FSH: TUESDAY (FOOTBALL) TALK

March 21st, 2009 11:37am PST


TUESDAY (FOOTBALL) TALK
[Saturday Edition]


As the annual NFL draft approaches, there seems to be plenty of time to do your homework for the upcoming 2009 fantasy football season, but it's never too soon to get started. There have been plenty of moves (signings & releases) this offseason and figures to be plenty more. With the faces of many teams always changing it can be quite a chore to keep up with what to expect and even more difficult to know who to watch. This week I give you three players that should be on your radar come fantasy draft time.

Fantasy Football Watch

Aside from all the distraction being caused by the "Cutler-McDaniels Chronicles" one of the bright spots in the Denver camp this offseason has been the progress of running back Peyton Hillis, who is coming back from surgery to repair his hamstring. Currently Hillis is ahead of schedule and should be healthy by mid-April. With Hillis figuring to be back in camp at 100%, despite all of the offseason movement in the backfield in McDaniels new system the Broncos bruising back could become a fantasy sleeper in 2009. The former Razorback when given the opportunity showed great versatility as a runner and pas catcher. With the new additions to the team it doesn't look like Hillis will be given many chances to run the ball, but could see some short yardage carries. With McDaniels bringing in his pass friendly offense from New England, Hillis could see lots opportunities. In the three seasons under McDaniels, running backs in New England averaged 77 receptions per season. Because of his ability to make plays in the passing game, Hillis could be a player to watch for 2009 fantasy football.

(Photo by Dave Zalubowski /AP)

Fantasy football fans in Jacksonville will witness firsthand the fall out from the release of wide receiver Matt Jones and it all may not be all that bad. With Reggie Williams and Jerry Porter already gone, the release of Jones now paves the way to a starting position for wide receiver Mike Walker making him a possible 2009 sleeper pick. Walker should remain off of most radars, because of an unproductive 2008, but last season when he was healthy and given the opportunity he was able to show promise as a receiver. In Week 5 he caught six passes for 107-yards. 2008 was mostly filled with injuries and Walker saw little action (especially playing behind Williams, Jones, and Northcutt). He'll be given every opportunity in 2009 to be a starter, but could be a bit of a risky play in Del Rio's conservative game plan. He more likely to offer more value as an in season pick-up, rather than expending a valuable fantasy draft pick. He'll be one to watch in training camp and the early weeks of the 2009 season.

For two reasons fantasy owners should be keeping their eyes opened and focused on the Broncos passing attack in 2009. Sure with all this Cutler mess, you have to wonder who will be under center and with wide receiver Brandon Marshall in trouble, who's going to catch the ball. So just where should owners be focusing their attention, how about wideout Eddie Royal. As a rookie in 2008 Royal caught 91 passes for 980-yards and also scored five touchdowns. He figures to be a big part of the Broncos new passing system under McDaniels and will play the Wes Welker-role in Denver. He'll have premium value in PPR leagues. If the Broncos do in fact trade Cutler, Royal still figures to be a very productive receiver and should be drafted no lower than a low-level WR2. If Cutler stays in town, with Marshall expected to miss up to eight games (suspension) and no bona fide replacement in site, Royal could see his value surge as high as low level WR1 in deeper leagues. Royal will be a hot option to watch leading up to 2009 fantasy drafts.

(AP Photo)

These are just some of my takes of who to watch for in 2009 fantasy football. Check back with me every week for more of my "Fantasy Football Watch."


By David Ortega

FSH: THAT'S MY TAKE

March 20th, 2009 8:30pm PST

Enough is Enough

The Only Good Deal, is No Deal...
As if we haven't already had enough of this, the saga continues. Regardless of what you read and what everyone is now saying about the Jay Cutler-Josh McDaniels meltdown in Denver, there is really only one source to look to in order to restore harmony to Dove Valley. That one source is team and franchise owner Pat Bowlen.

Sure when we look at the origins of the events that have taken place to bring us to where we are now, we can fault the newly hired young coach for using poor judgment, but that is not the only place we should be looking. McDaniels was hired for his offensive genius, much in the same way Bowlen had brought in a young Mike Shanahan nearly 15 years earlier. It seemed to be an odd hire considering the state of the team needing so much help on the defense, but it would make sense that Bowlen would allow the new kid in town to follow his new plan. But why would his new plan include remaking the offense?

