Down, up, down - it's not summer camp drills (oh wait, the Ravens never had to do those), it's day one of the Ravens draft.
So how'd they do? As usual, we won't know for a long time but here are my random thoughts...
1. Rex Ryan must have been very bored today.
2. My first reaction to the Jacksonville trade was that the Ravens stole from them. I don't really care about the draft value chart. That only means something if nobody ever makes a mistake in their picks and robots took over the draft process. The thing is actually useless. Bottom line is that the Ravens ran as fast as they could away from that pick. No players fell to 8 and the Ravens bailed - good call, regardless of what the draft value chart says.
3. Second thought was wondering what Jacksonville saw in Harvey that the Ravens didn't. The Jags basically gave up the bulk of their draft for the guy. DE is a need for the Ravens and if he is that good, why didn't we take him? There is a chance that both teams were right for their particular needs. As with most trades, though, one side will get the better of the deal. We'll see who it is. The Ravens certainly have more chances to be successful.
4. Flacco is the best QB in this draft but I don't know if that means anything as I don't think any of them are particularly good. Ryan is like Jason Garrett - we got lucky that it never happened. Some people think we didn't need to trade up to take Flacco. Look, if you like him, go get him - period. You make decisions based on what's good for your team, no on what other people think or if you got equal value on some chart.
5. Everyone wants to look at highlight reels. Does that make any sense? That's like asking a server in a restaurant if the food is good. Put the highlight reels aside and watch the games. When you watch Matt Ryan, he is like biting into a waffle cone. Stuff just starts falling apart. People blamed his struggles on the surrounding talent. Please. They were close to the #1 team in the land. That is just not the QB. You need a good "team" to be there. If you want to talk about being surrounded by a lack of talent, Flacco fits the bill better. He was in Delaware because of NCAA transfer rules. Why he couldn't beat out Palcko is the real question.
6. Decosta always liked Maurice Jones-Drew. Now he has his version. Rice is not a special player - just like MJD is not. By all accounts , he is a hard-nosed football player, though. Short, stocky, tough. Will never be "the guy" but is a nice role player - just like MJD.
7. I still say the Ravens should have signed Pacman. The deal the Cowboys got for him was unbelievable. You can all be self-righteous and disagree because he's a "bad person" but you are just naive and haven't been part of a football team. There are "bad people" in every locker room - don't think otherwise. Regardless, the Ravens don't have him, the Cowboys do and their secondary is the best in the business right now. In fact, they are the best team in the land.
8. I expect the Ravens to trade up some more as I don't see how the Ravens will draft 9 players on day 2. The Ravens don't have the roster spots so why burn the picks? If Ozzie does as well as everyone thinks he will, then Harbaugh will be cutting some good football players.
9. Fantasy Football Byte - this has been a terrible draft for fantasy footballers, particularly those in dynasty leagues. Willie Parker, Deangelo Williams, Marion Barber, Cedric Benson and Michael Bush all saw their values take a hit. And none of the rookies ended up in great situations. None of them will really be considered "the man." I'd say that Jonathon Stewart has to be considered as the best rookie draft prospect based on his situation alone. Michael Bush is a damn good player and McFadden may be in a committee situation for years, without getting the goal line carries. Mendenhall is better than Parker and will supplant him as the starter by sometime in 2009.
As for Ravens, Ray Rice is obviously the handcuff for McGahee and Flacco only has value in dynasty leagues. In Cam's offense (and with Flacco's ability to throw the ball down the field and in the seam, in particular) I'd say that Flacco is the best long term fantasy QB prospect in this draft class.
10. Wake up Rex, you will be busy Sunday.
More later...
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Ravens front office on the verge of striking out this offseason!
I read TL’s blog recently and with all due respect, he is wrong about Matt Ryan and he is wrong about PacMan.
New England will almost certainly use the Ravens as leverage in a trade down scenario. They set the market price with the Ravens with the Boller deal. Savage paid it again last year and now this is the #7 pick. That will bring the motherload.
And don't you think the Pats want to give Goodell the finger for taking away their other first round pick?
Major mistakes by Ozzie this year…
Suggs franchise tag
DJ Hackett - no look
Meanwhile the Ravens pay the same Hackett-amount of money to some scrub from Green Bay and then Ozzie has the stones to say, "we hope he competes for the #3 corner job." Hello McFly, that is 20 plays per game – max!
So, by signing this scrub, the Ravens fail to address a need at WR and one in the secondary. In the spirit of the season, Ozzie is in an 0-2 hole.
Meanwhile they don't even look at PacMan which is a mistake, no matter what TL says. The league is full of a-holes and bad people. This is football. Take advantage of PacMan for this year. He will be contrite the first year for sure and we can fill a HUGE need with a GREAT player on the CHEAP. People who don't like PacMan probably also don't like TO or Randy Moss. Well, those guys are damn good players. Is PacMan the only guy in the league who goes to strip clubs or has hit a woman?
Get good players and play the game. This is not a personality contest. Trust me on this one - bad locker rooms are bad for one reason -- losing. Get the good players in, win and the locker room will be just fine. How great was the Ravens’ locker room in ’06? It was a love fest. Same players in ’07, mix in a little losing and suddenly it’s a soap opera.
Not considering PacMan is just a joke. Where’s Billick when you need him? This is an egregious mistake and don’t look now but the Ravens’ front office is losing its luster. They could have addressed 2 huge needs this off-season for next to nothing -- Hackett would have been our best WR and PacMan our best corner and returner.
Then they could have focused on QB and DL with the first 2 picks and depth from there.
Babe Ruth was a drunk
Gastineau was a wife beater
Lawrence Taylor was a drug addict
Reggie Jackson - he was the biggest a-hole in the game
The difference is the media and the vast amount of coverage.
Jerry Jones has stones and the Ravens front office does not!
Patriots take risks (Dillon and Moss) on players nobody wants and gets them at a steal. Umm, they won a Super Bowl one year and went 18-1 in another year with those two moves. Everybody hates the Cowboys and Patriots because they are better at what they do than the rest of the league. Losers don't like winners just like Democrats don't like Republicans. I am beginning to think that Bisciotti and Ozzie are Democrats while Jerry Jones and Kraft are the Republicans - they take risk and control the NFL world.
Let's overpay another player that we draft instead of taking risks.
No risk, no reward, no playoff wins.
End of story!
New England will almost certainly use the Ravens as leverage in a trade down scenario. They set the market price with the Ravens with the Boller deal. Savage paid it again last year and now this is the #7 pick. That will bring the motherload.
And don't you think the Pats want to give Goodell the finger for taking away their other first round pick?
Major mistakes by Ozzie this year…
Suggs franchise tag
DJ Hackett - no look
Meanwhile the Ravens pay the same Hackett-amount of money to some scrub from Green Bay and then Ozzie has the stones to say, "we hope he competes for the #3 corner job." Hello McFly, that is 20 plays per game – max!
So, by signing this scrub, the Ravens fail to address a need at WR and one in the secondary. In the spirit of the season, Ozzie is in an 0-2 hole.
Meanwhile they don't even look at PacMan which is a mistake, no matter what TL says. The league is full of a-holes and bad people. This is football. Take advantage of PacMan for this year. He will be contrite the first year for sure and we can fill a HUGE need with a GREAT player on the CHEAP. People who don't like PacMan probably also don't like TO or Randy Moss. Well, those guys are damn good players. Is PacMan the only guy in the league who goes to strip clubs or has hit a woman?
