FSH: DAVID'S FOOTBALL DIARY

February 27th, 2008 11:30pm PST



Friday's Football Diary

Dear Diary...

I don't think I could have imagined how exciting things around the NFL would get once free agency started, and I'm not even an agent or a reporter. But following all the happenings around the league the last 36 or so hours has been as exciting as riding a roller-coaster while wearing a blind-fold. Let's just say it's been fun.

I have been a football fan since I was eight years old, maybe younger but the first Dallas-Pittsburgh Super Bowl is the earliest I have memories of (not many now, but some). I have usually fallen into the same old routine as most football fans, enjoying the offseason like most directing my attention elsewhere, but this year has been different.

Staying with the sport (football) year-round I am just learning all the other fun I have been missing. Sure I read the tickers in the past and watched SportsCenter late at night to hear the scoop, but this year tracking down the updates, catching the stories as they break, sometimes it feels like I'm holding my breath.

We have rumors flying, players trading, and free agent signings, and each one seems to be better than the next. Maybe I need to sit down. We are just tapping into the free agent market, as this is only day two. I can only imagine what to expect next. While I ponder the possibilities, here's what I am thinking..

Just What I'm thinking.....

Collins blinks first.
Well it wasn't exactly top quarterback pay for Kerry Collins in Tennessee now was it? It seems to me that the aging veteran quarterback came to his senses and realized there really wasn't much of a market for him outside of Nashville. His two-year deal for $15million sounds about right, especially considering he's 36 and entering his 15th season.

Overpaid in DC.
Sure this guy is big, maybe bigger than life literally. Defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth stands six foot six inches and weighs in at over 300 pounds. Yes he's quite a load, a great talent, and can dominate a line, but in his seven years with Tennessee I don't recall the team winning any rings. There are not too many players in the history of the game that you could justify paying $100million for and I don't believe Phat Albert is one of them.

Bronco's Defense takes big step.
There's no question for Bronco fans the signing of former Eagle's safety Brian Dawkins is good news, but a five-year deal? They do know he's 35. Nonetheless, he'll add leadership, attitude, and a fire that an inept defense lacked a year ago. Dawkins is just the beginning, the signing of defensive tackle Darrell Reid and linebacker Andra Davis are sure to have this unit taking some large strides moving forward.

Warner calling Cards bluff.
Maybe the Cards actually thought Warner was just willing to sign and play, but apparently he has an agenda and it includes getting paid. There's no question he's earned top dollars ($14-$16million) deserving of any elite quarterback, but it's likely he'd sign for a little less in the $12.5-$13million range (that's my guess), if the Cards would just meet him half way. Apparently they aren't so he's now talking to other teams and also planning visit.

Could KC rise in the West?
Now that the Chiefs have Cassel, are they a player in the AFC West? With Cassel now throwing to Bowe, they look fixed to become the next big 1-2 in the league and new head coach Todd Haley is sure to turn these two into fantasy studs. With a new starter, quarterback Tyler Thigpen becomes expendable for trade, the team has LJ as possible trade bait, and they are sitting on the number three overall pick in April's draft. If they're not players yet, they sure seem well on their way.

Bronco's acquire a pair of Kevin Faulks?
Well it was thought that the team had picked up two Faulk (Correll Buckhalter and J.J. Arrington), although Adam Schefter announced today that J.J. has yet to actually sign his deal. Either way, it looks like the Bronco's are quickly turning into New England WEST. The team also added former Patriot receiver Jabar Gaffney. McDaniels is certainly stocking quite a bit of personnel that mimics what he was working with in Foxboro. Bronco fans will hope he can generate the same kind of 2007 success in the Rocky Mountains.

What the hell is McDaniels doing?
This comes as a last minute insert, considering everything that transpired today. There was no way this was going to come out well for the Bronco's new head coach. If the team was in fact entertaining offers, the only way they were going to win was by closing the deal. I would like to think McDaniels is smart enough to know this, so the fact no deal was struck makes me believe the team never considered the offer, no matter how much sense it may make to some folks. And of course, if McDaniels didn't consider the ramifications of any of this, "what the hell was he thinking?"

