The Giants have placed Plaxico Burress on the non-football injury list, ending his season. The Giants don't have to pay him the rest of this season and this might be step 1 in the 'How do we get ready for life without Plax' plan.
Step 2, let's see what we have once and for all in Hixon and Steve Smith.
Both are guys worth having, Hixon likely to get the starts in Plax's place but either one might have some value. Bump Toomer up a tad as he will get some looks as well.
Showing posts with label New York Giants. Show all posts
Showing posts with label New York Giants. Show all posts
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Plaxico Burress shot - out indefinitely
Fox Sports and ESPN are reporting that Plaxico Burress shot himself in the leg late last night while carrying a loaded gun in a nightclub. Apparently it went off unexpectedly (one might have guessed that). The injuries are not life threatening but he's out indefinitely.
My thoughts: As much as Burress has had plenty of self-inflicted wounds this season, this one is pretty much the last straw for any fantasy owner. If you were wondering whether he was ever regaining his form again, you have your answer. I wasn't convinced he was going to do anything on the field that was noteworthy anyway so this is no big shock, although HOW he ended his season is of course a big one.
Hope he heals ok, but man, some people just don't seem to use their head for more than something to prop their helmet on.
Pick up Dominek Hixon if you haven't already and it wouldn;t be bad to have Steve Smith or even Amani Toomer around in case Manning leans on them instead.
I guess Hixon now gets his shot. We'll know what fantasy value he has shortly.
Given the money they gave Plax and the trouble he has caused since he put pen to contract - Burress better hope they don't discover how disposable he might be.
My thoughts: As much as Burress has had plenty of self-inflicted wounds this season, this one is pretty much the last straw for any fantasy owner. If you were wondering whether he was ever regaining his form again, you have your answer. I wasn't convinced he was going to do anything on the field that was noteworthy anyway so this is no big shock, although HOW he ended his season is of course a big one.
Hope he heals ok, but man, some people just don't seem to use their head for more than something to prop their helmet on.
Pick up Dominek Hixon if you haven't already and it wouldn;t be bad to have Steve Smith or even Amani Toomer around in case Manning leans on them instead.
I guess Hixon now gets his shot. We'll know what fantasy value he has shortly.
Given the money they gave Plax and the trouble he has caused since he put pen to contract - Burress better hope they don't discover how disposable he might be.
Friday, November 28, 2008
Plax out - HIXON TIME BOYYYYEEEEE
Hey folks - no sooner do I post my rankings than Plaxico Burress is ruled out and Domenik Hixon gets the start.
So I had Plax ranked at the end of the list - count him OFF it now. And slot Hixon in somewhere in the late twenties. I think they will get him the ball, but they will also run, run, run as much as they can.
So there ya go - about to post the RBs - I am sure someone will be out by the time it's posted.
So I had Plax ranked at the end of the list - count him OFF it now. And slot Hixon in somewhere in the late twenties. I think they will get him the ball, but they will also run, run, run as much as they can.
So there ya go - about to post the RBs - I am sure someone will be out by the time it's posted.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
BURRESS OUT/LIMITED SOMETHING
FOXSports' Jay Glazer reports that Plaxico Burress will not start Sunday's afternoon tilt against the Steelers or WORSE may not even play at all.
You may have to decide whether to bench him ahead of time since it is the late game.
You may have to decide whether to bench him ahead of time since it is the late game.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
FYI Bye Week Teams
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Thursday Wrap-Up
Some big IDP players in tonight's Giants/Skins game, as well as a great performance by newly extended Plaxico Burress and looking for a contract Brandon Jacobs.
For the Redskins, there wasn't much good - they hung around because of good play of the defense which dropped a bunch of INTs but still kept it close. But the offense was atrocious - Clinton Portis worked his tail off and the yard totals look worse than they were. Randel El will not repeat his 7/73 performance consistently enough to matter. The big question is Campbell - was the issue him or is this just growing pains and OLine issues? He's not someone you're starting, but we were watching for his 'big step' but it looks like he might not take it, jeapordizing the impact of Cooley and Portis.At least London Fletcher totaled 17 tackles in the game, though that happens when your opponents run just short of 400 plays. Seriously, the Giants need to share the ball - my kid shares better.