Get good players and play the game. This is not a personality contest. Trust me on this one - bad locker rooms are bad for one reason -- losing. Get the good players in, win and the locker room will be just fine. How great was the Ravens’ locker room in ’06? It was a love fest. Same players in ’07, mix in a little losing and suddenly it’s a soap opera.
Not considering PacMan is just a joke. Where’s Billick when you need him? This is an egregious mistake and don’t look now but the Ravens’ front office is losing its luster. They could have addressed 2 huge needs this off-season for next to nothing -- Hackett would have been our best WR and PacMan our best corner and returner.
Then they could have focused on QB and DL with the first 2 picks and depth from there.
Babe Ruth was a drunk
Gastineau was a wife beater
Lawrence Taylor was a drug addict
Reggie Jackson - he was the biggest a-hole in the game
The difference is the media and the vast amount of coverage.
Jerry Jones has stones and the Ravens front office does not!
Patriots take risks (Dillon and Moss) on players nobody wants and gets them at a steal. Umm, they won a Super Bowl one year and went 18-1 in another year with those two moves. Everybody hates the Cowboys and Patriots because they are better at what they do than the rest of the league. Losers don't like winners just like Democrats don't like Republicans. I am beginning to think that Bisciotti and Ozzie are Democrats while Jerry Jones and Kraft are the Republicans - they take risk and control the NFL world.
Let's overpay another player that we draft instead of taking risks.
No risk, no reward, no playoff wins.
End of story!
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Finally, "The Beast" is dead...or is it?
Congratulations to John Harbaugh and the Baltimore Ravens. As fans, we should be excited that we have a new beginning with Harbaugh. I don't know the new coach but my Eagles friends tell me that everyone likes him and he is intense. Based on what MASN let us see of the press conference, Harbaugh seems energetic and a matter of fact, look-you-in-the-eye breath of fresh air.
All this, coupled with what reports say about him, really makes me feel much better about him than Jason Garrett. Garrett is just a benefactor of the hype machine. He has a Pro Bowl QB and WR, yet scored 6 points twice in his last 4 games and not more than 20 points in any of those games. A terrible month for him, including an embarrassing loss at home, after a bye to a division rival they scored 45 and 31 points against earlier in the year.
Garrett supporters say that Romo's thumb was injured and TO was slowed by the sore ankle. Ok, so let's say that makes Romo maybe just an above average QB and the ankle slows TO down some. Well, last I checked that still makes that talent much better than anything the Ravens have at those positions. Garrett knew he wasn't ready after just 3 seasons of coaching (and remind me exactly how good he was in managing the Dolphins QBs) and he got his payday to stay in Dallas - good for him and good for us.
I digress. The point here is that Garrett is the best thing to never happen to Baltimore.
As a result, the Ravens have a better "coach." Harbaugh's been around the league for 10 years and special teams coaches have turned into some of the best coaches in league history (Belichick, Cowher, Ditka, Levy, Vermiel). Not bad company. He has been around a championship franchise and learned from good coaches in Andy Reid and Jim Johnson. He has more experience than Garrett in dealing with the personalities of NFL players and I'll take a guy that's been in the game for 10 years over a 3 year guy anytime. You can't even graduate high school in 3 years, yet we were so hyped on Garrett.
I say the Ravens win big here with this hire and it seems as if the Beast is dead... or is it?
First, "the Beast" in this reference is the empowered attitude of entitlement that our prima donna players possess. The idea that they can come and go as they please, not stay in camp, not practice, go out the night before games, not play their assignments, make excuses, take no accountability, blame everyone else and hang their coaches out to dry whenever they want. The "me, me, me" mentality - the "I will retire" or "I want more money" if a hard nosed coach comes in attitude – you know the type, the type that unfortunately has become our Baltimore Ravens. They represent the Beast.
According to Brad Jackson the players that lobbied for Rex will have challenges with Harbaugh. Here is his quote... "There will be those challenges initially, I can tell that from the mindset of some of the current players I spoke to."
If that is true then real nice, guys - way to be professionals. What is your job description again? Because I thought it was to take a few million to knock the snot out of people. I didn't realize that evaluating coaching moves was part of the deal. Please replace your pacifiers with mouthpieces, buckle up your chinstraps and do the jobs you are hired to do.
Don't we need more guys like Todd Heap and Gary Stills?
Stills... "Now that we've got everything settled in that department, we've got to see what kind of changes are going to be made. I've heard of John Harbaugh before, and I'm just interested in playing some football. If he's somebody that the front office believes in, then that's somebody I believe in, too, because I trust the people who make those decisions. Some of the guys want a fresh start. Let's see what kind of fresh start it is."
Heap... "When you're in this process of finding a head coach, you're kind of in limbo as a team. Now, we can finally go forward. It's going to be an exciting time."
Over 9 years Billick's style helped the players win a Super Bowl and just like many leaders before him, his biggest strength became his biggest weakness. "The Beast" was born and Billick couldn't control it - once the nose is in the room, you can't stop the body. To kill the Beast, Billick was fired as was the entire staff.
One thing is clear from the press conference, Harbaugh is all about the team mentality and playing with discipline, and now that we have our coach it seems we can move on to a new beginning. The Beast is dead, the "me" mentality is a thing of the past.
But, wait!
Reports say (and Bisciotti confirms) that Rex could still be in the mix as defensive coordinator. Look, Rex is a great coach - no question about it, but please, please, please let him be a great coach somewhere else -- anywhere but Baltimore.
A Rex hiring will most certainly undermine Harbaugh's efforts at instilling his own culture on a team whose leadership in the locker room is dominated by those prima donna defensive players. These guys need some "shock and awe" and need to realize they are no longer in control. Harbaugh needs to show the younger guys - the guys that will be here for years to come - that he is in control, not the guys that will be gone in another year or two. He can do that much more easily without Rex.
And, if he is hired, won't Rex just take the certain pay raise and then look for the next head coaching gig to pop up? Do we really want that for our next head coach - an unsettled situation at defensive coordinator? Don't we want a coaching staff that is unified and cohesive - one that is built for the long haul? Shouldn't Ozzie let Harbaugh build this staff the way he wants? I sure hope Ozzie and Bisciotti let him do his job in that regard.
Harbaugh preaches discipline, yet Rex runs an extremely undisciplined unit, one with weekly missed assignments, "communication breakdowns" and Ed Reed guessing that results in touchdowns for the other team. This seems like a core difference of opinion between head coach and potential defensive coordinator. Bringing Rex back just makes no sense. The continuity argument doesn't jive - that is why the Ravens are in the spot they are in. The staff was fired to end that mentality for good. We need a clean break - it is only fair to our new head coach.
Coach Harbaugh, don't make your job harder - tell Ozzie to take Rex off the list. I can't believe they would even think about bringing back a guy that interviewed for the head job and didn't get it. No matter what Rex says, do you think he still feels the same way about an organization that basically said he wasn't good enough to be the man? Would you? I also can't believe that Rex would take the job after getting snubbed for the gig. I am praying that Atlanta takes our man and Rex has a nice life in Atlanta, or in Miami working for Bill Parcells as defensive coordinator. Rex did a great job here and we thank him. Time to move on - he will not be unemployed for long.
When Bisciotti fired Billick and then hired Harbaugh, he killed the Beast. I hope this doesn't become one of those 80's horror movies where the monster seems dead but somehow comes back to life.
