FSH: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

June 4th, 2009 8:30pm PST

David's Daily Digest
[My Take]

Another week of OTAs is winding down with more and more football talk heating up. Teams are in the midst of voluntary workouts, but mandatory camps are approaching fast and with that there’s even more to digest. Here’s my take on what’s happening now…..

My Take...

RB FELIX JONES COULD SEE HEAVIER LOAD IN 2009
My Fantasy Read: According to team owner Jerry Jones, 2nd year running back Felix Jones is expected to carry a much larger role in 2009. And if anyone knows, it has to be the team owner. Fantasy owners take this one with a grain of salt. It’s obvious a healthy Felix Jones is going to see more action this season behind the team’s starter Marion Barber, but buy into any time share duty here. Barber is still number one and will be the far more productive.

RB PIERRE THOMAS APPEARS TO BE THE STARTER
My Fantasy Read: If you follow what other players say, your best bet is to listen to the team’s quarterback. Recently Saints quarterback Drew Brees indicated that running back Pierre Thomas is the team’s lead back. Thomas will inherit the role as the inside runner, pounding out the tough short yardage. He could also get additional red-zone carries increasing his chances to improve upon his nine rushing touchdowns in 2008. He’ll be a solid middle round RB2 selection in fantasy drafts this summer.

RB MATT FORTE DINGED, BUT INJURY NOT SERIOUS
My Fantasy Read: The Bear’s team leader in yards-from-scrimmage last season, suffered a minor incident during the team’s workouts. Forte suffered a strained hamstring and is expected to miss all of next week’s OTAs. The team is being careful and it is expected Forte will be fine. This is good news for fantasy owners, after his 1,700-yards from scrimmage, 63 receptions, and 12 touchdowns, the Bear’s running back will be a top 10 fantasy back in 2009.

RB BRIAN WESTBROOK HAS ANKLE SURGERY
My Fantasy Read: After a rough 2008 season being limited most of the year with nagging injuries, one of the leagues most dynamic running backs will be slowed down once again. Following surgery on his ankle last Friday, Westbrook is expected to be sidelined for six weeks or so. Fantasy owners will want to watch this with close attention. The speed of Westbrook’s recovery could impact how the team will use the “sometimes” fragile playmaker. Westbrook has yet to play in all sixteen games in a season as a pro and though he did play in 14 last season, he was limited a considerable amount of time.

RB STEVEN JACKSON COULD SEE MORE PLAY IN PASS GAME
My Fantasy Read: Just three seasons ago Steven Jackson finished the 2006 amongst the leaders with 90 receptions. It appears the new look Rams are going to try to get Jackson more involved in the passing game this season. Last year the Rams dynamic runner only caught 40 passes, but did miss four games. Fantasy owners could be scrambling for the healthy 2009 version of Action Jackson, who could be looking at a huge season as a runner and pass receiver.


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

FSH: IDP NOTES

June 3rd, 2009 11:30pm PST

IDP Notes:

There’s more going on these days than just the “o.” With more news, notes, and updates to digest, here are more of my IDP takes for this week….

LB ANGELO CROWELL LIMITED DURING BUCS OTAs
My Fantasy Read: The Buc’s newest member of their linebacking corp is still recovering from knee surgery and is being limited during the team’s OTAs. Crowell was the Bill’s leading tackler in 2007 and after missing the entire 2008 season due to injury, he should be back in 2009 ready to gobble up tacklers. In a new system, he’s not likely to achieve the same type of success right away, but he should be an IDP draft consideration in most leagues.

DB ADRIAN WILSON RE-SIGNS WITH CARDINALS
My Fantasy Read: The Cardinals finally made the commitment that was long coming signing Wilson to a new five year deal. Wilson is one of the defenses emotional leaders and his presence will help bring stability to the secondary. The Cardinals safety has been a steady play in recent years, with the exception of his injury shortened 2007 season. With a new deal and a new focus, he’ll be a reliable play for IDP owners in most formats.

DB ANTOINE WINFIELD INTENDS TO SKIP OTAs
My Fantasy Read: One of the Viking’s more talented playmakers in the secondary continues to sit out while negotiations stall. Winfield has been a consistent ball-hawk in the secondary making big plays and being one of the more aggressive tackling corners. In three of his last four seasons Winfield has recorded more that 90 tackles. Once a deal gets done and he’s back on the field, he’ll be a top DB selected in IDP drafts.

