 8-2 record in the post season. Only the Packer-great Bart Starr and Tom Brady (a Canton shoe-in) have been better in the post season. It's worth noting that Warner could very well be a three-time MVP award winner. His 30 touchdowns this season with 4,583-yards passing and leading the Cardinals to their first NFC Division title are definitely worthy.

In 10 post season contests this guy has been amongst the best, throwing 23 touchdowns and passing for 2,991-yards (299.1-yards per game). Warner also has a career 97.3 passer rating which ranks 2nd only to Hall-of-Famer Bart Starr.

Although Warner has not had what would be described as a long distinguished career (yet), what he has done the past two seasons in Arizona, 57 touchdowns and 8,000-yards should alone warrant notice and when you add-in his previous accolades while in St.Louis, he's definitely deserving of consideration.

Warner is an 11-year veteran and has started in 101 games. In his career he is ranked second in highest completion percentage career and led the league for three consecutive seasons from 1999-2001. And while many may think that Warner has not compiled enough longevity to considered a HOF candidate, they would be wrong.

When you compare Warner's statistical numbers (182-Tds, 28,591-yards) to quarterbacks like Joe Namath (173-Tds, 27,663-yards), Bob Griese (192-Tds, 25,092), Bart Starr (152-Tds, 24,718-yards), and Troy Aikman (165-Tds, 32,942-yards), his clearly stand up to trial. While he shares a common denominator of being a Super Bowl winner with all the aforementioned, he is the only two-time MVP.

Warner has proven he has greatness within him and again this year football fans are being treated to something special. The Arizona quarterback has already brought one franchise out of the doldrums of football mediocrity to the penthouse of the NFL elite. This Sunday football fans of every generation could be witness to something beyond special watching history repeat itself all over again.

Whether this latest magical tale of football mystique has a happy ending for our friend Mr. Warner, it would be very difficult to argue his journey could and should land him on the doorstep of the prestigious hall in Canton.

After all that has been said and all that Kurt has done, could you argue that he is just deserving of a nomination? I hardly think so and probably the most compelling factor to consider to date, at 37-years of age, he's not done!

My Fantasy Football Notebook:

When the 2008 season had come to a close, it was pretty evident who was this year's biggest fantasy stud (by the numbers). While the numbers are obviously important in determining value, consistency plays a big part in the consideration as well. After carefully breaking down the numbers and careful evaluation of this years biggest playmakers, as many may have suspected the New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees receives my vote.

My 2008 Fantasy Football Player of the Year (FFPOY)
[NFL.com fantasy scoring]

1. Drew Brees (NO)...the Saints quarterback was not just good this season, he was nearly record setting, becoming only the second quarterback in NFL history to pass for over 5,000-yards. Brees completed an outstanding season throwing over 30 touchdowns, while connecting on 65.0% of his passes. During his 2008 campaign, the Saints passer threw for over 300-yards in 10 games, which included two games for over 400-yards. Brees tossed at least three touchdowns in six contests, while completing at least 30 passes in five of his starts. He also led all quarterbacks with 66 pass plays of 20-yards or more, including 16 of 40-yards or more. In the end Brees was head and shoulders above the rest of the competition finishing the season with 413 completions, for 5,069-yards, 30 touchdowns, and a passer rating of 96.2. (363 fantasy points scored / 22.6-fpts per game)

2. Philip Rivers (SD)...the Chargers quarterback certainly enjoyed his best season as an NFL professional completing over 65.0% of his passes and finishing the 2008 season with a 105.5 passer rating to lead the league. His 34 touchdown passes shared the league lead and his 4,009-yards passing ranked 5th in the league. While his numbers were not prolific fantasy type numbers, his 11 interceptions ranked lowest amongst the leagues top eight passing yardage leaders. Rivers played very well in 2008 (although he was robbed of a Pro Bowl selection) and without question was the mainstay that carried the Chargers into the post season. Rivers finished the season completing 312 passes for 4,009-yards making him my 2008 runner-up. (316 fantasy points scored / 19.75-fpts per game)

3. Kurt Warner (Ari)...the Cardinals quarterback is currently on a spectacular run that has his team on the threshold of greatness and he on the doorsteps of football immortality. In 2007 Warner finish his season strong as the starting quarterback and when the 2008 season opened he picked up where he left off. Throughout the 2008 cause, Warner was one of the teams biggest reasons for its' success. Warner passed for 4,500-yards and threw 30 touchdowns to lead the Cards to their first NFC West title. Warner scored 17 or more fantasy points in 11 of his 16 starts this past season earning him the nod as our number three selection and more than likely make him a top fantasy draft pick in most formats. (315 fantasy points scored / 19.68-fpts per game)

4. Peyton Manning (Ind)...what fantasy poll or leaderboard would be complete if it did not include the Colts future hall-of-famer? Manning to do not start his 2008 campaign in typical fashion scoring over 20 fantasy points just once in his first six starts. One of his greatest assets has been his consistency throughout his career. After his slow start, Manning went on a roll averaging 20 fantasy points the rest of the way, despite posting just a single point in Week 13. Manning finished the season with 4,312-yards passing, 28 touchdowns, and a passer rating of 94.7 to earn his third NFL MVP award. His numbers will also likely earn him a top selection in most 2009 fantasy drafts. (293 fantasy points scored / 18.3-fpts per game)

5. DeAngelo Williams (Car)...while Williams was quite impressive in 2008, enough to earn my top five selection, he may have also been the biggest surprise in 2008. When the season opened many experts anticipated that Williams would start, but that he would likely lose carries and production to his counterpart, rookie running back Jonathan Stewart. Such was not the case as Williams had a big year for fantasy owners scoring 18 times on the ground and adding another two receiving. DeAngelo completed his season as one of the leagues best backs with over 1,500-yards rushing and 20 total touchdowns. Four times in 2008 Williams scored over 30 fantasy points in a single game, making him an attractive 2009 running back option for the fantasy world. ( 272 fantasy points scored / 17.0-fpts per game)

Notable mentions:
The Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald was a solid fantasy play with his rising stock after finishing this past season with 12 receiving touchdowns and 1,431-yards receiving. His 210 fantasy points ranked him as the top receiving option in 2008. His spectacular run in the post season will undoubtedly make the top selected wideout in most 2009 fantasy drafts.

The Falcons running back Michael Turner emerged from the shadow of the San Diego's future hall-of-famer and arrived in Atlanta to become one of the leagues premiere runners. Turner finished the season with 18 rushing touchdowns and 1,699-yards rushing guaranteed to make him a top running back selection in the 2009 fantasy draft.


By David G. Ortega

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