The Ravens can't bring back a piece of the past or it will be like Freddy Kreuger, the Beast that never dies.
All this, coupled with what reports say about him, really makes me feel much better about him than Jason Garrett. Garrett is just a benefactor of the hype machine. He has a Pro Bowl QB and WR, yet scored 6 points twice in his last 4 games and not more than 20 points in any of those games. A terrible month for him, including an embarrassing loss at home, after a bye to a division rival they scored 45 and 31 points against earlier in the year.
Garrett supporters say that Romo's thumb was injured and TO was slowed by the sore ankle. Ok, so let's say that makes Romo maybe just an above average QB and the ankle slows TO down some. Well, last I checked that still makes that talent much better than anything the Ravens have at those positions. Garrett knew he wasn't ready after just 3 seasons of coaching (and remind me exactly how good he was in managing the Dolphins QBs) and he got his payday to stay in Dallas - good for him and good for us.
I digress. The point here is that Garrett is the best thing to never happen to Baltimore.
As a result, the Ravens have a better "coach." Harbaugh's been around the league for 10 years and special teams coaches have turned into some of the best coaches in league history (Belichick, Cowher, Ditka, Levy, Vermiel). Not bad company. He has been around a championship franchise and learned from good coaches in Andy Reid and Jim Johnson. He has more experience than Garrett in dealing with the personalities of NFL players and I'll take a guy that's been in the game for 10 years over a 3 year guy anytime. You can't even graduate high school in 3 years, yet we were so hyped on Garrett.
I say the Ravens win big here with this hire and it seems as if the Beast is dead... or is it?
First, "the Beast" in this reference is the empowered attitude of entitlement that our prima donna players possess. The idea that they can come and go as they please, not stay in camp, not practice, go out the night before games, not play their assignments, make excuses, take no accountability, blame everyone else and hang their coaches out to dry whenever they want. The "me, me, me" mentality - the "I will retire" or "I want more money" if a hard nosed coach comes in attitude – you know the type, the type that unfortunately has become our Baltimore Ravens. They represent the Beast.
According to Brad Jackson the players that lobbied for Rex will have challenges with Harbaugh. Here is his quote... "There will be those challenges initially, I can tell that from the mindset of some of the current players I spoke to."
If that is true then real nice, guys - way to be professionals. What is your job description again? Because I thought it was to take a few million to knock the snot out of people. I didn't realize that evaluating coaching moves was part of the deal. Please replace your pacifiers with mouthpieces, buckle up your chinstraps and do the jobs you are hired to do.
Don't we need more guys like Todd Heap and Gary Stills?
Stills... "Now that we've got everything settled in that department, we've got to see what kind of changes are going to be made. I've heard of John Harbaugh before, and I'm just interested in playing some football. If he's somebody that the front office believes in, then that's somebody I believe in, too, because I trust the people who make those decisions. Some of the guys want a fresh start. Let's see what kind of fresh start it is."
Heap... "When you're in this process of finding a head coach, you're kind of in limbo as a team. Now, we can finally go forward. It's going to be an exciting time."
Over 9 years Billick's style helped the players win a Super Bowl and just like many leaders before him, his biggest strength became his biggest weakness. "The Beast" was born and Billick couldn't control it - once the nose is in the room, you can't stop the body. To kill the Beast, Billick was fired as was the entire staff.
One thing is clear from the press conference, Harbaugh is all about the team mentality and playing with discipline, and now that we have our coach it seems we can move on to a new beginning. The Beast is dead, the "me" mentality is a thing of the past.
But, wait!
Reports say (and Bisciotti confirms) that Rex could still be in the mix as defensive coordinator. Look, Rex is a great coach - no question about it, but please, please, please let him be a great coach somewhere else -- anywhere but Baltimore.
A Rex hiring will most certainly undermine Harbaugh's efforts at instilling his own culture on a team whose leadership in the locker room is dominated by those prima donna defensive players. These guys need some "shock and awe" and need to realize they are no longer in control. Harbaugh needs to show the younger guys - the guys that will be here for years to come - that he is in control, not the guys that will be gone in another year or two. He can do that much more easily without Rex.
And, if he is hired, won't Rex just take the certain pay raise and then look for the next head coaching gig to pop up? Do we really want that for our next head coach - an unsettled situation at defensive coordinator? Don't we want a coaching staff that is unified and cohesive - one that is built for the long haul? Shouldn't Ozzie let Harbaugh build this staff the way he wants? I sure hope Ozzie and Bisciotti let him do his job in that regard.
Harbaugh preaches discipline, yet Rex runs an extremely undisciplined unit, one with weekly missed assignments, "communication breakdowns" and Ed Reed guessing that results in touchdowns for the other team. This seems like a core difference of opinion between head coach and potential defensive coordinator. Bringing Rex back just makes no sense. The continuity argument doesn't jive - that is why the Ravens are in the spot they are in. The staff was fired to end that mentality for good. We need a clean break - it is only fair to our new head coach.
Coach Harbaugh, don't make your job harder - tell Ozzie to take Rex off the list. I can't believe they would even think about bringing back a guy that interviewed for the head job and didn't get it. No matter what Rex says, do you think he still feels the same way about an organization that basically said he wasn't good enough to be the man? Would you? I also can't believe that Rex would take the job after getting snubbed for the gig. I am praying that Atlanta takes our man and Rex has a nice life in Atlanta, or in Miami working for Bill Parcells as defensive coordinator. Rex did a great job here and we thank him. Time to move on - he will not be unemployed for long.
When Bisciotti fired Billick and then hired Harbaugh, he killed the Beast. I hope this doesn't become one of those 80's horror movies where the monster seems dead but somehow comes back to life.
The Ravens can't bring back a piece of the past or it will be like Freddy Kreuger, the Beast that never dies.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
In Oz We Trust....Really?
"We stunk."
"I apologize to the fans for that pathetic display of football we put on the field today."
"I am embarrassed at how unprofessionally we acted on the field tonight. At no time is it at all acceptable to lose our composure in our workplace."
"We have begun fining players $5000 for every false start, offsides or delay of game penalty as well as missed assignments. Mental errors will no longer be tolerated. I am confident that since we only seem to be thinking about our paychecks that this will put an end to our problems with mental errors and communication breakdowns."
"I blew the coverage - my fault. No excuses."
"As leader of this team, it is my job to get my dogs ready to play. I am letting down my teammates, my coach and the fans of Baltimore."
Those are words we never heard from our coach, our players, our GM or our owner. Instead, we went the entire season with "we are working hard and we will work to improve this week."
"Accountability" seems to be the buzzword this week. The players certainly aren't willing to take any of it as witnessed all season long. If you haven't read Tony's latest blog entry then take a look to see what I mean - McAlister on The Anita Marks Show
"I apologize to the fans for that pathetic display of football we put on the field today."
"I am embarrassed at how unprofessionally we acted on the field tonight. At no time is it at all acceptable to lose our composure in our workplace."
"We have begun fining players $5000 for every false start, offsides or delay of game penalty as well as missed assignments. Mental errors will no longer be tolerated. I am confident that since we only seem to be thinking about our paychecks that this will put an end to our problems with mental errors and communication breakdowns."
"I blew the coverage - my fault. No excuses."
"As leader of this team, it is my job to get my dogs ready to play. I am letting down my teammates, my coach and the fans of Baltimore."
