FSH: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

May 30th, 2009 8:30pm PST

David's Daily Digest
[My Take]

OTAs continue around the league as some old faces in new places make an impact. This is just some of the current happenings from around league this week as I try to break down some of it with my take on things …..

My Take...

WR TERRELL OWENS IMPRESSIVE WITH HIS NEW TEAM
My Fantasy Read: Is it really a surprise to hear how good Terrell Owens is looking in camp? The former Cowboy receiver works as hard as any player in the league with conditioning and keeping his body at peak performance. The word at the moment is T.O. is make superb catches and showing his great burst. There’s definitely a lot of promise there, but he and quarterback Trent Edwards have a ways to go, before fantasy owners will buy off Owens as a top fantasy pick in coming drafts.

WR MARVIN HARRISON DRAWING INTEREST FROM TAMPA
My Fantasy Read: The former Colts receiver would be entering his 14th season in the league, if he plays this season. After Antonio Bryant, the Bucs are very thin at wideout and Harrison could be key in helping develop some of the team’s younger talent. If Harrison does sign, he’s not likely to generate enough fantasy interest playing on a team that could feature a rookie starter or Luke McCown under center.

RB LARRY JOHNSON WORKING HARD TO KEEP JOB
My Fantasy Read: There’s going to be a lot of speculation surrounding the future of the Chiefs star running back Larry Johnson as training camp approaches. At the moment Johnson is doing all the right things on the field to impress the coaches and possible keep his spot on the roster. With fantastic runs during recent OTA practices, Johnson is turning the heads of his coaches, but he’ll have to do a lot more if he’s going to be there in August. He still remains a risky fantasy option in most drafts.

RB LAURENCE MARONEY FIELDING KICKOFFS FOR PATS
My Fantasy Read: There are recent reports circulating out of New England that indicate running back Laurence Maroney is returning kicks again. It makes sense with Hobbs gone that the team would ask Maroney to fill this position (one he held in the past). Maroney was a disappointment a year ago with an injury-filled 2008 season, but his new role won’t earn him any new takers in fantasy drafts. It looks like Maroney may fall down the backfield depth chart, limiting his fantasy value for this coming season.

TE RANDY MCMICHEAL HEALTHY AND HAPPY IN ST.LOUIS
My Fantasy Read: With a new system in place, a west coast system, a healthy Randy McMichael is smiling in St. Louis. The Rams tight end had struggled in the previous two seasons (missed 12 games in 2008 due to injury) in the old system. With a new west coast system in place, the talented but underachieving tight end could possibly emerge as one of the leagues more productive options; something that fantasy owners have been looking for from him since 2004 season (caught 73 passes for 791-yards).


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FSH: FANTASY FOOTBALL WATCH

May 30th, 2009 1:37pm PST

THE FANTASY FOOTBALL WATCH

Diamonds in the Rough
(2009 Sleepers)

Just a look at a couple of players that could not only surprise, but surpass modest expectations for the upcoming 2009 season…

Matt Ryan#2, QB-(Atlanta Falcons)….
It would be tough to not imagine Matt Ryan having a big season in 2009. With a solid supporting cast surrounding the second year player, he’s poised to be a top 10 fantasy quarterback in 2009.

Last season as a rookie, Ryan benefited from having the leagues second best rushing offense and some of the best pass protection (sacked just 17 times in 2008). With a great running game and now an all-pro tight end added to the line-up Ryan is fixed to have a big 2009 season. He still has the sure handed Roddy White (88 receptions last season) on one side and a much improving Micheal Jenkins (777-yards receiving in 2008) on the other.

What to expect in 2009…
Ryan enters his second year as the team’s starter. With a little more experience and maturity, he’s shoe in to be better in 2009. The Falcons won’t look to him to carry the offense, but he’s likely to throw a few more passes than his 434 he threw last year, with such an impressive line up. With White, RB Micheal Turner, and TE Tony Gonzalez to help anchor the offense, Ryan could be a big surprise for many fantasy owners. (2009 predictions: 275 completions-485 attempts, 3,825-yards, 20 touchdowns, 12 interceptions).

Knowshon Moreno#27, RB-(Denver Broncos)….
The real question is with the rich running game history in Denver how can Moreno not succeed? Despite having one of the best passing games last season, the Bronco’s offense still ranked 12th overall averaging nearly 120-yards per game with 15 rushing touchdowns.

Moreno will play in a new system that does not historically feature the ground game, but where the running back position has still thrived. Under McDaniels in New England, the running backs collectively produced on average just over 2,000-yards on the ground with 58 rushing touchdowns, but the real hidden gem was the 77 receptions per year out of the backfield. Moreno looks like the odds on favorite to start and could see a good chunk of this production.

