Have gotten a few questions about Cedric Benson and whether or not he is worth a pickup and I just wanted to remind you guys that NOTHING is confirmed yet.
Whereas a news station in Austin is saying 'Done Deal', the Detroit Free Press is saying negotiations haven't even started yet.
Benson would be an intriguing pickup for the Lions who don't seem thrilled with Rudi Johnson but also don't have a lot of quality RB depth anyway. He might be worth a spot on your bench if you aren't cutting a performer - someone who is putting some points up. I believe his upside is limited due to attitude and work ethic, but let's face it - Kevin Smith is a rookie and at some point they will want to spell him.
I have argued Smith might be better prepared for the length of the NFL season due to that huge number of carries last year at Central Florida. But the rookie is doing well, but not great (26 carries for 88 yards, 8 catches for 53 yards - and just 1 TD on the ground) and at some point they may want to chaneg things up a bit. I don't think Smith is bad - and I KNOW Benson is no long term solution - but he may get carries.
But the fact is, this has NOT happened yet. I'll let you know when I hear something different, but don't jump the gun. If your waivers need to go in today, you may hesitate and that's fine. It is unlikely Benson will be teh missing link in your Championship. The guy is bench depth, that's pretty much it.
As far as the Lions (and Rudi Johnson are concerned) at least he's not stealing stuff out of the locker room. Right Tatum?
Showing posts with label Kevin Smith. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kevin Smith. Show all posts
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Thursday Stampede
Hey folks,
First off, I would like to apologize for the wacky end to last night's show. Technical glitches threw me off and you can pair that with the chaos of the draft we were trying to do - anyway it was scattered.
We shall be distraction free and glitch free from here on out.
Onto the news and after the passing of Gene Upshaw, let's start positive:
St. Louis Rams
Steven Jackson and the team have agreed in principal to a deal. That sigh of relief was 1,000 owners exhaling. Anyone who saw Jackson slip to them in the latter half of the 1st round could be looking at a huge bargain if the line holds up. Jackson should be productive anyway, but I'd rather he didn't take the beating he did last year. That goes for Bulger too of course.
Arizona Cardinals
Well, here is an IDP note in part because I met the guy, was impressed with how he was approaching the off-season and wish him well. When I met Travis LaBoy here in Los Angeles late last winter, he hadn't left Tennessee officially yet. He talked a lot about the health problems he had faced in seasons prior to 2007 and how his new approach to working out and staying healthy had paid off - no back problems for one thing. When he signed with teh Cards I thought he was a good addition to the D - and hoped he might have soem IDP value. Unfortunately, he is sitting behind Bertrand Berry and while LaBoy has been productive this preseason - 2 sacks and 4 tackles in the last preseason game - if he's on a rotating spot on the Defensive Line, well that could limit his consistency and IDP value. If he comes into a chance to start full time I think he will be very productive so keep an ear out for him.
Chicago Bears
I'm not sure what - if anything - I should read into this bit of news. But the Chicago Sun Times is reporting Kevin Jones is no lock to make the team. My first thought is - well, as bad as portions of that team are, who is? Second though - the Bears have three RBs besides Jones, so if he is goign to stick with rookie Matt Forte, 'the other' Adrian Peterson and Garrett 'no clever nickname' Wolfe, he needs to put up some numbers. I think he will stick just because Wolfe and Peterson are not world beaters, Forte is unproven and could wear down even if he is successful and Jones does have talent. But it is interesting to note and is another warning to not count on any of these guys too much.
Buffalo Bills
Rookie James Hardy is again out with a hamstring injury. He looked ok in his first preseason game, was a non-factor in his second and looks to miss his 3rd. I thought he could be productive thsi year, but it looks like he will struggle as many WRs do their rookei season. (psst. You. Yeah, youin the football jersey. Keep an eye on his fellow rookie Steven Jackson. He might make a case for himself sometime this season. You don't have to draft him - he'll be on the waiver wire. Just keep an eye out. The bills still need a threat opposite Lee Evans....) Fellow rookie Leodis McKelvin has made some noise but hasn't passed Jabari Greer on the depth chart yet, not surprising in many respects. His impact will be limited for soem time in IDP leagues and probably come mostly in the return game.