Those are words we never heard from our coach, our players, our GM or our owner. Instead, we went the entire season with "we are working hard and we will work to improve this week."
"Accountability" seems to be the buzzword this week. The players certainly aren't willing to take any of it as witnessed all season long. If you haven't read Tony's latest blog entry then take a look to see what I mean - McAlister on The Anita Marks Show
So, in thinking about the season who is accountable? Evidently Brian Billick is, although he was not accountable for any of the wins last year it seems.
Look, I am no Billick apologist and it seemed like it was time for Billick to move on for sure. He took a lot of bullets for his players and fostered a culture that ultimately led to his demise. Those very players Billick protected, empowered and treated like men just picked up the gun and shot Billick in the back. But, hey, that's the nature of the beast. You can't fire the players in sports so the coach has to go. Again, I agree it was time although the way the whole thing went down smells a little. There's a story there and evidently our 20% season ticket price hike for a junior varsity football product doesn't allow us "the rest of the story."
Now, I am relatively confident that Billick ran the same plays that led to a top 12 offense after he took over the play calling duties in 2006. I am equally confident that he does not have any plays in the playbook that call for McNair to meander out of the huddle to the line of scrimmage, not have time to read a defense and then drop back and fumble the ball. Billick also didn't coach an undisciplined defense that continually had "communication" breakdowns that never seemed to get fixed.
So the players need to be held accountable but that won't happen because they are just worried about the first part of that word, namely "account" as in "bank account."
But, how about the Ravens untouchable one - the goldenboy, himself, Ozzie Newsome. Isn't the product we put on the field his creation? Where is he in this accountability equation? Isn't the "In Oz We Trust" mantra growing a little old?
Let's face it, 2007 was more of an indictment on Ozzie than it was Billick. We get a few injuries and look at what we rolled out on the field. These are the best backups we can accumulate in the NFL? Unfortunately it is when you draft like a dog. Let's officially eliminate the notion that the Ravens are great on draft day. Let's stop thinking of the past. What have you done for me lately?
Sure Ozzie and crew have had success with 1st round picks, but let's take a look at what he's done for us in the rest of the first day, the 2nd and 3rd rounders, otherwise known as depth or the "Next Man Up."
2003
Round 1: Suggs and Boller
Round 2: none - traded for Boller
Round 3: Musa (never a featured back)
2004
Round 1: none - traded for Boller
Round 2: Dwan Edwards (not a starter and not very good)
Round 3: Devard Darling (not a starter)
2005
Round 1: Mark Clayton (becoming a disappointment)
Round 2: Dan Cody (IR MVP)
Round 2: Adam Terry (not a starter)
Round 3: none (traded for Terry)
2006
Round 1: Haloti Ngata (stud)
Round 2: Chris Chester (dud)
Round 3: David Pittman (not looking good at this point)
2007
Round 1: Ben Grubbs (starter)
Round 2: none
Round 3: Figurs (returner)
Round 3: Yanda (not much more than a depth guy)
That is 14 picks in the first 3 rounds of drafts since 2003. Of the 14 picks we have 4 legitimate starters (Suggs, Clayton, Ngata, Grubbs). Of those, just 1 has made a Pro Bowl. Terry, Yanda and Chester have started out of necessity but they, as well as the other guys are just backups, with the exception of Figurs.
Now, we love to throw around the term "Pro Bowlers" here in Baltimore but we haven't drafted a Pro Bowler since 2003 (Suggs). Ngata seems to be on the verge but other than that our first day picks are questionable at best.
On top of that, draft day moves were perplexing. We all know about the Boller trade but then trading down in 2006 to then reach for Chris Chester at the 56th pick was confusing. Had anyone heard of Chester? Meanwhile, we passed on Marcus McNeill. Chester plus Pittman does not equal Marcus McNeill.
The draft pundits and message boarders all like to grade the draft before any of the players play a snap. Many correctly suggest that you need to withhold a given year's draft day grade for a couple years to see what happens with the players. Unfortunately for Baltimore fans, our Wizard's grades are slipping.
NFL teams need to have a high percentage of early round guys become solid players and starters in order to become a good football team year in and year out. The salary cap situation demands success in the draft and it is clear that the Ravens have struggled recently in the draft, which could indicate persistent problems in the near future. Let's face it, the depth is simply not there on this squad. Hopefully new coaches can bring some game out of these guys but hope is not a discipline.
Now, we all know about hindsight and I am not trying to pile on here. The main purpose of this little exercise is to show that there are a lot of problems with this team from the players all the way through the food chain. This is definitely a "lose as a team situation" despite what certain defensive players say.
Loosely using a Parcells analogy, it is hard to be a good chef when the ingredients are rotten. Changing the chef will not make doo doo casserole taste good. What's worse is that our older key ingredients are starting to spoil our new goods. Whatever doo-doo touches just seems to stink.
Bottom line, Ozzie needs to do a better job shopping and it's time he is held accountable as well.
Otherwise we need someone else to handle our grocery list.
Monday, January 14, 2008
Party Like a "Punk" Rock Star!
Was anyone else sick of the "Party Like A Rock Star" skit on the jumbo-tron at the games? In case you forgot, it was some terrible song that played while our "rock star" players danced around on the screen in their helmets. Reminded me of a estrogen-laden football sleepover dance party or something.
Don't we see our players dancing enough on the field after making a tackle 10 yards downfield when they are losing by 20 in the 4th quarter? The way our players have acted all year, we need to add "Punk" before "Rock Star" - that would be a little more appropriate for this crew this season, as our boys showed the entire country at the end of the Patriots game.
Well, our rock star players seem to have won their battle against Brian Billick and now the inmates have no warden. The coaching search is on and the hot names include Jason Garrett, Bill Cowher, Rex Ryan and Marty Schottenheimer as well as other candidates that have been interviewed, including Tony Sparano, Jim Caldwell, Brian Schottenheimer and John Harbaugh.
A few observations...
1. Bill Cowher will not ruin his Steeler legacy by coming to Baltimore, so we can all forget about him. Am I the only person who thinks that there's no way Cowher would even consider Baltimore? Why do we want him anyway?
2. Marty-ball? Does anybody really want that around here? Bisciotti could have kept Billick and not thrown $15 mill down the tubes if he was looking for a boring offense.
3. Garrett is too young, plus he is loaded with weapons on that team. Umm, we are not loaded with weapons on offense. Can he handle our primadona players? Let's analyze a TD play from the Giants playoff game -- Romo fade pass to TO for a TD - wow that is great playcalling. Let's face it Romo and TO can execute the plays whereas our players can't - and the Billick called enough fade patterns in the red zone to prove that theory. Let's not get carried away with all the hype over Garrett. 17 points against the Giants at home in the playoffs? If he's a genious when the team is scoring 35 then he needs to be accountable over the last 6 weeks when that team's offense has struggled. Next.
4. We need a Jack del Rio type. A former player that may not have head coaching experience but who is hard-nosed and commands respect because he's been there. Not saying this is who I would hire because I don't know him and don't know anything about his skills, but Singletary fits that bill. He may not be head coaching material (Ozzie and company can determine that), but he's the type of guy the Ravens need to get - a guy that will not bow down to these players and also commands respect.
Ozzie can easily hire the coordinators and coaches to coach up the players and develop schemes. The Ravens need a leader that is not afraid to tell Ray to shut his yap and to tell Bart to stop making excuses and to stop covering the invisible man in pass coverage.The players need to be held accountable by someone.
