FSH: NFL DRAFT REVIEW

January 23rd, 2009 - 8:30pm PST

2009 Draft Review

Working with the staff over at the NFL Draft Bible, the following is my assessment of how the Seahawks did with their seven 2009 draft picks. The grade is based on the pick, considering when the pick was taken and how the player developed or did not. For complete coverage of all 32 teams, check out the NFL Draft Bible.

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS 2009 DRAFT REVIEW

(1-4) Aaron Curry, LB, Wake Forest: The Seahawks first pick Aaron Curry started out the 2009 season strong, but struggled down the stretch finishing his rookie season with just two sacks. Injuries and inconsistency limited his play in the second half of the season. And for being the 2009 fourth overall draft pick, next season he'll need to improve. Grade: C+

(2-49) Max Unger, OT, Oregon: The Seahawks rookie offensive lineman went to work right away in 2009 starting all 16 games. The native Hawiian did a commendable job on a makeshift line that struggled with pass protection all season. Unger has the look of the being one of the anchors of the offensive line for seasons to come, but he'll need more help. Grade: B+ (Pick received from Bears)

(3-91) Deon Butler, WR, Penn State: The third round pick out of Penn State did not see a lot of opportunity in his first season. Injuries at the quarterback position disrupted any rhythm on offense in 2009 and Butler found himself lost in the shuffle. Unable to crack into any significant playing time in 2009, the kid will have a chance next season to earn his stripes. Grade: C (Pick received from Giants through Eagles)

(6-178) Mike Teel, QB, Rutgers: The Seahawks quarterback out of Rutgers did very little his first year to turn any heads within the organization. Teel spent his rookie season as the team's third string quarterback and was unable to beat out wildcat specialist Seneca Wallace for the number two spot. With the recent coaching change in Seattle Teel's future may be a little cloudy. Grade: C (Compensatory selection)

(7-245) Courtney Greene, SS, Rutgers: Another Rutgers product, Greene expected to add depth to the secondary, but a preseason injury curtailed his career in Seattle and landed him in Jacksonville. After the Seahawks waived Greene he was expected to resign, but the Jaguars stepped in and inked a deal with the kid. Grade: F (Compensatory selection)

(7-247) Nick Reed, DE, Oregon: The undersized native Californian had a lot of promise coming off an impressive preseason. His lack of size may have caught up to him as Reed was not highly productive for an NFL defensive end. He did have one shinning moment in Week 5 with a 79-yard fumble return for a touchdown. He'll have to work a lot harder this offseason if he hopes to make more plays on defense. Grade: C- (Compensatory selection)

(7-248) Cameron Morrah, TE, California: The former Golden Bear was a late seventh round selelction. With John Carlson locked in as the number one, Morrah was burried at the third string spot. With just one reception for all of 2009, he'll be a work in progress this offseason and will be competing for a spot on the roster in 2010. (Compensatory selection)

Keep checking for more Draft review of the NFC West Division, next the San Francisco 49ers...

FSH: CHAMPIONSHIP WEEKEND INJURY NOTES

January 23rd, 2009 - 11:17am PST

Championship Round

Infirmary Report

Injury Updates for Championship Weekend

(Some recent player injury news; updated Saturday Jan. 23rd)

Offensive Player Injuries

Joseph Addai-RB (Colts)

The Colts running back Joseph Addai (shoulder) practiced all week and is listed as probable for Sunday's AFC Championship matchup with the Jets. The Jets boast one of the leagues better run defenses, so yards on the ground will be tough to come by for Addai and company.

Percy Harvin-WR (Vikings)

The Vikings rookie receiver Percy Harvin (migraines) has struggled with the migraine headaches missing some action down the stretch of the 2009 season. Despite the recent reports of the migraines, he appeared fine on Friday and will be traveling with the team. He's questionable for Sunday and likely to be game-time, but it sounds like he'll be playing.

Robert Meachum-WR (Saints)

The Saints wide receiver Robert Meachum (ankle) is expected to play and be close to 100 percent after working on a limited basis earlier in the week. The team is encouraged by his progress, which will be good news for the Saints vaunted passing attack. Meachum was a non-factor last week with no catches, but could be more instrumental on Sunday.