What to expect in 2009…
Moreno was explosive and big game at Georgia, rushing for more than 2,700-yards and scoring 30 touchdowns in just two seasons. He also showed great versatility catching 53 passes for another 645-yards while adding 3 touchdown receptions. Moreno should thrive in the new Bronco’s system. (2009 predictions: 306 carries, 1,355-yards rushing, 10 rushing touchdowns, 34 receptions, 415-yards receiving, 2 touchdowns).

Check back every week for more “Fantasy Watch”

FSH: IDP NOTES

May 29th, 2009 11:30pm PST

IDP Notes:

If you have the stomach to keep up, here’s more football fodder for the diehard as I offer my take on more IDP happenings around the league….

DB MARLIN JACKSON BACK ON THE FIELD WITH COLTS
My Fantasy Read: Jackson is returning from ACL surgery and his recovery has been amazing. The Colts DB suffered the injury in October of last year, but is already back on the practice field. He will likely be brought along slowly through the minicamps, but appears well on his way to be ready for training camp. Jackson is one of your productive corners averaging nearly six tackles per game over the past three seasons. With 12 career interceptions, Jackson is an early round DB selection in fantasy drafts.

DL RON FIELDS SLATED TO FILL THE MIDDLE FOR DEFENSE
My Fantasy Read: Fields comes from out of nowhere to nab the starting gig with the Broncos, but it’s an opportunity that won’t produce much for fantasy owners. Fields is the ideal size at six feet, two inches, and well over 300-lbs, but his role will be to tie up lineman and clog the middle. In four seasons with the Niners he’s only collected 48 solo tackles, so don’t expect to see him on too many fantasy squads in 2009.

LB PISA TINOISOMOA SIGNS DEAL WITH BEARS
My Fantasy Read: The Bears and Tinoisomoa struck a deal and the former Ram signed for one year with Chicago. With Urlacher and Briggs set at two spots, Tinoisomoa is expected to win the starting spot at strongside. The former Ram led his team in tackles a year ago, but isn’t likely to repeat the same feat in the windy city. He should be productive enough for fantasy owners to consider him as a middle round IDP pickup (a third LB).

LB ANTHONY SPENCER READY TO FILL THE VOID
My Fantasy Read: With the recent talk of Cowboys outside linebacker Greg Ellis likely on his way out of Dallas, what does this mean for Spencer? It means he’ll likely fill the void created by Ellis’s eventual departure. The real gold sits on the other side in DeMarcus Ware, but Spencer might be a decent waiver wire IDP option later in the season.


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FSH: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

May 28th, 2009 10:30pm PST

David's Daily Digest
[My Take]

Continuing my daily jaunt through the many football sites on the web, here’s more of the current happenings around the league with of course my take…..

My Take...

QB JAY CUTLER SERVING UP THE KOOL ADE IN CHICAGO
My Fantasy Read: With a new city, a new team, comes a new offense and new teammates. Cutler finds himself in a whole new environment and while he’ll still have his rocket arm, what he won’t have is quite the supporting cast he had in Denver. Cutler remains one of the leagues top talents under center, but it’s unlikely he produce the same type of numbers he did in 2008. The Bears are more of a smash mouth team (ran the ball 44% of the time in 2008), so it’s likely Cutler will see fewer opportunities to make big plays. He’ll still be a top ten quarterback, but probably not worth that high draft pick he cost last season.

WR DERRICK MASON ON TRACK FOR TRAINING CAMP
My Fantasy Read: The Ravens leading receiver for three of the last four seasons, is coming back from off-season shoulder surgery, but is expected to return by training camp. Mason has only missed one game in his last six seasons and has averaged 88 catches for 1,069-yards during that span. While his 2008 campaign was not spectacular, he did reach his status quo with 80 receptions and 1,037-yards. Entering his 13th season in the league Mason is not expected to be a top twenty producer, but he could be a solid WR3 in most leagues, seeing that he hardly misses anytime and seems to be Mr. Consistency.

QB MARK SANCHEZ OFF TO SLOW START WITH JETS
My Fantasy Read: According to the Star Ledger, the Jets rookie sensation has not been so sensational as of late during the team’s minicamp workouts. Sanchez is getting thrown to the wolves and he’s a work in progress. He’s going to struggle and it remains to be seen if he’ll be ready to be under center for opening kickoff. Fantasy owners would be smart to use a late round pick here and consider Sanchez more of “diamond in the rough” that will need some time to shine.

