SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL STUFF

March 29th, 2008 9:37pm PST


Sunday Night Football Stuff

This Weekend's Talk

The Big Talk is a longer season....
Apparently some folks just can't get enough football, so the league's commissioner is pitching to the owners a plan to extend the regular season to as many as 18 games. I will certainly not disagree with more football, but in all honesty I do think the season is already long enough. 16 games can be tough on NFL players and extremely grueling because of the physical nature of the game. I would argue, that while many of us would prefer to see less preseason games, because many of these games exclude some of the more popular and talented players, putting these same players through an 18-game schedule could make for a very difficult challenge for many to maneuver through injury-free. I would have to ask the question, what would make more sense, having preseason games that star players miss or post-season games without star players?

I am just like the next fanatical football fan and would love more games, but I also understand and see what these players go through in the current set up. Four games seems like many, but if these games were structured more to be safe for the big names (quarterbacks, running backs, and wide receivers) although there may be less contact we could see more of the players we'd like. That's just my thought.

(Photo by Getty Images)

Who's going Number One?...
If you've been following many of the football sites as I have over the past couple of weeks, you're probably as confused as I am about who is projected to go number one in the 2009 NFL Draft. The Lions sit atop the draft totem pole and coming off an 0-16 record last season, they need all the help they can get. Many of the mock drafts I have seen have the Lions all over the board, but barring any last minute block-buster trades Georgia's quarterback Matthew Stafford appears to be the popular choice as the overall number one.

The unanimous argument is the Lions are in full rebuild-mode and the team will need to start at the quarterback position. Considering the options they currently have available (Daunte Culpepper and Drew Stanton) it only makes sense, especially with the talent of Stafford. His development will be a work in progress, but so will the entire team's.

Two other prospects coming into consideration are OT Jason Smith out of Baylor and LB Aaron Curry from Wake Forest. Both players are a world of talent at their respective positions and like Stafford make sensible selections for a team in great need. With the quarterback being such a critical position and having the most impact, it would be hard to imagine seeing the Lions passing on the opportunity to select the kid many scouts are so high on.

(Photo by John Bazemore/AP)

Stafford clearly a favorite to go number one is considered to have a strong arm, and at 6'3" and 235-lbs he has great size. He's shown athletic ability and has good leadership, but the Lions staff will have to work very hard to improve his decision making and turnover tendency.

Certainly there are no guarantees in the draft, but Detroit fans will be very hopeful on draft day that they could be looking at another Matt Ryan or Joe Flacco.

Check back every Monday for the "Monday Morning Huddle!"

DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

March 29th, 2009 9:30pm PST

David's Daily Digest

[My Take]

With the month of March closing fast the NFL draft is now less than a month away. AS NFL teams continue to take a look at this year's class of prospects it's important to stay in tune with NFL player movement and notes for your upcoming fantasy draft this summer. Several players are going to come to the forefront while others will sneak up on us as it always happens every year. Here's a look at some of my recent notes regarding a few of those players...

My Take...

WR-TORRY HOLT TALKING WITH TITANS?

The Titans lack real experience at the position. Holt is not going to set any new records in Tennessee, but Kerry Collins could benefit greatly with an experienced clutch veteran receiver like Holt. The younger receivers like Justin Gage and Nate Washington could also blossom under the tutelage of Holt. There has only been noted interest by Tennessee, along with the Jaguars. Holt is no longer an elite receiver in fantasy and will fall considerably in drafts this summer, but he'll have more value with Collins throwing the pill in his direction.

QB-PHILIP RIVERS STILL YET TO RE-SIGN

There is little or no chance of Rivers pulling a primadonna antic like holding out, but it would weigh heavily in the team's best interest to get him resigned soon to avoid any unpleasantness. Over the past couple of seasons Rivers has proven his toughness and in 2008 he emerged as one of the league's best passers. With LT returning to the lineup this upcoming season, Rivers figures to have another productive year and could be a top five fantasy quarterback once again.