Jeremy Shockey-TE (Saints)

The Saints tight end Jeremy Shockey (knee) did not practice on Friday and is questionable for Sunday's NFC title game against the Vikings. With Shockey's injury history, he's likely to be a game-time decision. If he sits, a more than capable back up Dave Thomas could see a few more throws his direction on Sunday.

Defensive Player Injuries

Antoine Winfield-DB (Vikings)

The Vikings cornerback Antoine Winfield (foot) was limited for a third straight day of practice. He's expected to play Sunday against the Saints, but could once again see limited duty as a result of the foot injury.

Kevin WIlliams-DL (Vikings)

The Vikings defensive lineman Kevin Williams (knee) was listed questionable for Sunday after missing two days of practice this week. He was able to return Friday, but he'll still be a question mark and likely game-time. The beefy run stuffer has been a big key to the Vikings 2nd ranked run defense, if he's missing this will be a huge break for the Saints ground attack.

Shaun Ellis-DL (Jets)

The Jets defensive end Shaun Ellis (hand) is expected to play Sunday against the Colts despite breaking his left hand in the team's divisional match up against the Chargers. Ellis will likely wear some type of protective cast on the hand for the title matchup and will have surgery following the game.

Ray Edwards-DL (Vikings)

The Vikings have a lot of questions and concerns along their defensive line for Sunday's title game, but are expecting defensive end Ray Edwards to give it a go. He sat out practice earlier in the week, but returned Friday wearing a brace. He's listed as questionable, but the team is hopeful he can play.

Don't forget to check every Sunday morning for "Game-time" updates....

FSH: (WEDNESDAY) WATERCOOLER CHAT

January 20th, 2009 - 11:05pm PST

Watercooler Chat

Where these games could go....

The Vikings bring with them the number two ranked run defense in the league and will surely make it difficult for Brees and company to establish any kind of a ground game on Sunday. Stopping the run will be a key for Minnesota's secondary, which could be vulnerable against a Drew Brees with time to throw. Last week the boys (Edwards, Allen, Williams, & Williams) did a great job slowing down the Cowboys run game (92 yards rushing). Once the Cowboys were forced to throw, Allen and company broke loose recording six sacks. This is what the Vikes will be looking to do on Sunday. Force Brees into obvious passing situations and go get the quarterback.

Staying with the NFC picture, on offense it will be a different story for the Vikings this week. They have perhaps one of the very best if not the best running back in the game today in Adrian Peterson. The Saints have shown to be vulnerable against the run ranked 21st and allowing 4.5 yards per carry. Peterson has yet to be a big factor in the playoffs, but this Sunday could be a different story for the former NFL rushing champion. All-day has only two 100-yard rushing games this season, could see another heavy work-load (26 carries last week). You can bet it Peterson tops 25 carries on Sunday, he's going to have a big day on the ground.

Wayne says...

Never without an opinion, but maybe not much of a brain Wayne offers his thoughts on this weekend's matchups....

The Saints have managed to trounce on most of their opponents this season, but clearly last weekend they faced a much inferior defense that just didn't have the playmakers to match up. That won't be the case this weekend. The Vikings have the ability to turn the Saints offense into one dimensional. Passing on first down will be key for the Saints to keep a balanced attack with short yardage on 2nd and 3rd downs. This will allow effective play-action to keep the Vikings defense on their heels.

The Colts don't care how you play defense against their quarterback, he's going to check at the line and constantly pre-read the defense. The two biggest keys for the Jets will be execution on defense and running the ball of offense. Manning is going to go through his pre-snap reads, whatever the defense dials up they must execute and they must get in Manning's face. On offense the Jets have to run effective, move the chains, eat the clock, and they must stay out of third and long.

Player Watch for the Title tilts...

Once again here a few players of note that fantasy owners should consider riding or hiding for the coming weekend of games. Keep these players on your watch list, you just may want to give them a hard look come Sunday;

(Start) Brett Favre

The Vikings quarterback is playing real well with 10 touchdown passes and no interceptions. The Saints exploited the Cards defense last week and forced them to play catch-up, that’s not likely to happen this week. As long as its competitive, Favre will be able to mix the pass with the run; start him.

(Start) Shonn Greene

The Colts struggle with the run and if the Jets keep this one close Shonn Greene is going to see a lot of work. What the rookie has shown this post season is his ability to run with power and make big plays. Greene already has a 39 yard and a 53 yard touchdown run in the post season; start him.