TE TONY SCHEFFLER HAS NEW ROLE IN MILE HIGH OFFENSE
My Fantasy Read: There’s no question that the tight end position has not been one that is normally a featured role in Josh McDaniel’s offense, but then he’s never had quite a talent like Scheffler. The Bronco’s tight end is a highly skilled pass receiving tight end that the team will be able to move around. And while McDaniels admits they will try to take advantage of Scheffler’s unique ability, with so many other weapons already in place, it’s unlikely that Scheff will have any more impact than what he did in 2008. With the position traditionally thin, Scheffler is still a top 10 option, but in the bottom half.

RB KNOWSHON MORENO FINDS MORE ROOM IN BACKFIELD
My Fantasy Read: It’s certainly no guarantee of anything, but with the Bronco’s recent release of running back J.J. Arrington, that becomes one less hurdle for rookie running back Knowshon Moreno to overcome. Already the odds-on favorite to win the job, Arrington’s release just means there is less competition for Moreno to share time with. The team still has many options available, but Moreno is looking more and more like the full-time option with a supporting back-up cast. He’s likely to be a safe late RB2 or an early RB3 pick in most fantasy drafts this summer.

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FSH: IDP NOTES

May 27th, 2009 10:30pm PST

IDP Notes:

The strong never sleep, so for those that keep up with what is happening around the league, here’s more football for all of the IDP Nation….


DL OSI UMENYIORA FEELING PAIN-FREE
My Fantasy Read: Arguably the Giants most talented pass rusher says he’s feeling explosive. This is a great sign for the Giants defense that will need his pressure on the edge, but even more so for fantasy owners. Before going down last season with injury, Osi had recorded 33.5 sacks in his last 43 starts. A healthy Umenyiora only means big things in 2009.

LB PISA TINOISAMOA EXPECTED TO DECIDE SOON
My Fantasy Read: The 28-year old free agent linebacker is expected to decide between the Bills and the Bears. It appears that Chicago could be the favorite, but with players like Urlacher and Briggs implanted, Tinoisamoa would have very limited fantasy value in IDP leagues. Buffalo would be a better landing spot for fantasy owners.

LB JON BEASON BACK WITH TEAM PRACTICING
My Fantasy Read: The Panthers starting middle linebacker has missed some of the team’s OTAs, recovering from shoulder surgery, but he’s back on the field now. Beason was the team’s leading tackler (138 tackles) in 2008 and his return to minicamp is a good sign that he’ll be ready to resume that role in 2009.

LB ERIC BARTON EXPECTED TO START IN CLEVELAND
My Fantasy Read: The former Jets linebacker is doing a great job of impressing the Cleveland staff during the team’s OTA. Barton was very productive in New York last season recording 119 tackles. Word is he’s likely start and should be a solid starter for the Browns. Playing on the other side of D’Qwell Jackson Barton could see considerable action his direction, but he’ll still be the second best IDP option in Cleveland (behind Jackson).


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FSH: WATERCOOLER CHAT

May 27th, 2009 10:15pm PST

WATERCOOLER CHAT

All is Quiet in the Arizona Desert

Despite the lack of noise coming from the desert area, don’t be fooled to think this whole matter is close to be over. In recent reports the Cardinal’s unhappy camper Anquan Boldin in a surprising move has fired his agent Drew Rosenhaus. With the infamous Rosenhaus no longer part of the equation, could this mean progress is soon to follow or is this just the calm before the storm?

Either way all of this makes great “Watercooler Chat” will many of us football enthusiasts try to figure out the next move for both sides; Boldin and the Cardinals organization.

There have been a few whispers on a few talk radio shows, indicating that Rosenhaus hard line stance may have played a part in Boldin’s decision to seek new representation. Only a few weeks ago did Boldin offer the Cardinals an out indicating that he could live with a deal less than Fitzgerald’s.

Boldin has been one of the leagues most dynamic and talented wideouts averaging 81 receptions and 1,031-yards with 24 touchdowns over the past three seasons. His numbers are not quite at the top, but more than consistent to earn him big dollars.

With Boldin changing player representation, one has to wonder if he’s caving and trying to make a more positive gesture toward the franchise. He has yet to report to any of the team’s OTAs and until he does it remains a question as to whether the Cardinals are willing to renegotiate his current deal.

If Boldin were going to be traded, it seems one would have gotten done long ago. There’s not a whole lot of talk going around indicating that there are any pursuers, but all this could change once Q signs on with someone.

The Cardinals have remained firm in their stance, but with a new agent, and a willingness to get his rear end into camp, would that be enough to get management to meet half way. Boldin seems to have changed his tune according to some and this move of firing Rosenhaus appears to be an indication, but all remains quiet on both fronts.


Let’s Play GM…

To Favre or Not to Favre: Recipe for a PR Disaster?

