FSH: TUESDAY (FOOTBALL) TALK

April 1st, 2008 11:37pm PST


[Wednesday Edition]
TUESDAY (FOOTBALL) TALK


What's wrong in Denver?

I'm sure when the Denver Broncos owner Pat Bowlen decided to go in a new direction by firing former head coach Mike Shanahan, he never expected to see the heir apparent run his team in this direction (into the ground). At least for the moment that appears to be where this team is heading if the new head coach Josh McDaniels, can't put the pieces of this puzzle we call the Denver Broncos back together soon. In just less than three months as the head coach McDaniels has managed to dismantle last year’s 2nd ranked offense, first with the release of offensive coordinator Jeremy Bates and now the trading of quarterback Jay Cutler.

The popular sentiment at the moment amongst Bronco fans has to be "I can't believe it went this far." Well believe it Mile High faithful, because Cutler is packing his bags and well on his way to the windy city.

It took the Broncos new hire just 56 days to disrupt the harmony in the team's locker room and cause quite a stir with the alleged trade rumors involving the team's former first round pick. When the Broncos entertained the idea of trading Cutler for Cassel this would evidently mark the end of Cutler and McDaniel's working relationship.

It has become quite apparent that team owner Pat Bowlen has decided to stick to his guns and fully support his unproven and quite naive new head coach. It's already been well documented of McDaniels mishandling of the infamous Cutler-for-Cassel deal and his attempts to reconcile with the ego-bruised quarterback. The last insult to injury is now the apparent trading of Cutler to Chicago.

The amazing part of all this, when Shanahan was fired it seemed the big issues in Denver were all about the defense. Consequently the team’s defensive coordinator was terminated to no surprise. Many football fans and experts questioned the hire of McDaniels, considered another offensive genius, since so much had been made about the Broncos poor defense.

McDaniels had seemed to put some of that concern to rest with some of his offseason moves and signings, but definitely the thought in Denver had to be the offense was good to go and did not need any changes, so much for thinking outside of McDaniel’s circle. About one month ago he considered the move and today the Broncos decided to follow his lead and trade quarterback Jay Cutler.

So where do the Broncos go now? It seems from so close to the "Penthouse," there are now closer to becoming residents of the "outhouse." What happened to the Broncos and what's wrong in Denver?

If this trade goes through and Cutler signs with Chicago, it would seem that the Broncos have taken major strides in the wrong direction, or at least that would be the impression. Bowlen sure has put a lot of faith in the kid that just traded his pro bowl quarterback away. Three months ago, you could not have paid me to believe any of this could happen, so much for going in another direction, eh Pat?

(Photo by John Leyba/Denver Post)

...but, if there is light at the end of the tunnel, and I'm not sure too many of us can see quite that far, McDaniels is supposed to be an offensive genius. Well it looks like he'll have to earn his keep in 2009 with quarterback Kyle Orton under center. Orton has never had impressive passing numbers in Chicago, but he has won. That's a good sign.

In Denver he'll have a full complement of weapons and if the defense can get better and continue to improve, the long term plan for the Broncos could be waiting for them on Draft day. With two first round picks, it very conceivable that the team could trade up in this year’s draft and go get its future. Many believe at number 12, the team could be in position to select USC quarterback Mark Sanchez.

On Wednesday Sanchez had a very impressive Pro-Day and could very well have raised his stock level significantly, so much that waiting for him at number 12 could be too late. There is a lot wrong with Denver at the moment, but if McDaniels proves to be as good as advertised the Broncos could be working on a fix that many will learn of come draft day on April 25.

What's Blogging....

With the block-buster trade of Cutler-to-Chicago hitting all the news wires Thursday afternoon, there was just as much buzz about the deal on many blog sites throughout the day. In reading "Bronco Madness" there seems to be an optimistic approach about the trade, although I am not ready to jump on this train, I'll keep an open mind. It's very apparent that there aren't too many Bears fans upset about this shocking news today. I received a text from a friend and bear-fan, "Cutler is a Bear, hell f**ken yeah!" Apparently "Gridiron Goddess" shares the same sentiment writing "I AM STOKED!!!!!" I didn't even know she was a Bears fan. "Football by Barbie" had this to add "I guess the Broncos aren't too worried about winning this year. Orton? C'mon seriously?!"

