Trade Deadline Excitement!
Michael Bennett is headed to the Bucs. He was good once, right?
Well, it's been a while. Bennett hasn't topped 500 rushing yards in a season since 2002 because of injuries and ineffectiveness. He's a one dimensional boom-or-bust runner who can't stay healthy. That's why three teams (Minnesota, New Orleans, and Kansas City) have given up on him in the span of two years. In Tampa, he gets his best opportunity for relevance because Earnest Graham doesn't provide much competition. And Jon Gruden has been known to revive veteran careers. Don't forget, though, that Michael Pittman could be back in the mix by the time Bennett knows the offense.
So Is Bennett worth owning in most leagues?
Bennett will improve some rosters in your league, but not all of them. He's a lottery ticket; a flier that is unlikely to sustain consistent value over the course of the season. If you have room, take a shot. But he's probably going to split carries or get hurt. While we're here, let's take a quick and dirty breakdown of those affected by the deal.
Earnest Graham - Role player wasn't ready for starting job. Could have a decent week against the Lions, but his time as a flex option may be running out.
Michael Pittman - Could still wind up starting December, but this move makes it more likely he'll be in a committee all year.
Kolby Smith - Larry Johnson owners can think about picking Smith up as a handcuff.
Priest Holmes - He'll practice Wednesday, but it's anyone's guess if he'll make it back to the team. If he does, Holmes has a third-down back skill set. We wouldn't rush to pick him up.
Comments
hey Gregg-
Tony started up a group for the Pancake Blockers in the 100KFC last night. any chance you'd run a blog post about it so we get some more people in there?
group number: 404, password: Tomlinson
Posted by: The Dox | October 16, 2007 11:21 AM
Will do. I wonder if i can be in two groups at once.
Posted by: gregg | October 16, 2007 12:32 PM
yeah, you can. i'm in 3.
Posted by: The Dox | October 16, 2007 12:43 PM
Chambers to Chargers, huh?
not sure what to think about it from a fantasy perspective yet. i'm assuming this means eric parker's second opinion on his foot/toe/whatever was not a good one.
i think it's a solid boost for the chargers offense, though a 2nd rounder and Chambers' salary is a steep price to pay for a stone-handed fast guy.
i'm sure Smith knows what he's doing. Rivers should be happy he has a legit deep threat. now if only Chambers can remember how to catch the ball...
Posted by: The Dox | October 16, 2007 03:16 PM
After watching the Dolphins on Sunday I think it's a stretch to call Chambers a "deep threat"
Good riddance.
Posted by: Henry | October 16, 2007 03:49 PM
heh.
i haven't had the misfortune of watching the 'fins play this season.
he used to be fast, though.
Posted by: The Dox | October 16, 2007 03:53 PM
obviously none of you have actually paid attention to anything Chris Chambers has done in the past. drops and stone hands? come on, keep repeating that false drivel.
Chambers had several successful years under Turner back in 02 and 03 with a worse QB and supporting cast. Instant upgrade. I don't see how going from Cleo Lemon to Phillip Rivers is a downgrade. Especially since Phillip Rivers was expected to take that next step this year, but he's been missing that veteran reciever. Now's he got one.
Posted by: bshazzar | October 17, 2007 11:17 PM