The Giants were a tail of 2 halves - the first half, the offense looked like it did during the Super Bowl run. The second half? Not so much. Which Manning will we see next week? All season? This is what you get with Eli - hot and cold, sometimes in the same game. Manning should have been picked off at least two more times - the Redskins D-backs have to be killing themselves right about now for those. Brandon Jacobs secured his #1 RB status on the team, but remember the hot hand thing? We'll have to see what happens week to week. Derrick Ward added 39 yards plus 21 through the air. Where was Ahmad Bradshaw? Good question. Plaxico Burress started the night signing a new contract extension, then ended it with 10 catches for 133 yards, though the TD went to Eli, who ran it in himself. I don't know which team will show up next week though. Plax will be consistent and beyond that?
I guess we'll see. First game - first set of questions.
My initial position rankings (skill positions - RB, QB, WR) will post throughout tomorrow. I have them done - it's just the old cut and paste and we're up. But I will noodle them until they post and probably change them right afterwards anyway.
Also remember - I will be on ESPN 1230 on the Jake Stevens Show 'There It Is!' just after 7:30am PST/10:30am EST. Check it out here and here streaming.
For the Redskins, there wasn't much good - they hung around because of good play of the defense which dropped a bunch of INTs but still kept it close. But the offense was atrocious - Clinton Portis worked his tail off and the yard totals look worse than they were. Randel El will not repeat his 7/73 performance consistently enough to matter. The big question is Campbell - was the issue him or is this just growing pains and OLine issues? He's not someone you're starting, but we were watching for his 'big step' but it looks like he might not take it, jeapordizing the impact of Cooley and Portis.At least London Fletcher totaled 17 tackles in the game, though that happens when your opponents run just short of 400 plays. Seriously, the Giants need to share the ball - my kid shares better.
The Giants were a tail of 2 halves - the first half, the offense looked like it did during the Super Bowl run. The second half? Not so much. Which Manning will we see next week? All season? This is what you get with Eli - hot and cold, sometimes in the same game. Manning should have been picked off at least two more times - the Redskins D-backs have to be killing themselves right about now for those. Brandon Jacobs secured his #1 RB status on the team, but remember the hot hand thing? We'll have to see what happens week to week. Derrick Ward added 39 yards plus 21 through the air. Where was Ahmad Bradshaw? Good question. Plaxico Burress started the night signing a new contract extension, then ended it with 10 catches for 133 yards, though the TD went to Eli, who ran it in himself. I don't know which team will show up next week though. Plax will be consistent and beyond that?
I guess we'll see. First game - first set of questions.
My initial position rankings (skill positions - RB, QB, WR) will post throughout tomorrow. I have them done - it's just the old cut and paste and we're up. But I will noodle them until they post and probably change them right afterwards anyway.
Also remember - I will be on ESPN 1230 on the Jake Stevens Show 'There It Is!' just after 7:30am PST/10:30am EST. Check it out here and here streaming.
Giants look solid on first drive - Skins do not
Eli looks like Late Season Eli, Plax is loving his new contract, Boss got an end zoen look and Jacobs was out on at least 1 3rd Down.
But a good drive by the Giants. I like what I just saw there - but it's very early.
Redskins - well, they didn't turn the ball over. That's worth something. They better avoid those false starts or it's going to kill them tonight.
But a good drive by the Giants. I like what I just saw there - but it's very early.
Redskins - well, they didn't turn the ball over. That's worth something. They better avoid those false starts or it's going to kill them tonight.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Favre Leaves Camp and other tidbits
Continuing our last story on this, Brett Favre has now left Packers camp and will be meeting - along with his family - with GM Ted Thompson later. Some earlier reports via The Sports Network have pegged him as once again asking for his outright release, something that likely won't happen and would - as I have said - would be akin to assisted career suicide for Thompson. Adam Shefter over at NFLN reported yesterday that the Bucs were still talking with the Packers about a possible trade, so perhaps the meeting will involve something along those lines. Shefter feels that the Bucs trade or retirement are the only choices. As rumors have said the discussions yesterday with Favre and McCarthy centered on team unity and avoiding an ugly lockerroom situation, he may be right.