What's Spinning round the "Rumor Mill"....

Day Two of free agency was nothing short of interesting. From the big news out of Denver following the Cassel trade to Kansas City to the ongoing stalemate in Arizona between the Cardinals and quarterback Kurt Warner. Following the close of the day, the mill was stirring one helluva football free agency concoction!

What's the latest:

Saints keeping an eye on LT...
The Chargers are in the middle of negotiations with running back LaDanian Tomlinson. Apparently the ringing in the background is the New Orleans calling just to say, if you can't work anything out, they'd like a shot at the former NFL MVP. There are reports indicating the team in interested in LT, seriously. Now that is a shock, but how this might happen could be more shocking I would think.

Houshmandzadeh likely to sign Sunday...
The NFL Network is guessing that T.J. is likely to find his new home by Sunday. Is there really any chance that he stays put in Cincy, I would highly doubt it, not if he wants to play with a contender. Currently Housh is in Minnesota, but reports are saying he'll visit Tampa on Sunday. There is also a report indicating the race is down to just three, the Seahawks, Vikings, and Bengals. My guess is the Vikings will step up and make the offer needed to keep T.J. in town. He's a solid fit and last piece to their offensive puzzle.

Warner to become a Niner?...
Let's put it this way, the Cards have been given every opportunity to lock up Warner, but now two days in free agency and neither side has blinked. The fact that Warner is going to visit the Niners should be a great indication he intends to play and if Arizona doesn't get its' act together soon, there's no guarantee he'll play as a Cardinal. San Francisco is not that far to commute.

Cutler on the block?...
This story is beginning to sound like a regular day-time drama that continues to gain momentum with each passing moment. I contend that the team was not foolish enough to engage in such conversation, unless they were serious about getting the deal done. Many media outlets continue to report that the team was shopping and that McDaniels was trying to bring Cassel to Denver. As long as this story has life, there's no telling what Cutler will say or what the team might have to do.

My Fantasy Notes.....

The 2008 Fantasy football season was not particularly a very productive year for the NFL tightend. Only one top the 1,000-receiving yards barrier and reached double-digit scoring. Overall it may have been a down year for tight ends, but there were a lot of new faces like Dustin Keller, Kevin Boss, Anthony Fasano, and Brent Celek to indicate that could change in 2009.

Looking back at 2008:

My Top 10 Tight ends

1. Tony Gonzalez (KC)...the Chief's tight end was by far the most productive in 2008 with 96 receptions, 1,058-yards, and 10 touchdowns (led all tight ends in all three categories).

2. Jason Witten (Dal)...the Cowboy's tight end was slowed up a bit in 2008, but still finished as one of the more productive pass catchers with 81 receptions for 952-yards, and four touchdowns.

3. Dallas Clark (Ind)...the Colt's tight end completed a solid 2008 campaign catching 77 passes for 848-yards, and six touchdowns.

4. Antonio Gates (SD)...the Charger's tight end battled through injury early in the season, but still finished as one of the top pass catching tight ends. Gates completed the season with 60 receptions for 704-yards and eight touchdowns.

5. Visanthe Shiancoe (Min)...the Viking's tight end was the least targeted player to make my board, but yet finished in the top 10 with 42 pass receptions for 596-yards and seven touchdowns.

6. Owen Daniels (Hou)...the Texan's tight end had his best season yet as a pass catcher finishing 2008 with 70 receptions for 862-yards and two touchdowns.

7. Tony Scheffler (Den)...the Bronco's highly skilled pass catching tight end struggled with injuries in 2008, but was still somewhat productive, enough to make my list. Scheffler finished the season with 40 receptions for 645-yards and three touchdowns.

8. John Carlson (Sea)...the Seahawks rookie tight end emerged as a top flight pass catcher hauling in 55 passes for 627-yards and five touchdowns in his first season.

