FSH: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST (FOOTBALL 411)

February 5th, 2008 11:30pm PST

David's Daily Digest
[of football]

The Super Bowl may have just ended, but that doesn't mean the excitement has to stop. With all 32 NFL teams now focusing their attention to their offseason needs, fans are going to see a lot more action on the sidelines and in the locker room. With the 2008 season now in the books, it's time to start looking ahead to 2009 and see what teams will be doing.

This week's stories...

HALEY OFFERED TOP SPOT IN KC

Not only is FoxSports Jay Glazer reporting that the Chiefs have offered their head coaching position to Arizona Offensive Coordinator Todd Haley, the Kansas City Star has reported that the team will be announcing the hire. This is really not a new story, as many rumors prior to the Super Bowl indicated the Chiefs had their eyes on the Cardinals offensive mind. Haley appears to be another one of those young up and coming very smart offensive minds. Once he gets settled in KC, it is expected that he will likely start over and rebuild the team. Veteran players like LJ and Tony G could be considered expendable or possible trade options as Haley works to put his new team together.

CASSEL GETS TAGGED BY PATS

As expected the Patriots placed the franchise tag on quarterback Matt Cassel. It only made sense for the team to do this. Cassel was set to become a free agent and if the team didn't act they could get caught up in a bidding war. The tag will allow the Pats more time to work out a sign and trade deal. Right now Cassel's stock has to be at an all-time high, so the Pats could be looking at making some kind of deal to fill some of their offseason needs. Keeping Cassel could also be an unlikely option, even with a damaged Brady in the wings.

REEVES NOT RETURNING TO DALLAS

There were several reports out that the Cowboys and former Falcons head coach Dan Reeves were in negotiations regarding bringing in Reeves as some kind of consultant. Reeve's association with the franchise goes back to his playing days as a Cowboy and his relationship with Phillips. Current head coach Wade Phillips served on Reeves staff as an assistant, so it was no surprise to see that the team reached out to him. A recent report from ESPN indicated that the deal had seemed all but done, until some language in the contracts changed that ultimately changed Reeves' mind. There were elements in the deal that were important to owner Jerry Jones that did not make sense to Reeves, so the two were basically at an impasse and going forward no longer made sense. Perhaps the biggest news coming out of this whole ordeal, was the tiny glimpse and perspective that Reeves has been able to share with the football world, "they have a lot of decisions to make and that's (Owens) one of them." Does the drama ever end in Big D?

LEWIS NOT EXPECTED TO BE TAGGED

The Ravens are not expected to place a franchise tag on veteran linebacker Ray Lewis. According to team owner Steve Busciotti, the team is hoping they can resign Lewis to a lesser contract. Busciotti is hoping that Lewis will put finishing his career in Baltimore ahead of getting paid. While most of today's athlete's are more of the "show me the money" type it seems, Lewis is cut from more of the old-school, "I play with my heart." It will be interesting to see how this plays out. At 33 years of age, Lewis doesn't figure to have a whole lot left in the tank, but may opt to test the water. One will have to wonder what teams will come calling and what kind of offers they will make (if any). Depending on what kind of money is on the table, the Ravens will likely consider matching any reasonable offer, but don't expect Busciotti to overspend on his good friend, Mr. Lewis.

WARNER WILL TAKE HIS TIME DECIDING

With all the excitement of this past weekends festivities, it's back to reality and tough decisions. The Cardinal's Super Bowl quarterback Kurt Warner has indicated to all he's going to take his time to figure out what his next step will be. At 37-years of age, Warner has to face the reality that his playing career is at its' tail-end and retirement now becomes a real possibility. In a recent interview on a local LA-radio station Warner was very candid about not really knowing at this time what he'll decide and that he would take whatever time he needed to decide his future. While his decision remains in the air for now, it is certain the Cards will make a serious play to keep the free agent in Arizona. There are all indications if Warner decides to continue playing that he'll sign with the Cards. Only time will tell.

