What about Stecker?
While watching parts of the Saints-Bengals replay, I couldn't help but notice how much time Aaron Stecker logged with the first team. I also couldn't help notice how much quicker he looked than Deuce McAllister, who appeared to be moving in quick sand. Everyone's favorite sleeper (including myself), Pierre Thomas, looked even more explosive while ripping through tackles and shaking defenders with 81 total yards on nine touches. But all of Thomas' work came in the second half with the second team.
All four players appear locked in to roster spots. Thomas easily has the highest ceiling, but Sean Payton's usage patterns could be frustrating for owners expecting consistent production opposite Reggie Bush.
Comments
Who do you think is more valuable, Rice or Thomas?
Posted by: ted | August 25, 2008 02:48 PM
Sorry to go off-topic, but any thoughts on this trade scenario: E Graham and S Moss for C Perry and P Burress? This is a 14-team league so these guys would be starters, not reserves. I'm thinking the upgrade to Burress is worth the RB swap, but is Perry for real?
Posted by: Tony C | August 25, 2008 04:14 PM
Stecker is getting rave reviews from the local media, and appears to have a leg up on Pierre Thomas right now. That could change by season's end, but he clearly is playing the best of the bunch through preseason.
ted: Rice has far more value than Thomas right now. He is the clear-cut backup to Willis McGahee and not invovled in what figures to be a four-way timeshare in New Orleans.
Posted by: Michael from The Hazean | August 25, 2008 04:27 PM
Id take Rice for 08 and beyond.
Posted by: Gregg | August 25, 2008 05:03 PM
I took Bush in a PPR league and "handcuffed" him with Thomas. I figured Thomas matched up better with what I drafted Bush for.
Posted by: Anonymous | August 25, 2008 05:46 PM
A little confusing but thanks!
Posted by: Tony C | August 25, 2008 06:03 PM
I'll explain it a little differently. If you draft bush, you do it for a guy who catches a lot of passes and is explosive. The closest backup to bush is thomas. So if I am going to pick one of McAllister, Stecker or Thomas, I am going to take the player who most closely resembles Bush, and its not Stecker or McAllister.
Stecker is 33 years old, I just dont see a big season from him.
Posted by: Anonymous | August 26, 2008 12:13 AM