Carolina Panthers
Dwayne Jarrett is busy muddying the WR position in Carolina. The Rock Hill Herald reports that he has been playing well enough to push DJ Hackett for the #3 role, one which will be a starting spot while Steve Smith is serving his 2 game team imposed suspension. Hackett has all the talent in the world but can't stay healthy and this preseason is a perfect example of it. Jarrett stumbled and bumbled through his time at WR so far - both on the field and off of it - but he's healthy, playing ok and Hackett is hurt. I have Hackett in oneDynasty league and I am starting to think about other uses for that roster spot. Redraft, I just don't know if he will do anything this year. Keep watch, but he not be worth the early season roster spot.
Cincinnati Bengals
TJ Houshmandzadeh will miss Saturday's preseason game - his third straight. Lewis is reportedly not happy but after the team forced Chris Henry on him again, who would be? He wants to get Housh involved and get him some snaps but doesn't want to hurry him along and aggravate the injury. Between Chad Johnson, Rudi Johnson and TJ, this starting offense is a *M*A*S*H* unit. And the mopey Alan Alda produced ones near the end, not the wacky early ones. Both Ocho Cinco has slipped in drafts to where in some cases he has been available as a #2 WR. Johnson's ADP is about mid 3rd and Housh is right there with him, late 2nd, early 3rd. Their health remains an issue but I still say the Henry signing was more about the WRs behind them then their status.
Detroit Lions
Finally, rookie RB Kevin Smith is still practicing with the first team. While the jury is still out on the Lions O-line, running game and Smith's ability to carry the load for a season, this is no shock - he only had to beat Tatum Bell. If there is one guy you want in front of you on the depth chart at the RB position, it's Bell. It almost guarentees you a shot at the starting job, no matter who you are. Don't overvalue Smith but he is a starter and that is very valuable. As a #2/flex/bye week filler he coudl be outstanding.
That's all for now. A reminder that the Blurb will be off the next few days while I am away. Overview of the weekend games will be done on Monday. Tune in to the Drvie Block tonight at 10pm EST/7pm PST and join myself (for hour 1) and Cecil Lammey and Sigmund Bloom of Footballguys.com for more great discussion and tips on how to decimate your league this season.
First off, I would like to apologize for the wacky end to last night's show. Technical glitches threw me off and you can pair that with the chaos of the draft we were trying to do - anyway it was scattered.
We shall be distraction free and glitch free from here on out.
Onto the news and after the passing of Gene Upshaw, let's start positive:
St. Louis Rams
Steven Jackson and the team have agreed in principal to a deal. That sigh of relief was 1,000 owners exhaling. Anyone who saw Jackson slip to them in the latter half of the 1st round could be looking at a huge bargain if the line holds up. Jackson should be productive anyway, but I'd rather he didn't take the beating he did last year. That goes for Bulger too of course.
Arizona Cardinals
Well, here is an IDP note in part because I met the guy, was impressed with how he was approaching the off-season and wish him well. When I met Travis LaBoy here in Los Angeles late last winter, he hadn't left Tennessee officially yet. He talked a lot about the health problems he had faced in seasons prior to 2007 and how his new approach to working out and staying healthy had paid off - no back problems for one thing. When he signed with teh Cards I thought he was a good addition to the D - and hoped he might have soem IDP value. Unfortunately, he is sitting behind Bertrand Berry and while LaBoy has been productive this preseason - 2 sacks and 4 tackles in the last preseason game - if he's on a rotating spot on the Defensive Line, well that could limit his consistency and IDP value. If he comes into a chance to start full time I think he will be very productive so keep an ear out for him.
Chicago Bears
I'm not sure what - if anything - I should read into this bit of news. But the Chicago Sun Times is reporting Kevin Jones is no lock to make the team. My first thought is - well, as bad as portions of that team are, who is? Second though - the Bears have three RBs besides Jones, so if he is goign to stick with rookie Matt Forte, 'the other' Adrian Peterson and Garrett 'no clever nickname' Wolfe, he needs to put up some numbers. I think he will stick just because Wolfe and Peterson are not world beaters, Forte is unproven and could wear down even if he is successful and Jones does have talent. But it is interesting to note and is another warning to not count on any of these guys too much.