Taking a quick break from today's football shattering news, trying to get his name back into the mainstream, according to "NFL Gridiron Gab" Arizona's wide receiver Anquan Boldin was making it known once again his wish to leave the desert. It seems Bolding fancy’s the Sunshine State. In "Draft Insiders' Digest" the recent post profiling NFL quarterback prospect Mark Sanchez, just reaffirms my belief why the Broncos should use their newly acquired picks to snatch this young strong-armed talent.

Continuing to follow the major story of the day, I was reading "Pro Football 101" and found their prediction of the Broncos being set back five years from contending and McDaniels out in three to be entertaining. While this remains to be seen, one stat to note, Mangini, Crennel, and Weiss have not exactly enjoyed great success since leaving the Belichik camp.

As long as these sites keep scribbling, I will keep reading and enjoying them and hope that you will too!

Check back for more "Tuesday Football Talk."

FSH: ON THE TICKER

April 1st, 2009 9:37pm PST

24 DAYS TO THE NFL DRAFT

NFL Draft Preview:
On The Ticker

On the Board: St. Louis Rams....
In 2008 the Rams finished their disappointing season at 4-12. Injuries, faulty pass protection, and a poor defense were the biggest culprits last season for St. Louis. That's why, if the Lions follow suit with the selection of Matthew Stafford at number one, the Rams will likely follow with Jason Smith from the University of Baylor. The compelling factor leading many to project precisely this pick has to be the vacancy created by the loss of former all-pro offensive tackle Orlando Pace.

It makes perfect sense. Last season the line was woeful allowing 45 sacks and just 4-yards per carry with one of the league’s elite running backs in Steven Jackson. In 2009 the Rams are expected to be a primary running team, but with the hefty investment they've made in quarterback Marc Bulger, culminated with the loss of Pace, the offensive line is the best place for this team to start rebuilding.

There doesn't seem to be much mystery with what the Rams should be thinking and at 6'5" and 309-lbs, Smith is a specimen that would be tough to pass on. The Baylor prospect is athletic, has good feet, combined with long arms making him the jewel of the draft at his position. Smith is a three year starter in the Big-12 and looks like a solid bet to easily make the transition to the pros. He is considered the one of the best offensive lineman in the draft and in some circles he is projected to be better than previous draftees, Jake Long and Joe Thomas. It would be hard to imagine the Rams going in any other direction and passing on Smith.

(Photo by Baylor Athletics)

When you consider that the Rams were the 28th ranked defense overall a year ago, it becomes easy to argue that this could become a prevalent direction that the team could look. The defense only generated 30 sacks a year ago and allowed teams to average almost 30-points per game. There's no question the team could use a lot of help on the defensive side.

While reviewing many mock drafts from various sites, it seems almost an afterthought now that the Rams will go offensive lineman, but if they decide to take a quick look across the ball, they won't go any further than Wake Forest's Aaron Curry. The dynamic world class hard-hitting backer is considered the best at his position in this year's draft. Like Detroit's dilemma, whether to go offense or defense, the Rams can't go wrong with Curry as the second overall selection.

While many are going to speculate and teeter back and forth in the coming weeks, the Rams have a few components in place on offense and need to continue to build a team that only averaged less than 15-points per game last season. The smart money is going to go with Smith joining the Rams on draft day.

Just a quick fantasy note, considering how well rookie OT Ryan Clady played for Denver in 2008, with a new full-back and a future all-pro tackle (Smith) to replace a former all-pro tackle (Pace), 2009 could be a good year for RB Steven Jackson and the Rams offense.


Check back everyday for more "On the Ticker!"