LJ MAY NOT BE THE ONLY ONE WANTING OUT

There are several rumors floating now that the Chiefs All-Pro tight end Tony Gonzalez wants out of Kansas City. Should anyone really be shocked to hear this? This is not a knock on Gonzo at all. He's a great player who deserves to play with a contender and it is very likely with a new head coach coming in, the Chiefs will start over. If the team does clean house and move into rebuilding mode, it could be several seasons before they are legitimate contenders. Hopefully the team will honor Tony G's service to the organization and give him an opportunity to play with a legitimate playoff contending franchise.

Check back with "Your Fantasy Sports Home" for more Football 411..

FSH: WATERCOOLER CHAT

February 4th, 2009 10:15pm PST

"THE WATERCOOLER"

The GM Game.

Now the off-season begins...

Now that the excitement of perhaps one of the greatest games, let alone Super Bowls has subsided a bit, it's back to work for many of the NFLs General Managers. With the off season pretty much in full swing many of the NFL's 32 franchises will now be addressing many of their TDLs (To-do-lists) in preparation for the 2009 season.

For many of the GMs their focus will be re-signing some of their big names, as well as targeting some of the big free agents that could hit the market this offseason. Some of those notable big fish to watch in the off season would include; DL Albert Haynesworth, WR Roy Williams, DL Julius Peppers, RB Brandon Jacobs, WR TJ Houshmandzadeh, QB Kurt Warner, and QB Matt Cassel.

With so many names potentially on the market, this offseason will be interesting to watch and see where some faces may land and where others may stay.

Let's Play GM..

Sure without the related stress and pressure that comes with a high-priced executive position with any NFL franchise, it's easy to sit here, second guess, and offer my two cents.

Not that any NFL team is going to come knocking on my door and ask me for any advice, but if I were sitting in on one of their team meetings and the question was posed to me "where should we start?" depending on who's asking, here's what I would have to offer to some of the teams with the most cash to spend:

In Denver (est $34m under the cap)...
Now that you've thrown caution to the wind and decided to take a big gamble with a young and unproven head coach, it's time to make some big moves concerning personnel. The defense was an embarrassment in 2008 and improvement is greatly needed. At the top of my list for free agents targets is DT Albert Haynesworth (can dominate the inside line). Denver has the cap space to sign this big free agent and make him one of the highest paid defensive players in the NFL. His acquisition and arrival could have an immediate and tremendous impact. Making a run after and signing Haynesworth should be priority number one. Priority two will be to get him some help on the edges and names that could present the most interest to a franchise in need of a huge over-haul include; DL Julius Peppers (tremendous athletic ability) and DL Rocky Bernard (another tank in the middle).

In Arizona (est $41m under the cap)...
Now that you have completed your magical season and watched the clock strike twelve at midnight ending your happily-ever-after, it's time to get back to reality. The team had a fine 2008, but one of it's biggest reasons was the play of quarterback Kurt Warner. He's considering retirement of all things, and that just doesn't fit into our 2009 plans. Priority number one will be bringing Warner back for two more season, so you can make another run in 09. The two year deal will also enable the franchise to go in another direction for the future, if Leinart is no on board with holding a clip board just a little longer. For the Cards, almost as important as bringing back Warner, will be finding some quality depth at running back. There will be several veteran options available in the offseason, perhaps some names that should top your list; Derrick Ward (runs strong between the tackles, good speed), Darren Sproles (great scat back, big play ability, tremendous speed), and Fred Jackson (versatile back with good hands, good speed).

In Tampa Bay (est $42m under the cap)...
Thank you for hosting the Super Bowl, but now it's time to clear town and get to brass tactics. The Bucs fell apart at the end of last season with four straight losses. It's time for some major repairs. Griese and Garcia don't figure in the fix, so this franchise will go shopping for a strong arm in the offseason. With so many players nearing social security (for the NFL), the Bucs can't afford to leverage their future for one player and it looks like the Matt Cassel lottery could get costly, if the Pats don't tag him. Another name sleeping under some rocks could be the incumbent back-up in Arizona. With the Cards likely to resign Warner, Leinart may not be a happy camper in the desert and may look to be traded. There's really not much on Leinart as an NFL starter, because he's had limited opportunities, but he's a young quarterback that still has some promise left. But before the Bucs can go shopping for their next arm, they should make every effort to lock up the pair of good hands belonging to wide receiver Antonio Bryant. With Galloway pretty much done in Tampa, another receiver to compliment Bryant would be high on the list, as well as adding depth to the running back position via the draft or free agency.