There may have and then there may not have been conversation between Bowlen and any of his players, but it would be hard to imagine any new plans by the team's new head coach that would include trading your pro bowl quarterback (who was also a first round draft pick) without Bowlen's knowledge prior. It's very simple, if Bowlen knew and green-lighted the move, he was buying into McDaniel's NEW PLAN to remake the Broncos. Whether this was strategically flawed or not on the part of McDaniels and Bowlen is irrelevant, but what is now relevant is dealing with the repercussions.

Cutler is only a kid just a few years removed from college and for him to react emotionally to everything that has happened is understandable. He's young, plays with emotion in an emotional game. It's not necessarily excusable, but you can see where the kid is coming from.

(Photo by Hyoung Chang / Denver Post)

On the other hand, it's very difficult to understand just what McDaniels was thinking when he decided the team would be more successful with Matt Cassel under center rather than the Bronco's current Pro Bowl Quarterback. It's also rather bold to think you can in only your first season as a head coach improve upon the leagues 2nd rated offense.

In only his second full season as the team's starting quarterback, Cutler tossed 25 touchdowns and set a franchise record with more than 4,500-yards passing. he's not won a ton of games as the team's starter (17 win in 37 games), but he's proven to be a playmaker with tremendous ability. With McDaniels having the success he had in New England, it figures that Cutler could become a more efficient passer and complete quarterback. That was the thinking when McDaniels arrived, but now things have gotten so far off course that what comes next is very much unknown at the moment.

With both sides appearing to be at odds and no longer communicating, the latest twist has been Cutler's formal request for trade. Now things have gone too far. It was bad enough that is was a he-said, she-said situation made so public, but with the real threat of this team being torn apart with all this made for TV daytime-drama, it's just gotten way out of hand.

How did it start? How did it get this far? And what can be done to fix it? While people are still asking the first two questions, they really no longer matter and the only question that needs attention is "what can be done?" It's very simple as I started to elude to earlier, the answer is Pat Bowlen himself.

This whole thing should have never been allowed to grow legs of its' own, but that is what Bowlen permitted in my opinion and now he must correct this. He made a critical error in hiring McDaniels and trusting the young coach to be able to handle his new position of power. Bowlen also should of had more input and known better than to allow his franchise quarterback to be dangled in the trade market.

It seems that Bowlen and the Broncos now have some big decisions to make. There really is a lot to consider when you think about it. Cutler is asking for a trade and if he's not going to be happy in Denver, obliging would seem to make the most sense. In reality that is just non-sense. Potential suitors for a Cutler trade appear to be lining up everyday, but I would contend the right move and best move for Denver is no trade. Cutler is on the verge of becoming a top-five quarterback in this league (if he's not already there), and finding a suitable replacement seems unlikely. Any trade would mean a step back for the offense and the team (and that's the wrong direction).

(Photo by Doug Pensinger / Getty Images)

The young quarterback has had his confidence and trust shaken, Bowlen needs to figure out how to fix that. It may not have been about money, but it just may come down to that. If this team is more committed to Jay Cutler being it's quarterback than what is has shown by trying to trade him, then maybe it's time for Bowlen to put his money where his mouth is?

Trading away your future is not the direction this franchise intended to go when McDaniels was brought on board. Trading Cutler may very well take this team in that direction. If this team is going to continue to move forward, they need to keep Cutler as their quarterback and not deal away one of their best players. No deal is a good deal and if Cutler is going to be happy again in Denver, then I leave that to Mr. Bowlen to make that happen.

Cutler has done everything the team has asked. He's come in as the starter the last three seasons, played at a high level, set franchise records, and proven to be one of the leagues best young talents. Now it's time for the Broncos to show their appreciation, their commitment to Cutler and rebuild the trust that will put this team back in the contention in the AFC West.

If the Broncos are going to win now, the team may need to offer Cutler a new long-term deal, paying him the kind of money a pro bowl quarterback that has thrown 54 touchdowns in 37 games to keep him happy and with the club. With a restored number two offense in the league and the current makeover taking place on the defensive side of the ball, 2009 could have a promising look, something that Mr. Bowlen should consider when he sits down with his new head coach and his young pro bowl quarterback.

Enough is enough, clear out the black cloud hovering over Dove Valley and restore harmony to the Mile High Country.

That's my take.


By David G. Ortega

FSH: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST (FANTASY 411)

March 18th, 2009 9:30pm PST


David's Daily Digest
[My Take]

It's 10 o'clock on the west coast and do you know where your TV remote is? I haven't a clue where mine is at the moment, but it doesn't matter. Right now I am not interested in watching a re-broadcast of NFL Total Access or the water-downed retread of Sportscenter. These days I can go online and catch up with the what's happening in just minutes, well maybe a little longer than minutes. Over the past several days I have been noting some of the current action taking place in the NFL offseason. Sure the whole Culter-McDaniels Chronicles has everyone's attention, but just the same there has been movement by several teams that is worth noting. Here's my take on the latest...