FSH: ON THE TICKER

March 31st, 2009 10:07pm PST

25 DAYS TO THE NFL DRAFT

NFL Draft Preview:
On The Ticker

On the Board: Detroit Lions....
There has been so much talk surrounding the Lions and there number one draft pick. Recently there was speculation that the Lions could be looking to make a run at Cutler offering their top pick, but it seemed mostly talk, until now! With the breaking news coming from Denver announcing the Bronco's intent to trade quarterback Jay Cutler, the Lions could very well be back in business. The big question to ask is "Will the Broncos bite?"

With the top pick many folks were contemplating what the Lions might do, but if they make a deal and trade their number one pick to Denver, all bets are off. With Cutler under center and no pick in the first round, managements' focus will likely turn to build a defense through the draft while their new arm gets settled in.

If the Lions hold onto the number one pick, you would have to think since this team is in full-rebuild mode the obvious pick is going to be Georgia quarterback Matthew Stafford. Since following many draft sites that are now in full NFL draft mode, many so-called experts are projecting that this is exactly what Detroit will do. One thing I have not heard nor seen from anyone, sure Stafford is talented, but is anyone buying that he IS a franchise quarterback. If you select a quarterback number one overall, then he is a franchise quarterback.

(Photo by Ben Liebenberg/NFL.com)

Many think Stafford has the tools and enough talent to start, but very few have gone out on that limb to say he's going to turn a franchise around. Some are comparing his skill, play and arm strength to that of Cutler, while it may be a compliment in some ways, the Bronco or soon-to-be former Broncos still has a lot of progression left. Stafford will be a work in progress, but unfortunately for Detroit, he'll also be expensive.

One thing I keep being reminded of when I think of the Lions and draft day is their recent lack of success; Joey Harrington, Mike Williams, and Charles Rogers. Drafting a quarterback number one overall is going to demand a hefty pay-day to suit and will likely warrant starting right away out of necessity. While too many Stafford makes sense, it's still a tough decision no matter how you break it down.

At 0-16, there is so much to fix and even if Stafford is a hit, as a rookie he's not going to win you anymore than maybe five or six games. Another conceivable direction the team could chose to go is defense. Unquestionably the number one rated NFL prospect in this year's draft has to be Wake Forest linebacker Aaron Curry. Curry appears to be a dynamic athlete with tremendous ability and talent. There is little doubt that he will easily make the transition to the next level and be a star of the future. With so much hype surrounding Curry, he would be a safe pick for the Lions and one that the team could build on.

If I'm a betting man, because there's been so much talk lately about who the Lions will select, I would have to wager on Stafford being the popular choice. I guess the real question though folks should be asking at the moment, "Will the Lions have the overall number one pick in this year's draft?" It's very possible that with all that has taken place in the last 48-hours we could be talking about another team.

Check back every day for more "On the Ticker!" all the way up to the 2009 NFL Draft!!

FSH: FANTASY FIXX

March 31st, 2009 11:07pm PST

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Fantasy Fixx

Troubled Times:

(Image may be subject to copyright)

Lynch facing suspension...

There are troubled times for some fantasy owners that were counting on Buffalo's Marshawn Lynch to rebound from his sub-par 2008 season. Lynch was a heavy favorite to be a solid fantasy running back in 2008, especially down the stretch and into the fantasy playoffs. The former Bills runner never emerged as anything more than a pedestrian back, finishing middle of the pack last season with just over 1,000-yards rushing and eight touchdowns (four coming in the first three weeks). Lynch was expected to be particularly effective in the fantasy playoffs, but ran for just 192-yards with one touchdown in the three games.

Now following his off-the-field troubles, Lynch will likely face a suspension that could have him out as many as four games to start the 2009 season making him a very risky draft pick. Fantasy owners must also not forget the impressive play of running back Fred Jackson which could play a big part in Lynch's workload this coming season once he returns. Fantasy owners will surely have to look elsewhere in the early rounds of their fantasy drafts, but when you consider his 2008 numbers, when is the right time to pick up Lynch? Lynch is likely to be overlooked early and could fall to a late RB2 or even well into the mid RB3 level. Owners should not forget the impact that T.O. could have in the Bills offense and in particular their running game.