RB-WILLIS MCGAHEE WILL VOLUNTEER

The Raven's one-time featured back lost some carries and production in 2008. His work ehtic and toughness were questioned at the start of last season and he did very little to dismiss such talk. McGahee will have his work cut-out this offseason if he is to prove himself worthy as the team's featured back in 2009. With Ray Rice and LeRon McClain figuring to battle once again for playing time, McGahee is taking part in voluntary workouts, apparently doing whatever he can to separate himself from the competition. The jury may still be out on the former Miami Hurricane, but he's definitely worth keeping your eye on for this coming season.

RB-LARRY JOHNSON PLEADS GUILTY

The Chiefs best running back Larry Johnson pleaded guilty to disturbing the peace and received a suspended two years on probation. Johnson has found himself no stranger to off-the-field trouble and will now meet with the team this week to discuss a grievance being pursued by the team that could ultimately send LJ packing. If his one game suspension last season is found to violate his contract, the team will undoubtedly release Johnson. LJ fell from grace over the past two seasons and heading into the 2009 fantasy season he becomes a huge risk. Fantasy owners will have to wait to see the outcome of this grievance.

WR-MARVIN HARRISON STILL HOMELESS

Now that he has been a free agent for several weeks, there appears to be very little if any interest in the aging veteran receiver. At 37, Harrison has lost a lot of his appeal and after his significant decline in production last season it does not look promising for him to land anywhere before summer camps open in July. Fantasy owners can expect some movement to occur only after camps have opened and injuries (as they will) happen, but even then it still a not a sure thing.

RB-MARION BARBER EXPECTED TO SHARE ROLE

According to team notes, the Cowboys are very fond of their entire backfield of Marion Barber, Felix Jones, and Tashard Choice. Barber is still expected to be the main guy in Dallas, but the team will make every effort to get all three involved one way or the other. The good news for fantasy owners is Barber will still be a possible late RB1 or early RB2 selection, but he has a better chance of remaining healthy and productive throughout the 2009 season.

IDP Notes:

More notes of interest for those that venture toward the "Darkside." For those that play in custom leagues that implement IDP, every point counts and when you don't study your defense, you can lose many valuable points on draft day by making poor decisions. Here's more football fodder and "my take" for fantasy players to digest....

DL-JASON TAYLOR TO RETURN TO PHINS?

Apparently the once longtime Dolphin has a chance to returning to his former team. Taylor's named has been tossed around quite a bit the last week or so as the former all-pro enjoys his free agency. Currently word is he'll be in Miami for his annual celebrity golf event with a chance to mix and mingle with many of his former teammates. Taylor still loves Miami and if there was ever a chance of him returning this is as good as it gets, but we'll still have to wait and see. A return for Taylor could be just what the team's defense needs to help linebacker Joey Porter. If healthy Taylor still has the ability to be an effective pass rusher and could be a nice mid-level defensive lineman pick in fantasy drafts.

DL-PHILLIP DANIELS EXPECTS TO RESIGN WITH SKINS

The Redskins defensive lineman spent the entire 2008 season sidelined with an ACL injury. At 36, even in a reserve role with the team, fantasy owners can't expect much production, at least not enough to justify a fantasy draft pick. He'll only offer value, if any as a possible late season fill-in, granted that he can stay healthy.

DL-DARWIN WALKER COULD RETURN TO PANTHERS

Reports are indicating the current free agent and former Panther could return to the team for another year, but whether he does or not he'll very little impact. Walker has yet to play a full season the last two years, starting in just nine games and recording only one sack. Walker is not longer the impact defensive lineman he was in Philly. If he returns he'll likely be situational and not much of a contributor that fantasy owners should be concerned with.

LB-ROOSEVELT COLVIN NOT LIKELY TO RETURN

The Patriots former linebacker and now unrestricted free agent according to many sources will likely not be back with the team in 2009. Colvin spent most of his 2008 season on the sideline playing in only four games. There has been no indication, but after playing in only 15 games the past two seasons it's not likely Colvin will land anywhere in 2009 suggesting his career could be close to an end.

DL-ROD COLEMAN SIGNS WITH SAINTS

Depsite their limitations with available cap space heading into the offseason, the Saints have managed to stay busy. Defensive lineman Rod Coleman will likely come cheap after missing all of 2008 and much of 2007 injured. When healthy Coleman can be a monster in the middle, as a run stuffer and pass rusher. If healthy he could be a solid addition to the d-line and upgrade a defense that ranked near the bottom in 2008. Fantasy owners should wait to see how Coleman looks this summer before buying into his koolaid.

