July 29th, 2009 11:30pm 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……
My Take...
WR ANQUAN BOLDIN REPORTS TO CARDS CAMP
My Fantasy Read: Following the advice of his new representation, the Cardinal’s disgruntled receiver showed no signs of such and reported to camp on Wednesday. With Boldin in camp it appears likely there will be no hold-out and the stud receiver should be back to work as usual opposite the explosive Mr. Fitzgerald. Boldin is going to drop slightly outside the top ten in some rankings, but in Arizona he’ll be a solid fantasy play in 2009.
RB LARRY JOHNSON WILL REPORT TO CAMP ON TIME
My Fantasy Read: Reports are the Chiefs troublesome running back Larry Johnson will report on time to camp on Friday. It also appears Johnson is excited about being with the team, although in a new system his role could change. Chan Gaily and Todd Haley are expected to run a more spread offense making Johnson a darkhorse sleeper candidate this season. If Sir Larry stays in KC this season, fantasy owners could be quickly reminded of his 104 catches from 2005-2007.
WR DARIUS HEYWARD-BEY A RAIDER NO-SHOW
My Fantasy Read: As if injury wasn’t enough to slow the progress of the Raiders prized rookie, but now a hold-out he’s sure to fall further behind the curve. There were some doubters regarding the Raiders huge leap with taking Heyward-Bey so high in the draft. Even SI’s Peter King suggests that Heyward-Bey seems like a boom or bust. We would have to say he’s starting to have all the makings of a bust this season.
QB BRETT FAVRE SAYS NO FOR THE TIME BEING?
My Fantasy Read: So the official unofficial report is Brett Favre will stay retired, at least for the moment. What would a Favre story be without a twist? So the latest is he’s not joining the Vikings at this time, so the team will move on with Rosenfels and Jackson. But, the word out of Mississippi is Mr. Favre will continue to throw. As long as there is activity this story won’t die, but fantasy owners shouldn’t even touch it with a tenth-round fantasy pick.
Check back with "Your Fantasy Sports Home" for more Football to digest....
July 29th, 2009 10:15pm PST
WATERCOOLER CHAT
Time to Get’er Done!
With the Arizona Cardinals opting not to offer linebacker Karlos Dansby a contract extension at this time, they have in effect decided to let Dansby play out the 2009 and possibly enter the free-market in 2010. With the Dansby situation being shelved for the time being, the focus in Arizona would expect to move toward their next unhappy camper, wide receiver Anquan Boldin.
During the early offseason and all the way through the NFL draft there was a lot of talk about trade, but nothing ever came to fruition. With the latest turn of events with Dansby not getting signed, it would appear that it is now the time for both the Cards and Boldin to put-up or shut-up.
With training camps just opening, it’s time for the Cardinal’s front office to Get’er done and re-sign Boldin. Last season your franchise had great success largely due to its’ explosive offense in which Boldin played a big role, you don’t try and fix what’s not broke and you don’t break up what’s working.
Let’s Play GM…
Re-signing Anquan Boldin
Last season the Cardinals came less than three minutes away from shocking the football world with an incredible finish to an unlikely season. Now with most of your returning weapons in place, now is not the time to tinker with success.
The GM Game…
It really isn’t as difficult as many would think, after all aren’t we just dealing with over inflatted egos? Nonetheless, if both sides are going to make this work, why not rework the deal, so both sides can win?
If we are GM, we’re getting this deal done and getting sealed well before the season starts. The last thing we want to see if an unhappy player turning the press and creating distraction in the locker room.
Boldin is a producer and wants to be paid to the level of his contributions and deservedly so. He’s already inline to make $2.75 million this season and another $3 million next season, so if I am Rod Graves, I am going to offer that we rework his current deal to conclude at the end of this season with the full $5.75 million being paid this year. We’ll also add some incentives that could add another $1.25-2.25 million.
While he plays under this deal, the plan will be to sit down with his new agent Tom Condon, to have a new multi-year deal worked out by mid-season. The plan will be to sign the 28-year old tough-nosed receiver to a new four year extension (through 2013) with an average salary of what the top 10-12 players in the league are making (the goal, around $7-$8 million per year with incentives that could raise his payout close to $10 million).
Boldin has put up the numbers over the past four seasons, averaging 86 catches per season and 1,124-yards receiving with 31 total touchdowns in 54 games. After last season, no one can doubt his toughness and these numbers do not lie about how productive Boldin can be. Priority number one for me would be (and the Cardinals with their 2009 training camp now open), resign wide receiver Anquan Boldin.
Get’er done!