(Photo by Sporting News)

LJ on his way out of KC...

It seems in Kansas City its' just more troubled times surrounding running back Larry Johnson, who doesn't seem to be making any new friends these days in Arrowhead country. Johnson's legal troubles have finally caught up to him and he could be paying a very dear price if the Chiefs win their grievance filed for "breach of contract." If the team wins, it's almost a certainty that LJ will be released. Unfortunately for fantasy owners, as talented a runner as Johnson is, there may not be many teams interested in taking a chance on a player with such questionable character.

Even if LJ is lucky enough to find more work, there's no guarantee that it will be an ideal situation. Johnson has not been the player he was for some time now. Since his big 2006 season when he ran for 1,789-yards, LJ has missed 12 games including four in 2008. He's also rushed for only 1,433-yards over the last two seasons and scored only nine touchdowns. In 2006 he had 17 rushing touchdowns alone. Add to his sudden decline and LJ's recent troubles off-the-field and the Chief's running has probably lost any appeal that would attract most other GM's from giving him a look. This is not to say someone won't give Johnson a shot, but it's likely to come at a huge discount for a player that seems to lack humility. Only time will tell, if LJ has changed and if he'll be worth the risk?


Check back for more Fantasy Fixx!

FSH: ON THE COVER

Who's in the news this week....

Broncos are set to trade Jay.

Today team owner Pat Bowlen made it public that the team would enterain offers, officially putting the team's franchise quarterback on the trade block. I can't see the team dealing Jay without getting a starting quarterback or lucrative package deal that would include many draft picks and some talent.

I have only read what teams will throw their hats in the ring, but what I have not heard is who the Broncos might approach. A bad deal is never a good thing, so I don't see Denver dealing Cutler just to make him happy. If the team pursues any opportunities, I think they may also consider creating a few of their own.

A couple of places that could make sense for Denver to call, obviously Kansas City for Matt Cassel. This is the guy McDaniels wanted all along, why not call Pioli? Why wouldn't the Chiefs consider a deal for Cutler? Another possible location to call on would be Bowlen's former employee, Gary Kubiak. Cutler would return to a system he knows and understands, and Schaub would be able to step in as the Bronco's starter right away. Denver could also use it's 12th pick to grab perhaps Mark Sanchez at the right price. With Schaub in camp, there's no hurry to rush a rookie into the lineup (ala Leinart in Arizona, but more ideal).

"That's my take" on today's happening...

FSH: MONDAY MORNING HUDDLE

March 30th, 2009 10:47pm PST



[The Tuesday Edition]
Monday Morning Huddle

Talkin Sum (fantasy) Football

2009 Quarterbacks

So now that the NFL Draft is just 25 days away, it's never too early to start looking ahead to the upcoming fantasy season. One of the topics of discussion will not only be the top quarterbacks heading into the 2009 season, but also what rookie quarterbacks might emerge from this year's class.
Will there be any Matt Ryans or Joe Flaccos?

Well before I open that debate, let’s look at last year’s big arms. Drew Brees blew away the competition a year ago passing for over 5,000-yards and tossing a league high 34-touchdowns. While these numbers were far from Tom Brady's 2007 season, they were still quite very impressive. With Brady expected to return in 2009 healthy, but coming back from a severe knee injury, Brees has to be considered the favorite to go as the number fantasy quarterback. He'll have his normal array of weapons, with a healthy Marques Colston, Lance Moore, and healthy Reggie Bush, so fantasy owners can expect another big year from the former Boilermaker.

(Photo by Heinz Kluetmeier/SI)

The debate will open with who is number two. After the impressive run by Batman (Kurt Warner: over 4,500-yards w/30 touchdowns) and Robin (Larry Fitzgerald: 96 receptions for 1,431-yards) down the stretch and into the playoffs last season, Kurt has to be a favorite to go top five and as high as number two. Many will argue that Mr. Tom Brady could take his rightful spot back near the top at number two, especially with all of his tools; Randy Moss and Wes Welker. One never knows how a player will respond coming back from injury, but training camp will definitely be a great place to get a better read, so right now it may be a bit of stretch to put all your eggs in Brady's bunch.