I say Favre should take the trade, if he really wants to play. I also think the Packers should try to make a deal as best they can and be flexible in what they want for Favre so he has a selection of choices.
The sad thing is, something tells me that this brouhaha has probably so sapped Favre of energy and desire that he migth just walk away. And as much as I think a lot of his actions here in this have been badly executed and thought out, I think that would be too bad. Favre wants to play - somehow that shouldn't be THIS hard to make happen.
In other news --
Jacksonville Jaguars
The wide receiver situation in Jacksonville is no clearer despite the current depth chart. With Porter and Williams out, Troy Williamson and Dennis Northcutt are the first team, while Mike Walker and Matt Jones are second team. I still have hopes for Walker, though not as high - being on Jones' squad isn't a ringing endorsement. However, HC Jack Del Rio has spoken well of Jones' effort in camp. So you never know.
I've said this before but this is like the Pats prior to last year, only with less yards. It's going to be hard to know who will get yards consistently and while Garrard will be an effective starter (though not a dynamic one) for fantasy teams, no receiver here will be good enough, often enough to be better than a #3, at best. But the offense overall should be pretty effective, regardless of who catches the ball when.
New Orleans Saints
Reggie Bush is going to get some opportunity to return punts again, according to the New Orleans Times-Picayune . Still, he won't do it that often, though he might make for a few really impressive run backs. Meanwhile, Pierre Thomas is "competing for a lot of touches" according to Head Coach Sean Payton, via the Baton Rouge Advocate . Thomas is a guy I have been touting all off season and with Deuce returning from another knee injury and Thomas impressing last season, expect the guy to get a good amount of touches.
More from the article:
New York Giants
I don't normally want to call out other Fantasy Guys, especially those I don't know. And in all fairness I can't recall who said it. But I did a little reading in Alaska and out of curiosity, I read some Fantasy Football magazines. I don't do magazines. At the Journal last year, we did an online one that updated weekly. I read Footballguys, in part because I know so many people involved and I like what they do. I read Pro Football Weekly's for the excellent team breakdowns. This year, I picked up ESPN's as well.
I won't critique it much here, but will point out once again my frustration with some of the content there. So late in their mock draft (which was allegedly done in 45 minutes - thanks guys, good job being thorough - and with little explanation of any picks), in the final round in fact, one guy picks up Mario Manningham. He touts the pick, how clever he is. Manningham is great!
Manningham is also the only rookie WR taken. You know, over James Hardy, Devin Thomas, Limas Sweed - or what I like to call 'Guys who can contribute maybe this year'. Manningham - behind the likes of Plaxico Burress, Amani Toomer and Steve Smith.
The same Manningham who today, according to the New York Post , has bleeding in his strained quad. Thats' bad and it could put him on the PUP, if not IR if it's bad enough.
Which just goes to show you that you ALWAYS need to use your own judgement and use the mags and everyone's opinions online and everywhere else to help form your own. Anyone reading this column is unlikely to have made that pick - because you probably know the upside of the other rookies and you pay attention. It ain't that hard.
But I look back at that mock and shake my head even harder at the $7 or whatever that I spent. Thank God I get to write it off next year.
More later....
I say Favre should take the trade, if he really wants to play. I also think the Packers should try to make a deal as best they can and be flexible in what they want for Favre so he has a selection of choices.
The sad thing is, something tells me that this brouhaha has probably so sapped Favre of energy and desire that he migth just walk away. And as much as I think a lot of his actions here in this have been badly executed and thought out, I think that would be too bad. Favre wants to play - somehow that shouldn't be THIS hard to make happen.
In other news --
Jacksonville Jaguars
The wide receiver situation in Jacksonville is no clearer despite the current depth chart. With Porter and Williams out, Troy Williamson and Dennis Northcutt are the first team, while Mike Walker and Matt Jones are second team. I still have hopes for Walker, though not as high - being on Jones' squad isn't a ringing endorsement. However, HC Jack Del Rio has spoken well of Jones' effort in camp. So you never know.