DB TYE HILL SEEING A LOT OF ACTION AS STARTING CORNER
My Fantasy Read: The Rams fourth year corner is seeing a lot of time at one of the starting corner positions during the team’s OTAs. Hill has only started 21 games in three seasons, so he’s not quite proven. He could be getting an extended look and opportunity as a result of lack of options, but nonetheless Hill appears to be a front-runner. The Rams defense struggled last season, as a result if Hill starts he could be a busy DB in fantasy in 2009; something to watch.


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

FSH: WATERCOOLER CHAT

June 4th, 2009 11:15pm PST

WATERCOOLER CHAT

Lienart/Young: Not What We Expected

When both Matt Leinart and Vince Young were drafted in 2006, many analysts figured that both of these talented players would one day be stars in the league. Three years later and that have yet to happen for either. So what happened?

Both Leinart and Young entered the league with high hopes, but in the three seasons each has been a part of the league, neither has made much of an impact. When both broke into the NFL, both had their shots at starting, but neither was able to sustain any kind of run to hold forte. In their rookie seasons, Leinart started 11 games and Young started 13, but just last year both spent most of 2008 season as spectators with only Young season action as a starter (only start came in week 1).

It’s been three years since both took the step to the next level, but with Leinart sitting in wait behind two-time NFL MVP Kurt Warner he’ll have to continue to play the waiting game. In Tennessee, Vince Young’s meltdown last season was a great indicator that this young man lacks the maturity to handle the pressure and may still need some seasoning.

With Warner pushing 40 years of age, it really does appear it’s just a matter of time before Leinart’s day in the Arizona sun will come, if he’s patient. In Tennessee Young could see his chance come sooner, if he can get himself straight and back on the field doing the things that made him successful at Texas.

With quarterback Kerry Collins resigned, but also climbing in years (pushing 37 in December) Young would appear to be the heir apparent. Young had some personal issues that set him back last season, but head coach Jeff Fischer appears stead fast behind his former 1st round selection. With only 22 touchdown passes to 32 interceptions, Young has a lot of work in front of him.

On the fantasy scene, neither of these two looks like promising prospects for the 2009 season, but in Dynasty and keeper leagues these two potential future stars still hold value. In redraft leagues avoid the class of 2006, but if they are available, they are worth grabbing and holding until the 2010, when both figure to have a real shot at seeing extended action.


Let’s Play GM…

To sign or not: Should Denver Resign Marshall

One of the toughest decisions for an NFL GM has to be resigning one of its players. While you can base your decisions on the past, with the future always changing it tough to know if any player, good or bad fits in with the team’s plans. What’s always going to weigh-in on the decision making process, is this guy worth the trouble or worth the coin he’s going to demand.

At one point or another during each offseason, every team must come to the crossroads of what to do about signing a high profile player in demand. And this offseason the Broncos will face that very same tough decision when it comes to their superstar wide receiver Brandon Marshall.

The GM Game…
While on the surface the decision appears to be pretty simple; the bottom line on Marshall is in two full seasons as the Broncos featured pass receiving target, he’s been one of the very best in the league. Last season he completed his second consecutive 100-plus reception season and surpassed the 1,200-receiving yard barrier again.

Marshall has all the tools to be among the most elite in the league, but he seems to be a loose cannon off the field. The kid has a lot of maturing to do as evident with his one game suspension last season.

It’s obvious that before the end of this season, the team would like to lock him down for a long term deal. There’s no question that he deserves big dollars for what he has accomplished. The only hesitation would be tying up a lot of guaranteed money to a young player that seems to have diificulty staying out of trouble.

With most of today’s primadonna’s looking for bonuses and guaranteed bank, the question is “Is Marshall’s upside worth the risk?” In three seasons he has caught 226 passes for 2,899-yards, and 15 touchdowns and he’s just getting started. The boy has earned his money, should get paid, but the team must learn from other’s mistake. He’ll demand the big dollars and get the deal he’s looking for, but this team will lace the deal with clauses in case he stumbles again and jeopardizes his playing availability.

Word to the wise, don’t do the crime if you can’t pay the price.

Keep checking back for more football....

