FSH: WATERCOOLER CHAT

May 8th, 2009 11:15pm PST

WATERCOOLER CHAT

Brett Favre: The Saga Continues...?

Just when you thought he was gone, someone pulled him back in. At least at the moment it appears that yes folks it could be happening again. Last summer was fun drama when Brett Favre made his decision to return to the NFL. I can only imagine what this summer may bring if he decides to give it another try.

It looks like Brett could be considering another return from retirement and this time with the Vikings. The current pulse on the situation appears to be a series of contradicting reports. Yahoo sports was reporting that Favre has already decided that he wants to stay retired and now ESPN is reporting he’s sending over X-rays to the Vikings for medical evaluation. It sounds like this drama is far from over and with so much time between now and training camp, there’s still so much that can happen.

(Photo by Elaine Thompson / AP)

Why a second go round?....

Favre’s last farewell tour was anything less than spectacular and many doubters don’t believe he’s got enough left in the tank to make a second return a success. After an 8-3 start a year ago, the Jets led by Favre dropped four of their last five and missed the playoffs. In that stretch Favre threw just two touchdowns, but had nine interceptions.

Many critics think his fall off down the stretch was a sign his time has passed and that an injury to his bicep may have been a contributing factor. This will more than likely be the biggest factor in determining if this second shot at a comeback has a chance.

Favre has been the quintessential professional throughout his career and no one expected him to linger past his welcomed stay. After last season, it appeared to many of the experts that if he’d miss the initial signs to hang’em up, they were more than clear following a rough 2008 finish.

The Golden Boy has always been a big draw and no stranger to the big stage, so it was only fitting that we’d find his name among the headlines once again. At first glance it might have seemed a bit of a belly laugh, but this story won’t go away and appears to be gaining more substance with each passing day.

Last year’s return seemed more than warranted, especially when you consider how he exited the field of play in the 2007 season. Could football fans imagine one of the games greatest players to ever play the game finishing his career with his last pass thrown an interception in the NFC championship that cost his team the game?

It was certainly understandable that his former team (Packers) was ready to move forward, but after a prolific career of 17 seasons it was surprising and in many ways disappointing to see his quest to return put in check by his former team.

Favre has always been a warrior and still has the enthusiasm to play, but does he have enough left in the tank to make a difference, to carry a team that one step further that it needs to reach the promiseland?

If not, than why the comeback? Is Favre really just interested in trying to stick it to his former team for outing him during his first return from retirement campaign? I’m a big fan of Brett’s and I don’t believe he’s tarnished his legacy to this point. I truly believe the guy loves the game and wants to play, but the only reason to play is to take care of unfinished business.

Minnesota has a lot of tools, but I’m not completely sold on the fact that they only need a quarterback to reach the Super Bowl. I also don’t believe that Favre is a 22-interception quarterback, he’s better than that. His presence would be an upgrade under center for the Vikings.

I think he should only comeback for two reasons; one, if he’s truly committed to trying to win another championship (and that only, no revenge) and two, that the Vikings are truly committed to trying to win with Favre.

I think this was a big mistake made by the Jets last season and one of the reasons Favre struggled. The Jets wanted Favre, but they were not completely committed to Brett. The offense in New York was never geared for Brett’s style, nor was the play-calling. If the Vikings take the same route, they too will not have success.

Brett does not need to be the featured role, but your offense and many of its’ skilled players should compliment your quarterback’s attribute. Fortunately with Berrian, Harvin, and if Rice can elevate his game, this bunch fits and could potentially become a formidable receiving corp for the golden boys’ golden arm.

All-day (Peterson) should and will remain your first option, but why entertain the idea of Favre, if he’s not going to throw the pill? If he decides to play and he can, let him play.

The last obstacle…

This is all great watercooler conversation, but it comes down to one thing, the arm. If Favre is not healed and major surgery is required, by the time camps start we’re talking about Jackson and Rosenfels in Minnesota. There are reports indicating something could be happening, one thing for certain this summer will be interesting and once again we could be sitting on the edge of our seats watching this story unfold!


Keep checking back for more football....

By David G. Ortega

FSH: TUESDAY (FOOTBALL) TALK

May 7th, 2008 9:37pm PST

[Thursday Edition]
TUESDAY (FOOTBALL) TALK

Making the Grades
(A second look)

My Take on how some teams did….
Continuing with my, if you will evaluation of how I think some teams did in this year's annual NFL draft….

Good….
I’ll start with another team I thought did a good job of acquiring talent that could pay immediate dividends. The New Orleans Saints were one of the best offenses in the NFL last season, so there was little guessing as to what areas they would focus on entering the 2009 draft. The defensive side of things is where they would start and with their first round pick at number 14 they most definitely addressed that need. The Saints took defensive back Malcolm Jenkins (Ohio State), a talented corner many feel possesses great cover skills. With Darren Sharper acquired this offseason, Jenkins will likely be slotted as one of the teams starting corners and should give the secondary an instant boost. Their second pick of Chip Vaughn (Wake Forest) was another solid addition to a very poor secondary last season. Vaughn will add depth at safety and again with a great offense the defense won’t need to be great to start. The Saints made the picks they needed and coming off a poor showing in 2008 (defense was ranked 23rd) should be better in 2009.

