FSH NOTEBOOK: FANTASY FIVE

Friday Edition
December 7th, 2012  

FSH Fantasy Five

Week 14 Fantasy Picks (all positions)

The Fantasy Playoffs are underway and this is no time to be second guessing or playing with doubt. This week it’s “Go Big or Go Home” so you better have the right guys in your lineup. Looking over the week 14 matchups, I offer a handful of plays that I favor this Sunday;

Week 14 fantasy help;

Michael Crabtree, WR
The 49ers don’t usually have much for fantasy owners to get excited about on offense, but unlike any other season or earlier in the season with quarterback Colin Kaepernick under center he adds another dimension that can open things up. Since Kaepernick took over the controls of the offense, wide receiver Michael Crabtree has been steadily involved. Last Sunday Crabtree was targeted a season high 11 times; his stat line, 7 receptions for 101 yards. This Sunday the Niners will face the Dolphins 26th ranked defense that allows the 17th most fantasy points to wide receivers.  In their last three road games the Dolphins have allowed at least 79 yards to the opposing team’s leading receiver; Crabtree should be a very safe flex option this week. 

Brandon Pettigrew, TE
It’s looking to be a chilly night this Sunday in Lambeau, but even low temperatures won’t stop the Lions passing game from heating up. The Lions pass game is in full throttle and over the team’s past four games tight end Brandon Pettigrew has been targeted heavily (39 times). With injuries to their young receivers (Ryan Broyles and Titus Young), fantasy owners can expect to see Pettigrew even more involved. The Packers secondary does a pretty good job against opposing tight ends, but last season at Lambeau Pettigrew caught 7 balls for 116 yards; this week could be another big game.

Alfred Morris, RB
The Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan has found himself another gem in the draft. Many of us knew that RGIII was a great talent with a tremendous upside, but very few knew what the Redskins found when they selected rookie running back Alfred Morris in the 6th round. Morris has been great this season rushing for 1,106 yards with six rushing touchdowns. He has surpassed the century mark five times this season, including his back-to-back efforts in week 12 and 13. With the Ravens 23rd ranked run defense coming to town, Morris could make it three in a row. He’s averaging 22 carries per game in his last three starts and may not need that many to hit the 100-yard mark this Sunday; play him!

Greg Jennings, WR
The Packers wide receiver Greg Jennings is just one game back from injury and although his return was less than spectacular, his four grabs for 46 yards were respectable considering. The more important number to note from last week was his 8 targets. This week the Packers will be without wide out Jordy Nelson facing the Lions 18th ranked pass defense. Fantasy owners can expect at least as many, if not more targets for Jennings this week and facing a secondary that allows the 12th most fantasy points to wide receivers, he’s a lock for a more productive week 14. Jennings should be in your lineup somewhere, low WR2 or flex.

Andrew Luck, QB
Quarterback Andrew Luck has been too consistent this season to be lucky; the kid is just good. This week facing the Titans 25th ranked pass defense, fantasy owners can count on the Colts offense riding Luck’s arm; the Colts offense goes through Luck. Not only does Luck lead the way, but this week he gets a defense that allows the 8th most fantasy points to quarterbacks and has allowed 24 touchdowns. Coming off a big win in week 13, Luck needs to be in lineups this Sunday for another big performance.


By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: SUNDAY GAMETIME

Sunday Edition
October 7th, 2012
  

Sunday Morning Gametime

Some quick fantasy notes for Sunday week 5, who to play and who should stay (on your bench);

The Browns are down a couple of receivers today, including Mohamed Massaquoi, so expect to see rookie quarterback Brandon Weeden riding the legs of rookie running back Trent Richardson. The Giants allow more than 4 yards per carry and nearly 120 yards on the ground, start Richardson today.

The Packers will travel to Indy today, but will be without the services of wide receiver Greg Jennings. Facing the Colts secondary that has only one pick this season and struggles to get pressure on the quarterback, Rodgers will still have plenty of weapons including wide receiver James Jones. Jones should be considered a safe flex play today.