9. Chris Cooley (Was)...the Redskins tight end took a small step back in 2008 finishing the season with just one touchdown. Cooley was still productive catching 83 passes for 849-yards.

10. Greg Olsen (Chi)...the Bear's tight end continues to get better as a pass catcher improving on all of his numbers in 2008. Last season Olsen caught 54 passes for 574-yards and five touchdowns to make my list.


By David G. Ortega

FSH: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST (FANTASY IMPACT)

February 27th, 2008 8:30pm PST

David's Daily Digest


Fantasy Impact News...

T.O. TO KEEP STAR...
Last season wide receiver Terrell Owens wasn't the fantasy stud most fantasy owners had hoped, but with all signs pointing to his return to Big D next season he could rebound in 2009. Coming off a turbulent 2008, T.O. could lose some of his luster in fantasy drafts, but he's still worthy of a low-end WR1 draft position.

COLES IN SEARCH OF NEW TEAM...
The Jets speedy receiver Laveranues Coles was looking for a long-term deal and the team was looking for a discount. On Wednesday Coles was released by the Jets and allowed to seek out a new deal somewhere else. In the strapped economic times, if Coles is looking for an exorbitant deal he could have trouble finding a new home right away. While he looks for a new place, his fantasy value could drop depending on where he lands.

DUNN OUT IN TAMPA...
Many of the recent cuts by the Buccaneers did not come as quite as a surprise as the release of running back Warrick Dunn. There were no initial signs to indicate he would be out of a job this offseason. Now that he is on the free market he could struggle to find a good fit and be productive in 2009. Even if Dunn signs somewhere, he'll likely play a backup role and not offer much value in fantasy leagues.

BRADY EXPECTED BACK IN 2009...
The Patriots star quarterback Tom Brady is rehabbing well and expected to make a full recovery. Anytime a player suffers a knee injury, there's always a question about how they'll return. Brady was by far the highest scoring fantasy player in 2007, but returning from a serious knee injury he could struggle returning to his past form. The impact will be Brady could fall a few spots behind top quarterbacks like Brees, Manning, and Warner.

GALLOWAY CUT LOOSE BY BUCS...
Wide receiver Joey Galloway has already stated his intent on playing in 2009 after his former employer (Buccaneers) released him on Wednesday. At 37 years of age, Galloway is a long shot to resign anywhere. Last year injuries caught up with the aging veteran and now out of a job he no longer has any fantasy value.

GREEN AND BENNET SENT PACKING...
The Rams released quarterback Trent Green and wide receiver Drew Bennett. Green's release could mark the end of his 15-year career. Even if he does not retire, he'll have little fantasy value even as a backup in the league. Bennett has been a bust the last two seasons, even if he does sign somewhere, he's hardly worth the risk in any fantasy draft.


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

FSH: WEDNESDAY WATERCOOLER

February 26th, 2009 10:15pm PST

WEDNESDAY WATERCOOLER

Move over Wallstreet...

NFL free agency is set to begin on Friday at 12:01am and like Wallstreet, this free market could get crazy. We are already seeing teams get busy by releasing aging talent and high-priced veterans. With the clock ticking, there's still much work to be done for some.

In the desert, the Cardinals could be clock watching as their window of opportunity to resign quarterback Kurt Warner counts down. The two sides are working to get a deal done, but apparently the teams' current offer does not quite meet Warner's expectation of being paid like an elite quarterback. This one may actually run past Friday, but all signs say that the Cards are the only team currently in the running and it would be a surprise not to see the Bidwell family open up the checkbook and get a deal done.

There have been a few serious rumors flying around linking the Titan's defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth with the Washington Redskins. Everyone in football knows Redskins owner Daniel Snyder is not shy with the checkbook, considering what many analysts are saying the going rate will be for Haynesworth services, it doesn't sound to far fetched to think Snyder could be sizing up this big catch.