In Kansas City (est $33m under the cap)...
The league's youngest club a year ago will have money to spend and players to move in the offseason, starting with running back Larry Johnson. That will be priority number one for this franchise. Unfortunately LJ has worn out his welcome in KC and it's time to part ways. The Chiefs won't likely release him LJ, but could tender a few offers if there are any takers. Johnson is carrying a huge contract, but he is clearly a misfit in an offsense that is designed to spread the field. If the team signs Arizona's offensive coordinator Todd Haley, it's not likely the new offense coming in would be in the same mold and not a great fit for Johnson. With a young team, a rebuild mode may be in full swing, so players like Gonzo and LJ could be expendable. Quarterback Tyler Thigpen showed some flashes and a lot of promise last season, so priority number one could be dealing LJ and Gonzales (for draft picks) and focus on finding younger talent in the draft to replace both. Free agent players the Chiefs should eye to help with Thigpen's growth and development would include; WR Malcolm Floyd (great deep threat), Devery Henderson (more outside speed to compliment Bowe), and Correll Buckhalter (versatile back, could offer stability at the position). LJ will be the hard sell, but releasing him would be a costly last option. There could be a market for Tony G with teams like the Cardinals, Ravens, Panthers, or the Eagles.

While I might not be tendering any big offers anytime soon from any of the 32 NFL franchises to fill their GM openings, playing GM can be fun and will be something that I'll continue to do as the NFL offseason gets into full swing.

As I have done here, in the coming days and weeks I'll continue to evaluate more team's current situations and developments as we move closer to the 2009 NFL draft.

So stay tuned.



Keep checking back for more football....

By David G. Ortega

FSH: MORE FOOTBALL

February 3rd, 2008 10:27pm PST


THE 2008 SEASON IN REVIEW
My Highlights

To be honest I would hardly call this an actual season in review, but more a reflection of the past NFL season, from the eyes, ears, nose, and throat of a true football-a-holic. Seriously, it's not like I don't try to watch every game, three to four TVs on Sunday, just as many computer monitors tracking as many games as I can possibly fathom, and thank goodness for DirecTV with NFL Short-cuts. A full game in less than 30-minutes. Seriously, rehab may not be enough to cure this lost soul.

I was so excited when the NFL season began back in September, like many football fans around this great big pigskin. And just like many fantasy football gamers around this great big gridiron, nothing brings about more excitement on a Sunday, than a full slate of NFL games. The morning was always the best with so many games, so many TVs, and so much football action.

Like any NFL season, anticipation is at a high when things get started. This past season was no different and watching the Saints quarterback Drew Brees pass for 343-yards with three touchdowns and wide receiver Andre Johnson catch 10 passes for 112-yards in Week one, was enough to tell me this season was going to be something special.

Sure this season didn't set many records by season's end, but by season's end there was plenty to remember.

In Week 2, the Bronco's Brandon Marshall reminded the fantasy world why we should all take notice with 18 catches for 166-yards. Not to be outdone two weeks later the Chiefs running back Larry Johnson broke loose for 198-yards rushing and two touchdowns against the same Bronco's.

In Week 5 a rising star in Atlanta, Roddy White erupted for his second 100-yard receiving game of the 2008 NFL season. White would finish Sunday with eight catches for 132-yards and a touchdown on his way to 99 receptions and 1,466-yards with eight touchdowns. By Week 8, the Redskins running back Clinton Portis had rushed for over 100-yards in five consecutive games while scoring four touchdowns.

While there were great performances highlighting this season, how could I forget the incredible run Tennessee was on winning 10 straight games to start their 2008 season. Equally as impressive were the defending Super Bowl Champion New York Giants, starting their title defense with eleven wins in their first twelve contests.

Watching some teams never get out of first gear drew some interest of surprise, like the Seahawks (losing five of their first six) and the Bengals (losing their first eight). Of course I can not forget some the unforgettable collapses; the Bronco's lose three straight to miss the playoffs, the Bills start 5-1 and lose four of their last five, the Redskins start 6-2 to lose six of their last eight, and the Jets losing four of their last five to miss the playoffs.