While the Falcons defense has been improved this season, there have been some leaks in their ground defense. With a full endorsement from his head coach Mike Shanahan, running back Alfred Morris should find a few holes today against the leagues 29th ranked run defense.

The Packers may rely more on their ground game today and with a banger like Cedric Benson, the team has plenty of confidence to get him the rock. Running back James Starks is inactive once again, so lining up against the leagues 25th ranked run defense it will be the Benson show. He’s a nice RB2 start today.

Just as expected with Nicks and Barden on the shelf today, Hixon looks to be the hot play in Jersey against the Browns. Expect to see Eli look for Hixon often today against the Browns suspect secondary. Hixon is a great flex or low-end WR2 in deeper leagues today.


By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Monday Edition

September 17th, 2012 

David’s Daily Digest

My Week 2 Takes

Andrew Luck: The Colts QB More Than Just Luck

The Colts rookie quarterback is growing up fast. After a tough debut a week ago in Chicago quarterback Andrew Luck rebounds not just with a solid performance in week 2 against the Vikings, but gets his first career win. Luck is still short of being an every week fantasy QB, but with his three touchdown passes and over 550 yards passing in two games with each performance he’s getting closer.

Alex Smith: The Look of a Winner

The Niners have the defense and a punishing ground attack, but what they have lacked in the air may have finally arrived this season. Thus far this season quarterback Alex Smith has looked steady and efficient, but Sunday night against the Lions he looked like a winner. He didn’t just manage the game, he made plays; his first touchdown pass to Vernon (dropped right in on the money), his second toss to Vernon (gave his playmaker a chance to make a play). Before Monday night’s game, Smith ranked tied-for-second in the NFL with 4 touchdown passes and his 115.9 passer rating ranks 3^rd. He’s not an elite fantasy option, but in deep leagues he’s safe play under center.

Robert Griffin III: Better Than Advertised

After two games and nearly two wins (should have beat the Rams), it’s clear that head coach Mike Shanahan and the Redskins may have caught lightning in a bottle. Quarterback Robert Griffin III is a special player and could be much better than most expected. After two weeks of NFL play RGIII is a top five rated passer and a fantasy stud; (standard scoring) in two games he has scored 28 and 32 fantasy points. Now that’s impressive.

Ray Rice: Best Fantasy RB in the Biz

After another Sunday of just dominating on the gridiron and the fantasy football charts (99 rushing yards, 6 receptions and 53 yards), running back Ray Rice stakes his claim as the best in the biz. What makes Rice such an appealing fantasy option is his consistency; standard scoring 20 fantasy points in week one and 14 points in week two. With nine receptions already, in PPR leagues he’s even better.

Darren Sproles: A Small Package of Dynamite

The small package that is Darren Sproles continues to electrify football fans and fantasy owners on Sunday with high output of production. The scat back was solid in week 2 (huge in PPR leagues) with 13 grabs for 128 yards. He’s not an RB1 fantasy back, but he’s a worthy start as a flex or RB2 in deeper leagues because of his productivity and play making ability; 9 fantasy points in week one and 12 in week two.

By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

October 14th, 2011 Friday

David’s Daily Digest

Fantasy Notes:

No Jones Means More White
The Falcons offense has looked sporadic and inconsistent at times this season, even the Matt-Ryan to Roddy White connection that has been so effective the past several seasons has yet to really click. Through the first five weeks of this season White has been targeted 54 times (second most), but he has just two touchdowns, only one 100-yard receiving game, and only 352 yards receiving this season. With Julio Jones OUT this week, expect White to step up his game and really become the focal point of the Falcons passing attack against the league’s 15th ranked pass defense (Panthers).

Austin Says he’s ready for Sunday
The Cowboys explosive receiver turned in a couple of full practices this week, including Friday and looks ready to return to action this Sunday against the Patriots. With the Patriots defense giving up huge chunks of yardage each week to the passing game, expect Romo to target Austin early and often. For those fantasy owners that suffered through the absence of Austin expected to be rewarded on Sunday; he’s a must-start.