According to the Baltimore Sun, the Ravens could be making plans to move forward without linebacker Ray Lewis. The Sun is reporting the team could be close to reaching a deal with potential free agent linebacker Bart Scott. The general feeling in most football circles is that the Ravens are likely to sign one or the other. If Scott does resign, Lewis would likely become a free agent and could very well move on with a new team. Nothing has been determined, but it is sounding more and more like Lewis will NOT be a Raven in 2009.

The Giants have also been very busy this offseason inking running back Brandon Jacobs to a four-year deal said to be worth $25million. Jacobs had been designated with the team's franchise tag, but it was always in the plan to get him signed to an extended contract. The importance of getting this deal done soon, it now opens the door for the team to turn its' focus to free agency.

The big rumors flying out of the big apple these days, the Giants now have their sites set on free agent wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh. With the recent re-signing of Brandon Jacobs, the team is free now to put all their efforts towards landing a big name in free agency.

The Free Agency clock strikes midnight this Friday, then the real fun begins!

More Housecleaning...

The Jets didn't wait for spring to start their cleaning. On Wednesday the team released veteran wide receiver Laveranues clearing some cap space ($6million in guaranteed money) and allowing the team to maneuver more freely through free agency. Coles 31, was looking for a long term deal and now he be able to shop around to find that deal.

The Rams, busy trying to clean that mess that was 2008 have released a pair of veteran players, quarterback Trent Green and wide receiver Drew Bennett. Bennett a risky signing in 2006 had not played a full season since 2004 and last year was no different after he injured his foot in Week one missing almost the entire 2008 season. Green was signed last offseason back up Bulger, but this July he turns 39 and is clearly near the end of his 15-year career.

The Buccaneers were big news makers on Wednesday emptying out a couple of drawers by releasing quite a few familiar names. Wide receivers Ike Hilliard and Joey Galloway made sense, both are aging veterans that have lost a step or two. The surprise releases came with the departure of running back Warrick Dunn and linebacker Derrick Brooks. Dunn is 34, but seemed a good fit and played well for the team in 2008. Brooks came as the big shock, even he did not see it coming. The recent player releases by the Buc's front office has put the team around $60million under the cap and is sure to make them a major player in this year's free agency.



The GM Game.

Time to step up...

With Free agency just hours away, it now comes time for some teams to make big decisions. Are they going to be a player or just spend another season just going through the motions.

Before the start of last season the Vikings were one of those teams many experts felt had the talent to challenge in the NFC, but could the team put it all together. While the Texans were not viewed in quite the same manner, going into the 2008 season the team had just come off its' first 8-8 season with a lot of promise to improve.

Let's Play GM..

So the Vikings did not put it all together in 2008. As a matter of fact the team stumbled in the first round of the playoffs last year and played spectator the day of the Super Bowl along with 30 other teams. The Texans found themselves right back where they were in 2007, at 8-8 and 3rd in the AFC South.

With free agency imminent and the draft a few months out, it's time for these two teams to get even more aggressive and put up or shut up. This is now time to teeter or twitter, it's time to step up...

In Minnesota (est $20m under the cap)...
With the recent rumor indicating the team could be trading for quarterback Sage Rosenfels, despite what some critics may think, the move is an upgrade at the position. The Vikings have a big play receiver in Berrian who could emerge as one of the elite, if they can find someone to get him the ball. Last season Minnesota fans saw that both Gus Frerotte and Tarvaris Jackson struggled to do that with any kind of consistency. In Houston Rosenfels showed great chemistry with the Texans big time wideout Andre Johnson. If this move gets done, this would be a good sign that the offense is moving in the right direction. The next move would be to add another quality target to compliment your big play deep threat (Berrian). A couple of names I would consider, for dollar value or maybe veteran leadership; Amani Toomer, Nate Washington. Toomer gives the offense needed leadership, but Washington has the talent to be added as a starter with Rice and Wade playing more in the slot. The defense will not need much retooling, but it could use help in the secondary. Two names to target for the right money cornerbacks Leigh Bodden and Bryant McFadden.

