FSH NOTEBOOK: ON THE COVER

January 3rd, 2011, Monday

On the Cover

The Sheriff Is Back Again

Manning and the Colts Reach the Dance

It wasn’t by design, but the Colts made it back to the NFL post season for an NFL record ninth straight time with the 23-20 win over the Titans on Sunday. The Colts have had their ups and downs along with quarterback Peyton Manning who struggled through one of his most turnover prone seasons (18 turnovers in 2010).

Manning carries a lot of weight on the field for the Colts offense, whether they succeed or fail, but no one can argue that this has been one of his most challenging seasons with the flurry of injuries that have hit the offense. The Colts have seen players like Anthony Gonzales, Austin Collie, and Dallas Clark fall by the way side to injury, but Manning continues to pull the trigger and bring others like Pierre Garcon (67 receptions), Blair White (five touchdowns), and Jacob Tamme (67 receptions) to the forefront; even names like Dominic Rhodes have resurfaced.

The 2010 season has not been the best for Manning and the Colts (10-6), but once again they have secured a spot in the Big Dance with their seventh AFC South title in eight seasons. Unfortunately for the rest of the AFC, they will have to worry about Peyton Manning this post season.

The Sheriff (Manning) has struggled this season some with ball security, but the post season is a whole other ball game. Last season in two home games Peyton was sharp completing 67 percent of his passes while throwing five touchdowns with one interception; including a three touchdown an 377 passing yard effort against the New York Jets (their opponents this coming Saturday).

The Jets will be in town (Lucas Oil Stadium) on Saturday and with the Sheriff on duty they had better be ready or it could be another round-up for Manning and company as they try to get back to the Big Show once again.

By David Ortega

FSH: SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL NOTES

September 14th, 2009 5:57pm PST

Sunday Night Football Notes

Week One Injury Notes

(Thursday Night) Steelers: The Steelers will lose safety Troy Polamalu for a few weeks to a knee injury. Though he will not need surgery he's expected to miss 3-6 weeks. The loss will sting the vaunted Steel Curtain defense a bit, but the Steelers are still loaded and should be fine. On the night Polamalu recorded six tackles and a pick and looked to be in mid-season form.
(Sunday) Colts: Wide receiver Anthony Gonzalez went down in the first quarter of Sunday's game with an apparent knee injury. According to ESPN's Chris Mortenson the Colt's 4th year wideout could miss some extended time. The team has yet to confirm the injury timetable, but either way Gonzo will miss some time and that will likely mean more looks for wide receiver Reggie Wayne.
Eagles: Quarterback Donovan McNabb suffered a rib injury in the team's win on Sunday. While there is some hope that McNabb, with rest this week could return next Sunday, his status appears in doubt with the team's signing of free agent Jeff Garcia.
Bears: The Bears defense took a huge hit Sunday night when linebacker Brian Urlacher left the game with a wrist injury. The news got worse on Monday when following surgery on the injured wrist, reports came out indicating Urlacher was done for the season.

Other Notable key injuries;

The Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo suffered an ankle injury, but it sounds like he will be fine and won't be at risk to miss week 2. The Cardinals were basically down two receivers on Sunday with Steve Breaston (knee) inactive and Anquan Boldin limited to a snap count. Boldin suffered no setbacks and if he practices all week should be a go for week 2. Breaston however remains uncertain with his absence on Sunday coming unexpected.

Sunday Night’s Fantasy Football Injury report;

Bears: TE Desmond Clark (back) status unknown.
Bucs: C Jeff Faine (triceps) expected to miss 4-6 weeks.
Falcons: DL Peria Jerry (ribs) status unknown.
Giants: RB Danny Ware (elbow) expected to miss 2-3 weeks. WR Hakeem Nicks (foot) expected to miss 2-s weeks.
Jaguars: DL Reggie Hayward (leg) will miss rest of the season.
Packers: DB Atari Bigby (knee) status uncertain.
Panthers: QB Josh McCown (knee, foot) was placed on injured reserve ending his season.
Seahawks: LB LeRoy Hill (groin) out indefinitely.
Texans: WR Andre Davis (concussion) status uncertain. DB Jacques Reeves (leg) expected to return for week 2.


By David Ortega

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

FSH: MORE FANTASY TALK

September 6th, 2009 9:37pm PST

MORE FANTASY TALK

Peyton’s Newest Weapon

Gonzalez to fill some Big Shoes….