My Take...

QB JAY CUTLER NOT GOING TO D.C.
Despite some loose rumors abound, quarterback Jay Cutler is not going to the Redskins. According to Redskins GM Vinny Cerrato the team is content with quarterback Jason Campbell. Currently the Broncos are not planning to entertain talks, but as the draft nears disinterested teams could change their minds quickly. Cutler in Denver is considered a possible top five quarterback pick in fantasy leagues, but could lose some value depending on where he lands if traded.

TE L.J. SMITH NOW A RAVEN
With Todd Heap falling off the map, the team needed to find another pass-receiving tight end, but I'm not so sure about the injury proned Smith. L.J. has never been an elite receiver, but has usually been a mid-level producer when healthy. His 2008 season was a bust with just 37 receptions and he's missed nine games the last two season. The Ravens haven't been getting much production at the tight end position anyway, so with the addition of Smith any little bit will help except for fantasy owners.

WR BOBBY ENGRAM FINDS WORK WITH THE CHIEFS
It's pretty evident that the Chiefs new head coach Todd Haley is planning to build another prolific passing game around his new quarterback. There's no question that in K.C. the go-to man is receiver Dwayne Bowe, but with the team adding Bobby Engram, he'll be a nice slot addition and give Cassel more weapons to utilize in the passing game. Engram is hardly going to light-up any draft boards, but in deeper leagues he could be a serviceable WR3 for the bye weeks.

RB PEYTON HILLIS REHAB AHEAD OF SCHEDULE
The Broncos running back Peyton Hillis, who is expected to start at full-back and possibly play a bit of a hybrid position is rehabbing very well. The Bronco's ball carrier is expecting to be full strength by mid-April. Don't be surprised if the new coaching genius in Denver takes advantage of Hillis' pass receiving skills. With Hillis likely to be designated for short-yardage situation, his versatility could earn him extra work on the field and create huge miss-matches for the Denver offense with formation changes, without changing personnel.

WR BRANDON MARSHALL ALREADY TUNING UP
Despite the looming distraction of a possible suspension, the Bronco's talented wideout is already preparing for the 2009 season. The Denver Post was reporting that Marshall is attending mini-camp, but with possible disciplinary action by the NFL likely no matter how ready he is, fantasy owners may have to re-think their drafts. Marshall is a bona fide top-10 wide receiver, but eight games is too many to risk with an early round pick.

RB MARSHAWN LYNCH VISITS GOODELL
The Bills running back met with the NFL commissioner and came away expecting to receive punishment for his recent off-the-field debacle. Lynch is likely to get hit with a two-to-four game suspension at the start of the 2009 season. If he only gets a two game hit, he may only see his fantasy value drop slightly, maybe a second round fantasy pick, but with as many as four games Lynch would likely fall to a RB3 draft position.


IDP Notes:

For those of us that can never get enough football, fantasy never stops on the offensive side of the ball. The past several days has been just as busy on the "Dark-side" of the ball. Here's my take this week on the recent moves and news...

STEELERS RE-SIGN DB FERNANDO BRYANT
The Steelers lost Bryant McFadden to free agency this offseason, so the signing of Bryant is more likely to add depth, insurance, and fill the nickel and dime packages. He'll have limited value in any IDP leagues and is not worth drafting barring any injuries to the team's secondary.

DL PAUL SPICER JOINS SAINTS
The Saints don't have a lot of cap space to play with, but they are managing to keep busy by making moves. The team added DL Paul Spicer to give the defense some inside support against the run. Spicer not known as a big pass rusher is more of a clogger. He'll have little value as a IDP starter, but could be a serviceable play coming off a 2008 season with 34 tackles and four sacks.

DL JASON TAYLOR POSSIBLY A PATRIOT?
There are rumors floating that the former Redskin, Jason Taylor could be a Patriot. At the age of 34, Taylor is running out of time and could be willing to take a pay cut and reduced role to win a championship. If Taylor lands in Foxboro, he'll likely become a pass-rush specialist and if healthy could still be a mid-level D-lineman in IDP leagues.

DL JULIUS PEPPERS LINKED WITH PATS
According to credible sources in the football community, there is no validity to the rumors circulating linking the Panthers defensive lineman Julius Peppers with the Patriots. While this rumor is not likely to lay to rest anytime soon, it appears very improbable with the amount of dollars that would be tied to Peppers in any deal. Peppers is considered a top defensive selection in IDP leagues, but if moved to OLB in a 3-4 system elsewhere than Carolina, he could be a risky early round selection. He's athletic and talented, but undisciplined at the position his numbers could suffer.