Graham Vaults to Starting Role
With starter LeGarette Blount (MCL strain) sidelined this week, enter Mr. Graham. The Buccaneers will roll with running back Earnest Graham on Sunday when they take the field and while yards could be tough to come by on the ground , with 23 receptions already this season Graham could still see a lot of production. Even as the starter Graham will not be a favorite in standard leagues, but will offer much more value in PPR.

Jones Could Be a Packer on the Rise
The Packers speedy receiver James Jones is starting to find his stride this season after a quiet start. In his last two games Jones has seen more action (50 snaps) than the previous three games (38 snaps) and his productive has been evident. Jones has a total of 11 targets in his last two games, catching eight balls for 188 yards and scoring twice. This Sunday against the Rams at home could be a jail break for the Packers passing game. With the defense preoccupied with trying to slow (Greg) Jennings and (Jermichael) Finley, Jones could emerge as a huge benefactor; this is not a popular pick, but I like Jones as a flex or possible start in deep leagues, especially if you are thin at WR.

Could this be Torain’s Week?
Despite head coach Mike Shanahan’s point blank declaration of who will be the man on Sunday in the Redskin’s backfield, the smart money is on running back Ryan Torain. Shanahan has already expressed his pleasure with the return of Torain last week and after his (Torain) play (135 yards rushing, one touchdown) last weekend the Redskin’s head coach was not disappointed either. Remember Shanahan actually drafted Torain when both were in Denver; Torain is his pick and regardless if he starts should see plenty of work. Going against the Eagles 28th ranked defense, Torain is worthy of a start in most deep leagues and could be a nice flex in shallow formats.


By David Ortega

FSH: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

October 7th, 2010, Thursday



David’s Daily Digest



My Fantasy Notes:

RYAN TORAIN HAS BUSY DAY ON THE GROUND.
Last Sunday against the Eagles, running back Ryan Torain saw some extended action carrying the ball 18 times for 70 yards. The Redskin’s runner also found the end-zone on a blistering 12-yard scamper that included running right over and through the Eagles defensive back Quintin Mikell.
My Fantasy Read:
It appears head coach Mike Shanahan has found himself another gem. Remember Shanahan actually drafted Torain while he was still the head coach in Denver, so you know he is a coaches’ favorite. With running back Clinton Portis down for at least a month Torain is going to get some extended time to showcase his talents. The Packers roll into DC on Sunday with their 24th ranked run defense, so expect to see a lot of Torain.

BRANDON LLOYD TURNS IN ANOTHER BIG DAY.
The Bronco’s wide out followed up his big game in week 3 with another solid performance last Sunday. Lloyd was targeted 18 times against the Titans secondary and hauled in 11 of those passes for 115 yards (his third 100-yard receiving game this season).
My Fantasy Read:
Thus far Lloyd has been targeted a team high 40 times this season (ranks 7th in the league) and unquestionably has emerged as quarterback Kyle Orton’s favorite target. In the past two weeks Lloyd has seen 28 passes his direction and connected on 17 for 284 yards and a score. He’s got a tough matchup on Sunday against Baltimore, but is still worthy of consideration.

TERRELL OWENS BREAKS OUT IN WEEK 4.
The Bengals passing offense finally awoke last Sunday against the Browns defense and wide receiver Terrell Owens finally had a break out game this season. T.O. caught nine passes for 222 yards and a score to lead the offense.
My Fantasy Read:
Owens definitely raised his fantasy value with the great performance on Sunday, but before you go and auction the talented wide out away consider his numbers so far this season. Owens is the second highest targeted wide out in the league. He ranks 5th in the league in yards and his 24 catches rank him 11th. Currently his projected numbers make him look like a 90 catch, 1,400 yard receiving. These are exaggerated numbers, but numbers that may make you at least reconsider for a moment before ditching Owens.

