FSH: IDP NOTES

September 15th, 2009 10:30pm PST

IDP Notes:

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

IDP News From Across the Wire…

Brian Dawkins, S, Denver Broncos
Brian Dawkins (hand) did not practice on Wednesday, according to the Colorado Springs Gazette.
My Fantasy Read on Dawkins: The Bronco’s new safety was a beast on Sunday recording 11 tackles (including seven solo). His presence was particularly big in support of the run as the Broncos limited Cincinnati to just 3-yards per carry. Dawk is a ball-hawk and if he’s healthy he’s a player; check his status later in the week….

B.J. Raji, DT, Green Bay Packers
B.J. Raji (ankle) was a full-participant in Packers practice on Wednesday, according to the team.
My Fantasy Read on Raji: For the most part the Packers interior defensive line did a credible job Sunday night stuffing the run only allowing 2.8 yds/carry. Adding Raji to the mix will definitely make an already pretty good looking run defense even better. The Packers team defense stock just went up a few points…..

Adalius Thomas, LB, New England Patriots
Adalius Thomas was limited in Wednesday's practice while nursing a foot ailment, according to the Patriots' official team website.
My Fantasy Read on Thomas: With a rookie quarterback on the menu, the Patriots would love to have Thomas on the field Sunday. He’s typically one of your big IDP playmakers and should start, but if he’s slowed by injury he could be limited. Check his status later in the week….

Paul Posluszny, LB, Buffalo Bills
According to the team's official website, Bills' linebacker Paul Posluszny underwent successful surgery on his broken arm on Tuesday. Posluszny is expected to be back at some point before the halfway point of the season.
My Fantasy Read on Posluszny: The Bill’s defense at times looked terrific Monday night, except when Brady was dissecting the middle of the defense. Posluszny’s absence will be felt in the middle, fantasy owners that draft team defenses may want to check the waiver wire soon while the Bill’s linebacker is sidelined…..

Champ Bailey, CB, Denver Broncos
Champ Bailey (ankle) did not participate in practice on Wednesday, according to the Colorado Springs Gazette.
My Fantasy Read on Bailey: There are no reports indicating Bailey is in any danger of missing action this weekend. Expect to see the Pro Bowler on the field Sunday facing a very suspect Brown’s passing offense….


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FSH: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

April 2nd, 2009 11:30pm PST


David's Daily Digest
[My Take]

Last week was anything but quiet in the halls of the NFL. The Giants depart ways with a troubled receiver and possible major distraction, while the Bears and Broncos decide to pull off one big surprising deal. All of these happenings are certainly going to have some effect on the upcoming fantasy season and I have my thoughts on what to expect…

My Take...

QB JAY CUTLER TRADED TO BEARS
In a surprising move the Broncos dealt their problem child away to the Chicago Bears, where they will hope the disgruntled quarterback will resume his pro bowl level of play. Cutler was traded in exchange for the Bear’s starter, Kyle Orton and draft picks. There’s no question the Bears offense receives a huge upgrade at the QB position. But without much of a supporting cast, Cutler a top five fantasy quarterback is likely to fall out of the top ten unless Lovie Smith can find some help.

RB CARNELL WILLIAMS EXPECTED BACK IN JULY
The Buc’s running back is expected to return to the field in July. This is his second major knee injury in as many seasons. While it looks as though Williams will be at full strength when training camps open in July, the odds are stacked long against him returning to the field in Tampa. With the team signing running back Derrick Ward to back-up Earnest Graham and his history of injuries, his chances seem remote at best. Fantasy owners should also note, the Cadillac could be garaged (on the PUP list) to start the season.

QB KYLE ORTON A BRONCO
While the move was a surprise, there’s probably no one happier in Denver than Kyle Orton fantasy owners. The former Purdue Boilermaker was impressive in his collegiate days throwing the rock in a pro-style spread offense and now he’ll return to a similar offense that is very quarterback friendly. Orton’s skill level may be limited, but he should be a more productive fantasy starter for owners in 2009 and worth a mid-level quarterback selection in most drafts.

WR BRANDON MARSHALL HAS HIP SURGERY
The Bronco’s receiver had hip surgery, but this will be the least of his worries. It would seem he'll be one of the most affected by the whole Cutler-for-Orton deal, but fantasy owners should take note that the impact won’t be nearly as great as first conceived. With Marshall expected to get hit with an eight game suspension, by the time he returns to the field the smart fantasy owners that passed over him, may be looking to play “let’s make a deal” later in the season. Marshall will likely have his biggest impact around fantasy playoffs, but that is a long time from now and a lot can still happen.

WR PLAXICO BURRESS IS RELEASED
The biggest impact here is not how this will affect Plaxico. He’s out of football for sometime it now appears. Two players that will be most affected will obviously be one, quarterback Eli Manning who will have to search high-n-low to find a new go-to, but the other affected will be running back Brandon Jacobs. Without a legitimate threat on the outside, opposing teams are going to stack the line and make it difficult for Jacobs to repeats his solid 2008 performance. Fantasy owners will need to watch the Giants offseason moves, because it’s going to take more than a rookie pick to fill this void.


IDP Notes:

There’s certainly been no shortage of news from the other side of the ball this offseason, with impact players trying to come back and some possibly looking to be moved. Nevertheless, with new updates everyday there’s just as much to watch, follow, and note on the defense. Here are some of this week’s IDP notes….


LB SHAWNE MERRIMAN HEALTHY AGAIN
The Chargers linebacker is saying he is “feeling great” and “looks amazing.” According to many folks in the Merriman-camp, the Charger’s “Lights-out” playmaker is already back at full strength. This is good news for IDP owners, but it the real proof will be when Merriman returns to full-contact.

DL AARON KAMPMAN RUMORED TO BE ON THE MOVE
It is being reported that the Packers could be looking to trade Kampman, who may not necessarily fit their new 3-4 system on defense. With many teams now converting to the popular 3-4 scheme, there are fewer ideal places for Kampman to go. There’s no question he’s still a big time pass rusher on the edge in the 4-3, but may lack the same kind of impact as an inside presence in the 3-4 defense. IDP owners will want to wait and see if he’s moved before weighing in on any preseason judgment.

LB ADALIUS THOMAS REHABBING WELL
One of the Patriot’s big playmaking defensive players is progressing well with his rehab of a broken forearm. Thomas is a talent and impact player on defense and looks to be back in time for training camp. Expect Thomas to be a popular IDP pick in fantasy drafts coming off five sacks in only nine games last season and 39.5 over his past five seasons.

DL JASON TAYLOR WAITING TO DECIDE
The former Redskin is going to wait until after the NFL draft to decide where he’ll play according to some reports. While Taylor is still athletic and seems to have plenty left in the tank, he’s a better fit in a system where he’ll platoon as a pass rush specialist. It’s looking like Miami and New England could be possible suitors. He could flourish with either team.


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