Now that the Colts have ushered into the post-Harrison era, fantasy owners will be asking "who will replace Marvin?" Well many feel that it will be more of a committee situation replacing Harrison’s production, but their slot man Anthony Gonzalez will take his starting job.

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The fourth year receiver moves to the flanker position, starting opposite receiver Reggie Wayne. Familiar with the system and his quarterback Gonzalez has a great chance to be a very productive number two receiver this season. Any skill player in a Peyton Manning offense always has a chance to produce, but many feel this could be a breakout season for Gonzalez.

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Last season Gonzo finished in the top 50 among fantasy receivers with 57 receptions, 664-yards receiving, and four touchdowns; barely a safe WR4 in most fantasy leagues. With so many weapons at the Colt’s disposal, Gonzalez enjoyed modest success by fantasy standards last season, but as the number three receiver he did show signs of blossoming. Despite a slow finish in 2008, Gonzalez did show some consistency by catching at least four passes in nine games, including five straight (from week 6 thru 10).

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Gonzo is not particularly big at only six foot, but the former Ohio State Buckeye has earned the trust of his quarterback Peyton Manning who said "I can throw anything to Anthony Gonzalez with my eyes closed." Playing opposite Wayne, he’s likely to see a lot of single coverage and fantasy owners have to like the fact that Manning has confidence in his new starter.

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While there is some hype surrounding Gonzo this season, lets’ keep things in perspective. It shouldn’t be too difficult for Gonzalez to improve on his 2008 numbers, but with so many playmakers lining up for the Colts this season Manning is likely to be more inclined to spread the wealth. Gonzalez will be fantasy stock on the rise throughout 2009, but look for him around the middle rounds as a late number two receiver or early number three. (2009 Predictions: 72 receptions, 830-yards, 7-touchdowns)

By David Ortega


Check back for more “Fantasy Talk”

FSH: THE ATL REPORT

August 2nd, 2009 4:37pm PST

THE ATL REPORT

Around the League

Tarvaris Jackson goes down with strained MCL….
The Vikings quarterback suffered a mild sprain on Saturday and is listed day-to-day. Jackson is expected to battle with Sage Rosenfels for the team’s starting quarterback position. Just a fantasy note, although the injury is not considered serious, you would have to think this time missed may be just enough for Rosenfels to create some separation and win the job over Jackson.

Gonzalez lining up to fill big shoes in Indianapolis…
With Peyton Manning’s blessing according to Colts.com, it looks like the 3rd year receiver will play the flanker position (Harrison’s old spot) in the offense. There’s no mistaking Reggie Wayne will garnish the most fantasy value, but this will certainly elevate Gonzalez’s stock even more so come fantasy draft day.

Rice working his way up the charts in Baltimore…..
The Raven’s 2nd year running back has been impressive throughout the teams OTA’s and looks like a strong candidate to hold onto the starting job into the season. At 205-lbs Rice is not the biggest back, but he has shown tremendous lower-body power which could earn him a few more short-yardage touches. With Rice’s stock on the rise, McGahee’s fantasy stock continues to slide.

Marshall impressive, but could still use the work…
The Bronco’s explosive receiver has been impressive during the practices he has participated in, but needs more time on the field to learn the new offense. If the team can get things ironed out with their unhappy receiver, play the “Moss” role in McDaniels offense Marshall could be looking at a huge 2009 season.

RB Chris Wells suffer right sprained ankle during practice….
The Cardinal’s rookie running back suffered a sprained ankle during practice this past week. He’s expected to miss at least a week of practice and that could be just enough for Tim Hightower to hold court into the team’s season opener. Regardless who is the starter Wells by most counts will have the bigger upside and could eventually overtake the starting spot by mid-season.

WR Derrick Mason unretires and rejoins team….
The Raven’s veteran receiver Derrick Mason has decided not to leave the game behind and has rejoined the Ravens. He fit back into his usual possession receiver spot in the team’s passing game rotation. Mason does not offer great value in most traditional scoring leagues, but should be a decent grab in PPR leagues. His return will help quarterback Joe Flacco’s value some, but not a great deal.

RB Tomlinson says he’s 100 percent and ready….
The Charger’s starting running back says he’s not just 100% percent healthy, but he’s ready for a record setting season. If he can stay healthy, LT has an outside shot at catching Emmitt Smith’s league rushing record. If the hype is right in San Diego, due to his recent let downs over the past couple of seasons, Tomlinson is could an undervalued gem during the coming fantasy drafts.


Check back every week for more “Around the League”