I'm so sick of the entitlement attitude from these rock stars. Rex thinks every defensive player is the best in the league - no wonder the players are lobbying for him - give me a break. See ya later Rex. Nice defense the last half of the year, allowing almost 30 points per game.
Here's a poll question... if we didn't live in Baltimore and instead lived in a city or state with no NFL team - would we even like this team?
Get some fresh coaching meat in here and light these players up some. I sure hope the party is over soon for you, "punk" rockers.
Don't we see our players dancing enough on the field after making a tackle 10 yards downfield when they are losing by 20 in the 4th quarter? The way our players have acted all year, we need to add "Punk" before "Rock Star" - that would be a little more appropriate for this crew this season, as our boys showed the entire country at the end of the Patriots game.
Well, our rock star players seem to have won their battle against Brian Billick and now the inmates have no warden. The coaching search is on and the hot names include Jason Garrett, Bill Cowher, Rex Ryan and Marty Schottenheimer as well as other candidates that have been interviewed, including Tony Sparano, Jim Caldwell, Brian Schottenheimer and John Harbaugh.
A few observations...
1. Bill Cowher will not ruin his Steeler legacy by coming to Baltimore, so we can all forget about him. Am I the only person who thinks that there's no way Cowher would even consider Baltimore? Why do we want him anyway?
2. Marty-ball? Does anybody really want that around here? Bisciotti could have kept Billick and not thrown $15 mill down the tubes if he was looking for a boring offense.
3. Garrett is too young, plus he is loaded with weapons on that team. Umm, we are not loaded with weapons on offense. Can he handle our primadona players? Let's analyze a TD play from the Giants playoff game -- Romo fade pass to TO for a TD - wow that is great playcalling. Let's face it Romo and TO can execute the plays whereas our players can't - and the Billick called enough fade patterns in the red zone to prove that theory. Let's not get carried away with all the hype over Garrett. 17 points against the Giants at home in the playoffs? If he's a genious when the team is scoring 35 then he needs to be accountable over the last 6 weeks when that team's offense has struggled. Next.
4. We need a Jack del Rio type. A former player that may not have head coaching experience but who is hard-nosed and commands respect because he's been there. Not saying this is who I would hire because I don't know him and don't know anything about his skills, but Singletary fits that bill. He may not be head coaching material (Ozzie and company can determine that), but he's the type of guy the Ravens need to get - a guy that will not bow down to these players and also commands respect.
Ozzie can easily hire the coordinators and coaches to coach up the players and develop schemes. The Ravens need a leader that is not afraid to tell Ray to shut his yap and to tell Bart to stop making excuses and to stop covering the invisible man in pass coverage.The players need to be held accountable by someone.
I'm so sick of the entitlement attitude from these rock stars. Rex thinks every defensive player is the best in the league - no wonder the players are lobbying for him - give me a break. See ya later Rex. Nice defense the last half of the year, allowing almost 30 points per game.
Here's a poll question... if we didn't live in Baltimore and instead lived in a city or state with no NFL team - would we even like this team?
Get some fresh coaching meat in here and light these players up some. I sure hope the party is over soon for you, "punk" rockers.
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Fantasy Gems & Nuggets ~ Week 2
What a brutal week 1 of NFL action. Not only the Ravens were hit with injuries as Eli, Chad Pennington, Antonio Gates, Shaun Alexander, Cadillac, Chester Taylor and Josh McCown all were nicked up. Gates and Alexander are set to play so use them as usual. Taylor's injury coupled with Adrian Peterson's stud-like performance mixed with a favorable match-up against Detroit makes Peterson a must-start. With all others, you better be thinking about Plan B. But hey, if you were really relying on Pennington or Cadillac to take you to the Promised Land, you are hurting anyway.
As for the other news of the week, our favorite punk coach, Bill Belichick did his best Drew Rosenhaus impersonation with his "Moving On" type responses during his press conference. Of course, the media is far too nice to Bill. Amazing that they can't go after the goldenboy of coaching. The guy cheated and got caught and everyone, including Goodell just lets him off the hook. That $500k fine will almost certainly be paid by Robert Kraft so no damage there.
Ok, so "moving on," here are Week 2's fantasy gems if you are digging deep...
QB
Rex Grossman, Chi - Say what you will, but this guy is a decent QB, getting the Boller treatment throughout the league. He went into San Diego and faced a tough defense and actually looked decent when given time and his receivers didn't stroll through their routes. The Bears can't seem to get much of a ground game going and have a special playmaker at WR in Bernard Berrian. Look for Rex to put up nice numbers at home against the worst team in the NFL (Chiefs). 3 TDs and 250+ yards are very possible here. Don't believe the negative hype on Grossman. It is very possible he won't be featured in this column too often as he may reach must-start status by mid-season.
Kyle Boller (if starting) - The Ravens really need to get McNair healthy and give Boller the start this week. Boller's weakness and McNair's strength is dealing with pressure. Well, the Jets don't get much pressure and the line should gel a little this week with a week's worth of practice and classroom. Boller should get the nod here but probably won't as it is the home opener and McNair likely wants to redeem himself. Billick should force the issue, but he didn't do that during the Bengals game and likely won't here. If Boller starts, he makes a nice reach play at QB as he has some good receivers to throw to against a secondary that was torched by the Patriots. If McNair starts, he is a bit riskier of a play as there is no guarantee he finishes the game.
RB
Michael Pittman, TB - Pittman was featured here last week and may be a permanent fixture as Cadillac has already started to break down. Caddy is injured and may not go this week. If he doesn't, Pittman is a very nice start against the Saints. Even if Cadillac plays, Pittman will be needed in the passing game as the Bucs play catch up and he will get any goal line carries. Pittman is a nice Flex option this week.
Chris Brown, Ten - Brown ripped the formidable Jags' defense for 175 yards last week and now gets the Colts at home. Don't be fooled by the Colts' run-stopping performance against the Saints. The Colts defense is not the same on the road and look for the Titans to be able to run the ball. Not sure if a TD is in the cards here as LenWhale White is in the mix but for those of you in yardage leagues, Brown could yield some points. He is clearly the best of the Titans RB’s.
Najeh Davenport, Pitt - ok, so this is really digging deep but the Steelers figure to take care of business early at home against the Bills. Davenport could certainly get some "GTP" - that would be garbage time production. Fact is, though, that if you need this guy this early in the season, you are in serious fantasy trouble and really need to take up another hobby.
WR
Joey Galloway, TB - I shouldn't have to tell you to play this guy, but there is remarkably very little love for the old man. This guy still has it and you need to get him in the lineup. Galloway was active last week and just missed a long TD. Galloway is really all the Bucs have on offense and he will be targeted often. Tampa is sure to be behind and playing catch up against a Saints offense that needs to get on track. Galloway is a must start this week unless you have legitimate studs ahead of him on your roster.
Arnaz Battle, SF - Battle was pretty active in a terrible offensive performance by the 49ers in Week 1. Battle did have 5 receptions for 60 yards and a TD on a reverse so it is clear the 49ers are looking to get the ball in Battle's hands. Battle is the one constant that Alex Smith has in the passing game from last season as Vernon Davis was injured much of last year and he hasn't gelled completely with his QB yet. Smith clearly feels comfortable with Battle and look for Battle to be needed against the Rams. Add to that the fact that the Rams secondary will be missing CB Tye Hill (and they couldn't stop anyone with Hill) and it looks like you should go to war with Battle.
