FSH: ON THE COVER

October 7th, 2009 11:00pm PST

This Week on the Cover

The New Orange Crush!!

Denver has a New and Improved Defense….
When the big change was made in the offseason with the firing of former head coach Mike Shanahan, many folks in the Denver area knew what was ailing this Bronco team. For the last several seasons under the Shanahan reign, the Bronco’s defense had become worse than mediocre.

So when franchise owner Pat Bowlen pulled the trigger and took a shot on a young up and coming offensive coordinator to be the team’s new head coach, you can imagine what many of the Denver faithful thought. Pat, we need a defensive mind, not a younger version of the old regime.

What many may not have known or seen when Josh McDaniels arrived; he had a plan. The new head coach’s plan included cleaning house, bringing in a defensive minded guru, and establishing a new order. Though many of the local faithful still can’t understand or get past the whole Jay Cutler trade fiasco, one thing that McDaniels has proven thus far, his plan is working.

To his credit, bringing in Mike Nolan as his defensive coordinator has revamped a defense with plenty of new faces and a completely new identity. Nolan has introduced a new 3-4 scheme that seems to not only fit the new faces of Brian Dawkins, Renaldo Hill, and Andra Davis, but it has some familiar faces like D.J. Williams (31 tackles), Champ Bailey (4 passes defensed), and Elvis Dummerville (eight sacks) playing extremely well.

The signature of this franchise over the past decade has not been its’ defense, but with new-comers like Dawkins, Davis, and Hill, this could be changing soon. In the team’s first four games, they limited opponents to just 26 points (6.5 per game), sacked opposing quarterbacks 15 times, recorded 10 takeaways and rank second overall. These guys may not be the Orange Crush of old, but they certainly look familiar.

Check back everyday for more football!

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….


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

FSH: SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL NOTES

August 30th, 2009 8:57pm PST

Sunday Night Football Notes

Denver Broncos: No state of Defense

Still a work in progress….
For those of us that engage in the country’s unofficial second national past-time of fantasy football, it’s no secret that the Broncos defense is one to avoid in fantasy drafts. While those in the Mile High area are hopeful that this reputation won’t precede this year’s edition, after watching their Sunday night debut there’s still much work to be done.

While it was only the team’s third preseason game, this match-up had a little home flavor and enough incentive to bring out their “A” game. Making his return to the Mile High area, the Bronco’s former starting quarterback Jay Cutler should have been more than enough to motivate Defensive coordinator Mike Nolan and the defense to bring it. It was Cutler that brought it Sunday night and got the better of this match-up, completing 15 of 21 for 144-yards and a touchdown.

With all the changes that head coach Josh McDaniels has made on defense by adding veteran players like Brian Dawkins, Andre Goodman, Andra Davis, and Renaldo Hill to help complete the team’s makeover even with some signs of improvement, the defense has a long road ahead. Some may view the changes with great optimism, but Sunday night clearly exposed some of the same short comings of the team’s defensive play in the past; no quarterback pressure.

Against the Bears, the Bronco’s defenses on occasion came close to getting to Cutler, but were never able to put him on the ground. It’s been the story of the past for this franchise and the 2009 version did not seem to show any noticeable improvements. Again, it was only the team’s third preseason game so you might not expect to see to many complicated blitz packages, but if Denver fans were ever hoping to see a sign that times could be changing, playing against the Bears and Jay Cutler seemed to be the perfect excuse.

What to Expect in 2009….

There’s no question this unit is going to have to find a way to bring more heat up the middle and pressure on the edges if they are going to have any success. Linebackers DJ Williams and Andra Davis look ready to thrive in Nolan’s new 3-4 scheme and safety Brian Dawkins looks like he could have at least one more pro bowl season left in him. The lack of pressure is going to put a lot of demands on the secondary in pass coverage, an area the team struggled with in 2008 (ranked 26th).

The defense does not lack any speed, but size in the middle could become an Achilles unless players like Kenny Peterson, Ronald Fields, and Ryan McBean really step up this season and make a difference. Optimism can only offer so much hope, something the Denver defense is going to need lots of this season.