BRAYLON EDWARDS LOOKS PRIMED FOR MONDAY NIGHT.
The 2-1 Jets have a huge matchup coming up on Monday night against the Minnesota Vikings and their 8th ranked pass defense. So far this season wide receiver Braylon Edwards has come up big for the Jets passing game with three straight games with a touchdown.
My Fantasy Read:
Edwards is slowly shaking the nickname and label “stone-hands” that has been affectionately given to him by some of the fantasy football community. In his last two games Edwards has touchdown scores of 67 and 41 yards. He’s only caught 12 passes this season, but with an 18.9 yards per catch average Edwards is making them count. He still lacks some consistency as a favorable play, but he’s worth keeping your eye on.

DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

April 21st, 2010 11:37pm 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...

League lowers the Hammer on Big Ben....
The League handed down it's punishment of Steelers’ quarterback Ben Roethlisberger suspending him for six games. The move was expected, but maybe not as harsh although Big Ben will have a chance to have his punishment reduced to four games if he complies with certain league conditions. As a result of the suspension Roethlisberger has become the heavy subject of trade rumors and his fantasy stock is tumbling by the second.

Owens the latest subject in DC...
There is nothing imminent going on in DC, in fact there's not a lot of activity at the moment, but with quarterback Donovan McNabb endorsing the acquisition of wide receiver Terrell Owens it could be a matter of time before we see some action. Head Coach Mike Shanahan has no interest in signing the outspoken Owens, but with the draft less than 24 hours away a lot could change. Owens opposite Santana Moss just sounds like a good move, but we'll have to wait and see.

Holt joins the Pats....
The former Pro Bowl receiver Torry Holt signed a one year deal with the New England Patriots adding some depth and veteran experience to motley cast of receivers. Holt won't be reborn in Foxboro playing behind Moss and Welker, but he'll fit in nicely and add another reliable set of hands. Expect Holt to have limited value seeing limited snaps behind the Pats top twosome of Moss and Welker. With Edelman playing well last season in the absence of Welker, Holt will have to compete for the number three spot.

IDP Notes

Vikings add some help to secondary...
The Vikings undoubtedly are trying to improve one of its weak links from a year ago. There's no question when Antoine Winfield went down last season the Vikings secondary struggled mightily. With the signing of former Eagles (and Jets last season) cornerback Lito Sheppard (19 career interceptions), the team is hopeful that it has addressed some of those issues. The former Pro Bowler gives the defense added depth and adds another playmaker in the secondary.

Taylor crosses the line, turns gang-green...
Despite all of the things he has said in the past about the fans in New York, linebacker Jason Taylor has signed with the Jets. Taylor has agreed to a two-year deal and will join a very aggressive Rex Ryan defensive scheme. Expect Taylor's value in IDP leagues to rise come draft time.

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

FSH: WHAT'S THE LATEST

April 5th, 2010 11:07pm PST

What's the Latest

The Rams release Bulger...

After much debate it seems clear what the Rams intend to do on this coming draft day. According to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch on Monday April 5th, 2010 the Rams announced the release of their former starting quarterback Marc Bulger, who took over the reins when Kurt Warner left town in 2004. Bulger had some early success with the Rams, but with just three total wins over the past two seasons it's time for a change in St. Louis.

Given Bulger's current contract situation (he was due to earn $8.5 million this season) the move comes as little surprise. And without a current clear-cut starter on the roster, this opens the door to the notion that the Rams will go quarterback with their number one overall pick in this year's draft.

After his solid performance at his pro day many experts are sold on the Rams taking Oklahoma's Sam Bradford with the number one overall pick. Given their dire need at the position and the hopes to rebuild fast (ala Atlanta) Bradford looks to be a solid investment, but the team will still need to add some pieces up front to protect this investment if they hope to cash in.

Redskins trade for McNabb...

Only if you were busy hunting for eggs on Sunday might you have missed the recent NFL news that rocked the East. Long time Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb was traded to the Washington Redskins. The six-time Pro Bowler in a surprise move was dealt to a divisional for a second round pick (37th pick overall) in this year's draft and either a third or fourth round pick in next year's draft. With McNabb 33 years of age, the Redskin's new head coach Mike Shanahan is hoping to extend this quarterback's playing career with the same kind of success he was able to enjoy with another Pro Bowl quarterback (John Elway). Elway was 34 when Shanahan arrived in Denver.

