The funny thing, I've always considered myself a Fred Taylor fan. Apparently, he disagrees.
If you are watching the Sunday night game tonight, check back here throughout. Not sure I can quite call it a liveblog because I have some other work to attend to, but I'll be checking in periodically. Hopefully your draft weekend went better than Michael Turner's.
I'll admit that Brandon Jones has been one of my favorite "sleepers" since I first saw him play in 2005. He has great hands and superior physical skills. While James Jones has ripped through the preseason this year, I tried to think of another similar preseason star at wideout, and Brandon Jones was the first that came to mind.
Jones' development was slowed by a torn ACL as a rookie, but he looked to be on track to be the number one receiver in Tennessee this year. The local papers have hinted around at a disappointing summer, and Jeff Fisher confirmed it last night. Roydell Williams and Eric Moulds started at wideout.
My first reaction upon hearing that Damon Huard will start for the Chiefs in Week 1: Good for Herm Edwards.
My second reaction: Good for the rest of the Kansas City offensive players.
I understand Herm's desire to get ready for "the future," but you can't sell your other players out when Brodie Croyle hasn't shown he's ready.
Croyle is going to get his chance to start, probably halfway through this year, but his 5-for-17 effort the other night did him in. Including 2006's preseason, Croyle is now 25-for-59 as a pro, with 258 yards, one touchdown and six interceptions. His confidence can't be too high, and his teammates must have doubts.
Busy day. I spent the afternoon on draft guide cheat sheet adjustments so everything will look just right on draft day. Let me know what you thought about the live show and what you'd like to see next time.
I'll be popping in this weekend, but not sure what sort of blogging there will be. I will be watching Sunday Night Football, and here's a look at what to look for from a fantasy perspective in that. At the bottom of the post is a fancy-looking SNF schedule widget you can grab for your site, if you are into that sort of thing. Nifty.
Philadelphia @ Pittsburgh
* Donovan McNabb looked like his old self last week. Watch to see what his mobility looks like, and if his accuracy can remain on point.
* Will Tony Hunt continue to be the goal-line back in Philly and is he ahead of Correll Buckhalter on the depth chart?
* Pittsburgh's offensive line has a lot of moving parts. I want to see them play better for a first-team Steelers offense that has had their share of struggles in the preseason.
* Kevan Barlow is going to get cut by the Steelers. I want to scout Gary Russell and Carey Davis, the two young backs who look likely to make the team. Could be keeper league sleepers for the future.
Good luck with all your drafts and thanks for stopping by.
Let's look back at my questions regarding last night's game and see what we learned.
Jacksonville vs. Green Bay
* The Jacksonville wide receiver rotation. If Jack Del Rio is going to make a change, it's now or never.
Dennis Northcutt and Ernest Wilford remain the starters. Matt Jones remains in the slot. Reggie Williams played earlier than usual, but only gained nine yards on his two catches. He's probably going to get cut. I drafted Wilford with my final WR slot in a 14-team league last night.
Let's look back at the things I wanted to watch in last night's games.
New Orleans vs. Kansas City
* Can Brodie Croyle play smart football? He would have to implode tonight to lose the starting job.
He basically imploded. The protection, running backs, and the receivers reportedly didn't help, but you aren't going to do much worse than one first down in two quarters after the first drive. This offense really could be ugly. Damon Huard has a chance to be the Week 1 starter now or the veterans might revolt.
*Can Kolby Smith turn around a slow preseason?
Nope - three carries for six yards. Michael Bennett is Larry Johnson's handcuff.
I have a million things I want to talk about here, but the live show and draft guide updates for our subscribers are also important important today, so we'll try to go with quick hitters.
Let's start with last night and Donald Driver's injury. Any foot sprain is a major concern, and his status for Week 1 has to be in doubt. I've been writing about James Jones ad naseum for months, and this could make him a legimate fantasy option early in the season. He's worth grabbing in all leagues until we know more. Jones stood out again with six catches for 80 yards. It's the preseason, but his dominance is earning regular season targets and snaps.
The Packers say Driver's injury isn't a LisFranc sprain, but we should get more details Friday. For now, he goes from a quality WR2 to a low-end WR2. I don't want to overreact to one injury and ignore a consistent player. A longer timetable this week would knock him down further into the WR3s, but he's going to be the primary option by far on a pass-happy offense whenever he plays.
Now I know I've made it. After listening to Florio and Dante' bicker like a married couple on last year's PFT Podcasts, I'm on the podcast myself. Or at least the fantasy podcast, which Florio will upload to the site later today. So check that out. I have to head in for a rare trip to NBC headquarters for the rest of the afternoon.
If that's not enough draft jabber for you, Tiffany and I will take your calls live tomorrow at 1PM.