By David G. Ortega

FSH: FANTASY FIXX

June 2nd, 2009 9:37pm PST

THE FANTASY FIXX

Royal with Cheese, Please.


Eddie Royal#19, WR-(Denver Broncos)….
The second year receiver is looking primed to follow up his successful 2008 rookie campaign with another big year in Denver. Wide Receiver Eddie Royal was drafted as a return man, but showed so much promise in camp a year ago, he was vaulted into the starting line up; 91 receptions and 980-yards later a star was born.

Royal had tremendous success last season playing opposite Brandon Marshall, the team’s clear number one pass receiving target. With Marshall drawing so much attention Royal was able to roam free against single coverage and win most battles. The rookie wideout became an effective second option for the Bronco’s offense catching 43 passes for first downs in 2008.

Royal had three games last season with over 100-yards receiving and caught fewer than five balls just four times in 15 starts. The former Virginia Tech Hokie also had as many as six receptions in seven of his starts last season.


What to expect in 2009…
With McDaniels implementing the new (Patriots West) offense in Denver, Royal is expected to play the Wes Welker role, one that has benefited the Patriots receiver to the tune of 111 receptions in 2008 and 112 in 2007. With Marshall expected to be available at the start of the 2009 season, it’s very likely that Royal will continue his success in Denver and could be looking at a bigger year in his new role. Fantasy owners, especially those in PPR leagueswill have to consider Royal along the same lines as Wes Welker, likely to be one of the top WR2 to go in fantasy drafts. (2009 predictions: 96 receptions, 1.025-yards, 7 touchdowns)

Check back for more “Fantasy Fixx”

FSH: TUESDAY (FOOTBALL) TALK

June 2nd, 2009 8:37pm PST

No Suspension for Marshall?

Bronco’s Receiver to Avoid Punishment….
Well the suspense has ended and fans in Denver can rejoice. Troubled star wideout Brandon Marshall has managed once again to avert severe penalty on the field. Last season following his well documented multiple infractions off the field Marshall was facing a possibility of being suspended for four games by the league. He managed to avert severe punishment when his two game suspension was reduced to just a single game.

This past March the Broncos stud receiver, who seems to have the knack of having trouble find him off the field was once again in the middle of controversy. Involved with a charge of disorderly conduct, Marshall was facing serious trouble with the league and looking at the possibility of a lengthy suspension.

In recent news, with charges dropped and it appears Marshall has managed once again to hurdle another bump in the road to success, or has he. Apparently there is another case stemming from an earlier incident, which doesn’t appear to be threatening for Marshall yet.

If cleared and ready to play at the start of the 2009 season, Marshall is a legit top 10 wideout in most fantasy leagues. The Bronco’s receiver is coming off back to back 100-plus reception seasons for over 1,200-yards. Playing the role of Randy Moss in the Bronco’s new offense (Patriots West), Marshall could be on the verge of a very big 2009 campaign.

If this Bronco can manage to buck his way free of trouble, he’s likely to be one of the more sought after receivers in fantasy this year!

By David Ortega


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

FSH: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

June 2nd, 2009 8:30pm PST

David's Daily Digest
[My Take]

OTAs, OTAs, OTAs, with so much minicamp activity, sure there’s plenty to talk about. Did you see what Harvin is doing in Minnesota? Did you hear about Larry Fitz? Don’t worry he’s okay, but with so much happening around the league, here’s my take on a little sumthin, sumthin…..

My Take...

QB VINCE YOUNG NOT HAPPY IN TENNESSEE
My Fantasy Read: Recently the Titan’s former starting quarterback told a TV station in Baltimore that he’d like to move on if he’s not the starter this season. Amazing that he would feel so brazen to make such a statement, not what you would expect from a player that has been somewhat of a disappointment so far as a pro. Young had shown promise early in his career starting 28 games in his first two seasons, but with Collins resigned and just one start last seasons, fantasy owners are going to have to wait awhile before we see the old Young.

RB LEON WASHINGTON REPORTS TO CAMP
My Fantasy Read: The dynamic special teams returner and backup running back reported to the Jet’s minicamp on Monday. Washington in the final year of his rookie deal is looking for a new contract. It is expected the team will eventually sit down with the kid, but it’s a better move to be in camp than away. Washington had 200 touches last season and totaled 2,336 all-purpose yards. With Thomas Jones getting older, “little” Leon could see an expanded role in the running and short passing game, making him one of the more attractive backups in fantasy.