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

FSH: MONDAY MORNING HUDDLE

April 5th, 2010 9:37pm PST

[The Evening Edition]
Monday Morning Huddle

A shake up in the East

Head Coach Mike Shanahan is wasting little time making his presence felt known in the NFL. The former head coach of the Denver Broncos returned to the league this offseason as the new head coach of the Washington Redskins and in a very short time he is doing his best to shake things up in the NFC East.

On Easter Sunday ESPN's very own Adam Schefter broke the story that the Eagles had traded their Pro Bowl quarterback Donovan McNabb to division rival Washington. The Eagles will receive draft picks in exchange for their former signal caller. With the arrival of McNabb Shanahan is quickly building a fantasy roster that includes recently acquired RB Willie Parker, RB Clinton Portis, RB Larry Johnson, WR Santana Moss, and TE Chris Cooley.

With Shanahan's pedigree to build an offense, it's easy to imagine many of the players elevating their fantasy value this summer and in the 2010 season. The biggest difference will undoubtedly be the acquisition of McNabb under center. The presence of the six-time Pro Bowler gives the Redskins a bona fide and proven commodity at quarterback, something their offense has lacked the past several seasons.

McNabb brings with him the experience of a winner and solid numbers to back it; since 2005 he has thrown 82 touchdowns to 34 interceptions while passing for 13,442 yards. Since 2006 the Redskins starter last season Jason Campbell has thrown 55 touchdowns to 38 interceptions while passing for 10, 860 yards. The move is a huge upgrade for the Redskins offense, but you would have to question the Eagle's motive for making the deal.

With the season vet arriving to town, if you are in the Jason Campbell corner you might be thinking new team colors this season. It's hard to imagine Campbell taking too fondly to the role of back-up entering his sixth season, but with McNabb entering his 12th season how long would he really have to wait. Campbell's conundrum has been the continual changing of the offensive guard in town; four systems in four seasons and now the Shanahan Era has begun (the one with the most promise).

An interesting dilemma if you are the Redskin's front office having two starters, but where to go from here remains to be seen. McNabb will hardly lose any fantasy value making the transition from Philly to DC, but if Campbell remains’ in town as Donovan's successor he'll have very little value to the fantasy world (except as insurance for D-Mac).

Fantasy Notes

The Impact:
With Donovan McNabb calling the signals in a Mike Shanahan system, tight end Chris Cooley figures to make the greatest leap. Two seasons ago Cooley finished with 83 catches and if you remember former Bronco's tight end Shannon Sharpe enjoyed great success during the Shanahan days in Denver.

Santana Moss has a chance to be a solid number two fantasy receiver, but he will need a lot of help on the other side. Currently the Redskins have Malcolm Kelly or Devin Thomas slated opposite Moss. A move in the draft or the acquisition of a seasoned wideout would make sense (Hello Mr. Owens).

Check back with "Your Fantasy Sports Home" for more.....

FSH: WHAT'S THE LATEST

March 29th, 2010 11:07pm PST

What's the Latest

Bradford's the talk of the town

After reading this week's edition of the Monday Morning Quarterback at SI.com, it sounds like Peter King is casting his vote for Sam Bradford as the top pick in this year's draft.

Bradford had his Pro day on Monday and by all counts he was impressive. It's no secret that the Rams (the team with the top pick) are in need at the quarterback position and after Bradford showed off his accurate arm making all the throws he needed, he's starting to look like a lock. If you read King's article you will catch all of his details and notes and the improvement and readiness of Bradford.

Whether he goes top or not, he won't last long on anyone's board that appears to be a certainty. For those of interested in this kid for fantasy reasons, going to a team like the Rams you can't expect results any better than Stafford in Detroit.