Rounding out the top five should include the consumate professional Peyton Manning, who was dynamite during last season fantasy playoffs, averaging 319.6-yards passing with seven touchdowns and zero turnovers. Now that is money and why he'll be drafted in the top five quarterbacks taken once again in all 2009 fantasy drafts. Another money player down the stretch in 2008 was the Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers. The Bolts leader completed 65 of 101 passes (64%) in his last three games averaging 282-yards per game with nine touchdowns to just one interception.

(Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

Certainly this is an impressive list of quarterbacks with more than worthy credentials, but a few names to keep watch for that could make a run to crack the top five in 2009, Jay Cutler (wherever he lands), Aaron Rodgers (a second year at the helm will take him far), Donovan McNabb (if the Eagles get him help outside, he's a shoe in), and Matt Cassel (Brady's understudy ready to take lead role in a new show).

It's always nice to have high hopes for some of the up and coming kids, but there's just too much talent here for names like Ryan, Quinn, or Flacco to make a large enough splash to break in the top five in 2009. This year's crop of freshman like Stafford and Sanchez could find some early playing time, but none figure to have any relevance in fantasy this season.


Check back every Monday for more Monday Morning Huddle!

FSH: This Week's "Knuckleheads"

March 30th, 2008 10:37pm PST


THIS WEEK'S "KNUCKLEHEADS"

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

So what is it with the name Johnson? Is it a genetic disorder or some kind of underground secret society that requires you to be a selfish jack-arse? If you consider both Larry Johnson of the Kansas City Chiefs and Chad Johnson of the Cincinnati Bengals, you may get that impression.
Both are deserving candidates this week.

(AP Photo)

Hello Larry and Good-bye...

The Chiefs superstar runner recently pleaded guilty to two counts of disturbing the peace. LJ received two years of probation and must take anger management classes, along with 40 hours of community service. It's bad enough that this knucklehead would allow himself to engage in such inexcusable behavior, but add the fact that less than two years ago Johnson signed one of the most lucrative contracts in Chiefs history and you just have to shake your head. Johnson received a bit of a slap on the wrist from the judicial system, but as a result of his miss-conduct he could find himself facing not only suspension to start the 2009 season, but out of a job. The Chiefs are pursuing a grievance that could free them from their huge monetary commitment to Mr. Johnson and send the bad seed packing. Nice going Larry.

(AP Photo)

Oh-No, Where's Ocho?

Does it surprise anyone these days, what Chad does or more importantly what he doesn't do? Over the last couple of seasons, Chad Johnson's novelty has worn thin and he's surely fallen from the grace of being adorned by many to just becoming more annoying than anything else. When Ocho broke into the league back in 2001, he seemed to be more a quiet understudy of the great Jerry Rice. But these days it’s a different story with the headline pitting Ocho as the center of attention. With team voluntary offseason conditioning opening on Monday, Johnson of course was a no-show. Ocho has received a lot of criticism over the past couple of seasons and coming off a poor 2008 season, you would hope that he would take advantage of the opportunity he has before him. With TJ gone, Chad is now the incumbent number one go-to receiver in town and with his quarterback 100%, he's got a real shot at returning to his glory days. But then these days you have to wonder is that really Ocho?

Check back every week for more of "This Week's Knuckleheads!"

SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL STUFF

March 29th, 2008 9:37pm PST


Sunday Night Football Stuff

This Weekend's Talk

The Big Talk is a longer season....
Apparently some folks just can't get enough football, so the league's commissioner is pitching to the owners a plan to extend the regular season to as many as 18 games. I will certainly not disagree with more football, but in all honesty I do think the season is already long enough. 16 games can be tough on NFL players and extremely grueling because of the physical nature of the game. I would argue, that while many of us would prefer to see less preseason games, because many of these games exclude some of the more popular and talented players, putting these same players through an 18-game schedule could make for a very difficult challenge for many to maneuver through injury-free. I would have to ask the question, what would make more sense, having preseason games that star players miss or post-season games without star players?