Wes Welker, NE - Welker scored and was active last week (6 receptions for 61 yards) but was overshadowed by Randy Moss' coming out performance. Look for teams to take Moss seriously now and roll coverage to him, leaving the shifty Welker open underneath. The sure-handed Welker dropped a couple of balls last week or his numbers would have been even better. Welker will be needed against a solid Charger defense. He may not score but will catch some balls and put up yards. Of course, every time Welker touches the ball, he is a threat to go the distance, so you get big play potential with Welker as well.
Jacoby Jones, Hou - this is somewhat of a major reach but my gut tells me this rookie is set to score and have a decent game this week against Carolina's struggling secondary. Andre Johnson had a big day last week and you can bet the Panthers will be gearing up to minimize AJ's damage. Jones is technically the #3 WR but Kevin Walter owns the #2 spot by name only. The rookie is fast and dynamic and had a great preseason. Look for him to do something here.
TE
Heath Miller, Pit - Steelers continue their easy opening schedule facing the Bills at home. Miller was involved plenty last week, scoring a TD and targeted relatively frequently by Ben. It is clear Mike Timlin's Steelers are going to throw the ball a little more and Miller is a prime red zone target. Look for another score here against a Bills defense that is having a tough time.
Marcus Pollard, Sea - This guy is being targeted by Hasselbeck and looks to be a primary target in the red zone. Look for the Seahawks offense to get healthy against Arizona and for Pollard to have a few opportunities in the red zone this week. 5 catches for 50 yards and a TD is in the cards.
Marcedes Lewis, Jac - Let's face it, the Falcons are terrible and the Jags look to get well after a week 1 embarrasment. David Garrard is a young QB that needs to look underneath often and has some chemistry with Lewis. Jags shouldn't have as much trouble running the ball this week, but look for Lewis to be a focal point in the red zone.
DEF
Denver - facing the Raider offense in Denver is not a daunting task, to say the least. Raider QB, Josh McCown, had a decent day against the Lions last week, but he got banged up and it looks like the unpredictable Daunte Culpepper could make the start. That sounds like an interception feast against the best secondary tandem in the league. A defensive TD is in the cards as the Broncos are a very stingy unit at home.
Bengals - look, I am not buying the hype on the Bengals defense as we all saw the Ravens give the ball away. That said, the Bengals play the Browns who start their second QB in 2 weeks - end of story.
K
I don't spend much time for kickers, but we all need one. Mason Crosby, Packers, had a nice week one and looks to be relied on this season. He is in a good spot against the Giants this week and figures to get plenty of opportunities.
Random Nuggets
1. Poor, poor New York Jets.
2. So long, Rex Ryan. Rex showed again why he's the best, making halftime adjustments to hold the vaunted Bengals offense to 50 total yards in the 2nd half. Carson Palmer had 36 yards passing in the half - are you serious? Rex should have his pick of open head coaching jobs in 2008.
3. Good luck Baltimore City - how about those mayoral choices? No wonder there was a record low in voter turnout. Man, is that depressing. Good luck with Sheila Dixon.
4. Where has all the good music gone? My iPod is loaded with classics. I have 6 songs from the last 2 years. Maybe I am just too old anymore, but bands like Maroon 5 drive me crazy. Enough already!
5. Why does it take me 3 nights to watch one movie? 30 minutes in and my eyes are closed and mouth is hanging open.
6. Whatever happened to Supernova? You know, Tommy Lee's "Rock Star Supernova" band. No wonder they didn't make it. The troll they selected as lead singer couldn't even pronounce real words. Meanwhile, Tommy's old front man, Vince Neil, performed live in Ocean City on Monday. Man, how the might have fallen.
That's my 2 cents from a 1 cent mind.
As for the other news of the week, our favorite punk coach, Bill Belichick did his best Drew Rosenhaus impersonation with his "Moving On" type responses during his press conference. Of course, the media is far too nice to Bill. Amazing that they can't go after the goldenboy of coaching. The guy cheated and got caught and everyone, including Goodell just lets him off the hook. That $500k fine will almost certainly be paid by Robert Kraft so no damage there.
Ok, so "moving on," here are Week 2's fantasy gems if you are digging deep...
QB
Rex Grossman, Chi - Say what you will, but this guy is a decent QB, getting the Boller treatment throughout the league. He went into San Diego and faced a tough defense and actually looked decent when given time and his receivers didn't stroll through their routes. The Bears can't seem to get much of a ground game going and have a special playmaker at WR in Bernard Berrian. Look for Rex to put up nice numbers at home against the worst team in the NFL (Chiefs). 3 TDs and 250+ yards are very possible here. Don't believe the negative hype on Grossman. It is very possible he won't be featured in this column too often as he may reach must-start status by mid-season.
Kyle Boller (if starting) - The Ravens really need to get McNair healthy and give Boller the start this week. Boller's weakness and McNair's strength is dealing with pressure. Well, the Jets don't get much pressure and the line should gel a little this week with a week's worth of practice and classroom. Boller should get the nod here but probably won't as it is the home opener and McNair likely wants to redeem himself. Billick should force the issue, but he didn't do that during the Bengals game and likely won't here. If Boller starts, he makes a nice reach play at QB as he has some good receivers to throw to against a secondary that was torched by the Patriots. If McNair starts, he is a bit riskier of a play as there is no guarantee he finishes the game.
RB
Michael Pittman, TB - Pittman was featured here last week and may be a permanent fixture as Cadillac has already started to break down. Caddy is injured and may not go this week. If he doesn't, Pittman is a very nice start against the Saints. Even if Cadillac plays, Pittman will be needed in the passing game as the Bucs play catch up and he will get any goal line carries. Pittman is a nice Flex option this week.
Chris Brown, Ten - Brown ripped the formidable Jags' defense for 175 yards last week and now gets the Colts at home. Don't be fooled by the Colts' run-stopping performance against the Saints. The Colts defense is not the same on the road and look for the Titans to be able to run the ball. Not sure if a TD is in the cards here as LenWhale White is in the mix but for those of you in yardage leagues, Brown could yield some points. He is clearly the best of the Titans RB’s.
Najeh Davenport, Pitt - ok, so this is really digging deep but the Steelers figure to take care of business early at home against the Bills. Davenport could certainly get some "GTP" - that would be garbage time production. Fact is, though, that if you need this guy this early in the season, you are in serious fantasy trouble and really need to take up another hobby.
WR
Joey Galloway, TB - I shouldn't have to tell you to play this guy, but there is remarkably very little love for the old man. This guy still has it and you need to get him in the lineup. Galloway was active last week and just missed a long TD. Galloway is really all the Bucs have on offense and he will be targeted often. Tampa is sure to be behind and playing catch up against a Saints offense that needs to get on track. Galloway is a must start this week unless you have legitimate studs ahead of him on your roster.
Arnaz Battle, SF - Battle was pretty active in a terrible offensive performance by the 49ers in Week 1. Battle did have 5 receptions for 60 yards and a TD on a reverse so it is clear the 49ers are looking to get the ball in Battle's hands. Battle is the one constant that Alex Smith has in the passing game from last season as Vernon Davis was injured much of last year and he hasn't gelled completely with his QB yet. Smith clearly feels comfortable with Battle and look for Battle to be needed against the Rams. Add to that the fact that the Rams secondary will be missing CB Tye Hill (and they couldn't stop anyone with Hill) and it looks like you should go to war with Battle.