In Houston (est $25m under the cap)...
After two full seasons of .500 ball, that's 32 games of going no where except where you started. It's time for this franchise to separate itself for the sub .500 clubs and step into the upper half. The team is loaded with playmakers on offense, if they can all stay healthy in 2009. In 2008 the Texans finished 3rd in the NFL averaging almost 400-yards of offense per game. Their struggles last season was scoring touchdowns (ranked 17th in scoring), something that can improve with a healthy lineup. To shore up the short-yardage offense, the draft would be the first place I would start looking for a big body bull-dozer. A possible name that could come to mind, running back Lamont Jordan if the draft lacks the options to my liking. On the defensive side, this team had huge holes against the running game. While it may only be rumors, as the GM my first move would be to put a call into defensive tackle Shaun Roger's agent. The defense has some talent and a big time pass rusher in Mario Williams, but what it is missing is an immovable force on the inside. Rogers was solid in 2008 and if there's a chance to bring him over, that's my move. Inside with Rogers and Williams on the outside, the Texans defense would have a chance to vastly improve and compete with the Colts, a team they lost to twice by a total of 10 points.


Sure playing GM with any NFL franchise is not an exact science and it's easy for someone disconnected from the situation to pick and choose, speculate, or second guess, but that's what makes it fun. And while I might not be hearing from Pat Bowlen or Jerry Jones anytime soon, I am thankful that big Al from the Bay area has not left me any messages. That is one tough situation to rectify and one job I do not envy.


Keep checking back for more football....

By David G. Ortega

FSH: TUESDAY (FOOTBALL) TALK

February 24th, 2008 11:37pm PST


TUESDAY (FOOTBALL) TALK


Since the NFL offseason began GMs around the league having been gearing up for Friday Feb 27, the opening of free agency. Along the way it seems many teams have started emptying their cupboards and perhaps making room for more. As a general rule before you can go forward, sometimes you have to take a step back and before you can add new talent, you must let go of old.


Letting Go...

It came without a surprise today as the Colts announced the release of veteran wide receiver Marvin Harrison. The team made attempts to renegotiate a new contract, but Harrison was not interested, so he became an obvious cap casualty. Listening to the NFL Network crew working at the combine describe how they could not imagine linebacker Ray Lewis anywhere but Baltimore reminded my of the Colts receiver. Isn't that true of Marvin? A Colt for 13 seasons, he hold just about every franchise receiving record. Harrison along with Manning were the "Heart (Marvin) and Soul (Peyton)" of the Colts offense.

In Oakland the popular trend has become the unloading of overpaid and highpriced talent. The most recent casualty came at the expense of defensive back Gibril Wilson, who was cut by the team last Friday. This was following the release of wide receiver Ronald Curry. Since, the team has also released players like offensive tackle Kwame Harris and defensive lineman Kalimba Edwards. Adam Schefter of the NFL Network is also reporting that wide receiver Javon Walker could be soon to join the unemployment line. Walker is due to earn a $5million bonus on March 3.

More releases across the league included Redskins linebacker Marcus Washington, the move will save the team $4million. The Jets also jettisoned their tight end Chris Baker saving the franchise $9million, he was due to make on March 5.


What's Blogging....

It's been just another "banner night at the old Bender family," football noodles and gridiron fun. As much as I enjoy writing about my favorite past-time, I find it just as entertaining and great learning checking out what else is on the Net. With so much exciting news and juicy 4-1-1, let see who's blogging what.

It sounds like the Arizona Cardinals are going to have their plate of current business filled with many tough decisions to make. Reading "Football news from a Chick" with a host of free agents and the free agent deadline fast approaching the Cards countdown has begun. As I mentioned before the Colts and Marvin Harrison have parted ways, but "Football By Barbie" explains, this should have come as no surprise. Harrison's declining performances in 2008 and Gonzalez increased productivity were a big hint. If you are keeping track of this year's franchise moves, check out "NFL Business News" for the leagues current tag theme. Could defensive tackle Shaun Rogers be done in Cleveland and want out? That's seems to be the word, but there is more to the story at "NFL Gridiron Gab" where there's never a shortage of news.