I've said this before but this is like the Pats prior to last year, only with less yards. It's going to be hard to know who will get yards consistently and while Garrard will be an effective starter (though not a dynamic one) for fantasy teams, no receiver here will be good enough, often enough to be better than a #3, at best. But the offense overall should be pretty effective, regardless of who catches the ball when.
New Orleans Saints
Reggie Bush is going to get some opportunity to return punts again, according to the New Orleans Times-Picayune . Still, he won't do it that often, though he might make for a few really impressive run backs. Meanwhile, Pierre Thomas is "competing for a lot of touches" according to Head Coach Sean Payton, via the Baton Rouge Advocate . Thomas is a guy I have been touting all off season and with Deuce returning from another knee injury and Thomas impressing last season, expect the guy to get a good amount of touches.
More from the article:
"He has good vision and good balance," Payton said. "He’s a guy that has proven that you can hand him the ball more than 15 or 20 times in a game and he can carry the load."That's a good sign if you happened to have snagged him when I told you to for your Dynasty Teams. I think he will compliment Bush very well and he certainly looks to take over for McAllister, who is nearing the end of being a useful full time back.
New York Giants
I don't normally want to call out other Fantasy Guys, especially those I don't know. And in all fairness I can't recall who said it. But I did a little reading in Alaska and out of curiosity, I read some Fantasy Football magazines. I don't do magazines. At the Journal last year, we did an online one that updated weekly. I read Footballguys, in part because I know so many people involved and I like what they do. I read Pro Football Weekly's for the excellent team breakdowns. This year, I picked up ESPN's as well.
I won't critique it much here, but will point out once again my frustration with some of the content there. So late in their mock draft (which was allegedly done in 45 minutes - thanks guys, good job being thorough - and with little explanation of any picks), in the final round in fact, one guy picks up Mario Manningham. He touts the pick, how clever he is. Manningham is great!
Manningham is also the only rookie WR taken. You know, over James Hardy, Devin Thomas, Limas Sweed - or what I like to call 'Guys who can contribute maybe this year'. Manningham - behind the likes of Plaxico Burress, Amani Toomer and Steve Smith.
The same Manningham who today, according to the New York Post , has bleeding in his strained quad. Thats' bad and it could put him on the PUP, if not IR if it's bad enough.
Which just goes to show you that you ALWAYS need to use your own judgement and use the mags and everyone's opinions online and everywhere else to help form your own. Anyone reading this column is unlikely to have made that pick - because you probably know the upside of the other rookies and you pay attention. It ain't that hard.
But I look back at that mock and shake my head even harder at the $7 or whatever that I spent. Thank God I get to write it off next year.
More later....
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Suspension news
Good news/Bad news situation -
Good News:
Ahmad Bradshaw has been cleared by the league to play for the NY Football Giants and will not face suspension, per Rich Eisen on NFLN Total Access. Does that cloud the RB situation in NY more? No, it's still as cloudy as ever. But keep in mind that Bradshaw shone brightly during the end of last year - he will get his carries. The 'Hot Hand' RBBC theory might hurt every back on the Giants.
Bad News:
Well, Chris Henry isn't still suspended indefinitely -something he feared. But he is suspended for four games. Someone will sign him and he might be a sneaky late pick in a league.
Push:
Brandon Marshall still hasn't heard. Next to Favre (almost made it through a post without typing his name) one of the most watched players in the off-season, Marshall is a huge cog in the Bronco offense. If he's gone, it takes a large hit. Keary Colbert and Darrell Jackson are ok receivers, but Marshall is a special talent. Who also has a special talent for bad decisions.
Millions of Fantasy Owners are holding their breaths (and rankings!) in anticipation of his suspension, which I feel will probably hang between 4-6 games, reduced after he protests it.
He might not get suspended at all, but the above is my best guess.
Don't forget - Drive Block in a few of hours!
Good News:
Ahmad Bradshaw has been cleared by the league to play for the NY Football Giants and will not face suspension, per Rich Eisen on NFLN Total Access. Does that cloud the RB situation in NY more? No, it's still as cloudy as ever. But keep in mind that Bradshaw shone brightly during the end of last year - he will get his carries. The 'Hot Hand' RBBC theory might hurt every back on the Giants.