Wes Welker, NE - Welker scored and was active last week (6 receptions for 61 yards) but was overshadowed by Randy Moss' coming out performance. Look for teams to take Moss seriously now and roll coverage to him, leaving the shifty Welker open underneath. The sure-handed Welker dropped a couple of balls last week or his numbers would have been even better. Welker will be needed against a solid Charger defense. He may not score but will catch some balls and put up yards. Of course, every time Welker touches the ball, he is a threat to go the distance, so you get big play potential with Welker as well.
Jacoby Jones, Hou - this is somewhat of a major reach but my gut tells me this rookie is set to score and have a decent game this week against Carolina's struggling secondary. Andre Johnson had a big day last week and you can bet the Panthers will be gearing up to minimize AJ's damage. Jones is technically the #3 WR but Kevin Walter owns the #2 spot by name only. The rookie is fast and dynamic and had a great preseason. Look for him to do something here.
TE
Heath Miller, Pit - Steelers continue their easy opening schedule facing the Bills at home. Miller was involved plenty last week, scoring a TD and targeted relatively frequently by Ben. It is clear Mike Timlin's Steelers are going to throw the ball a little more and Miller is a prime red zone target. Look for another score here against a Bills defense that is having a tough time.
Marcus Pollard, Sea - This guy is being targeted by Hasselbeck and looks to be a primary target in the red zone. Look for the Seahawks offense to get healthy against Arizona and for Pollard to have a few opportunities in the red zone this week. 5 catches for 50 yards and a TD is in the cards.
Marcedes Lewis, Jac - Let's face it, the Falcons are terrible and the Jags look to get well after a week 1 embarrasment. David Garrard is a young QB that needs to look underneath often and has some chemistry with Lewis. Jags shouldn't have as much trouble running the ball this week, but look for Lewis to be a focal point in the red zone.
DEF
Denver - facing the Raider offense in Denver is not a daunting task, to say the least. Raider QB, Josh McCown, had a decent day against the Lions last week, but he got banged up and it looks like the unpredictable Daunte Culpepper could make the start. That sounds like an interception feast against the best secondary tandem in the league. A defensive TD is in the cards as the Broncos are a very stingy unit at home.
Bengals - look, I am not buying the hype on the Bengals defense as we all saw the Ravens give the ball away. That said, the Bengals play the Browns who start their second QB in 2 weeks - end of story.
K
I don't spend much time for kickers, but we all need one. Mason Crosby, Packers, had a nice week one and looks to be relied on this season. He is in a good spot against the Giants this week and figures to get plenty of opportunities.
Random Nuggets
1. Poor, poor New York Jets.
2. So long, Rex Ryan. Rex showed again why he's the best, making halftime adjustments to hold the vaunted Bengals offense to 50 total yards in the 2nd half. Carson Palmer had 36 yards passing in the half - are you serious? Rex should have his pick of open head coaching jobs in 2008.
3. Good luck Baltimore City - how about those mayoral choices? No wonder there was a record low in voter turnout. Man, is that depressing. Good luck with Sheila Dixon.
4. Where has all the good music gone? My iPod is loaded with classics. I have 6 songs from the last 2 years. Maybe I am just too old anymore, but bands like Maroon 5 drive me crazy. Enough already!
5. Why does it take me 3 nights to watch one movie? 30 minutes in and my eyes are closed and mouth is hanging open.
6. Whatever happened to Supernova? You know, Tommy Lee's "Rock Star Supernova" band. No wonder they didn't make it. The troll they selected as lead singer couldn't even pronounce real words. Meanwhile, Tommy's old front man, Vince Neil, performed live in Ocean City on Monday. Man, how the might have fallen.
That's my 2 cents from a 1 cent mind.
Friday, September 7, 2007
A Fantasy Football Voyage ~ Week 1 Fantasy Gems
Fantasy Gems
We all know that we need to start Tomlinson, Steven Jackson, Peyton Manning and TO. What about that flex spot in deeper leagues? Which lesser known role players are set up for success this week. Sometimes mining fantasy gems can be the difference between 1-0 and 0-1 for your fantasy squad.
A few nuggets...
QB
1. Tony Romo, Dal - not exactly a reach here but if you have a decision to make between QBs, Romo should be at the top of your list. Set to face a beatable Giants secondary in Dallas, look for at least a couple of touchdowns.
2. Matt Schaub, Hou - the Matt Schaub era starts Sunday in Houston against the woeful Chiefs, possibly the team that looked the worst in preseason. Jared Allen is out for the Chiefs so Schaub should have more time to hook up with his big play receiver, Andre Johnson. Expect Ahman Green to have success in the running game, opening up passing lanes as the game moves on.
RB
1. Lamont Jordan, Oak - a year removed from first round status, Lamont has run well this preseason and faces a porous Lion defense in Oakland. Dominic Rhodes is suspended for the first four weeks so Jordan will get the carries and you can expect a nice game here as the Raider defense tries to contain the Mike Martz led Lion offense.
2. Adrian Peterson, Min - you likely drafted him to play him, but if you are hedging, Peterson is in a good spot here as the Vikings should control the Falcons at home. Although he is in a timeshare with Chester Taylor, Peterson is for real, will get his carries and is officially the goal line back.
3. Leon Washington, NYJ - Jets are facing the Patriots so this is not an ideal match-up but the Jets will need to control the clock if they have a chance. Thomas Jones is coming off of an injury so Washington should get some carries and will be relied on in the passing game. A dynamic player who can do something every time he touches the ball, expect Leon to see his share of touches this game and all season long.
4. Michael Pittman, TB - Tough matchup for the Bucs in Seattle, but TD vulture Mike Alstott is gone and if the Bucs get to the goal line, Pittman is the guy. And if the Bucs fall behind, Pittman is the receiver out of the backfield. Pittman will see the field plenty, particularly if the Cadillac continues to sputter.
WR
1. Bernard Berrian, Chi - Look for San Diego to control this game and for Chicago to need to play catchup through the air. Berrian has proven he's a big play machine. Expect a couple plays against a San Diego defense whose weakness is its secondary.
2. Patrick Crayton, Dal - Back to the big D, let's move over to the WR spot where Crayton will fill in for an injured Terry Glenn. Crayton has shown some ability. With the Giants focusing on TO, look for Crayton to get open and make a splash.
3. Santonio Holmes, Pit - Clicked well with Ben in the preseason and put up nice numbers as the Steelers seem intent on putting the ball in the air more this season. Big play potential as the clear #2 WR here.
4. Brandon Marshall, Den - Solid match-up for Denver against Buffalo's struggling defense. Marshall's size should lead to a red zone TD against the Bills’ small corners.
5. Demetrius Williams, Bal - Taking into consideration the Ravens inability to run the football as well as Clayton returning from injury, Williams is looking poised to have a nice game. Clearly the third down target and big play option in this offense, look for Demetrius to see the field often and find open spaces in the Bengals’ secondary.
6. Keary Colbert, Car - Beating out Drew Carter for the #2 WR job (for now anyway), Colbert is looking good in a game that could turn into a shootout. Steve Smith commands the ball, but also the attention. Colbert has some skills and could be wide open for Delhomme at times.
TE
1. Owen Daniels, Hou - Showed flashes last season and in this preseason. Matt Schaub is relying on his TE and as Andre Johnson clears out the middle of the field look for Daniels to have plenty of room underneath. Very viable red zone target, catching 5 TDs last year. This guy could be the surprise at the position this year.