Fantasy owners shouldn’t expect any significant jumps of improvement from the Bronco’s defense this season that would generate any drafting interest. We have no doubt that with McDaniels enthusiasm and Nolan’s influence this unit will get better, but middle of the pack is going to be a realistic landing spot for the 2009 unit. The defense will be loaded with plenty of talent again this season, but it will take Nolan and his staff some time to develop its’ chemistry and effectiveness.

While this unit may not be worthy to draft in leagues that employ team defenses, it could very well be an attractive waiver wire option much later in the season. Keep watch, take plenty of notes, and let’s see where things stand in the second half.

That’s my take and I’m sticking to it.

By David Ortega

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

FSH: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

August 17th, 2009 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 season……


News From Across the Wire...

Ahmad Bradshaw, RB, New York Giants
Ahmad Bradshaw carried the ball five times for 35 yards and a touchdown in Monday's 24-17 preseason win over the Panthers. He also caught two passes for 17 receiving yards.

Roscoe Parrish, WR, Buffalo Bills
Roscoe Parrish exited Monday's practice early after landing hard in the end zone while catching a pass, according to the Bills' official website.

Brandon Marshall, WR, Denver Broncos
Brandon Marshall and his agent met with Broncos coach Josh McDaniels on Monday, and reiterated that Marshall wants a new contract or to be traded.

Clinton Portis, RB, Washington Redskins
Clinton Portis has been a standout in training camp with the Redskins, according to the Washington Post. Head coach Jim Zorn said, "He has worked hard, run hard, and he is learning as well."

Troy Williamson, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars
Troy Williamson fared well in tonight's 12-9 preseason loss at Miami, as he hauled in a game-high four reception for 74 yards.

Carson Palmer, QB, Cincinnati Bengals
Carson Palmer has been ruled out for Thursday's preseason game while nursing a mild-to-moderate ankle sprain, according to ProFootballTalk.com.

Greg Olsen, TE, Chicago Bears
After missing the team's preseason opener against the Bills last weekend with a hip ailment, tight end Greg Olsen was back at practice on Monday, according to the Brad Biggs.

Marc Bulger, QB, St. Louis Rams
Marc Bulger has suffered a "small fracture" in his right pinkie finger, and will be shutdown for a minimum of two weeks, according to the team.

Brian Westbrook, RB, Philadelphia Eagles
Brian Westbrook fully practiced with the Eagles Monday, according to the Philadelphia Daily News. He had been participating in individual and installation drills over the previous two days as he recovers from offseason ankle surgery.

Marvin Harrison, WR, Indianapolis Colts
Marvin Harrison is not ready to hang up his cleats and wants to play in 2009, according to Adam Schefter.

Anthony Gonzalez, WR, Indianapolis Colts
Anthony Gonzalez returned to practice Monday, according to the Colts' official website.

Kelley Washington, WR, Baltimore Ravens
Kelley Washington is believed to be the leading candidate for the No. 4 role at receiver with the Ravens, according to the Baltimore Sun. He is competing with Justin Harper.

Bernard Berrian, WR, Minnesota Vikings
Bernard Berrian did not practice Monday while nursing his hamstring injury, according to the Star Tribune.

Terrell Owens, WR, Buffalo Bills
Terrell Owens returned to practice Monday after missing camp last week with a sprained toe, according to ESPN.

Jonathan Stewart, RB, Carolina Panthers
Jonathan Stewart will miss tonight's exhibition game against the Giants, according to the Gaston Gazette.

Steve Smith, WR, Carolina Panthers
Steve Smith has been ruled out for tonight's preseason game against the Giants, according to the Gaston Gazette.

Zach Miller, TE, Oakland Raiders
Raiders' head coach Tom Cable punched defensive assistant Randy Hanson in the face earlier in training camp, according to NFL Fanhouse.

Michael Clayton, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Michael Clayton returned to practice Monday, according to the Pewter Report. He has been nursing a hamstring injury.

