Trade: Good for Bolts, bad for Chambers
I imagine Chris Chambers owners were relatively happy with him so far this season. He was drafted as a WR3 and has performed like one. A year after gaining only 677 yards all season, he was on pace to top 1,100 for only the second time in his career. He hasn't scored, but surely that was coming. The status quo was going fine.
Following today's trade to the Chargers, owners are probably wondering what exactly they have. Instead of a target-hogging number one receiver, I see Chambers as a co-number two in San Diego alongside Vincent Jackson, but behind Antonio Gates. The Chargers throw less than the Dolphins, so Chambers will see a smaller share of a smaller pie.
I'm not too worried about Chambers learning the offense; it's basically the same one as Miami. Keenan McCardell showed a few years ago that mid-season moves can go smoothly for receivers when he was dealt to the Bolts.
Chambers had WR2 upside in Miami, but I just don't see it in San Diego. He's never been an efficient player because of all his drops. Now he'll have to make more with less chances. Since I'm writing this on a train home, let's do a quick update of where the affected parties stand after this trade.
Philip Rivers - He needed this, especially with Eric Parker now out for the year. Rivers has been highly inconsistent, but this gives him needed depth in the passing game.
Vincent Jackson - Like Chambers, he's been inconsistent week-to-week. Like Chambers, he's likely to get more inconsistent now.
Antonio Gates - Perhaps he'll see a few less targets, but he's still the best tight end in fantasy football.
Ted Ginn - The Dolphins can see what they have. There's no guarantee he'll start right away over Derek Hagan. I wouldn't use a roster spot on him.
Derek Hagan - I'd take him over Ginn at this point, but that's not saying much. You can probably find a better veteran option. Like ...
Marty Booker - None of the Miami wideouts are going to light the world on fire this year. But Booker is the most dependable option on the team. He could turn from a borderline roster-worthy player to a consistent reserve for your bench.
Comments
I disagree...
San Diego was in dire straits and depressed as all get out over losing 3 games... They have since won 2 games...3-3.
I am wondering if the Chargers grabbed Chris Chambers as a sign that they want to pass the ball more often and do something different with their offense.
They have 3 tough rush defenses coming up in Vikings, Colts and Jacksonville. They may be planning to air the ball a little more on those weeks.
They may be thinking that their ticket to the superbowl will depend on a more dynamic offense that Chris Chambers can bring.
Let's say Chris's yards do suffer... But, if it means TD passes for Chris then Chris Chambers owners will not be complaining.
Chargers are sitting 3-3 and that's not the start of a Superbowl season. no. With Chris Chambers, maybe now they purchased a ticket.
Posted by: Jeff MacMillan | October 16, 2007 07:03 PM
hmm, so not only do you think the colts have a tough run defense...
you also think the chargers traded for chambers to shift the focus of their offense away from the best running back in football.
and here i was thinking they got him to replace a rookie receiver with a bad case of the drops and a veteran with a busted foot. silly me.
Posted by: The Dox | October 16, 2007 08:00 PM
San Diego GM Smith is fighting for his job. His draft moves last year, his holding onto Turner, and now this all speak of a desperate man needing to win now.
Posted by: alpha legion | October 16, 2007 08:28 PM
Call it desperation, call it whatever...any time you can add a guy with the talent of Chambers, you do it. Vincent Jackson is not ready yet, and this move adds to an already stacked offense.
As for Miami, the tryouts begin....Booker should be a good fantasy play going forward, and Ginn will have his chances.
Posted by: Iceman | October 16, 2007 08:58 PM
Say what you will... the Chargers had arguably the WORST #2 WR in the NFL and no depth behind him due to Parker's injury. THAT (and their championship window slowly closing) is why they make the trade.
Chambers gives the Chargers a legitimate #2 WR (make no mistake - Jackson is STILL their best WR) and as a result they will be able to BALANCE their offense more effectively.
That said, if you are expecting the greatest show on turf... You have no clue.
Posted by: Stephen | October 16, 2007 11:52 PM
"hmm, so not only do you think the colts have a tough run defense...
you also think the chargers traded for chambers to shift the focus of their offense away from the best running back in football.
and here i was thinking they got him to replace a rookie receiver with a bad case of the drops and a veteran with a busted foot. silly me."
Yep you are very silly.
I love how you get "pass the ball more often" to somehow mean that LaDainian Tomlinson will be out of the picture.
yea. I am sure that is exactly what I intended with my words. Right on. Good job DOX!
Back in reality...
I don't think a player like Chris Chambers is going to be overlooked.
I don't remember the Chargers winning the Superbowl anytime recently inspite of having the best Ball Carrier in the Universe.
It's quite logical that the team sees Chris Chambers as an expansion to their offense and not merely an Eric Parker replacement.
If they wanted just an Eric Parker replacement they could have swiped a number of people other teams dropped to the waiver wire.
Posted by: Jeff MacMillan | October 17, 2007 06:10 AM
I was doing more thinking on this and "DOX" can criticize me to death if he wants...
But.. Knowing that LT will always be "The Man" and "The Offense" of the Chargers and Vincent Jackson will still be WR#1.. Doesn't that mean Chris Chambers will be more open? He won't get the attention of the best Secondary playmakers now?
http://www.ffgeekblog.com/advice/chris-chambers-traded-to-san-diego-chargers-fantasy-impact/
As you can see above not every expert is viewing the trade as a negative for fantasy owners. Phillip Rivers delivering the ball to Chris Chambers is better than Trent Green ever was.
I am curious as to how this impacts Gregg Rosenthall's Wide Receiver projections this week. Is he going to mark Chris Chambers lower than he otherwise would?
Will he mark him higher up as Chris Chambers learns the Charger's offensive playbook?
Posted by: Jeff MacMillan | October 17, 2007 09:07 AM