Probably the biggest highlights or inspirations of the 2008 NFL season, were two teams, the 2007 1-15 Miami Dolphins (11-5) whose complete turnaround in 08 will forever be remembered as one of the most complete reversals in NFL history. The other team, was the Atlanta Falcons. A team that truly rose from the ashes to an 11-5 record and wildcard playoff bid.

Everyone loves a winner and for 2008, the Carolina Panthers and Philadelphia Eagles were winners. Neither team finished the season quite the way each had hoped, but for these two franchises there was plenty to be proud of. The Giants, Titans, and Ravens all reached the post season in 2008 only to see their football dreams come crashing down with losses.

And while we love a winner, it's always difficult to turn away from a train wreck that is the Dallas Cowboys.

The Chargers four game winning streak earned them a division title and a home game in the first round of the playoffs. Unfortunately they had to take their post season run on the road where it would stop in the Steel City. The Eagles would meet the same fortune as San Diego watching their flight land in Arizona.

As the season that was came to a climatic finish with the Cards and the Steelers meeting in the 43rd Super Bowl, it only seemed appropriate that such an exciting and fun-filled season should finish with two outstanding teams battling for NFL supremacy. Two days ago the football world witnessed perhaps one of the best, if not the greatest Super Bowl ever played between the Cardinals and Steelers.

If this wasn't the best game you ever watched, I'm not sure you'll be able to find another close to it on such a grand NFL stage. It will definitely rank as one of my favorites and will likely be one that I will remember for quite some time.

The season may have ended, but football never dies. Long live football and bring on the 2009 season!


Check back tomorrow for more NFL news, notes, updates, and analysis.

~The Prodigy

FSH: SUPER BOWL WRAP UP

February 1st, 2008 10:27pm PST

SUPER BOWL WRAP-UP
Fantasy Spotlights

Final
Pittsburgh-27
Arizona-23


For any football fan watching, this game had to be a spectacle of gigantic proportion. Big time plays from big time players down the stretch for one of the most exciting finishes in Super Bowl history. Both teams played well in the final stanza, but the Steelers were able to make just enough plays to out-duel Kurt Warner and the Cardinals.

Led by quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and wide receiver Santonio Holmes the Steelers found magic on an eight play 78-yard drive capped by a spectacular toe-tapping 6-yard reception for a touchdown that required just two minutes and two seconds to give Pittsburgh the lead and ultimately the game.

If you had the opportunity to watch the game, like many other football fans, this one will be one you remember for a long time.

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STARS OF THE GAME

BEN ROETHLISBERGER:
The Steeler's quarterback played a great game, avoiding pressure and making plays with his feet. Big Ben was also impressive throwing the rock completing 21 of 30 passes for 256-yards with a touchdown. On the game winning drive Big Ben completed five of seven passes for 84-yards, including the game-winning 6-yard touchdown pass to Holmes.

SANTONIO HOLMES:
[Game MVP Winner]
The Steeler's wide receiver caught a game high nine passes for 131-yards and a touchdown. On the team's final game winning drive, Holmes caught four passes for 73-yards including the game-winning score.

KURT WARNER:
The Cardinal's quarterback started slow against the Steel Curtain, but finished strong completing 31 of 43 passes for 377-yards passing. The defense was not giving much, but Warner was able to finally connect with his favorite target, Fitzgerald down the stretch. In the final quarter Warner connected with Fitz for two of his three touchdown passes.

LARRY FITZGERALD:
The Cardinal's best receiver was held in check most of the game, but came to life in the 4th quarter. Fitzgerald had five of his seven receptions in the 4th quarter, including two touchdown catches. Fitz finished the game with seven catches for 127-yards and two touchdowns.

ANQUAN BOLDIN:
The Cardinal's receiver was solid catching a lot of the underneath stuff from Warner, but was not able to make any big plays. With the defense blanketing Fitz early, Boldin was able to make a few catches, but was never able to get going to make a big play. Boldin finished the night with eight catches for 84-yards.

WILLIE PARKER:
The Steeler's running back was not able to ever get it rolling, but he did keep the Cards defense busy all game long. The run game was relatively ineffective for the Steelers, but Parker still finished with 19 carries for 53-yards.