Fair….
My opinion of the Washington Redskins' draft is base solely on one pick and that is defensive end Brian Orakpo (Texas). I thought the Skins got themselves a steal with Orakpo at 13. More than that though, playing along side Albert Haynesworth, he’s not only going to be good he’s going to make an immediate impact. The Texas Longhorn is consider a hybrid rusher, but will likely play on the edge and see great success. While one player hardly makes a draft; I think this pick will prove to be very positive for an already pretty good Redskin’s defense.

It’s really hard to tell this early in the process, just how well a team really did, but I think that the St. Louis Rams selection of offensive lineman Jason Smith will eventually prove to be huge in the long run. What made this such a smart pick at number two, there were two reasons the Rams had to go lineman; Steven Jackson and Marc Bulger. The team has a lot of money tied up in both players and Smith will only make both better. The Rams are desperate to find Bulger protection and they need a tank on the line to open holes for Jackson. Reading all the press on Smith, I believe that is exactly what they got in the six foot, five inch mammoth out of Baylor University. There second pick was equally impressive with the selection of linebacker Jim Laurinaitus. The Ohio State product will give the defense a very intelligent player in the middle which should help improve the leagues 29th ranked run defense.

Are you kidding me?....
Now I am not clear if the end result qualifies, but after watching the New England Patriots bounce all over the board with trades, adding picks, moving down, I just have to say “are you kidding me?”

The Pats started at 23, but did not make their first pick until number 34, and then they got two more picks at 40 and 41. When the day started you knew the Patriots were going to be players; six picks in the top 100, and a total of 12 for the draft.

I am not completely sold on the draft class of the Patriots, but leave it to Belichik to shake things up on draft day, move all over the board, and keep the experts guessing all day.

Check back every Tuesday for more “Tuesday (Football) Talk”

FSH: MONDAY MORNING HUDDLE

May 5th, 2009 9:37pm PST

[Tuesday late edition]

The NFL Draft: More Fantasy Recap

A Second Glance....
Last week I reviewed some of the notable early picks from 1st round of the NFL draft and today I would like to offer a second look at some of the picks from the middle of the first round.

Picks from the middle of the First Round…

You would have to think having already acquired Terrell Owens in the offseason, the Bills must have felt they had already upgraded their offense prior to the draft. It’s not that they would not address the offense, but you knew defense would be their first priority. With a plethora of choices, it was not a big surprise they chose Aaron Maybin (Penn State), although there were several other choices that would have fit at number 11 as well. Maybin will come in an add some needed pressure missing (only 24 sacks in 2008) from last year’s 14th ranked defense.

The Bronco’s were a bit of a puzzlement with the 12th pick of the draft. Prior to the draft many analysts had been very critical of McDaniel’s movements in the offseason, with so much attention paid to reshaping the league’s number two offense. With his trading of quarterback Jay Cutler under tremendous scrutiny, many felt the obvious move at 12 would be a highly rated defensive gem. Let’s put it this way, McDaniels has been tough to figure out thus far and with his pick of running back Knowshon Moreno (Georgia), he’s still tough to figure out. Nonetheless, the Bronco’s picked themselves up a very good and versatile back that has a good shot to start and contribute right away. The Broncos would finally address their needs on defense with their second pick (18th overall) by selecting defensive end Robert Ayers (Tennessee). Ayers adds talent, but slightly undersized on the edge could make him a risky bet against the run.

It was little surprise once Sanchez was off the board, the Redskins would turn their direction to making their team better by improving the defense. Their selection of Brian Orakpo was a bit of a steal at 13 and adds a talented player to an already good defense (ranked 4th in 2008). Add the fact that Washington already added arguably the best defensive player in the game today with the signing of Albert Haynesworth this offseason and you have to ask, “How good did they just get?” Very good.

A young and improving Texan’s team continued its’ youth movement and building of their defense. The team selected linebacker Brian Cushing (Southern Cal) who will join their former number one overall selection (in 2006) DE Mario Williams and (33rd overall pick in 2006) LB DeMeco Ryans. The Texans have been a very mediocre defense the past couple of seasons (ranked 22nd in 2008), but with so much talent they are poised to get better and a player like Cushing gets them that much closer.

A surprise move that was not completely understood was the Buccaneers move up the draft to select quarterback, Josh Freeman (Kansas State). He’s viewed as a project, probably a year or two away, so surely the Bucs are looking for him to be there starter in 2009. A pick that likely could have been made much later, you have to wonder if this was a costly move.

Perhaps the move I found most impressive during the middle of the first round was made by the Philadelphia Eagles. Sitting at 21, the team moved up four spots to nab wide receiver Jeremy Maclin (Missouri). The team desperately needed to add a playmaker to its’ passing game and while only a rookie Maclin should give them plenty of spark to compliment their current line-up. The Missouri product was highly regarded as one of the top talents in this year’s draft at the wideout position. The Eagles would also add some depth in the backfield with the selection of LeSean McCoy. McCoy not only adds depth, but he also will battle Lorenzo Booker this summer to backup Westbrook. This could be just what D-Mac ordered.