WR TEDD GINN JR GREATLY IMPROVING THIS OFFSEASON
My Fantasy Read: There are some reports coming out of the Dolphins camp that Ginn Jr has been especially impressive this offseason during team OTAs. Last season Ginn Jr showed flashes as the team’s most talented and gifted receiver. In his first full season as the team’s number one wideout, Ginn Jr led the Dolphins in many of its’ receiving statistical categories. He looks like a solid bet to be even better in 2009 and can be a top-twenty five producer in most fantasy leagues at the receiver position.

WR CHAD OCHOCINCO LOOKING FOR AN UNBELIEVABLE 2009
My Fantasy Read: Just when you thought he might be done, just ask him and he’ll tell you; just like he told the NFL Network he plans to report to the Bengals in unbelievable form. Despite a down year in 2008, Ochocino is still a talented wideout with a lot of great catches left. One of the biggest contributing factors to his fall from football glory was the absence of his field general Carson Palmer. With a healthy Palmer back, Ochocinco could be one of the bigger steals in upcoming fantasy drafts.

RB PIERRE THOMAS EXPECTING TO CARRY THE LOAD
My Fantasy Read: With Deuce McAllister now gone, it appears the lead role as the Saints starting running back belongs to Pierre Thomas. In his two seasons with the Saints, the 5-foot eleven inch running back has averaged 4.8-yards per carry and scored 10 rushing touchdowns. Thomas is confident that he can fulfill the role as the team’s ground and pound runner. Even though he’ll be sharing some touches with the spectacular Reggie Bush, when given the opportunity Thomas can be a solid and consistent weekly play for fantasy owners.


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

FSH: ON THE COVER

June 1st, 2009 9:50pm PST

This Week on the Cover….

Two Birds of a Feather…

Since 2004, when Larry Fitzgerald arrived in Arizona, he and teammate wide receiver Anquan Boldin have been spectacular bookend receivers torching opposing secondaries for big numbers. Combined both receivers have been putting up the kind of numbers that make fantasy owners drool every summer.

Boldin arrived in Arizona the summer before, immediately turning heads by setting an NFL rookie record with 101 receptions in 2003. Boldin would also finish his rookie season with 1,377-yards receiving and eight touchdown receptions.

Once paired with Fitzgerald in 2004, the two have become mirrors of one another posting up similar numbers and elevating the Cardinals to new heights. The two have even rejuvenated an aging 37-year old former NFL MVP. In Warner’s last two seasons with both receivers to throw to, he’s completed 57 touchdowns passes; Fitzgerald-22 and Boldin-20.

When you compare the two wideouts over their careers since the 2004 season, they truly are two birds of the same feather. Since the 2004 season over a project 16 game season, Fitzgerald (76 games played) has averaged 89-receptions, 1,257-yards receiving, and 9-plus touchdowns to Boldin’s (64 games played) 100-receptions, 1,279-yards receiving, and 8-touchdowns. When healthy these two can explode making the Cardinals offense seemingly unstoppable and very dangerous to the rest of the NFC West.

While these are only projected numbers, the truly do show some of the potential of each of these lethal football weapons. We’ve already seen just how good Fitzgerald can be witnessing last season’s postseason run and no one can argue the toughness of Anquan Boldin watching him bounce back from the vicious hit he suffered in week four.

These two special birds that flock together, hope to stay together, as do all of the fans in the Arizona desert. With the 2009 season fast approaching, it will remain to be seen if these two of a feather can remain together.


Check back everyday for more football!

FSH: MONDAY MORNING HUDDLE

June 1st, 2009 8:47pm PST

[Evening edition]

Boldin has a New Agent

Time for the Cards to take Action....

After last season’s impressive run through the NFC West, past the NFC Championship, onto the verge of winning their first Super Bowl title ever, there’s no question that the Card’s must keep their nucleus intact to have a shot at repeating. With quarterback Kurt Warner pushing 40 years of age, the window of opportunity could be closing for these birds, all the reason why the leagues 4th ranked offense needs to keep its’ best players right where they are.