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

FSH: MONDAY MORNING HUDDLE

March 16th, 2009 11:07pm PST


[The Tuesday Edition]
MONDAY MORNING HUDDLE


Talkin Sum Football

Where will Holt land?...
Just this past weekend the Rams decided to part ways with veteran receiver Torry Holt for obvious cap reasons. Now a free agent, Holt could be a busy man and a popular among the free agent headlines. The former Rams receiver was nearly traded to the Titan's prior to his release, but that deal stalled when Holt would not restructure his contract.

The biggest reason for his release was his decline in production (64 receptions in 2008) and his inflated salary. While at 32, his age has to be a consideration, one thing that should not be overlooked when evaluating his 2008 performance was the play of his quarterback. In 2008 the Rams offense struggled with pass protection allowing 45 sacks and turning the ball over 23 times. Certainly there has been a decline in performance, but when your offense is this bad, numbers don't always tell the tale.

(Photo by Simon Bruty/SI)

Holt is still capable of being a productive receiver in the right situation. He has great hands, runs smart routes, he's just lost a step and no longer has that separation, but utilized more as a possession receiver I think he could still flourish.

A couple of places that could come calling where he could actually fit well could be Detroit, Minnesota, New York, and Denver. It's easy to see a talent like Holt should have little trouble finding new work, so long as his ego does not get in the way.

The Lions could be a suitable choice at the expense of winning now. With a veteran wideout on the squad, a player like Holt could help further the development of the Lion's young talented receiver, Calvin Johnson. In Minnesota, the Vikings made a big play for T.J Houshmandzadeh, but Holt could offer some help at the position at a tremendous discount. He'd also help with the development of the Vikings deep threat, Bernard Berrian.

With the loss of Amani Toomer and the status of Plaxico Burress up in the air, Holt could be a possible solution for the Giants as well. The team is loaded with a handful of young receivers (Steve Smith, Domenik Hixon, Sinorice Moss) and Holt's veteran leadership would be priceless. In Denver, the team is going to have to deal with the impending situation that looms concerning it's own young receiver Brandon Marshall. Marshall following his 4th arrest just a couple of weeks ago could be looking at an extended suspension.

With Marshall out, the team will have definite need at the position and could go shopping.

Fantasy Fixx

FF Radar
With so many players changing their zip codes and putting on new uniforms it can become very confusing and frustrating trying to keep up. One of the big questions fantasy owners will ask, "now that my guy has changed teams how will this impact his performance in 2009?"

A good question and concern for every owner and one that I will tackle throughout the NFL offseason as we patiently watch veteran players, young skilled talents, and last season's bust look to bounce back with a fresh start and new scenery.

A couple of notable players that have already found new residence and should be on fantasy owners radar, to no surprise quarterback Matt Cassel in Kansas City and the Vikings new quarterback Sage Rosenfels. Cassel was traded from New England to KC just a few weeks ago and is indirectly responsible for the current upheaval in Denver.

(Photo by John W. McDonough/SI)

Last season, when Tom Brady went down with a season ending injury in week one, many prognosticators had written off the Patriots as done for the season as well. Enter Mr. Cassel and his history of not having started a game since high school. Under the tutelage of his offensive coordinator (new Denver head coach) Josh McDaniels, Cassel flourished as a passer and team leader guiding his troops to 11 wins in 2008. The former Patriot also became relevant in fantasy leagues, passing for almost 3,700-yards and throwing 21 touchdowns. Now that he is in Kansas City, he'll have the opportunity to throw to a hall of fame tight end and one of the leagues up and coming superstar receivers. Keep him on your radar as a possible top 10 fantasy quarterback in 2009.

(Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)

The Vikings pulled off a surprising deal when the trading period opened on Feb. 27th. The deal brought quarterback Sage Rosenfels to Minnesota and sent a 4th round pick to Houston. There's no question that Rosenfels was brought in to start, but the word heading into camp is Tarvaris Jackson will be given every opportunity to win the starting job. The smart money will be on Rosenfels who should be able to put up decent numbers in a run-first program. While in Houston he did not get many opportunities under center he did start five games in 2008 averaging 240-yards passing with four touchdowns (although he did have nine picks). Now that he is a Viking, he'll have the explosive Bernard Berrian on the outside and with Sidney Rice possibly resurfacing into the mix, Rosenfels could be a nice insurance sleeper pick for 2009. Keep him on your radar as a late round back-up selection.