2. Bo Scaife, Ten - Not drafted in many leagues, you can do a lot worse at the TE position than Scaife. Loaded with ability, Scaife has become a reliable target for Vince Young. Titans WRs will likely have a tough time against a tough Jaguar defense so look for Scaife to get some looks underneath.
DEF
1. Vikings - Playing at home against the Falcons, look for pressure on Harrington and a couple picks. With this secondary, any pick could be taken back for a Pick 6. Harrington has not played well against the Vikes in his career, throwing twice as many INT's (14) as TD's (7).
2. Raiders - If you are digging deep why not give the Raiders a shot. The defense plays very well at home and Kitna has a propensity to throw interceptions. Raiders may not win this game but the defense has upside for some turnovers and sacks.
By the way, we don't talk about kickers here. The top rated kickers the last two seasons have gone undrafted (Rackers and Gould). Who will it be this year? Kris Brown from Houston looks like he has a shot. That's the last word on kickers.
Random Thoughts:
- How happy are you if you own a piece of the Colts offense? Incredible second half display by the champs. Reggie Wayne was targeted twice as much as Harrison and looks to at least equal Harrison's production this season.
- This is the most wonderful time of the year. Go outside, breathe in deep and look to the sky. It is football season. The smell is in the air, the fury in the eyes. It's time to get loud and it's time to be a jerk to Steeler fans.
- Here in Ocean City, we are truly in God's Country. Crowds are gone, the weather is perfect and the beach is serene. Come on down and enjoy the good life. We bleed purple here, too.
- I am sick of the Today Show. My wife loves it but Matt Lauer is such a vagina.
- I am moving out of the country if Hillary becomes President, although Bush is a bozo too.
- I wonder how much weight I could lose if I didn't drink so much beer. I'll think about that at happy hour.
That's my 2 cents from a 1 cent mind.
We all know that we need to start Tomlinson, Steven Jackson, Peyton Manning and TO. What about that flex spot in deeper leagues? Which lesser known role players are set up for success this week. Sometimes mining fantasy gems can be the difference between 1-0 and 0-1 for your fantasy squad.
A few nuggets...
QB
1. Tony Romo, Dal - not exactly a reach here but if you have a decision to make between QBs, Romo should be at the top of your list. Set to face a beatable Giants secondary in Dallas, look for at least a couple of touchdowns.
2. Matt Schaub, Hou - the Matt Schaub era starts Sunday in Houston against the woeful Chiefs, possibly the team that looked the worst in preseason. Jared Allen is out for the Chiefs so Schaub should have more time to hook up with his big play receiver, Andre Johnson. Expect Ahman Green to have success in the running game, opening up passing lanes as the game moves on.
RB
1. Lamont Jordan, Oak - a year removed from first round status, Lamont has run well this preseason and faces a porous Lion defense in Oakland. Dominic Rhodes is suspended for the first four weeks so Jordan will get the carries and you can expect a nice game here as the Raider defense tries to contain the Mike Martz led Lion offense.
2. Adrian Peterson, Min - you likely drafted him to play him, but if you are hedging, Peterson is in a good spot here as the Vikings should control the Falcons at home. Although he is in a timeshare with Chester Taylor, Peterson is for real, will get his carries and is officially the goal line back.
3. Leon Washington, NYJ - Jets are facing the Patriots so this is not an ideal match-up but the Jets will need to control the clock if they have a chance. Thomas Jones is coming off of an injury so Washington should get some carries and will be relied on in the passing game. A dynamic player who can do something every time he touches the ball, expect Leon to see his share of touches this game and all season long.
4. Michael Pittman, TB - Tough matchup for the Bucs in Seattle, but TD vulture Mike Alstott is gone and if the Bucs get to the goal line, Pittman is the guy. And if the Bucs fall behind, Pittman is the receiver out of the backfield. Pittman will see the field plenty, particularly if the Cadillac continues to sputter.
WR
1. Bernard Berrian, Chi - Look for San Diego to control this game and for Chicago to need to play catchup through the air. Berrian has proven he's a big play machine. Expect a couple plays against a San Diego defense whose weakness is its secondary.
2. Patrick Crayton, Dal - Back to the big D, let's move over to the WR spot where Crayton will fill in for an injured Terry Glenn. Crayton has shown some ability. With the Giants focusing on TO, look for Crayton to get open and make a splash.
3. Santonio Holmes, Pit - Clicked well with Ben in the preseason and put up nice numbers as the Steelers seem intent on putting the ball in the air more this season. Big play potential as the clear #2 WR here.
4. Brandon Marshall, Den - Solid match-up for Denver against Buffalo's struggling defense. Marshall's size should lead to a red zone TD against the Bills’ small corners.
5. Demetrius Williams, Bal - Taking into consideration the Ravens inability to run the football as well as Clayton returning from injury, Williams is looking poised to have a nice game. Clearly the third down target and big play option in this offense, look for Demetrius to see the field often and find open spaces in the Bengals’ secondary.
6. Keary Colbert, Car - Beating out Drew Carter for the #2 WR job (for now anyway), Colbert is looking good in a game that could turn into a shootout. Steve Smith commands the ball, but also the attention. Colbert has some skills and could be wide open for Delhomme at times.
TE
1. Owen Daniels, Hou - Showed flashes last season and in this preseason. Matt Schaub is relying on his TE and as Andre Johnson clears out the middle of the field look for Daniels to have plenty of room underneath. Very viable red zone target, catching 5 TDs last year. This guy could be the surprise at the position this year.
2. Bo Scaife, Ten - Not drafted in many leagues, you can do a lot worse at the TE position than Scaife. Loaded with ability, Scaife has become a reliable target for Vince Young. Titans WRs will likely have a tough time against a tough Jaguar defense so look for Scaife to get some looks underneath.
DEF
1. Vikings - Playing at home against the Falcons, look for pressure on Harrington and a couple picks. With this secondary, any pick could be taken back for a Pick 6. Harrington has not played well against the Vikes in his career, throwing twice as many INT's (14) as TD's (7).
2. Raiders - If you are digging deep why not give the Raiders a shot. The defense plays very well at home and Kitna has a propensity to throw interceptions. Raiders may not win this game but the defense has upside for some turnovers and sacks.
By the way, we don't talk about kickers here. The top rated kickers the last two seasons have gone undrafted (Rackers and Gould). Who will it be this year? Kris Brown from Houston looks like he has a shot. That's the last word on kickers.
Random Thoughts:
- How happy are you if you own a piece of the Colts offense? Incredible second half display by the champs. Reggie Wayne was targeted twice as much as Harrison and looks to at least equal Harrison's production this season.
- This is the most wonderful time of the year. Go outside, breathe in deep and look to the sky. It is football season. The smell is in the air, the fury in the eyes. It's time to get loud and it's time to be a jerk to Steeler fans.
- Here in Ocean City, we are truly in God's Country. Crowds are gone, the weather is perfect and the beach is serene. Come on down and enjoy the good life. We bleed purple here, too.
- I am sick of the Today Show. My wife loves it but Matt Lauer is such a vagina.
- I am moving out of the country if Hillary becomes President, although Bush is a bozo too.
- I wonder how much weight I could lose if I didn't drink so much beer. I'll think about that at happy hour.
That's my 2 cents from a 1 cent mind.
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