FSH: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

April 2nd, 2009 11:30pm PST


David's Daily Digest
[My Take]

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

My Take...

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

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

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

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

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


IDP Notes:

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


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

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

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

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


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

FSH: TUESDAY (FOOTBALL) TALK

April 1st, 2008 11:37pm PST


[Wednesday Edition]
TUESDAY (FOOTBALL) TALK


What's wrong in Denver?

I'm sure when the Denver Broncos owner Pat Bowlen decided to go in a new direction by firing former head coach Mike Shanahan, he never expected to see the heir apparent run his team in this direction (into the ground). At least for the moment that appears to be where this team is heading if the new head coach Josh McDaniels, can't put the pieces of this puzzle we call the Denver Broncos back together soon. In just less than three months as the head coach McDaniels has managed to dismantle last year’s 2nd ranked offense, first with the release of offensive coordinator Jeremy Bates and now the trading of quarterback Jay Cutler.

The popular sentiment at the moment amongst Bronco fans has to be "I can't believe it went this far." Well believe it Mile High faithful, because Cutler is packing his bags and well on his way to the windy city.

It took the Broncos new hire just 56 days to disrupt the harmony in the team's locker room and cause quite a stir with the alleged trade rumors involving the team's former first round pick. When the Broncos entertained the idea of trading Cutler for Cassel this would evidently mark the end of Cutler and McDaniel's working relationship.

It has become quite apparent that team owner Pat Bowlen has decided to stick to his guns and fully support his unproven and quite naive new head coach. It's already been well documented of McDaniels mishandling of the infamous Cutler-for-Cassel deal and his attempts to reconcile with the ego-bruised quarterback. The last insult to injury is now the apparent trading of Cutler to Chicago.

The amazing part of all this, when Shanahan was fired it seemed the big issues in Denver were all about the defense. Consequently the team’s defensive coordinator was terminated to no surprise. Many football fans and experts questioned the hire of McDaniels, considered another offensive genius, since so much had been made about the Broncos poor defense.

McDaniels had seemed to put some of that concern to rest with some of his offseason moves and signings, but definitely the thought in Denver had to be the offense was good to go and did not need any changes, so much for thinking outside of McDaniel’s circle. About one month ago he considered the move and today the Broncos decided to follow his lead and trade quarterback Jay Cutler.

So where do the Broncos go now? It seems from so close to the "Penthouse," there are now closer to becoming residents of the "outhouse." What happened to the Broncos and what's wrong in Denver?

If this trade goes through and Cutler signs with Chicago, it would seem that the Broncos have taken major strides in the wrong direction, or at least that would be the impression. Bowlen sure has put a lot of faith in the kid that just traded his pro bowl quarterback away. Three months ago, you could not have paid me to believe any of this could happen, so much for going in another direction, eh Pat?

(Photo by John Leyba/Denver Post)

...but, if there is light at the end of the tunnel, and I'm not sure too many of us can see quite that far, McDaniels is supposed to be an offensive genius. Well it looks like he'll have to earn his keep in 2009 with quarterback Kyle Orton under center. Orton has never had impressive passing numbers in Chicago, but he has won. That's a good sign.

In Denver he'll have a full complement of weapons and if the defense can get better and continue to improve, the long term plan for the Broncos could be waiting for them on Draft day. With two first round picks, it very conceivable that the team could trade up in this year’s draft and go get its future. Many believe at number 12, the team could be in position to select USC quarterback Mark Sanchez.

On Wednesday Sanchez had a very impressive Pro-Day and could very well have raised his stock level significantly, so much that waiting for him at number 12 could be too late. There is a lot wrong with Denver at the moment, but if McDaniels proves to be as good as advertised the Broncos could be working on a fix that many will learn of come draft day on April 25.

What's Blogging....

With the block-buster trade of Cutler-to-Chicago hitting all the news wires Thursday afternoon, there was just as much buzz about the deal on many blog sites throughout the day. In reading "Bronco Madness" there seems to be an optimistic approach about the trade, although I am not ready to jump on this train, I'll keep an open mind. It's very apparent that there aren't too many Bears fans upset about this shocking news today. I received a text from a friend and bear-fan, "Cutler is a Bear, hell f**ken yeah!" Apparently "Gridiron Goddess" shares the same sentiment writing "I AM STOKED!!!!!" I didn't even know she was a Bears fan. "Football by Barbie" had this to add "I guess the Broncos aren't too worried about winning this year. Orton? C'mon seriously?!"