EDGERRIN JAMES:
The Cardinal's running back was bottled up all evening and once the team fell behind 20-7, he was basically taken out of the equation. James finished the game with just nine carries for 33-yards on the ground. James did get involved with a few early catches finishing with four receptions for 28-yards, but remained a non-factor.

HINES WARD:
The Steeler's wide receiver was able to contribute, but his counterpart pretty much stole the show. Ward coming off an MCL sprain did not show signs of any ill-effects, but was not much of a factor in the game's outcome. Ward did have two catches for 43-yards, including a timely third down pick-up early in the third quarter.




Check back for more NFL news, notes, updates, and analysis.

FSH: SUPER BOWL SUNDAY

January 30th, 2008 5:27pm PST

MY SUPER SUNDAY PREVIEW

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Super Bowl Sunday...

It took 22 weeks and 266 games later to finally get here, but here is where we are, "Super Bowl Sunday." Today the Arizona Cardinals roll into Raymond James Stadium having won four straight games and looking for their first Super Bowl title in franchise history. The Pittsburgh Steelers have won three straight and in their franchises storied history, they'll be looking for their sixth title.

This matchup today consists of two teams with quite different styles and when the Cardinals and Steelers square off, it will be interesting to see, who struggles and who is successful.


Arizona Offense vs Pittsburgh Defense!

When the Cardinals have the ball, there's no question that their strength is in the arm of quarterback Kurt Warner. The Steelers are going to come with pressure all day and if Warner is going to be effective, he'll need to get the ball out in a hurry. The Card's receivers Fitzgerald and Boldin are going to be primary targets the Steelers secondary will have to watch, but against the blitz, running back Tim Hightower and receivers Steve Breaston and Jerheme Urban could be huge keys. The Cardinals ranked 32nd running the ball this season and today they won't worry about trying to run the ball too much, they just need to be effective. The keys on the ground for Edgerrin James and Hightower, will be picking up good yards on 1st down and key short-yardage situations.

To be efffective against Warner and his quick release, the Steelers are going to have to bring lots of pressure up the middle. The defense will try to take away Warner's ability to step up and get rid of the ball quickly. Defensive lineman Casey Hampton and Brett Keisel will be key in clogging the middle and keeping the Cards in predictable long yardage situations.

If Harrison and Woodley get their names mentioned in the game often, Warner may not have a memorable Sunday. This is going to be a classic matchup of defense and offense, if Warner has protection, it could be a long day for the Steel Curtain and it's secondary.

Pittsburgh Offense vs Arizona Defense!

The Steeler's offense is more conventional and less complicated than the Arizona Cardinals. Just like the Steel city from which it hails, the offense is typically blue collar, run the ball between the tackles and the deep ball. Running back Willie Parker is going to be a big factor in today's game running the ball. The Steelers would like to get him 22-25 carries or more today. The more carries and closer he gets to these numbers will be in direct proportion to the teams success against the Cardinals defense. The Steeler's quarterback Ben Roethlisberger will rely heavily on a solid ground game to set up the pass. Roethlisberger has a big arm and will count on his nimble feet to give him the time needed to find Santonio Holmes downfield, who will be blanketed by Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. Hines Ward is playing today and Big Ben will be counting on him and his tight end Heath Miller to be open underneath in passing situations.

The Cardinal's defense is not a big blitzing unit. It will be key for the linebackers and safety Adrian Wilson to keep Parker in check today. They can not allow Fast Willie-P to get loose. If the defense can clog the line and keep the Steelers in long passing situations, pressure from Bertrand Berry, Antonio Smith, and timely blitzes will be huge in stiffling the Big Ben and the offense.

In his last Super Bowl appearance Big Ben was not particularly sharp, he'll need to play much better today for the Steelers to be successful, but key your eye out for Wilson and DRC who will be looking to make big plays.

WHO TO WATCH!!

Key Players:

KURT WARNER:

The Cardinal's veteran quarterback has been on the big stage a couple of times and has played well. He'll be no stranger to pressure and could be huge key to the Cards starting big and striking fast. He'll see plenty of pressure, but with his experience and savvy, he knows where he needs to go and has shown the ability to make good decision.
Prediction: 22 of 34 passing, 335-yards, three touchdowns, 1 interception.