If Bradford does not go number one and makes it to the Redskins who are sitting at four, it sounds like D.C. could be a huge possibility. With Shanahan's tutelage it's hard to imagine Bradford not enjoying success, even early success. He won't race up any fantasy boards, but he'll be a keeper in most leagues (if taken by the Redskins).

The consensus at the moment, Bradford's pro day scored major points and moves him to the top of this year's quarterback class. The question is what will the teams at the top do? Maybe a trade between the Rams and Redskins involving quarterback Jason Campbell and this pick?

Just a thought.

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

FSH: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

November 19th, 2009

David's Daily Digest

[My Take]

More Football news and happenings from aroudn the league; here's the latest I am hearing, reading, and following and my take on things and their fantasy impact this coming Sunday...

Player News and Notes from Across the Wire...

Brown Placed on the IR.....

With Brown on the injured reserve the Dolphins turned to running back Ricky Willams Thursday night and he delivered. As the featured back in the Wildcat and the running game Williams eclipsed the century mark and scored three times in the team's big week 11 road win. This could become a common reoccurrence.

Raiders Finally Bench Russell....

This was probably a move best made during training camp, but better late than never. Despite all his ability and potential Russell has been a disaster. In nine starts this season Russell has 14 turnovers with a passer rating of 47.7.

Bills want Shanahan....

This comes as little shock with the recent firing of Dick Jauron. There's no doubt Shanahan's influence could create a few fantays studs with players like Jackson, Owens, and Evans, but his demand for full control could be a huge stepping block.

No Westbrook for Now....

The good news is there appears a chance that Eagles running back Brian Westbrook can make a full recovery. The bad news for fantasy owners is it does not appear Westbrook will be returning anytime soon. In fact it's more likely that if he continues playing, he won't play again until next season (just speculation).

Broncos offense in bad shape...

When Orton went down on Sunday, so did the team's chances to win. After a fast start against the Redskins, the Broncos offense struggled badly and failed to score a single point in the second half. Backup quarterback Chris Simms was not sharp and played very poorly passing for only 13 yards in relief on Sunday. With Orton questionable the Bronco's options are not looking very promising.

Check back everyday for more of David's Daily Digest...

FSH: MONDAY MORNING HUDDLE

September 7th, 2009 6:37pm PST

[Evening Edition]

A Wild Off-Season Filled with Change

Changes that will impact Fantasy…
Like every year in the NFL, the offseason can quite often and usually does impact fantasy in a great many ways. This past offseason has been no different with many changes taking place that will in one way or another impact fantasy;

My 10 Notable offseason Changes

1. Bronco’s Trade Cutler to Bears…
One of the offseason biggest and most surprising moves was the trading of quarterback Jay Cutler to Chicago. Once you get past the “how and why” you then have to examine the fantasy ramifications. Cutler’s influence in Chicago figures to greatly improve the tema’s passing game and increase the fantasy value of some of its’ skilled players such as wide receiver Devin Hester and tight end Greg Olsen.

2. Brett Favre un-retires and signs with Vikes….
This story began well into the offseason and just wouldn’t die. As it turned out it had more life than a cat with nine lives and now that Favre is in Minneapolis, the Vikings passing game receives a perceived upgrade. The secondary affect is not so much what Favre can or can’t do, but what defenses think he might do. His presence will open holes for the leagues best runner and his arm should make a few of his targets viable fantasy options.

3. The Patriots trade Cassel to the Chiefs.…
Was it a surprise, probably more of one to Josh McDaniels more than anyone else? The was the move that preluded the Cutler fiasco in Denver, but we have yet to see the payoff for Kansas City. The signing of Todd Haley as the team’s head coach is what gives this move its’ value. After a successful 2008 campaign, Cassel will lead a wide open spread offense attack in Kansas City. The move would seem to give Cassel more value as a starter, but owners will have to wait and see.

4. The Jets trade up for Mark Sanchez….
A gutsy play for a first year coach, but already the rookie pick is drawing a lot of attention and looks like a brilliant move. It’s too early to tell, but Sanchez has taken great strides this preseason and appears set to lead a team that hopes to win now.