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

FSH: TUESDAY (FOOTBALL) TALK

March 26th, 2009 9:37pm PST


TUESDAY (FOOTBALL) TALK
[Thursday Edition]


What's up Mock?

Okay, we'll call this my first rant of 2009, but what is up with all of these NFL mock drafts. Like everyone else, I am certainly interested in knowing who's going to be drafted and where this year's prospects will land, but I also know everyday things keep changing.

I can't imagine anyone's mock draft remaining the same from today to draft day and actually I think I would be more interested at this point in seeing how many times everyone's mock draft will change.

With the current storylines floating around the NFL, it seems it would be very difficult to speculate what any NFL team is going to do come draft day. Certainly its easy enough to identify team's current needs, but until some of these hot stories cool and we actually get closer to the draft, it all seems a guessing game to me.

I've seen some sites pick Matthew Stafford as the overall number one and some others have linebacker Aaron Curry. There is even a few projecting offensive tackle Jason Smith as the overall number one, but until draft day it seems this is all a crap shoot and we shouldn't get too caught up in all the mocking.

I'm just wondering with all the Cutler trade talks seeming to quiet down some, how will that change this years class of strong arms? Will prospects like Stafford, Freeman, or Sanchez fall or rise as a result? Your guess is as good as mine (probably better).

Fantasy Watch....

We may still have lots of time to consider who will be most relevant come fantasy draft time, but it's never too early to starting watching certain players and how their current situations could change impacting their upcoming season. Such a change could be taking place in San Diego. We all the controversy put to rest with surrounding the re-signing of running back LaDanian Tomlinson, fantasy owners will now have to wonder what to make of back up Darren Sproles. Head coach Norv Turner has already made it public the teams intent to give LT more work in 2009, so what does that mean for Sproles?Most likely not much more than what owners saw from him on 2008. A healthy LT may only mean the team will be more focused on the ground game, giving Sproles a fair share of the running game load. Despite picking up a few extra touches per game the Chargers back-up runner is not likely to see a heavy load of work at any time this coming season making him nothing more that a deep RB3 or once again a great insurance policy for LT owners.

(Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

Last season was probably not the kind of year that wide receiver Marques Colston had hope to have following his breakout campaign in 2007. Colston started only six games in 2008 and was slowed up much by injuries limiting his receiving totals to just 47 receptions and 760-yards. With his new side-kick Lance Moore emerging as a big time pass catcher, a healthy Colston in 2009 can only mean a big season for fantasy owners. Owners will want to watch how Moore and Colston gel together with Brees in the mini-camps. Last season Colston was likely hyped up to be a top-10, owners should not be fooled by his 2008 numbers. He's still the big-man on campus and should be a big play in 2009.

Kansas City has seen a lot of change thus far in the offseason, with quarterback Matt Cassel and wide receiver Bobby Engram joining the team, the offense has the look of being productive in 2009. With their talented group assembled on the field, Cassel, Gonzalez, and Bowe, a forgotten name in the mix could be wide receiver Mark Bradley. New head coach Todd Haley has said he has much confidence in Bradley as the team's other receiver, opposite Bowe. Since his draft day into the league Bradley has remained pretty much irrelevant finishing with just 30 catches in 2008 (career best. With a capable quarterback in a shot-gun heavy system the 5th year receiver and former Oklahoma Sooner could flourish into a 60-70 catch wideout. Owners will want to keep an eye on this kid through the mini-camps and into summer, if he hangs onto the starting gig he could wind up being a possible mid-to-late round steal in fantasy drafts.

(Photo by Robert Beck/SI)

Check back every Wednesday for more football at "The Watercooler!"

FSH: FANTASY FIXX

March 24th, 2009 11:47pm PST

Fantasy Fixx

FF Radar

With the 2009 fantasy football still about four and a half months away before the diehards start heating up, continuing with my Fantasy Football Radar watch I'd like to highlight a couple of the receivers that should be on your scopes this coming draft.


The Good Hands People...