Keep checking back for more football....
By David G. Ortega
July 22nd, 2009 9:37pm PST
TUESDAY FOOTBALL TALK
Fantasy Football’s Biggest Arm in 2009!
Is it Brady or Brees?….
It’s a pretty wide open discussion when you consider who will be the biggest arm in fantasy football for 2009. Many will argue that it’s hands down Tom Brady or Drew Brees.
When you consider the weapons both quarterbacks will flaunt this season from Colston to Moss and Bush to Faulk, their offenses are loaded with tremendous talent. Fantasy owners can expect these two field generals to be more than capable of leading their troops to big numbers every Sunday.
So the question is who will be the biggest arm in 2009? Before we answer with Brady or Brees, are we missing anyone? Last season there were a handful of candidates that did throw their hats in the ring for consideration, so before we make a pick let’s evaluate some potential pretenders or contenders;
Kurt Warner (Ari)
….old Mr. Reliable was not only good, but last year he was sensational passing for nearly 4,600-yards and throwing 30-touchdwns. The word is Arizona will be looking for a more balanced attack and there are still concerns surrounding receiver Anquan Boldin. Warner should still be legitimate candidate, but there are forces of nature stacking up against the just turned 38-year old veteran.
Jay Cutler (Chi)
….last season threw for 4,500-yards and tossed 26 touchdowns. It would apprear Mr. Cutler has the necessary credentials, but a new home, a new offense, and less talent this season will take him out of consideration.
Philip Rivers (SD)
….the Chargers are not typically known as a passing team, but in 2008 Rivers showed the world why he was drafted as high as he was in 2004. Last year he led the league with 34 touchdown passes while passing for 4,000-yards. Last season may not have been a fluke, but with less than stellar talent as compared to a Brees or Brady and a system that is more balanced, Rivers will be hard-pressed to repeat his 2008 peformance.
Peyton Manning (Ind)
…..then of course there is Mr. Consistency. While last season was not his best by “Manning standards” the Colt’s passer still eclipsed 4,000-yards in the air and threw 27 touchdowns. He may not have the luxury of old faithful (Harrison) this season, but with the explosive Reggie Wayne, the sure handed Dallas Clark, and an up and coming youngster (Anthony Gonzalez), Manning could still be quite productive in 2009. He could be productive, but its not likely he’ll have the biggest year.
After careful consideration we are back to where we started; Brees or Brady. Tom Brady is a record setter and will have his full compliment of weapons to work with in 2009. he may be coming off a season ending knee surgery, but that was nearly 11 months ago and by all counts he could set again to post new records.
In Louisiana, the Saints have their own record setter in Drew Brees, Mr. 5000. He too will be boasting his full compliment of weapons when camp opens. What fantasy owners have to like about Brees, his durability. Since 2004 Brees has missed just one start and that was the coache’s decision to rest the veteran quarterback in week 17 of the 2004 season. Over that span Brees has averaged more than 27 touchdowns passes per season, including a career high of 34 last year (tied with Rivers to lead NFL).
So there you have it, the choice is quite clear, Brees or Brady for the biggest arm in 2009. Still not satisfied and feel the need to pick one, flip a coin.
By David Ortega
Check back every Tuesday for more “Tuesday (Football) Talk” 
July 28th, 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….
DB CHARLES TILLMAN EXPECTED TO BE READY FOR OPENER
My Fantasy Read: In Recent news, the Bears playmaking corner underwent surgery two weeks ago and it appears he won’t be ready until the start of the season. According to Tillman he will be fine and ready for the team’s opener. There’s no question Tillman has a nose for the ball, but with his risky timeline putting him back on the field so close to kickoff, his fantasy stock value will likely slide quite a bit.
LB DJ WILLIAMS RETURNS TO PRACTICE TUESDAY
My Fantasy Read: The Bronco’s talented linebacker is coming off a shortened 2008 season due to injury. Now that he’s back on the field he appears ready to go. He’ll be a featured IDP play in the Broncos new 3-4 scheme and could post strong fantasy numbers playing the inside.
LB ANTONIO PIERCE FACING OFF-FIELD ISSUES
My Fantasy Read: It sounds like the Giants stud linebacker could be facing some serious legal issues of his own, although what we are seeing is that legal action isn’t likely. Nonetheless with the possibility looming, Pierce could become a very expensive and risky IDP play in 2009. With 95 tackles and two forced fumbles in 2008, he will be hard to pass over in the middle rounds, so owners will have to watch how this case develops prior to their upcoming drafts.
Check back with "Your Fantasy Sports Home" for more Football 411….