Roy Williams, WR, Dallas Cowboys
Roy Williams returned to practice Monday, according to ESPN. He is dealing with a sprained left wrist, which he sustained during Sunday's early practice.

Percy Harvin, WR, Minnesota Vikings
After sitting out the team's preseason debut last Friday with a shoulder injury, rookie receiver Percy Harvin is expected to suit up when the Vikings play the Chiefs this Friday, according to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune.

Donovan McNabb, QB, Philadelphia Eagles
After apparently lobbying for the team to sign Michael Vick, Donovan McNabb said on Monday that the team should look into signing Plaxico Burress, according to Pro Football Talk.

LaDainian Tomlinson, RB, San Diego Chargers
According to the San Diego Union-Tribune, Chargers' running back LaDainian Tomlinson will play in the team's second preseason game on Saturday. This will mark the first time in his career that Tomlinson has played in two game in the same preseason.

Matthew Stafford, QB, Detroit Lions
According to the Detroit News, the Lions are going to have a tough time keeping rookie quarterback Matthew Stafford out of the starting lineup when the season begins. Stafford showed a level of calmness and poise in his first preseason outing, and he is scheduled to start the team's next preseason game against the Browns.

Brett Favre, QB, (No Team)
According to Jay Glazer of Fox Sports, there is a strong believe amongst the players at Vikings camp that Brett Favre will play for the team at some point this season.

My Fantasy Reads…

It’s never good news when your team and one of its’ top stars are at a stalemate, but it appears, WR Brandon Marshall and the Bronco’s are at odds again. The (net) sound bites we are currently reading indicate a holdout seems imminent…..

The Redskins running back Clinton Portis looks poised for a big year in 2009, if he can stay healthy. After his breakdown in the second half last season, his stock is going to be down come draft time and he may be undervalued. Fantasy owners would be wise to handcuff his backup Ladell Betts, but make no bones an injury-free Portis has the potential to be top-five back this season……

The Rams quarterback could be a heavy (long shot) sleeper possibility in 2009 and could very come dirt cheap. Even in quarterback leagues Bulger is a forgotten arm and coupled with his current injury, he’s likely to be avoided like the plague……

Westbrook returned to full practice with the team this week and even though he appears healthy he will still remain a fantasy risk. Westbrook has a history of injury, but his high production will make him a risky RB2 option…..

With Harrison gone, Gonzalez should become a more productive fantasy option, but look for Reggie Wayne to be the biggest fantasy beneficiary. He could be poised for a huge 2009 season…..

Berrian is not expected to miss any extended time, but hamstring injuries can be tricky. The Vikings leading receiver is a mid level RB3, but could move up the charts with more stable play or an upgrade at quarterback……

The Panther’s Steve Smith is a top flight fantasy receiver. The team is likely playing it safe by holding the All-pro receiver out, so owners should not be too concerned. Smith will be back out there and worthy of his high draft slot……


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

FSH: SUNDAY NIGHT FANTASY FOOTBALL HEADLINES

August 16th, 2009 10:37pm PST

Sunday Night FF Headlines

Who’s making Fantasy News this Past Week?

WR Brandon Marshall returns to practice field…..
The Broncos and their fans were happy to see wide receiver Brandon Marshall back on the field Sunday. The stud wideout has been sidelined nursing a hamstring injury, but appears to be recovered. With injuries and legal woes behind him fantasy owners can pencil him down as a low-end WR1 or high WR2 in their respective fantasy drafts.

WR Steve Breaston’s injury not considered to be serious….
It sounds like the Cardinals number three receiver will be fine after spraining his PCL and bruising a bone on his right leg. Breaston is a great handcuff for either Boldin or Fitzgerald, but is a decent option in deeper fantasy leagues and those that employ three starting wideouts.

RB Chris Wells returns to practice sees no action…
For fantasy owners looking to draft Wells, his return to practice was a good sign. Although he did not see any action, no need to panic. The team is likely bringing him along slowly. Wells does not look in line to start right away, but will figure into the mix soon enough. Owners should be careful not to over-value the Cardinal’s rookie who is a much better RB3 in most drafts.