Buffalo Bills
Rookie James Hardy is again out with a hamstring injury. He looked ok in his first preseason game, was a non-factor in his second and looks to miss his 3rd. I thought he could be productive thsi year, but it looks like he will struggle as many WRs do their rookei season. (psst. You. Yeah, youin the football jersey. Keep an eye on his fellow rookie Steven Jackson. He might make a case for himself sometime this season. You don't have to draft him - he'll be on the waiver wire. Just keep an eye out. The bills still need a threat opposite Lee Evans....) Fellow rookie Leodis McKelvin has made some noise but hasn't passed Jabari Greer on the depth chart yet, not surprising in many respects. His impact will be limited for soem time in IDP leagues and probably come mostly in the return game.
Carolina Panthers
Dwayne Jarrett is busy muddying the WR position in Carolina. The Rock Hill Herald reports that he has been playing well enough to push DJ Hackett for the #3 role, one which will be a starting spot while Steve Smith is serving his 2 game team imposed suspension. Hackett has all the talent in the world but can't stay healthy and this preseason is a perfect example of it. Jarrett stumbled and bumbled through his time at WR so far - both on the field and off of it - but he's healthy, playing ok and Hackett is hurt. I have Hackett in oneDynasty league and I am starting to think about other uses for that roster spot. Redraft, I just don't know if he will do anything this year. Keep watch, but he not be worth the early season roster spot.
Cincinnati Bengals
TJ Houshmandzadeh will miss Saturday's preseason game - his third straight. Lewis is reportedly not happy but after the team forced Chris Henry on him again, who would be? He wants to get Housh involved and get him some snaps but doesn't want to hurry him along and aggravate the injury. Between Chad Johnson, Rudi Johnson and TJ, this starting offense is a *M*A*S*H* unit. And the mopey Alan Alda produced ones near the end, not the wacky early ones. Both Ocho Cinco has slipped in drafts to where in some cases he has been available as a #2 WR. Johnson's ADP is about mid 3rd and Housh is right there with him, late 2nd, early 3rd. Their health remains an issue but I still say the Henry signing was more about the WRs behind them then their status.
Detroit Lions
Finally, rookie RB Kevin Smith is still practicing with the first team. While the jury is still out on the Lions O-line, running game and Smith's ability to carry the load for a season, this is no shock - he only had to beat Tatum Bell. If there is one guy you want in front of you on the depth chart at the RB position, it's Bell. It almost guarentees you a shot at the starting job, no matter who you are. Don't overvalue Smith but he is a starter and that is very valuable. As a #2/flex/bye week filler he coudl be outstanding.
That's all for now. A reminder that the Blurb will be off the next few days while I am away. Overview of the weekend games will be done on Monday. Tune in to the Drvie Block tonight at 10pm EST/7pm PST and join myself (for hour 1) and Cecil Lammey and Sigmund Bloom of Footballguys.com for more great discussion and tips on how to decimate your league this season.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Afternoon Camp news
We'll get right into it this afternoon -
New York Jets
As expected, the Jets cut Chad Pennington. As much as he wasn't the long term answer there, he had been trying to cope with the questioning for a long time and seemed to handle it with class. Miami is a destination being tossed around - Parcells drafted Pennington after all and wouldn't it be interesting if the QB who changed teams and went on to punk his old team in this whole mess ended up being The Chad?
Or they could get stomped by Favre and the Jets too.
Cincinnati Bengals
Rudi Johnson, who started camp like a house of fire, is now going to miss Monday's preseason opener due to a sore hammy. Ordinarily I would write that off as veteran privileged expect for 2 things - 1) He took all season last year for a hamstring recovery and 2) he's starting to miss a lot of Training Camp work. Chalk it up to more question marks for the back who used to be a solid and consistent top 10 pick every Fantasy season. I still think he will have a big season, but I am beginning to be concerned.
Detroit Lions
Kevin Smith is slated to get around 10 carries in the Lions game against the Giants. This will be a tough test for the 3rd rounder and we'll get a real sense of what he can and can't do - and whether he will blaze past Tatum Bell - very quickly over the next few weeks. Even if he doesn't win the job outright, we all know Bell's propensity for choking in the RB 1 spot. So Smith will get his chance by mid-season. Bank on it.