WILLIE PARKER:

The Steelers running back could very well be the biggest key today. He'll need to run the ball effectively. If he can stay involved in the game plan, that could go a long way. The Steelers would like to see Fast Willie-P carry the ball around 25 times today and average close to four yards per carry, this will create plenty of play-action opportunities and open up the deep ball.
Prediction: 16 carries, 61-yards, no touchdowns.

LARRY FITZGERALD:

The Cardinal's wide receiver has been the talk of the town throughout the playoffs. It's not likely the Steelers will have an answer for him in the secondary because of his size and athletic ability, but will have to rely on forcing Warner to go elsewhere. Regardless, Fitz will still make plays today and be a huge factor.
Prediction: 7 receptions, 79-yards, 1 touchdown.

ANQUAN BOLDIN:

While Boldin drew much unwanted attention following the NFC championship, today the attention he'll receive will be warranted. The Steelers will likely key Fitzgerald and give Boldin plenty of single coverage to be effective and key in the Cardinal's passing game. Boldin is big strong and can make plays in both the pass and run game.
Prediction: 8 receptions, 101-yards, 1 touchdown, 3 carries 26-yards.

BEN ROETHLISBERGER:

The Steeler's quarterback has not played particularly well on the big stage and could feel a lot of pressure today to change that. He'll need his running game to get going to be effective. Big Ben has a tendency to hold the ball a little long trying to make plays downfield. He doesn't run a lot as compared to avoiding the pass rush, so his running numbers could have an adverse effect on the offenses effectiveness. This could be key, if the Steelers are not moving well on the ground.
Prediction: 18 of 38 passing, 245-yards, two touchdowns, two interceptions, one fumble, 4 runs for 16-yards.

HINES WARD:

For the past two weeks, everyone has been asking about his knee and today we'll get all the answers we want. Ward suffered a sprained MCL two weeks ago, but he'll play today and should be effective. Ward is not going to beat you deep, but you will still have to cover him. He's Roethlisberger's most trusted receiving option, so expect to see him come up with big catches in critical situations today.
Prediction: 7 receptions, 65-yards, one touchdowns.

SANTONIO HOLMES:

While the Cards will focus on taking away the deep threat posed by Holmes, by shadowing him with Rodgers-Cromartie, expect to see Big Ben still take a few shots. Nate Washington will also warrant some attention downfield, but Holmes will be the primary deep threat. DRC has been solid in the post season and it could just come down to a jump ball between the two. Holmes has come up with big plays throughout the post season, but could struggle today.
Prediction: 4 receptions, 55-yards, no touchdowns.

EDGERRIN JAMES:

The Cardinals are not expecting a big game from their rushing attack today. They will be relying heavily on the Edge to be an effective runner, as well as Hightower when he's in the game. In short yardage situations, it will be key for James to pick up those needed yards as well as being effective on 1st down with 3 to 4-yard gashes to keep the Steelers defense in check. I would expect to see James not only used in blitz pick up situations, but also leaking out of the backfield. Prediction: 17 carries, 71-yards, 4 receptions, 22-yards, one touchdown.

THE CARDINALS DEFENSE:

The Cards defense is not a dominant group like their adversary. They will rely on control the line of scrimmage and not allow Big Ben to make big plays downfield. If the defense can keep Parker in check, this should allow Defensive Coordinator Clancy Pendergast to be more effective with his play call in long yardage situations.

THE STEELERS DEFENSE:

While this defense has been plenty good this season and in particular the post season, they have yet to be challenged by an offense like the Cardinals. Against the Chargers, the defense was key applying the pressure and making plays. In the AFC championship facing a rookie quarterback, the defense was suffocating. Today, they'll face a seasoned veteran, who's not just playing well, but he's been here before and knows what he needs to do. Expect Defensive Coordinator to bring back "Blitzburgh" to new heights and bring pressure like no one has ever seen. It could be highly successful if they get to Warner, or completely disastrous it they don't.

Super Bowl Sunday is just hours away, god-bless both teams, all of their fans, all fans of the NFL, and everyone on such a Super Sunday!


By David G. Ortega