(Sit) Pierre Thomas

Thomas is not quite 100 percent running with sore ribs. Last week against the Cardinals he was limited to 13 carries, partly due to the big lead the Saints built, but the ribs have to be a concern. Thomas scampered his way to 52 yards, but he's not likely to be as productive on the ground this week; sit him.

(Start) Percy Harvin

The Vikings took advantage of their lanky and tall receiver Sidney Rice against the Cowboys smaller corners. The Saints will have to compensate for their undersized corners likely with safety Darren Sharper over the top and that could leave Percy Harvin with a lot of single coverage. Harvin is a Favre favorite and a playmaker, so expect him to be involved; start him.

(Sit) Braylon Edwards

The Jets haven't much of a pass game and with the emphasis being on the run this Sunday nothing is likely to change. Although Edwards could present some downfield challenges he's only caught four passes for 56 yards in two games.

Check back every week for more "Watercooler Chat"

FSH: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

January 19th, 2010 9:30pm PST

David's Daily Digest

[My Take]

More football news and happenings from around the league; here’s the latest I am hearing, reading, and following with my take on things and how they will impact the coming fantasy week……

Player Notes From Across My Wire...

Favre ready to continue his magic....

The 2009 season has been a magical return of the Golden Boy, much to the dismay of many cheeseheads. In his 20th season, Vikings quarterback Brett Favre has had a magnificent run and has carried his great play right into the playoffs. Last week Favre connected on 15 of 24 passes for 234 yards and four touchdowns. The Saints defense is going to have to find a way to disrupt his rhythm or fans will see a lot of the same on Sunday.

Wayne could have a tough day on Sunday...

In their first matchup, mind you Colts wide receiver Reggie Wayne did exit early, but while on the field his three catches for just 33 yards were a non-factor. On Sunday he's likely to be shadowed a lot by the Jets cover corner Darrelle Revis. As great as Peyton Manning can be, if he does not have too much bravado to look the other way it could be a quiet day for Wayne. Fantasy owners have to be prepared for a quiet afternoon from Wayne.

Bush could be huge factor in passing game....

The Saints running back Reggie Bush had a huge game on the ground in the divisional round averaging 18 yards from scrimmage each time he touched the ball. There's no question the Vikings priority will be to close the gaps and contain Mr. Bush, but where he could be a huge factor on Sunday is in open space. Don't be surprised to see head coach Sean Payton utilize his running back even more in the passing game to compensate for the Vikings 2nd ranked run defense.

Jones likely to take a back seat on Sunday.....

The Jets have been able to run the ball effectively this post season, but perhaps to the dismay of running back Thomas Jones. In two games this post season Jones has carried the ball 29 times, but it has been rookie Shonn Greene who has seen the bulk of the work load with 44 attempts. The rookie has managed a heft six yards per tote, while Jones has been a pedestrian 2.6 yards per carry. With the rookie running well, Jones is likely to take a back seat against the Colts 24th ranked run defense on Sunday.

IDP Notes....

Colts must use their speed to neutralize Jets ground attack….

All season the Colts have used an explosive passing game and the will of Peyton Manning to get the job done, but on Sunday they will need their 18th ranked run defense to step up. Ranked 24th against the run and allowing more than four yards per carry, the undersized defense will have to use their speed (Robert Mathis and Dwight Freeney) on the edges to swarm and disrupt the Jets ground assault. These two pass rushing specialists (23 sacks combined this season) will have to be equally effective against the run game.

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

FSH: TUESDAY (FOOTBALL) TALK

January 19th, 2010 10:17pm PST

FOOTBALL TALK

Looking under the hood of

the Divisional Round

The Saints flex some firepower of their own....

In the Wildcard round it was the Cardinals flexing a lot of offensive muscle, but on Saturday night they got a heavy taste of their own medicine. The Saints from out of the gate were relentless moving the ball through the air and on the ground. With the resurgence of a deadly passing attack and the return of the explosive running of Reggie Bush the Saints were firing on all pistons and there was very little the Cardinals defense could do to stop it. New Orleans rang up 45 points, 27 first downs, and 418 yards of offense and when the day was over, it was just a good old fashion butt whooping. One of the keys to the Saints explosion was the emergence of Reggie Bush as an explosive big play power runner. Bush totaled over 200 all purpose yards and scored twice (rushing and special teams); he's going to be an "X" factor the Vikings defense will have to deal with.