Miami Dolphins
Ronnie Brown may not play in Saturday's preseason opener as he is still healing from his ACL injury. He is practicing twice a day, so more than likely they just want to be careful, more than he's not ready. He'll be back in it soon, as HC Tony Sparano says 'it's mostly mental'. With ACL injuries for any player - but especially running backs - trusting that limb again to support your weight can be tough. Brown should be good to go by Week 1 and is great as a RB2 with the upside of a #1. Remember, this cat was on fire the beginning of last year until his injury. We know he could play at a high level before - now he just needs to prove he still can. High upside on the guy whose ADP is the end of the third.
More later - and don't forget to drop on by the Drive Block tonight - 7pm PST/10pm EST.
See ya then!
New York Jets
As expected, the Jets cut Chad Pennington. As much as he wasn't the long term answer there, he had been trying to cope with the questioning for a long time and seemed to handle it with class. Miami is a destination being tossed around - Parcells drafted Pennington after all and wouldn't it be interesting if the QB who changed teams and went on to punk his old team in this whole mess ended up being The Chad?
Or they could get stomped by Favre and the Jets too.
Cincinnati Bengals
Rudi Johnson, who started camp like a house of fire, is now going to miss Monday's preseason opener due to a sore hammy. Ordinarily I would write that off as veteran privileged expect for 2 things - 1) He took all season last year for a hamstring recovery and 2) he's starting to miss a lot of Training Camp work. Chalk it up to more question marks for the back who used to be a solid and consistent top 10 pick every Fantasy season. I still think he will have a big season, but I am beginning to be concerned.
Detroit Lions
Kevin Smith is slated to get around 10 carries in the Lions game against the Giants. This will be a tough test for the 3rd rounder and we'll get a real sense of what he can and can't do - and whether he will blaze past Tatum Bell - very quickly over the next few weeks. Even if he doesn't win the job outright, we all know Bell's propensity for choking in the RB 1 spot. So Smith will get his chance by mid-season. Bank on it.
Miami Dolphins
Ronnie Brown may not play in Saturday's preseason opener as he is still healing from his ACL injury. He is practicing twice a day, so more than likely they just want to be careful, more than he's not ready. He'll be back in it soon, as HC Tony Sparano says 'it's mostly mental'. With ACL injuries for any player - but especially running backs - trusting that limb again to support your weight can be tough. Brown should be good to go by Week 1 and is great as a RB2 with the upside of a #1. Remember, this cat was on fire the beginning of last year until his injury. We know he could play at a high level before - now he just needs to prove he still can. High upside on the guy whose ADP is the end of the third.
More later - and don't forget to drop on by the Drive Block tonight - 7pm PST/10pm EST.
See ya then!
Friday, August 1, 2008
Training Camp Updates
A little later than I have been trying to achieve, but here 'tis.
Carolina Panthers
So I blinked and missed that receiver Steve Smith had gotten into a fight with cornerback Ken Lucas. Apparently at one point Lucas one on one knee when Smith punched him in the face.
Damn.
Lucas left the field with a face injury and Smith is not in camp today, though that was apparently planned anyway. His agent says he (Smith) realizes he made a big mistake. No word on Lucas' state right now. I like to see fire in players in Training Camp but damn.....
Detroit Lions
Tatum Bell is out today due to 'personal reasons' (insert your own joke here - it's too easy) and so Kevin Smith is running with the first team today. This isn't a shock, that he's #2 in front of Brian Calhoun. With only the inconsistent Bell to beat, he should have a significant amoutn of carries from the get-go in Week 1. A lot of people dislike the 450 carries last year in Central Florida and worry he may burn out. But as he is IN NO WAY anything more than a #2 or 3 on your Fantasy Team, you should be able to ride him early and if he keeps it up all season, then you have some nice bonus points.
Look the guy is going - on average - about 30-35th RB off the board. Every pick in the first three rounds will not be running backs. You can easily pick up a solid #2 and Smith for the upside. Personally I am not too worried about his legs this year anymore than any other rookie back (they tend to wear down over a Pro campaign - it's rare one doesn't) so it shouldn't be a shock if he does. But think about this- maybe Smith, having toted the rock so many times last year - will not wear down. Maybe he has already got the fortitude worked up. Food for thought.