In the offseason the Cards took their first step resigning quarterback Kurt Warner and with Larry Fitzgerald already inked to a big deal, the obvious next move with Edgerrin James expected to be released would be to fix their situation in the backfield.

What about Anquan Boldin? That was a situation that was supposed to have already been resolved when the team resigned him in 2007. Since that time the Cardinal’s second leading receiver has show dissatisfaction with his current deal, especially compared to the deal Fitz signed.

In recent news the disgruntled receiver who had been following a hard line “new deal or trade me” stance, has fired his agent Drew Rosenhaus. Before Boldin had expressed his dissatisfaction, the Cards were a lock to return the same explosive weapons that carried them all the way to a lead late in the 4th quarter of Super Bowl XLIII.

With Boldin unhappy and management slow to move its’ feet, to many observers it appeared Boldin would be dealt by draft day. Well the draft has come and gone, Boldin is still a Cardinal, still unhappy, and the two sides appear as far apart as ever. That was until the recent news of Boldin firing his agent. Boldin has hired a new agent Tom Condon (not confirmed) and it appears the grays clouds over Glendale, Arizona could be clearing.

With a new agent to deal with, the Cardinals will have a whole new set of cards dealt on the table and it could be just a matter of time before both sides find a common middle ground. There’s no question the Card’s offense can be good without Boldin, but Larry Fitz and company will definitely be better with Q. Together over the past three seasons Fitzgerald and Boldin have averaged combined 169 receptions, 2,293-yards, and 17-touchdowns. Those are just ridiculous fantasy numbers.

If the Cards hope to have the same kind of aerial assault in the desert this season, keeping Boldin in Arizona and on the playing field (including practice) should become a priority (if it isn’t already). With new player representation in play, now is the time for the Cardinals to take action and get Boldin resigned.

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

FSH: SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL NOTES

May 31st, 2009 9:37pm PST

Sunday Night Football Notes

Do the Bears Have Enough?

When the offseason started, probably no one in the Windy City area would have thought the Bears would undergo such a huge change on the offense. Even when the news broke that, then Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler could be traded, likely no one in the Chicago area would have imagined that the he could end up under center for the Bears.

It’s a real mystery how the turn of events led to Cutler’s arrival, but here he is and now the Bears have a true top-flight quarterback. Last season the team ranked 21st in passing and its’ leading receiver was running back Matt Forte who finished 2008 with 63 receptions.

Despite the lack of play making ability at the receiver position, it appears the Bears will be content to roll with their current lineup and one of the leagues best quarterbacks. Cutler is coming off an impressive 2008 campaign passing for more than 4,500-yards and throwing 25-touchdowns. Many feel he’s a huge step forward for the Bear’s offense at the quarterback position, but do they have enough talent at the receiver position for Cutler to be successful in 2009?

Their leading wide receiver is a converted kick-returner, albeit that it is the explosive Devin Hester, but he’s unpolished, unproven, and is still a work in progress. The most accomplished receiver Cutler will have to throw to is probably his new tight end Greg Olsen, but despite all the hype around the former Hurricane he’s yet to live up to expectations.

The Bears are not without talent, they do have some skilled players that can make plays, like Brandon Lloyd who has shown flashes. Lloyd biggest deficiency is his lack of consistency. Last season Lloyd had a two game stretch where he caught 11 passes for 190-yards and a touchdown, then missed five games, and completed a stretch of six games in the second half of the season where two catches were the most in any game (tallied seven catches during the stretch).

There’s no doubt Cutler brings the Bears offense immediate credibility and playmaking at the quarterback position, but without top flight talent on the outside the passing game will be limited. Hester will have his moments, but will likely struggle to be consistent and the offense is going to be a work in progress as the nucleus builds chemistry.

Surprisingly the Bears seem content to keep what they have, even if it’s not a lot. With several free agents available and some big names floating around in trade rumors, we’ve yet to hear the Bears link to anything. Content or not, this is what they have and they will have to rely mightily on the rocket arm of Jay Cutler.

Cutler’s arm wasn’t big enough to lift the Broncos into playoff contenders, but they were a team without a defense. In Chicago he’ll have the benefit of having a better defense and a team that might not require as much of him. With the lack of playmakers on offense to make the playoffs, he’s still going to have to be very good; but will it be enough?

By David Ortega

Check out more “Sunday Night Football Notes” every week!