Upstart Jets may have the recipe for disaster....

You don't have to ask the San Diego Chargers, the already know first hand that Rex Ryan and his New York Boys have a winning recipe; a relentless running game, a sound defense, and minimize the mistakes. The Jets have averaged 40 running plays and 170 yards on the ground in two post season games, led by the running of rookie running back Shonn Greene. Their rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez has not been overly spectacular, but that's because he hasn't had to be. In two games Sanchez (23 turnovers) has been solid making plays when needed and taking care of the ball; he has only turned the ball over once this post season. The defense has been equally up to the task recording five sacks and four takeaways. With the Colts up ahead the Greene (263 yards rushing in the postseason) and the Jets ground game will definitely test the leagues 24th ranked run defense. There's no doubt that Jets head coach Rex Ryan and cornerback Darrelle Revis will be ready to test the incomparable Peyton Manning.

More fantasy Notes

The Vikings running back Adrian Peterson gained just 63 yards on the ground against a tough Cowboys defense, but he did have 26 carries. With the Saints 21st ranked rushing defense allowing 4.5 yards per carry, expect the Vikings to lean more on "All-Day" this week. Sunday could be close to a 30 carry effort and a big day on the ground for one of the NFL's elite runner.

The Vikings secondary is going to get tested on Sunday. If you remember back to Week 13 the Cardinals Kurt Warner obliterated the defense for 285 yards and three touchdowns. The Saints proved their high-octane offense is just as explosive if not more so, expect to see quarterback Drew Brees (4,388 yards passing, 34 touchdowns) to attack the secondary with his lethal collection of receiving weapons; Colston, Shockey, Henderson, Bush, Moore, and Meachum.

If you are a betting fan, you can feel safe wager on the chances of the Jets running the ball a lot on Sunday against the Colts. With the league’s MVP standing across the field, that will be the only place head coach Rex Ryan will want to see Manning. The Jets are averaging 40 run plays in the post season and they are safe lock to hit that number on Sunday, if the defense can keep Peyton Manning and company in check.

By David Ortega

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

FSH: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

January 19th, 2010 6:30pm PST

David's Daily Digest

[My Take]

More football news and happenings from around the league; here’s the latest I am hearing, reading, and following with my take on things and how they will impact the coming fantasy week……

Player Notes From Across My Wire...

Bush running with purpose....

The Saints running back Reggie Bush was limited most of the season by injury or design and the results appear to be fresh legs and an explosive runner. On Saturday not only was Bush healthy, but he looked powerful running with purpose. Against the Cardinals on Saturday Bush totaled 216 all purpose yards and scored twice. Expect the Saints to make Bush a huge factor in the NFC title game.

Clark could be big this weekend...

After watching the Chargers target their star tight end 11 times on Sunday with a great deal of success against the Jets, don't be surprised to see the Colts take a page from their playbook. Clark tied for the team lead with 100 receptions this past season and his seven catches last weekend also led the team. Expect Manning to target his tight end a great deal in the title game.

Rice rising to the occasion....

The Vikings wide receiver had a breakout season with the hall of fame quarterback Brett Favre throwing him the ball; 83 receptions, 1,312 yards receiving, and eight touchdowns. The Vikings best receiver was targeted seven times on Sunday and blew up for 141 yards and three scores on six grabs. He'll be a favorite against an opportunistic Saints secondary.

Greene will lead gang ground attack.....

The Jets have been using a stout running attack (averaging 40 rushing attempts per game) in the playoffs and rookie running back Shonn Greene has been leading the way. In two games Greene is averaging 22 carries and 131 yards rushing per game with two scores. This weekend against the Colts 24th ranked run defense, Greene and company will try to find the holes and force their will.

IDP Notes....

Vikings defense must dial up the pressure again….

On Sunday against the Cowboys the Vikings defense played one of it's best games bringing lots of pressure and wrecking havoc. The defense recorded six tackles and three takeaways, limiting the Cowboys to less than 250 yards of offense. When they meet the Saints this coming weekend they will need to do a lot of the same if they hope to derail the leagues tops offense; Saints scored over 30 points (ranked 1st) and averaged more than 400 yards per game (ranked 1st). The key for the Vikings (48 sacks, most in the NFL) will be pressure against arguably one of the leagues best offensive lines (20 sacks allowed, 4th fewest).

