Patrick Crayton did not have a drop all of last year. Since he's emerged as a pro, Crayton is known for having the best hands on the Cowboys. Crayton, playing with a broken finger Sunday night, just had a drop that led to an interception for Tony Romo.

John Madden just said Crayton was struggling to make catches in pregame warm-ups. Fantasy leaguers should try to keep Crayton on the bench if possible until he proves he can make the tough grab again.

Posted by Gregg Rosenthal at 08:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Perhaps I'm just eager to pick on Rex Grossman (fun for everyone!), but I think a veteran quarterback would audible out of a third-and-goal from the two-yard line when he sees six defensive backs in the game.

Grossman didn't change the play to a run, his receivers were outnumbered, and Rex threw the ball away. Do defenses know that Grossman doesn't change plays? Does he change plays? Some Bears fans can let me know I'm just seeing things here.

Posted by Gregg Rosenthal at 08:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

With Devin Hester and Greg Olsen becoming receiving options, Muhsin Muhammad is losing snaps and targets. Last week Rashied Davis got more looks. I saw Bernard Berrian stay on the field a few plays back while Muhammad came out in favor of Hester.

Of course, Muhammad makes his first catch of the game while I'm typing this. So I'm an idiot.

Posted by Gregg Rosenthal at 08:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Is anyone else excited that a potentially Oscar winning movie starring George Clooney is called Michael Clayton?

Does the movie start off fantastic, then mysteriously struggle? Does Clooney lose confidence after he gains weight? Will it break the heart of fantasy leaguers everywhere? Okay, either readers don't get the joke by now or it's level of humor is rapidly declining. Let's move on.

Posted by Gregg Rosenthal at 08:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

After the guy from Heroes pushes the opening kickoff out of bounds, Cedric Benson rips off a couple runs before a Bernard Berrian and some pressure on Rex Grossman stops a drive.

Look for Dallas to send tons of extra guys at Grossman. His repuation around the league is that he doesn't step into his throws when the pressure is in his face. Dallas is undermanned, but will probably gamble anyhow.

Posted by Gregg Rosenthal at 08:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Here are the Cowboys I'm keeping a close eye on tonight.

Tony Romo - He's faced two weak secondaries thus far. Let's see what he does against a real defense.

Julius Jones - Basically benched late last week, Jones needs a big effort against his brother's old team are risk losing touches to Marion Barber. He has to look competent.

Patrick Crayton - Been quiet this season in starting role. Will have to beat some speedy, but smallish corners.

Jason Witten - Tight ends usually struggle against the Bears, although Antonio Gates did well in Week 1. I rolled with Witten this week because he's the number two receiver on a high scoring team.

Posted by Gregg Rosenthal at 08:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

For the full service Rotoworld and Sunday Night Football experience, join the maniacs over on Rotoworld's Bears and Cowboys gamethread. Of course you'll have to keep a few windows open - one for the liveblog, one for the thread, and one for the box score. No excuses. Play like a champion.

Posted by Gregg Rosenthal at 08:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (3934)

Still at NBC world headquarters in lovely Stamford, CT after an action-packed Fantasy Fix Live this morning. Thanks to everyone for calling in! OK, this is the first regular season liveblog. I'll blog the game, and answer some general questions based on the Week 3 play today. Here's who I'm watching tonight.

Rex Grossman - If he can't light up the Cowboys secondary, he can't light up anyone. Brian Griese is reportedly only a few bad games away.

Cedric Benson - Should take advantage of Jason Ferguson's absence.

Bernard Berrian - Slowly growing into a true number one receiver. No one on the Cowboys can keep up.

Muhsin Muhammad - Slowly trending towards irrelevence. Needs to get Rex's attention.

Greg Olsen - NFL debut, I doubt he will be a consistent factor.

Posted by Gregg Rosenthal at 07:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Join me tonight, when I'll be liveblogging the Sunday Night Football game. Send in any questions from the early games in the comments.

See you then.

Posted by Gregg Rosenthal at 03:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (6)

Plaxico Burress was limited in practice Friday and appears to be a game-time decision. From the NY Daily news blog:

WR Plaxico Burress (ankle) was limited in practice today. Asked if he would be ready to go in the game, Burress said, 'I’m not talking about myself.' That’s not a good sign. By the way, if he can’t go, don’t be surprised if Anthony Mix gets the start. He said he worked most of this week at the X receiver position, which is Burress’ spot.

With a 4PM start, Plaxico owners should prepare other options. Delay your decision until the afternoon games if you have a decent alternative, but Burress should be taken out of the lineup in the meantime. If Burress does wind up playing (and you can wait to find out), I'd take the risk and start him.

Posted by Gregg Rosenthal at 04:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (7)