Taking a quick break from today's football shattering news, trying to get his name back into the mainstream, according to "NFL Gridiron Gab" Arizona's wide receiver Anquan Boldin was making it known once again his wish to leave the desert. It seems Bolding fancy’s the Sunshine State. In "Draft Insiders' Digest" the recent post profiling NFL quarterback prospect Mark Sanchez, just reaffirms my belief why the Broncos should use their newly acquired picks to snatch this young strong-armed talent.

Continuing to follow the major story of the day, I was reading "Pro Football 101" and found their prediction of the Broncos being set back five years from contending and McDaniels out in three to be entertaining. While this remains to be seen, one stat to note, Mangini, Crennel, and Weiss have not exactly enjoyed great success since leaving the Belichik camp.

As long as these sites keep scribbling, I will keep reading and enjoying them and hope that you will too!

Check back for more "Tuesday Football Talk."

FSH: ON THE TICKER

April 1st, 2009 9:37pm PST

24 DAYS TO THE NFL DRAFT

NFL Draft Preview:
On The Ticker

On the Board: St. Louis Rams....
In 2008 the Rams finished their disappointing season at 4-12. Injuries, faulty pass protection, and a poor defense were the biggest culprits last season for St. Louis. That's why, if the Lions follow suit with the selection of Matthew Stafford at number one, the Rams will likely follow with Jason Smith from the University of Baylor. The compelling factor leading many to project precisely this pick has to be the vacancy created by the loss of former all-pro offensive tackle Orlando Pace.

It makes perfect sense. Last season the line was woeful allowing 45 sacks and just 4-yards per carry with one of the league’s elite running backs in Steven Jackson. In 2009 the Rams are expected to be a primary running team, but with the hefty investment they've made in quarterback Marc Bulger, culminated with the loss of Pace, the offensive line is the best place for this team to start rebuilding.

There doesn't seem to be much mystery with what the Rams should be thinking and at 6'5" and 309-lbs, Smith is a specimen that would be tough to pass on. The Baylor prospect is athletic, has good feet, combined with long arms making him the jewel of the draft at his position. Smith is a three year starter in the Big-12 and looks like a solid bet to easily make the transition to the pros. He is considered the one of the best offensive lineman in the draft and in some circles he is projected to be better than previous draftees, Jake Long and Joe Thomas. It would be hard to imagine the Rams going in any other direction and passing on Smith.

(Photo by Baylor Athletics)

When you consider that the Rams were the 28th ranked defense overall a year ago, it becomes easy to argue that this could become a prevalent direction that the team could look. The defense only generated 30 sacks a year ago and allowed teams to average almost 30-points per game. There's no question the team could use a lot of help on the defensive side.

While reviewing many mock drafts from various sites, it seems almost an afterthought now that the Rams will go offensive lineman, but if they decide to take a quick look across the ball, they won't go any further than Wake Forest's Aaron Curry. The dynamic world class hard-hitting backer is considered the best at his position in this year's draft. Like Detroit's dilemma, whether to go offense or defense, the Rams can't go wrong with Curry as the second overall selection.

While many are going to speculate and teeter back and forth in the coming weeks, the Rams have a few components in place on offense and need to continue to build a team that only averaged less than 15-points per game last season. The smart money is going to go with Smith joining the Rams on draft day.

Just a quick fantasy note, considering how well rookie OT Ryan Clady played for Denver in 2008, with a new full-back and a future all-pro tackle (Smith) to replace a former all-pro tackle (Pace), 2009 could be a good year for RB Steven Jackson and the Rams offense.


Check back everyday for more "On the Ticker!"

FSH: ON THE TICKER

March 31st, 2009 10:07pm PST

25 DAYS TO THE NFL DRAFT

NFL Draft Preview:
On The Ticker

On the Board: Detroit Lions....
There has been so much talk surrounding the Lions and there number one draft pick. Recently there was speculation that the Lions could be looking to make a run at Cutler offering their top pick, but it seemed mostly talk, until now! With the breaking news coming from Denver announcing the Bronco's intent to trade quarterback Jay Cutler, the Lions could very well be back in business. The big question to ask is "Will the Broncos bite?"

With the top pick many folks were contemplating what the Lions might do, but if they make a deal and trade their number one pick to Denver, all bets are off. With Cutler under center and no pick in the first round, managements' focus will likely turn to build a defense through the draft while their new arm gets settled in.