5. The Bills sign Terrell Owens……
This move actually began with the release of Owens from Dallas. While his absence from Texas will have its’ own repercussion, his arrival in Buffalo figures to offer more benefit. The T.O. affect is well chronicled and it’s certain his presence will add value to quarterback Trent Edwards and even benefit their number two receiver Lee Evans. Of course it is expected that T.O. will likely have initial success in town.

6. The Chiefs trade Gonzo to Atlanta.…
When you add an offensive minded coach and trade for a your arm under center, the obvious move is to rid your team of its’ leading receiver. Well that’s what the Chiefs did when they traded tight end Tony Gonzalez to the Falcons. His arrival in Atlanta will only elevate the play of second year quarterback Matt Ryan, while the Chiefs receiver Dwayne Bowe becomes the only draft able fantasy option on that squad. Already a star on the rise, Gonzo’s arrival will just help receiver Roddy White firmly entrench himself as one of the leagues best.

7. Mike Shanahan gets fired….
This was the ill-fated move that began all the turbulence that new head coach Josh McDaniels is now trying to smooth. Fortunately for fantasy owners, the Broncos owner Pat Bowlen just replaced one offensive minded coach with another. If and when McDaniels can get things settled in Denver, fantasy owners can expect to see several worthy candidates by draft time and early into the season.

8. The Colt’s release Marvin Harrison….
This was an expected move by the team once the offseason began. Many analysts and experts viewed the aging veteran as salary cap casualty, so this one was easy to read. Harrison’s departure opens the door for fourth year receiver Anthony Gonzalez, who is very likely to have his best season as a pro in 2009. There is likely to be a trickle affect as well, so many of Peyton’s weapons could see a rise in production this season.

9. The Seahawks sign TJ Houshmandzadeh….
With a healthy Matt Hasselbeck back in 2009, this move could turn out to be much bigger for the Seahawks than first projected. In Cincinnati Houshmandzadeh was a top-10 receiver, now in Seattle he will be the team’s definitive number one and go to receiver in the west coast offense. As good as TJ has been in the past, he could staring at his best season yet in the Northwest.

10. The Bronco’s draft Knowshon Moreno…..
This move may have been the one that made the least sense at the time. After last season’s debacle down the stretch, it was quite apparent to many in Denver, the defense would need a lot of fixing in the offseason. So the first thing the franchise does is bring in an offensive minded coach and then the second thing they do is draft a running back with their first pick. There’s no doubting Moreno’s talent, but is he worth taking him over a top-rated defensive impact player? Only time will answer that one.

Sure there were plenty more changes to speak of, but these are my most notable for now. I’m sure I will have more to reflect on as the 2009 season progresses, but these will do for now.

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

FSH: THAT'S MY TAKE

March 20th, 2009 8:30pm PST

Enough is Enough

The Only Good Deal, is No Deal...
As if we haven't already had enough of this, the saga continues. Regardless of what you read and what everyone is now saying about the Jay Cutler-Josh McDaniels meltdown in Denver, there is really only one source to look to in order to restore harmony to Dove Valley. That one source is team and franchise owner Pat Bowlen.

Sure when we look at the origins of the events that have taken place to bring us to where we are now, we can fault the newly hired young coach for using poor judgment, but that is not the only place we should be looking. McDaniels was hired for his offensive genius, much in the same way Bowlen had brought in a young Mike Shanahan nearly 15 years earlier. It seemed to be an odd hire considering the state of the team needing so much help on the defense, but it would make sense that Bowlen would allow the new kid in town to follow his new plan. But why would his new plan include remaking the offense?

There may have and then there may not have been conversation between Bowlen and any of his players, but it would be hard to imagine any new plans by the team's new head coach that would include trading your pro bowl quarterback (who was also a first round draft pick) without Bowlen's knowledge prior. It's very simple, if Bowlen knew and green-lighted the move, he was buying into McDaniel's NEW PLAN to remake the Broncos. Whether this was strategically flawed or not on the part of McDaniels and Bowlen is irrelevant, but what is now relevant is dealing with the repercussions.