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

Staying Focused...
With every team in the NFL trying to improve their squad for the 2009 season, there's no question that two teams have been pretty busy this offseason; the Denver Broncos and the New England Patriots.

The Broncos apparently have tipped their hand by inviting Ohio State's Malcom Jenkins in for a private workout. The defensive back could be a solid pick for the Broncos who have the 12th selection in the NFL draft. This would be a great indication of the team's focus on repairing the 29th overall ranked defense in 2008. The team has already been plenty busy with numerous free agent signings this offseason, with the premise being on the defensive side. Some of the notable acquisitions include DB Brian Dawkins, LB Andra Davis, DB Renaldo Hill, DB Andre Goodman, and DL Darrel Reid.

(AP photo)

Like the front office in Denver, the Patriots have been very active this offseason with many releases as well as surprising acquisitions. The first big move made was the trading of quarterback Matt Cassel to Kansas City for the 34th overall pick. The team also signed free agent running back Fred Taylor in hopes of upgrading a ground game that was injury riddled and stagnate last season. Other signings include free agents DB Leigh Bodden, DB Shawn Springs, WR Joey Galloway, and WR Greg Lewis. There are many contradicting trade whispers circulating about linking the Panthers defensive end Julius Peppers with the Pats, another indicator that the NFL Professor (Belichik) is still in the lab working hard.

Check back every Monday for more Monday Morning Huddle!

FSH: SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL STUFF

March 15th, 2009 10:37pm PST




Sunday Night Football Stuff

This Weekend's Talk

Cutler and McDaniels at impasse..

Denver fans are probably asking, "how did it ever get to this?" Yes this has become the common slogan amongst Bronco fans and unfortunately there is no simple answer. From all accounts it becomes difficult to pinpoint where this started or who is at fault, but the simple fact to consider had Shanahan been here all along we wouldn't be having this conversation.

Mickey-D has to remember this is his first go, there will be growing pains and he may make mistakes. Maybe Jay could do a little growing up here, but it appears that the team needs to make amends, rebuild the trust, and get this ship heading back in the right direction.

It's not about swallowing pride or simply admitting you were wrong, it's realizing the big picture. Since free agency began, with the exception of this major blunder McDaniels seems to have been making strong moves and appears to be rebuilding a defense that should not have trouble improving from their 29th overall ranking in 2008.

(AP Photo by Dave Zalubowski)

The offense was ranked 2nd overall a year ago and the kid with the Elway-like arm was a big part. He's considered one of the best up and coming talents and he's already putting up the numbers. You have to like your chances with Cutler, so why wouldn't you do what is needed to put this thing back together?

All signs are pointing to these two, Cutler and Mickey not being able to reconcile, so Bronco fans will just have to wait and see where this goes. Would Pat Bowlen actually let his new head coach trade away his 2006 first round (11th overall) draft selection? Hey, the Packers traded Favre, so I guess anything is possible.


THIS WEEK'S "KNUCKLEHEADS."


That's turruble...
So what else can you say about these guys?

In case someone failed to mention this, but if you get caught with Cocaine and you are given a second chance you had better walk a straight line, keep your nose clean (literally), and not mess-up. It appears the Jaguar's former wide receiver (just released) Matt Jones missed that memo. I know it was innocent enough, playing golf and having a few drinks, but come on buddy you're on probation. You can't afford to not take this serious and now look at where you are at. Knucklehead.

(AP Photo)

I can't say this enough. You were just hired as the head coach of one of the leagues most storied franchises, like a kid being given the keys to his dad's Porsche, you decide you want to fiddle around with the engine. The car runs like a kitten, maybe it (your offense) could use some new tires, but why not just focus on a new paint job (the defense) that is well overdue? But NO, you have to poke around under the hood, now the engine is making a funny noise and rather than admitting you messed it up, here we are with the franchise in turmoil and no one willing to budge. Nice going Josh (Mickey-D) McDaniels. Big Knucklehead.

(AP Photo)

Let's not forget...

Now this didn't happen last week, but it did happen recently and I did not want to forget to give credit where credit is due. The Bronco's 4th year receiver has managed to get himself into deep water once again. Last season Brandon Marshall averted severe punishment and only had to serve a one game suspension, but with a caveat. He could not mess up again. Another guy that just didn't get the memo or didn't read it. Marshall was arrested for the 4th time in the last two years and word is he faces the possibility of an eight game suspension. Another knucklehead.

(Getty Images)

Check back every week for more "Sunday Night Football Stuff