I am just like the next fanatical football fan and would love more games, but I also understand and see what these players go through in the current set up. Four games seems like many, but if these games were structured more to be safe for the big names (quarterbacks, running backs, and wide receivers) although there may be less contact we could see more of the players we'd like. That's just my thought.

(Photo by Getty Images)

Who's going Number One?...
If you've been following many of the football sites as I have over the past couple of weeks, you're probably as confused as I am about who is projected to go number one in the 2009 NFL Draft. The Lions sit atop the draft totem pole and coming off an 0-16 record last season, they need all the help they can get. Many of the mock drafts I have seen have the Lions all over the board, but barring any last minute block-buster trades Georgia's quarterback Matthew Stafford appears to be the popular choice as the overall number one.

The unanimous argument is the Lions are in full rebuild-mode and the team will need to start at the quarterback position. Considering the options they currently have available (Daunte Culpepper and Drew Stanton) it only makes sense, especially with the talent of Stafford. His development will be a work in progress, but so will the entire team's.

Two other prospects coming into consideration are OT Jason Smith out of Baylor and LB Aaron Curry from Wake Forest. Both players are a world of talent at their respective positions and like Stafford make sensible selections for a team in great need. With the quarterback being such a critical position and having the most impact, it would be hard to imagine seeing the Lions passing on the opportunity to select the kid many scouts are so high on.

(Photo by John Bazemore/AP)

Stafford clearly a favorite to go number one is considered to have a strong arm, and at 6'3" and 235-lbs he has great size. He's shown athletic ability and has good leadership, but the Lions staff will have to work very hard to improve his decision making and turnover tendency.

Certainly there are no guarantees in the draft, but Detroit fans will be very hopeful on draft day that they could be looking at another Matt Ryan or Joe Flacco.

Check back every Monday for the "Monday Morning Huddle!"

DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

March 29th, 2009 9:30pm PST

David's Daily Digest

[My Take]

With the month of March closing fast the NFL draft is now less than a month away. AS NFL teams continue to take a look at this year's class of prospects it's important to stay in tune with NFL player movement and notes for your upcoming fantasy draft this summer. Several players are going to come to the forefront while others will sneak up on us as it always happens every year. Here's a look at some of my recent notes regarding a few of those players...

My Take...

WR-TORRY HOLT TALKING WITH TITANS?

The Titans lack real experience at the position. Holt is not going to set any new records in Tennessee, but Kerry Collins could benefit greatly with an experienced clutch veteran receiver like Holt. The younger receivers like Justin Gage and Nate Washington could also blossom under the tutelage of Holt. There has only been noted interest by Tennessee, along with the Jaguars. Holt is no longer an elite receiver in fantasy and will fall considerably in drafts this summer, but he'll have more value with Collins throwing the pill in his direction.

QB-PHILIP RIVERS STILL YET TO RE-SIGN

There is little or no chance of Rivers pulling a primadonna antic like holding out, but it would weigh heavily in the team's best interest to get him resigned soon to avoid any unpleasantness. Over the past couple of seasons Rivers has proven his toughness and in 2008 he emerged as one of the league's best passers. With LT returning to the lineup this upcoming season, Rivers figures to have another productive year and could be a top five fantasy quarterback once again.

RB-WILLIS MCGAHEE WILL VOLUNTEER

The Raven's one-time featured back lost some carries and production in 2008. His work ehtic and toughness were questioned at the start of last season and he did very little to dismiss such talk. McGahee will have his work cut-out this offseason if he is to prove himself worthy as the team's featured back in 2009. With Ray Rice and LeRon McClain figuring to battle once again for playing time, McGahee is taking part in voluntary workouts, apparently doing whatever he can to separate himself from the competition. The jury may still be out on the former Miami Hurricane, but he's definitely worth keeping your eye on for this coming season.