Miami Dolphins
This doesn't shock me - nor should it you - but quarterback John Beck is still struggling. According to this blurb on Rotoworld a local writer has dubbed him 'Checkdown' as that's his favorite play. (For what it's worth, Brady Quinn in Cleveland is having the same problem - not with the name, but the lack of down the field aggressiveness.) I said it during the 2007 draft, revisited it during this year's draft and will say it here again for the cheap seats - this is why Tedd Ginn Jr was a bad pick. You went for a special teams player with upside as a receiver instead of the position of need, quarterback. Now as I pointed out, Quinn (who was sitting there to be picked) is having similiar problems, but Quinn and John Beck are not similiar quarterbacks and not of the same value.
And this is why Bill Parcells got brought in to fix this disaster. Bedk is worthless on your fantasy roster. He will continue to struggle and I think find himself in danger of losing his gig within the next two years, if that. Again, should be no revelation, especially if you have heard me spout on this before.
Washington Redskins
A day late and a dollar short, I now have a guy to watch that better fits Cecil's question during the Drive Block last night. According to the Washington Post, Colt Brennan will start the second half of Sunday's Hall of Fame game tilt with the Indianapolis Colts. Brennan is recovering from off-season surgery on his hip (and a severe Draft stock tumble) but is supposed to be ready to go. he's years away from being a factor but i am curious to see what he can do, now that he's healthy and had a chance to get acquainted with the offense.
That's all for now folks - back later with an afternoon review!
Carolina Panthers
So I blinked and missed that receiver Steve Smith had gotten into a fight with cornerback Ken Lucas. Apparently at one point Lucas one on one knee when Smith punched him in the face.
Damn.
Lucas left the field with a face injury and Smith is not in camp today, though that was apparently planned anyway. His agent says he (Smith) realizes he made a big mistake. No word on Lucas' state right now. I like to see fire in players in Training Camp but damn.....
Detroit Lions
Tatum Bell is out today due to 'personal reasons' (insert your own joke here - it's too easy) and so Kevin Smith is running with the first team today. This isn't a shock, that he's #2 in front of Brian Calhoun. With only the inconsistent Bell to beat, he should have a significant amoutn of carries from the get-go in Week 1. A lot of people dislike the 450 carries last year in Central Florida and worry he may burn out. But as he is IN NO WAY anything more than a #2 or 3 on your Fantasy Team, you should be able to ride him early and if he keeps it up all season, then you have some nice bonus points.
Look the guy is going - on average - about 30-35th RB off the board. Every pick in the first three rounds will not be running backs. You can easily pick up a solid #2 and Smith for the upside. Personally I am not too worried about his legs this year anymore than any other rookie back (they tend to wear down over a Pro campaign - it's rare one doesn't) so it shouldn't be a shock if he does. But think about this- maybe Smith, having toted the rock so many times last year - will not wear down. Maybe he has already got the fortitude worked up. Food for thought.
Miami Dolphins
This doesn't shock me - nor should it you - but quarterback John Beck is still struggling. According to this blurb on Rotoworld a local writer has dubbed him 'Checkdown' as that's his favorite play. (For what it's worth, Brady Quinn in Cleveland is having the same problem - not with the name, but the lack of down the field aggressiveness.) I said it during the 2007 draft, revisited it during this year's draft and will say it here again for the cheap seats - this is why Tedd Ginn Jr was a bad pick. You went for a special teams player with upside as a receiver instead of the position of need, quarterback. Now as I pointed out, Quinn (who was sitting there to be picked) is having similiar problems, but Quinn and John Beck are not similiar quarterbacks and not of the same value.
And this is why Bill Parcells got brought in to fix this disaster. Bedk is worthless on your fantasy roster. He will continue to struggle and I think find himself in danger of losing his gig within the next two years, if that. Again, should be no revelation, especially if you have heard me spout on this before.
Washington Redskins
A day late and a dollar short, I now have a guy to watch that better fits Cecil's question during the Drive Block last night. According to the Washington Post, Colt Brennan will start the second half of Sunday's Hall of Fame game tilt with the Indianapolis Colts. Brennan is recovering from off-season surgery on his hip (and a severe Draft stock tumble) but is supposed to be ready to go. he's years away from being a factor but i am curious to see what he can do, now that he's healthy and had a chance to get acquainted with the offense.
That's all for now folks - back later with an afternoon review!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