Bad News:
Well, Chris Henry isn't still suspended indefinitely -something he feared. But he is suspended for four games. Someone will sign him and he might be a sneaky late pick in a league.
Push:
Brandon Marshall still hasn't heard. Next to Favre (almost made it through a post without typing his name) one of the most watched players in the off-season, Marshall is a huge cog in the Bronco offense. If he's gone, it takes a large hit. Keary Colbert and Darrell Jackson are ok receivers, but Marshall is a special talent. Who also has a special talent for bad decisions.
Millions of Fantasy Owners are holding their breaths (and rankings!) in anticipation of his suspension, which I feel will probably hang between 4-6 games, reduced after he protests it.
He might not get suspended at all, but the above is my best guess.
Don't forget - Drive Block in a few of hours!
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Camp News :crickets:
Real, real quiet this morning. So here are a few notes to start the day off. I'm sure it will pick up a little later.
Also, remember to join me for The Thundering Blurb live podcast at 9pmEST/6pmPST - I will be joined by Matt Waldman of FFToday and the excellent 2008 Rookie Scouting Portfolio.
We'll chat about rookie impact, college players and I'm sure a certain quarterback from Mississippi....
Here are the few worthy notes so far this morning --
New York Giants
Several weeks ago, news broke that second year running back Ahmad Bradshaw was doing a 30-day stint in jail due to a violation of parole stemming from an incident back in college. That itself was enough of a worry, but now (as you would expect) the NFL is investigating whether Bradshaw has violated the League's Personal Conduct policy. The Giants and Bradshaw are contending it does not (due to the initial incident taking place prior to his entry to the NFL). Given that the Giants are saying they will go with the 'hot hand' in games this year, this could be a good news/bad news situation.
Bad news is, Bradshaw - an electrifying runner who looked to be a big factor this year - may find himself hanging with Denver receiver Brandon Marshall on the sidelines for a few games. Good news? Well, it would narrow the competition down to Brandon Jacobs and Derrick Ward, increasing the value of both.
Honestly I think he won't get suspended. But we'll keep a watch on it.
Tennessee Titans
Rookie Chris Johnson continues to impress in camp - most notably today his blitz pick-up ability, which Vince Young is praising. What keeps a rookie RB on the bench most often? Correct - blocking. If Johnson keeps this up, not only will you see him a lot on 3rd downs, not only will you see him get more carries - but those carries might start eating into LenDale White's numbers. Did I say LenDale White and eat in the same sentence? (that was for Cecil) Now word on Chris Henry at all, which bodes ill for the second year running back.
Also, Brandon Jones is working the slot as #3 receiver in camp. I am dubious how much value that will have for you Fantasy folks, but it might be worth watching. The folks ahead of him (a pair of Justins: Gage and McCariens) are not world beaters. While Jones needs to stay healthy in order to make ground up - and be more consistent - he could move up the ranks and have some value.
That's all for now kids - more later as things pick up....
Also, remember to join me for The Thundering Blurb live podcast at 9pmEST/6pmPST - I will be joined by Matt Waldman of FFToday and the excellent 2008 Rookie Scouting Portfolio.
We'll chat about rookie impact, college players and I'm sure a certain quarterback from Mississippi....
Here are the few worthy notes so far this morning --
New York Giants
Several weeks ago, news broke that second year running back Ahmad Bradshaw was doing a 30-day stint in jail due to a violation of parole stemming from an incident back in college. That itself was enough of a worry, but now (as you would expect) the NFL is investigating whether Bradshaw has violated the League's Personal Conduct policy. The Giants and Bradshaw are contending it does not (due to the initial incident taking place prior to his entry to the NFL). Given that the Giants are saying they will go with the 'hot hand' in games this year, this could be a good news/bad news situation.
Bad news is, Bradshaw - an electrifying runner who looked to be a big factor this year - may find himself hanging with Denver receiver Brandon Marshall on the sidelines for a few games. Good news? Well, it would narrow the competition down to Brandon Jacobs and Derrick Ward, increasing the value of both.
Honestly I think he won't get suspended. But we'll keep a watch on it.