The Vikings shook things up a bit in Minneapolis when they traded for the services of quarterback Sage Rosenfels, indicating that the team did not have full confidence in either Gus Frerotte or Tarvaris Jackson to be the starter in 2009. Despite all the chatter that Jackson will have the shot at the starting position, the smart bet is Rosenfels. His presence in the pocket and under center should legitimize the Vikings passing game, enough to elevate wideout Bernard Berrian. Last season Berrian caught 48 passes for 964-yards and seven touchdowns with pedestrian play at the QB position at best. Rosenfels is no Brady, but he'll upgrade the position and should elevate the Berian's productive to a solid WR2 level. The Vike's receiver is a shoe-in to catch 60-70 balls next season and with his big play ability (20-yards/catch), he'll easily top 1,000-yards and figures at worst to duplicate his seven scores from a year ago. Owners will need to eye Berrian as a solid mid-round selection.

Another receiver that should benefit greatly from off-season changes is the Chief's wideout Dwayne Bowe. With the recent acquistion of quarterback Matt Cassel to the lineup, Bowe should only improve his 86-catch and 1,000-yards in 2008. New head coach Todd Haley has been noted as saying he believes Bowe is "a work in progress" and it sounds like the new head chief believes Bowe can only get better. Cassel had a breakthrough season in 2008 and is expected to elevate the Chiefs passing attack in 2009 which will be be good news for fantasy owners looking to snag the Chiefs top receiver. Bowe will also benefit from the addition of Bobby Engram, who will likely see a lot of work in the slot position. If Tony Gonzalez remains a Chief in 2009, with the new head coach implementing a heavy passing oriented offense, fantasy owners can expect a big season from Bowe. His numbers in 2009 should fall somewhere in the neighborhood of 90-95 receptions and over 1,200-yards receiving. Gonzalez has been the primary weapon of choice in the red-zone the last couple of seasons, but at 6'2" and 220 pounds Bowe could change all of that this coming season.

(Photo by Jarrett Baker/Getty Images)

The Bills made some big changes in the offseason or at least big noise by signing the modest and quiet wide receiver Terrell Owens. The soft-spoken wideout has never been shy about letting the world know just how good he is and may not waste that much time sharing this with his new team. With T.O. attracting so much attention off the field, he may even draw some extra coverage on it. This could very well help the Bills new "other receiver" Lee Evans. In recent seasons, Evans has been the go-to receiver basically flying with only one wing. Now that he'll have Owens lining up on the other side, the Bills leading receiver in 2008 that has averaged over 1,000-yards receiving the past three seasons could see a spike in his receiving totals from a year ago. Even with little help Evans averaged over 16-yards/catch and finished with over 1,000-yards receiving. He saw his touchdown numbers drop to a career-low total of three in 2008. Owens presence should lend some big help to the Bills big-play receiver who will undoubtedly see more single coverage deep and easily improve on his scoring totals from last season. A lot of folks are going to buy into the T.O. hype and believe he's going to be the man in Rochester, but fantasy owners will need to keep abreast Evans who could be a possible steal, as he will surely fall considerably in many fantasy drafts.

(Photo by Dilip Wanat/Getty Images)

As we continue to stroll out wide, we have to redirect our attention to St.Louis where one of the league’s worst teams will going small on the outside. With the departure of longtime receiver Torry Holt and free agent bust Drew Bennett the Rams young and unproven receiving corp has gotten very small. Inheriting the mantle of go-to-receiver will likely be 5'11" wideout Dennis Avery. The speedy receiver out of the University of Houston had moments of brilliance in first half of the 2008 season, exploding onto the scene in Weeks six through eight catching 14 passes for 291-yards and scoring twice. The rookie receiver then ran into a wall and disappeared at time in the second half struggling to get open and running sloppy routes. The kid is a work in progress, but with Holt gone he'll get a lot of offseason work and could be poised to spring board in 2009. Because of his late struggles, some fantasy owners may overlook the talented speedster and he could be available as a nice late round sleeper with greater reward in the latter half of the 2009 season. Mark your draft boards, Avery could be another steal in the upcoming drafts.