RB-LARRY JOHNSON PLEADS GUILTY

The Chiefs best running back Larry Johnson pleaded guilty to disturbing the peace and received a suspended two years on probation. Johnson has found himself no stranger to off-the-field trouble and will now meet with the team this week to discuss a grievance being pursued by the team that could ultimately send LJ packing. If his one game suspension last season is found to violate his contract, the team will undoubtedly release Johnson. LJ fell from grace over the past two seasons and heading into the 2009 fantasy season he becomes a huge risk. Fantasy owners will have to wait to see the outcome of this grievance.

WR-MARVIN HARRISON STILL HOMELESS

Now that he has been a free agent for several weeks, there appears to be very little if any interest in the aging veteran receiver. At 37, Harrison has lost a lot of his appeal and after his significant decline in production last season it does not look promising for him to land anywhere before summer camps open in July. Fantasy owners can expect some movement to occur only after camps have opened and injuries (as they will) happen, but even then it still a not a sure thing.

RB-MARION BARBER EXPECTED TO SHARE ROLE

According to team notes, the Cowboys are very fond of their entire backfield of Marion Barber, Felix Jones, and Tashard Choice. Barber is still expected to be the main guy in Dallas, but the team will make every effort to get all three involved one way or the other. The good news for fantasy owners is Barber will still be a possible late RB1 or early RB2 selection, but he has a better chance of remaining healthy and productive throughout the 2009 season.

IDP Notes:

More notes of interest for those that venture toward the "Darkside." For those that play in custom leagues that implement IDP, every point counts and when you don't study your defense, you can lose many valuable points on draft day by making poor decisions. Here's more football fodder and "my take" for fantasy players to digest....

DL-JASON TAYLOR TO RETURN TO PHINS?

Apparently the once longtime Dolphin has a chance to returning to his former team. Taylor's named has been tossed around quite a bit the last week or so as the former all-pro enjoys his free agency. Currently word is he'll be in Miami for his annual celebrity golf event with a chance to mix and mingle with many of his former teammates. Taylor still loves Miami and if there was ever a chance of him returning this is as good as it gets, but we'll still have to wait and see. A return for Taylor could be just what the team's defense needs to help linebacker Joey Porter. If healthy Taylor still has the ability to be an effective pass rusher and could be a nice mid-level defensive lineman pick in fantasy drafts.

DL-PHILLIP DANIELS EXPECTS TO RESIGN WITH SKINS

The Redskins defensive lineman spent the entire 2008 season sidelined with an ACL injury. At 36, even in a reserve role with the team, fantasy owners can't expect much production, at least not enough to justify a fantasy draft pick. He'll only offer value, if any as a possible late season fill-in, granted that he can stay healthy.

DL-DARWIN WALKER COULD RETURN TO PANTHERS

Reports are indicating the current free agent and former Panther could return to the team for another year, but whether he does or not he'll very little impact. Walker has yet to play a full season the last two years, starting in just nine games and recording only one sack. Walker is not longer the impact defensive lineman he was in Philly. If he returns he'll likely be situational and not much of a contributor that fantasy owners should be concerned with.

LB-ROOSEVELT COLVIN NOT LIKELY TO RETURN

The Patriots former linebacker and now unrestricted free agent according to many sources will likely not be back with the team in 2009. Colvin spent most of his 2008 season on the sideline playing in only four games. There has been no indication, but after playing in only 15 games the past two seasons it's not likely Colvin will land anywhere in 2009 suggesting his career could be close to an end.

DL-ROD COLEMAN SIGNS WITH SAINTS

Depsite their limitations with available cap space heading into the offseason, the Saints have managed to stay busy. Defensive lineman Rod Coleman will likely come cheap after missing all of 2008 and much of 2007 injured. When healthy Coleman can be a monster in the middle, as a run stuffer and pass rusher. If healthy he could be a solid addition to the d-line and upgrade a defense that ranked near the bottom in 2008. Fantasy owners should wait to see how Coleman looks this summer before buying into his koolaid.

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