Tennessee Titans
Rookie Chris Johnson continues to impress in camp - most notably today his blitz pick-up ability, which Vince Young is praising. What keeps a rookie RB on the bench most often? Correct - blocking. If Johnson keeps this up, not only will you see him a lot on 3rd downs, not only will you see him get more carries - but those carries might start eating into LenDale White's numbers. Did I say LenDale White and eat in the same sentence? (that was for Cecil) Now word on Chris Henry at all, which bodes ill for the second year running back.
Also, Brandon Jones is working the slot as #3 receiver in camp. I am dubious how much value that will have for you Fantasy folks, but it might be worth watching. The folks ahead of him (a pair of Justins: Gage and McCariens) are not world beaters. While Jones needs to stay healthy in order to make ground up - and be more consistent - he could move up the ranks and have some value.
That's all for now kids - more later as things pick up....
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Giants Run Game = Fantasy Death?
According to an interview by Michael Eisen with Giants OC Kevin Gilbride over at Giants.com, if the various Giants running backs stay healthy (and in Bradshaw's case, out of jail) he'd like to see everyone getting plenty of carries with whomever is being successful that game being the featured back.
In other words, one week Brandon Jacobs might be the bell-cow, next week Ahmad Bradshaw.
Or in Gilbride's words -
As any owner of a Denver Broncos running back can tell you, week to week uncertainty at the running back position can be murder for a Fantasy Team.
This will bear a great deal of watching I think - the Giants have a solid roster of running backs and as Gilbride says, they compliment each other very well. It is entirely possible that if this does transition into a full Running Back by Committee, you may still get solid numbers out of whomever comprises it. But only if the committee stays relatively consistent.
If one week Jacobs is hot, then you start him the next and Ward gets smoking - well, you can see where that's nothing but messy.
Right now, Footballguys has Jacobs ranked 31st overall for offensive players, 19th RB off the board (average staff ranking for a redraft non-PPR league). Antsports is a site that has tons of mock drafts - and if you rank serious mocks, they have Jacobs the 18th RB coming off the board on average in High Performance, flex/TE leagues. In both cases you are looking at Jacobs going before players like Ernest Graham, Willie Parker, Thomas Jones and then a host of rookies.
By the looks of it, Jacobs is also going in about the late 3rd round which is probably about right especially the backs around him like Graham and Parker who might have their share of questions as well.
However you might want to look another way if you're feeliong gunshy. In the Mock Draft Forums over at Footballguys, I drafted Jacobs in a Pre-Draft Survivor League waaaaay back in March in the 3rd round (16 team, no trades, no waivers, Best Ball - or total points elimination - format). He backs up Marion Barber III and has Julius Jones, Ladell Betts and rookie Chris Johnson behind him. I feel ok with that still. But as with the ADP and Rankings I quote above, Thomas Jones is still sitting around at the time and given the questions Jacobs is now facing and the revamped Jets offensive line - he might have been (and still be) the better way to go.
Jones is a topic for another column, but for now, watch this situation closely. While Jacobs was not going to be your #1 FF back and will still giveyou some good points in a RBBC, if it becomes a situation where we never know who will get the majority of the carries in any week, it could be best to just stay away.
Food for thought.
Feel free to throw questions and comments to thunderingblurb@gmail.com as well in the comments section.
In other words, one week Brandon Jacobs might be the bell-cow, next week Ahmad Bradshaw.
Or in Gilbride's words -
Then depending on how certain defenses are playing us, which guy's playing better that day, in other words, kind of who has the hot hand, who is playing the best, that is the guy that we would certainly feature that day.So while from a Giants fan perspective, this might be good (keeping guys fresh and off the injured list are always a plus for defending Super Bowl champs), a Fantasy owner has to ask himself just how much this could drop Brandon Jacobs in their rankings.
As any owner of a Denver Broncos running back can tell you, week to week uncertainty at the running back position can be murder for a Fantasy Team.
This will bear a great deal of watching I think - the Giants have a solid roster of running backs and as Gilbride says, they compliment each other very well. It is entirely possible that if this does transition into a full Running Back by Committee, you may still get solid numbers out of whomever comprises it. But only if the committee stays relatively consistent.