While many of us speculate what may or may not happen, quite a few voices are weighing in and sharing their thoughts. Hall of fame quarterback Fran Tarkenton has expressed his displeasure and many NFL analysts don’t seem to be very thrilled.

Since the New York experiment there haven’t been too many people raving about the Jets move signing Favre last season. He’s been a Packer most of his career, could he really fit in purple? And what happens if all this just becomes a painful repeat performance of last season?

Whether you agree with Favre’s decision or not, it’s his to make, but one might have to ask if you’re the Vikings, “is this the right decision for your team?”

The GM Game…
You just spent the offseason orchestrating a deal to acquire a new quarterback (Sage Rosenfels) when you already had one pegged as your starter for the future (Tarvaris Jackson). With Rosenfel now in purple, a clear indication of the team’s disatisfaction with the development of Jackson, it appeared the team was moving in a distinct direction.

Rosenfels may not be the long term answer but he offers more upside now. In three seasons Jackson has proven his inconsistency was not the answer and it could be time to move on. The Vikings said the right things with the arrival of Rosenfels, that both he and Jackson would compete for the job, but clearly Jackson’s days as the starter appear numbered.

Sage is no Drew Brees, but last season he showed enough spunk and fight to convince this franchise they could win with him. With the leagues best running back your quarterback only need to play a supporting role, limit mistakes, and be efficient. It wasn’t the most popular move, but the signing certainly had a lot of sense to it.

Now this whole Favre thing resurfaces and surely the Vikings can’t be serious, can they? The Golden Boy sure seems like an immediate upgrade with his strong arm, but wait he’s not healthy and his arm isn’t strong.

It sure seems like this move could be a reach especially when you look back at how Favre finished his 2008 campaign, pretty ugly throwing just two touchdowns and nine interceptions in the Jets last five games. Why would a team sign a 39-year old quarterback following a finish like that, especially when he isn’t even healthy. Oh yeah, it’s Brett Favre.

It all sounds good, he’s a fan favorite, but just a year ago we saw this whole unretirement play out and the finish was not pretty. In fact some people lost their jobs as a result. There’s no question Favre has been a special player throughout his career, but it’s a mighty risky gamble to think he could return in 2009 to work his magic again.

Maybe a few years ago and a healthy Favre, you could get better odds. Today if I’m the Viking’s GM or owner for that matter, unless I have a healthy Brett under center, it doesn 't sound like a good idea so I will have to pass.


Keep checking back for more football....

By David G. Ortega

FSH: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

May 26th, 2009 9:30pm PST

David's Daily Digest
[My Take]

Just browsing the daily headlines from this week and offering my take on what I hear and what I’m seeing.

My Take...

TE VERNON DAVIS COULD A BIGGER ROLE IN 2009?
My Fantasy Read: Davis is claiming that in the team’s new offense the tight end position will be a focal point. Even if that is the case, Davis has been a bust the last two seasons, so fantasy owners should not put too much stock in these claims just yet.

RB THOMAS JONES WILL REPORT TO JETS OTA
My Fantasy Read: It seems that the Jets running back may be coming to his better senses. According to his agent Jones will report with the team for their upcoming OTA on Wednesday. Jones is looking for a new deal and his best chance of getting one will be back on field showing the team he’s still gone something left. Jones will be 31 in August and is in his 10th season, he’s not likely to see a new deal and could be a fantasy risk if he decides to boycott more voluntary workouts or mandatory for that matter.

WR MATT JONES MAY AVOID SUSPENSION
My Fantasy Read: According to Matt Jones’ agent, the former Jaguar will not be suspended by the NFL afterall. Jones was expected to receive a suspension for violating court-mandated drug program, but that no longer seems to be the case. With the suspension null and void, Jones may find work somewhere, but his fantasy value is going to depend on where he lands.

WR ANQUAN BOLDIN LOOKING TO REPLACE ROSENHAUS
My Fantasy Read: The Cardinals disgruntled receiver is now unhappy with not only his team, but now his agent. With no progress regarding a new contract, Boldin may be looking for someone new to get a deal done now. Regardless of where Q lands, he’s still a top 10 receiver, but there’s no question there are only a few places where his fantasy stock won’t take a hit if he leaves Arizona.

QB TOM BRADY RETURNS TO THE FIELD
My Fantasy Read: The NFL’s former MVP (2007) made his long awaited return to the field on Tuesday when he practiced with the Team during their voluntary OTA. Brady was a full participant in the non-contact drills. Brady is well on his way to returning to 100%, but after missing so much football and being away from the game as long as he was, fantasy owners may want to use some caution. Brady will be better than most, but as good as he was could be a different story.


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