QB Drew Brees leaves camp to attend services…
The Saints quarterback left camp on Sunday to attend the funeral services for his mother (Mina Brees) who recently passed. He’s expected to rejoin the team on Wednesday. Thoughts and prayers are with the Brees family.

LB Patrick Willis expected to return to practice Monday…
The Niner’s linebacker tweaked an ankle early in camp, but will return to practice on Monday. Willis is considered a top tier linebacker in IDP leagues totaling over 140 tackles in 2008. He’ll once again be a stud this season and should go high on most draft boards.

QB Sage Rosenfels misses practice due to ankle injury…
The Vikings quarterback admitted to tweaking his ankle during the team’s first preseason game on Friday. As a result Rosenfels sat out of Sunday’s practice. The injury is not considered serious, so he should be back out there soon. Rosenfels appears to have the upper hand in the QB race and is the favorite to win the job, so expect to see him battling soon enough. Right now he’s the safer pick in Minnesota.

DB Brian Dawkins returns to training camp…
The Bronco’s veteran defensive back was back to practice, although he was not participating in any live action. At 35 years of age and a broken hand, despite his reputation Dawkins is a risky IDP pick-up in any early drafts. Owners would be wise to wait until he is fully recovered and back on the field.

PK Garrett Hartley expects to be suspended…
The Saint’s place-kicker is saying he expects to miss around four games to start the season for testing positive for a banned stimulant. With Hartly out, the Saints replacement kicker will be a hot pickup in the late rounds of fantasy drafts that have yet to conclude.

By David Ortega

Check back every Sunday for more “Sunday Night FF Headlines!”

FSH: IDP NOTES

August 6th, 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…

Deltha O'Neal, CB, Houston Texans
The Houston Chronicle is reporting that the Texans have signed defensive back Deltha O'Neal to a contract. O'Neal tried out for the team on Wednesday, and apparently impressed enough to get a contract one day later.

Kris Jenkins, DT, New York Jets
Head coach Rex Ryan indicated that Kris Jenkins' strained calf is getting better, according to the New York Daily News.

Shaun Ellis, DE, New York Jets
Shaun Ellis tweaked his back during Wednesday's practice, according to the New York Daily News.

Larry English, LB, San Diego Chargers
Larry English missed Wednesday's morning practice while nursing a minor hamstring strain, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune.

Kevin Carter, DE, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
According to the Boston Herald, Kevin Carter is expected to make a decision on Thursday whether he will sign with the Patriots.

Brian Dawkins, S, Denver Broncos
According to the Denver Post, safety Brian Dawkins is expected to be out until at least Sunday with a hand injury.

Nnamdi Asomugha, DB Oakland Raiders
Nnamdi Asomugha is nursing a strained hip flexor, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.

Samari Rolle, CB, Baltimore Ravens
Samari Rolle (neck) is nearing a return from the PUP list though he will be worked into the mix slowly, according to the Baltimore Sun. "He's really itching to get back," Ravens coach John Harbaugh said. "We should see him out here in the next day or two."

Trevor Pryce, DE, Baltimore Ravens
Trevor Pryce is trying to keep his 34 year old body in shape by playing soccer to help keep his footwork nimble, according to the Baltimore Sun.

Tyson Jackson, DE, Kansas City Chiefs
The National Football Post is reporting that the Kansas City Chiefs have agreed to terms with third overall pick Tyson Jackson. Terms of the contract were not disclosed by the team.

Derrick Burgess, DE, New England Patriots
According to the team's official website, the New England Patriots have acquired linebacker Derrick Burgess from the Raiders in exchange for a third- and fifth-round pick in 2011. The team also released offensive lineman Al Johnson to make room for Burgess.


My Fantasy Read….