If one week Jacobs is hot, then you start him the next and Ward gets smoking - well, you can see where that's nothing but messy.
Right now, Footballguys has Jacobs ranked 31st overall for offensive players, 19th RB off the board (average staff ranking for a redraft non-PPR league). Antsports is a site that has tons of mock drafts - and if you rank serious mocks, they have Jacobs the 18th RB coming off the board on average in High Performance, flex/TE leagues. In both cases you are looking at Jacobs going before players like Ernest Graham, Willie Parker, Thomas Jones and then a host of rookies.
By the looks of it, Jacobs is also going in about the late 3rd round which is probably about right especially the backs around him like Graham and Parker who might have their share of questions as well.
However you might want to look another way if you're feeliong gunshy. In the Mock Draft Forums over at Footballguys, I drafted Jacobs in a Pre-Draft Survivor League waaaaay back in March in the 3rd round (16 team, no trades, no waivers, Best Ball - or total points elimination - format). He backs up Marion Barber III and has Julius Jones, Ladell Betts and rookie Chris Johnson behind him. I feel ok with that still. But as with the ADP and Rankings I quote above, Thomas Jones is still sitting around at the time and given the questions Jacobs is now facing and the revamped Jets offensive line - he might have been (and still be) the better way to go.
Jones is a topic for another column, but for now, watch this situation closely. While Jacobs was not going to be your #1 FF back and will still giveyou some good points in a RBBC, if it becomes a situation where we never know who will get the majority of the carries in any week, it could be best to just stay away.
Food for thought.
Feel free to throw questions and comments to thunderingblurb@gmail.com as well in the comments section.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Taylor and Shockey
So while I was in flight yesterday, two (long expected, in my mind) trades have come to fruition. One was an abandoned Draft Day deal that was revisited and one was the final goodbye for a player who hasn't gotten along with the new regime since... well ever since they showed up.
Of course, I am referring to the trade of Jeremy Shockey to the New Orleans Saints and the trade of Jason Taylor to the Washington Redskins.
Shockey was supposed to be in black and gold back in April - it was such a done deal that I have it on good authority that at least one Saints player called Shockey to welcome him to the fold. But something went wrong and the deal died and we all assumed it would stay dead. Until yesterday. Assuming Shockey passes a physical on wednesday, he'll be the #1 TE on the team, with Billy Miller, Eric Johnson and Mark Campbell fighting for the last couple of roster slots.
MY TAKE: If Shockey stays healthy, he could have a huge season. we all know how much Brees loved to throw to Antonio Gates in San Diego. We also know there is no solid #2 option in the passing game after Marques Colston (ok, Reggie Bush, but in terms of a pure receiver?). Shockey won't have to stay in and block as much as he did for the G-men. It should be a match made in heaven. From a fantasy standpoint, Shockey might crawl back into top 5 status. As for the rest - I think Eric Johnson is on his way out. He can't stay healthy, he was signed after Billy Miller this off season and the Saints were already looking to make Billy Miller a big part of the offense. I think maybe Johnson hangs on, but I wouldn't bet my house on it. I think Miller will still do a bunch for the Saints, but clearly a lot less than he might have without Shockey.
As for the Giants - some might say Kevin Boss isn't a lock to start - and maybe he ain't. But I think he will get every shot and he played so well late last year that he made this trade possible. The Giants didn't suddenly have so much faith in Darcy Johnson and Mike Matthews that they could ship Shockey off. While Boss still has to work on blocking - and both other guys will get plenty of snaps pre-season - Boss was the one who made this move possible, in my mind. He won't be a top 10 TE in Fantasy, but he should do very well otherwise and I expect a good season from him.
Meanwhile, Jason Taylor wasn't winning friends in Miami with his Dancing with the Stars appearances. Bill Parcells made it clear he wasn't in love with Taylor's absence and this move - while not to a place I was expecting prior to this weekend - was bound to happen. Once Washington lost two Defensive Linemen to injury in the space of a couple of days, Taylor made sense.