Cutler is only a kid just a few years removed from college and for him to react emotionally to everything that has happened is understandable. He's young, plays with emotion in an emotional game. It's not necessarily excusable, but you can see where the kid is coming from.

(Photo by Hyoung Chang / Denver Post)

On the other hand, it's very difficult to understand just what McDaniels was thinking when he decided the team would be more successful with Matt Cassel under center rather than the Bronco's current Pro Bowl Quarterback. It's also rather bold to think you can in only your first season as a head coach improve upon the leagues 2nd rated offense.

In only his second full season as the team's starting quarterback, Cutler tossed 25 touchdowns and set a franchise record with more than 4,500-yards passing. he's not won a ton of games as the team's starter (17 win in 37 games), but he's proven to be a playmaker with tremendous ability. With McDaniels having the success he had in New England, it figures that Cutler could become a more efficient passer and complete quarterback. That was the thinking when McDaniels arrived, but now things have gotten so far off course that what comes next is very much unknown at the moment.

With both sides appearing to be at odds and no longer communicating, the latest twist has been Cutler's formal request for trade. Now things have gone too far. It was bad enough that is was a he-said, she-said situation made so public, but with the real threat of this team being torn apart with all this made for TV daytime-drama, it's just gotten way out of hand.

How did it start? How did it get this far? And what can be done to fix it? While people are still asking the first two questions, they really no longer matter and the only question that needs attention is "what can be done?" It's very simple as I started to elude to earlier, the answer is Pat Bowlen himself.

This whole thing should have never been allowed to grow legs of its' own, but that is what Bowlen permitted in my opinion and now he must correct this. He made a critical error in hiring McDaniels and trusting the young coach to be able to handle his new position of power. Bowlen also should of had more input and known better than to allow his franchise quarterback to be dangled in the trade market.

It seems that Bowlen and the Broncos now have some big decisions to make. There really is a lot to consider when you think about it. Cutler is asking for a trade and if he's not going to be happy in Denver, obliging would seem to make the most sense. In reality that is just non-sense. Potential suitors for a Cutler trade appear to be lining up everyday, but I would contend the right move and best move for Denver is no trade. Cutler is on the verge of becoming a top-five quarterback in this league (if he's not already there), and finding a suitable replacement seems unlikely. Any trade would mean a step back for the offense and the team (and that's the wrong direction).

(Photo by Doug Pensinger / Getty Images)

The young quarterback has had his confidence and trust shaken, Bowlen needs to figure out how to fix that. It may not have been about money, but it just may come down to that. If this team is more committed to Jay Cutler being it's quarterback than what is has shown by trying to trade him, then maybe it's time for Bowlen to put his money where his mouth is?

Trading away your future is not the direction this franchise intended to go when McDaniels was brought on board. Trading Cutler may very well take this team in that direction. If this team is going to continue to move forward, they need to keep Cutler as their quarterback and not deal away one of their best players. No deal is a good deal and if Cutler is going to be happy again in Denver, then I leave that to Mr. Bowlen to make that happen.

Cutler has done everything the team has asked. He's come in as the starter the last three seasons, played at a high level, set franchise records, and proven to be one of the leagues best young talents. Now it's time for the Broncos to show their appreciation, their commitment to Cutler and rebuild the trust that will put this team back in the contention in the AFC West.

If the Broncos are going to win now, the team may need to offer Cutler a new long-term deal, paying him the kind of money a pro bowl quarterback that has thrown 54 touchdowns in 37 games to keep him happy and with the club. With a restored number two offense in the league and the current makeover taking place on the defensive side of the ball, 2009 could have a promising look, something that Mr. Bowlen should consider when he sits down with his new head coach and his young pro bowl quarterback.

Enough is enough, clear out the black cloud hovering over Dove Valley and restore harmony to the Mile High Country.

That's my take.


By David G. Ortega