For those owners playing in leagues with team defense, keep your eye on Kris Jenkins. A healthy Jenkins will mean a strong Jets defense…..the Chargers rookie linebacker Larry English will be too good to not play a considerable amount, in fact he’ll be worth drafting in deep IDP leagues and could be a strong second-half option this season….Dawkins injury required surgery, so he’s going to miss much of camp, but the savvy veteran should have little trouble learning and understanding the new defense. At Dawkins age his production may not be the same, but he’s still a serviceable IDP option…..Nnamdi Asomugha is garnered as one of the leagues very best corners. He’s not going to see a lot of balls throw his way, so don’t expect big fantasy numbers…..Burgess is still a talented pass rusher and the Patriots seem to have a way of resurrecting careers. He’s worth keeping your eye on and could be an undervalued IDP option entering fantasy drafts.


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

FSH: TUESDAY (FOOTBALL) TALK

May 26th, 2009 8:37pm PST

Defense Reborn in Denver?

Can Dawkins and Company Improve?….
After last season’s tumultuous collapse and ultimate undoing before a national audience on NBC’s Sunday Night Football against the Chargers, the Denver Broncos face many questions in 2009. Their season finale that finished with an embarrassing 52-21 loss to their hated division rivals (Chargers) from Southern California concluded a three game meltdown that cost the team the division, a playoff berth, and ultimately former head coach Mike Shanahan’s job.

A lot has changed since that game. The team has added a new head coach, a new coaching staff, and a new quarterback. One more important thing the team has done this offseason is given the defense a complete makeover, or so it would appear.

Last season the defense was the team’s Achilles heel and biggest culprit in the team’s disappointing finish, allowing 112 points scored and an average of 388-yards of offense in their three game slide to complete their horrid 2008 campaign.

As a result one of new head coach Josh McDaniels tasks was to reinvent the defense, by giving it a new look, a new attitude, and leadership that just might help it find a new identity. Last year the Broncos had one of the leagues best offenses but perhaps one of the worst defenses (ranked 29th overall).

One of McDaniels first moves was to find the heart and soul for the 2009 edition. With the acquisition of former Eagles safety Brian Dawkins, the team may have done just that. Dawkins brings in a winning attitude and the type of give-it-all-you-got relentless style of play the team hopes will be addicting. More importantly he brings the kind of leadership that leads by example.

McDaniels has not wasted anytime lowering the boom on many underachievers and less than stellar performers such as; DL Dwayne Robertson, LB Jamie Winborn, DL John Engelberger, and DB Marquand Manuel. All were average performers at best, but none made the defense any better than mediocre.

The new faces to join Dawkins in Denver include LB Andra Davis, DL Darrel Reid, DB Renaldo Hill, and DB Andre Goodman. With existing talent returning, like LB DJ Williams and DB Champ Bailey, the defense certainly has an improved look.

One of the big keys for the defense will be the big boys up front stopping the run. Last season the defense ranked 27th against the run allowing almost 150-yards/game on the ground. This has been an area of noticeable weakness for the Broncos in season’s past. The team will be counting on the addition of a ball-hawking Dawkins to help fill some gaps and with Davis and Williams adding great speed inside and Boss Bailey and Elvis Dummerville on the edge, the defense is hoping to shore up its duties against the run.

Bailey will do his formidable job on one side locking down the opposing teams big receiving threat, but because this defense is still considered by league standards and averages to be undersized defensive coordinator Mike Nolan will have to find creative ways to pressure opposing quarterbacks.

From 2002-2004 as the Baltimore Raven’s defensive coordinator, Nolan’s defenses averaged over 35 takeaways and more than 39 sacks. The Broncos defense recorded just 26 quarterback sandwiches and just 13 takeaways. The Broncos are a far cry from the Ray Lewis led Ravens, but there’s no question this unit was made to improve. With the ingredients that McDaniels has added, it seems it may have a few of the flavors needed to cook up something sweet in 2009.

After ranking near the cellar in consecutive campaigns, there’s no need to fool oneself into believing miracles can happen overnight, but the fans in the Mile High City have to already like the look of what will take the field this season as compared to 2008.

Already making the move to the 3-4, the Broncos are addressing the biggest deficiency on defense; stopping the run. Not to go too far out on a limb, but if Nolan and Dawkins can get these bad boys in Denver to believe, this defense could be reborn in 2009 or at least improve considerably.

By David Ortega


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