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

FSH: MONDAY MORNING HUDDLE

January 18th, 2010 - 8:25pm PST

[Late Edition]

Monday Morning Huddle

The Divisional Round

Much like the Wildcard round, this past weekend of post season action took on a similar flavor with the NFL saving its best for last or at least it’s most competitive. The first three games of the weekend followed the similar pattern of a non-competitive one sided match with the Saints, Colts, and Vikings all advancing with lopsided wins.

It was only the Sunday afternoon match that offered any kind of a well contested matchup. The New York Jets, better than a touchdown underdog to the San Diego Chargers would not only challenge the favorites, but gave NFL fans an exciting game to remember.

The upstart Jets, handed a gift in week 16 by the Colts earned their way into the playoffs with a win over the Bengals in the season finale. Their victory over the Bengals for a second consecutive weekend earned them a trip to San Diego to face the Chargers in the divisional round.

The Chargers entered the contest as thee hottest teams in the NFL with 11 straight victories and while they were having all kinds of regular season success, one had to wonder if they could overcome their recent struggles in the post season.

The Chargers having been passing their way past opponents most of the season led by quarterback Philip Rivers (4,254-yards passing, 28 touchdowns), but on Sunday they seemed to have employed a game plan that did not incorporate the vertical game. The Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis has been heralded as probably the best shutdown corner in the game today and it appeared on Sunday the Chargers showed great respect; maybe too much respect.

In all three previous playoff games, the winners all stuck to what got them there, but it seemed the Chargers refrained from taking too many shots downfield. With a low risk offense there weren't many points scored and that played right into the Jets hands. Let’s not take anything away from the Jets defense that played extremely well (2-sacks, 2-turnovers), but for much of the game they were hardly challenged; conservative play-calling may have been the undoing for the Chargers.

The Jets used their solid defense effort and a stout running game (169 yards rushing) to keep the game close and in the 4th quarter a 53 yard touchdown run by rookie running back Shonn Greene took all of the wind out of the Chargers sails. Greene has suddenly emerged as a rushing force in the playoffs and will surely be featured against the Colts in the title game.

The Jets rookie quarterback was not spectacular by any stretch, but he limited his mistakes and his 12 of 23 passing for 100 yards proved to be enough. The Chargers did exploit one deficiency in the Jets secondary, tight end Antonio Gates had a field day much of the afternoon catching intermediate and short passes; something the Jets will likely see from Colts tight end Dallas Clark.

With Jets win over San Diego, the stage is set for a rematch between New York and the team that seemingly gifted their entry into the post season (the Colts). In their first meeting the Colts appeared to have laid down sitting most of their starters in the second half, but it was still a competitive game at that point.

This weekend fans will see if the Colts made a poor calculated mistake by taking the afternoon off in Week 16 or if the Jets will just prove to be just another casualty that Indy will quickly dispose of on their way to Florida.

More Injury notes from Sunday...

RB-Pierre Thomas (Saints)...expected to be fine.

WR-Robert Meachum (Saints)....x-rays on ankle negative.

TE-Jeremy Shockey (Saints)....expected to play.

DL-Shaun Ellis (Jets)....fractured arm, will play.

DL-Ray Edwards (Vikings)....expected to play.

Quick Notes:

The Vikings Brett Favre has been playing real well the last couple of weeks. In his last three starts he has passed for 871 yards, thrown 10 touchdowns, and completed 69 percent (66 of 95) of his passes. Favre seems to be peaking at the right time once again and could be on the verge of a magical run.

The Jets running back Shonn Greene has been on a roll the last several weeks and he has been rewarded for his efforts. Greene is averaging over 105 yards rushing over his last four games and over 5.7 yards per carry with two touchdowns. As a result of his success on the ground the Jets rookie has averaged 18 carries per game over that stretch, including 22 per game in the post season.

The Saints wide receiver Marques Colston has been Drew Brees go-to receiver since the two began playing together in 2006. This season has not been any different, with Colston leading the team with 70 receptions and nine touchdowns. On Saturday in their wildcard matchup Colston was targeted nine times and again led the team with six catches for 83 yards and a score. This weekend expect Colston to be heavily targeted once again.

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