(Photo By Jiim Rogash/Getty Images)

And lastly...Larry Fitzgerald is number one


The last receiver I will mention in the segment happens to be the undisputed and unanimous number one receiver in all fantasy drafts. If he's not, someone is drinking the wrong kool-aid. The Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald blew up last year down the stretch and well into the post-season. In four playoff games Fitz set a new NFL playoff record catching 30 passes for 546-yards and seven touchdowns in one of the most dominant receiving performances that we have seen in the modern day era. Fitzgerald's impressive run not only elevated to the top spot, but demonstrated just how good this incredible talent really is. With Warner signed and indications that the team could be on its way to resigning Anquan Boldin, expect nothing less than the best from Fitz in 2009!

(Photo By Kevin Terrell/NFL.com)

Check back for more Fantasy Fixx!

FSH: MONDAY MORNING HUDDLE

March 24th, 2009 9:07pm PST

[The Evening Edition]
Monday Morning Huddle

Talkin Sum Football

Athlete or Primadonna?

So when did NFL players become bigger than the game they play? In their own minds do they actually believe they can make and break all the rules? Sure we have seen it in the past, but where or when does it end?

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When the Arizona Cardinal's season came to a conclusion following their loss in the 43rd Super bowl, wide receiver Anquan Boldin did not waste much time making it known his discontent with the team and desire to move on. Boldin's unhappiness has become a concern that the team will have to deal with this offseason. A few weeks ago it sounded very much like Boldin wanted out and that the Cards may have to deal, but since that time things in the desert seemed to have cooled.
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These days in the Mile High Country the Broncos are not so lucky and now find themselves in a similar situation with quarterback Jay Cutler requesting a trade. Unlike the Boldin situation, the Broncos will have a difficult time trying to move forward without Cutler on board and may infact have to make a move. Cutler does not appear to have any interest in finding harmony with his new head coach and right now there is nothing but turmoil in Dove Valley.
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When you look at today's athlete and consider who the biggest primadonnas are, you can't go too far without including Terrell Owens in the conversation. While it wasn't completely apparent, according to some T.O. held the Cowboys locker room hostage until the team freed itself of the huge distraction. Now in Buffalo, could T.O. be on his way to tearing that locker room apart? Monday being the first day of voluntary workouts for the Bills, T.O. was not present. Is this a sign of things to come?

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There certainly are quite of few more that fit this build of the modern day athlete, Chad Johnson in Cincinnati has had his share of antics. Let’s not forget Jeremy Shockey who has a clause written in his contract that won't allow him to play with any pain. Okay, maybe not, but he's either one of the unluckiest players or one that can walk four feet without falling in a pot-hole. Even an icon like Brett Favre can’t escape the spell of ego-itis, but in his case there may be some merit.
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There's seems to be a common theme and a few similarities with a few of these characters, each player believes they are in the position to call the shots and have a sports agent that is no stranger to controversy. The infamous Drew Rosenhaus handles both Owens and Boldin, while Cutler is handled by sports agent Bus Cook. Cook is the same agent that handled Brett Favre throughout his entire un-retirement and trade to the New York Jets.

(Photo by Chris Park / AP)

(Photo by Newscom)

(AP Photo)

When did football become such a soap opera, T.O. was just released by one club and seemingly on his last leg in the NFL, but doesn't feel he needs to work hard at building new team chemistry. Cutler, at one point the subject of possible trade discussion now refuses like a four year old might refuse to eat his vegetables, to part-take in any conversations with his new head coach. While all seems to be quiet in the Arizona desert, Boldin has not offered any indication that his stance has changed.

(Photo by Mike Thomas /AP)

Are they superstar athletes or spoiled brats? Either way, these guys are hardly exhibiting any sense of team loyalty and professionalism, but should they? T.O. has moved on to Buffalo, another stop or last chance? The jury is still out on Boldin, although on the whisper there are those that continue to believe he'll be traded. And the Cutler situation just seems to going from bad to ugly and worse, despite all the coaches’ antics to refute the latter.

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When it comes right down to it, why can't these boys just play ball? When did they become bigger than life? These well-mannered super talents are not likely to be the lone band of showman fighting for their cause, but rather the first to make the headlines as the mandatory mini-camps approach. Is it about money, prestige, or saving face, for some of today's athletes who can tell?
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For players like Boldin, Owens, and Cutler, it may just be about being wanted and the center of attention, but is that really a surprise when you're dealing with these primadonnas?

Check back every Monday for more Monday Morning Huddle!