MY TAKE: I have said all off-season that Taylor has more in the tank. I don't think the Skins overpayed - a 2nd next year and a 6th the year after. Taylor may only play another year - but even so, Washington needed help now. Rumors are they may use him as a Linebacker as well as a Defensive End and that should give him some opportunity to make some open field plays. He should head over to the left side, which means Andre Carter will stay at the right. It should make Carter's numbers jump up a little as teams might avoid Taylor.
From an IDP perspective (that would be Individual Defensive Player for you non-fantasy geeks) Taylor just went back up in cost. If you had an auction already and had the chance I hope you grabbed him cheap. He could be a good addition to your squad, though how much impact will depend on how he jells in camp. For Miami, this works as well. As much as they could use Taylor, Parcells has set the team up to live on without him. The writing has been on the wall for weeks. The only thing this does for them is get more draft picks - something Big Tuna loves.
Back with more later - remember an all new DRIVE BLOCK starts at 7pm PST/10EST tonight. Stop on by! You can also catch it on the Footballguys podcast Itunes feed (The Audible) or come here and listen to it.
Of course, I am referring to the trade of Jeremy Shockey to the New Orleans Saints and the trade of Jason Taylor to the Washington Redskins.
Shockey was supposed to be in black and gold back in April - it was such a done deal that I have it on good authority that at least one Saints player called Shockey to welcome him to the fold. But something went wrong and the deal died and we all assumed it would stay dead. Until yesterday. Assuming Shockey passes a physical on wednesday, he'll be the #1 TE on the team, with Billy Miller, Eric Johnson and Mark Campbell fighting for the last couple of roster slots.
MY TAKE: If Shockey stays healthy, he could have a huge season. we all know how much Brees loved to throw to Antonio Gates in San Diego. We also know there is no solid #2 option in the passing game after Marques Colston (ok, Reggie Bush, but in terms of a pure receiver?). Shockey won't have to stay in and block as much as he did for the G-men. It should be a match made in heaven. From a fantasy standpoint, Shockey might crawl back into top 5 status. As for the rest - I think Eric Johnson is on his way out. He can't stay healthy, he was signed after Billy Miller this off season and the Saints were already looking to make Billy Miller a big part of the offense. I think maybe Johnson hangs on, but I wouldn't bet my house on it. I think Miller will still do a bunch for the Saints, but clearly a lot less than he might have without Shockey.
As for the Giants - some might say Kevin Boss isn't a lock to start - and maybe he ain't. But I think he will get every shot and he played so well late last year that he made this trade possible. The Giants didn't suddenly have so much faith in Darcy Johnson and Mike Matthews that they could ship Shockey off. While Boss still has to work on blocking - and both other guys will get plenty of snaps pre-season - Boss was the one who made this move possible, in my mind. He won't be a top 10 TE in Fantasy, but he should do very well otherwise and I expect a good season from him.
Meanwhile, Jason Taylor wasn't winning friends in Miami with his Dancing with the Stars appearances. Bill Parcells made it clear he wasn't in love with Taylor's absence and this move - while not to a place I was expecting prior to this weekend - was bound to happen. Once Washington lost two Defensive Linemen to injury in the space of a couple of days, Taylor made sense.
MY TAKE: I have said all off-season that Taylor has more in the tank. I don't think the Skins overpayed - a 2nd next year and a 6th the year after. Taylor may only play another year - but even so, Washington needed help now. Rumors are they may use him as a Linebacker as well as a Defensive End and that should give him some opportunity to make some open field plays. He should head over to the left side, which means Andre Carter will stay at the right. It should make Carter's numbers jump up a little as teams might avoid Taylor.
From an IDP perspective (that would be Individual Defensive Player for you non-fantasy geeks) Taylor just went back up in cost. If you had an auction already and had the chance I hope you grabbed him cheap. He could be a good addition to your squad, though how much impact will depend on how he jells in camp. For Miami, this works as well. As much as they could use Taylor, Parcells has set the team up to live on without him. The writing has been on the wall for weeks. The only thing this does for them is get more draft picks - something Big Tuna loves.
Back with more later - remember an all new DRIVE BLOCK starts at 7pm PST/10EST tonight. Stop on by! You can also catch it on the Footballguys podcast Itunes feed (The Audible) or come here and listen to it.
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