If you're like me with lots of free time and an enormous appetite for football fun, check out these sites for up to dates news, notes, or just interesting banter about the sport you enjoy.

Fantasy Football Watch

The 2009 fantasy football season may be months and months away, but don't tell the avid fantasy gamer. There are already a lot of things to look at with teams making deals, dumping salaries, cutting over-priced talent, and releasing aging veterans.

The latest deal to hit the wire that sounds imminent, is the Texans dealing quarterback Sage Rosenfels to the Minnesota Vikings. Rosenfels played well in a few short stints in 2008 and would be an upgrade at the position for the Vikings. Rosenfels showed great chemistry at times with wide receiver Andre Johnson in Houston, so his arrival could be a big boost for Viking's receiver Bernard Berrian.

Recent reports have indicated that Eagle's quarterback Donovan McNabb has put a hold on contract extension talks and is more interested in seeing the team improve. Only a few weeks ago were the Eagles the talk of a possible trade for Cardinal's receiver Anquan Boldin, with McNabb's new position there's always the possibility talks could start up. Boldin in Philly would make the two a dynamic pair for fantasy football owners.

According to Cowboys Owner Jerry Jones, team chemistry is not a critical issue, indicating that he's not concerned about his T.O. situation. This is good news for potential Terrell Owens drafters. A return to big D in 2009, with a healthy Romo has tremendous upside. T.O. has a tremendous work ethic, he's in great shape and a huge talent. If he's on the field in Dallas, he's still worth a top fantasy draft selection.

For the IDP people, the Ravens have some decisions to make as well as their linebacker Ray Lewis. With free agency right around the corner Lewis is set to become an unrestricted free agent. If the team makes an offer he'll have to consider resigning or fielding offers from other teams. A couple of teams that keep coming up are the Cowboys and Jets. Lewis however, will offer the greatest fantasy value staying put or possibly going to New York where he'll find a familiar face in head coach Rex Ryan.

Check back with me every Tuesday for more of my "Fantasy Football Watch."

Fantasy Fallout..

With free agency just a few days away now more teams are expected to unload some of their high-priced talent to free up some cap space. For most teams this process is already underway.

In Jacksonville, running back Fred Taylor was released. An 11 year veteran, Taylor does not figure to step into any starting job in 2009. If he manages to sign elsewhere, he likely has very little fantasy value if any.

With no Peyton Manning to throw him the ball, the just released former Colt's receiver Marvin Harrison is going to fall off most fantasy draftboards for next season. Unless he finds a great situation where he'll see significant time, he will likely be done in most fantasy leagues for 2009.

The impending releasing of Raider's wide receiver Javon Walker should be of no surprise to fantasy owners. This move, when it happens will likely come a year late. Before the 2008 season Walker tried to walk away, but was convinced by all people, owner Al Davis to stay with the team. Already a castaway Walker has no value in fantasy leagues and once released he will likely be done with football.

According to the Gaston Gazette it sounds like the Carolina Panthers are set to release wide receiver D.J. Hackett. Hackett was a 2008 bust for the team, not being able to stay healthy long enough to make a serious contribution. Hackett is relatively young and may have some playing days left, but his proneness to injury could keep him off quite a few rosters in 2009 and make him a non-factor in fantasy leagues.

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

FSH: MONDAY MORNING HUDDLE

February 23rd, 2008 11:27pm PST


[The Evening Edition]
Monday Morning Huddle

Combine stirring lots of interest...

Watching the NFL Network's coverage of the combine has been interesting and from the many headlines I am reading each day, there's no question it's stirring interest. Names like Aaron Curry, Jason Gilbert, B.J. Raji, and Clay Matthews are turning heads and impressing the broadcasters (mooch, Gruden, & Dukes).