We are still months away from training camps opening, so I’ll continue to offer my take on this year’s draft. Check back again soon!

Remember to check back for more "Monday Morning Huddle!"

FSH: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

May 4th, 2009 11:30pm PST


David's Daily Digest
[My Take]

With many NFL mini-camps open fantasy owners will have a great opportunity to see many of the up and coming stars fitting in with their new teams. It’s a chance to get an idea of who’s going to have the best shot to make an impact in 2009. Here’s my take on some more recent notes from around the NFL....

My Take...

RB RYAN TORAIN COULD BE AT RISK
The Bronco’s top rookie running back from just a year ago could be at risk to make the team. Torain is still recovering from ACL surgery. If he manages to stay with the club it sounds like he could end up on the PUP list to start the season.
Early Fantasy Read: Torian is likely to have very little fantasy value if any, even if he manages to hang on. With a crowded backfield it’s unlikely that Torian will see any meaningful carries in 2009.

RB LADANIAN TOMLINSON IS A FULL PARTICIPANT
The Charger’s starting running back is a full participant at the team’s mini-camp over the weekend. There’s little doubt LT will be the number tailback in San Diego, but how much he‘ll be used will be left to debate. Durability and health have been the issue with LT the past couple of seasons.
Early Fantasy Read: LT has usually been viewed as a top fantasy running back, but Sproles in the backfield to share time and health being the priority, his fantasy value could take a hit. He’ll likely drop a few spots, but should still be considered a top 10 back.

WR T.J. HOUSHMANDZADEH SHOWING GREAT CHEMISTRY
The Seahawks newest playmaker has been showing great chemistry in camp with quarterback Matt Hasselbeck. T.J. is expected to be the team’s number one go-to receiver and appears he’s well on his way.
Early Fantasy Read: Housh is a stud receiver that has posted some of the best numbers over the past couple of seasons. His early success with Hass is a good sign that he’ll keep his elite receiving status in fantasy leagues.

QB DAUNTE CULPEPPER IS THE STARTER TODAY
The veteran quarterback is slated to be the team’s starter heading into Lion’s training camp.
Early Fantasy Read: It’s too early to buy into anything at this time, as the Lion’s top rookie pick quarterback Matthew Stafford is just getting started. It’s a good bet that Stafford will win the job at some point this coming season, limiting Culpepper’s value to little or none in most fantasy leagues.

WR MARVIN HARRISON NOT LIKELY TO RETURN TO INDY
Never say never, but it appears quite clear that the Colts have no immediate plans to re-sign the franchise’s leading receiver. Harrison was released by the team earlier this offseason.
Early Fantasy Read: Harrison is at the tail end of his career and not quite the player he used to be, but given the right situation he could still have some value. He’s a risky fantasy draft pick, but definitely a wait and see play for 2009.


IDP Notes:

The "Bad Boys" of the NFL continue to keep busy making noise and raising interest. They may be bad boys, but some of these players will be key in IDP leagues for 2009. Here are just a few more note worthys with my take what you can expect from the Dark-side.....

DB ANTONIO CROMARTIE IS FULLY RECOVERED
The Chargers playmaking defensive back appears to be healthy and ready to return to form in 2009. Cromartie suffered a fracture hip in 2008.
Early Fantasy Read: There’s no question the injury had a huge impact on Cromartie’s play last season, but just a year prior he was a standout in the league with 10 interceptions. He still has tremendous ability and talent and should be a top IDP selection in most fantasy drafts.

DB NICK COLLINS FINALLY REPORTS TO CAMP
The Packers free safety was a late arrival to camp. This is the final year of Collins rookie contract and there are some reports swirling that Collins is looking for a new deal.
Early Fantasy Read: Collins was a highly productive IDP play in 2008 with 72 tackles and seven interceptions and should be again in 2009. It would be surprising to see the Packers not give him a new deal.

DL SHAUN ROGERS APPEARS TO BE NOW “ON BOARD”
Rogers finished 2008 as one of the leagues top defensive tackles with 76 tackles. Earlier in the offseason, an unhappy Rogers was asking to be traded. Apparently the 9-year veteran was able to meet with HC Mangini and is now “in a more positive state of mind.”
Early Fantasy Read: Last season Rogers was a beast in the middle in the teams first eight games, but failed to record a sack over the last eight. He’s still considered one of the leagues best defensive tackles and now that he’s on board fantasy owners can expect another productive season.

LB LARRY ENGLISH MOVING TO THE OUTSIDE
The rookie linebacker is going to move from his normal defensive end position to outside linebacker. He’s expected to play behind Merriman and Phillips, but will still see a lot of snaps as a pass rusher.
Early Fantasy Read: English was solid as a defensive end in MAC division, but he’ll be asked to rush from the upright position on the outside. Even as a package player English could be an IDP impact player in 2009.


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