If the Lions hold onto the number one pick, you would have to think since this team is in full-rebuild mode the obvious pick is going to be Georgia quarterback Matthew Stafford. Since following many draft sites that are now in full NFL draft mode, many so-called experts are projecting that this is exactly what Detroit will do. One thing I have not heard nor seen from anyone, sure Stafford is talented, but is anyone buying that he IS a franchise quarterback. If you select a quarterback number one overall, then he is a franchise quarterback.

(Photo by Ben Liebenberg/NFL.com)

Many think Stafford has the tools and enough talent to start, but very few have gone out on that limb to say he's going to turn a franchise around. Some are comparing his skill, play and arm strength to that of Cutler, while it may be a compliment in some ways, the Bronco or soon-to-be former Broncos still has a lot of progression left. Stafford will be a work in progress, but unfortunately for Detroit, he'll also be expensive.

One thing I keep being reminded of when I think of the Lions and draft day is their recent lack of success; Joey Harrington, Mike Williams, and Charles Rogers. Drafting a quarterback number one overall is going to demand a hefty pay-day to suit and will likely warrant starting right away out of necessity. While too many Stafford makes sense, it's still a tough decision no matter how you break it down.

At 0-16, there is so much to fix and even if Stafford is a hit, as a rookie he's not going to win you anymore than maybe five or six games. Another conceivable direction the team could chose to go is defense. Unquestionably the number one rated NFL prospect in this year's draft has to be Wake Forest linebacker Aaron Curry. Curry appears to be a dynamic athlete with tremendous ability and talent. There is little doubt that he will easily make the transition to the next level and be a star of the future. With so much hype surrounding Curry, he would be a safe pick for the Lions and one that the team could build on.

If I'm a betting man, because there's been so much talk lately about who the Lions will select, I would have to wager on Stafford being the popular choice. I guess the real question though folks should be asking at the moment, "Will the Lions have the overall number one pick in this year's draft?" It's very possible that with all that has taken place in the last 48-hours we could be talking about another team.

Check back every day for more "On the Ticker!" all the way up to the 2009 NFL Draft!!

FSH: FANTASY FIXX

March 31st, 2009 11:07pm PST

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Fantasy Fixx

Troubled Times:

(Image may be subject to copyright)

Lynch facing suspension...

There are troubled times for some fantasy owners that were counting on Buffalo's Marshawn Lynch to rebound from his sub-par 2008 season. Lynch was a heavy favorite to be a solid fantasy running back in 2008, especially down the stretch and into the fantasy playoffs. The former Bills runner never emerged as anything more than a pedestrian back, finishing middle of the pack last season with just over 1,000-yards rushing and eight touchdowns (four coming in the first three weeks). Lynch was expected to be particularly effective in the fantasy playoffs, but ran for just 192-yards with one touchdown in the three games.

Now following his off-the-field troubles, Lynch will likely face a suspension that could have him out as many as four games to start the 2009 season making him a very risky draft pick. Fantasy owners must also not forget the impressive play of running back Fred Jackson which could play a big part in Lynch's workload this coming season once he returns. Fantasy owners will surely have to look elsewhere in the early rounds of their fantasy drafts, but when you consider his 2008 numbers, when is the right time to pick up Lynch? Lynch is likely to be overlooked early and could fall to a late RB2 or even well into the mid RB3 level. Owners should not forget the impact that T.O. could have in the Bills offense and in particular their running game.

(Photo by Sporting News)

LJ on his way out of KC...

It seems in Kansas City its' just more troubled times surrounding running back Larry Johnson, who doesn't seem to be making any new friends these days in Arrowhead country. Johnson's legal troubles have finally caught up to him and he could be paying a very dear price if the Chiefs win their grievance filed for "breach of contract." If the team wins, it's almost a certainty that LJ will be released. Unfortunately for fantasy owners, as talented a runner as Johnson is, there may not be many teams interested in taking a chance on a player with such questionable character.

Even if LJ is lucky enough to find more work, there's no guarantee that it will be an ideal situation. Johnson has not been the player he was for some time now. Since his big 2006 season when he ran for 1,789-yards, LJ has missed 12 games including four in 2008. He's also rushed for only 1,433-yards over the last two seasons and scored only nine touchdowns. In 2006 he had 17 rushing touchdowns alone. Add to his sudden decline and LJ's recent troubles off-the-field and the Chief's running has probably lost any appeal that would attract most other GM's from giving him a look. This is not to say someone won't give Johnson a shot, but it's likely to come at a huge discount for a player that seems to lack humility. Only time will tell, if LJ has changed and if he'll be worth the risk?


Check back for more Fantasy Fixx!