The Combine, which began last Wednesday with the arrival of the 300+ NFL prospects will move into its' final day on Tuesday Feb. 24 with the defensive backs up next and the big names to watch are; Vontae Davis, Malcolm Jenkins, Darius Butler, Rashad Johnson, Louis Delmas, and Primtime (joining the NFL Network crew).

Fantasy Fixx

When I look at 2008, there are several players that come to mind when I think about the Sleeper of the year. Now that the season is over, some of these names have become household, but how many fantasy owners knew Kurt Warner would be the starter in Arizona when their league held its' draft back in August.

How about the 2008 Rookie Brigade; special teamer Eddie Royal earned a starting gig at the wideout position, Matt Forte and Chris Johnson emerged as stars last season, and running back Steve Slaton burst onto the scene in Houston.

Warner was not the only veteran to surprise last season, in Atlanta Michael Turner came from out of the shadow of LT, wide receiver Lance Moore stepped up, and if you take a look back at the 2007 season, there is one name that does not appear on any fantasy team's owners roster and that's wide receiver Antonio Bryant.

The Buc's wideout, who was out of football and missed the entire 2007 season, bounced back in 2008 with an impressive campaign, catching 83 passes for 1,248-yard with seven touchdowns. Although his performance was impressive, it only gets him the runner-up nod.

My choice for the "Sleeper of the Year" goes to Panther's running back DeAngelo Williams.

In 2007 Willliams only rushed for 717-yards and scored just four touchdowns, but with the release of running back DeShaun Foster, it figured that Williams would inherit the starting job. That was until the team went and drafted running back Jonathan Stewart. Stewart was so impressive in training camp and the preseason, many experts believed he would supplant Williams at some point during the 2008 season. They may have been the only ones, because DeAngelo Williams not only ran like the wind, but a man possessed and hardly one that would relinquish his starting role. The Panther's running back carried the ball 273 times and gained 1,575-yards on the ground for a 5.5-yds/carry average. Williams also added 20 total touchdowns for a spectacular 2008 season very few, if any believed he could have.

(Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
Sleeper of the Year:
DeAngelo Williams, 283 fantasy points.

WHAT'S IN THE MIX
...Latest News, whispers, and tid-bits...

Tag, You're it...

So, if your looking for a headline that could best describe the events of last week, that's it right there "Tag, You're it!" That certainly was the on going theme for last week, with many NFL franchises making moves to secure players and allow themselves time to either resign or deal away.

The Chargers tagged running back Darren Sproles, but what makes this an interesting move, the team will need to decide what to do with LT before it can work a long-term deal with Sproles (if that's what they plan). LT has not been the same dynamic player the last couple of seasons and is due to make big dollars. The word is the team is working to restructure his deal, but it seems very likely that only one of these backs will remain in San Diego. But which one?

The Buccaneers tagged wide receiver Antonio Bryant last week and it appears he's definitely looking for more than a one year deal. According to his agent, Bryant may not sign the one year tender from the team. It all sounds like idle threats, since the reality is the team will likely work a multi-year deal for the maverick receiver, but the tender should at least buy the team a little time to work a deal.

Linebacker Karlos Dansby was franchise tagged by the Cardinals last week and likely this was a preemptive move to allow the team to get quarterback Kurt Warner locked up, before locking up other veterans including Dansby. The Titans pulled what I would describe as a similar move by tagging tight end Bo Scaife. The move will force other interested teams to ante up, if they want Scaife's services (not likely).

One of the more surprising, but sensible moves was made earlier in the offseason, by the New England Patriots when they tagged quarterback Matt Cassel. By tagging Cassel, the Patriots have allowed themselves time to make decisions. The truth of the matter, it's really hard to know what the team might be planning with Cassel who's due to earn over $14million. That's a lot of bling to be tied up at the quarterback position. I would speculate the team will likely trade Cassel, but that's a risky move with Brady coming off knee surgery. One thing for certain is the Patriots will hardly show their cards before playing their hand and they're likely to wait until the River card before laying their final bet.

This is just something more to keep fans on the edge of their seats and interested throughout the offseason!

Check back every Monday for more Monday Morning Huddle!